Huh?

Wow...I didn't realize that I've only posted 3 other times in December. I'm slacking off! Either that or I've been too busy!

Christmas is over...

Let's see so much to catch up on...The last day of school didn't happen because we had a snow day. Well, really it was an ice day. It was also VERY cold outside. The kids and I got to stay home and prepare for the holiday week ahead. The Saturday before Christmas, Dane and I gut tickets from my co-worker Bryan to see the Browns play in Cleveland. it was COLD!!! I think with wind chill it was -4º. The Browns didn't play very well, but we had fun! We cuddled up under a blanket. After the first half, there was a mass exodus from the stadium. By the middle of the 4th quarter, there were less than 3,000 people in the stands. Very sad.

So, Christmas was so much fun! The kids were happy with everything Santa brought them. Andrew did ask for 10 or so video games, but he understands that Santa can only afford so much, so he was cool with it. we asked Sarah if she got everything she asked for, and she said, "Santa brought me stuff I didn't even know I wanted!" So she was happy. Dane and I decided since money is tight this year, we wouldn't buy for each other this year. That was OK, I did kind of miss shopping for him, there was so much stuff I found for him to get. We had so much fun watching the kids open their presents this year, it didn't matter that we didn't get presents!

We had so many Christmas parties, the kids were overly excited. Saturday before Christmas we were at the Klueber's (my mom's side). My mom's sister from Seattle was there, that was nice. We brought the Wii so my Aunt Cheryl could show my Uncle Chris how much fun it was and to help talk him into letting them get one. On Tuesday, we were with Dane's side of the family at Cyndi's. It wasn't as exciting as it usually is, but it was kind of nice to be with family, even though Dane's mom didn't see it that way. she was too upset that she couldn't go overboard on gifts for the kids this year to enjoy herself at the party. Christmas Eve there were 2 parties. We were at Dane's dad's for a little, and then met my mom, dad, and sibs at Justin's place. Andrew got his favorite present that wasn't a video game from his Aunt Beth. One of those little R/C helicopter things you see in the mall. He's having so much fun with it! We were at my Aunt Ann's house later Christmas day with my dad's side of the family. It's nice to see my cousin Lisa and her family. I wish we could see them more. We found out that Matt is finally getting married soon. he met a girl from the Philippines and she's moved to Hawaii with him. Can't wait to meet her.

There was so much ice on top of the little bit of snow we've gotten, that the kids have been a little upset we haven't been able to go sledding yet this year. But today it was 60º outside, so they had fun chopping the ice from the driveway and being out in only their sweatshirts.

We saw "Bedtime Stories" with the kids today. VERY funny movie. The kids loved it!

What a weekend...

Wow, what a weekend so far. It actually started during the week. After putting up a lot of the Christmas stuff last weekend, I still had a lot to do. So along with finishing putting up the Christmas stuff and cleaning up the house for Bunco Christmas party at our house, I also started to work the score board at the middle school basketball games. That's a lot of fun! I have to concentrate kind of hard to remember to work the board, and not just get into the game. I was falling asleep at 10:00 almost every night.

Bunco was SO MUCH FUN! We ate good food, had good conversations, and revealed our secret pals. We don't play bunco at our Christmas party...but we still have an awesome time. We added a new member to our group this year too. our group members are: Me (Amy-duh) Cyndi, Julie, Daina (pronounced Dana), Angie, Angela, Laura, Laurie, and Karla. Yeah, we only need 8 people to play, but there are some months that not everyone can come, and since the hostess cant win prizes, she doesn't have to play, she can be sociable.

Saturday was COOKIE DAY! Cookie day is the day my dad makes all his Christmas cookies. He made 5 kinds this year. The kids go over and spend the day helping, and Dane and I go shopping. We got more shopping done than I thought we would, we got to the mall at 11:00, and it wasn't too crowded. we got the kids ornaments form the kiosk we have been getting ornaments from every year since Andrew was a baby. After that, we picked up the Parish kids so they could spend the night. Dane got some pre-cut cookies that we baked and decorated.

Wow, it's only Saturday night, and we've already done so much! The other cool thing is it is finally snowing! we've probably only gotten 2 inches or so, but it's at least something!

Thanksgiving Weekend!

So, Turkey Day has come and gone. This is the official start to the Christmas season! I did not go out on Black Friday...I'm not that crazy this year. I have gone in the past, but not at 5 am. My sister, Beth went with a few of her friends at 4am this year. They dropped off people at 3 different stores! One of the girls stood at Target for 2 1/2 hours! They did get everything they wanted between them, though!

On Thursday, we went to My folks place out at the lake. It was just our four, my mom and dad, my Grandma Miller, her friend, and my Aunt Ann & Uncle Den. It was a nice time. Good food, lots of laughs, and I felt like an adult! A lot of times, I still feel like a kid at family functions. Especially around my mom's side of the family when we are all together. I don't think they really believe we are all grown up, with our own families, homes and personalities yet. The "adult" talk doesn't occur around the "kids" even though we are all older than 25!! Oh well...That's life in a big family!

Anyway, after dinner and dessert (my grandma made 3 kinds of pie!) The kids started to make ornaments for the Christmas tree. Everyone joined in! It was a lot of fun!

Saturday we set the tree up, the kids did everything! They put the tree together, they put all the ornaments and candy canes on, and they made the paper chain that went on the tree! The only thing Dane and I did was put the top of the tree on, put the lights on, and put the star on! It was really cool to see the kids working together like that. we also watched "The Polar Express" .After we put the tree up, we went to my folk "close house" as the kids call it to gave dinner with my aunt and uncle from Alaska. That was fun too. I learned a lot about the almost VP Sarah Palin. My aunt is a teacher and had Mrs. Palin's kids. Let me tell you...America really dodged a bullet there!!

Sunday was a lazy day for most of us. Just putting up the rest of the Christmas stuff...watching movies..a good weekend!

Turkey Day...again

I think Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays! I LOVE to cook T-day dinner. Last year I cookedfor a bunch of Danes Family (aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, parents and lots of kids) totalling about 45 people. Now, don't get me wrong, I had a little help, but I did the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, a corn casserole, and gravy. It was the first time EVER I made non lumpy gravy! All by myself! With no help from anyone!! OK, so the accomplishment isn't Nobel Prize worthy, but it was some pretty kick ass gravy! I really enjoy cooking and entertaining. I also like the advantage of being in charge!

This year we are going to my mom and dad's out at the lake. there won't be 45 people, only 9 people, but that's ok too. My mom put me in charge of vegtables. woohoo. Last year I fed 45 people. Green bean casserole and corn? Where's the challenge in that? Oh well. I do have another party on the horizon, BUNCO CHRISTMAS! Now THAT'S a party! And it's at my house. I don't have to drive anywhere. Most of you know what that means ;)

Turkey Day!

So, as Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, I stop and think about the things I am thankful for. To start out with, I have a great family. Dane is a good husband and father. I couldn't ask for better kids than the ones I have. They are so kind and caring, they get along very well together, and there's not a cruel bone in either one of their bodies. We are all healthy. We have a roof over our heads, we have jobs, and food to eat every day.

I just saw a news story about an 11 year old boy in Seattle who had leukemia. Rather than ask Make-a-Wish to send him on a huge vacation, or meet a famous person, he decided he wanted something else. He had seen a group of homeless people and figured they were hungry. He asked his family to help feed the homeless. This child, who died 2 weeks later, was inspired to do something, even though he was the one who was in need, he was the one who was sick. My only hope is that my children grow up to be like this boy: inspired to do something great.

Another thing I am thankful for is the love of my friends and family. They may not realize that they are the rock that I hang on to when my life is stormy. I only hope that I can be as strong for them as they are for me.

Lastly, I am thankful for the fun I have had in my life and all the people who have contributed to it. From old friends from grade school (Amanda), to friends in high school (Matt and Jacob), to the friends and family I have now (my bunco girls).

Leaves

It was a dark and stormy night. Well...it was dark anyway! The leaves weren't that bad. I used a snow shovel. That worked much better on the leaves as long as they were on the pavement. The leaves are done. It didn't take me so long, and it wasn't all that cold either...too much work!

Fall-the good, the bad and the ugly

I love fall! The leaves on the trees are so pretty! The seasons are changing! The days are getting cooler. I was married in the fall. Halloween is in the fall. Thanksgiving is in the fall. Needless this is the "good" about the fall.
The bad: Christmas is quickly approaching. The days are getting shorter. The kids are back in school. People's driving is getting worse because of the impending snow, sleet and freezing rain.
The ugly: Again, the leaves. Raking all the leaves. Again, and again, and again. Raking the leaves when it is cold and wet out because it's better than raking them out from under the snow. UGH. I'm not complaining...oh wait, I AM complaining...but I know it's something that needs to be done. SO, out in the cold and wet I shall go...but because of the days getting shorter, it'll probably be cold, wet and dark.

wow...what a game...wooo

Unless you are living in a bubble, or are not into football, (and I do mean you Matt) you will know that The OSU Buckeyes thoroughly trounces the U of M Wolverines 42-7. it was a very sad, sad game. Mich started to look like there was a small glimmer of hope at the end of the first half and very beginning of the 2nd, but it didn't last long. At the end of the first half, the score was 14-7. so it wasn't too bad, but then, as the 2nd half started...well, the slaughter began. I would have rather watched an exciting game and have the Buckeyes loose, then what happened on Saturday. The party was fun though!

On a better note, after the game, the kids went to Dane's sister took the kids, and we got to get started on Christmas shopping! It was a good time. We didn't hear any Christmas music, thank goodness, (I refuse until after Thanksgiving to listen to any) but the crowds and traffic have already started. That's one BIG downfall of living close to the mall...the Christmas traffic!

OSU vs. U of M

Today was one of the more fun days at school. Jane (the teacher I work with) is a Michigan fan and I...am not! So on the Friday before the Big Border Battle, I decorate half the room in red and grey and Jane decorates in blue and gold, and the kids choose which side to sit on. Now, the kids we work with are all special needs kids, they all have learning disabilities of one kind or another, but they really get into the rivalry! One boy brought in a big OSU flag to hang up. Another boy brought in an OSU plaque, a pillow and a football! There were lots of kids dressed in team shirts, and some not. A few of the kids don't even watch football, but chose a side anyway! One of our boys told us, "I don't like football. Where do I sit?" So now, the big question is...who had more fans, Jane or I? (drum roll.....) Yes the victor was... the Buckeye side!
Dane and I are having a few relatives over who would like to watch the game on Saturday, so it should be fun. It is the only college football game we watch all year. Hopefully the Buckeyes don't beat the Wolverines TOO badly, I hate boring one sided games, but as the saying goes: "Any given Sunday"...or Saturday... in this case.

GO BUCKS!

Wow...life is busy!

So...needless to say, as a mom, wife and "educator", my life can get extremely busy. Take today, for instance. Get out of work @ 2:30ish, go over to the elementary for a reading group. Pick the kids up @ 3:30ish, get to an appointment out in P-burg by 4, get home, do some cleaning, help with homework, start dinner. Tonight one of my cousins-Miriam- came over for help on math. ('cause I'm a wiz-and she's not) (LOVE YOU MIMI) so here it is...9:11, just goth the kids down to bed, and I'm whooped! I'm only 33 and days like today tire me out! I'll probably go and watch TV with Dane, and fall asleep before 10, only to get up and do the whole thing over again tomorrow starting at 5:30. Yes I said 5:30. (unfortunately, I've become a -gasp- morning person) I make myself sick sometimes! Someone once described me as "perky". (needless to say I about smacked them!) I am so NOT "perky"! Enthusiastic, yes, perky, HELL NO!
Wow...this went from how busy my day was to how I am SO not perky...talk about your stream of consciousness!

Christmas....but not quite

So...Here it is, almost Thanksgiving. I heard on the radio this morning that there are only 39 shopping days left until Christmas! 39!! I haven't even started ANY shopping yet!! Man...The days, months, and years go by so quickly, it's getting hard to keep track! We had our first snowfall this past weekend. Nothing big, but enough big flakes to stick on some surfaces. Sarah got excited and wanted to play out in the snow! Then this morning, there was snow in the grass. the pretty kind of snow that goes away when the sun shines on it. Sarah is super geeked up about winter and Christmas. Andrew is a little excited, but not as excited as he used to be since he doesn't believe in Santa anymore. But him not believing makes things a little easier because he knows mom & dad buy the presents, and that presents cost money, so if he only has a few expensive things, he's OK with that. I guess we better start shopping soon, because pretty soon these 5 weeks will be gone!

On a side note...11 weeks until my birthday! lol

Weekend

Wow...what a weekend. Went to see 2 great shows, a rip roaring party with a bunch of awesome girls on Saturday night, had a great dinner with other friends after the show on Sunday...man...I need a weekend from my weekend! Back to work on Monday :/ Oh well! That's life! It's hard to believe that next weekend is OSU vs. Michigan game, and Tanksgiving is the Thursday after that, and Christmas is a month after that! Time is flying! A month after Christmas is Andrew's 10th birthday. 10! I can't believe he's almost 10! Where have the last few years gone?

Friday!!

Work was BORING today!! Lots of sitting on my arse and doing grading, testing, reading...nothing exciting really today. I got to watch the beginning of Disney's Pocahontas three times. It may be a good movie, but I'll never know unless I can see past the first 25 minutes or so!
We (Dane and I) went to The Village Players with my folks. (We have season tickets with them) (SUPPORT LOCAL THEATRE AND ARTS PROGRAMS!) We saw a show called My Three Angels. Very funny! We are also going out to Rossford High School's production of Noises Off on Sunday.
There are days i miss being a part of a theatre family, but then I remember how much time it took up...I don't think I'd be able to be away from my family for that many hours to be involved in a show again. So I support local theatre by attending the shows. We may not be a huge city, but there is great talent here in Toledo!

My ipod

So I was going through my ipod trying to make a playlist of my favorite music. I was going through all 300 songs and my "favorite" playlist ended up being 64 songs. What the heck? My favorites included songs from almost every genre of music, from heavy metal to musicals. I even had a country song in there. I don't know how to decide which songs are my favorite! It's like asking me what my favorite book is! (actually, books are worse!) I'm lucky my ipod is only 2G...Dane has an 18G iopd...he can fit 20,000 songs on it...I don't know what I would do with that much music!

My Life

It's been said that I seem to be unhappy with my life. I am absolutely, positively happy with my life. Yes, my life isn't perfect, but who's is? I have only mentioned that my life is just south of the dull side. But who's to say I'd be able to handle a more exciting life? It's no one's fault that life is slightly dull. There are some very exciting moments in my live here and there. (Like when Andrew came home from school today with the news that he made the honor roll!) Yes, there are times when I wish we could travel more...but who doesn't? Toledo is a great place to live, I really wouldn't want to live anywhere else, and I've said that before. I love my kids, I love my husband, and I wouldn't change anything at all. Even for a million dollars!

Andrew

I know I work with special ed kids. But when it's my son who is having teh trouble with spelling, I can't help him. It's so frustrating! He will cry and sob and freak out so that he's making himself sick! I've talked to his doctor and his teachers about his frustration, but nothing seems to work. Today he said to me "Why do we have to have 95% of the day doing something I don't like? Why can't we do more math acience and social studies? Why do I have to do so much spelling homework?" I finally got so frustrated with him that I answered "Your teacher hates you that's why she does it." I know it probably wasn't the best thing for me to do, but I ran out of things to say to him to be supportive. Sometimes I don't know how to help him. Dane knows better than I di how to deal with him, but when I call him, he gets upset that I can't calm Andrew down on my own. So today I didn't. Eventually (faster than I thought he would) he calmed down and got the work done super fast. He does not like being bad at spelling, but he also knows he has to study to do well. He wants to do well, but gets frustrated with it not being easy like science, math and social studies are. I reminded him that he wouldn't be able to learn those things without reading and spelling, but that made his mood worse. Sometimes I just don't know what to do.

Getting Started-First!

This is my first attempt of being a blogger. I hope I am interresting enough! Let me get started by introducing my family. I have 2 kids, hence the "Mom of 2". Andrew is 9 (going on 56) and Sarah is 7 (and knows how to use her cuteness). I'm married to a great guy named Dane. We have been married for 11 years. Wow, 11 years! That's a third of my life! Hard to imagine! Especially since in high school I swore I would never get married! We have our problems, but overall, my life is good. We have a cat named Cookie. We had a dog, but he pissed all over my house so we got rid of him. We live in Toledo. It's not that bad. I don't think I could live anywhere else, I'd miss my family too much! I play bunco with a great group of girls once a month. It's a good time with no kids (usually) and no hubbies (again-usually). It's our on unique brand of therapy. I do alot of reading, both with my kids and with out. I enjoy playing with my kids. We play alot of games together. We enjoy watching football, and going to the theatre. We like the park, (Wildwood) the Toledo Zoo, and the Art Museum.

Hopefully I can remember to write as often as I think I will!!