GOING TO THE OPERA

I just learned that we have FREE tickets to the opera. I was just talking to my client last week, telling her that I would like to branch out and experience the opera. This is not the same place the tickets came from though, I have to thank my good friend PJ. Thank you PJ!

I fell in love with Phantom of the Opera after seeing it on the big screen. I know that all of them are not like that, but I am willing to see for myself. The show is tomorrow night, so I will let you know how it goes. I also have some cute birthday pics to share just not enough time right now to get them on the computer. Office work is calling and I can put it off no longer, UGG!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAOMI

She's turning six on the 26th, and is really excited! We have a good day planned after a sick day at home. The stomach bug hit around 3 this morning so it has been a long day. Changing sheets, cleaning carpets, taking showers, the whole bit! It seems to be a "24 hour bug" as she seems better and ready to go to school. I made her favorite, carrot cupcakes, and the teacher is letting me bring them to class. We will make pizza for dinner and have a cake then too! Until then, it will be a crazy day for me, running around trying to get it all done.

Just look at that face, it's all worth it!

THE YEAR 1980

This was taken at my 8th grade graduation. I think I am pretty easy to pick out, but I will let you take a guess. My Dad's mom made my dress and Mom made my flowers. It was a beautiful dress with small straps and a sheer cover up. We had a dance after the graduation and all the families were there to celebrate. To go along with this photo, I found the autograph book that went with the final days. Some of the entries in the book were sweet, some were funny. I'll share a few with you.


To a very good friend, (and I hope we will always be good friends). I have had lots of fun with you over the years, and I hope we will have a lot of fun in high school. (I'm sorry for that time I slapped you across the face.) Angie

Kathy, I've know you sinse first grade. You have always been so wild! I have hung around you some & I'm beginning to do some wild things too. Stay out of trouble & don't get any cuter, I might see ya next year & might not. Your friend Mary (the wild was underlined)

Kathy, Of all the years we've gone to school together I've always thought of you as one of my sisters. But now it's time to say so long to everyone. I don't want to leave anyone in this class but I am glad we weren't seperated sooner than this. Goodbye, Jimmy

Dear Kathy, You have been one of the most cheerful students in the eigth grade. I hope you can keep your sense of humor through high school. Good luck. Mrs. Schroder

That's all for now, I must explain that I was not wild in today's standard, but I was probably ADHD! I did see the principal a time or two, nothing serious that I remember (never got spanked). I do recall writing LOTS of dictionary columns. I have lots of good memories and I hope my kids will too!

Update-Elijah was looking at my book today and said "it sounds like you were a fun hot chick." My reply was that I did have fun!

FINDING MY WAY

These were taken in the early 80's. In high school I had always dreamed of being a photographer but never thought I could make a living out of it. I had a way with doing hair so this just seemed natural. Molly was always willing to be my guinee pig, even after many upset hairdos, she would come back for more. I don't know if it was the pressure from me, or the lack of anything better to do. So, any way, we made do with the tools we had and this is the result. I developed them in my photography class and not quite sure where the actual photos are. Now when I look at them, I see that we could have done them sooo much better but it is what it is. She doesn't look too bad for being a product of the 80's!

WEBKINS and more

For those of you who are new to the term, Webkins is a stuffed animal that comes with an online personality. For the price of $10-$12 you can own one too! You get a years membership on the web and the animal is yours to keep. You get to play games, have your own room, friends and much more. I admit, I am one of the last ones to get into these things but with growing kids you get exposed, and you can only say NO for so long. I must admit, they are cute too! The only thing is, I don't like for my kids to be on the internet without supervision so, time is limited. They aren't too happy about this, but it's take it or leave it. Levi and Naomi with Lisa, Bobby and Axel.
Levi with Bobby under his arm and his Lego mindstorm in its most basic form.
There's been more tooth pulling going on. Levi is set to loose his molers next, this is the first of four, look out! He is NOT keen on pulling teeth.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

We finally went back to school and work today after the snow and ice melted. The kids were ready, with valentines parties on their minds. They were wired when I picked them up, full of cookies, candy and good times. I told them last night to expect a surprise for dinner tonight. All of them quized me trying to find out what the big surprise was, but I held out.

So without further ado, THE BIG SURPRISE The tradional ring, made just for valentines day!
More cookies, just to put them (or me) over the edge.
Naomi's valentine box, complete with open and shut door. Levi's class used a big decorated envelope and Elijah's class didn't get to celebrate. I think they are trying to discourage the love in teenagers (good luck).

I hope you all had a day filled with love, whether it be from someone close to you or distant. Peace and love to you all!

WHAT WE WOKE UP TO

I got some really cool shots, but some really crummy weather. It snowed last night around 5 and was beautiful, comming down like a blizzard. Then, about the time we went to bed the sleet started. I must admit, the kids were hoping for a snow day, and since it was my day off, I didn't mind. The catch to that is, a snow day. This is no kind of weather to enjoy, unless you can appreciate the beauty and like to take pictures. It rained all morning, which was nice because the snow/ice melted and didn't cause too many driving problems. We had movies and games for the kids but I pray it doesn't freeze back over tonight and keep them out of school tomorrow!

I don't think we had any damage, but driving around I saw lots of limbs on the ground. Ice is hard on the trees, but makes for a pretty picture!

HELLO, HELLO, HELLO

It's a beautiful sunny day, but very chilly. I have decided to stay indoors and enjoy it in the warmth of my home. I spent the day Friday doing a deep clean and of course you can't tell by today, oh well, life goes on.

I wanted to let you know what we have been doing lately. Several really fun, exciting things going on. Joe and I started a class at a friends church on The Five Love Lanuages. We have only had one class but with the book and the warm welcome we feel right at home. I would recommend the book to anyone. We got ours at the local christian bookstore for $5. It has food for thought and is a easy read.

I am starting a class this Tuesday through our church called Why Catholic. I have talked to several people that have already had the class the last week and am very excited about it. Not quite sure what to expect, but I am willing to go and explore.

Which brings me to last night. Joe and I had a date, whooo hoo! It was the annual Valentines Dinner and Dance at our church put on by the youth group. We have never attened before, but since Elijah will be attending the Catholic Heart Work Camp this summer it is THE main fund raiser we decided to give it a go. Joe's parents let the kids stay the night, we put on our fancy clothes and headed out the door. It was a good time with a pasta dinner, a silent auction, good friends and good music. The kids were to act as waiters and serve us our dinner. The day started around noon with food prep and intruction as many of them had never done any thing like this before. Naomi was with a friend so I took Levi and let him help in the kitchen. He felt so grown up and was a big help. It's hard when you have kids so spread out in age and they all want to be included in everything. I'm just glad we have the type of community where everyone is invited to help in some way.

So you can tell we have been busy but doing some good stuff!

MEMORIES

Sticking with my random flashback moments, these were made from a couple of halloweens. Being a good mom and all, I didn't feel right posting the one of the boys and not including Naomi, my little pumpkin. My kids love to dress up, not just at halloween, but any time they see fit. I usually try to go a little more all out on the big day. Elijah's was one of my favorite because it looked so real. I love them all because they are so cute! What do you think? Cute!!!
X men, we grew his hair out just for this!
Tough guy, and Buzz, what a cutie!

FLUORESCENT LIGHTBULBS

Bright Idea
Originally uploaded by Monkey River Town

I just wanted to pass on some info that I just learned. In the parade magazine that is in our newspaper they have a section titled Medical Alert. Today they had one with the light bulb image and a woman rubbing her head.

For the last year, our utility company has been pushing for people to use this type of bulb to save energy. I'm all for that and have purchased a few. Now for the alert.

The lightbulb contains mercury. If one breaks, DO NOT vacuum it up! It can release toxic dust in the air. Instead, leave the room for 15 minutes. Then, wearing gloves, place the fragments into a plastic bag, seal it and take it to a recycling center.

The only problem is, I don't know where a recycling center is!

I found this very interesting and helpful, I hope you did too. Maybe we can save our enviornment by getting the word out.