dragonfly days

random musings

It's becoming a Wednesday thing. :)

• I finished another layout in Project life. I am really enjoying getting our pictures printed out and part of our story down.  It feels good. :)
• Our guinea pig is about to give birth any minute.  
• Tomorrow we get to visit with the doctor about turf toe.
• Today we didn't have any appointments or classes that I had to go out for. It was wonderful. I baked muffins, made a great dinner, worked out about five hours earlier than I usually get to, we pulled out the art supplies and played. It was very nice. I need to be sure to schedule these type of days.
• My husband is starting a new hobby, more on that in a few. 
• The series of shark books we found at the library this week are very popular around here. Perfect for a shark-obsessed beginning reader.

 

random musings

 As if most of my posts weren't random. :)

• Today we got the results for Jack's reading test. I was a little anxious about them, especially when the teacher started the conversation with, "What exactly do you use for language arts?" Turns out it was because he scored well.  Phew!
• We went to Subway for lunch. We do Subway about once a week because I feel like it is a good way to see some change in his diet. He loves it. He gets so excited that even the people working there comment on it.
• I started my first week of Project life. I will finish the rest tomorrow.
• I was giving one of my girls a talk, not lecture, talk. Half way through I wondered if I was telling this stuff to her or if I was the one that really needed to hear it.  I think it did us both good.  It was the "don't-assume-anything-don't-expect-anything-because-really-you-only-have-control-over-yourself-and-your-reactions-and-don't-let-other-peoples-opinions-stop-you" speech.  Do it anyway. Sigh. Yes, I needed that. Thank you. 
• Jack has decided he will try tap along with hip-hop. I also had my first conversation including the stereotype against boys in dance. Sigh.
• Took Steve to the doc tonight, again. The running joke all night was that I would be rich if I got the $5 co-pay every time he was there. :)  Looks like turf toe. Referred to Sports Medicine. Seriously. I guess we may not be going to the tournament this weekend. Can't decide whether or not I'm okay with that. 

things I am loving this week

Library visits with Jack.

• Bird Unit Study --Science--by Our Homeschool Fun. This looks like so much fun and with all the baby birds we've had around this week it's a must do.
• rhythm of the home-- Summer edition is out this week. Lots of good reading there.
• Giraffe breaks his leg (tutorial)- Love this idea.
• Word roll game- Need to make this one to play.
• Not It! Just in time for some summer fun.
• The Never-Ending Parent Wise words.
• Embroidery Basics  Ooohhh....now I am itching to do a project.
• Hedgehog Applique block Maybe I'll make this
• Caterpillar Craft Tutorial Or this. Maybe I should just do both. ;)

What are you loving this week?

finding peace

Peace. It is all about finding it no matter where you are and what is going on around you. Good reminder for the end-of-the-school-year-beginning-of-summer crazies.  The past two weeks have been tiring. Once again life has reminded me that it is in charge and things can and will change just like that. So I take the camera and go. Seeing what peace I can capture.

 

 

scenes from the weekend

Messing around with the new phone while out on a date.

A date always includes a stop at the bookstore.

A visit to the duck pond.

Chasing butterflies.
Two watermelon plants.

milkweed in bloom

 
a bike ride to the park

On the list for this week:

• girls lacrosse practice- I guess we aren't as done as we thought.
• yoga
• tennis
• art lessons
• end of the year band concert
• contractor school
• honors society program
• park day
• eagle court of honor for a friend
• two more out of town lacrosse games- like I sais, not as done as I thought.
• pick up gifted second hand bikes
• write out some new goals
• write up a new schedule
• prepare for a new photography class that starts next week
• baking: granola, breakfast bars
• more pendant work
• get books out to the garage for sale next week- we made a good dent in sorting stuff this weekend.
• finish up our China geography study
• rearrange some furniture again.

What's on your list this week?

like water

It's been one of those weeks. Every day has gone completely and totally different than planned. Some in a good way. Some in a not so good way.  Lots of ups and downs. Loads of unpredictability. Lots of emotional drainage.

I keep thinking of water. Able to move around and through things  yet strong enough to move boulders and carve canyons. Cleansing, calming, comforting.

And yet I try.

 

December 6th 2010

 

Every little thing.

 

Some things I've loved over the past week:

• Chocolate Gingerbread cookies. These are definitely going on my list of things to do. 
• Along with this shortbread recipe.
• My new favorite Christmas song.  Who am I kidding, I just love all her songs. :)
• Christmas around the world ideas. Hoping I can get it together enough to do some of these.
• Have you been following the Handmade Holiday posts. So much goodness there. I have some ideas for this year and a bunch going on the list for the coming year.
• Ohhh... a Christmas photo hunt. Too cool. Must do this.
• Borax snowflakes.  Will do this week.
• Great art. Great message.
• 7 benefits of Homeschool Handicrafts.  But I think this list goes for all people of all ages.

Hope you had a great Monday!

 

 

November 29 2010

The only pic I snapped today. The leapster is saved for waiting rooms and long car rides.

• Spent a good part of the morning at the ear doc, again.  When I told Jack that he had to go to the doctor with me again--mind you he's only been to the dr with me once...ever.  He sighed dramatcially and said, "Again!" Ummm...yeah cry me a river.  Anyways the verdict is the infection is gone and shouldn't come back, though I have proved them wrong before. The senstivity to the cold should go away, eventually. And there is still some swelling from the infection. But no more drops for now and the same instructions as before.
• I got a crazy hair and I dyed my hair. ;) Like really dyed it. 
• Thanks to my lists, despite spending way too much time at the dr's I actually accomplished something, not much but something.
• I think Jack may be getting ready to loose some teeth. We know his front ones are getting close- thank to the xray at his last appointment. Hes been complaining about them being sensitive when he eats certain foods-especially chwewy foods. I'm wondering if maybe this has something to do with how whiny he has been lately? He has been super sensitive and whiny.  I realized it a little over a week  ago and have been trying to figure out the cause. Hmmmm....just some random thoughts there wondering if it is more than coincidence.
• I got dreidels and gold coins for Wed.
• Jack was telling Talisa all about leaving his shoes out for St Nick. I had forgotten about that--hey last Christmas season was hectic-- looks like I have some planning to do.
• Check out my right sidebar. I added some links for the classes I'm taking. This Wed my photo class will start and then in January the Soul Restoration class starts. I'm super excited for both!

November 22 2010

Thankful for:

• creating with friends and pushing outside my comfort zone
• the feeling of joy
• for a supportive husband
• for good news for friends

 

November 18 2010

Thankful for good friends along the journey and a dear hubby who gave me some needed time alone.

 

Now off to put some ear drops in and go to bed.

November 8th 2010

  


Full of love today.

• Steven's down with a fever and sore throat--it looks really sore.
• tomorrow is the history fair.
• I'm using the eardrops again. 
• Today I really wanted a diet coke.
• I was able to do a project today-pictures to come.
• It's cold outside. Where did my fall go?

Hope you all had a happy Monday.

November 5 2010

Things I'm thankful for this week:

• a husband who drives the kids to school most days allowing me to sleep in a few extra minutes.
• that my come down off of diet coke has been relatively easy and that I've been aware enough to see and realize the benefits of that.
• that fall is coming and the leaves are turning color. Loved driving round town this morning and looking at the leaves.
• for good friends and good conversation. Truly blessed by the women friends in my life.
• for big hugs and smootches
• getting to know myself a little better and realize what I need to take care of myself better. 
• the weekend--time with hubby, time not spent in the car,  free of commitment and ours to make what we will.

November 2 2010

It finally feels like fall is here. I can leave my windows open all day, it is getting dark earlier, and the air is a bit cooler.

 

Steven and I were talking today about how fast this year seems to be going. After Steven's birthday last night both Zac and I let out a huge sigh of relief, our busy time is officially over. The fall is always crazy for us-birthdays, parties, begining of school stuff, sports. We enjoy it, but as soon as Steven's birthday is done we know that we are settling in for the long cozy winter and some nice downtime. 

One of my goals this week was trying to figure out ways to simplify our schedule. I was getting a little burned out. Step one was taken care of today when I switched karate to only one day a week.  Small step since every time I get rid of one thing two or three more pop up in it's place.  I think this will be easier for Jack though since he was worn out on Thursdays after having both tennis and karate, now it will only be tennis. I'm letting go of my expectations a little, not expecting myself to make it to everything every single time--every game, every lesson, every little thing.   This week I  made a list, I know you are shocked, actually I made three lists: a list of lists I  need to make (ummm...yeah it's a compulsion),  a list of my three things that I really NEED to do this week, and a list of goals that I would like to see done by the end of the week. It seems to be helping a bit so far.

 

October 22 2010

This week:

Done:

• 1 docotors appointment
• 2 karate lessons
• 1 art lesson
• 1 football game
• 1 tennis lesson
• 2 softball games
• 4 workouts
• 1 lacrosse practice (girls didn't have it this week)
• 1 after school drivers ed class 

In progress:

• homeschooling
• Halloween costumes
• Halloween party planning
• yard sale prep

And that is why I haven't been posting this week. Not necessarily busier than usual, but after the Vegas trip a lot more tired than usual. By the time I sit down at night and try to blog my brain has already gone to bed. 

But I miss my camera and this space. 

September 29 2010

What have I been doing?

• Getting ready for my oldest daughters big birthday tomorrow. She will be turning 16!
• Getting ready for the big party this Saturday! See above.
• Decluttering the house.
• Re-decorating the house.
• Baking cookies. And trying to keep everyone from eating them before the party.
• Playing the Clone Wars game with Jack. Ummm...yeah still trying to figure that out.
• Planning Halloween costumes and getting pieces bought and put together.
• Yard projects- tree house, deck.
• Chasing a small falcon out of our back yard. We have a falcon that has been very persistent in trying to catch one of the small chickens. Today he almost got one. :( Bad falcon.
• Running kids around. Did I mention lacrosse started today.
• Keeping water out of my ear. My last(hopefully) appointment is tomorrow. Wish me luck. 
• birthday present shopping. Did I mention Jack's birthday is next week also?
• Avoiding all of the above by playing bejewled on facebook. ;)

And why a post with no pic? I'm tired and really should be getting in bed. :)

September 10 2010

• Yesterday between tennis and piano lessons I was able to work on a project!! I'm happy to say that it was finished last night. That felt good.
• I finally put together our  portion of the science bags for our swap. Well I should say I put together most of them because a few of my supplies went missing. Hmmmm....I wonder who would have taken the rubber bands.
• I ordered and received Simplicity Parenting. I'm hoping to start it over the weekend.
• Said yes to my last extracurricular activity. Talisa will be taking art lessons from a very talented friend. We're both excited about this. And please remind me that I said no more activities after this. :)
• Halloween costumes are in full swing over here. In fact I believe they have taken over...
• This week we worked on decluttering Jack's toy closet. Why is the room messier since we did that?
• Zac and I were able to take some time and go on a real date this week. We've decided that needs to be done more often.

On the agenda for today: learning, cleaning, art class for Talisa, park day with the homies.

July 28 2010

Where have we been:

• swimming, lots of swimming. It's that time of year. It was 115 today. It's getting old and we haven't even hit August yet.
• Gardening. The tomatoes are coming on, finally. The cabbages are close. The chard and carrots are still coming.
• Spending time with friends and family. The boys and I went on a boys day yesterday with my dad to a movie and pizza. The girls are sleeping over there tonight to watch movies and make watches.
• Getting ready for school. Finishing up school shopping. Getting everything ready so that next week we can get all our registering done and pick up class schedules.
• Getting ready for homeschool. Today I started putting together the coming year for Jack. More on that later.
• Organizing, decluttering and just plain cleaning the house.
• Baking- bread, cookies, etc. 
• Playing with the chicks. They are so cute. The pic up above is from last week, they've actually changed quite a bit since it was taken. They are now getting out of the coop a few times a day.

Hope you are all having a wonderful week.

July 19 2010

 

• Today ended up being busier than I thought. Between a late start and errands piling up I ended up sweating most the day away in the car.
• My car said it was 119 degrees. That is just wrong. Plain wrong. Glad we moved the pool into a better place. It was nice to sit in it for an hour or so after the errand marathon.
• My sweet hubby installed a new shower head tonight to surprise me. Ours was horrible. The kids had a better shower.
• Dinner was mostly from the garden tonight. Yummy.
• Jack finally made a project for the literature fair tomorrow. I guess he takes after his parents, leaving things to the last minute like that.
• The chicks are changing so much, every day they look different--more feathers.
• I can't believe school starts in 3 weeks. Yikes.

Hope you all had a happy Monday!

July 4th 2010

My dd shared a blog post written by Tara of The Organic Sister with me today about body compassion. Go read it, it's worth it and I'll wait. It was timely as this very topic had been on my mind for a few days after various conversations and let's face it a lifetime of struggling with my body and never feeling quite perfect enough. There is a quote I read in a book that has been on my mind the past few days which goes along with this :

“I can only feel appreciation for all the places my body has taken me, and for the memories it stores, and for the secrets it keeps. For the children it has carried, nourished and nutured, for the lovers who have found solace and joy within my hills and valleys, for the esquisite pleasure my body has bestowed on me, for the exultation of passion it has expressed through me. My journey to reveal my Authentic Self has become a romance, for I have begun to fall in love with my own reflection. Blessed am I among women to live in such a beautiful temple. So are you.”

~ Sarah Ban Breathnach, Something More.

I first read that two years ago and I have not forgotten it. Isn't it beautiful. How can I not look at my body differently after reading that? How can my body not be perfect enough for me?

I am saying this as a person who has had health problems and whose body hasn't held up under everything that has been thrown at it. Yet hasn't it been perfect enough?

Despite all that is wrong with it hasn't it been perfect for me and given me the most precious gifts in my life?

I like the idea of unschooling my body and look forward to showing it a little love, instead constant criticism. To thank it for all it has given me over my lifetime, for all the places it has carried me whether it be away from a bad situation or into a good. For the strength it has had while in pain and the pleasure in happiness. For carrying my babies and delivering them safely. And for giving me the strecth marks to remember it all by. Yes I have stretch marks, but I delivered a 10 lb 14 oz baby and it was one of the most joyous days in my life. To thank it for being able to hold those babies and children and hug them. For being able to walk the floors with a colicy baby for hours and days on end.

And then as they are getting older being able to hold back and let them go while watching them take their first steps towards an independent adult life. I think that is almost harder than walking the floors at night.

Thank you my body for everything.

Blessed am I among women to live in such a beautiful temple. So are you.

So are you.

June 21 2010

6 names you go by:
1. Joey
2. mom
3. mommy
4. hon
5. honey
6. babe

3 things you are wearing right now:
1. t shirt
2. yoga pants
3. bare feet

4 things you want very badly at this moment:
1. coffee
2. smiles
3. answers
4. peace

2 things you did last night:
1. laughed
2. read

the last 2 people you talked to on the phone:
1. my mom
2. Zac

2 things you are going to do tomorrow:
1. swim lessons
2. something fun

3 favorite drinks:
1. diet coke
2. dark cherry mocha
3. cran- raspberry juice