After a weekend of fun with Peaches (can't get over that name), we are now her owners. We fell in love with her, the kids adore her, and her owner realized that to find someone/somewhere who could love her and give her attention is too important to take her away from it again. My heart breaks for her owner. We all have lost dogs, and it is such a painful experience.
Peaches is doing well. She walked into our house on Friday night without so much as one jump, bark, or annoying behavior. She is a little...okay a lot overweight. We have been walking her, and she's thrown up a couple of times after. But it's good for her to move around more.
Brady, who has been forever scared of dogs, loves her. He calls her Doggie. Thad mistakenly calls her Lazzie, because she looks like my parents' old bulldog.
So now we have five kids. Literally a dog is like a child. She needs to be wiped down every time she takes a drink, her folds, eyes, and ears need to be cleaned daily (if not more), and she has horrid smelling gas.
I will provide more pictures soon....
Tonight Thad and I are going to coach Olivia's tball team. It's her first night. It's my first time as a coach. This should be...interesting. I have to leave tball early and run Ryan to his orchestra concert. Then I will sit in a sweltering gym with several hundred other people while it's 85 degrees outside. So it will be around 105 in there. Whoo hoo.
Tomorrow is the AP government test. I can't believe I made it. I can't believe my students made it with me.I've gained around 8-10 lbs in the last few months. I'm pretty ticked about that. I guess when I eat healthier more often I don't gain so fast. Whoops. I was blaming hockey. Now I'm blaming work and soccer. Then I will blame baseball. What would be the best choice is to blame myself, only eat healthy, find time to work out more (impossible), and just quit blaming everyone and everything else.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Peaches
This is Peaches. We have been asked to foster her beginning in July-January. Thad is only going along with it for my sake. What a guy! Seriously though, she needs a home while her daddy is away at military training, and we are happy to help. You have to truly love bulldogs to see their beauty. We may have her this weekend and do a trial run. I will let you know how it goes!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Amen sister
I saw this on facebook tonight. I love it. I loved this show. I love it even more now.
Some people use their blog to discuss their personal views. I haven't really done that. But I am today.
I respect other peoples' opinions about issues, so please respect mine. You don't have to agree with me. You don't have to like what I think, but I, for one, do not find this to be detrimental to society.
What I find detrimental is a home life that lacks love, lacks care, involves fighting more than anything. Even my dear sweet husband who probably doesn't agree with me on this has said, "In my job I see more broken homes, more neglected children, more sad situations that most people can't even imagine. If two loving people are raising a child, who am I to say that's wrong?"
Guess what guys? Most of those homes he sees aren't gay couples having kids. They are just people who have had kids.
In life, we need to try to move away so much from labels, and just think of everyone as a person. It's not easy, and we are only a couple of generations removed (in my case one) from ending segregation.
So how about we stop worrying about: who's Black, who's white, who's Hispanic, who's Native American, who's gay, who's straight, etc. Let's all just be.
**This is the (hopefully) last PSA coming from my blog for the next year!**
Some people use their blog to discuss their personal views. I haven't really done that. But I am today.
I respect other peoples' opinions about issues, so please respect mine. You don't have to agree with me. You don't have to like what I think, but I, for one, do not find this to be detrimental to society.
What I find detrimental is a home life that lacks love, lacks care, involves fighting more than anything. Even my dear sweet husband who probably doesn't agree with me on this has said, "In my job I see more broken homes, more neglected children, more sad situations that most people can't even imagine. If two loving people are raising a child, who am I to say that's wrong?"
Guess what guys? Most of those homes he sees aren't gay couples having kids. They are just people who have had kids.
In life, we need to try to move away so much from labels, and just think of everyone as a person. It's not easy, and we are only a couple of generations removed (in my case one) from ending segregation.
So how about we stop worrying about: who's Black, who's white, who's Hispanic, who's Native American, who's gay, who's straight, etc. Let's all just be.
**This is the (hopefully) last PSA coming from my blog for the next year!**
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Differences
AJ's post inspired me. How can kids be so different yet come from the same pool of genes? I would argue the greatest of differences lies between my sister and I. Just the other day she said, "Boy we are different. From personalities, to coloring, to body shape, everything." She's so right.
Ryan: Hot and cold. Strong willed. Pushes until there is a breaking point. Only will give up if he gets his way or has lost several privileges. Autonomous, athletic, funny as heck, very quick on his toes, and at the same time, one big fat giant pill in our house day in and day out.
Kate: Warm. Bizarre as all heck. Loves being weird to get a reaction. Unique, creative, unaffected by perceptions of her, doesn't care about peer pressure, and by far the most loving of our kids. Tells us every night she loves us, kisses us good night, offers kind words daily. Tries to be mean to Olivia when we aren't looking and can be quite sassy.
Olivia: Less hot and cold. Her emotions aren't tied to anger, but frustration/crying. Private like Ryan. Cries when things don't go her way. Easily hurt. Seems to need a lot of reinforcement in general. Hardest to feed. Yet she is easy...easy to please, easy to have around, not annoying at all, and overall very sweet. Easy but rather needy.
Brady: Always been happy, easy, kind, loving, etc. Recently has become strong willed. Loves his daddy. Loves his big sister "lii-ee-uh" and loves the big kids who come over. Makes everyone smile and is quick witted. Just last night insisted when we got his hair cut that he wanted it "up." I figured out he wanted a buzz cut. So we got him a buzz cut. I'm realizing he is growing up terribly fast as the result of having older siblings.
d
Ryan: Hot and cold. Strong willed. Pushes until there is a breaking point. Only will give up if he gets his way or has lost several privileges. Autonomous, athletic, funny as heck, very quick on his toes, and at the same time, one big fat giant pill in our house day in and day out.
Kate: Warm. Bizarre as all heck. Loves being weird to get a reaction. Unique, creative, unaffected by perceptions of her, doesn't care about peer pressure, and by far the most loving of our kids. Tells us every night she loves us, kisses us good night, offers kind words daily. Tries to be mean to Olivia when we aren't looking and can be quite sassy.
Olivia: Less hot and cold. Her emotions aren't tied to anger, but frustration/crying. Private like Ryan. Cries when things don't go her way. Easily hurt. Seems to need a lot of reinforcement in general. Hardest to feed. Yet she is easy...easy to please, easy to have around, not annoying at all, and overall very sweet. Easy but rather needy.
Brady: Always been happy, easy, kind, loving, etc. Recently has become strong willed. Loves his daddy. Loves his big sister "lii-ee-uh" and loves the big kids who come over. Makes everyone smile and is quick witted. Just last night insisted when we got his hair cut that he wanted it "up." I figured out he wanted a buzz cut. So we got him a buzz cut. I'm realizing he is growing up terribly fast as the result of having older siblings.
d
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Ugh
I was just reading my friend's blog post about February kicking her a$$. I can relate...too well.
I don't like to complain about being stressed, because we ALL have life issues that cause us concern. Many have it way worse than I do. But for my own sake I am going to blog about my personal stressors.
I am teaching a new class. It is kicking my a$$ into a whole new territory of stress. I am teaching Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics. Let me tell you what. This is NOT a class I would have taken in high school had it been offered, and I know I wouldn't have passed! Everyday at school I am pouring over about five or six different AP workbooks, the book, online sites, heck anything that can offer me help. I also teach another class, so that needs my attention. Then at night between the kids' stuff, I spend anywhere from 1-2 hours on it.
I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS CLASS! I'm sorry, but I have no clue (but I'm learning) about PACS, Super PACs, Election Laws, and okay I could write until the cows come home. So not only do I have to get it, but I have to present it in a way that the kids think I sort of get it. These kids are the best and the brightest in our school. It's no secret they are more intelligent than I am. Almost daily they ask me questions that I can't answer. The best part? I have a student teacher who seems to be able to answer the questions. They call him "prof." Yeah that's not a kick to the gut. I've been in tears more times over work since January than any other time in my job.
This is what I need to tell myself each day...:
I will get through this
I am healthy (okay except for the awesome 24 hours migraine I had for the first time in my life this weekend. I blame "the class.")
My family is healthy
My husband supports me and lets me work as needed
I am a better person because of this class
A professional challenge is good
So I have to give up a week of my summer vacation to learn more about this stuff this summer. So I can't apply for a history seminar. So what? I am so happy. (okay that's a lie)
And again one of my favorite mantras: What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
Back I must go to work on my presentation about Interest Groups. Sounds thrilling huh?
I don't like to complain about being stressed, because we ALL have life issues that cause us concern. Many have it way worse than I do. But for my own sake I am going to blog about my personal stressors.
I am teaching a new class. It is kicking my a$$ into a whole new territory of stress. I am teaching Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics. Let me tell you what. This is NOT a class I would have taken in high school had it been offered, and I know I wouldn't have passed! Everyday at school I am pouring over about five or six different AP workbooks, the book, online sites, heck anything that can offer me help. I also teach another class, so that needs my attention. Then at night between the kids' stuff, I spend anywhere from 1-2 hours on it.
I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS CLASS! I'm sorry, but I have no clue (but I'm learning) about PACS, Super PACs, Election Laws, and okay I could write until the cows come home. So not only do I have to get it, but I have to present it in a way that the kids think I sort of get it. These kids are the best and the brightest in our school. It's no secret they are more intelligent than I am. Almost daily they ask me questions that I can't answer. The best part? I have a student teacher who seems to be able to answer the questions. They call him "prof." Yeah that's not a kick to the gut. I've been in tears more times over work since January than any other time in my job.
This is what I need to tell myself each day...:
I will get through this
I am healthy (okay except for the awesome 24 hours migraine I had for the first time in my life this weekend. I blame "the class.")
My family is healthy
My husband supports me and lets me work as needed
I am a better person because of this class
A professional challenge is good
So I have to give up a week of my summer vacation to learn more about this stuff this summer. So I can't apply for a history seminar. So what? I am so happy. (okay that's a lie)
And again one of my favorite mantras: What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
Back I must go to work on my presentation about Interest Groups. Sounds thrilling huh?
Monday, February 27, 2012
Last night
We went to dinner with my dad. Luckily Wayne was in a laid back mood because we looked like a three (four) ring circus...
--Brady walked in with hockey gloves and a hockey helmet
--Ryan was sharing some foul smelling....love with us.
--Brady announced he had to poop...very loudly.
--Brady returned from the bathroom and not only announced that he did his business, but the color as well.
--Kate spilled her pop all over.
--Brady started choking, gagging, and regurgitated a bit of food into a napkin I held. Awesome.
--Brady announced again he had to poop.
--Brady announced his butt hurt.
--The waitress was clearing our plates...even Kate was done eating. If you know Kate, she is always the last to finish. Brady said very loudly, "Don't take mine!"
Really this was just a typical hour spent with my family, but sometimes you just have to roll your eyes
--Brady walked in with hockey gloves and a hockey helmet
--Ryan was sharing some foul smelling....love with us.
--Brady announced he had to poop...very loudly.
--Brady returned from the bathroom and not only announced that he did his business, but the color as well.
--Kate spilled her pop all over.
--Brady started choking, gagging, and regurgitated a bit of food into a napkin I held. Awesome.
--Brady announced again he had to poop.
--Brady announced his butt hurt.
--The waitress was clearing our plates...even Kate was done eating. If you know Kate, she is always the last to finish. Brady said very loudly, "Don't take mine!"
Really this was just a typical hour spent with my family, but sometimes you just have to roll your eyes
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Hibbing Tournament
This weekend our family (minus Kate who opted to stay home with Grandma and Grandpa) headed up to the Iron Range for a hockey tournament. The scenery was pretty, the weather was beautiful, and the company was excellent.
Of course Brady chose the car ride to be the first time to skip a nap. He slept for maybe twenty minutes. Otherwise he chatted with us the entire ride. We checked in, dumped our stuff, got Ryan some food, sent him with another family and hit the pool.
This is THE highlight for every kid who takes a trip. They were in heaven.
The first game we played was against Orono. Here is Ryan warming up. Vicky's husband Rick (who is equally as sweet and kind as she is) whispered something in Thad's ear that got Thad's attention. He told Thad that the coach for Orono was Rob Maclanahan. If you are a hockey fan, you might know that he was a member of the 1980 USA hockey "dream" team. And dang were they good....
We lost...and again in the morning at an early game.
Brady looks out like a light here after the Saturday morning game, but this also only lasted 25 minutes. Where he found his energy, I have no idea.
But the boys won against Evelyth, so that meant a little celebration pizza AND a Sunday afternoon game. The parents were a little bummed that it would be a long day AND evening, but the boys could have cared less.
Look who's part of the crew?
We left our hotel in Mountain Iron, MN, today and by about ten minutes away from Hibbing, Olivia and Brady were out. So we decided to hit a range in Hibbing.
Um....yeah they also have a Greyhound Bus museum. I thought about stopping in....wait no I didn't. Wth?
Then we saw this. My cell phone doesn't do it justice, but it's pretty amazing that there are not only actual hills, but a big iron range in this state.
Mining was going on in the distance.
Olivia was half asleep, Brady was in the car, but Thad and Ryan were all smiles.
The boys won their game. It was a great time. Brady slept on the way home for (again) maybe twenty minutes. The other two kids didn't. He talked about hockey, the pool, and the hotel the entire.car.ride.home.
And guess what? We get to do it again in a few weeks. The boys have four games in the cities the end of January. So we'll pack up the car, stress about money, tune out bickering, and cheer very loudly. I can't wait.
Of course Brady chose the car ride to be the first time to skip a nap. He slept for maybe twenty minutes. Otherwise he chatted with us the entire ride. We checked in, dumped our stuff, got Ryan some food, sent him with another family and hit the pool.
This is THE highlight for every kid who takes a trip. They were in heaven.
The first game we played was against Orono. Here is Ryan warming up. Vicky's husband Rick (who is equally as sweet and kind as she is) whispered something in Thad's ear that got Thad's attention. He told Thad that the coach for Orono was Rob Maclanahan. If you are a hockey fan, you might know that he was a member of the 1980 USA hockey "dream" team. And dang were they good....
We lost...and again in the morning at an early game.
Brady looks out like a light here after the Saturday morning game, but this also only lasted 25 minutes. Where he found his energy, I have no idea.
But the boys won against Evelyth, so that meant a little celebration pizza AND a Sunday afternoon game. The parents were a little bummed that it would be a long day AND evening, but the boys could have cared less.
Look who's part of the crew?
We left our hotel in Mountain Iron, MN, today and by about ten minutes away from Hibbing, Olivia and Brady were out. So we decided to hit a range in Hibbing.
Um....yeah they also have a Greyhound Bus museum. I thought about stopping in....wait no I didn't. Wth?
Then we saw this. My cell phone doesn't do it justice, but it's pretty amazing that there are not only actual hills, but a big iron range in this state.
Mining was going on in the distance.
Olivia was half asleep, Brady was in the car, but Thad and Ryan were all smiles.
The boys won their game. It was a great time. Brady slept on the way home for (again) maybe twenty minutes. The other two kids didn't. He talked about hockey, the pool, and the hotel the entire.car.ride.home.
And guess what? We get to do it again in a few weeks. The boys have four games in the cities the end of January. So we'll pack up the car, stress about money, tune out bickering, and cheer very loudly. I can't wait.
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