Changes

I know it has been a while since I have written on here.  I sure hope to get the writing bug back soon.  I really miss sharing things and reading others comments and thoughts on their sites as well.

On a different note, there has again been a lot going on here.

But one of the best things lately is that I can honestly say I am completely happy with my current job.  Although it is not as many hours as I need it to be, I am finally comfortable and 'at home' where I am.  It has been a long time since I have absolutely loved going to work and I am so thrilled that I have been blessed again in this way.  I am currently in a temp position.

However, as of January 3rd I will be an employee of Penn State University.  I know there has been a lot of controversy at Main Campus as of late, but that certainly does not define Penn State.  I am proud to say that I work at Penn State.  And although it is currently part-time there are several people soon retiring and moving departments and I will be able to apply for the other openings when they come up.

Not sure I will get back here before the holiday so:

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!  

AND A VERY BLESSED NEW YEAR!

- Stacy

November 2

This last week has been filled with sad and/or disturbing news and I have been spending a lot of time in prayer for a few situations. My insomnia is even back as I guess I am worrying too much about some things I just can't control.  And we all know what the Lord says about worrying, if not:

Matthew 6:34 - Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I wish that my insomnia would understand this verse.

I know that many of you have lots to pray about but if you could just remember a few short things tonight, I would really appreciate it.

* Laurel is going in tomorrow for a scan as she has been losing blood and they are not sure why.  Please pray for wisdom for the doctor and that they will get a clear answer.

* My step-dad Tony is in the hospital with congestive heart failure, weakness in the heart and they also found something else but have not given us the rest of the information yet.

* My sister-in-law's dad was diagnosed with cancer and they are only giving him 6-12 months.

* My friend Jon's cousin from TX is missing: TJ Murray - I attached the link. If you know anyone in that area, please pass it on or for more on the situation search TJ Murray on fb.


The good news is that everyone in my home seems to be healthy and doing well right now.  We all passed the common cold around a few times, but we're getting back to normal.

Thanks,
Stacy

November 1

Hi there !  Long time no post...sorry.  Guess I just needed a break for a little bit.

Since today is November 1st, that means I start blogging again....every day for a month!  I have done this now for 3 or 4 years and today is as good a day as any to start writing again.


It has been a BUSY few months...

* Teen started college
* Tween started at a performing arts school
* Tween auditioned and received a part in the play
* Little S has real homework this year (2nd grade is tough)
* All of us adjusting to different work/school schedules
* Lots of new and exciting things going on at church

I am sure there are a lot more things, but that is all I can really come up with right now.

But stay tuned as I share some of the details of the last few months.  Lots of fun to share!

Stacy

Bricks

My friend 'Dory' recently wrote a post about how much she misses her dad.  In the post she wrote about an analogy that was in the movie 'Rabbit Hole'. Please take a minute and read her post: Three Years Later

After reading that post, I got to thinking about what 'bricks' I carry around with me. I lost my dad in 1990 when I was just shy of 19.  He died of cancer related to Agent Orange from Vietnam.

He would probably laugh that I put this picture up here for all to see. I am not sure what year this was taken, but it was definitely before 1989 and it was Christmas time in our kitchen.  And yes, I believe his pajama's had the 'flap' in the back...lol  I know that this is Christmas because of all of the Tupperware containers on the counter behind him. My Mum always makes a TON of cookies for Christmas and still uses some of those same containers to this day for her cookies.

This picture kind of cracks me up and make me long for those simple times so many years ago.

This is a 'brick' I have carried around with me for many years. Some of the times I have reached in and it really hurt: my wedding and not being able to have a daddy/daughter dance, the birth of my children and watching them grow up, those are just a few times that it has hurt...but after 20+ years it has become sadly, normal.

Sometimes my Mum and I can talk about him and laugh at the things he did (see above photo) or said..."sufficiently safansafied" :)  (his way of saying he was full at dinner) And other times, like recently when going through old photo's we cry or turn them over so we don't cry.

A few years ago our family lost 4 family member within a year and a half. Some of those bricks are still a little heavy but are starting to lighten up. The hurt is still real and fresh at times but it also has become bearable with time.

Thanks 'Dory' for sharing that little part of a movie that has also helped put into words what is sometimes so hard to do.

Stacy

Sad but True

My Pastor shared this video this morning on his Facebook page.  I shared it as well, but wanted to share it again. 

Sadly there has been a time or two or probably more (ok, I admit, many more times) that I have felt this way.  And even if I am all in the moment and just worshipping God and all that He has done for me I am sure that there are others that are feeling this way.

Have you ever felt like this in church?

Are you a Christmas & Easter believer?

Are you a Sunday and done for the week person?

Do you give it to Him but decide you can work it out on your own better?

At one point or another in my life I have been these people. Some times a few of them at once. I am so thankful that I am now at a point in my life where I am drawing closer to Him. 

Believe me, I am not perfect.  And there are days that go by where I haven't opened my Bible or that I haven't just sat down and taken even 5 minutes to thank Him for anything.

Recently we have started a few new classes and lessons in church with the fall schedule and I am trying harder to give things to Him and to be thankful and prayerful every day.

I hope that you find this video funny, but that you also look at it and see where you need to work on your relationship with Him.  I sure have.

Stacy

Picnic

From the title you probably think this is going to be a post about the Labor Day weekend and what we did, but it isn't.

Picnic is actually the name of the first production this year at Tween's performing arts school. Tween started school on August 24, they had try-outs on August 30th. He got a call back for August 31st and September 1.  On Friday he found out that he got a part in the play.  It isn't a big part but considering he has only been there for a week and he already got a part, we are extremely proud of him.

Now the hard part starts.  He has to leave for school at 6:10 am to catch the bus at 6:30. School does not start until 8:45.  He has a 2 hour bus ride with the other stops.  If I drive down it only takes 50 minutes. School is out at 3:15 and he gets home at 5:15.  Now that he is in a performance he will stay after school for practice and  I will have to go get him when he is done.

The performance is in October for 2 weekends.  I'll be sure to post updates and pictures as the time nears.

Thank you all for your support and prays as he has had a great transition to the new school and absolutely LOVES it.

Stacy


ps - He is playing the part of 'Bomber' if you watch the movie or look up the play.

Teen Traveling

Well, Teen is on the road again. I can't believe how much he has traveled in the last 2 years.

He is currently in Michigan with the YSU band.

Here he is in his uniform. He is now an official YSU Marching Pride Penguin. The first football game is tonight at 7:30 against Michigan State. The band does not usually travel to the away games but since it is their first game for the season they invited the band along.

The game is being broadcast on Big Ten Network tonight. I imagine I will not get to see the band at all but it is still pretty exciting.

They left yesterday at 5:00 and stayed at a hotel near the MSU campus. They practiced earlier today and after the game tonight will head back home. They expect to get in around 4:30 am. Please pray for safe travels on their way back and for him driving back home at that hour.

Stacy

Wednesday Would You

I haven't done this in a while but I was pondering this last week and saved it for today!

Would you rather:

Get a half-hour massage

or

Get a mani-pedi?

This is a hard choice for me...I have only ever had one professional massage. As far as mani-pedi's I have had 2 pedicures and probably 6 manicures in my life. If I had the money I would have a spa day and do all three ;)

So if you had to choose, which would you pick?

Stacy

Dinner

Today on facebook an old high school friend posted this statement:

Toddler tough love...sending your 3 yr old to bed hungry bc she won't eat her dinner (chicken and cheese quesadilla mind you) then making her eat it for breakfast. I was that mom today.

I am having a hard time with this.

When we were kids I remember one sitter who made my sister sit at the table for hours because she would not finish her dinner.

I remember my dad not letting us get up until our plates were empty.

I also remember loving stuffed peppers, just not the pepper part...so I would put mounds of sour cream on my plate so that I could cover the taste of the pepper. And if my grandma was there visiting us, she would 'sneak' the pepper off of my plate so I didn't have to eat it.

I also think that many of the obesity problems with my generation stem from this. I still feel as if I have to finish everything on my plate. Even if I am so full I can't eat another bite, I continue to eat until my food is gone.

I have never been one to make my child finish their plate. Now I do make them at least try a bite of something, but if they are full, I let them get up from the table. However, if they don't finish their plate, they do not get a snack in 20 minutes.

There are a few meals that hubby and I like that one of more of the kids don't care for and they have tried it on several occasions. So I have always given my kids the option of peanut butter and jelly or cereal if they don't like what is being served. I know some parents that go to the complete opposite extreme and cook a special meal for each person.

So I am curious, what is the rule in your house? Do they have to finish their plate? Do you have an optional meal if they do not like what is being served? Do you make special meals for each child?

Stacy

Little S

My Little S LOVES LOVES LOVES his John Deere and Tonka tractors and diggers. And every year for the last 5 years he has gotten one from his Grandparents Olivo for his fake birthday.

This is one example of what he does with them...thinking it borders on toy abuse...lol



But they are well love and well used.

Stacy

Bathroom Part 2

Recently we were without our air conditioning in our apartment for a week and a half. It just also happened to be the hottest week so far in our area. We stuck it out during the week but my parents offered for us to come stay with them for a few days to get a break from the heat.

So we left Thursday night (since I am off on Friday's) and stayed through Sunday evening. I was not going to go home to the heat sooner than I had to.

Friday morning I got up and moving around and went into the bathroom. The roll was almost empty so I got under the cabinet and replaced it.

Later in the afternoon I went into the bathroom again and the roll was once again empty except for 2 squares. I was at first a little confused and then I was a little angry to think that my boys went through a whole roll of toilet paper in just a few hours....what were they doing with it? Eating it? Decorating?

Anyhow, I open the cabinet and reach for another roll and there isn't one there. Now I know that there was at least one more roll under there when I changed it earlier in the day. Where did it go? My boys were going to be in serious trouble if they went through 2 rolls!

So I turn around and the tissue box is also missing from the bathroom. Great! Now what? My parents have a large house and no one is going to hear me yell for paper. So there I sit listening for someone to come down the hallway...thinking I might have to drip dry.

Pretty soon my sidekick that never leaves my side comes wondering down the hall looking for me and I holler to Little S to tell grandma that there isn't any tissue in the bathroom.

When she came back and told me to use the cardboard, I thought ha ha...very funny.

I then learned that my dad had this planned all day. The first time I went in and it was almost empty, he had forgotten to remove the extra rolls from under the sink.

They all got a kick out of making fun of me. But sadly my dad had just left to go to the store and missed the whole thing play out.

I'm glad that I could make the family laugh :)

Stacy

Facing My Fears

Anyone that know me at all knows that I absolutely do not like nor do I use public restrooms. I have been known to go 10-12 hours without using a restroom during the day if I am not home or somewhere I am comfortable.

That being said make this next story even more hilarious.

Tween and I were recently on an expedition of sorts and we left about 12:15 am and arrived at our destination at 1 am. We got settled in and by 10 am we were seated.

With all of the planning we did for this event, I never thought about having to use a public restroom. Honestly the thought never crossed my mind.

However by 2 pm I knew that I was going to have to break down and be brave and use the public restroom. Tween assured me that they were pretty clean. Of course he was using the men's and I was going to have to use the women's.

I put it off a little longer but by 3 pm I had to give in. So off I went, by myself, leaving behind my purse and such with Tween at our seats.

It didn't start out so bad. First off there weren't any entrance exit doors as there were corridors. That made me feel a little better as I didn't have to touch a gross door handle :)

So I look around a little and pick my, umm, stall...lol

I went in and use the facilities. As I reach for the toilet paper, guess what...there wasn't ANY!!! Ugh! What was I going to do? Seinfeld's "Can You Spare A Square Episode" running through my head.

I look to the right and there isn't anyone in that stall. I look to the left and noticed that who/what ever was in there had been standing backwards the entire time so I was not about to ask for a square.

What to do?? Well since I left my purse back at the seats, my only other option was to rip the cardboard liner apart and use it. To say it was uncomfortable and lacking absorb-ability would be an understatement. But I had no other choice.

So I go out to the sink and notice a girl just standing there with wet hands and as I wet mine and reach for the soap, she tells me that they are empty. We tried 3 different dispensers and although one was clearly full, the handle was broken :( She was just as disgusted as I was!

Thankfully again there weren't any exit doors so I quickly walked back to my seat without touching anything and had Tween get the hand sanitizer out for me.

At the time this wasn't funny, but seriously only I would have this experience. Since I never use public facilities I never thought to check for tissue paper upon entering the stall, I didn't even consider taking my purse in or my own soap.

Next time, if there ever has to be one, I will be more prepared!

Stacy

Funny Moment

I have a story to tell that tomorrow. But for today a funny!

Yesterday Tween got some disappointing news and several of my friends were also waiting for the answer. So I text them and let them know the answer he got. Although I got several texts back here are two texts I got in a row from two different friends.

First Dory sent this text: Awww poop

Then Shannon sent me this: Oh man. Stink :(

My Tween was so upset at the time and when I read him the two back to back texts he even had to laugh.

Thanks for making a tough situation a little easier if only for a minute.

Stacy

The Voice

Tween and I recently watched every episode of The Voice together. We loved it.

We cheered them on and then booed when one of our favorites was cut. I think these singers are amazing and much better than many who are on American Idol. And it didn't drag on for an eternity like Idol sometimes seems to do.

We both feel that America got it wrong and that Vicci or Dia should have one. But I am sure all four of the top 4 along with a few other will get some type of recording contract in the future.

On the final episode each of the finalists got to sing with one of their all-time favorite singers.

So I asked Tween who he would choose to sing with and he wasn't sure but turned the question on me. I had an answer right away. We even text hubby who was outside and asked him who my choice would be and he knew without a doubt who I would chose.

So if you had the opportunity to song with anyone who would you chose? And can you guess who I chose?

Stacy

Hawaiian Night Desserts

Last night was 'Hawaiian Night" for our Wednesday night church kids (K-6th). I offered to make the desserts.

The first thing I made was a watermelon basket. First I cut two wedges out of the melon, then I balled all of the fruit and set it aside. After that I cut the "v" marks around the bottom of the bowl and across the handle. Finally I scraped the handle into a few lines. Once it was all carved and cleaned out I put the balled fruit back inside.

And this is the final product. It really isn't hard to do, just time consuming. It probably took me about 45 minutes to do this.

Recently my friend had a surprise "50th" birthday party put together by her sons and their girlfriends. This was the centerpiece for each table.

In case you can't see everything on there it is sand, seashells, beach glass and candles. In the little favor bags are handmade white chocolate seashells.

I absolutely loved it and knowing that I would soon be at the swim party with the kids I started thinking. I wanted something edible but also fun and safe for the kids.

So I kicked a few things around and this is what I finally came up with:

The 'sand' is crushed graham crackers and the 'water' is blue jello. To make it more fun for the kids I added swedish fish and sea creatures on the water and we used my friends left over chocolate seashells to put in the sand.

I had so much fun coming up with this and making it and the kids had fun eating it and picking out the chocolates and fish.

Stacy

Hello There

I did not fall off of the end of the Earth. I have just been incredibly busy. I will finally get a break next week. I have tons to write about.

So I will see you soon with lots of love, laughter and a few tears.

Thanks for sticking around.

Stacy

My Name is Stacy and I am a Shoe-aholic!

Some people collect purses and change them out often, others have tons of clothes. My habit is shoes.

The other morning I was looking for a pair of black shoes to go with my outfit. I pulled out 5 different single black shoes out of the closet with out finding a match (yes my shoe closet is that out of control).

My hubby just didn't get it. He does not understand why I need 5 different pairs of black shoes. I tried to explain to him that they each served a different purpose and he proceeded to ask my why then I need so many pairs of sandals and why some were the same but in different colors.

He has probably 5 or 6 total pairs of shoes. Tennis shoes for work, boots for work, a pair of sandals, a pair of slippers and a pair of dress shoes.

I am sure most of you (especially the girls) will understand the need for 5 pairs of black shoes. Some are sandals, some are flats and some are heels. Yes that equals more than 5....I may have 5 pair in the shoe closet but I know I have at least 2 more pair in my bedroom.

And believe me I do not spend a lot on my shoes. I usually get them on sale or at the end of a season. I once paid $60 for a pair of good shoes for walking but mostly all of my shoes were purchased for under $15.

How many pairs of shoes are too many? Do you have several shoes in the same style but different colors?

If you don't get the 'shoe' thing, what do you have to buy?

Stacy

Mother's Day

Tween was scheduled as the Special Music act for our church service on Sunday. I couldn't have asked for a better Mother's Day present than hearing him sing. The whole video was too long to upload so here is a snippet.

Not long ago I wrote this post: Mixed Feelings. If you haven't read it, you can click on the link to read it.

Tween finally got an answer this past week. He was officially accepted into Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School for Fall 2011. He is extremely excited.

Shortly after Tween called to tell me that he had been accepted I called our Pastor to let him know and also to pray for my nervousness. I am happy for Tween but I am also a little sad and anxious about the whole transition. I think the whole Sunday sermon was directed toward me. It was naturally about mother's and what our job is and how when the time comes we have to let them go....OUCH! Message received.

Stacy

Totally Blessed

I recently was accepted as a Substitute Teachers Assistant with our local Intermediate Unit. The Intermediate Unit is in charge of all of the Early Intervention/Special Education/Life Skills/Etc. classes in the 3 local counties in my area.

I was both excited and nervous to go to my first assignment. I wasn't sure what I would encounter. My husband has an aunt who has Down's Syndrome and I also have friends that have children that are Learning Disabled in some way or Autistic. So I wasn't a stranger to the needs of these types of students. However I had never worked with a group of them at once and wasn't sure how it would go.

Last Friday I was called out to sub in a Life Skills/Learning Disabled Class. These students were high functioning. I don't know the exact diagnosis but I do know that one had Down's Syndrome and at least one was autistic. There were 7-9 kids in the class depending on the time of the day.

We started out the day with breakfast and then to our room for Spelling. Each student is given his/her own set of words for the week depending on their individual skill level. I helped check the spelling of their words and had them say and spell them to me. I enjoyed the one on one time.

Next two of the students went to regular classes (Art & Computer) while we took the rest of the kids bowling. They bus them to a nearby Elks club that has an OLD 4 lane alley in the basement. What I mean by old is that the Elk volunteers actually had to set the pins back up and roll the balls back. After they were done, the kids went into the lounge area and were served soda and chips/popcorn as a snack. This Elks club does this service/outreach to many of the local Learning Disabled classes in the area.

When we got back to the school they had free time/music time before we headed to lunch. After lunch they had a few more worksheets to do and one they did together on the overhead projector.

After that they head teacher set up a little store and auction center. At first I was unsure of what they were doing but I soon caught on. See the children have a 'bank account' in class. Each day they are given 'money' for certain jobs they do in the classroom. At the end of the week they can buy stuff. I kept track of their purchases and gave them a 'bill of sale'. They then had to go write me a 'check' for their bill and subtract it from their account. What a neat way to teach. I personally think all students should be taught this.

Friday was prom at this school so in the afternoon we had movie time. They combined classes with the low functioning students for the movie. They all shared popcorn and juice and laughed while watching "Spirit".

All throughout the day I felt so completely and totally blessed. And I haven't stopped thinking about those students and praying for them. They touched my heart and completely fulfilled my day, week, month, year.

I cannot wait to get called out again! I love the direction that God is taking me and can't wait to see where I end up!

Stacy

Little S & I

I was going through some pictures looking for a certain one and ran across this one. I usually do not like my picture taken. I don't think I take good pictures at all. But I ran across this one and I love it. I can't remember the last time I loved a picture with me in it, but here it is:

Little S and I were just being silly at my mum's house out in my grandma's living room. Little S loves to take pictures. He often just takes my phone or camera and snaps away. So glad for digital photos!

Do you like to have your picture taken or are you usually the one behind the camera?

Stacy

Extreme Couponing

So recently there has been a lot of talk about the new show Extreme Couponing. I have mixed feelings about this show.

I completely understand using coupons and getting a great deal. I use coupons myself and believe me when I say I grew up with the queen of extreme refunding. (That's a story for another day.) If you can avoid paying retail then go for it.

Here is where I have a problem. Some of these people have so much stuff in their houses and storage areas that they will never use it all. I have seen some that have stocked their paper products in their shower. I don't know about you but I have two bathrooms and we use them both.

So why can't these people then take the extreme excess and donate it to charity. There are plenty of homeless shelters, food banks, churches and so on that would love to have a portion of that stuff to pass on to those less fortunate.

I did see a recent commercial for the show that showed a man with 1000 tubes of toothpaste. He has the right idea though. He is donating a ton (literally and figuratively) of items to military families. He is keeping what his family can use in a reasonable amount of time and the rest is going to a wonderful cause.

How do you feel about this new craze? Do you coupon, extreme coupon or not use them at all?

Stacy

Would You Rather Wednesday

I was talking to Teen the other day as we were riding in the car and I told him about my Would You Rather posts. He gave me the question for this week. Would You Rather: Eat snake for dinner? or Let 100 spiders crawl on you for an hour? I absolutely would not want to do either but if I had to choose, hands down I would eat snake. I can't stand to have a spider in the same universe as me, let alone 100 of them crawling on me. So what would you choose? Stacy

Socks

I have always tried to be the type of parent that lets her boyz be themselves. You know the 'pick your battles' type of parent. Little S loves his cowboy boots. This is a picture from last summer. It was probably 80*+ and this is what he chose to wear.

He told us it was too hot to wear a shirt, but he still had those cowboy boots on. He wears them everywhere. We had to eventually take them off of him as he outgrew them but insisted upon wearing them anyhow. Don't worry though Grandma & Grandpa got him a new pair for Christmas. And he now wears them ALL of the time.

So last night Teen & Tween and I went to the laundromat to get some clothes done. While we were gone Daddy gave Little S his bath and got him ready for bed. When I came home they were talking about his silly socks he put on.

Not sure where he found them but I they were a prize in a game we played at Christmas. They are red, green and white striped toe socks. He wore them to bed last night.

This morning I got him up and set out his clothes. While I was getting his clothes I asked if he had socks, totally forgetting about the silly socks. He said he had them and I went out to the other room while he dressed.

When he came out and I saw the socks I asked him to please go change his socks. He whined about it and I tried to get him to change them. Then he said this:

"Mum, school is about learning not about socks!"

How could I argue with that? I definitely lost that battle with the 7 year old.

This is what he wore to school today. Of course he put his boots on before walking out the door. I figured not many kids are going to see the socks anyhow with those boots on. It's all about choosing my battles :)

Stacy

Plant Answer

I guess I took the picture too close as everyone was right. It was popcorn kernels. There was only one suspect in my house that would have done that, so I asked him. Me - Little S did you put popcorn kernels in my plant? LS - Yes. Me - Why? LS - So that your plant would get more flowers and so I could grown a popcorn plant. Me - Where do you think Popcorn comes from? LS - Popcorn Tween and I were laughing and then he proceeded to explain to Little S where popcorn comes from. That kid just cracks me up sometimes. Stacy

Plants

When it comes to indoor plants, I do not have a green thumb at all...in fact it is almost black.

I have found that the only plant I can really take care of in the house is my Peace Lily. The reason I can handle this plant is you cannot over water it as they can live in just water. If it doesn't get enough water, it starts to droop. I just add some water and it perks right back up. What a horrible life for a plant. In fact if they had a humane society for plants, I would loose my rights to plants...lol

My mum on the other hand can grow anything. Indoor or outdoor. She definitely has a green thumb. We grew up with tons of plants around the house. In fact when she remodeled her last house she had a whole plant section in the dining room. She had a cabinet built in and a grow light put in above. When she built the addition on to her new house she had a huge sun room put in and it is full of thriving plants. And the outside of the house is beautiful as well. It looks as if she had a professional landscaper come in and design everything. However they did it all themselves. I will have to share some pics this spring and summer.

So the other day my plant needed water (no it wasn't drooping this time) and as I went to move the leaves to water it, here is what I found:

Can you see those little seeds in there? You will never guess what they are or how they got there. Go ahead and guess....I'll stop back later and give you the answer.

Stacy

Wednesday Would You

Last week I took my friend Laurel down to Pittsburgh for her chemo treatments. We got a lot of chatting and catching up done. One of the things that came up during our conversation made me really think. I am still not sure I have an answer so I am asking you for your opinion. So if the technology/knowledge existed: Would you rather know when & how you are going to die? or Would you rather go on with your normal life not knowing? I pondered this a lot. At first I thought I would want to know and then I changed and decided that I didn't, but then I wavered back again. What would you decide? Stacy

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things I Have Done This Week



1. Applied for 2 jobs.

2. Dog sat for Laurel's son.

3. Cleaned my dining room table. (Huge chore - I am such a stacker/piler/saver)

4. Went on a date with Little S to see Gnomeo & Juliet. (cute movie and in 3-D)

5. Visited with my parents & grandma for the day.

6. Went on a date with my hubby and some really great friends.

7. Got fingerprinted for my FBI Clearances.

8. Applied for another 2 jobs. (The reason for the FBI Clearances)

9. Got my driver's license renewed and photo taken. (Does anyone ever look good in those pics?)

10. Tried 2 new recipes. (One from Pioneer Woman & One from Kraft)

11. Worked on Vacation Bible School stuff

12. Took a nap or two or ...

13. Went with Laurel to Pittsburgh for her treatment. (Always a fun time despite the circumstances)



What did you do this week?


Stacy

Would You Rather

Occasionally I watch America's Next Top Model. If you aren't familiar with the show it is basically a reality show for the modeling industry. Each week the contestants have to pose in a specific situation, walk at a runway show or shoot a commercial. So here are two recent situations.



Would You Rather:


Pose Naked but in a way that nothing is really showing


or


Walk the runway that is on fire and shooting flames along the side while also carrying live flames in each hand?



This one is a hard choice for me. I definitely do NOT ever want to pose naked and I am not sure I want to be that close to flames either.

But if I absolutely had to choose, I am pretty sure I would go with the flames. What about you?

Stacy

Games

A few weeks ago we went to my Mum's for a weekend visit. I have mentioned before how much my kids look forward to going to her house because we always play games. It doesn't matter if it is cards or a board game or something else, the kids just love it and so do we. My grandma even comes out and plays with us if we are playing cards. (She is 88 and can still beat us at times)

This is my grandma and my 3 boyz :)

While we were there this time the boyz wanted to play something different. So they went down to the basement and looked on the shelves to try and find something we haven't played in a while or perhaps not at all.

They found an old Michigan Rummy game down there. We skipped the part about the poker hand as none of us really knew the hands and ranks and such.

This is the game board. It came with about 100 chips to use. We used them in no time and needed to find something else to keep us going. Our solution was:

Buttons, lots and lots of buttons. We sorted them out and tried to use the bigger ones as my Mum had just had carpal tunnel surgery and picking up the little buttons were hard for her. We played that game for hours. And we actually just finally decided on a time and quit at about midnight.

Since the kids had so much fun with it, my parents just ordered a bunch of bingo chips that we can use the next time we are down. The boyz can't wait to go back.

Stacy

NYC Solution

Thank you for all of the feed back.

I may need to clarify a few things. The teacher that was in the room with them had just finished his student teaching at our school in the fall. He was invited along as he was teaching during the planning. He now works and lives in another school district in another state.

As for an adult sleeping in the same bed with my son, the student teacher isn't really that much older than him and is about the same age difference as he and his younger brother.

I do not have a problem with kids going on a sleepover to a friends house and them all hanging out and sleeping on the living room floor or bedroom, etc. Who really knows what goes on in hotel rooms and what could be on the floor.

I paid for a bed in a hotel room. They were there 2 nights and both nights he had to sleep on the floor. Had two people slept on the floor one night and they switched the second night I would have been a little more understanding.

Also everyone was given the option of paying an up charge to have their own bed. The student teacher and the other student did not take advantage of that.

After I have had a few weeks to cool off and several conversations with the teacher in charge and the principal this is the conclusion we have come to at this time.

** There will be a formal statement written in to all future trips that all students must be given a bed. Under no circumstances is anyone to be forced to sleep on the floor.

** Both of the students that slept on the floor will be given a formal apology by both the other student and the student teacher. (The student has apologized. The student teacher is not returning calls. I plan on continuing to pursue this.)

** Because the trip has already been paid for, the trip is over, and Tween never really said anything during the trip I cannot really recover any money. However, he will be given partial credit on a future trip that he takes.


Do you think that this is a fair conclusion?

Stacy

New York City

Tween recently went on a trip to New York City with his show choir group. He had an absolute blast and was torn between coming home and staying there forever. I am glad he chose to come home.


While he was there he got to see 'Wicked' and experience a behind the scenes workshop where they learned a song and dance from 'Wicked'.


They also got to see Ground Zero, shop in Chinatown and 5th Avenue and have lunch in Times Square.


After he got home from his trip we talked on an off about it for a few days. In the course of talking I came to find out that he had to sleep on the floor in the hotel room. When I questioned him it came out that there were 4 of them in the room, 3 kids and a student teacher from last fall. The student teacher refused to share a bed with the kids as he felt he 'earned' his own bed. And one of the other students being a junior pulled rank and refused to share a bed with anyone as well. So my Tween and the other boy had to sleep on the floor. (btw - they all paid the same amount)

To say that I was mortified would be putting it mildly. As soon as I found out I shot a text message to the teacher in charge. She had no idea that any of this happened. Tween verified that he didn't tell anyone. I ran the whole gamut of emotions from mad, to sad, appalled to disgusted and back to mad.

The next day the principal called me and expressed his sincere apologies. He was just as mortified and disappointed and appalled as the teacher and I were.

So now it is after the trip.

The principal and the teacher and Tween and I have all spoken on different occasions and have come up with the best possible solution.

But I would like to know what you feel would resolve the situation for you.

Stacy

Loved

I was going to put this up for Valentine's Day, but I got so busy that weekend that I didn't get a chance to.

Every couple has little gestures that they use to show each other that they are loved. It may be something that he does for you without even thinking but you know that he does it because he loves you. Or it might be something she does intentionally every day that comforts you.

My hubby often falls asleep on the chair or couch in the living room. And then sometime in the night he wakes up and comes to bed. When he does he always turns the fan on which makes me cold. He knows I get cold so he always makes sure that I am covered up and tucked in when he comes in. I can't describe the comfort and love that I feel every time he does that for me.

What is something you or your spouse do for each other that shows your love without saying it?

Stacy

Where A Kid Can....

We recently took the boyz to Chuck E. Cheese for the first time. (The older two had gone once before at my parents when they were little) I know it is sad that it took us this long to get them there. But they had a blast! I actually think the biggest kid there that night was my hubby :)

We've been really busy around here and I'll tell you more about it later.

Until then,

Stacy

Mixed Feelings

Recently Tween told me that he would like to go to a Performing Arts Charter School. I have a ton of mixed feelings on this subject. Perhaps you guys can weigh in. I know some of you are educators and may have a better idea.

First off we are planning on going to the open house they are having tomorrow night to get more information and talk to the staff.

Tween is very talented. I am not just saying that because I am his mum, I am saying that because he is. For example, he was in the high school play in second grade. I have also shared some video's here before of his singing.

I like the idea that he has always been in the same school district, had the same friends and participated in many of the activities available at the school. I enjoy watching him in marching band and going to his show choir performances and soccer games. I like knowing he is close to home if he needs something. I like knowing the school and the teachers.

On the other side I totally admire him for being able to step out of his comfort zone and pursue his dreams. There are 3 other students from our school that have transferred to the charter school so he would know a few kids. He dreams of making it to Broadway some day and this would help him get a better base. He would major in Musical Theatre.

Another negative is that it would be a little over an hour ride to and from school for him each day. The positive is that there is a bus hub about 10 miles down the road so I wouldn't have to drive him far.

I know I am being selfish in wanting him to stay here, close to home where I know everyone and I feel they are secure.

I know that this is his dream and his decision. I am so proud of him for being able to step out and take chance. He is easy going and makes friends quickly and fits in with most every one so I am not worried about him being shunned at the new place.

But I am not sure he realizes that everything will change for him. His friends, his school work, his life.

I have asked him to pray about it and I have been praying also for direction.

What are your thoughts? And no there is no cost to us other than transporting him to the bus hub. So money is not an issue to consider.

I will have more information after the open house tomorrow.

Thanks,
Stacy

Would You Wednesday

Would you rather:

Have to go out shopping absolutely every day (no online shopping does not count)

or

Never ever have to go shopping again?

I know what I would pick. I do not care to shop. My one friend at church thinks I was born missing a gene. I am pretty sure this is what makes me a great mom of boyz. They are pretty easy to shop for. Jeans and t-shirts always work for them. And a good pair of tennis shoes and dress shoes.

Stacy

Son-Day Post

This weeks post is brought to you by Tween:

You know your family loves you when they don't let you live stuff down.

Last night during the game I posted on Facebook that the Steelers had a good catch and I said too bad they stepped out of bounce when i meant to put bounds. I can tell I will never live that down.

Also when I was a bit younger I tried to pick up a piano bench to move it instead of picking it up short ways I tried picking it up long ways and then told my mom I could not lift it up she just stood there laughing.

At least whenever you do something that won't be forgotten other people do stuff too. Like how my mom was yelling at the Steelers game last night but if you say anything to her she will claim that she does not know what you are talking about. But I witnessed it with my own ears. She cannot mess with true facts. She cares about football and likes to yell about it!!!

-Tween

PS (from Mum) - I only care about high school and the playoffs.

Friday Five

** Warning - Shannon, this post may turn your stomache. **


Five Things That Should Never Be Chocolate Covered

1) Peppers


2) Bugs of any kind
















3) Ham

4) Bacon

5) Pickles




What other crazy things do you know of that they cover in chocolate? Would you attempt to eat any of these?

Stacy

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things In My Homemade Salad

1) Lettuce
2) Tomato
3) Cucumber
4) Broccoli
5) Mushroom
6) Sliced Almonds
7) Olives
8) Feta Cheese
9) Croutons
10) Bacon Bits
11) Sea Salt
12) Basil & Balsamic Vinaigrette
13) Poppy seed Dressing

Yes, two dressings, just a dash of the poppy seed for a little sweet flavor. It was such a yummy salad.

Stacy

What do you like in your salad?

Wednesday Would You

Would You rather:

1) Never have to worry about money again..ever!

or

2) Never have to worry about your family again...ever!

Stacy

God's Extreme Makeover - Part 2

I was talking to Shannon Sunday night about the sermon and the Cardboard Testimonies video and she shared the song Stained Glass Masquerade by Casting Crowns with me. Boy did that video hit home as well with what I heard from the sermon.




Stacy

God's Extreme Makeover

We had another fabulous sermon yesterday in church. I love that our new preacher is so young and full of life and ideas. And he is really down-to-earth and living right where we are. It probably helps that he has 5 boys. I am sure they keep him pretty grounded.

I've taken more notes in church in the last few weeks than I ever have. I really need to start taking a note book to church with me. I have all of the weekly bulletin flyer's stuck here and there in my Bible to remind me of certain verses and key ideas.

The new theme that Pastor Jeff is preaching about is God's Extreme Makeover in Me. You can catch the sermon yourself here. Just scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the correct date.

Some of the key points I picked up are the following:
1) There is a Huge gap between who we project to be and who we really are. Do we really let our guard down with our church family and let them know the mess we really are?
2) God intended us to 'do life' together. Through everything good and bad, we need to share ourselves with each other.
3) That we all need at least one person in our lives that we can be completely honest with and a mess with and they will still stand besides us, pray for us and love us.
4) We need to love the lost. We shouldn't judge people for their past, we should accept them for who they are now, saved by the blood of Christ and made new. Romans 8:1

There were a ton more things to share, but these are the ones that really hit home with me. And the whole time through the service and that last point I kept thinking back to a video that Shannon shared a while back. And I really needed to watch it again and share it with you. I know it is a little long, but please take the time to watch it. I promise you will be blessed.



I absolutely love that I am now being fed so well in church that it takes me days to digest it. I hope that something here has touched you as well.

Stacy

Son-Day Post

Another regular feature I would like to add this year is the Son-Day Post. One of the boyz will be writing something each Sunday. If I can convince them to. :)

So for starters - here is Little S

i saw a consert on 12/15/10. I loved all of the songs. my favret song is hot choclet from the polar expres. my brother tween was in it. he is in the middle of the picksher.

my birthday is every 12/17. I get lots of toys and trios. I made a yoyo at my party. I played bingo and I called the numbers on the balls.

Everything above was typed by Little S. I am aware of the spelling errors, but I wanted this post to be in his words.

Stacy

Friday Five

Five things I want to do this weekend:

1) Find a really good book to read on my Kindle.

- I've downloaded a bunch of the free books, but want something I just can't put down. Feel

free to leave your suggestions.

2) Get the tree and all the decorations put away.

- Yes, our tree and decorations are still up.

3) Relax and take my Sunday afternoon nap.

- I have gotten out of the habit over the past month with all of the busyness of the holiday.

4) Go out to dinner with hubby.

- His birthday is Monday and he is on call so we need to go early.

5) Get the laundry done.

- It would be so much easier if we were allowed washer/dryers in the apartments.

What are your plans this weekend?

Stacy

Wednesday Would You

I am going to try this year to have a theme for certain days of the week so that I can blog more often and not have to struggle with a topic. So here goes!

Would you rather:

Only have access to a shower

or

Only have access to a bathtub

Which would you rather have and why?

Stacy

2011

We had an amazing sermon yesterday in church. It was a great way to start the new year and gave me a lot to think about and ponder.

I hadn't considered any resolutions as I didn't want to once again set myself up for failure. But after hearing the sermon by Pastor Jeff, I have decided to make a few anyhow.

So here are my Resolutions for 2011:

1. Pray more and Preach less.
2. Love more and Judge less.
3. Family Time more and TV/Computer less.
4. Blog more and include the boyz in it.

I have a few more but those are the ones I want to share right now.

What are you working on in 2011?

Stacy