The pre-school does their own program and Victoria played the part of Mary. I don't have a video of that one, but lots of cute pictures! Did any of you realize that Mary wore pink moon boots?
We also had a ballet performance at the mall.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Christmas Programs
Olivia's Kindergarten class sang "This Little Light of Mine" as part of the whole-school program. We got that on video.
The pre-school does their own program and Victoria played the part of Mary. I don't have a video of that one, but lots of cute pictures! Did any of you realize that Mary wore pink moon boots?
We also had a ballet performance at the mall.
The pre-school does their own program and Victoria played the part of Mary. I don't have a video of that one, but lots of cute pictures! Did any of you realize that Mary wore pink moon boots?
We also had a ballet performance at the mall.
School is cancelled...what to do?!
I was mildly annoyed that school is cancelled today (due to ice...lots of ice). I am a big fan of two hour delays b/c those don't have to be made up. We will have to make today up later on.
I am no longer annoyed though, because today has been productive as I decided to do a little baking. It started with the fact that we have no bread. I'm not afraid to drive, but I don't much feel like taking a shower today and going anywhere. SO, I made bread. Since I was already in the mood, I've also made spritz cookies (which I am NOT good at, I discovered), cocoa no bakes (is there an easier thing to do on this earth...doubtful), and mixed up the sugar cookie dough and got it in the fridge to chill for "two hours or until firm." I am going to make russian tea cookies (aka lot of other things) in a bit.
Speaking of the bread...not sure I'm a huge fan of plain homemade bread. I made white b/c I don't have any wheat flour. It tastes fine but it's not amazing. I will have to look for another recipe for the next time I am out of store-bought, preservative-laden, high calorie bread.
I am no longer annoyed though, because today has been productive as I decided to do a little baking. It started with the fact that we have no bread. I'm not afraid to drive, but I don't much feel like taking a shower today and going anywhere. SO, I made bread. Since I was already in the mood, I've also made spritz cookies (which I am NOT good at, I discovered), cocoa no bakes (is there an easier thing to do on this earth...doubtful), and mixed up the sugar cookie dough and got it in the fridge to chill for "two hours or until firm." I am going to make russian tea cookies (aka lot of other things) in a bit.
Speaking of the bread...not sure I'm a huge fan of plain homemade bread. I made white b/c I don't have any wheat flour. It tastes fine but it's not amazing. I will have to look for another recipe for the next time I am out of store-bought, preservative-laden, high calorie bread.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Leavenworth
Last weekend, we stayed here:
So we could see this:
And it was so fun! We went with our good friends, the Smiths, and had a great time. No snow, though. But the house was awesome, Leavenworth was super fun (but packed full of people), and all I have to say is, "When can we go again?!"
So we could see this:
And it was so fun! We went with our good friends, the Smiths, and had a great time. No snow, though. But the house was awesome, Leavenworth was super fun (but packed full of people), and all I have to say is, "When can we go again?!"
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Moving on to Christmas
Thanksgiving turned out well; we had quite a few people for dinner. There was about a ton of food, so we 1/2 ton left over. Unfortunately, none of that was turkey. We still have a little ham, though, so that makes me happy.
As I said above, we are now moving on to Christmas. I did a little "black Friday" shopping, Des style. I didn't get out until 11:30ish. I'm sorry, that's just how I roll. I DO NOT leave the house early if it can possibly be avoided. Further, I still got great deals on a bunch of stuff that I wanted, so it worked out nicely. The only place will a psychotic line was Old Navy, but oh, the deals I got!
We decorated our fake Christmas tree tonight. It's the first time we've ever had a fake tree...I bought it on sale after Christmas last year. We got one that's 6 1/2 feet tall b/c the ceilings in our old house were pretty low. Then we moved. Now we have 12 ft ceilings. It's a little Charlie Brown style. But then that's also how I roll.
As I said above, we are now moving on to Christmas. I did a little "black Friday" shopping, Des style. I didn't get out until 11:30ish. I'm sorry, that's just how I roll. I DO NOT leave the house early if it can possibly be avoided. Further, I still got great deals on a bunch of stuff that I wanted, so it worked out nicely. The only place will a psychotic line was Old Navy, but oh, the deals I got!
We decorated our fake Christmas tree tonight. It's the first time we've ever had a fake tree...I bought it on sale after Christmas last year. We got one that's 6 1/2 feet tall b/c the ceilings in our old house were pretty low. Then we moved. Now we have 12 ft ceilings. It's a little Charlie Brown style. But then that's also how I roll.
Friday, November 20, 2009
National Board Certification...check
The saga that is National Board Certification has finally ended. We were given our scores this morning and....I passed!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Happy Veteran's Day on Wednesday
We just had our Veteran's Day assembly and even though I am in the middle of school, I wanted to take a moment while my students are working to write about it. Veteran's Day, that is.
We are lucky that there are people willing to take on a duty that very few are willing to accept. Most veterans feel a strong sense of duty and responsibility for protecting our way of life. If we didn't have Veterans, we would not have most of the freedoms we enjoy today, including the ones that allow us to speak our minds freely, even if that speech bashes the very people who protect the right to make it.
Please consider recognizing a Veteran tomorrow. They, and their families, make sacrifices a lot of people would never consider in order to serve.
We are lucky that there are people willing to take on a duty that very few are willing to accept. Most veterans feel a strong sense of duty and responsibility for protecting our way of life. If we didn't have Veterans, we would not have most of the freedoms we enjoy today, including the ones that allow us to speak our minds freely, even if that speech bashes the very people who protect the right to make it.
Please consider recognizing a Veteran tomorrow. They, and their families, make sacrifices a lot of people would never consider in order to serve.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Super Sunday
Things I got done today:
1. Bought and planted a tree in the yard. Andre did help me plant it and also informed me that it is "my" tree and, therefore, all leaves produced by said tree will be "my" responsibility. We'll see about that...I think the girls might be old/tall enough to rake next fall. Right now it has NO leaves...looks like an eight foot tall stick in the ground.
2. Made dinner. We had pulled pork sandwiches and green beans. Sandwiches=yum. Beans=absolutely disgusting...but healthy...and so I choked them down and showed the girls how to suffer through them as well.
3. Went grocery shopping. I do enjoy Albertsons. The produce. The way they bag my groceries for me. What I do not enjoy is having to pay extra for the pretty tomatoes and having my groceries bagged. I might revert back to WinCo where there are no added perks, but also way lower prices.
4. Made homemade french toast sticks using this recipe: http://onceamonthmom.com/toddler-french-toast-sticks/. They will be good to grab for the girls in the morning to eat at daycare. I taste-tested them. They are good. Notice the person who created the recipe must not be from the US b/c all the measurements are metric. Thank god my math skills have improved in recent years.
5. Boiled a dozen eggs. For lunches this week. I love HB eggs, don't you? Andre despises them, which I am happy about b/c I already have to share them with O & V.
6. Actually cleaned the kitchen as I went. Yay. Dishwasher is running as a type this. Rest of the house is still a big mess.
7. Washed laundry. My laundry, actually. I need clothes for tomorrow and am the only person in this house w/nothing to wear. Sigh.
It was a relatively productive day, considering that I also slept until 8, got up for a couple of hours, and then took a late morning nap :-)
And for my mom, there. I have updated my blog!
1. Bought and planted a tree in the yard. Andre did help me plant it and also informed me that it is "my" tree and, therefore, all leaves produced by said tree will be "my" responsibility. We'll see about that...I think the girls might be old/tall enough to rake next fall. Right now it has NO leaves...looks like an eight foot tall stick in the ground.
2. Made dinner. We had pulled pork sandwiches and green beans. Sandwiches=yum. Beans=absolutely disgusting...but healthy...and so I choked them down and showed the girls how to suffer through them as well.
3. Went grocery shopping. I do enjoy Albertsons. The produce. The way they bag my groceries for me. What I do not enjoy is having to pay extra for the pretty tomatoes and having my groceries bagged. I might revert back to WinCo where there are no added perks, but also way lower prices.
4. Made homemade french toast sticks using this recipe: http://onceamonthmom.com/toddler-french-toast-sticks/. They will be good to grab for the girls in the morning to eat at daycare. I taste-tested them. They are good. Notice the person who created the recipe must not be from the US b/c all the measurements are metric. Thank god my math skills have improved in recent years.
5. Boiled a dozen eggs. For lunches this week. I love HB eggs, don't you? Andre despises them, which I am happy about b/c I already have to share them with O & V.
6. Actually cleaned the kitchen as I went. Yay. Dishwasher is running as a type this. Rest of the house is still a big mess.
7. Washed laundry. My laundry, actually. I need clothes for tomorrow and am the only person in this house w/nothing to wear. Sigh.
It was a relatively productive day, considering that I also slept until 8, got up for a couple of hours, and then took a late morning nap :-)
And for my mom, there. I have updated my blog!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The San Francisco Treat
Andre and I spent Labor Day weekend in San Francisco to celebrate our 10th anniversary. I had originally wanted to go to, well, Belize, but instead we bought a house. What can you do? San Francisco was excellent, though, especially b/c we now have a direct flight from Pasco...makes going down on Friday and coming back Monday totally worth it! And, did I mention that it was CHEAP?!
Play-by-Play...
FRIDAY: We arrived, rode BART to our hotel, checked in, walked 6 blocks to an AMAZING dinner at Saha. Definitely recommend it to everyone I know. During the 6 blocks there (uphill) I remember saying several times that we were definitely taking a cab back. However, we were so full after dinner that the walk back to the hotel was necessary. And it was downhill.
SATURDAY: Went to Museum of Modern Art, some "special" motorcycle store that I can't spell the name of, Chinatown (biggest Chinatown outside of China), and then rode BART out to Fremont to visit Heather and Colin. They made us an amazing dinner and we got to see their new place...it was great to visit! Then we rode BART back into the city and went back to the hotel. I am getting so old...we got back around 12:30 or so and I was SO tired.
SUNDAY: Met and visited with nice British couple while we waited for the cable car. Had to hit up an In-N-Out Burger, so we went to Fisherman's Warf for lunch. Went on a 1 hour cruise in SF Bay (out to Golden Gate bridge and back), hit the aquarium (nothing to really write home about, but cool), back to the hotel to drop stuff off, cabbed it to Pier 33 to catch our Alcatraz Tour Boat. Alcatraz tour was awesome--so interesting! After 2 hours there, we came back to SF, went to North Beach (Little Italy) for dinner...ate at one of the only places still open, Calzone's, and it was tasty.
MONDAY: Shopped. Yes, we stayed in the shopping area of SF (Union Square). We should've just flown home in the morning b/c we would've saved a lot of money. Oh well. It was fun. We rode BART to the airport around 5 and were home about 9:45...collected the girls from Mom & Tom, got home around 10:45...and went to the work the next day. UGH. I was tired...
Play-by-Play...
FRIDAY: We arrived, rode BART to our hotel, checked in, walked 6 blocks to an AMAZING dinner at Saha. Definitely recommend it to everyone I know. During the 6 blocks there (uphill) I remember saying several times that we were definitely taking a cab back. However, we were so full after dinner that the walk back to the hotel was necessary. And it was downhill.
SATURDAY: Went to Museum of Modern Art, some "special" motorcycle store that I can't spell the name of, Chinatown (biggest Chinatown outside of China), and then rode BART out to Fremont to visit Heather and Colin. They made us an amazing dinner and we got to see their new place...it was great to visit! Then we rode BART back into the city and went back to the hotel. I am getting so old...we got back around 12:30 or so and I was SO tired.
SUNDAY: Met and visited with nice British couple while we waited for the cable car. Had to hit up an In-N-Out Burger, so we went to Fisherman's Warf for lunch. Went on a 1 hour cruise in SF Bay (out to Golden Gate bridge and back), hit the aquarium (nothing to really write home about, but cool), back to the hotel to drop stuff off, cabbed it to Pier 33 to catch our Alcatraz Tour Boat. Alcatraz tour was awesome--so interesting! After 2 hours there, we came back to SF, went to North Beach (Little Italy) for dinner...ate at one of the only places still open, Calzone's, and it was tasty.
MONDAY: Shopped. Yes, we stayed in the shopping area of SF (Union Square). We should've just flown home in the morning b/c we would've saved a lot of money. Oh well. It was fun. We rode BART to the airport around 5 and were home about 9:45...collected the girls from Mom & Tom, got home around 10:45...and went to the work the next day. UGH. I was tired...
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Finally, a hair cut and color
Today I had what it best described as my "weave" cut. Thank god. My hair was massively out of control--totally damaged, gray, etc. You all have probably heard of the band The Cure. My mom thinks my hair looks like the band's lead singer's when I wake up. Ah, but not anymore my friends. It is now all one fabulous, dark color, and way shorter. Did I mention that I LOVE it?
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Really...back to work already?!
Ah, I had a meeting today. Just a little one...only three hours. The big boys start on Friday...all day, then the same Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday next week. Note that we are NOT meeting on Thursday next week. Why, you ask? Who the heck knows the answer to such questions. But we have to work this Friday.
I have to say, my summer went by SO fast. Teaching summer school probably didn't help matters, but it was only 2.5 weeks. I think we were just so busy -- moving, camping, etc. Moving has been the main thing, I guess. Did I mention that we went ahead and hired movers for the move into our house? If I haven't already shared with y'all that it was seriously one of the best things I've ever spent money on, now you know. But, I am losing blog focus. We were talking about going back to work. What a drag...but I love my job :-)
I have to say, my summer went by SO fast. Teaching summer school probably didn't help matters, but it was only 2.5 weeks. I think we were just so busy -- moving, camping, etc. Moving has been the main thing, I guess. Did I mention that we went ahead and hired movers for the move into our house? If I haven't already shared with y'all that it was seriously one of the best things I've ever spent money on, now you know. But, I am losing blog focus. We were talking about going back to work. What a drag...but I love my job :-)
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Post Focus
Ok, I write excessively long posts. I have decided to stop doing that. From now on, I will pick one thing to write about and stick to it...I might have to make multiple posts in one day :-)
Today the focus is -- weeds. They suck. We have a lot of them. They are growing in the dirt behind our new house. They must be pulled so we can put in a lawn. They kick my butt. I have pulled about 3/4 of them. Hopefully the lawn will be put in soon so they don't grow back.
Today the focus is -- weeds. They suck. We have a lot of them. They are growing in the dirt behind our new house. They must be pulled so we can put in a lawn. They kick my butt. I have pulled about 3/4 of them. Hopefully the lawn will be put in soon so they don't grow back.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Lately
Lately, we have been SO busy. Let me try to re-cap for the four of you who follow my blog:
--Moved into our new house on July 24. We love it and I am trying to get organized and all settled in before I have to go back to work. I am afraid that's not going to happen, though...our first meeting is Aug. 21 and I have a LOT to do. I should not be blogging right now. I should be putting something away.
--Went camping at Fort Stevens State Park on the Oregon Coast the first week of August. We had perfect weather; it didn't rain until the day we left. Outstanding, because I am not a fan of being dirty and, since camping is dirty in general, rain would make it much worse. We went to the beach at the park, as well as down to Seaside and Cannon Beach. The girls had a ball.
--Went to a wedding the day after we got back from camping. It was in this itty-bitty town called Colton, which is about 15 miles from Pullman. The wedding was beautiful -- held outside amid the rolling wheat (or whatever they grow out there) fields and then the reception was in a barn (a very clean barn). It was fun.
--Painted two beds and a dresser. The beds are from my grandmother and I have discovered that they are not, in fact, twin size. They look like twins...but when you put the matress on, it falls through the rails. Oh...all that work...and now I have to figure out a way to modify them OR spend money for new matresses. I am not a fan of spending money on things that I didn't plan to, so I'm against this and am hoping for modification. The dresser is actually the girls' old changing table; I painted it the same color (cake batter) as the beds and it turned out fine. With all three pieces I kept trying to remind myself of this blog that I visited recently -- her mantra is "it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful (so I can give credit where it's due -- http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com) ." Hmmmmm....I'm not completely finished with these projects yet. I also need to paint our old china hutch. Hopefully that will happen tomorrow.
--What else...I've taken the girls to the mushroom pool a couple of times so they can see their school friends, had lots of friends come over to see the new house, unpacked a ton of crap (I mean that...why did we move this stuff), and that's about it. Oh, and I've also kept up on my new frugal plan of eating IN way more often. With the new mortgage, we should! :-) Plus, I have a new, super-fabulous kitchen to cook in, so I'm not minding.
Since this is a long post, I think I will go to bed and write more tomorrow! And maybe post some pictures of the house and projects...we will see. We are supposed to go to the farmer's market in the AM and then pull weeds (in the hopes of having sprinklers put in this weekend). So it could be a busy day.
--Moved into our new house on July 24. We love it and I am trying to get organized and all settled in before I have to go back to work. I am afraid that's not going to happen, though...our first meeting is Aug. 21 and I have a LOT to do. I should not be blogging right now. I should be putting something away.
--Went camping at Fort Stevens State Park on the Oregon Coast the first week of August. We had perfect weather; it didn't rain until the day we left. Outstanding, because I am not a fan of being dirty and, since camping is dirty in general, rain would make it much worse. We went to the beach at the park, as well as down to Seaside and Cannon Beach. The girls had a ball.
--Went to a wedding the day after we got back from camping. It was in this itty-bitty town called Colton, which is about 15 miles from Pullman. The wedding was beautiful -- held outside amid the rolling wheat (or whatever they grow out there) fields and then the reception was in a barn (a very clean barn). It was fun.
--Painted two beds and a dresser. The beds are from my grandmother and I have discovered that they are not, in fact, twin size. They look like twins...but when you put the matress on, it falls through the rails. Oh...all that work...and now I have to figure out a way to modify them OR spend money for new matresses. I am not a fan of spending money on things that I didn't plan to, so I'm against this and am hoping for modification. The dresser is actually the girls' old changing table; I painted it the same color (cake batter) as the beds and it turned out fine. With all three pieces I kept trying to remind myself of this blog that I visited recently -- her mantra is "it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful (so I can give credit where it's due -- http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com) ." Hmmmmm....I'm not completely finished with these projects yet. I also need to paint our old china hutch. Hopefully that will happen tomorrow.
--What else...I've taken the girls to the mushroom pool a couple of times so they can see their school friends, had lots of friends come over to see the new house, unpacked a ton of crap (I mean that...why did we move this stuff), and that's about it. Oh, and I've also kept up on my new frugal plan of eating IN way more often. With the new mortgage, we should! :-) Plus, I have a new, super-fabulous kitchen to cook in, so I'm not minding.
Since this is a long post, I think I will go to bed and write more tomorrow! And maybe post some pictures of the house and projects...we will see. We are supposed to go to the farmer's market in the AM and then pull weeds (in the hopes of having sprinklers put in this weekend). So it could be a busy day.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Homemade jam update
The strawberry jam turned out...awesome! I was wondering if I had stirred long enough to make all the sugar dissolve and, apparently, I did. Oh, it's tasty. We will have to try a different kind next to see how it turned out. I was also surpised that, once it has been refrigerated, the jam set up pretty well--not like jelly, but still pretty firm. This COULD be a substitute for my ice cream addiction. I blame A for the ice cream thing, by the way. He ate ice cream every night in Kuwait, so he came home and continued eating ice cream every night...but I got to enjoy it with him. We have managed to wean ourselves, but we still enjoy it WAY too often!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Sometimes, even I laugh at me
So I was just, ahem, in the bathroom, and, as I sat there, thinking, "this is a mess...we've got to get this picked up before mom & Tom get home (they are on mini-vaca)." Then I was trying to come up with the expression...you know, the one that goes 'it gets bad before it gets worse.' No, that's not right...what IS it....AH HA...'it gets worse before it gets better!" Seriously, these are the types of things that often go through my head. These musings are not restricted to the bathroom, either. I have them throughout the day in various places.
The girls and I had a busy day and I am just now realizing that I'm tired. It didn't seem that busy while we were in the middle of it. We hit the farmer's market this AM and bought fruit, which we brought home and made our first ever homemade freezer jam. We now have 30 jars...strawberry, raspberry, raspberry/blackberry (had to improvise--didn't have enough for a full batch of either--and it's tasty), and blueberry (surprisingly good seeing as how I do not care for blueberries). I need to get some apricots off Brandy's tree (if you read this B, I'm coming over tomorrow) so that I can fill up my last six empty jars. I will let you know when I figure out the total cost, but I'm fairly positive it's well under $2/jar (probably closer to $1.60). Tons of sugar, but no artificial stuff, so much healthier in my book. Plus, store-bought stuff probably has just as much sugar--we just don't get to see it dumped in, so we don't realize! Oh, FYI--this was SO easy. If it wasn't, I would've have 30 jars :-) Oh, maybe I should figure in the cost of the t-shirt I probably ruined by smashing a raspberry on it at the farmer's market, and then dripping a taste test down the front....ok, +$10 (it's a KHS t-shirt--they're cheap).
Jada came over to swim w/the girls after lunch and they had a blast. As soon as I get to hook up my own computer in my new house (maybe next week?) I will post some of the super-cute pictures! Then, Jada left but Jen left Josh w/me to babysit while she took the older kids to a movie. Ahhhh....Josh is a cutie!!! LOVE him!!
AND THEN we ate dinner, got some ice cream (some people drink, I eat ice cream, ok?), came home and washed the car, read books, and put kids to bed. Oh, and I'm feeling very proud (can't help it) of my dear husband...he's had several nice things happen to him related to work in the past few weeks, which is nice b/c he has worked really hard.
The girls and I had a busy day and I am just now realizing that I'm tired. It didn't seem that busy while we were in the middle of it. We hit the farmer's market this AM and bought fruit, which we brought home and made our first ever homemade freezer jam. We now have 30 jars...strawberry, raspberry, raspberry/blackberry (had to improvise--didn't have enough for a full batch of either--and it's tasty), and blueberry (surprisingly good seeing as how I do not care for blueberries). I need to get some apricots off Brandy's tree (if you read this B, I'm coming over tomorrow) so that I can fill up my last six empty jars. I will let you know when I figure out the total cost, but I'm fairly positive it's well under $2/jar (probably closer to $1.60). Tons of sugar, but no artificial stuff, so much healthier in my book. Plus, store-bought stuff probably has just as much sugar--we just don't get to see it dumped in, so we don't realize! Oh, FYI--this was SO easy. If it wasn't, I would've have 30 jars :-) Oh, maybe I should figure in the cost of the t-shirt I probably ruined by smashing a raspberry on it at the farmer's market, and then dripping a taste test down the front....ok, +$10 (it's a KHS t-shirt--they're cheap).
Jada came over to swim w/the girls after lunch and they had a blast. As soon as I get to hook up my own computer in my new house (maybe next week?) I will post some of the super-cute pictures! Then, Jada left but Jen left Josh w/me to babysit while she took the older kids to a movie. Ahhhh....Josh is a cutie!!! LOVE him!!
AND THEN we ate dinner, got some ice cream (some people drink, I eat ice cream, ok?), came home and washed the car, read books, and put kids to bed. Oh, and I'm feeling very proud (can't help it) of my dear husband...he's had several nice things happen to him related to work in the past few weeks, which is nice b/c he has worked really hard.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
We need a vacation
We haven't really gone much of anywhere since Andre started the WSP thing and I started National Boards. SO, we are overdue for some trips. Now, I realize that we are buying a new house. One might think we should stay home. That's ok, you are entitled to your opinion :)
In the works...camping or some other relatively inexpensive trip the beginning of August (that's right around the corner, so I should get that one figured out quick). Then, a weekend trip to San Francisco to celebrate 10th wedding anniversary (we had bigger plans but then we bought a house...see, we are responsible). We are considering a trip to MT after Christmas for skiing and other snow-related fun, then Disneyland over Spring Break. We will probably try to hit the MotoGP race at Laguna Seca next summer as well.
It's fun to have things like this to look forward to. Once you pay, it's going to happen. I am looking forward to our new house, too, but we haven't paid yet, so it's still not a reality. Appraisal, where are you????
In the works...camping or some other relatively inexpensive trip the beginning of August (that's right around the corner, so I should get that one figured out quick). Then, a weekend trip to San Francisco to celebrate 10th wedding anniversary (we had bigger plans but then we bought a house...see, we are responsible). We are considering a trip to MT after Christmas for skiing and other snow-related fun, then Disneyland over Spring Break. We will probably try to hit the MotoGP race at Laguna Seca next summer as well.
It's fun to have things like this to look forward to. Once you pay, it's going to happen. I am looking forward to our new house, too, but we haven't paid yet, so it's still not a reality. Appraisal, where are you????
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Shhhhhh!
It's funny the freedom that being really young (and really old for that matter) gives you. Last night Mom, Tom, and I took the girls to the baseball game (Andre had to work). We had a good time -- the weather was perfect, the game was pretty good (it was loooooooong), and it was $1 food night, which was a little added bonus. The girls had their fill of hot dogs, licorice, 7-Up, peanuts, ice cream, and popcorn. No kidding. They ate like they had never been fed before and didn't expect food again in the near future. This food, not really the game, kept the girls very happy until the 7th inning stretch, at which point we stretched, sang, and left. Not because they were unhappy or had run out of food, but because my butt was numb.
We sat the in bleachers and, aside from the woman who sat behind us and kept sticking her flipflop in Olivia's back, all was good. There was this nice couple in front of us and we kept them entertained. The best part of the whole night was when Victoria remembered to tell Papi that she, "Had DIARRHEA today" and so she needs some medicine. Yes, Papi, it was very bad. hahahaha Te woman in front of us cringed. That made it funnier. Seriously, I am laughing as I relive the moment right now. Totally priceless. Papi suggested to Victoria that she tell him about it another time, though, so that ended the discussion. Darn.
We sat the in bleachers and, aside from the woman who sat behind us and kept sticking her flipflop in Olivia's back, all was good. There was this nice couple in front of us and we kept them entertained. The best part of the whole night was when Victoria remembered to tell Papi that she, "Had DIARRHEA today" and so she needs some medicine. Yes, Papi, it was very bad. hahahaha Te woman in front of us cringed. That made it funnier. Seriously, I am laughing as I relive the moment right now. Totally priceless. Papi suggested to Victoria that she tell him about it another time, though, so that ended the discussion. Darn.
Friday, July 10, 2009
As if by magic...
...the card reader was returned to my desk drawer. My spirit has been restored and I am looking forward to the rest of summer school.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
When it rains...
I guess at this point I need to be very thankful that our walkthrough for the new house was yesterday. It went really well and there are very few things to be fixed. We are hoping to be able to sign and close next week -- we're just waiting on the appraisal at this point.
Today...started out ok. I didn't really want to get out of bed, but that's not unusual. I did notice as I was getting into the shower, though, that my neck was very stiff--must've slept on it wrong. Ok. I will try not to need to turn my head today. The rest of the getting ready process goes smoothly, babysitter arrives on time, and I go to work (I'm teaching summer school). Except for a very slow computer intially, the morning goes well. Lunchtime comes...I get my bagel, go back to school and get a call from the babysitter, who has locked herself (and the girls) out of the house. So I run home to let them back in. Not a big deal.
Now, before lunch I was using our department's card reader. When I left, I did think to stick it in my desk drawer so that it didn't walk off. It was there when I got back and I distinctly remember putting it back on my desk so that I would remember to put it back in it's correct spot. And that would be the last time I saw it. That's right folks--stolen. GRRRRRR mad! I left the room one time to go into our storage room and was gone for maybe a minute (for once I knew exactly where the stuff I wanted was).
This part of my day evolves into a long story that involves stolen card readers, pot pipes, and the police department, but we don't need to get into all those details. However, I never did get my card reader back. I am not naive enough to think that a student has never once, in 8 years, stolen something from my room. BUT, I have 1) never had anything of substance taken (that I'm aware of) and 2) can't believe someone would have the sack to snatch something that quickly. SO PISSED!
Fast forwarding...after school I let the girls swim. Amazingly, there were no catastrophes. We then went shopping at Staples so that I could get some summer school supplies (and a new card reader). Shopping with my girls can sometimes be annoying, especially in situations like this when I need to concetrate so I get the right stuff. But it was ok. Afterward we went to the local noodle joint. 1st bowl of spaghetti=hair. 2nd bowl of spaghetti=that's right, more hair. 3rd bowl of spaghetti=we didn't get spaghetti that time, I ordered something new. And got a refund.
At this point I'm thinking I could use a little DQ. We drive through, the girls get cones and I got a blizzard. This is pathetic, but I usually eat them while driving home -- no, I can't wait, and yes, I drive with my knee. Never has been a problem. Until this evening. When I managed to spill a freakish amount on my steering wheel and in my lap.
We have been home for about a 1/2 hour and, so far, all is well. I think maybe we should just go to bed!
Today...started out ok. I didn't really want to get out of bed, but that's not unusual. I did notice as I was getting into the shower, though, that my neck was very stiff--must've slept on it wrong. Ok. I will try not to need to turn my head today. The rest of the getting ready process goes smoothly, babysitter arrives on time, and I go to work (I'm teaching summer school). Except for a very slow computer intially, the morning goes well. Lunchtime comes...I get my bagel, go back to school and get a call from the babysitter, who has locked herself (and the girls) out of the house. So I run home to let them back in. Not a big deal.
Now, before lunch I was using our department's card reader. When I left, I did think to stick it in my desk drawer so that it didn't walk off. It was there when I got back and I distinctly remember putting it back on my desk so that I would remember to put it back in it's correct spot. And that would be the last time I saw it. That's right folks--stolen. GRRRRRR mad! I left the room one time to go into our storage room and was gone for maybe a minute (for once I knew exactly where the stuff I wanted was).
This part of my day evolves into a long story that involves stolen card readers, pot pipes, and the police department, but we don't need to get into all those details. However, I never did get my card reader back. I am not naive enough to think that a student has never once, in 8 years, stolen something from my room. BUT, I have 1) never had anything of substance taken (that I'm aware of) and 2) can't believe someone would have the sack to snatch something that quickly. SO PISSED!
Fast forwarding...after school I let the girls swim. Amazingly, there were no catastrophes. We then went shopping at Staples so that I could get some summer school supplies (and a new card reader). Shopping with my girls can sometimes be annoying, especially in situations like this when I need to concetrate so I get the right stuff. But it was ok. Afterward we went to the local noodle joint. 1st bowl of spaghetti=hair. 2nd bowl of spaghetti=that's right, more hair. 3rd bowl of spaghetti=we didn't get spaghetti that time, I ordered something new. And got a refund.
At this point I'm thinking I could use a little DQ. We drive through, the girls get cones and I got a blizzard. This is pathetic, but I usually eat them while driving home -- no, I can't wait, and yes, I drive with my knee. Never has been a problem. Until this evening. When I managed to spill a freakish amount on my steering wheel and in my lap.
We have been home for about a 1/2 hour and, so far, all is well. I think maybe we should just go to bed!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Amtrak turned into U-Haul
It has become apparent to me that my girls are just a little too young to ride the train to MT overnight. UGH. I don't think that Olivia slept more than 2 hours...which meant that I did not sleep more than two hours. Given that the train takes 10 hours and the car would've only taken 7ish, it REALLY sucked. Really.
When we finally arrived in Whitefish, I was so done. So were the girls. Luckily my dad and Barb were there to meet us and we went to my grandparents' house for breakfast.
My grandparents are getting older and are beginning to give some of their things away. Grandma says to me, "I want you to take some of this stuff home with you." Now, that is not an easy task when one is riding a train. HOWEVER, one could also cancel one's train tickets, get a refund, and rent a U-Haul truck, thus accomplishing multiple goals: 1) Help grandma eliminate stuff, 2) become the receiver of some beautiful furniture, artwork, and china that I've loved my entire life and am so honored that my grandmother wants me to have it, 3) avoid another horrid train ride going home!
So, we rented a U-Haul, loaded that baby up on Friday, and left this morning just after 10 AM. We were home before 5 to enjoy the rest of the blazing hot afternoon--visited with Andre, the girls swam, ate dinner, and are asleep as I type this. Good times, I tell you!
When we finally arrived in Whitefish, I was so done. So were the girls. Luckily my dad and Barb were there to meet us and we went to my grandparents' house for breakfast.
My grandparents are getting older and are beginning to give some of their things away. Grandma says to me, "I want you to take some of this stuff home with you." Now, that is not an easy task when one is riding a train. HOWEVER, one could also cancel one's train tickets, get a refund, and rent a U-Haul truck, thus accomplishing multiple goals: 1) Help grandma eliminate stuff, 2) become the receiver of some beautiful furniture, artwork, and china that I've loved my entire life and am so honored that my grandmother wants me to have it, 3) avoid another horrid train ride going home!
So, we rented a U-Haul, loaded that baby up on Friday, and left this morning just after 10 AM. We were home before 5 to enjoy the rest of the blazing hot afternoon--visited with Andre, the girls swam, ate dinner, and are asleep as I type this. Good times, I tell you!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Don't Worry Mom, Dat Girl Will Cwean it Up
Am I raising snobs? Ungrateful children? Hmmmm.....we were out to dinner tonight at our favorite spot (the Red Tomato...or Casa Mia) and Victoria dropped some food. She looks at me and says, "Don't worry mom. Dat girl will cwean it up." It was actually pretty funny, I don't know why, though. Probably because a) Victoria's pronunciation of words is HILARIOUS sometimes and b) she is so observant that she realizes that the restaurant staff comes in after the diners and cleans everything up. Regardless, we try to be very tidy and polite.
This came after Victoria threw a humongous fit about going to the baseball game. We showed up at the game and the parking attendant tells us that there are only standing tickets available, so we decided not to go. Oh my. Victoria was pissed. She was looking forward to treats!!! I told her that we would take Olivia to Casa Mia and that she'd have to eat PB&J at home if she didn't knock it off. The screaming continued. She finally calmed down after mom stopped the car and reasoned with her. She was pretty shocked that she was in trouble from the Nana.
Throughout all of the drama, Olivia was an angel. She deserves a brownie badge for catering to her sister's whims because, in the end, it turns out good for both of them.
I think we can all agree that my girls are a yittle spoiled. I should do something about that. Maybe next fall would be a good time to work on it. :-)
This came after Victoria threw a humongous fit about going to the baseball game. We showed up at the game and the parking attendant tells us that there are only standing tickets available, so we decided not to go. Oh my. Victoria was pissed. She was looking forward to treats!!! I told her that we would take Olivia to Casa Mia and that she'd have to eat PB&J at home if she didn't knock it off. The screaming continued. She finally calmed down after mom stopped the car and reasoned with her. She was pretty shocked that she was in trouble from the Nana.
Throughout all of the drama, Olivia was an angel. She deserves a brownie badge for catering to her sister's whims because, in the end, it turns out good for both of them.
I think we can all agree that my girls are a yittle spoiled. I should do something about that. Maybe next fall would be a good time to work on it. :-)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Amtrak It Is
So the other day I decided that I should work in a little mini-vaca with the girls while Andre is working a crappy shift the next few weeks. I thought maybe we could go to MT to visit the "Mema & Papa." They would love to see the girls -- whether I go or not is, I am sure, irrelevant...my friends with children understand this.
Anyway, then I started considering the fact that it is an 8 hour drive...and the girls have been monsters in the car lately. We'll be in the car 10 minutes and they already want to know when we are going to be there. Maybe we should NOT go to MT.
Then, brilliance struck me. The train! I rode the train to visit my dad a couple of times and it was perfect. You leave at night, sleep, and then BAM, you're there! I got online right away to visit the trusty Amtrak site and, lo-and-behold, fares for the Empire Builder (that's the train that runs through our area) are on sale! I got round trip tickets for me and the girls for only $189 -- that's only about $50 more than I would have to pay in gas, probably, and oh, the convenience!
The girls are, of course, super excited about a) getting to ride the train and b) getting to sleep on the train (we had a LONG talk about this one...can you imagine being the people around us trying to sleep and my two "angels" throwing a big fit). Anyway, it could work out beautifully. I will be sure to let you all know how it turns out!
Anyway, then I started considering the fact that it is an 8 hour drive...and the girls have been monsters in the car lately. We'll be in the car 10 minutes and they already want to know when we are going to be there. Maybe we should NOT go to MT.
Then, brilliance struck me. The train! I rode the train to visit my dad a couple of times and it was perfect. You leave at night, sleep, and then BAM, you're there! I got online right away to visit the trusty Amtrak site and, lo-and-behold, fares for the Empire Builder (that's the train that runs through our area) are on sale! I got round trip tickets for me and the girls for only $189 -- that's only about $50 more than I would have to pay in gas, probably, and oh, the convenience!
The girls are, of course, super excited about a) getting to ride the train and b) getting to sleep on the train (we had a LONG talk about this one...can you imagine being the people around us trying to sleep and my two "angels" throwing a big fit). Anyway, it could work out beautifully. I will be sure to let you all know how it turns out!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Oh, Miss Shirley
What can I say about Miss Shirley? I know this is crude, but I think she is best describes as "rode hard, put away wet." Miss Shirley is in the twilight of her limo career...where to begin...
1. Miss Shirley supposedly fits 12 people...we had 7 and were just fine, thank you very much
2. Miss Shirley needs a little facelift...the door handle on the inside was broken (completely off) and she's so old that the car used to have ash trays in the door. I know this because the cover was broken off one of those, too (same door as the one w/out a handle...it's been abused)
3. Miss Shirley needs a makeover...like most limos, all she needed was a disco ball and 70's music playing to complete the look
4. All of the above was NO BIG DEAL. Really, we rented a limo from Red Neck Limos...it was to be expected. See #5.
5. For my friends who don't live around here...it was in the 80's this weekend. Not blazing hot, but definitely warm. Especially in a car with 7 people. WITH NO AIR CONDITIONING. That's right, folks, Miss Shirley was one hot mama. It was cooler outside than it was in that damn car.
We had a ton of fun!!! Had lots of yummy wine (Miss Shirley picked us up at Bookwalter, went to several in the Prosser Wine Park, then to Benton City to Terra Blanca, then back to Bookwalter). For dinner we went to Tagaris b/c they also had music on the patio. The weather was perfect and it was very relaxing.
Thanks to my Janice for the fab lotion and Target GC and also to Olivia (friend, not daughter) for the fun Happy Birthday wine glass! We will plan another trip soon and rendezvous at our new house in W Richland!!
1. Miss Shirley supposedly fits 12 people...we had 7 and were just fine, thank you very much
2. Miss Shirley needs a little facelift...the door handle on the inside was broken (completely off) and she's so old that the car used to have ash trays in the door. I know this because the cover was broken off one of those, too (same door as the one w/out a handle...it's been abused)
3. Miss Shirley needs a makeover...like most limos, all she needed was a disco ball and 70's music playing to complete the look
4. All of the above was NO BIG DEAL. Really, we rented a limo from Red Neck Limos...it was to be expected. See #5.
5. For my friends who don't live around here...it was in the 80's this weekend. Not blazing hot, but definitely warm. Especially in a car with 7 people. WITH NO AIR CONDITIONING. That's right, folks, Miss Shirley was one hot mama. It was cooler outside than it was in that damn car.
We had a ton of fun!!! Had lots of yummy wine (Miss Shirley picked us up at Bookwalter, went to several in the Prosser Wine Park, then to Benton City to Terra Blanca, then back to Bookwalter). For dinner we went to Tagaris b/c they also had music on the patio. The weather was perfect and it was very relaxing.
Thanks to my Janice for the fab lotion and Target GC and also to Olivia (friend, not daughter) for the fun Happy Birthday wine glass! We will plan another trip soon and rendezvous at our new house in W Richland!!
Friday, June 12, 2009
School's Out!!
I so love the end of the school year. Every year. This year, however, is especially sweet as it marks the end of a) the hell that I refer to as the quest for national board certification; b) the hell that is also known as the process for becoming a WA State Trooper; c) 1/2 the hell of moving...there is no other name for that, and we still have to move from storage into the new house; d) the hell of selling your old house and finding a new one that falls within VERY narrow guidelines...specifically, no more than 15 miles from milepost 88. Ahhhhh....I can mostly relax now.
Just had the big 3-1 last weekend. We went out to dinner with friends and then to a BBQ (not to eat more, though, just to say hi...if anything, I could stand to miss a meal, not eat extra). This weekend, Janice (aka Kami) and I decided to rent Miss Shirley (that's a limo we rented from...wait for it...Red Neck Limos...no joke) and we are going wine tasting with the husbands and friends. That's tomorrow. I will post to let you all know what Miss Shirley is like up close and personal.
Staying with Mom and Tom is a truly joyous experience (my mom reads this blog). HAHAHA Actually, it is not bad at all, we have plenty of room and I know that we are probably driving them crazy with our shit all over (we are not what I would consider to be tidy folks), but I think they are good sports. They like having the girls here...in fact, I think that's probably why they tolerate Andre and I. We are trying to keep things picked up, but the shoe situation is a little out of control.
The computer at casa de Atwood is freakishly slow, so that's why I don't update my blog or facebook much. But now that I am a woman of leisure (not working, people) I have time to wait. So I will try to do better!
Just had the big 3-1 last weekend. We went out to dinner with friends and then to a BBQ (not to eat more, though, just to say hi...if anything, I could stand to miss a meal, not eat extra). This weekend, Janice (aka Kami) and I decided to rent Miss Shirley (that's a limo we rented from...wait for it...Red Neck Limos...no joke) and we are going wine tasting with the husbands and friends. That's tomorrow. I will post to let you all know what Miss Shirley is like up close and personal.
Staying with Mom and Tom is a truly joyous experience (my mom reads this blog). HAHAHA Actually, it is not bad at all, we have plenty of room and I know that we are probably driving them crazy with our shit all over (we are not what I would consider to be tidy folks), but I think they are good sports. They like having the girls here...in fact, I think that's probably why they tolerate Andre and I. We are trying to keep things picked up, but the shoe situation is a little out of control.
The computer at casa de Atwood is freakishly slow, so that's why I don't update my blog or facebook much. But now that I am a woman of leisure (not working, people) I have time to wait. So I will try to do better!
Monday, May 18, 2009
All Moved In...to Mom's
We moved in to my mom's last week and were officially out of our house by last Friday at 9 PM. I think we finally finished about 7 PM...ish. One of the worst experiences of my life, no joke. We are moving to the new house in August and I do not plan to move EVER again. Unless I have to go to a "home." In that case, someone (aka, my children) can move me. So, we plan to spend 70+ glorious years in the new house. Hopefully it survives.
Speaking of the new house, I dropped off the rest of the lights today. We got mini chandeliers for the girls' rooms and they are SO cute. I was able to check out a lot of the house, but not everywhere b/c the tile had just been laid, so I couldn't get to a couple of spots. Looks good overall, though. I'm excited about everything that I picked out for flooring, etc.
Speaking of the new house, I dropped off the rest of the lights today. We got mini chandeliers for the girls' rooms and they are SO cute. I was able to check out a lot of the house, but not everywhere b/c the tile had just been laid, so I couldn't get to a couple of spots. Looks good overall, though. I'm excited about everything that I picked out for flooring, etc.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Officially Homeless
We are officially homeless. The buyers for our house signed off on the inspection last night, which means that, unless something incredible happens, we have sold our house. We close no later than May 14. Which means I have about three weeks to get packed and moved--1/16 of our stuff to my mom's house (our clothes) and the rest to what I am sure will be a lovely storage unit. I am strangely unstressed about this process. Maybe that's because I am SO relieved about selling our house.
We are going to live at my mom's until our new house is finished. We are not sure how long that will be since we have not made a decision about what our new house will be...it might be under construction already...or it might not. The issue is whether we want to buy the one and only house that is under construction but not sold in the neighborhood we are moving to. Or, do we want to pick a different lot and plan (or the same plan?) and wait longer...ah, the choices.
Have a I mentioned that I LOVE high school proms? As the Junior Class advisor this year, I have the extreme pleasure of coordinating the prom and all of the activities that go along with it. Good times.
All is well in the land of National Boards. We have been studying for the assessment center test...trying to prepare for all of the what-ifs. I feel good about this part b/c I think that we will walk in there feeling like there was nothing else we could have done to get ready.
We are going to live at my mom's until our new house is finished. We are not sure how long that will be since we have not made a decision about what our new house will be...it might be under construction already...or it might not. The issue is whether we want to buy the one and only house that is under construction but not sold in the neighborhood we are moving to. Or, do we want to pick a different lot and plan (or the same plan?) and wait longer...ah, the choices.
Have a I mentioned that I LOVE high school proms? As the Junior Class advisor this year, I have the extreme pleasure of coordinating the prom and all of the activities that go along with it. Good times.
All is well in the land of National Boards. We have been studying for the assessment center test...trying to prepare for all of the what-ifs. I feel good about this part b/c I think that we will walk in there feeling like there was nothing else we could have done to get ready.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
They Accepted
The second offer accepted our counter. Yay. So, regardless of who buys our house (the first or second offer), we will be moving by the beginning of June. We will move to my mom's house while we are having one built. It will be nice to be at mom's during the summer months because they have a pool, so we can spend lots of time out there and then we are also going to try to take lots of little trips on Andre's days off.
Today we are testing at school...Kami and I are working together, so we are going to do it in shifts. She's taking the first half :-) We both know that I am not awake yet.
Today we are testing at school...Kami and I are working together, so we are going to do it in shifts. She's taking the first half :-) We both know that I am not awake yet.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Another Offer!!!
That's right, we have another offer on our house...we countered and, if they accept our counter, then our first offer will have three days to decide if they want to try to get financed to buy our house or let it go (they are trying to sell their house right now). So, we are obviously very excited b/c the sooner we have a true committment for this place, we can get started on a new place for us!
The girls and I went over to Jen's house last night; the kids dyed/decorated Easter eggs and then they got to watch a movie and had milkshakes...it was quite a night! Then the girls got to dye eggs again today with Andre. We have enough hard boiled eggs to make about 100 egg salad sandwiches ;-)
The big Easter egg hunt is happening tomorrow at Jen's. The bunny (AKA Des) will hide the goods while Jen is at church and my girls are visiting with Nana and Papi. We are hunting later than we normally do (1:30), but this way everyone can be there. It's fun...there are so many darn eggs that every kid can fill up a basket to absolutely overflowing. That's the way to avoid tears, you know--just spoil the kids until they can't possibly complain :-)
The girls and I went over to Jen's house last night; the kids dyed/decorated Easter eggs and then they got to watch a movie and had milkshakes...it was quite a night! Then the girls got to dye eggs again today with Andre. We have enough hard boiled eggs to make about 100 egg salad sandwiches ;-)
The big Easter egg hunt is happening tomorrow at Jen's. The bunny (AKA Des) will hide the goods while Jen is at church and my girls are visiting with Nana and Papi. We are hunting later than we normally do (1:30), but this way everyone can be there. It's fun...there are so many darn eggs that every kid can fill up a basket to absolutely overflowing. That's the way to avoid tears, you know--just spoil the kids until they can't possibly complain :-)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Annoying?
I find it mildly annoying that the people who are "buying" our house wanted to come look at it again, tonight at 6 PM. I mean, honestly, I think this was the fourth time they were here. I am extremely grateful to have an offer and am happy that it is also a good one, but them looking at it (again) means that I have to 1) get my family out of here and 2) clean the darn place for really no good reason...
Plus, I'm afraid the more they look at it, the more chances there are for them to change their mind. Not that it's not a great house, it is, but there are always little things that people don't like, you know? Further, it's not like this is a done deal -- we're still waiting on them to sell their house.
Ahhhh...the stress of it all.
On another note, the girls and I went over to my friend Bobbi's new house today and it is FABULOUS. So beautiful, they've worked so hard on it. I love everything about it and hope that we are able to get something even half as great. The girls had a ball playing with her kiddos, too. I talked to the bank today and we're all set with financing, so we just need to find out what lots are available where we want to move, pick a plan, and get this show on the road!
Plus, I'm afraid the more they look at it, the more chances there are for them to change their mind. Not that it's not a great house, it is, but there are always little things that people don't like, you know? Further, it's not like this is a done deal -- we're still waiting on them to sell their house.
Ahhhh...the stress of it all.
On another note, the girls and I went over to my friend Bobbi's new house today and it is FABULOUS. So beautiful, they've worked so hard on it. I love everything about it and hope that we are able to get something even half as great. The girls had a ball playing with her kiddos, too. I talked to the bank today and we're all set with financing, so we just need to find out what lots are available where we want to move, pick a plan, and get this show on the road!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Spring Break
We're on Spring Break this week and it's so excellent. I am SO glad that I am done with my National Boards portfolio because I have the entire week to do...nothing, really. The girls and I are going to do stuff around the house and Andre has Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday off, so we are just going to hang out.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Under Contract, Accepting Offers
We are officially "under contract, accepting offers" for our house. We got a pretty good offer on Saturday night, countered Monday, and they accepted last night. It's all contingent on several things, but the big one is they have to sell their house first. That's kind of a drag, but hopefully they'll be able to unload it quick. They have until June 30 to close with us...and if they aren't under contract with their house by May 30, our deal falls through. Which would really suck for a lot of reasons, so hopefully that won't happen!!! One of the good things is that we have a "bump" clause, which means that if we get another offer with no contingencies, we can give our current offer 3 days to decide if they want to try to get financing or whatever or else we can bump them in favor of the new offer.
Oh, and I'm mailing "the box" today. So my portfolio, which represents an ungodly amount of work, will be off to the assessors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Now all I have to do is study a whole bunch and go to the assessment center on May 26 for my test -- 6 prompts, 30 minutes each. I'm not nearly as stressed about it as I have been about my portfolio.
Oh, and I'm mailing "the box" today. So my portfolio, which represents an ungodly amount of work, will be off to the assessors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Now all I have to do is study a whole bunch and go to the assessment center on May 26 for my test -- 6 prompts, 30 minutes each. I'm not nearly as stressed about it as I have been about my portfolio.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Martin Lawrence is funny
Andre and I are watching an old Martin Lawrence comedy show on Comedy Central. He's doing an imitation of white people when they get pulled over by the police. Funny.
Our girls are asleep right now. Ah, the silence. They are so cute, though. Tonight they wanted to listen to "daddy's music" on the radio--the spanish station. They try to get me to listen to it in the car, too, but I usually can't find the station :-)
It's been a busy week. I've been finishing up on National Boards. Yes, the saga is coming to an end. Actually, it's not, I still have to take the assessment center test, but I'm mailing the really hard part (the portfolio) on Tuesday. Kami, Paul, and I were all at school working today...on our day off...
Andre is working four tens right now, so it's nice to have him home for three days straight. The days he works are a little bit of a drag, though, b/c I barely get to see him--I get home from work and he leaves right away. They change shifts every month, though, so it's not like this is forever.
I've been following the progress of Emily, the daughter of a friend of a friend (it's complicated to explain). Regardless, Emily had a hemispherectomy today--surgeons removed 1 hemisphere of her brain. She has been suffering Rasmussen's Encephalitis for a few years now and this was their last result after all other treatments had failed. Please join me in keeping Emily and her family in your thoughts. http://emilystoermer.blogspot.com/
Our house is still on the market. Obviously. If it has sold I would've mentioned that first :-) Another house in our neighborhood just went on the market, too, and they are asking way more than we are--hopefully that will really work in our favor.
It is 10:30 right now and I feel like it's midnight. Going to bed!
Our girls are asleep right now. Ah, the silence. They are so cute, though. Tonight they wanted to listen to "daddy's music" on the radio--the spanish station. They try to get me to listen to it in the car, too, but I usually can't find the station :-)
It's been a busy week. I've been finishing up on National Boards. Yes, the saga is coming to an end. Actually, it's not, I still have to take the assessment center test, but I'm mailing the really hard part (the portfolio) on Tuesday. Kami, Paul, and I were all at school working today...on our day off...
Andre is working four tens right now, so it's nice to have him home for three days straight. The days he works are a little bit of a drag, though, b/c I barely get to see him--I get home from work and he leaves right away. They change shifts every month, though, so it's not like this is forever.
I've been following the progress of Emily, the daughter of a friend of a friend (it's complicated to explain). Regardless, Emily had a hemispherectomy today--surgeons removed 1 hemisphere of her brain. She has been suffering Rasmussen's Encephalitis for a few years now and this was their last result after all other treatments had failed. Please join me in keeping Emily and her family in your thoughts. http://emilystoermer.blogspot.com/
Our house is still on the market. Obviously. If it has sold I would've mentioned that first :-) Another house in our neighborhood just went on the market, too, and they are asking way more than we are--hopefully that will really work in our favor.
It is 10:30 right now and I feel like it's midnight. Going to bed!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Recently...
Our house has been on the market for exactly two weeks today. It seems to be going pretty well, but it's kind of weird because it feels like we've been trying to sell it for months! Keeping things perfect all the time really sucks. It helps that Andre is on 4 10's right now, so he has three days off during the week and is able to get lots of "honey-do" lists finished (lucky him).
I've been working like a crazy person on National Boards. I'm trying to get my portfolio done and mailed by March 23. I will be pretty relieved once I've mailed it...actually, I'll be pretty stressed to mail it b/c what if a) I forget to include something in the box or b) the post office loses/destroys/damages/steals the box or c) I send it to the wrong address or d) etc. However, once I know they get it, then I will be relieved.
After mailing "the box" I will be working on Prom stuff (Junior class advisor...yay me) and also studying for the massive test we have to take (also for National Boards). Prom is May 2 and Massive Test is on May 26.
I can't wait until May 27.
Of course, by then we will be moving (I hope) and maybe building a house. At least, for the first time ever, I don't have anything to do this summer except teach summer school for a couple of weeks. Oh, and go on a vacation for our 10th wedding anniversary :-)
About the girls...Olivia and Victoria are doing so well. This girl smacked Olivia in the face yesterday at daycare b/c Olivia wouldn't let her play in the same center as she was. Andre was pissed...and can't understand why Olivia didn't smack her back. I told him we've taught her otherwise, remember? Olivia is over the whole thing. Andre is still pissed.
They didn't have school today and Andre had the day off, so they all stayed home together. I called to see what they were doing and Victoria answered the phone....
Victoria: "heyo?"
Me: "Hi, who is this" (I knew)
Victoria: "This is mmmmmictoria." You can totally hear her smile. She says her name like this when she's excited and can't pronounce it correctly. She has problems with pronouncing L's all the time, though...I think I blogged about that once...yegs, oyivia, yove :)
I've been working like a crazy person on National Boards. I'm trying to get my portfolio done and mailed by March 23. I will be pretty relieved once I've mailed it...actually, I'll be pretty stressed to mail it b/c what if a) I forget to include something in the box or b) the post office loses/destroys/damages/steals the box or c) I send it to the wrong address or d) etc. However, once I know they get it, then I will be relieved.
After mailing "the box" I will be working on Prom stuff (Junior class advisor...yay me) and also studying for the massive test we have to take (also for National Boards). Prom is May 2 and Massive Test is on May 26.
I can't wait until May 27.
Of course, by then we will be moving (I hope) and maybe building a house. At least, for the first time ever, I don't have anything to do this summer except teach summer school for a couple of weeks. Oh, and go on a vacation for our 10th wedding anniversary :-)
About the girls...Olivia and Victoria are doing so well. This girl smacked Olivia in the face yesterday at daycare b/c Olivia wouldn't let her play in the same center as she was. Andre was pissed...and can't understand why Olivia didn't smack her back. I told him we've taught her otherwise, remember? Olivia is over the whole thing. Andre is still pissed.
They didn't have school today and Andre had the day off, so they all stayed home together. I called to see what they were doing and Victoria answered the phone....
Victoria: "heyo?"
Me: "Hi, who is this" (I knew)
Victoria: "This is mmmmmictoria." You can totally hear her smile. She says her name like this when she's excited and can't pronounce it correctly. She has problems with pronouncing L's all the time, though...I think I blogged about that once...yegs, oyivia, yove :)
Friday, February 27, 2009
On the Market
Our house is on officially on the market. We met with our agent last night and signed the contract. What a relief.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Adios bedroom carpet
That's right. We pulled the carpet out from our bedroom (hardwood floors underneath). This was not your average evening activity, though, b/c ON TOP of the carpet we have two massive dressers, a king-size bed, and two night stands. And a small safe. And a ton of shoes. So, it was quite a project, but Andre and I are creative. We were able to cut the carpet into sections, which is better anyway because taking out a gigantic pile is seriously nasty (if you've never removed carpet before, don't--you will be so grossed out that you've been living on that stuff). Anyway, it's easier is smaller pieces. So, we cut all around the bed, and then we slid the mattress off, Andre lifted one side and I yanked the carpet and pad out from underneath. Excellent.
Tomorrow we have to do some heavy yard work. It looks like this will take place in the rain since it is supposed to rain until Thursday. Good times, but it has to get done. Our neighbors will think we are freaks. Especially when they see me pressure washing the house...while it rains.
We are meeting with our real estate agent on Thursday at 5:15. Let's all hope for a quick sale...like, in the next two months!!! The faster the better b/c keeping my house picked up and clean constantly might kill me.
Tomorrow we have to do some heavy yard work. It looks like this will take place in the rain since it is supposed to rain until Thursday. Good times, but it has to get done. Our neighbors will think we are freaks. Especially when they see me pressure washing the house...while it rains.
We are meeting with our real estate agent on Thursday at 5:15. Let's all hope for a quick sale...like, in the next two months!!! The faster the better b/c keeping my house picked up and clean constantly might kill me.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
It's Complicated
Will Andre always spend a couple of hours once a week polishing stuff? I'm thinking so. It's funny. He gathers up all of his polishing stuff and heads downstairs with his uniform, brass, etc. He spreads everything out all over the place and then puts on latex gloves...and polishes. Everything that could possibly be shiny. Every button, pin, badge, etc. Then he does his shoes. It's a complicated process that I try to stay out of. Jesus, he's measuring stuff with a ruler right now. No kidding. Making sure the pins, etc. are in exactly the right places. I should take a picture. hahaha
We are still working on our house to get it ready to be put on the market. It is also complicated...there is so much to do! Hopefully we'll be ready to go by Wednesday.
Speaking of complicated, I went to a thing yesterday for National Boards. It was supposed to help prepare us to finish up the process. The complicated part of it was that I couldn't get registered to save my life. I sent in my stuff, didn't hear anything back, contacted them, they said it was my fault...on and on and on. Then, the night before the thing, Kami called to tell me that I was on the schedule to meet with the same facilitator she was. So, I just crashed the party. We'll wait and see whether they catch up with me and make me pay. I'm feeling a little bit guilty about that part of it, so I may just fess up next week. We'll see how I feel. I was pretty irritated by them.
We are still working on our house to get it ready to be put on the market. It is also complicated...there is so much to do! Hopefully we'll be ready to go by Wednesday.
Speaking of complicated, I went to a thing yesterday for National Boards. It was supposed to help prepare us to finish up the process. The complicated part of it was that I couldn't get registered to save my life. I sent in my stuff, didn't hear anything back, contacted them, they said it was my fault...on and on and on. Then, the night before the thing, Kami called to tell me that I was on the schedule to meet with the same facilitator she was. So, I just crashed the party. We'll wait and see whether they catch up with me and make me pay. I'm feeling a little bit guilty about that part of it, so I may just fess up next week. We'll see how I feel. I was pretty irritated by them.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Time to sell the castle
We have to sell our house...too far from Andre's district. So, if any of you know of a potential buyer, send me an e-mail. We're meeting with a real estate agent tomorrow to figure out price, etc.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
WSP Graduation
Andre is officially a Washington State Patrol Trooper. It is amazing how much work he put into this and what he went through. I got to ride home with him on Friday night and he told me some about some stuff that I had no idea about before then; it gave me a whole new outlook on how hard his training really was in so many ways.
Graduating from the WSP Trooper Basic Academy is a very cermonial event. Jeez, you get to shake hands with the governor...more than once! Gov. Gregoire is a big supporter of the WSP; her dog's name is even Trooper.
I flew to Seattle on Thursday morning and drove down to Olympia from there. I got to the academy at about 12:30 and was able to get a good seat for Andre's diploma and awards ceremony. He, of course, got his certificate of completion for Trooper Basic, and then barely missed out on the top cadet award for shooting. He was so close that the guy who got it is named Andre, too (what are the odds).
After the open house I drove to Tumwater/Olympia to meet up with our girls, my parents, and in-laws. All was good. They drove over and we met up in time to have a good dinner and then get to bed early (ish).
We got to the Capital campus about Noon on Friday. We got a smokin-awesome parking spot (a reward for clean living) and had time to walk around and check stuff out. As we walked into the legislative building (that's where the big dome is), we ran into the son of one of Tom's friends. Barrett (that's the guy's name) is the aide to Rep. Hewitt...so we got a tour! It was cool--we got to see the senate "floor" and the caucus room. Good stuff. Lots of marble (the building). It was really beautiful.
We then headed outside to watch the cadets (they were not troopers, yet) drive up in formation w/their lights going. The effect was impressive. They then marched inside...we ran behind them (they marched fast). We had a chance to visit for a bit, then the ceremony began. It was pretty short, amazingly. They took their oath and then received their commission cards from Gov. Gregoire and Chief Batiste.
THEN, we went to the governor's mansion for a reception. All of the new troopers (no longer cadets) had their pictures taken with the governor. Except us. We also got a picture of Olivia w/her daddy and the governor. It was so cute!!! I can't wait to see it. We were just standing around and the guy in charge asked if the the girls wanted to take a picture, too. Victoria was such a pill and refused, but Olivia was cool with it. I'll post the picture whenever we get it.
And then that was it. We picked up my rental car and returned it and headed home. Me and my WSP Trooper husband.
I've added some pictures...sorry the quality stinks. We need a new camera! If/when I learn how to add video, I'll try to post the cars driving in and some of the ceremony.
Graduating from the WSP Trooper Basic Academy is a very cermonial event. Jeez, you get to shake hands with the governor...more than once! Gov. Gregoire is a big supporter of the WSP; her dog's name is even Trooper.
I flew to Seattle on Thursday morning and drove down to Olympia from there. I got to the academy at about 12:30 and was able to get a good seat for Andre's diploma and awards ceremony. He, of course, got his certificate of completion for Trooper Basic, and then barely missed out on the top cadet award for shooting. He was so close that the guy who got it is named Andre, too (what are the odds).
After the open house I drove to Tumwater/Olympia to meet up with our girls, my parents, and in-laws. All was good. They drove over and we met up in time to have a good dinner and then get to bed early (ish).
We got to the Capital campus about Noon on Friday. We got a smokin-awesome parking spot (a reward for clean living) and had time to walk around and check stuff out. As we walked into the legislative building (that's where the big dome is), we ran into the son of one of Tom's friends. Barrett (that's the guy's name) is the aide to Rep. Hewitt...so we got a tour! It was cool--we got to see the senate "floor" and the caucus room. Good stuff. Lots of marble (the building). It was really beautiful.
We then headed outside to watch the cadets (they were not troopers, yet) drive up in formation w/their lights going. The effect was impressive. They then marched inside...we ran behind them (they marched fast). We had a chance to visit for a bit, then the ceremony began. It was pretty short, amazingly. They took their oath and then received their commission cards from Gov. Gregoire and Chief Batiste.
THEN, we went to the governor's mansion for a reception. All of the new troopers (no longer cadets) had their pictures taken with the governor. Except us. We also got a picture of Olivia w/her daddy and the governor. It was so cute!!! I can't wait to see it. We were just standing around and the guy in charge asked if the the girls wanted to take a picture, too. Victoria was such a pill and refused, but Olivia was cool with it. I'll post the picture whenever we get it.
And then that was it. We picked up my rental car and returned it and headed home. Me and my WSP Trooper husband.
I've added some pictures...sorry the quality stinks. We need a new camera! If/when I learn how to add video, I'll try to post the cars driving in and some of the ceremony.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Historical Events
My students and I watched the inauguration of Barack Obama today. This year was the first time ever that I've seen so many of my students interested in the presidential election. I think the reason they were so interested is because there was someone running who captured their attention--whether they thought he should win or not.
We have former students who went to the inauguration (with 2.5 million other people). I'm hoping that we have a chance to hear what their experience was like. I'm watching inauguration ball coverage right now...I dig her dress. It's cool, but I think that she is feeling a little awkward in it--the train seems to bug her. Not that I'm a fashionista.
On another note, we had our second soccer "practice" today. The girls go back and forth--sometimes they want to participate, sometimes they don't. Olivia sat on my lap most of them time. Victoria got upset because she got run over--not that she doesn't run other kids over when she's going for the ball. It's funny to watch them play; they're pretty darn cute!
Changing topics again...I've been worrying just a little bit about Andre's chosen career (there is a small safety issue) lately. I can deal with it, though, but sometimes my brain goes into overdrive with "what ifs." So, today, the girls and I were on my way home from soccer and a KPD car came up behind me, lights and sirens going, went around and took off. I thought, "I hope Andre is ok...I wish my cell phone wasn't completely dead right now...what he/someone was trying to get ahold of me." The girls and I got home probably two minutes later and, lo and behold, our house phone was ringing. I raced to answer it and it was Andre. He was calling to tell me that he knows his schedule for next month. Weird, eh? I realize those of little faith think that's a coincidence, but I believe that he subconsciously knew that he should take that particular moment to call me.
I RSVP'd tonight for the reception at the Governor's Mansion. I felt a little ridiculous spelling out nine names for our guests. But jeez, what are we going to tell our families--thanks for making the trip all the way over here, now beat it so we can check out the gov's place? Please. Now I just need to make a dinner reservation for Thursday night and I think we'll be all set. I think everyone is excited. I talked to Andre's mom for about 10 minutes this evening and his grandparents are going to go--said they wouldn't miss it. They are so proud.
We have former students who went to the inauguration (with 2.5 million other people). I'm hoping that we have a chance to hear what their experience was like. I'm watching inauguration ball coverage right now...I dig her dress. It's cool, but I think that she is feeling a little awkward in it--the train seems to bug her. Not that I'm a fashionista.
On another note, we had our second soccer "practice" today. The girls go back and forth--sometimes they want to participate, sometimes they don't. Olivia sat on my lap most of them time. Victoria got upset because she got run over--not that she doesn't run other kids over when she's going for the ball. It's funny to watch them play; they're pretty darn cute!
Changing topics again...I've been worrying just a little bit about Andre's chosen career (there is a small safety issue) lately. I can deal with it, though, but sometimes my brain goes into overdrive with "what ifs." So, today, the girls and I were on my way home from soccer and a KPD car came up behind me, lights and sirens going, went around and took off. I thought, "I hope Andre is ok...I wish my cell phone wasn't completely dead right now...what he/someone was trying to get ahold of me." The girls and I got home probably two minutes later and, lo and behold, our house phone was ringing. I raced to answer it and it was Andre. He was calling to tell me that he knows his schedule for next month. Weird, eh? I realize those of little faith think that's a coincidence, but I believe that he subconsciously knew that he should take that particular moment to call me.
I RSVP'd tonight for the reception at the Governor's Mansion. I felt a little ridiculous spelling out nine names for our guests. But jeez, what are we going to tell our families--thanks for making the trip all the way over here, now beat it so we can check out the gov's place? Please. Now I just need to make a dinner reservation for Thursday night and I think we'll be all set. I think everyone is excited. I talked to Andre's mom for about 10 minutes this evening and his grandparents are going to go--said they wouldn't miss it. They are so proud.
Monday, January 19, 2009
No more toddlers
I guess that we officially have no more toddlers in our house...Olivia turned 5 on Dec. 30 and Victoria turned 4 on January 17. They had so much fun on their birthdays and were super cute. They both got toys and clothes and, of course, ate a ton of cake. Olivia wanted a Hannah Montana party, so that's what she got. Why she loves Hannah Montana so much, I do not know, because she has never seen the show. Not once. A demonstration of the power of marketing. Victoria wanted a "pirate cake just like Daddy's." Last year, Victoria was barely 3 at Andre's birthday and the girls picked out a Pirate's of the Carribean ice cream cake for him. She remembered it and that was exactly what she wanted. So I ordered one...with pink border, though.
Graduation is coming up
Andre's graduation ceremony is coming up. It's very exciting; he finishes his coaching trip this week. We are going to an open house at the academy the day before graduation. Graduation itself takes place in the Capitol Rotunda (very beautiful) and is followed by a reception at the Governor's mansion (sounds much swankier than it actually is, I am sure).
I am really hoping we can plan a couple of trips once Andre is settled into his job. I want to try to do a short weekend in Vegas during spring break b/c my national boards portfolio is due prior to that--so I will need a vacation! Then, I'm hoping that we can go somewhere fabulous for our 10th anniversary (yes, it's already coming up...in August). We also might try to go to Portland this weekend with our girs. We'll see--I probably need to stay home and work on my national boards.
I am really hoping we can plan a couple of trips once Andre is settled into his job. I want to try to do a short weekend in Vegas during spring break b/c my national boards portfolio is due prior to that--so I will need a vacation! Then, I'm hoping that we can go somewhere fabulous for our 10th anniversary (yes, it's already coming up...in August). We also might try to go to Portland this weekend with our girs. We'll see--I probably need to stay home and work on my national boards.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Things I do instead of working on National Boards
So, tonight, instead of working on my National Boards, I have been updating my Goodreads list. I discovered that I have read quite a few more books in the past few months than I realized; however, I have a long way to go on my list of 100. I'm currently reading The Berlin Stories, by Christopher Isherwood, which is pretty fascinating so far. One of the better ones on the list, in my opinion...but I'm only in the B's.
I also discovered that I could add a widget to my blog that shows the books in my "read" shelf on the goodreads site. How fun is that.
Ok, back to work...I'm actually accomplishing a lot tonight...determined to get this damn entry finished tonight so I don't have to work on it tomorrow when I go in to school (I have other work to do!). I can't believe winter break is over. So sad. It went by faster than any other winter break has ever gone by in the history of having winter/Christmas breaks.
I also discovered that I could add a widget to my blog that shows the books in my "read" shelf on the goodreads site. How fun is that.
Ok, back to work...I'm actually accomplishing a lot tonight...determined to get this damn entry finished tonight so I don't have to work on it tomorrow when I go in to school (I have other work to do!). I can't believe winter break is over. So sad. It went by faster than any other winter break has ever gone by in the history of having winter/Christmas breaks.
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