Today the kids went back to school...my 2 teenagers.
No matter what age they are...the first day of school is still emotional. My son, who left school to be homeschooled as a sophmore last year, wanted to got back...we could not have been happier. A lot of circumstances had us pull him out last year...but HE chose not only to go back, but to repeat his sophmore year...this is a young man, now 16, who really got it together this summer. He looked great as he walked with his best friend to school. I gave him a few extra $ so he could grab a snack on the way home...as I watched him go down the street...even at age 16, I still started to cry...happy tears.
My 13 year old daughter, in her usually fashion of doing everything with a group...met at her friend's house...with 3 other girls. They all had on their 'first day of school clothes.' One had a cute pink dress, one had a cute denim skirt and my daughter and another friend...who even look alike...had on jeans. The best part of her outfit...hot pink Converse Sneakers...My friend took a picture of the 4 of them together...4 friends who have been best friends since second grade. As she was running fashionably late, and as I dropped her off at her friend's house...
I cried.
I cannot wait to hear what teachers they have,who's in their classes, what they had for lunch...etc.
They will come home with a long list of school supplies that I forgot to get, and clothes that they "must have because everyone else does." And I will buy it all...
This was the best summer ever. Very few 'big' things happened...no big trips, no shopping for really expensive clothes, NO DRAMA! LOTS of wonderful 'little' things happened that really matter...they both have wonderful friends, and are great kids...
So as I sent them off to school today, I did it with a happy heart...knowing that all if fine in my world.
Showing posts with label Kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kids. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The Election, Laundry, Being Blessed
My kids are old enough to understand about the upcoming election...and a lot is happening...Obama has just picked his running mate and we are now awaiting McCain's.
Every election has meant something...but this year it seems to mean more...and I couldn't figure out why...until I sat quietly and just THOUGHT. As my kids get older...now aged 16 and 13, I can actually see the reality of their future...I always thought about it when they were young, but somehow it becomes more real as they become older. I can now see that they will not be living with us forever. That they will soon be able to enlist in the armed forces...they will soon be able to vote and drink. As they get older, job options open up. They will be driving soon (my son will soon be getting his permit). I see more and more clearly that I can make less choices for them...that I can guide more and control less. I am voting this year, less for myself and more for them.
I want my kids to live in a world where there is peace. I want them to understand that they must work hard to live and make a living. I want them to understand that life may not always be easy and fun...but it is worth it...and that they are blessed. I want them to make decisions on the facts, not what they 'think' are the facts. I want them to know that each day and each hour and each minute is important.
I was mumbling about the laundry and then just sat on the cold floor basement....and realized that I am lucky that I can DO the laundry...that I am healthy. That I have enough $ to pay for clothes, for electrity, for heat. That I am blessed to have a family to be able to do this for...it may seem so small...but even being able to do the laundry for my family, is a blessing...because I CAN. I want my kids to appreciate even small things like this.
And I want this for everyone.
I know that is not possible...but when I vote in the upcoming election...I will put my vote to the people I believe will help this world become a better and easier place...for my kids...and for everyone...And I will share my decisions and reasons with the kids...so they know...how deep my love is for them...enough that I am voting for people that I believe will help make their lives the best it can be.
Every election has meant something...but this year it seems to mean more...and I couldn't figure out why...until I sat quietly and just THOUGHT. As my kids get older...now aged 16 and 13, I can actually see the reality of their future...I always thought about it when they were young, but somehow it becomes more real as they become older. I can now see that they will not be living with us forever. That they will soon be able to enlist in the armed forces...they will soon be able to vote and drink. As they get older, job options open up. They will be driving soon (my son will soon be getting his permit). I see more and more clearly that I can make less choices for them...that I can guide more and control less. I am voting this year, less for myself and more for them.
I want my kids to live in a world where there is peace. I want them to understand that they must work hard to live and make a living. I want them to understand that life may not always be easy and fun...but it is worth it...and that they are blessed. I want them to make decisions on the facts, not what they 'think' are the facts. I want them to know that each day and each hour and each minute is important.
I was mumbling about the laundry and then just sat on the cold floor basement....and realized that I am lucky that I can DO the laundry...that I am healthy. That I have enough $ to pay for clothes, for electrity, for heat. That I am blessed to have a family to be able to do this for...it may seem so small...but even being able to do the laundry for my family, is a blessing...because I CAN. I want my kids to appreciate even small things like this.
And I want this for everyone.
I know that is not possible...but when I vote in the upcoming election...I will put my vote to the people I believe will help this world become a better and easier place...for my kids...and for everyone...And I will share my decisions and reasons with the kids...so they know...how deep my love is for them...enough that I am voting for people that I believe will help make their lives the best it can be.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Busy Week, The FAMILY MEETING, Support group
We all have them...weeks that we just can't seem to catch up...GOOD weeks, just hectic ones. This week was and IS one of those. We have 3 family functions coming up...Family Portrait, a Friend's wedding and a big brunch the morning after the wedding...all of which require special clothing. I like to dress nice...but I really do not like to shop...and being on a very tight budget...had to be careful with what I shopped for.
For the photo-tan pants and pastel shirts, closed toed shoes. Harder than I thought finding closed toes shoes for my 13 year old daughter...wants nothing but funky sneakers and sandals. But she's a good kid. I found a pair that was just "OK" and she will wear them. Our son...the Jeans and Sneakers Man...found a pair of cheap pants at Building 19! But they were 5" too long...hemmed them...bought a yellow shirt at the same store...although he TOO did not "love" it...is a good kids as well...and said it was fine. Hubby..a big man...had tan pants. Found a 3X shirt at Walmart and am 'fudging it' with some black sneakers...that LOOK like black shoes.
ME...I'm short...also found pants that were too long...hemmed them...and found a decent shirt at Walmsrt...
So we all have our clothes...we are then told about all the touching up they can do...and was told that all 4 grandchildren can have their braces 'removed' in the touch up...
I honestly, do not understand this...because at ages 12 (my twin nephews), 13 and 16...the kids have braces...but my parents want this...so the 4 kids will be "BRACE FREE" thanks to the art of photography
THE WEDDING...Sat. Night. The kids weren't invited. My husband works at Home Depot and had to change his hours for the photo on Friday...it's Tax Free Weekend here in Massachusetts...and his boss, a great guy, who never gets annoyed...did get annoyed when he asked to change his schedule for both days...My husband Dick is almost 65 and he cannot risk losing his job...so he is not going. I'm going solo...which is fine...
Sunday brunch...all I can say is YUM!!!!!!!!!!
After that...it is all about school and setting in a bit...something my teens are not looking forward to. I told them that after the pictures tomorrow night, we are having the "Dreaded Family Meeting." They KNOW what this means...and in their eyes, it's 'not pretty.' It is hard to get us all together...but we will be tomorrow night. I have a new 'chore chart'...honestly, it will take each kid about 10 minutes each day in 'real time.' But in their time...with the feet dragging and begging for mercy, it will take a lot longer. I've done this before, but now, I have a 'support group.' All of the moms that I know of teens are on the same page...all of us have declared war on our dirty homes and have decided that we will no longer be wimps with the kids...they WILL do the chores, or they will not have things they so desperately want and need...ie: $, computer time, etc.
It's Time for MOM to take a break!
Today...am working on Pampered Chef, cleaning hubbies sneakers so they look like shoes, quick trip to grocery store, and other stuff.
Enjoy the day! :-)
For the photo-tan pants and pastel shirts, closed toed shoes. Harder than I thought finding closed toes shoes for my 13 year old daughter...wants nothing but funky sneakers and sandals. But she's a good kid. I found a pair that was just "OK" and she will wear them. Our son...the Jeans and Sneakers Man...found a pair of cheap pants at Building 19! But they were 5" too long...hemmed them...bought a yellow shirt at the same store...although he TOO did not "love" it...is a good kids as well...and said it was fine. Hubby..a big man...had tan pants. Found a 3X shirt at Walmart and am 'fudging it' with some black sneakers...that LOOK like black shoes.
ME...I'm short...also found pants that were too long...hemmed them...and found a decent shirt at Walmsrt...
So we all have our clothes...we are then told about all the touching up they can do...and was told that all 4 grandchildren can have their braces 'removed' in the touch up...
I honestly, do not understand this...because at ages 12 (my twin nephews), 13 and 16...the kids have braces...but my parents want this...so the 4 kids will be "BRACE FREE" thanks to the art of photography
THE WEDDING...Sat. Night. The kids weren't invited. My husband works at Home Depot and had to change his hours for the photo on Friday...it's Tax Free Weekend here in Massachusetts...and his boss, a great guy, who never gets annoyed...did get annoyed when he asked to change his schedule for both days...My husband Dick is almost 65 and he cannot risk losing his job...so he is not going. I'm going solo...which is fine...
Sunday brunch...all I can say is YUM!!!!!!!!!!
After that...it is all about school and setting in a bit...something my teens are not looking forward to. I told them that after the pictures tomorrow night, we are having the "Dreaded Family Meeting." They KNOW what this means...and in their eyes, it's 'not pretty.' It is hard to get us all together...but we will be tomorrow night. I have a new 'chore chart'...honestly, it will take each kid about 10 minutes each day in 'real time.' But in their time...with the feet dragging and begging for mercy, it will take a lot longer. I've done this before, but now, I have a 'support group.' All of the moms that I know of teens are on the same page...all of us have declared war on our dirty homes and have decided that we will no longer be wimps with the kids...they WILL do the chores, or they will not have things they so desperately want and need...ie: $, computer time, etc.
It's Time for MOM to take a break!
Today...am working on Pampered Chef, cleaning hubbies sneakers so they look like shoes, quick trip to grocery store, and other stuff.
Enjoy the day! :-)
Saturday, August 9, 2008
What Makes Us Happy
What a busy week...lots of activities...and lots of other stuff.
I just got hired as a substitute at a local gym's day care...cannot wait! Am waiting for the CORI to come in and expect to start in Sept. The hours are short shifts of only 3 hours...and I will be on call at first, but am expecting a permanent slot soon. It was great how this happened...called an old friend to see if she wanted to do a Pampered Chef show...small talk began and she told me she ran this program and they were looking for fill-ins. I filled an application and forgot about it. 2 weeks later...long story short...got hired...am very excited.
Got me thinking what makes us happy.
Here are of the things that make us happy
ME-*nice people who talk nicely to everyone no matter what *When my kids are happy *The Red Sox *My husband of 18 years *My great baby sister-did not get along all that well for years and now, she is my best friend *Music *Dark Chocolate *Lobster *Comfortable clothes *Great smelling candles *Getting a nice sale from my Pampered Chef business *Autumn * A great joke from a great friend *My kids doing well and trying hard *A comfortable chair ETC
My husband (age 64)-SEE ABOVE and add-*Football *he is an umpired and has been for 35 years-bumping into an adult, who used to be a kid, who remembers him as their favorite umpire in Little League or Babe Ruth * Sleeping late *He works at a local hardware store-meeting one of his favorite sports players *"Crime Shows" ETC
My 16 year old son-*Pizza *Money *His Friends *XBox Live *Basketball-playing AND the CELTICS *Snickers' Bars *New Clothes * His Room*New Hair Cut *Music *A freezer full of frozen dinner and garlic bread *Cheesy Bread from Dominos *soon to be-his permit and license ETC
My 13 year old daughter-*Her friends *The Jonas Brothers and everyone who surrounds them (she just saw them in concert AND met Demi Lovato!!! * New-EVERYTHING-clothes, haircut, jewelry, bags...etc *Music *Comedies *spending time on her computer *Pasta *Nachos *Her room *Reeses Peanut Butter Cups ETC
AM catching up with my mega laundry today, and other stuff.
Enjoy the day
I just got hired as a substitute at a local gym's day care...cannot wait! Am waiting for the CORI to come in and expect to start in Sept. The hours are short shifts of only 3 hours...and I will be on call at first, but am expecting a permanent slot soon. It was great how this happened...called an old friend to see if she wanted to do a Pampered Chef show...small talk began and she told me she ran this program and they were looking for fill-ins. I filled an application and forgot about it. 2 weeks later...long story short...got hired...am very excited.
Got me thinking what makes us happy.
Here are of the things that make us happy
ME-*nice people who talk nicely to everyone no matter what *When my kids are happy *The Red Sox *My husband of 18 years *My great baby sister-did not get along all that well for years and now, she is my best friend *Music *Dark Chocolate *Lobster *Comfortable clothes *Great smelling candles *Getting a nice sale from my Pampered Chef business *Autumn * A great joke from a great friend *My kids doing well and trying hard *A comfortable chair ETC
My husband (age 64)-SEE ABOVE and add-*Football *he is an umpired and has been for 35 years-bumping into an adult, who used to be a kid, who remembers him as their favorite umpire in Little League or Babe Ruth * Sleeping late *He works at a local hardware store-meeting one of his favorite sports players *"Crime Shows" ETC
My 16 year old son-*Pizza *Money *His Friends *XBox Live *Basketball-playing AND the CELTICS *Snickers' Bars *New Clothes * His Room*New Hair Cut *Music *A freezer full of frozen dinner and garlic bread *Cheesy Bread from Dominos *soon to be-his permit and license ETC
My 13 year old daughter-*Her friends *The Jonas Brothers and everyone who surrounds them (she just saw them in concert AND met Demi Lovato!!! * New-EVERYTHING-clothes, haircut, jewelry, bags...etc *Music *Comedies *spending time on her computer *Pasta *Nachos *Her room *Reeses Peanut Butter Cups ETC
AM catching up with my mega laundry today, and other stuff.
Enjoy the day
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Late night dancing and no sleep, Sweep-Papi-The Yankees, Chips, Jonas Posters
Well, my daughter has had friends sleep over the past 3 nights. I 'allow' it because she is 13 and her friends are great...but last night they must have thought it was 'Dance Night.' Music and dancing...yes, to the Jonas Brothers. I was tired and asked them repeatedly to stop or even dance quietly..."I'm Sorry, We Will" was the ongoing comment...but I guess their memories are short and they did it again and again. I had a hard time getting mad...and got no sleep..>THEY got sleep because they can sleep as long as they want...but this mom got up early to get ready for the day. I'm really tired, but content...
SWEEP--YUP! A close call...but the Sox did it in Seattle!!! Close call last night...and I must have lost a few pounds just watching the game...a long one with extra innings...most of the Boys of Summer did a great job...but it was Mike Lowell (one of my favorites!!), who in my tired eyes, saved the night....Off tonight and tomorrow night...YES--the YANKEES are in town, here at Fenway, and David Ortiz COMES BACK after a way too long time on the DL...CANNOT WAIT!
CHIPS....so, I get a craving for chips...I actually always have a craving for chips, but sometimes I MUST have them. I knew there was a bag in the cabinet...I check it out...and it's GONE!!! Having a brain storm, I go into my son's room...Now, I respect his privacy to a point, but having a teen...on occasion, do an 'inspection.' This time it was a scavenger hunt. Opened a few draws...the 3rd one I opened had SEVEN bags of chips...all opened! And 2 packages of dried fruit!!! I started to laugh...grabbed 5 of the 7 bags (had to leave him with something). Never told him...let's see if he notices!
Now...keep in mind, our son is almost 16 and daughter is 13. Her room is plastered with Jonas Brother's posters...she takes hours a week cutting and hanging...SO I'm doing my laundry and hear a LOUD.."MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA". It's her. Aparently my son, generally a quiet kid, got a hold of a black sharpie and 'decorated' some of her posters...blackening some of their teeth and giving some of them a 'unibrow.' I first noticed the big one and as I looked around, noticed that he had 'sabotaged' several others. I tried to seem mad but I started to laugh...even SHE could not control a snicker or 2. Although he should not have done this, I thought it still got a chuckle out of it.
Today...I'm tired. Need to replace some posters, so taking daughter to magazine store, taking son to practice and doing some Pampered Chef stuff.
ENJOY the day!
SWEEP--YUP! A close call...but the Sox did it in Seattle!!! Close call last night...and I must have lost a few pounds just watching the game...a long one with extra innings...most of the Boys of Summer did a great job...but it was Mike Lowell (one of my favorites!!), who in my tired eyes, saved the night....Off tonight and tomorrow night...YES--the YANKEES are in town, here at Fenway, and David Ortiz COMES BACK after a way too long time on the DL...CANNOT WAIT!
CHIPS....so, I get a craving for chips...I actually always have a craving for chips, but sometimes I MUST have them. I knew there was a bag in the cabinet...I check it out...and it's GONE!!! Having a brain storm, I go into my son's room...Now, I respect his privacy to a point, but having a teen...on occasion, do an 'inspection.' This time it was a scavenger hunt. Opened a few draws...the 3rd one I opened had SEVEN bags of chips...all opened! And 2 packages of dried fruit!!! I started to laugh...grabbed 5 of the 7 bags (had to leave him with something). Never told him...let's see if he notices!
Now...keep in mind, our son is almost 16 and daughter is 13. Her room is plastered with Jonas Brother's posters...she takes hours a week cutting and hanging...SO I'm doing my laundry and hear a LOUD.."MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA". It's her. Aparently my son, generally a quiet kid, got a hold of a black sharpie and 'decorated' some of her posters...blackening some of their teeth and giving some of them a 'unibrow.' I first noticed the big one and as I looked around, noticed that he had 'sabotaged' several others. I tried to seem mad but I started to laugh...even SHE could not control a snicker or 2. Although he should not have done this, I thought it still got a chuckle out of it.
Today...I'm tired. Need to replace some posters, so taking daughter to magazine store, taking son to practice and doing some Pampered Chef stuff.
ENJOY the day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
