May you touch fireflies and stars.
Dance with fairies and talk to the moon.
May you grow up with love, a gracious heart
and people who care.
Happy Birthday,
little Layla Bug.
How rich our lives
have been because of you.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Monday, June 15, 2015
Solo Adventure
I've always loved spending a day at the river. Most times, it's a family outing, but when the weather and my schedule cooperate, I sometimes find myself there on my own. Last Saturday, was one of those days.
Alex was supposed to have an 8am baseball game. That morning, I got up early, walked the dog and packed my stuff for a day at the beach.
As I pulled into the parking lot of the field, I received notification that the game had been canceled due to the flooding of the fields. Since I was already half way to the river, I decided I would just get out there early. There are several trails at the state park and since I plan on taking the kids on a hike or two this summer, I thought I better try one out on my own.
I chose the Lakeside Trail because a). it starts right where I always park b). it makes a loop around the lake so I couldn't really get lost and c). it was only 3.5 miles.
The estimated time of the hike was over 2 hours, but I figured it wouldn't really take that long. I was correct in my assumption and finished the hike in a little over an hour. And I stopped several times to take pictures.
Early on in the hike, I discovered a small little alcove not far from the beach but far enough to eliminate the noise of the beach. I made a mental note of this spot to come back to later.
The trail was pretty easy. It was well marked and with a few downed trees on the trail, I got the full hiking experience. I haven't really hiked before so I was a little nervous about this adventure. I am so happy that I enjoyed it so much. It was a great workout and something totally acceptable to do by myself with feeling like a loser.
After the hike, I grabbed the essentials from the car; food, drinks, towel and book. I headed back down the trail to the place I had discovered earlier. I climbed down from the trail to the flat rock beach. It was just a small little patch but perfect to spend sometime alone in the sun. The water was cool and clear. I took a couple swims in the river but mainly enjoyed getting lost in a book and the sounds of nature. About an hour into my solitude, a slimy snake slithered a little too close for comfort. I took that as my sign to get back to the beach.
Once on the beach, I spent about another half hour in the sun. Then, the thunder started rolling and my day of adventure was coming to a close. I made it out of the park and back to the main road before the sky opened up.
The day was much needed. I loved the hike, the water and the sunshine. Even the storm that rolled through was a welcome ending to a pretty fantastic day.
Oh, and the views on the hike were nothing short of God's handiwork.
Alex was supposed to have an 8am baseball game. That morning, I got up early, walked the dog and packed my stuff for a day at the beach.
As I pulled into the parking lot of the field, I received notification that the game had been canceled due to the flooding of the fields. Since I was already half way to the river, I decided I would just get out there early. There are several trails at the state park and since I plan on taking the kids on a hike or two this summer, I thought I better try one out on my own.
I chose the Lakeside Trail because a). it starts right where I always park b). it makes a loop around the lake so I couldn't really get lost and c). it was only 3.5 miles.
The estimated time of the hike was over 2 hours, but I figured it wouldn't really take that long. I was correct in my assumption and finished the hike in a little over an hour. And I stopped several times to take pictures.
Early on in the hike, I discovered a small little alcove not far from the beach but far enough to eliminate the noise of the beach. I made a mental note of this spot to come back to later.
The trail was pretty easy. It was well marked and with a few downed trees on the trail, I got the full hiking experience. I haven't really hiked before so I was a little nervous about this adventure. I am so happy that I enjoyed it so much. It was a great workout and something totally acceptable to do by myself with feeling like a loser.
After the hike, I grabbed the essentials from the car; food, drinks, towel and book. I headed back down the trail to the place I had discovered earlier. I climbed down from the trail to the flat rock beach. It was just a small little patch but perfect to spend sometime alone in the sun. The water was cool and clear. I took a couple swims in the river but mainly enjoyed getting lost in a book and the sounds of nature. About an hour into my solitude, a slimy snake slithered a little too close for comfort. I took that as my sign to get back to the beach.
Once on the beach, I spent about another half hour in the sun. Then, the thunder started rolling and my day of adventure was coming to a close. I made it out of the park and back to the main road before the sky opened up.
The day was much needed. I loved the hike, the water and the sunshine. Even the storm that rolled through was a welcome ending to a pretty fantastic day.
Oh, and the views on the hike were nothing short of God's handiwork.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Making Lemonade
My social interacting for tonight was hinging on Alex's baseball game; Hanging out with other baseball families and maybe having a beer. I know. I'm wild and crazy.
When the game got canceled due to pop up thunderstorms throughout the area, I found myself with some free time on my calendar.
Luckily for me, season 3 of Orange Is the New Black was released on Netflix today. What else was I to do but then to binge watch?!?
I've got a beer, some Chinese food, and a blanket. I washed my face and am chilling in my comfy clothes.
Bring on the crazy!
My chill-axing style.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Saturday kicked off our Neighborhood Week. This week was a little more low key as the goal was to get out and about in our own town. I also need to give a HUGE THANK YOU to my sister Laura. Without her willingness to go with my crazy plans, the kids would be bored stiff this summer. Her enthusiasm and energy has kept them on the go!
And it's kept me on the go, too.
Saturday morning, Eva and Layla and I perused the Overland Farmer's Market. They had a small selection of fruits and veggies, but a pretty big craft/lotions/jewelery selection. It wasn't exactly what I expected for a "Farmer's Market" but more like a "Flea Market". Nonetheless, we enjoyed chatting with the vendors (which is a miracle for me to say as I do not really like people) and ogling their products. The deal was, though, that we were not buying anything. We were successful!
After the market, Eva had a Girl Scout event at Ace's Stables. Although this is technically outside our "neighborhood" I let it slide. Girl Scouts is a good neighborhood group and this is the closest stable to our community. Eva went on an hour horse back ride and then did an hour at the stable learning how to care for the animals. During this time, I did some house work.
That evening, we enjoyed a cook out with my sister and her family. Following the dinner, we all headed to the Overland Block Party. I had a total of $40 to spend for the weekend, so I was "secretly" happy when all the game booths were closed in the evening. We spent $10 on some drinks and let the kids dance in the street!
By Sunday morning, the busy weekend was starting to take it's toll on me. But, we still had more planned. Our Lady of the Presentation, our parish, was celebrating their 100th Anniversary. Following mass, we had our picture taken in front of the Church.
Since it was close to a billion degrees on Sunday, we decided to go back home after Mass to change clothes before the Church Picnic. I also realized that taking the back roads to the Church was a straight shot from my house. So once changed and a cooler packed, I pulled out the stroller and we walked to the picnic. My sister was working Sunday, so my brother in law and the girls met us at the there. The little girls had a fantastic time playing games and even went on a pony ride. The older kids didn't have as much fun and after an hour they were complaining about the heat. Being so close, I let them walk home for lunch and some reprieve from the heat.
By 7:30 on Sunday evening, I collapsed into bed. The weekend was a whirlwind of activity and I was almost happy to be returning to work! The next two days at work were busy which made them go by fast.
My sister took the kids during the days this week for a picnic at a neighborhood park, swimming at the neighborhood pool (my parents) and got them ice cream from the neighborhood ice cream shop, Skeeters.
On Wednesday evening, Eva had her Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony and Family Picnic. We grilled some hot dogs at the park and enjoyed a mostly potluck dinner. That evening, we stayed at the park for "Party in the Park" as the culminating event of our neighborhood week. Once the sun rescinded, it was a lovely evening to listen to some music and enjoy the company of family and friends.
As much fun as I've had over the last two weeks, I am seriously glad this upcoming weekend is event free. I'm sure I'll end up doing one hundred things, but just knowing that I don't really have to do anything is very, very nice!
And it's kept me on the go, too.
Saturday morning, Eva and Layla and I perused the Overland Farmer's Market. They had a small selection of fruits and veggies, but a pretty big craft/lotions/jewelery selection. It wasn't exactly what I expected for a "Farmer's Market" but more like a "Flea Market". Nonetheless, we enjoyed chatting with the vendors (which is a miracle for me to say as I do not really like people) and ogling their products. The deal was, though, that we were not buying anything. We were successful!
After the market, Eva had a Girl Scout event at Ace's Stables. Although this is technically outside our "neighborhood" I let it slide. Girl Scouts is a good neighborhood group and this is the closest stable to our community. Eva went on an hour horse back ride and then did an hour at the stable learning how to care for the animals. During this time, I did some house work.
That evening, we enjoyed a cook out with my sister and her family. Following the dinner, we all headed to the Overland Block Party. I had a total of $40 to spend for the weekend, so I was "secretly" happy when all the game booths were closed in the evening. We spent $10 on some drinks and let the kids dance in the street!
By Sunday morning, the busy weekend was starting to take it's toll on me. But, we still had more planned. Our Lady of the Presentation, our parish, was celebrating their 100th Anniversary. Following mass, we had our picture taken in front of the Church.
Since it was close to a billion degrees on Sunday, we decided to go back home after Mass to change clothes before the Church Picnic. I also realized that taking the back roads to the Church was a straight shot from my house. So once changed and a cooler packed, I pulled out the stroller and we walked to the picnic. My sister was working Sunday, so my brother in law and the girls met us at the there. The little girls had a fantastic time playing games and even went on a pony ride. The older kids didn't have as much fun and after an hour they were complaining about the heat. Being so close, I let them walk home for lunch and some reprieve from the heat.
By 7:30 on Sunday evening, I collapsed into bed. The weekend was a whirlwind of activity and I was almost happy to be returning to work! The next two days at work were busy which made them go by fast.
My sister took the kids during the days this week for a picnic at a neighborhood park, swimming at the neighborhood pool (my parents) and got them ice cream from the neighborhood ice cream shop, Skeeters.
On Wednesday evening, Eva had her Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony and Family Picnic. We grilled some hot dogs at the park and enjoyed a mostly potluck dinner. That evening, we stayed at the park for "Party in the Park" as the culminating event of our neighborhood week. Once the sun rescinded, it was a lovely evening to listen to some music and enjoy the company of family and friends.
As much fun as I've had over the last two weeks, I am seriously glad this upcoming weekend is event free. I'm sure I'll end up doing one hundred things, but just knowing that I don't really have to do anything is very, very nice!
Friday, June 5, 2015
The Zoo with the Crew
It just so happened that my nephews were in town for the weekend, too, so we thought why not get the whole crew together for our trip.
I was actually a little surprised that my parents agreed to it. It has been years since they've been to the zoo. I think my dad was as excited as the kids.
We got there early so we could take advantage of a few exhibits that typically cost but are free the first hour. I really enjoyed the Sting Rays and all of the kids (the big ones included) had fun in the children's zoo.
The Sea Lion exhibit was also one of our favorites.
After the zoo, we went back to my parents house for a picnic lunch and an afternoon swim.
Once home, I did some yard work and kept my nephew overnight for a sleepover.
It turned out to be a beautiful day that was enjoyed by all!
More pics of our day below!
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Doing Something Right
Alex and I have had a rough few days. He gets very angry when I don't comply with his every request. This usually results in him telling me he hates me and he hopes I die followed by the knocking down of all the dining room chairs. He's now 11 and is still having these outbursts. We've discussed his reactions many times but I've decided that his requests will not be granted until he can respond to a no in an appropriate, normal human being way.
And then he goes and does this!
Monday, June 1, 2015
Summer Vacation Week One
After the whirlwind of activities over the Memorial Day weekend, the kids and I came to a collective agreement that the first four days of summer vacation would be a free for all. I didn't have specific activities planned for them nor designated snacks although there was plenty of food in the house. They did surprisingly well with the lack of supervision or direction those first few days. It was helpful that my sister picked them up a few times to run errands and to go swimming, though.
This week is everything ZOO! I prepared templates for them to make zoo animal puppets. I created ZooYoga for an family fitness activity. There are ants on a log and animal crackers and yogurt and frozen chocolate dipped banana's prepared by yours truly. I gave them the idea of setting up an animal hospital and they ran with it as soon as they got home last night. Alex and Eva were both surgeons and Layla was really excited about being Doc McStuffins. Their dad took them to the dollar store before they came home on Sunday and each of them picked out something they could use for the zoo week. Alex had some craft items he received for Christmas that were animal related. He brought those out to work on this week too! There are some really cool clay magnets that they have requested my help in painting. I'm actually really excited about this.
On Friday, I will be taking the day off work so we can do a field trip to the actual zoo. It's been a few years since I've been there, so I've tasked my sister with making the plan for the day. I've already received text messages from her regarding the mapping out of activities for the day. I think she's on board.
It's things like this that make me grateful for all my years working as a camp counselor. Each year I attempt to do something similiar to this, but I think this might be the best year for it. The kids are old enough now to understand and appreciate the activities. Any Layla will be home all summer and all of these ideas are new to her. That gives the rest of the kids and myself a renewed purpose in these activities.
I'm grateful today for the next few slow days at work. This gives me the opportunity to catch up on some things and plan for the next week.
Sticking to the budget is always the hardest part of planning activities. But I'm doing my best to maintain a strick spending plan. We are hoping to take an extended weekend to celebrate my parent's 40th anniversary and I'd like to take the kids on a short road trip this summer through southern Illinois into Kentucky and spend a day and night in Indiana (a new state on our visited map). This all costs money, so sticking to the budget now is crucial for these future trips. Not to mention the cost of education, books and back to school supplies....Ahhhh!
In God I trust.
Last night, I read some of Dr. Seuss's "If I Ran a Zoo." Layla responded fairly well to it. I then let her have some tablet time and within minutes, she was fast asleep.
They are all well rested today and I'm hopeful they will enjoy the zoo related activities laid out for them today.
This week is everything ZOO! I prepared templates for them to make zoo animal puppets. I created ZooYoga for an family fitness activity. There are ants on a log and animal crackers and yogurt and frozen chocolate dipped banana's prepared by yours truly. I gave them the idea of setting up an animal hospital and they ran with it as soon as they got home last night. Alex and Eva were both surgeons and Layla was really excited about being Doc McStuffins. Their dad took them to the dollar store before they came home on Sunday and each of them picked out something they could use for the zoo week. Alex had some craft items he received for Christmas that were animal related. He brought those out to work on this week too! There are some really cool clay magnets that they have requested my help in painting. I'm actually really excited about this.
On Friday, I will be taking the day off work so we can do a field trip to the actual zoo. It's been a few years since I've been there, so I've tasked my sister with making the plan for the day. I've already received text messages from her regarding the mapping out of activities for the day. I think she's on board.
It's things like this that make me grateful for all my years working as a camp counselor. Each year I attempt to do something similiar to this, but I think this might be the best year for it. The kids are old enough now to understand and appreciate the activities. Any Layla will be home all summer and all of these ideas are new to her. That gives the rest of the kids and myself a renewed purpose in these activities.
I'm grateful today for the next few slow days at work. This gives me the opportunity to catch up on some things and plan for the next week.
Sticking to the budget is always the hardest part of planning activities. But I'm doing my best to maintain a strick spending plan. We are hoping to take an extended weekend to celebrate my parent's 40th anniversary and I'd like to take the kids on a short road trip this summer through southern Illinois into Kentucky and spend a day and night in Indiana (a new state on our visited map). This all costs money, so sticking to the budget now is crucial for these future trips. Not to mention the cost of education, books and back to school supplies....Ahhhh!
In God I trust.
Last night, I read some of Dr. Seuss's "If I Ran a Zoo." Layla responded fairly well to it. I then let her have some tablet time and within minutes, she was fast asleep.
They are all well rested today and I'm hopeful they will enjoy the zoo related activities laid out for them today.
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