It always gives me a little giggle to post for the first time after a lengthy hiatus. I see my last post and my thoughts turn silly, I imagine myself frozen in time, as if nothing has happened since that last post. Alex is still laying in bed smiling up at the camera with his toothless grin, with anxious anticipation of the fortunes he'll wake up to in the morning, Ashley is still in her room with the music turned up way to loud for bed time, and Mark groaning at me for taking too many pictures when all he wants to do is hit the sack.
Fortunately, time has not stood still, even if Alex's smile remains the same. We've been busy little bees with the basketball, volleyball, track, football, cheerleading and so on. We made our annual spring break trip to Alabama, which was sooo nice and much too short. And here I sit at Nana's kitchen counter, on Easter, making time to blog. I could say that I "finally found some time to blog", but truth be told, I probably could have found the time to blog all along, I just haven't found it to be at the top of my priority list. The ever changing priority list...what ever would I do without it. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I haven't THOUGHT about blogging regularly, and it's not as though the big grey cloud of guilt hasn't been chasing me around like a loyal little nagging puppy. Truthfully, blogging has MADE the priority list, it's just had a hard time making its way to the top. Which brings me to my next thought. HOW, oh HOW can I keep this thing up to date, without pushing something down on that ever so important priority list. I've decided that for the sake of those few family members that are pretty much ready to disown me, that I will update at least once a week. I may not be creative, or interesting, or thought provoking, but I will update with SOMETHING at least once a week. Some weeks I may update with a "week in pictures post" or even a "picture of the week" post, but it will be something. Afterall, I'd hate to have to find a new family to adopt me. :)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Boo-buh
The newest smile in the Urben household:
And the note we had to leave for the tooth fairy, since Alex managed to misplace his tooth. For the record, the kid can write much neater than this, promise, he just chooses not to. I suppose it's a boy thing.
I was really looking forward to him having a silly lisp once both front teeth were gone, but nooooo, he doesn't sound different at all. I even tried getting him to say "sister susie sittin on a thistle" but nothing. Oh well, what we're missing out on with the silly lisp, we're making up for in cuteness. Just look at that smile. He's just so precious.
A few nights later, he got all ready for bed and was so proud to show us that he had his clothes all laid out for the next day of school, and here is what we walk in to find:
Notice he's even "drawing" a picture with his oversized pencil. Silly goose! This kid is a constant source of laughter and entertainment.
And the note we had to leave for the tooth fairy, since Alex managed to misplace his tooth. For the record, the kid can write much neater than this, promise, he just chooses not to. I suppose it's a boy thing.
I was really looking forward to him having a silly lisp once both front teeth were gone, but nooooo, he doesn't sound different at all. I even tried getting him to say "sister susie sittin on a thistle" but nothing. Oh well, what we're missing out on with the silly lisp, we're making up for in cuteness. Just look at that smile. He's just so precious.
A few nights later, he got all ready for bed and was so proud to show us that he had his clothes all laid out for the next day of school, and here is what we walk in to find:
Notice he's even "drawing" a picture with his oversized pencil. Silly goose! This kid is a constant source of laughter and entertainment.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Organization - The Budget
So, my newest obsession these days is money management, better known as BUDGETING. The term budget has only ever been a part of my vocab when referring to things I don't do. Mark and I are in our 10th year of marriage and undeniably this is an embarrassing little tid bit to share, but once again, this is Jamie, queen of all things backwards. I don't typically do things in the correct order, in fact, I think I'd make a great poster child for Experiential Learning Cycles, (maybe not, I don't think there's a 10 stage learning cycle). Better late than never, right? Just think of all that I have learned from NOT budgeting all these years, think of all that gusto now that I've finally found the last stage of said learning cycle.
The scoop...I now have a four page budgeting spreadsheet, along with two additional 2-page spreadsheets for the kids to manage their money as well. (If they inherited their momma's backward tendencies they need to start their experiential Learning cycle a bit early, right?) We're using a little bit of Dave Ramsey's envelope budgeting method, an ounce of my friend A's method and a dash of my own method that seems to be evolving on a daily basis.
Really, it's all just common sense, with a few tools that force you to see what you thought you really didn't want to...but in the process you've realized the more you see the better you feel. I could compare it to good housekeeping- Everything has a place; but instead of the "stuff" having a place, we're talking about dollars. Instead of cramming everything in a closet for the instant gratification, we're planning where it all needs to go. Imagine that!
No, this is not rocket science.
Yes, we've always know we should be doing this.
No, you cannot have any of our money when we're rich like Thurston Howell.
We are super excited about this, and have spent a LOT of time planning and adding and getting real. More than anything though, I'm excited that our kids will get to see what it's like to WANT, and then to GET once they've achieved their goals, instead of wanting and then magically getting.
For example, last night we went out to dinner, (our planned Friday night dinner) and the kids both ordered sodas with their meals (a Friday treat). Fast forward...we're on our way home and they ask to stop at Mc Donalds for an ice cream cone. I told them that we already spent our budgeted out to dinner money for the night, but maybe next time if that's what they want to do they can order water with dinner and use that money for ice cream afterwards. They didn't push the subject because how can you, once the money is gone, it's gone, there is no other option.
If we don't have the money for something, there's no reason they shouldn't know that. If it doesn't fit within our budget, they should know that. We are teaching them nothing about being responsible with money by shielding them from the fact that YES, we do have a limited amount of money. With that being said, they now have a bi-weekly paycheck, just like Mark and I, that they have to manage. They have a register where they keep track of their money, just like a check register. They also have a savings register where they deposit 10% of their "paycheck" for whatever it is that they are saving for...for Ash it's a car. Alex doesn't have anything he's saving for yet, but that's the cool part, it doesn't always have to be for something he wants now, it can be for something unplanned. The point is to get them to experience the thinking process that should go along with spending money, which up until now, has only been an action...for kids and parents alike.
The scoop...I now have a four page budgeting spreadsheet, along with two additional 2-page spreadsheets for the kids to manage their money as well. (If they inherited their momma's backward tendencies they need to start their experiential Learning cycle a bit early, right?) We're using a little bit of Dave Ramsey's envelope budgeting method, an ounce of my friend A's method and a dash of my own method that seems to be evolving on a daily basis.
Really, it's all just common sense, with a few tools that force you to see what you thought you really didn't want to...but in the process you've realized the more you see the better you feel. I could compare it to good housekeeping- Everything has a place; but instead of the "stuff" having a place, we're talking about dollars. Instead of cramming everything in a closet for the instant gratification, we're planning where it all needs to go. Imagine that! No, this is not rocket science.
Yes, we've always know we should be doing this.
No, you cannot have any of our money when we're rich like Thurston Howell.
We are super excited about this, and have spent a LOT of time planning and adding and getting real. More than anything though, I'm excited that our kids will get to see what it's like to WANT, and then to GET once they've achieved their goals, instead of wanting and then magically getting.
For example, last night we went out to dinner, (our planned Friday night dinner) and the kids both ordered sodas with their meals (a Friday treat). Fast forward...we're on our way home and they ask to stop at Mc Donalds for an ice cream cone. I told them that we already spent our budgeted out to dinner money for the night, but maybe next time if that's what they want to do they can order water with dinner and use that money for ice cream afterwards. They didn't push the subject because how can you, once the money is gone, it's gone, there is no other option.
If we don't have the money for something, there's no reason they shouldn't know that. If it doesn't fit within our budget, they should know that. We are teaching them nothing about being responsible with money by shielding them from the fact that YES, we do have a limited amount of money. With that being said, they now have a bi-weekly paycheck, just like Mark and I, that they have to manage. They have a register where they keep track of their money, just like a check register. They also have a savings register where they deposit 10% of their "paycheck" for whatever it is that they are saving for...for Ash it's a car. Alex doesn't have anything he's saving for yet, but that's the cool part, it doesn't always have to be for something he wants now, it can be for something unplanned. The point is to get them to experience the thinking process that should go along with spending money, which up until now, has only been an action...for kids and parents alike.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
The burb
In my last post...though I'm not sure if it actually qualifies as a post...I introduced our newest purchase. Two weeks later, I am IN LOVE with my new car/bus. Never did I imagine myself driving a big honkin vehicle such as this, in fact just last year I was trying to figure out a way that I could drive a compact car. HA! It's amazing how quickly things change. We were actually out and about looking for my first love, the Toyota Sequoia, when we were introduced to the burb. The sales guy really wanted us to take a look at it, while I was reluctant. I have never owned an American car, and had already made up my mind that I was getting a Sequoia or nothing....until I opened the door to my gorgeous new burb. I fell in love instantly. I had no idea how NICE this was going to be. There absolutely nothing this vehicle is lacking, and oh the comfort! The soft cushy seats all but cradle your body.
The burb was purchased to replace the van AND the truck. We needed something large enough to handle the kids, four dogs, and all of the accouterments required for said creatures. The only down side to finding our new car was the timing. We had intended to sell the car and truck prior to buying something new, but alas, here we are with a driveway full of vehicles. FOUR to be exact. Yes, I realize how ridiculous this is. Sooo, with that being said if anyone would like to buy a 2001 Nissan Quest (one owner!!) or a 2004 Ford F150 Supercrew Lariat, please CALL ME! These have been super vehicles for us, it was just time to upgrade.
The burb was purchased to replace the van AND the truck. We needed something large enough to handle the kids, four dogs, and all of the accouterments required for said creatures. The only down side to finding our new car was the timing. We had intended to sell the car and truck prior to buying something new, but alas, here we are with a driveway full of vehicles. FOUR to be exact. Yes, I realize how ridiculous this is. Sooo, with that being said if anyone would like to buy a 2001 Nissan Quest (one owner!!) or a 2004 Ford F150 Supercrew Lariat, please CALL ME! These have been super vehicles for us, it was just time to upgrade.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Thursday, January 01, 2009
2009
WOW, it's 2009! Crazy isn't it!?
We had a fantabulous night full of fun, now it's off to bed as soon as I get these kids settled. I hope everyone had a safe and Happy New Years Eve!
We had a fantabulous night full of fun, now it's off to bed as soon as I get these kids settled. I hope everyone had a safe and Happy New Years Eve!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
1 MORE day...AGAIN
What is wrong with me!??? I can't seem to remember ANYTHING these days, really, it's bad. I find myself walking around in circles trying to remember what exactly it was that I was doing... that bubbling sound, what is it...it's the pasta overcooking in WATER on the stove top, oh yeah, dinner. You have a basketball game? What, you mean TODAY? OH yeah. See the four bowls on the counter over there... you were feeding the dogs, REMEMBER??? Oh yeah, that.
And then there's today. It was after noon and Mark had still not called to say he was on his way home, I was getting a little worried. A hunting trip with four children pretending to be adults (three of which are brothers), I have to admit, does scare me a little...so it's late, he still hasn't called. I'm imagining things I really don't want to be imagining so I send him a text: "When do you think you'll be home?"
Seconds later, I get his response "Tomorrow in time for dinner."
HUH?? Am I really THAT bad?? How did I forget what day my husband, my best friend, with whom I've missed dearly is coming home?? That's beyond sad, it's just plain pathetic. Last night I told the kids daddy would be home this afternoon and they made him huge signs and put them up in the garage where he'd see them as soon as he got home. They were both anxious to see their daddy today. And now I get the wonderful job of telling them that their mom is a moron and can't remember jack.
Maybe I need to start taking my vitamins again.
On a happier note, here's the adorable sign Ashley made on huge post it poster paper:
In case you can't read it, it says:
Dear Daddy,
While you were gone we made friendship mix! Yummy! (and ate it all without you!) Haha!
Alex went to a party for Connor at Jags! He hurt his toe very badly (obviously) But he had fun :D
He got 100 on his math/shapes test. Dudley farted about 10 million times, Abby never stopped barking.
Sarge slept with Sissy. Sadie was a good girl, of course, and Ashley read A Christmas Carol.
Alex can successfully sing all of Jingle Bells! Haha…again! Ashley played in her basketball game against
Running Brushy. They owned! Her team went shopping and wrapped presents for the family they adopted and much,
Much more!
Love Alex and Ashley!
And then there's today. It was after noon and Mark had still not called to say he was on his way home, I was getting a little worried. A hunting trip with four children pretending to be adults (three of which are brothers), I have to admit, does scare me a little...so it's late, he still hasn't called. I'm imagining things I really don't want to be imagining so I send him a text: "When do you think you'll be home?"
Seconds later, I get his response "Tomorrow in time for dinner."
HUH?? Am I really THAT bad?? How did I forget what day my husband, my best friend, with whom I've missed dearly is coming home?? That's beyond sad, it's just plain pathetic. Last night I told the kids daddy would be home this afternoon and they made him huge signs and put them up in the garage where he'd see them as soon as he got home. They were both anxious to see their daddy today. And now I get the wonderful job of telling them that their mom is a moron and can't remember jack.
Maybe I need to start taking my vitamins again.
On a happier note, here's the adorable sign Ashley made on huge post it poster paper:
In case you can't read it, it says:
Dear Daddy,
While you were gone we made friendship mix! Yummy! (and ate it all without you!) Haha!
Alex went to a party for Connor at Jags! He hurt his toe very badly (obviously) But he had fun :D
He got 100 on his math/shapes test. Dudley farted about 10 million times, Abby never stopped barking.
Sarge slept with Sissy. Sadie was a good girl, of course, and Ashley read A Christmas Carol.
Alex can successfully sing all of Jingle Bells! Haha…again! Ashley played in her basketball game against
Running Brushy. They owned! Her team went shopping and wrapped presents for the family they adopted and much,
Much more!
Love Alex and Ashley!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Wierdness
I really didn't plan on going to Ashley's tournament this weekend...the drive, the time, the not being able to watch my child play due to injury, BUT, she calls me this morning from the tournament to tell me that two of my buddies from high school were there, and both of their daughters were playing in the tournament. Whaaa???? Alex and I high tailed it to Leander and got to hang out with these two crazy ladies, and now I officially feel OLD. What the crap? How is it possible that we're watching our middle schoolers play middle school ball together?? Wasn't that long ago that WE were out there on that court with our dorky parents watching...guess who's the dork now. Looovely. Sorry mom and Andy, sorry Ruthie and dad. Teenagers are mentally ill, really they are.
After they played Ash took me aside and begged like she's never begged before, to play in the next game...which was in about an hour. I said no way. Not giving in. Not a good idea. Forget it.
She proceeds to cry her eyes out and all but threaten to hate me the rest of her life (not really) and storms away. Phew, good, I won, right? Nah. Over the course of the next half hour just about every girl from the team came to beg on her behalf that I allow her to play. Nope, not working. And then Jake walks up. Sweet Jake, whom Ashley is convinced I love more than her, whom I really do like a lot and would like to adopt as my own. He diplomatically explains to me that this injury cannot get worse, and that the worst that could happen is that she'd have a longer recovery time if she worked it too hard. And then he tells me "that should be her choice". Geez! This kid is only 12 (maybe 13) and in my eyes has earned his spot on the debate team in high school.
I didn't win. She won. I let her play, despite the cloud of guilt hanging over my head, and the shame of sitting up in the stands with all the parents who I'm sure thought I was a horrible mother for allowing her to play. Oh well. Life goes on.
She played better than I've ever seen her play before, she WANTED that game, and she got it. She was fine. In the end, she scored 4 of the teams mere 8 points and despite loosing the game for the third place tropy, my girl won. And in a smallish way, I did too.
After they played Ash took me aside and begged like she's never begged before, to play in the next game...which was in about an hour. I said no way. Not giving in. Not a good idea. Forget it.
She proceeds to cry her eyes out and all but threaten to hate me the rest of her life (not really) and storms away. Phew, good, I won, right? Nah. Over the course of the next half hour just about every girl from the team came to beg on her behalf that I allow her to play. Nope, not working. And then Jake walks up. Sweet Jake, whom Ashley is convinced I love more than her, whom I really do like a lot and would like to adopt as my own. He diplomatically explains to me that this injury cannot get worse, and that the worst that could happen is that she'd have a longer recovery time if she worked it too hard. And then he tells me "that should be her choice". Geez! This kid is only 12 (maybe 13) and in my eyes has earned his spot on the debate team in high school.
I didn't win. She won. I let her play, despite the cloud of guilt hanging over my head, and the shame of sitting up in the stands with all the parents who I'm sure thought I was a horrible mother for allowing her to play. Oh well. Life goes on.
She played better than I've ever seen her play before, she WANTED that game, and she got it. She was fine. In the end, she scored 4 of the teams mere 8 points and despite loosing the game for the third place tropy, my girl won. And in a smallish way, I did too.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Winter Wonderland!
We spent the evening listening to Christmas music and decorating the tree. Mark made us all hot cocoa, and we sat around chit chatting about our favorite Christmas traditions. It started to get late, so we read to Alex, tucked him in to bed and jumped in our swim suits (somewhat reluctantly) for a chilly dip in the hot tub.
We opened the back door bundled up in our robes, towels in hand when we noticed a peculiar white fluff falling from the sky. BIG white fluff. Flaky white fluff. Back inside we go, wake up the kiddo and spend the next hour playing in our "Texas" version of snow. I am convinced that our Christmas spirit brought us the early gift of SNOW!
We opened the back door bundled up in our robes, towels in hand when we noticed a peculiar white fluff falling from the sky. BIG white fluff. Flaky white fluff. Back inside we go, wake up the kiddo and spend the next hour playing in our "Texas" version of snow. I am convinced that our Christmas spirit brought us the early gift of SNOW!
Down and out
Lastnight, Ash had her second basketball game of the season, and possibly her last. During the third quarter she tied the ball up with a girl from the other team when the girl whipped the ball around taking Ashley's arm with her. After a quick visit to the emergency room we were happy to find out that nothing is broken, she only hyperextended her elbow. She's in a sling for an undetermined amount of time, but meanwhle will have to sit out during basketball and volleyball. The good news is that it's her left arm, so she won't have any problems doing her school work. THANK GOODNESS! All we can do for now is wait it out and when she's feeling better, she can use it as much as she feels she comfortabale with.
She's pretty bummed about it all, and all the way to the ER she couldn't stop crying and saying how unfair it was that she just got over her ankle injury and doesn't want to sit out again. It just kills her to have to watch and not be able to get up and play. I'm so proud of her though, she got injured in the third quarter and had played the entire game up to that point and was still giving it all she had.
I took some pretty good shots of the game and will TRY to find some time to upload them soon.
She's pretty bummed about it all, and all the way to the ER she couldn't stop crying and saying how unfair it was that she just got over her ankle injury and doesn't want to sit out again. It just kills her to have to watch and not be able to get up and play. I'm so proud of her though, she got injured in the third quarter and had played the entire game up to that point and was still giving it all she had.
I took some pretty good shots of the game and will TRY to find some time to upload them soon.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Traditions
It's official, I'm in the Christmas spirit! Alex has been really pushing me to get out the decorations, and after several days of "Maybe, if we have time" tonight I was finally talked in to it. I guess this is a perfect example of what kids can do for the Christmas spirit. After putting on a nice Christmas scent, begrudgingly, I made my way up to the attic and started hauling out the tubs of decorations and after about 5 minutes of of "OH, I FORGOT ABOUT THAT!" and "OH MOMMA, LOOK!" I was thoughroughly enjoying myself. Now a couple of hours later, I'm giddy with excitement about all of the fun times ahead of us. In a few minutes we'll sit down with our hot cocoa and continue listening to Christmas music. And maybe, just maybe, we'll put on A Christmas Story. Oh how I love this time of year, it brings back so many warm memories and I can't help but want to do it all over again with my children.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
And suddenly it's December
Wow, it's been so long since I've blogged, it's hard to know where to begin! About two months ago my hard drive crashed, FINALLY, I'm back up and running and have so much to blog about. I really need to get back to blogging more often, aside from family and friends being out of the loop, I MISS IT!
So, I guess in order to get caught up, I should just run down the list of things going on in the Urben household. For starters, YES, the pool is complete, and has been for quite some time, however, we are STILL waiting on the right retaining wall blocks to be delivered. Meanwhile, the wrong blocks are still taking up a large portion of the driveway. A few weekends ago, Mark and I sodded the backyard, and nearly killed ourselves doing so. Let me just say, that is something I will NEVER do again. We worked for over ten hours straight taking no more than 15 minutes here and there for breaks. It took me days to recover...just another reminder that I am completely out of shape. But hey, the grass looks fantastic. We decided to go with Jamur Zoysia, a drought tolerant, traffic tolerant and slow growing gorgeous turf that should save us a whole heck of a lot of time and money in the long run.
We also decided to rock the back stretch of yard in lieu of trying to keep sod alive. During heavy rainstorms we have a full on flowing river that runs the back four or so feet of the yard. We decided to just let it do its thing and now it can run freely through the rocks without tearing up our yard, or creating a mud hole for the dogs to play in. We used about 10-12 truck loads of 2-3 inch rock which equates to about 10-12 tons. Another project we're so thankful to be done with!
I'm not sure what I've updated about the kids, so if I repeat myself, forgive me.
Ashley was on the A team for Volleyball and finished her season a couple of weeks ago. She had such a blast playing for the team, and now can't decide which sport she loves most, basketball or volleyball. Basketball tryouts were last week and we are so proud of our girl for once again, making the A team! Her first game is tonight and I am really looking forward to it.
Along with basketball practice every morning at 7:15, she's also doing training with Magic Volleyball, a club out of Round Rock that practices 4 hours each week. She has already made soooo much progress with this group, I can't imagine all that she'll learn between now and April.
As for school, she's doing SUPER. 7th grade is typically a tough year for kids, but so far that hasn't phased her a bit. On her first report card she had all A's and two B's (an 88 and 89). While this is her first time to not make honor roll, I'm so so proud of her holding it all together so well with sports, friends and boyfriends (ugh, yes, I said boyfriends).
As for Mr. Alex, he just finished his NFL flag football season and his team ended up with the Super Bowl win. He's so proud of his trophy, he seriously didn't put it down for an entire day. He loves riding his new bike that we bought him for his birthday and spends a lot of time playing wii and his Tony Hawk X Box game. He's doing well in school, no problems to speak of. Now that football is over he's itching to try something new. He's mentioned BMX and Boy Scouts, both of which I have no clue about. I've tried looking in to BMX, but I'm not sure I get it. It seems that you just show up to the track, practice and then jump in on races? If anyone knows anything about this HELP!
Mark is still at Apple...thank goodness! I think he's meshed well with the Apple crowd and is enjoying himself as much as one possibly can going to work each day.
He's still hosting poker every other Thursday with the same group of guys. They are still having a blast pretending they're not old farts for one night every two weeks.
He's also still working out regularly and looks and feels better than he has in his entire life. His dedication to his health and fitness such and inspiration to me. And I must say, I'm certain that I have the best looking husband ever.
Ahhh, that feels better even if it is only a half ass update. Now at least I can start fresh update as things come up without feeling like I can't because it's been so long!
At some point I need to upload pictures...maybe I'll find some time this weekend.
So, I guess in order to get caught up, I should just run down the list of things going on in the Urben household. For starters, YES, the pool is complete, and has been for quite some time, however, we are STILL waiting on the right retaining wall blocks to be delivered. Meanwhile, the wrong blocks are still taking up a large portion of the driveway. A few weekends ago, Mark and I sodded the backyard, and nearly killed ourselves doing so. Let me just say, that is something I will NEVER do again. We worked for over ten hours straight taking no more than 15 minutes here and there for breaks. It took me days to recover...just another reminder that I am completely out of shape. But hey, the grass looks fantastic. We decided to go with Jamur Zoysia, a drought tolerant, traffic tolerant and slow growing gorgeous turf that should save us a whole heck of a lot of time and money in the long run.
We also decided to rock the back stretch of yard in lieu of trying to keep sod alive. During heavy rainstorms we have a full on flowing river that runs the back four or so feet of the yard. We decided to just let it do its thing and now it can run freely through the rocks without tearing up our yard, or creating a mud hole for the dogs to play in. We used about 10-12 truck loads of 2-3 inch rock which equates to about 10-12 tons. Another project we're so thankful to be done with!
I'm not sure what I've updated about the kids, so if I repeat myself, forgive me.
Ashley was on the A team for Volleyball and finished her season a couple of weeks ago. She had such a blast playing for the team, and now can't decide which sport she loves most, basketball or volleyball. Basketball tryouts were last week and we are so proud of our girl for once again, making the A team! Her first game is tonight and I am really looking forward to it.
Along with basketball practice every morning at 7:15, she's also doing training with Magic Volleyball, a club out of Round Rock that practices 4 hours each week. She has already made soooo much progress with this group, I can't imagine all that she'll learn between now and April.
As for school, she's doing SUPER. 7th grade is typically a tough year for kids, but so far that hasn't phased her a bit. On her first report card she had all A's and two B's (an 88 and 89). While this is her first time to not make honor roll, I'm so so proud of her holding it all together so well with sports, friends and boyfriends (ugh, yes, I said boyfriends).
As for Mr. Alex, he just finished his NFL flag football season and his team ended up with the Super Bowl win. He's so proud of his trophy, he seriously didn't put it down for an entire day. He loves riding his new bike that we bought him for his birthday and spends a lot of time playing wii and his Tony Hawk X Box game. He's doing well in school, no problems to speak of. Now that football is over he's itching to try something new. He's mentioned BMX and Boy Scouts, both of which I have no clue about. I've tried looking in to BMX, but I'm not sure I get it. It seems that you just show up to the track, practice and then jump in on races? If anyone knows anything about this HELP!
Mark is still at Apple...thank goodness! I think he's meshed well with the Apple crowd and is enjoying himself as much as one possibly can going to work each day.
He's still hosting poker every other Thursday with the same group of guys. They are still having a blast pretending they're not old farts for one night every two weeks.
He's also still working out regularly and looks and feels better than he has in his entire life. His dedication to his health and fitness such and inspiration to me. And I must say, I'm certain that I have the best looking husband ever.
Ahhh, that feels better even if it is only a half ass update. Now at least I can start fresh update as things come up without feeling like I can't because it's been so long!
At some point I need to upload pictures...maybe I'll find some time this weekend.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
President Obama's beautiful speech
America has spoken!
This speech from last night brought me to tears and I'm copying it and saving it here for posterity.
Obama:
Hello, Chicago.
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.
It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.
We are, and always will be, the United States of America.
It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.
A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen. McCain.
Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.
I congratulate him; I congratulate Gov. Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama.
Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House.
And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.
And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.
To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.
To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.
But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.
It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.
It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.
This is your victory.
And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.
You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.
Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.
There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.
There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.
I promise you, we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.
But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.
This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.
It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.
Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.
In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.
Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.
Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.
As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.
And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.
To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.
That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.
And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.
Yes we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.
This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.
Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.
This speech from last night brought me to tears and I'm copying it and saving it here for posterity.
Obama:
Hello, Chicago.
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.
It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.
We are, and always will be, the United States of America.
It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.
A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Sen. McCain.
Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.
I congratulate him; I congratulate Gov. Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady Michelle Obama.
Sasha and Malia I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the new White House.
And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.
And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe, the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.
To my chief strategist David Axelrod who's been a partner with me every step of the way.
To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.
But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.
It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.
It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.
This is your victory.
And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.
You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.
Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.
There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.
There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.
I promise you, we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.
But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.
This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.
It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.
Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.
In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.
Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.
Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.
As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.
And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.
To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.
That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.
And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.
Yes we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.
This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.
Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.
Monday, September 01, 2008
BS Obama Emails
If you've received the recent anti-Obama email referring to bogus tax increases, it's crap. Unfortunately, morons are passing this crap around as if it were fact. Please, before you click send, or come up with an uninformed opinion, DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH, and as always, check snopes.com.
Snopes on the bogus Obama tax increase email.
Snopes on the bogus Obama tax increase email.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
School and then some
Yes, I'm still here. Nope, I'm not too soggy from swimming to sit my toukus down and blog... more on that further down. School started on Monday, and our schedules are slowly getting back to "normal"...whatever that may be. They are both very happy to be back at school, although they certainly wouldn't complain if they had just a wee bit more time to sleep in and enjoy the nothingness of summertime. We met all of their teachers...Ash has 9, YES 9 teachers that we met at open house, and Alex has a sweetheart of a teacher whom he has really taking a liking to. On Thursday, Miss Ash turned 12 years old, and on the same day, learned that she made the 7th grade Volleyball team. She is just thrilled as can be. She's finally old enough for school sports! We've waited a long time for this, and can't wait for it to begin. This fall we'll be busy with Volleyball, and then Basketball shortly thereafter, and meanwhile, we're also waiting on Alex's flag football season to begin. I signed him up a few weeks ago, and he's anxiously awaiting the phone call from his coach.
I'm working about 6 hours a day, and currently I'm on a project that requires more than 6 hours a day, so I'm working from home in the afternoon/evenings. It's certainly a busy time for us.
On the not so soggy toukus front..The pool is STILL not complete, believe it or not. We're still waiting on the decking to be poured, at which time we'll begin building the retaining wall and deciding what on earth to do with the dirt we had them leave behind. For now it makes a great playscape for the dogs. Abby has made it crystal clear that SHE is the Queen of the HIll.
The pool, better known as the muddy puddle, is still not completely full, not for lack of water pressure, but lack of contractors living up to their promises. For two weeks now, we've had it 3/4 full. For two weeks now, we've been collecting leaves, mud, mosquito larvae and at least 50 different types of bacteria. Our last promise was that we'd have our concrete poured on Friday and have the holiday weekend to enjoy our new COMPLETE pool. Wrong again. Our crap pit still sits full of crap pit type stuff.
Meanwhile, yesterday Mark installed outdoor speakers by the pool and a massive spotlight to light the pool area. I'd say we're a weeee bit anxious, don'tcha think?
I'm working about 6 hours a day, and currently I'm on a project that requires more than 6 hours a day, so I'm working from home in the afternoon/evenings. It's certainly a busy time for us.
On the not so soggy toukus front..The pool is STILL not complete, believe it or not. We're still waiting on the decking to be poured, at which time we'll begin building the retaining wall and deciding what on earth to do with the dirt we had them leave behind. For now it makes a great playscape for the dogs. Abby has made it crystal clear that SHE is the Queen of the HIll.
The pool, better known as the muddy puddle, is still not completely full, not for lack of water pressure, but lack of contractors living up to their promises. For two weeks now, we've had it 3/4 full. For two weeks now, we've been collecting leaves, mud, mosquito larvae and at least 50 different types of bacteria. Our last promise was that we'd have our concrete poured on Friday and have the holiday weekend to enjoy our new COMPLETE pool. Wrong again. Our crap pit still sits full of crap pit type stuff.
Meanwhile, yesterday Mark installed outdoor speakers by the pool and a massive spotlight to light the pool area. I'd say we're a weeee bit anxious, don'tcha think?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
To Ashley on your 12th Birthday
Today is your 12th Birthday! Yesterday, we celebrated your last year as an 11 year old, and now you will take your first steps in to your 13th year of life. The past 12 years have been bittersweet every step of the way. From the first day of preschool, to your first day of 7th grade you have grown and changed so much. You're now almost 5' 6"! The scared little girl standing in the middle of the playground, shy as anyone can imagine, has blossomed in to a kind, and sincere young lady. Yesterday was the second day of 7th grade, and you came home to tell me about the two new girls at school that you invited to sit with you at lunch. As much as you've changed these past few years, your heart is the one thing that stays constant. Who you are continues to shine through year after year. Ashley will always be the sweet, kind hearted girl from years past.
Your interests have grown from ponies and dolls to phones, sports and boys. One year. Just one year, and here we are watching you transform in to a responsible little lady. You have a passion for writing, and watching your passion grow in to talent is amazing, sweet girl.
Your confidence is up there with the birds, hovering for all to see. In the way you walk, talk, smile and share, I can see the confident young woman beginning to bloom.
Basketball and volleyball are your favorite past times, and you are determined to be the best you can be at each of these. You always have either a basketball or a volleyball in your hands, and if you don't, you're setting laundry, or dribbling anything round. I am SO proud of how hard you work at practice, your determination is an inspiration to not only me, but those around you. Even if you decide to move away from each of these sports someday, I know that these years with them in your life will prove to be a major part of the woman you will someday become. The goals, and self discipline, not to mention the relationships, and self confidence they bring you is certainly a measurable indication of what may come.
To my amazing young lady on her 12th Birthday, I love you. Keep on Keepin on.
Your interests have grown from ponies and dolls to phones, sports and boys. One year. Just one year, and here we are watching you transform in to a responsible little lady. You have a passion for writing, and watching your passion grow in to talent is amazing, sweet girl.
Your confidence is up there with the birds, hovering for all to see. In the way you walk, talk, smile and share, I can see the confident young woman beginning to bloom.
Basketball and volleyball are your favorite past times, and you are determined to be the best you can be at each of these. You always have either a basketball or a volleyball in your hands, and if you don't, you're setting laundry, or dribbling anything round. I am SO proud of how hard you work at practice, your determination is an inspiration to not only me, but those around you. Even if you decide to move away from each of these sports someday, I know that these years with them in your life will prove to be a major part of the woman you will someday become. The goals, and self discipline, not to mention the relationships, and self confidence they bring you is certainly a measurable indication of what may come.
To my amazing young lady on her 12th Birthday, I love you. Keep on Keepin on.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Testing, One, Two
Friday's progress proved to be just enough for a little fun. Since they're still working on backfilling, we could only fill the pool to the level of the backfill....which proved to be JUST enough. Alex and his two neighbor friends had a BLAST swimming, and I had just as much fun watching. THIS is what it's all about!
Friday night: Excuse the poor quality...I was using a cheapy camera.
Saturday Morning, crack of dawn, 6:30 to be exact, my darling husband set out to purchase the remaining tools and supplies for building the fence. With the help of Joe the magnificent, we spent the next 14 hours building our fence. And believe it or not, we actually had FUN. My husband is amazing. I'm just in awe at his abilities. No problem was too complex. And every solution turned out to be a masterpiece. I'm dead, I'm sore, I'm weak, but more than anything I'm SO PROUD of us!!!
Friday, August 15, 2008
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