It seems like only yesterday that I wrote on this blog. Yet, the truth is, that since I wrote, I have gained another year of life, moved into a new house, and discovered that I am going to be a grandma to another baby girl! Wow! Where DOES the time go?
Well, I had a good birthday. Since it is, and always has been, (ha ha) the day before Valentine's, I've learned to share the moment with those I love. So we had a family dinner ON my birthday in which we also exchanged Valentine's. Most of the valentine's I received were pictures of my precious grandchildren! Nothing could be better. But my thoughtful children also gave me gift cards for Kohl's and a restaraunt. My son and oldest grandson also gave me a special gift...they helped, tremendously, in painting my new living room and office. Since this was a desire of mine, and also a daunting task, their help was considered by me to be a huge gift! I NEVER could have done it without them!
And I also discovered many gifts this last few weeks...in the form of friends and help! On the weekend after my birthday, we moved! Since I had planned on the last move, truly being the LAST, I felt overwhelmed by the amount of stuff we had acquired. We gave some of it away. We sold some of it. And we moved the rest. On Friday, a group of teenagers from our church came and helped pack up the remaining items, and clean the laundry room. This was quite a blessing, as the laundry room seemed to build up dust levels that sent my sinuses into orbit. Also on Friday evening, my husband's friend and my son-in-law came and between the three of them, moved most of the furniture into the moving van. The teenagers helped with loading the boxes as well.
Then Saturday morning, my son and grandson returned. More friends of my husband came too, and by noon, we had the entire truck loaded. It was then unloaded, reloaded partially, and unloaded again...all by 3:00 PM! Wow!
Now, my living room is lovely and completely the way I like it. My daughter-in-law says it looks like a model home! Wow! I'm sure that won't last long! The master bedroom, playroom, and family room are nice as well, although there are boxes still to be unloaded in the closets. The kitchen LOOKS good, but there is much reorganizing still to be done, as well as more boxes! The offices...mine and my hubby's...well...they're private! We reserve the right to take our time on those!
And this weekend, we plan to tackle the boxes in the garage and plot out and plow our garden! Yes, we are amibitous sorts! We will have little hands to help us, as three of our grandchildren will be spending the weekend with us!
So, all of these were gifts to me! And, then to top if off, we found out that my younger daughter, whom we knew was expecting a child, is having a girl. A boy would certainly have been great. But girls are rarer in our family, so the news is exciting to us. Having a loving, healthy family and lots of friends cannot be surpassed. They are what makes a great life! And, yes, the days and even years, roll by quickly, teaching us the value of enjoying one day at a time...each and every day...and ALL the people God puts in our lives!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Half days of School Should be Outlawed!
Well, not really, I guess! Those were my honest sentiments earlier this day. In addtion to my usual charges, I had a neighbor girl and our wonderful Kindergartener since 10:30 AM as well.
Ah, the neighbor girl. I like her. She likes the games I invent. She likes to talk to me. But I wonder about how much of a friend I can be to her. You see, the girl is overweight. So am I, so this isn't about criticizing her. I was not overweight, however, at her age. Therefore, I wonder what struggles she will have to face when she reaches adulthood. Already she is experiencing the cruelty of people. She has not developed a thick skin at all. In fact, she is very overly sensitive about the subject. For example, while jumping on the trampoline with my Kindergartener, she fell on him and he said he didn't want to play with her any more on the trampoline because she was too heavy. She took that to say he called her fat and came running in to report it. He was very defensive, not having meant at all to call her fat.
The problem that I don't know how to handle is this: She wants to eat constantly! If we are playing a game, she wants to munch on candy or popcorn. If we are watching TV or a movie, popcorn or cookies is a must in her mind. If they are playing outside, she comes in after 10-15 minutes "famished", "starved", etc. She eats when she's bored, she eats when in action. She eats most all the time. She comes in and opens the cupboards, refrigerator, etc. to see what there might be to eat. She doesn't help herself without asking, but makes it obvious that she wants something. Then she asks. My grandchildren eat at her house. She calls me "Grandma" along with them, and I have no problem feeding her. But I don't like to constantly feed her. And she asks for unhealthy things if she thinks we may have them, like brownies, or cookies, or soda. I offer apples, and juices, and sometimes milk. She'll take those, but ask for the other things as well.
I don't like it that I have a problem with this. I have tried to nicely talk to her about her choices. I have talked to her about eating just because the food is there, and requested that she play outside longer, or whatever. Most of the time, those suggestions end in her going home, if her parents are there. And if not, then she pleads and begs and almost cries that she is hungry. I don't know what to do. I feel mean if I say no, especially if my grandkids are eating. By the way, the oldest one medically needs to gain weight, and he could have whatever he wanted any time to assist with that...but he is not into sweets at all. The Kindergartener likes to munch too, but he is more into a snack or two and then off to play. He rarely grazes long, and he eats well at meals. This girl is very picky at meals, which bothers me tremendously. I will not be a short-order cook. My feeling is, I give them a choice of two, sometimes three, things and between them, they must chose one. If they can't decide nicely, then I decide. Sometimes I just announce what we are having. I cook ONE thing (main thing) and offer fruits and veggies on the side, expecting them to at least try them. She will not eat the veggies at all. And is very picky about the fruit AND the main dish. I just cannot let her eat sweets and soda pop. It is a big battle. She is not a child who throws a fit. But she sits quietly pouting and tearily mentioning her hunger.
I guess I should speak more directly to her mother. But she has just said to not feed her if she is picky. I understand and abide by it, but the begging and pleading starts within minutes after the meal is done with the other kids.
I think I will suggest that when she is staying over with us in a "child care" way, that she should bring her own sack lunch like she would at school. And then I will offer a reasonable, child-friendly snack AFTER the regular lunch is eaten. If it is not eaten, then that is what she can snack on. Am I a big meanie??
Ah, the neighbor girl. I like her. She likes the games I invent. She likes to talk to me. But I wonder about how much of a friend I can be to her. You see, the girl is overweight. So am I, so this isn't about criticizing her. I was not overweight, however, at her age. Therefore, I wonder what struggles she will have to face when she reaches adulthood. Already she is experiencing the cruelty of people. She has not developed a thick skin at all. In fact, she is very overly sensitive about the subject. For example, while jumping on the trampoline with my Kindergartener, she fell on him and he said he didn't want to play with her any more on the trampoline because she was too heavy. She took that to say he called her fat and came running in to report it. He was very defensive, not having meant at all to call her fat.
The problem that I don't know how to handle is this: She wants to eat constantly! If we are playing a game, she wants to munch on candy or popcorn. If we are watching TV or a movie, popcorn or cookies is a must in her mind. If they are playing outside, she comes in after 10-15 minutes "famished", "starved", etc. She eats when she's bored, she eats when in action. She eats most all the time. She comes in and opens the cupboards, refrigerator, etc. to see what there might be to eat. She doesn't help herself without asking, but makes it obvious that she wants something. Then she asks. My grandchildren eat at her house. She calls me "Grandma" along with them, and I have no problem feeding her. But I don't like to constantly feed her. And she asks for unhealthy things if she thinks we may have them, like brownies, or cookies, or soda. I offer apples, and juices, and sometimes milk. She'll take those, but ask for the other things as well.
I don't like it that I have a problem with this. I have tried to nicely talk to her about her choices. I have talked to her about eating just because the food is there, and requested that she play outside longer, or whatever. Most of the time, those suggestions end in her going home, if her parents are there. And if not, then she pleads and begs and almost cries that she is hungry. I don't know what to do. I feel mean if I say no, especially if my grandkids are eating. By the way, the oldest one medically needs to gain weight, and he could have whatever he wanted any time to assist with that...but he is not into sweets at all. The Kindergartener likes to munch too, but he is more into a snack or two and then off to play. He rarely grazes long, and he eats well at meals. This girl is very picky at meals, which bothers me tremendously. I will not be a short-order cook. My feeling is, I give them a choice of two, sometimes three, things and between them, they must chose one. If they can't decide nicely, then I decide. Sometimes I just announce what we are having. I cook ONE thing (main thing) and offer fruits and veggies on the side, expecting them to at least try them. She will not eat the veggies at all. And is very picky about the fruit AND the main dish. I just cannot let her eat sweets and soda pop. It is a big battle. She is not a child who throws a fit. But she sits quietly pouting and tearily mentioning her hunger.
I guess I should speak more directly to her mother. But she has just said to not feed her if she is picky. I understand and abide by it, but the begging and pleading starts within minutes after the meal is done with the other kids.
I think I will suggest that when she is staying over with us in a "child care" way, that she should bring her own sack lunch like she would at school. And then I will offer a reasonable, child-friendly snack AFTER the regular lunch is eaten. If it is not eaten, then that is what she can snack on. Am I a big meanie??
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Wheeling and Dealing!
I love Craigslist! (CL)-Some people have apparently had trouble with it. But not me. I have bought and sold items there for a very long time, with no trouble at all. And now I am wheeling and dealing to change furnishings for our move.
I love yard sales! I have purchased many special items from these. I have also met many interesting people along the way. We had a yard sale last Saturday. My daughter brought her stuff too, since she lives in one of those "yard sale restricted" areas. We both did quite well. My neighbor held one too, so we had a lot of traffic!
So, here is a list of my wheeling and dealing of late:
SOLD! On CL- a trampoline for $45.00 that I purchased at a yard sale two years ago for $20.00! A brass fireplace screen---at the yard sale for $40.00 that I bought four years ago on CL for $30.00! (See how this works!) Also sold an older entertainment center on CL- for $50.00 and the same people purchased a small fountain I had not sold at the yard sale! A Christmas designed fireplace screen--for $12.00 on CL--that I bought for $7.00 at a yard sale about 4 years ago! Seems like there is something else I sold, but I cannot think of what it was right now! We still have a big desk advertised on CL which I am sure will sell before the move.
PURCHASED! My husband bought a nicer desk than the one we have for sale...off CL for $50.00...and it came with a high-back swivel office chair! Quite a deal! I bought a smaller computer desk with a hutch for books, etc. off CL for $30.00 so I have someplace for my laptop other than a TV tray...and also for my crafts.
We are still undecided about whether to sell or take our refrigerator. The new house has one, but ours is bigger. Hmmm...Well, we have two weeks to make that decision.
But, like I said, I love CL and yard sales! These are good ways to keep our hard-earned money in AMERICA!
I love yard sales! I have purchased many special items from these. I have also met many interesting people along the way. We had a yard sale last Saturday. My daughter brought her stuff too, since she lives in one of those "yard sale restricted" areas. We both did quite well. My neighbor held one too, so we had a lot of traffic!
So, here is a list of my wheeling and dealing of late:
SOLD! On CL- a trampoline for $45.00 that I purchased at a yard sale two years ago for $20.00! A brass fireplace screen---at the yard sale for $40.00 that I bought four years ago on CL for $30.00! (See how this works!) Also sold an older entertainment center on CL- for $50.00 and the same people purchased a small fountain I had not sold at the yard sale! A Christmas designed fireplace screen--for $12.00 on CL--that I bought for $7.00 at a yard sale about 4 years ago! Seems like there is something else I sold, but I cannot think of what it was right now! We still have a big desk advertised on CL which I am sure will sell before the move.
PURCHASED! My husband bought a nicer desk than the one we have for sale...off CL for $50.00...and it came with a high-back swivel office chair! Quite a deal! I bought a smaller computer desk with a hutch for books, etc. off CL for $30.00 so I have someplace for my laptop other than a TV tray...and also for my crafts.
We are still undecided about whether to sell or take our refrigerator. The new house has one, but ours is bigger. Hmmm...Well, we have two weeks to make that decision.
But, like I said, I love CL and yard sales! These are good ways to keep our hard-earned money in AMERICA!
The Move Is On!
We are moving! That is an adventure I had hoped not to face again. And once again, I shall hope that THIS is the last move! But only God knows for sure I guess. At first, I was tempted to complain loudly. After all, THIS home is where my husband and I wanted to be. This is the one WE chose together, and put a lot of time, sweat, and energy into! We like our neighbors, and as far as we know, they like us!
But alas! The economy and other circumstances got the best of us and we had to give in to reality. So, we are moving! This will happen in just two weeks! Yikes!
But I also have a sense of excitement. We are moving, not just houses, but cities as well. Moving to a place we have not lived before. It is a little inconvient as far as distances to work and places we are accustomed to hanging out. But, we shall find new hang-outs, and adjust our time for church and work travels. My husband says he enjoyed it when he had more travel time before, so he could think and prepare a little more. And, there are several routes to choose from!
We could take the main drag that angles across this area (Might be a good choice once all the construction is done!), We can take Bell Road (which is almost always busy) to the freeways (a choice of two depending on how far we want to go down Bell)
This would take us past a major mall and LOTS of businesses. We can take a choice of several "back" roads that take us through farm land and more scenic areas. The choice is ours. Traffic is busy on all the choices, at given times each day. But, depending upon my mood, I can think by my surroundings, that I live in the "country" being newly developed, or, that I live in a busy city full of shopping and office buildings. I can drive through Sun City, which is a retirement, age-limited town, or I can drive through lots of school zones.
WOW! I have LOTS more choices than I ever did here! I suspect that, at least for the first few weeks, I shall try all the routes to see which is faster, calmer, etc. and then choose daily depending on my mood and time requirements.
The house is LOTS newer! It is less than ten years old, while this old charmer is approaching half a century! May have already arrived, as I am not quite sure of the year it was built. It is strong and sturdy. It has a unique flavor. This newer home is more of a tract home. However, this older one was once a tract home too! So, the adventure begins with making it my own and charming like this older one.
I think charm comes from living happily and expressing yourself nicely and tastefully in your home. That, I can do!
I shall miss my big yard...but not the weeds I can't keep up with! I shall miss my huge pine trees, but not the mess they make, and their need for trimming! I shall make my new, smaller yard, a fascinating collage of color with a garden and pots of flowering plants. I plan to do a container garden as well as an in-the-ground one. This will all be challenging but fun and productive. I think I can keep up with this new yard a bit more easily. There is something to be said for "small packages!"
Well, the adventure has begun and the move is on! I think I shall go paint a desk!
But alas! The economy and other circumstances got the best of us and we had to give in to reality. So, we are moving! This will happen in just two weeks! Yikes!
But I also have a sense of excitement. We are moving, not just houses, but cities as well. Moving to a place we have not lived before. It is a little inconvient as far as distances to work and places we are accustomed to hanging out. But, we shall find new hang-outs, and adjust our time for church and work travels. My husband says he enjoyed it when he had more travel time before, so he could think and prepare a little more. And, there are several routes to choose from!
We could take the main drag that angles across this area (Might be a good choice once all the construction is done!), We can take Bell Road (which is almost always busy) to the freeways (a choice of two depending on how far we want to go down Bell)
This would take us past a major mall and LOTS of businesses. We can take a choice of several "back" roads that take us through farm land and more scenic areas. The choice is ours. Traffic is busy on all the choices, at given times each day. But, depending upon my mood, I can think by my surroundings, that I live in the "country" being newly developed, or, that I live in a busy city full of shopping and office buildings. I can drive through Sun City, which is a retirement, age-limited town, or I can drive through lots of school zones.
WOW! I have LOTS more choices than I ever did here! I suspect that, at least for the first few weeks, I shall try all the routes to see which is faster, calmer, etc. and then choose daily depending on my mood and time requirements.
The house is LOTS newer! It is less than ten years old, while this old charmer is approaching half a century! May have already arrived, as I am not quite sure of the year it was built. It is strong and sturdy. It has a unique flavor. This newer home is more of a tract home. However, this older one was once a tract home too! So, the adventure begins with making it my own and charming like this older one.
I think charm comes from living happily and expressing yourself nicely and tastefully in your home. That, I can do!
I shall miss my big yard...but not the weeds I can't keep up with! I shall miss my huge pine trees, but not the mess they make, and their need for trimming! I shall make my new, smaller yard, a fascinating collage of color with a garden and pots of flowering plants. I plan to do a container garden as well as an in-the-ground one. This will all be challenging but fun and productive. I think I can keep up with this new yard a bit more easily. There is something to be said for "small packages!"
Well, the adventure has begun and the move is on! I think I shall go paint a desk!
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