My friend, Barbara, is in need of special prayers today more than ever. Please click here to catch up on their current situation.
Lord have Mercy.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
I'm Really Not an Airhead.
I swear, I am an intelligent person, but sometimes I say the DUMBEST things and believe the dumbest things!
I thought of this today when I happened to see a space shuttle on T.V. It reminded me of when I was living in Arizona and one of my friends told me that space shuttles land the same way they go up. And I believed him.
I sometimes cannot believe how gullable I am. It's really pretty sad.
One of my brightest moments (and I cannot believe I am going to share this) was when we were in Cleveland after Rick passed. So, keep in mind the circumstances - traveling with a newborn/planning a funeral/etc.
My Mom, brothers and I were talking about how one of Rick's daughters was pregnant with her second baby. At the time, her older child was only about 5-6 months old (if that). Her due date was in May, but the older child's birthday wasn't until June. In my state of brilliance I had a major light bulb moment and said aloud to everyone over coffee:
O my God! That would mean that the younger one will actually be older than the older one!!!
In my mind, of course, I was thinking that his birthday would come before his older sibling's.
I received some blank stares for a minute and then we all just busted out laughing.
I probably have a million examples of stupid things I've said over time and if I think of any more I'll let you know, but that one pretty much takes the cake.
Hope you enjoyed me making a mockery of myself today!
I thought of this today when I happened to see a space shuttle on T.V. It reminded me of when I was living in Arizona and one of my friends told me that space shuttles land the same way they go up. And I believed him.
I sometimes cannot believe how gullable I am. It's really pretty sad.
One of my brightest moments (and I cannot believe I am going to share this) was when we were in Cleveland after Rick passed. So, keep in mind the circumstances - traveling with a newborn/planning a funeral/etc.
My Mom, brothers and I were talking about how one of Rick's daughters was pregnant with her second baby. At the time, her older child was only about 5-6 months old (if that). Her due date was in May, but the older child's birthday wasn't until June. In my state of brilliance I had a major light bulb moment and said aloud to everyone over coffee:
O my God! That would mean that the younger one will actually be older than the older one!!!
In my mind, of course, I was thinking that his birthday would come before his older sibling's.
I received some blank stares for a minute and then we all just busted out laughing.
I probably have a million examples of stupid things I've said over time and if I think of any more I'll let you know, but that one pretty much takes the cake.
Hope you enjoyed me making a mockery of myself today!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Back to the C.Z.
Yeah, I know I'm obsessed with Como Zoo. What can I say? It's free and fun!!
Monday was, like, 66 and sunny so we couldn't resist.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Speaking of Professions
Well, not really here on my blog, but to sort of branch off of Bonnie's recent post on her career I decided to touch on what it is that I do on a day to day basis.
As you know, I run an in-home daycare in my house. The children that I care for are sweet, smart, funny and extremely well behaved. The only children I really have to get after are my own - go figure.
I know for a fact that a lot of people think that my job isn't really "work." They wonder how hard it can actually be and why I charge so much money for doing it.
There really isn't enough space here to get in to how much "work" I do during the work week. I care for anywhere from 4 to 7 children at once, depending on the day.
There is constant need throughout the entire day by all age groups.
Contrary to some popular belief, I do not just sit around and hang out while the kids take care of themselves. We have a constant rotation on the changing table, in the cribs and in the highchair. There are art projects (this list alone could go on forever!), stories to be read, learning to be done, loving to be gived and received, refereeing, and just over all taking care of. Add to that getting all children dressed right for going outside to play - that's real fun.
In addition, this is also a small business. My house and the toys in it must be looking good and in working condition at all times. I sweep my kitchen floor 3 times a day. My dishwasher runs at least once a day, if not twice. Beds must be made. Fresh sheets in pack and plays and rest mats. The driveway must be shoveled and the entryway free of shoes/coats/hats/mittens.
There is also always a stack of toys that are in need of new batteries (have you looked at how much batteries cost???). Paper runs out, ink runs out, markers run out, glue runs out, chalk gets broken, etc, etc.
In order to keep my business licensed and in good standing I must also attend 8 to 16 hours of continuing education (4 hours of CPR this Saturday thankyouverymuch). We have social workers and food program supervisors as well as a green light from the fire marshall.
I am not a glorified babysitter.
And as if running this business wasn't hard enough you throw in sick children coming to daycare and infecting my home and everyone in it. People who forget to pay on time (could you imagine going to work on payday and your boss saying "sorry, forgot your paycheck, maybe I'll remember in a day or two". I'm sorry, but how am I supposed to plan ahead and keep a budget that way?). I've had parents curse at me because I was unable to watch their child on a day that they don't normally come to daycare. Children come without necessary clothing or milk. Families wait until last minute to tell me they won't be here....
I really don't want to go on and on because, truth be told, there are frustrating parts to every job. It's just that I've been wanting to post about my job for a long time to let people know that I take my job seriously and would just appreciate a little respect for taking care of the MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) IN THEIR LIFE - their children.
And as far as the money part goes. Trust me, I am not getting rich off of my families. I have never raised my rates and feel that the tuition that I charge is fair. You will find another daycare that charges more and then another that charges less. But basing who takes care of your children off of tuition alone is not a good idea, if you ask me.
And as a side note I want to say that some of my daycare mommies and daddies read this blog. Forgive me for mixing our working relationship with our friendship. I would be devastated if I lost any of my families due to some sort of conflict.
As you know, I run an in-home daycare in my house. The children that I care for are sweet, smart, funny and extremely well behaved. The only children I really have to get after are my own - go figure.
I know for a fact that a lot of people think that my job isn't really "work." They wonder how hard it can actually be and why I charge so much money for doing it.
There really isn't enough space here to get in to how much "work" I do during the work week. I care for anywhere from 4 to 7 children at once, depending on the day.
There is constant need throughout the entire day by all age groups.
Contrary to some popular belief, I do not just sit around and hang out while the kids take care of themselves. We have a constant rotation on the changing table, in the cribs and in the highchair. There are art projects (this list alone could go on forever!), stories to be read, learning to be done, loving to be gived and received, refereeing, and just over all taking care of. Add to that getting all children dressed right for going outside to play - that's real fun.
In addition, this is also a small business. My house and the toys in it must be looking good and in working condition at all times. I sweep my kitchen floor 3 times a day. My dishwasher runs at least once a day, if not twice. Beds must be made. Fresh sheets in pack and plays and rest mats. The driveway must be shoveled and the entryway free of shoes/coats/hats/mittens.
There is also always a stack of toys that are in need of new batteries (have you looked at how much batteries cost???). Paper runs out, ink runs out, markers run out, glue runs out, chalk gets broken, etc, etc.
In order to keep my business licensed and in good standing I must also attend 8 to 16 hours of continuing education (4 hours of CPR this Saturday thankyouverymuch). We have social workers and food program supervisors as well as a green light from the fire marshall.
I am not a glorified babysitter.
And as if running this business wasn't hard enough you throw in sick children coming to daycare and infecting my home and everyone in it. People who forget to pay on time (could you imagine going to work on payday and your boss saying "sorry, forgot your paycheck, maybe I'll remember in a day or two". I'm sorry, but how am I supposed to plan ahead and keep a budget that way?). I've had parents curse at me because I was unable to watch their child on a day that they don't normally come to daycare. Children come without necessary clothing or milk. Families wait until last minute to tell me they won't be here....
I really don't want to go on and on because, truth be told, there are frustrating parts to every job. It's just that I've been wanting to post about my job for a long time to let people know that I take my job seriously and would just appreciate a little respect for taking care of the MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) IN THEIR LIFE - their children.
And as far as the money part goes. Trust me, I am not getting rich off of my families. I have never raised my rates and feel that the tuition that I charge is fair. You will find another daycare that charges more and then another that charges less. But basing who takes care of your children off of tuition alone is not a good idea, if you ask me.
And as a side note I want to say that some of my daycare mommies and daddies read this blog. Forgive me for mixing our working relationship with our friendship. I would be devastated if I lost any of my families due to some sort of conflict.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Oh, Ungrateful Me
My goodness. I just realized that in all my blogs about our trip I TOTALLY forgot to say:
THANK YOU JIM AND MEGAN!!!!!
If it weren't for them, there is no way we would have been able to do a LOT of the fun and cool stuff we did while we were there!
So, thank you so much you guys for being such (as Aurora would say) WONDERFUL hosts to us!
And, I have to also thank my Mom for being such a big help with the kids, and such a generous person and SUCH the perfect Mom and Grandma.
And to poor Dave (who got sick on our trip). Thank you for not giving us whatever crap you had.
Heehee......
Love you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU JIM AND MEGAN!!!!!
If it weren't for them, there is no way we would have been able to do a LOT of the fun and cool stuff we did while we were there!
So, thank you so much you guys for being such (as Aurora would say) WONDERFUL hosts to us!
And, I have to also thank my Mom for being such a big help with the kids, and such a generous person and SUCH the perfect Mom and Grandma.
And to poor Dave (who got sick on our trip). Thank you for not giving us whatever crap you had.
Heehee......
Love you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
My Cute Kids
Here are just a few pictures from around the house this week.
Laila is getting around the house in her best army crawl. She's got rug burn on her elbows!
Cecelia is becoming more and more independent these days - as seen here in the picture of her at the kitchen sink.
Delaney has been very chatty and quite defiant as of late. She colored on my kitchen table with a pen - right in front of me. Thank goodness I've been through this age before....knowing that 'this too shall pass' helps me keep my sanity.
This little troop of girls is my life. They're the greatest.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Words to Live By
I'm feeling a little sentimental today.
Last year on this day we had our ultrasound and found out we were having our little Laila B.
Looking at her now I can't believe this time last year she was just a little bun in my oven.
I also heard a song this morning that reminded me of Rick.
It got me to thinking even more about life and love, etc.
Then I came across this email my Mom sent me about a week ago.
Enjoy:
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio December 8th, 2008. To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've everwritten. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here goes:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what theirjourney is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry;God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the secondone is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't takeno for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie,drink the expensive wine/beer/brandy/whiskey.> Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In fiveyears, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends> and parents will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything youdid or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Last year on this day we had our ultrasound and found out we were having our little Laila B.
Looking at her now I can't believe this time last year she was just a little bun in my oven.
I also heard a song this morning that reminded me of Rick.
It got me to thinking even more about life and love, etc.
Then I came across this email my Mom sent me about a week ago.
Enjoy:
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio December 8th, 2008. To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've everwritten. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here goes:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what theirjourney is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry;God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the secondone is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't takeno for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie,drink the expensive wine/beer/brandy/whiskey.> Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In fiveyears, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends> and parents will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything youdid or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Just Checking In
I haven't had much going on in the old noggin lately so that's why you haven't read much from me this week.
I tend to go in to a little 'funk' after getting back from a vacation and am hoping to emerge sometime this week. Not to say things haven't been going well, but the weeks of anticipation and the actual trip itself always makes life more interesting.
Today I am more tired than anything, but had to post to say how much FUN we had with the Tortorice's this weekend!!
Big Al slept for, oh I'd say, 50-55 hours while he was here. I'm pretty sure I know what he looks like even if I only got to see the whites of his eyes for a minute or two.
Anthony and CeCe buddied up all weekend and Laney tried to tag along when they let her. I try and make CeCe include her sister as to not hurt her feelings. I imagine this will be a lifelong struggle.
We got to play some Wii (will I ever get my own??) and just hang out - eat some good food and drink a little too much.
It sucks big time that we don't live closer.
Anyway, we've got another full week this week so I'm just trying to put my house back together to get a leg up on things.
I promise to upload either pictures or a video this week to keep things worth reading.
I tend to go in to a little 'funk' after getting back from a vacation and am hoping to emerge sometime this week. Not to say things haven't been going well, but the weeks of anticipation and the actual trip itself always makes life more interesting.
Today I am more tired than anything, but had to post to say how much FUN we had with the Tortorice's this weekend!!
Big Al slept for, oh I'd say, 50-55 hours while he was here. I'm pretty sure I know what he looks like even if I only got to see the whites of his eyes for a minute or two.
Anthony and CeCe buddied up all weekend and Laney tried to tag along when they let her. I try and make CeCe include her sister as to not hurt her feelings. I imagine this will be a lifelong struggle.
We got to play some Wii (will I ever get my own??) and just hang out - eat some good food and drink a little too much.
It sucks big time that we don't live closer.
Anyway, we've got another full week this week so I'm just trying to put my house back together to get a leg up on things.
I promise to upload either pictures or a video this week to keep things worth reading.
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