"It's time to go to sleep. I love you Mo" I said while closing the door.
Down the stairs I galloped, nap time had arrived which meant it was "me time". Eagerly, I look forward to the hour or two of peace and quiet. While I love my two little ladies, their time napping gives me the opportunity to recharge. It's time for me to eat, use the bathroom uninterrupted, and watch what I want on the television.
I sashayed into the kitchen. My hand reaching for my nearly empty glass of water. Opening the fridge, I found the raspberry lemonade. Refilling the glass, I then returned the bottle to the shelf and closed the door. Walking into the living room, I approached the arm chair. Placing my drink on the side table, I picked up the remote. I eased into the chair, allowing my weight to shift as I sat back. My feet stretched out on the ottoman as I clicked on the television.
Flipping through the channels, my fingers found the "up" button.
Soap Opera,
Soap Opera,
Soap Opera,
Spanish Speaking Soap Opera.
I continued up the channels and nothing appealed to me.
I remembered I had missed an episode of the The Big C. Eagerly I clicked On Demand and within a minute, the opening credits began. Forwarding ahead to the start of the show, I became immersed in the world of Cathy, her family and her cancer. Witty dialogue and fabulous acting, make this one of the few shows on my must watch list this summer.
Initially I thought it was Mo.
God what is she doing up there?
I thought I told her to go to sleep, not kick the wall.
However, the rumble was too loud and the movement to great.
I jumped off the chair, attempting to pause Cathy, as the rumble continued.
Oh my God!
The dryer exploded!
I frantically raced up the stairs.
Opening Mo's door, she rolled over.
Obviously woken from slumber, she rubbed her eyes and said, "What you doing mama?"
"Nothing baby. Go back to sleep" I replied closing her door.
My stomach dropped as thoughts of a basement catastrophe filled my mind.
Down the stairs, and into the kitchen I went. My hands beginning to shake as I came to the basement door. Reaching out, my hand rested on it.
Cold.
Thank God.
Slowly, I opened it. Descending down two stairs, I heard the dryer's familiar tune.
It had not exploded.
As I returned to the comfort of the living room and my favorite chair, I noticed my racing heart. My hands continued to shake as I assessed the situation.
Could it be a plane crash?
Possibly.
It's not the dryer.
Oh my God, it couldn't be an earthquake, could it?
I grabbed my cell phone, immediately thinking of my friend in town, D.
Did ur house just shake? I typed.
Pressing send, I watched, and waited.
Waited and waited for it to go through.
The ring of the house phone shifted my focus as "Bry Work" lit up on the base.
"Are you okay? Are the girls okay?" he started. "I tried calling four times, and I just got through!"
"I'm fine. We're fine. Do you know what happened?" I asked.
It was in the next few minutes we discovered that in fact, it was an earthquake. A few hundred miles away the epicenter, the middle of Virginia, had in fact reached us in the greater Philadelphia area.
Over the course of a half hour, I fielded phone calls from my mom, mother in law, and messages from my brother ensuring our safety. We exchanged stories of where we were while "IT" happened and our disbelief spanned across our respective homes.
Hanging up the house phone, I reached for the lemonade glass. Taking a sip, I could finally feel myself calming down. My heart rate had returned to normal and my hands had stopped shaking. The chime of my cell phone indicated I had another text message. It was D. Apparently due to the influx of cell phone calls, it had taken nearly ten minutes for my text to be sent.
Like me, she too was in disbelief.
I typed a quick message back, clicked send, and grabbed the remote yet again.
The weather man obviously was flying by the seat of his pants, as he discussed the causes and statistics related to earthquakes.
Not more then ten minutes of watching, I remembered Cathy. The episode was still waiting for me and the girls were still napping upstairs.
Regardless of earthquake, nap time was still in effect!
Back to the Big C, I happily returned.
Blogging about boobs, babies, bed lust and everything in between since 2007.
Showing posts with label misc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label misc. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Cheap Father's Day cards!
Father's day is fast approaching and it's hard to try and come up with something personal.
I discovered this on Shutterfly, five free personalized cards! You can make five personalized cards for five different people! While you pay for shipping, it's still cheaper then Hallmark!
Here's the code: DADCARD
It expires on June 9
(Dad, if you're reading this before Father's day, this isn't really your card, or is it?)
I discovered this on Shutterfly, five free personalized cards! You can make five personalized cards for five different people! While you pay for shipping, it's still cheaper then Hallmark!
Here's the code: DADCARD
It expires on June 9
(Dad, if you're reading this before Father's day, this isn't really your card, or is it?)
Classic Band Navy Father's Day 5x7 folded card
Shutterfly custom cards for Valentines Day, Easter & Mother's Day.
View the entire collection of cards.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Sweet!
I put my money on the counter of the snack bar and the cherry Italian ice is placed my way. I rip off the paper lid as fast as I can. I'm ready!
My sister and I had developed a strategy to consume these ices. With the small wood paddle, we would scrap the ice back and forth onto either sides. Ceremoniously we would lick off the ice, and continue, until the ice melted a bit. Then it was time to do the "flip". Perhaps it was only something the two of us enjoyed, but the bottom of the ice cup had a delicacy of sorts. The sugared icy bottom seemed to have intensified flavor and was delicious. This bottom was the main reason for my purchase. Yum!
Recently my three year old discovered Italian ice. The wooden mini-spoon is no longer available so a regular table spoon would suffice. While it didn't quite work the exact same way as before, I still was able to get it melted to the point of flip. However disappointment ensued, no frozen icy flavorful bottom!
While I was sad, I started thinking back to my favorite frozen treats of my youth.
The only thing better growing up then ice at the snack bar of the pool were the homemade frozen ice pops my friend Peter's mom would make. Most homemade ice pops would lose flavor two minutes into sucking, but not Mrs. S's.
They were unbelievable!
I compare them to the everlasting gobstopper of frozen treats. Not only did they never lose out of flavor, they were delicious. Finally these pops had the layer of goo that my favorite Italian ice had, but thicker and even more flavorful.
As with life, our time with the S family grew less as we switched schools and they moved, however those pops remained ingrained in my head. A food memory of my youth that I treasured and wished to recreate.
Imagine my surprise late last summer when I received an email from my mom with the heading "Recipe" and the message "I think you'll enjoy this". Attached was a forward from Mrs. S sharing her recipe.
After reviewing the ingredients it is quite obvious why these Popsicles are awesome.
Three words: Jello, Kool Aid, & Sugar!
Mrs. S's Everlasting Popsicles
1 small box of jello
1 package of koolaid
1 cup sugar
Mix above with 1 cup hot water and dissolve
Then add 1 cup cold water.
Pour into 3 or 5 oz Dixie cups.
Freeze for about 1 hour and then insert Popsicle sticks
Freeze another 2 hours
They are still as delicious as I remember.
Happy Summer!
This post was inspired by summertime, childhood, and Mama Kat's Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop: Comfort food at its finest. Share a family favorite recipe you loved as a child.
My sister and I had developed a strategy to consume these ices. With the small wood paddle, we would scrap the ice back and forth onto either sides. Ceremoniously we would lick off the ice, and continue, until the ice melted a bit. Then it was time to do the "flip". Perhaps it was only something the two of us enjoyed, but the bottom of the ice cup had a delicacy of sorts. The sugared icy bottom seemed to have intensified flavor and was delicious. This bottom was the main reason for my purchase. Yum!
Recently my three year old discovered Italian ice. The wooden mini-spoon is no longer available so a regular table spoon would suffice. While it didn't quite work the exact same way as before, I still was able to get it melted to the point of flip. However disappointment ensued, no frozen icy flavorful bottom!
While I was sad, I started thinking back to my favorite frozen treats of my youth.
The only thing better growing up then ice at the snack bar of the pool were the homemade frozen ice pops my friend Peter's mom would make. Most homemade ice pops would lose flavor two minutes into sucking, but not Mrs. S's.
They were unbelievable!
I compare them to the everlasting gobstopper of frozen treats. Not only did they never lose out of flavor, they were delicious. Finally these pops had the layer of goo that my favorite Italian ice had, but thicker and even more flavorful.
As with life, our time with the S family grew less as we switched schools and they moved, however those pops remained ingrained in my head. A food memory of my youth that I treasured and wished to recreate.
Imagine my surprise late last summer when I received an email from my mom with the heading "Recipe" and the message "I think you'll enjoy this". Attached was a forward from Mrs. S sharing her recipe.
After reviewing the ingredients it is quite obvious why these Popsicles are awesome.
Three words: Jello, Kool Aid, & Sugar!
Mrs. S's Everlasting Popsicles
1 small box of jello
1 package of koolaid
1 cup sugar
Mix above with 1 cup hot water and dissolve
Then add 1 cup cold water.
Pour into 3 or 5 oz Dixie cups.
Freeze for about 1 hour and then insert Popsicle sticks
Freeze another 2 hours
They are still as delicious as I remember.
Happy Summer!
This post was inspired by summertime, childhood, and Mama Kat's Pretty Much World Famous Writer's Workshop: Comfort food at its finest. Share a family favorite recipe you loved as a child.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Hot Hot Heat
Today is Friday, May 27 the unofficial start of the summer, however someone forgot to tell Mother Nature that summer isn't quite here yet.
We're hot!
Or, in the words of one of my former Kindergarteners "We're sweaty hot!".
We might just be one of the only houses around the greater Philadelphia area withOUT air conditioning of any sorts. We are unsure if our old window frames could adequately balance window units, and we're already saving our pennies for central air for next summer. Until then, we'll just grin and bare it under our ceiling fans.
Last summer I treked to my parents house for a multitude of sleepovers during the string of heat waves. Not that I don't love my parents, but I was sincerely hoping that this summer we could keep the trips to day trips instead. If this weekend is any indication then I think mom and dad should clean out the two spare rooms and get ready for us!
I am attempting to be proactive with this heat. My plan to keep cool the next few days includes the following:
Yesterday we tried out our water table for the first time.
45 minutes of bliss for us all!
I think the sprinkler is definitely calling!
Growing up, a friend's mom used to make pops like this and they were delicious! Guess who got the recipe recently? Thank you facebook!
I think we may have to spring for one of these. There's no way I'm taking two kids under 3 to the community pool alone. Our backyard will have to be our refuge this summer.
Finally, one (or two or three)of these are calling my name. If I can't make to the islands for the holiday, at least I can bring a little island to me!
Enjoy the holiday!
We're hot!
Or, in the words of one of my former Kindergarteners "We're sweaty hot!".
We might just be one of the only houses around the greater Philadelphia area withOUT air conditioning of any sorts. We are unsure if our old window frames could adequately balance window units, and we're already saving our pennies for central air for next summer. Until then, we'll just grin and bare it under our ceiling fans.
Last summer I treked to my parents house for a multitude of sleepovers during the string of heat waves. Not that I don't love my parents, but I was sincerely hoping that this summer we could keep the trips to day trips instead. If this weekend is any indication then I think mom and dad should clean out the two spare rooms and get ready for us!
I am attempting to be proactive with this heat. My plan to keep cool the next few days includes the following:
Yesterday we tried out our water table for the first time. 45 minutes of bliss for us all!
I think the sprinkler is definitely calling!Growing up, a friend's mom used to make pops like this and they were delicious! Guess who got the recipe recently? Thank you facebook!I think we may have to spring for one of these. There's no way I'm taking two kids under 3 to the community pool alone. Our backyard will have to be our refuge this summer. Finally, one (or two or three)of these are calling my name. If I can't make to the islands for the holiday, at least I can bring a little island to me!
Enjoy the holiday!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Christmas cards, Oh Christmas Cards!
I visit a number of other blogs and I repeatedly saw that Shutterfly was offering bloggers 50 free Christmas cards. I was a little hesitant at first to submit my information, but upon further review figured what did I have to lose?
I had used shutterfly a few times in the past, most memorably for our wedding thank you. I have always liked their selection of mini albums.
Now it's Christmas card time! After our fabulous photo shoot it's decision time, which fabulous pictures to use and then which holiday card too?
I know there are a lot of husbands out there that really do not have opinions over things like Christmas cards. Bry is the exception. I had made a few mock-ups with various 2 photo and 3 photo layouts. After seeing them, he had to tweak them a bit.
Will it be this card?
Or this one?
Or maybe this one?
(Obviously these cards do not contain pictures of my children!)
I will confess.
Currently in my "saved projects" folder on Shutterfly's site I have eight cards saved! I must make a decision soon, but which one? Do I go with the photos I like or the ones Bryan prefers? Which card? Not only do I have to chose the card from the awesome selection, but I also have decide which picture or pictures to use. I know whichever I choose, it will turn out great. I have a few relatives already asking when they will be getting our card, so I guess there's a little pressure there!
Thank you Shutterfly for helping to make my holiday a little brighter!
I had used shutterfly a few times in the past, most memorably for our wedding thank you. I have always liked their selection of mini albums.
Now it's Christmas card time! After our fabulous photo shoot it's decision time, which fabulous pictures to use and then which holiday card too?
I know there are a lot of husbands out there that really do not have opinions over things like Christmas cards. Bry is the exception. I had made a few mock-ups with various 2 photo and 3 photo layouts. After seeing them, he had to tweak them a bit.
Will it be this card?
Or this one?
Or maybe this one?
(Obviously these cards do not contain pictures of my children!)
I will confess.
Currently in my "saved projects" folder on Shutterfly's site I have eight cards saved! I must make a decision soon, but which one? Do I go with the photos I like or the ones Bryan prefers? Which card? Not only do I have to chose the card from the awesome selection, but I also have decide which picture or pictures to use. I know whichever I choose, it will turn out great. I have a few relatives already asking when they will be getting our card, so I guess there's a little pressure there!
Thank you Shutterfly for helping to make my holiday a little brighter!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Just a Random Lunchtime
Having two kids is hard.
Every so often I catch myself thinking about whst our lunches will be like in a few months, when Maeve actually eats or even further in the future when there will be the three of us chatting about our day and a huge smile comes onto my face.
Having two kids under two years apart is really hard.
There I said it!
Most days are a blur at best. Between nursing sessions and cleaning up spit up, (My kids really are spit up machines for the first few months!) to laundry and walks the days seem to fly by. We (Mo, Maeve, & I) still make it to the grocery store once a week and music together twice a week. That is until 5 O'clock, when I start counting down the hours and then minutes until Bry comes home.
I took a minute, though, the other day just to enjoy my girls during lunch. Maeve really loves the bumbo seat, THANK GOD! and so during mealtime she seems content just watching as Mo and I eat.
Every so often I catch myself thinking about whst our lunches will be like in a few months, when Maeve actually eats or even further in the future when there will be the three of us chatting about our day and a huge smile comes onto my face.
Monday, March 8, 2010
New Wheels
The things one gets excited over when one is expecting another baby seems to vary person to person. I know plenty of people, who eagerly go on shopping sprees when they discover baby two will be the opposite gender, or spend hours perusing the Internet looking for new bedding and accessories for the second one's nursery.
Not me, it wasn't decorating a nursery again- we decided to keep the same gender neutral space, nor was it picking clothes or names. We had the clothes from Mo and the name was picked out for both a girl and a boy not soon after Mo was born. (That conversation went something like "If we ever have another girl, I think Maeve would be perfect to go with Mo. What do you think, Bry?" "Sounds good Jac".
So this pregnancy, I became obsessed with finding the best double stroller out there to meet our needs.
This time around we live in an actual neighborhood with old sidewalks that are buckling and have tree stumps growing around them. I really loved Moira's single stroller. We did spend a pretty penny on it, well not really because we had a bunch of gift certificates to Babies R Us and so we used them to buy it.
It worked wonderfully for us, keeping Mo comfortable during trips to the beach and the mall and the outlets.
This time though, we needed something with more support. I searched high and low. Went on message boards, and checked out sites reading reviews and then I found it....
The Bumbleride Indie Twin!
Finally just last Sunday we were able to take our beauty out for a ride and it's FABULOUS! I'm seriously in love with this new stroller. Besides it's adorable color, it pushes like a dream. I can't wait to push the girls around the zoo, boardwalk, mall, and our neighborhood in it!
Not me, it wasn't decorating a nursery again- we decided to keep the same gender neutral space, nor was it picking clothes or names. We had the clothes from Mo and the name was picked out for both a girl and a boy not soon after Mo was born. (That conversation went something like "If we ever have another girl, I think Maeve would be perfect to go with Mo. What do you think, Bry?" "Sounds good Jac".
So this pregnancy, I became obsessed with finding the best double stroller out there to meet our needs.
This time around we live in an actual neighborhood with old sidewalks that are buckling and have tree stumps growing around them. I really loved Moira's single stroller. We did spend a pretty penny on it, well not really because we had a bunch of gift certificates to Babies R Us and so we used them to buy it.
It worked wonderfully for us, keeping Mo comfortable during trips to the beach and the mall and the outlets. This time though, we needed something with more support. I searched high and low. Went on message boards, and checked out sites reading reviews and then I found it....
The Bumbleride Indie Twin!
Finally just last Sunday we were able to take our beauty out for a ride and it's FABULOUS! I'm seriously in love with this new stroller. Besides it's adorable color, it pushes like a dream. I can't wait to push the girls around the zoo, boardwalk, mall, and our neighborhood in it!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Blizzard Photo Fun!
Maeve's First Snowfall- Umm... really I guess we should reword that as Maeve's first Blizzard!
The view of our house and street. Thank God for our next-door neighbor who has a snow plow attachment to his riding mower and our other neighbor with the snow blower.
We have spent the past week basically trapped inside our house. Mo has watched WAY too much television and I think we all, even three week old Maeve, are going stir crazy. We defintely will be leaving the house soon, if not for them, for my sanity.
We did have some fun with the camera.
Again, spring starts March 20....Maeve's two month old birthday, YIPPEE!
The view of our house and street. Thank God for our next-door neighbor who has a snow plow attachment to his riding mower and our other neighbor with the snow blower.
We have spent the past week basically trapped inside our house. Mo has watched WAY too much television and I think we all, even three week old Maeve, are going stir crazy. We defintely will be leaving the house soon, if not for them, for my sanity.
We did have some fun with the camera.
Again, spring starts March 20....Maeve's two month old birthday, YIPPEE!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Oh Snow!
We have over two feet of the white stuff right now.
It took Bryan over four hours to shovel/scrap/sweep it off our cars, porch, driveway, and walkway. He did all this while I tackled the demands of an almost three week old and a 22 month old.
Unfortunately the forecast is predicting more snow on Wednesday.
Does God have some joke in on me?
I mentioned earlier in a post that I don't mind the snow now that Mo is old enough to enjoy playing in it.
I lied...I take that comment back.
Having two kids stuck inside sucks!
Mo lasted all of 7 minutes in the blizzard like conditions today before coming in red as a tomato.
I miss being able to leave the house.
I miss grass.
I miss the sun.
I miss having space for my kid to run.
Spring doesn't start until March 20, that's only 42 days.
FORTY TWO DAYS!!!!!!!!
It took Bryan over four hours to shovel/scrap/sweep it off our cars, porch, driveway, and walkway. He did all this while I tackled the demands of an almost three week old and a 22 month old.
Unfortunately the forecast is predicting more snow on Wednesday.
Does God have some joke in on me?
I mentioned earlier in a post that I don't mind the snow now that Mo is old enough to enjoy playing in it.
I lied...I take that comment back.
Having two kids stuck inside sucks!
Mo lasted all of 7 minutes in the blizzard like conditions today before coming in red as a tomato.
I miss being able to leave the house.
I miss grass.
I miss the sun.
I miss having space for my kid to run.
Spring doesn't start until March 20, that's only 42 days.
FORTY TWO DAYS!!!!!!!!
Monday, January 4, 2010
No later then January 22
I will become a mom again.
My c-section for baby 2 is scheduled for Friday, January 22 which puts us at less then three weeks until b-day! I had my last MFM (Maternal Fetal Medicine) appointment this morning and it seems baby 2 is just like his/her older sister. Already, at just over 36 weeks he/she is weighing over 7 lbs and appears to be on course to weigh over 8 lbs. upon arrival.
Our "To Do" list is slowly getting attacked, as this weekend Bry brought some Rubbermaid boxes, various newborn/infant accessories, and the car seat up from the basement. Mo, of course being a nearly two year old, became instantly interested in the bouncy seat and car seat, attempting to climb in, on, and over them. We will be practicing with her doll for the next few weeks.
Bry also brought up the empty containers for our various Christmas decorations. I usually hate this time year. I hate the de-decorating, the taking down of the lights, and ornaments from tree, it seems like so many of those festive feelings are kaput the moment the last of the garland and tinsel are packed away, but this year is different.
I HAVE to clean it all up sooner then later, or else it might be up until March....or worse....
Bry could attempt to put it all way!
Imagine next Christmas and me attempting to get out those decorations then. That could be a disaster.
So, this week I will be de-Christmasing in exchange for re-babying!
YAHOO!
My c-section for baby 2 is scheduled for Friday, January 22 which puts us at less then three weeks until b-day! I had my last MFM (Maternal Fetal Medicine) appointment this morning and it seems baby 2 is just like his/her older sister. Already, at just over 36 weeks he/she is weighing over 7 lbs and appears to be on course to weigh over 8 lbs. upon arrival.
Our "To Do" list is slowly getting attacked, as this weekend Bry brought some Rubbermaid boxes, various newborn/infant accessories, and the car seat up from the basement. Mo, of course being a nearly two year old, became instantly interested in the bouncy seat and car seat, attempting to climb in, on, and over them. We will be practicing with her doll for the next few weeks.
Bry also brought up the empty containers for our various Christmas decorations. I usually hate this time year. I hate the de-decorating, the taking down of the lights, and ornaments from tree, it seems like so many of those festive feelings are kaput the moment the last of the garland and tinsel are packed away, but this year is different.
I HAVE to clean it all up sooner then later, or else it might be up until March....or worse....
Bry could attempt to put it all way!
Imagine next Christmas and me attempting to get out those decorations then. That could be a disaster.
So, this week I will be de-Christmasing in exchange for re-babying!
YAHOO!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Buddies
From the moment Moira was born, she has adored my father. I know the feeling is mutual because the moment he first saw her, I know he fell in love too. 
They love being together. He is teaching her all about his favorite things: The Phillies, baseball, The Eagles, and loves to teach her new tricks- how to throw acorns, run with her arms moving, and answer the question "How old are you?" by raising one finger. Meanwvile, her smile seems to extend ear to ear whenever he is around and if heaven forbid, my mom comes alone, she looks longingly out the front door for Pop, which has become her most recent new word.
Yesterday my dad came over to babysit for the night. Before we left, I asked him a favor. For as long as I can remember my dad has taken great pleasure in carving pumpkins for Halloween. When in Halloween mode, it becomes serious business. He has all his tools lined up- paper towel, different size spoons, knives, garbage bag, newspaper, cup of water all ready to go. I asked my dad to carve Mo's pumpkin. After approximately 45 minutes and with the aid of my little lady, he finished his masterpiece.
We still have two pumpkins left to be carved- mine & Bry's, but seriously after the art my dad created, they may just stay pumpkins.
They love being together. He is teaching her all about his favorite things: The Phillies, baseball, The Eagles, and loves to teach her new tricks- how to throw acorns, run with her arms moving, and answer the question "How old are you?" by raising one finger. Meanwvile, her smile seems to extend ear to ear whenever he is around and if heaven forbid, my mom comes alone, she looks longingly out the front door for Pop, which has become her most recent new word.
Yesterday my dad came over to babysit for the night. Before we left, I asked him a favor. For as long as I can remember my dad has taken great pleasure in carving pumpkins for Halloween. When in Halloween mode, it becomes serious business. He has all his tools lined up- paper towel, different size spoons, knives, garbage bag, newspaper, cup of water all ready to go. I asked my dad to carve Mo's pumpkin. After approximately 45 minutes and with the aid of my little lady, he finished his masterpiece.
We still have two pumpkins left to be carved- mine & Bry's, but seriously after the art my dad created, they may just stay pumpkins.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Indecision
>
Do you like your job?
I know so many people who hate what they do, or who they work with, or where they work or all of the above.
The school I worked for was fabulous, and I do not think I am exaggerating a bit. My former co-workers were all or almost all great teachers. I liked them both in the classroom and out of the room, which made my working environment fantastic. The principal I worked under really understood that every good teacher needs room to do their own thing. I felt like I had the ability to be creative and at times, progressive, with the things I did with my first graders.
I mean, c'mon now. How many six and seven year olds have had a unit on culture? How many first graders have had the opportunity to discuss traditions culturally and religiously in their classroom? We talked about race and you know what? It was AWESOME! I did a unit on this after a graduate course on race & ethnicity and my principal was on board.
A friend and co-worker would often joke with me that the district was like the movie Pleasantville. We had a plethora of parents volunteering and unlike some other friends who teach elsewhere, I didn't mind them coming to help in my classroom.
I loved what I did! I felt like I was good at what I did. I felt so lucky to be in a position where I didn't mind going to work everyday.
Then I had Moira and my world changed.
I miss working, yes, however the idea of leaving her every day makes me unbelievably sad. I feel so thankful to be in a position where I do not HAVE to work to make ends meet. Grant it, things would probably be a lot easier finacnially if my paycheck was still coming in, but I don't have to work.
Lately though, the thought of returning to work keeps entering my mind. Yesterday, we went to visit my school and I realized all of my former students had aged out. I have only been gone for a little over one school year, but my kids are now in third grade at the next school.
I enjoyed talking to my friends and seeing siblings of former students. I even ran into a few parents. Luckily, they were parents I liked and who I think liked me! Mo was with me and as usual showed no fear. She was pleasant to all my teacher friends and was hysterical running into a few first and second grade classrooms saying "hi" to the kids. The best though was when we went to visit my friend Laura's room. Laura teaches inclusive pre-school and lucky for us, we walked in just as playtime was coming to a head. Mo eyed up the dolls and the kitchen area, and had a blast playing with the four year olds.
As I watched her play I realized how soon she would be four, and I would be dropping her off to pre-school every day. Wow!
I hate when people tell that it goes by so quick, but seriously, they're right.
For now, I think I'm sticking to my job as a stay-at-home mom. Come January my title will change a bit, as I will add another child to my full time duties and maybe those longings to be back in the classroom will fade.
Like I said, I loved what I did. However, now I love what I do too. Such an interesting dilemma to be in at this point in my life.
My friend Marilyn took this pics of Mo in the teacher's room!
Do you like your job?
I know so many people who hate what they do, or who they work with, or where they work or all of the above.
The school I worked for was fabulous, and I do not think I am exaggerating a bit. My former co-workers were all or almost all great teachers. I liked them both in the classroom and out of the room, which made my working environment fantastic. The principal I worked under really understood that every good teacher needs room to do their own thing. I felt like I had the ability to be creative and at times, progressive, with the things I did with my first graders.
I mean, c'mon now. How many six and seven year olds have had a unit on culture? How many first graders have had the opportunity to discuss traditions culturally and religiously in their classroom? We talked about race and you know what? It was AWESOME! I did a unit on this after a graduate course on race & ethnicity and my principal was on board.
A friend and co-worker would often joke with me that the district was like the movie Pleasantville. We had a plethora of parents volunteering and unlike some other friends who teach elsewhere, I didn't mind them coming to help in my classroom.
I loved what I did! I felt like I was good at what I did. I felt so lucky to be in a position where I didn't mind going to work everyday.
Then I had Moira and my world changed.
I miss working, yes, however the idea of leaving her every day makes me unbelievably sad. I feel so thankful to be in a position where I do not HAVE to work to make ends meet. Grant it, things would probably be a lot easier finacnially if my paycheck was still coming in, but I don't have to work.
Lately though, the thought of returning to work keeps entering my mind. Yesterday, we went to visit my school and I realized all of my former students had aged out. I have only been gone for a little over one school year, but my kids are now in third grade at the next school.
I enjoyed talking to my friends and seeing siblings of former students. I even ran into a few parents. Luckily, they were parents I liked and who I think liked me! Mo was with me and as usual showed no fear. She was pleasant to all my teacher friends and was hysterical running into a few first and second grade classrooms saying "hi" to the kids. The best though was when we went to visit my friend Laura's room. Laura teaches inclusive pre-school and lucky for us, we walked in just as playtime was coming to a head. Mo eyed up the dolls and the kitchen area, and had a blast playing with the four year olds.
As I watched her play I realized how soon she would be four, and I would be dropping her off to pre-school every day. Wow!
I hate when people tell that it goes by so quick, but seriously, they're right.
For now, I think I'm sticking to my job as a stay-at-home mom. Come January my title will change a bit, as I will add another child to my full time duties and maybe those longings to be back in the classroom will fade.
Like I said, I loved what I did. However, now I love what I do too. Such an interesting dilemma to be in at this point in my life.
My friend Marilyn took this pics of Mo in the teacher's room!
Monday, October 19, 2009
For a Good Cause
My mother in law is involved with her local chapter of the Red Hat Society. In case you have been living under a rock or have never been out and saw a bunch of ladies parading around in purple outfits and huge red hats, I'll fill you in a bit. The Red Hat society is a social group for women. Besides monthly dinners out, they are host two philanthropic events a year for organizations in the greater Cape May county area.
This month they hosted a fashion show/basket auction/ luncheon to support The Coalition Against Rape and Abuse. Over two hundred women showed up to support this organization. My mom and I made the drive down and after showing up fashionably late, we enjoyed our time there.
The Red Hatters did a great job pulling in the dough- as they had numerous door prizes, 50/50, and over 30 different gift baskets to raffle.
I came home empty handed, but my mom won a basket filled with homemade jams and pickles. Honestly, I was hoping for the gift certificate for dinner, but the pink basket will actually match Moira's new room, so we'll take it!
All in all, it was a great afternoon even if the weather didn't cooperate.
This month they hosted a fashion show/basket auction/ luncheon to support The Coalition Against Rape and Abuse. Over two hundred women showed up to support this organization. My mom and I made the drive down and after showing up fashionably late, we enjoyed our time there.
The Red Hatters did a great job pulling in the dough- as they had numerous door prizes, 50/50, and over 30 different gift baskets to raffle.
I came home empty handed, but my mom won a basket filled with homemade jams and pickles. Honestly, I was hoping for the gift certificate for dinner, but the pink basket will actually match Moira's new room, so we'll take it!
All in all, it was a great afternoon even if the weather didn't cooperate.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Update on my dad!
We got good news yesterday!
After a full body scan on Tuesday, the doctor was happy to report that the cancer is only in the prostate! This means he will not need chemotherapy or radiation. With the removal of the organ and a little rest he should be back to his old self in no time!
Thank you for any prayers or vibes for my family.
My dad should be back playing with Mo soon!
After a full body scan on Tuesday, the doctor was happy to report that the cancer is only in the prostate! This means he will not need chemotherapy or radiation. With the removal of the organ and a little rest he should be back to his old self in no time!
Thank you for any prayers or vibes for my family.
My dad should be back playing with Mo soon!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Good News, Good News, Bad News
Good News:
I hit the 20 wk mark on Thursday. I am exactly half-way through pregnancy number 2. Moms of two or more, have told me that the second pregnancy (and other subsequent ones) go much faster then the first, and really, they've seemed to be right. So far, things have been good. I've had similar symptoms with this round as I did with Moira. Basically, lots of indigestion and a heavy addiction to Tums. Beyond that, it's been grand, yes I said grand. My belly is getting a little bigger and I'm having a bit more trouble getting up from the couch, but beyond that, I'm feeling great!
Good News:
My brother and is fiance hit the one year mark until their wedding. The official clock has started, as September 10, 2010 will be here soon. Hopefully my pre-pregnancy body will be making it to that party. Nothing a little spanx and a good pair of heels can't cover!
Bad News
My dad has prostate cancer.
My dad has cancer and it sucks! Just last year we dealt with the unexpected death of my uncle from lung cancer, and then earlier this year my good friend Kathie lost her battle with breast cancer and now my dad.
I am a daddy's girl. I have always been. My mom loves to tell the story about how when I was little, like 2 or 3, I used nap late so that I could be up when my dad got home from working the 3-11 shift. I would sit on the couch with him drinking orange juice as he would drink his screwdrivers. I talk to my mom every day, I think there's something special between a mother and a daughter, especially when you have a child, but my dad has a very special place in my heart.
He went into the doctor's office anticipating this diagnosis. Both his father and older brother had it, so he just assumed he did too. Lucky for us, the numbers are low, the biopsies only show 3 spots out of 12, and the doctor gives him good odds that with only surgery to remove the organ, he will be fine. He goes next week for a body scan to ensure that it hasn't spread.
I'm not letting myself think anything else.
He will be fine.
I know it.
So if you're reading this send out a special prayer to my dad tonight.
Oh, and if you don't pray, just offer out any healing vibes you can to him.
Mo and Grandpops at the Phillies
I hit the 20 wk mark on Thursday. I am exactly half-way through pregnancy number 2. Moms of two or more, have told me that the second pregnancy (and other subsequent ones) go much faster then the first, and really, they've seemed to be right. So far, things have been good. I've had similar symptoms with this round as I did with Moira. Basically, lots of indigestion and a heavy addiction to Tums. Beyond that, it's been grand, yes I said grand. My belly is getting a little bigger and I'm having a bit more trouble getting up from the couch, but beyond that, I'm feeling great!
Good News:
My brother and is fiance hit the one year mark until their wedding. The official clock has started, as September 10, 2010 will be here soon. Hopefully my pre-pregnancy body will be making it to that party. Nothing a little spanx and a good pair of heels can't cover!
Bad News
My dad has prostate cancer.
My dad has cancer and it sucks! Just last year we dealt with the unexpected death of my uncle from lung cancer, and then earlier this year my good friend Kathie lost her battle with breast cancer and now my dad.
I am a daddy's girl. I have always been. My mom loves to tell the story about how when I was little, like 2 or 3, I used nap late so that I could be up when my dad got home from working the 3-11 shift. I would sit on the couch with him drinking orange juice as he would drink his screwdrivers. I talk to my mom every day, I think there's something special between a mother and a daughter, especially when you have a child, but my dad has a very special place in my heart.
He went into the doctor's office anticipating this diagnosis. Both his father and older brother had it, so he just assumed he did too. Lucky for us, the numbers are low, the biopsies only show 3 spots out of 12, and the doctor gives him good odds that with only surgery to remove the organ, he will be fine. He goes next week for a body scan to ensure that it hasn't spread.
I'm not letting myself think anything else.
He will be fine.
I know it.
So if you're reading this send out a special prayer to my dad tonight.
Oh, and if you don't pray, just offer out any healing vibes you can to him.
Mo and Grandpops at the Phillies
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Gifts from Far, Far, Away
How lucky is my kid?
How many 17 month olds get to play with this?
This is a bobble head of the god of food and wine.
Or get to have a doll like this?
Check out these shoes:
I love them and only wish they didn't have fabric bottoms. She's already slipped and fell across our living room floors. I may ask my brother in law to send over another pair in the next size up since they just fit!
Here is Mo's newest play mat:
Move over Kai-Lan, (cartoon on Noggin), Mo has her own Chinese play mat to practice.
My mother in law brought back some great gifts from her recent visit to Taiwan to visit my brother in law and new sister in law. She didn't forget us either, besides a plethora of various snacks with barely any English writing on any, she bought us these:
Faux jade coasters.
Next year when she heads back, I think I may ask her for the real thing!
How many 17 month olds get to play with this?
This is a bobble head of the god of food and wine.
Or get to have a doll like this?
Check out these shoes:
I love them and only wish they didn't have fabric bottoms. She's already slipped and fell across our living room floors. I may ask my brother in law to send over another pair in the next size up since they just fit!
Here is Mo's newest play mat:
Move over Kai-Lan, (cartoon on Noggin), Mo has her own Chinese play mat to practice.
My mother in law brought back some great gifts from her recent visit to Taiwan to visit my brother in law and new sister in law. She didn't forget us either, besides a plethora of various snacks with barely any English writing on any, she bought us these:
Faux jade coasters.
Next year when she heads back, I think I may ask her for the real thing!
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