tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-174274352024-03-07T13:39:12.608-08:00Oh what a lifeall about me and my wonderful family...living, loving, reading, going green, enjoying God's blessings!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.comBlogger631125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-84522260514462957002017-06-15T14:07:00.000-07:002017-06-15T14:07:21.750-07:00BloggingWow, I finally hopped onto my blog again. I've mixed it. I started a teaching blog a few years ago...but abandoned it...life gets in the way. I have no idea how bloggers write so much and take care of day to day life!<br />
It's summer now. I have more time! A lot has changed since I last blogged. I have a high schooler. Seriously. I can't believe it. My little man, the baby I carried around LA in a Baby Bjorn, who made us a family (as we like to tell him)...is now going into high school. He's so big! He is bright, curious, funny, and a hard worker. He received an award for the highest GPA in middle school (kept up his grades while also starring in several theatre productions). He has future goals of applying to Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and now, after his 8th grade trip to NYC and DC, NYU!<br />
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My middle son is starting middle school in the fall. He has a phone now. A phone! He texts me cute texts and "I love you" texts during the day. Melt my heart. He's funny, silly, stubborn, bright, creative, and kind. He loves sports and video games. He's very good at the piano, though he wants to try the guitar now.<br />
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And my baby. My baby girl...now 9 and sassy, witty, funny, loud, sweet, and has a BIG heart. She loves school, theatre, reading, creating anything, and cuddling with her mama and dad.<br />
Time goes by so fast...I'm just trying to soak it in...and enjoy each precious moment with my kids. I'm not sure what I'll write about in my blog, but I look forward to any outlet for writing. I am teaching a writing academy starting next week, so I could use the time spent writing.<br />
I'm writing for me, but if you happen to stumble upon my blog, please say hi.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-79811513972348817322016-06-12T19:49:00.002-07:002016-06-12T19:49:34.032-07:00Over 2 years later....Hello, hello...to anybody stumbling onto this blog. I have missed you, blog. It's been a little over two years since I posted. Not much has changed. Still teaching...still enjoying watching my babies grow up-they are 13, 11 and 8 now. What?!? I have missed blogging about books, too, so I will start doing that again soon, too. Look for more posts this summer!!!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-68774574546368976632014-05-19T17:53:00.000-07:002014-05-19T17:53:52.816-07:00Left my Heart in Boston<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This post was inspired by </span><a href="http://amzn.to/1kKE8S0%20" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bittersweet</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, a novel that exposes the gothic underbelly of an American dynasty, and an outsider’s hunger to belong. Join </span><a href="http://www.fromlefttowrite.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From Left to Write</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on May 20 we discuss </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bittersweet. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes. </span>I enjoyed this book. I like family mystery genre (is that a genre?) anyway, so it was a good read!<br />
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So glad my college roomie was not like Ev! My freshman year I met Michelle, who was from Boston. I grew up in the midwest, and then moved to California in junior high, so the East Coast was so foreign to me. Michelle even had a different vocabulary-sneakers, pocketbook, market...and I picked up on her lingo quickly (to the amusement of my California bred friends), though not her accent! <br />
The summer after freshman year, my parents let me go visit her for a week or two. I loved it! I fell in love with the history on the East Coast. Everything is so old! Out in California, we were lucky if we were celebrating 100 years of something, but the East Coast was filled with old churches, buildings, just history. Walking around Harvard felt like a dream to me. Michelle and her family took me all around Boston, out to Cape Cod, and to Newport, Rhode Island. I didn't eat any Mexican food (which we Californians eat weekly, sometimes 2-3 times a week in this household!), but tried lobster for the first time, nibbled on the Chinese food leftovers found in all of her friends' fridges, and ate clam cakes. <br />
I just felt like I belonged there. I even begged my parents to let me stay an extra couple days-which graciously they did. Michelle was my best friend, but after visiting her, I felt like I knew her even better. I cried flying back to California. I immediately sent away for college applications to UMASS, BU, Brown, anywhere near Massachusetts or Rhode Island. I was determined to transfer back East...but then I settled back in at home, at UCSB, and realized I wouldn't know anyone back East. No family, no friends, except Michelle's mom and sister, but I knew I couldn't invade on them. The applications stayed in my drawer, unsent. <br />
I still live in California today...haven't even made it back East since then...crazily enough...but hopefully we can get out there sometime soon. Joe and I are saving for a DC trip next summer, which will hopefully include a week in Rhode Island with his family. I can't wait to see the East Coast again...I know the song is "I Left My Heart in San Francisco", but I left my heart in Boston. Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-78236867381523902092014-04-21T16:50:00.001-07:002014-04-21T16:53:30.844-07:00You'll Miss ItThis post was inspired by the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385349076/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0385349076&linkCode=as2&tag=fromleft2write-20#">memoir</a> <u>Dad</u> <u>is</u> <u>Fat</u> by comedian Jim Gaffigan who riffs on his adventures co-parenting 5 kids in a two bedroom Manhattan apartment. Join my online book club, <a href="http://www.fromlefttowrite.com/">From Left to Write</a>, on April 22 as we discuss Dad is Fat. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=17427435" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>I found myself nodding along to a lot of what Gaffigan says in his stories...but being that he is in the "throes" of babydom and toddlerhood, and we've graduated to elementary school over here, I found myself feeling more wistful as I read on. Man, it IS hard work when they are so young. I know more than once I wished to be out of that stage. When will the baby dress himself? When will she sleep through the night? And now...my kids do that...and more...and yes, it is nice, but oh, what I would give to have that toddler clamoring my attention, that baby smiling sleepily at me, the tiny bundle cuddled contently on my shoulder.<br />
Parents, the season you are in will pass. It will, and you will miss it. You would pay to have one of those days back...even that "terrible" day you are in now. Our kids are our sweet babies forever, but they grow too fast. I even have a hard time looking at their baby pictures without tearing up. <br />
My husband has been so good at reminding me that this, too, will pass, and we need to enjoy it now. I am doing my best. In our household, we are in the midst of sibling fighting and battling chores and pick up your stinky socks now! One day, soon, they will have moved on to the next stage...a stage that won't include me, and it breaks my heart. So, I will restrain myself from yelling about the legos everywhere and smile through the brotherly fighting and happily (mostly) help them finish their homework...because I'm going to miss this.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-16331084778107544072014-03-31T20:02:00.001-07:002014-03-31T20:02:51.080-07:00Where I am At<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This post was inspired by</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the novel </span><a href="http://www.hollypeterson.com/the-idea-of-him/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Idea of Him</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> by Holly Peterson. Allie thought she had the perfect husband, until she finds him and another woman in a compromising position in their own apartment. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Join </span><a href="http://www.fromlefttowrite.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From Left to Write</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on April we discuss </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Idea of Him. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Join us for a </span><a href="about:blank" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">live chat with Holly on April 3</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.</span><br />
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Setting was such an integral part of this novel. I felt like New York City was a character it self. This story woulnd't have been the same set in a different city.<br />
It got me thinking of where I live. I live in a {small} city in California...same place I moved to in 6th grade from Illinois. I had a good childhood here...but couldn't wait to move away! I can't believe I live here today!<br />
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I came back after college graduation-a quick pit stop before my planned move to San Francisco. That move never happened and before I knew it...I was teaching at my then boyfriend's (now husband) first elementary school! After a few years, I moved to follow my boyfriend in LA, and we got married and settled down. I loved the big city-it must be in my blood-I lived in Chicago my first 6 years. However, after having our first child, we decided to move back to be near family. A decision that I was not 100% thrilled or excited about (nothing to do with the family!)....but now, it has been a blessing.<br />
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Sometimes life doesn't end up like you planned...but it doesn't mean it's bad. The other day as I rushed around trying to get my three kids out the door-backpack shuffle, shoe searching, phone charging-it hit me that I am content. I am happy to be where I am. I love my job, I have a wonderful teaching partner, my husband and I get to spend time together quite often, my kids are great...maybe this wasn't what I planned originally...but it suits me perfectly. Even though my city doesn't have the best reputation, and many don't understand why we choose to live here...it's home. Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-79574253594528620032014-03-17T19:25:00.002-07:002014-03-17T19:25:47.790-07:00The Divorce Papers (no, not mine!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So this month my book club-From Left To Write-read a very interesting book called<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0804137447/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0804137447&linkCode=as2&tag=fromleft2write-20"> The Divorce Papers.</a> It's told only through emails, letters, and files in a divorce case. Very, very interesting technique. I still felt like I got to know the characters a lot. <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This post was inspired by</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the novel </span><a href="http://amzn.to/1e2InJb" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Divorce Papers</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> by Susan Rieger. Young lawyer Sophie unwillingly takes her first divorce case with an entertaining and volatile client in this novel told mostly through letters and legal missives. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Join </span><a href="http://www.fromlefttowrite.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From Left to Write</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on March 18 we discuss </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Divorce Papers. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.</span><br />
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Throughout the reading, I was thinking a lot about how this almost was my life....the law part, I mean! I went to college to become a pediatrician, switched out of that quickly...uh, math was NOT my thing, and fell in love with poli sci and law. Writing legal briefs...love! Doing my 25 page research paper about a Supreme Court case, spending hours in the law library...love! I knew that was what I needed to do. However, getting closer to graduation and hearing my peers start planning for the LSAT, I realized I was getting cold feet. I wanted to be a mom. I didn't want to have a career that full, that busy, that time consuming. So I decided not to go on to law school. I'm not saying you can't be a great mom and a lawyer-I have plenty of friends that went that route, though interestingly enough, most of them stay at home now!<br />
I now spend my full, busy life teaching elementary school. I love it-I still get to read a lot, help kids learn to love knowledge and research, and am very fulfilled! Sometimes, though, I do miss the law field. When my brain is fried from common core, loud classrooms, or too much paperwork, I toy with the idea of being a paralegal. Legal research all the time, quiet libraries, writing reports? Maybe one day...for now, I will stick to the classroom.<br />
What career path were you thinking about before making a switch? Do you regret it?<br />
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-23823110909422081932014-02-17T11:01:00.001-08:002014-02-17T11:01:26.193-08:00*Active*So how are your resolutions going? I am actually proud to say that I am following through with my word: active. I have exercised 3-4 times a week and finished my Clean Eating Challenge...and kept up with it. I consider myself to be eating "clean" 80% of the time.<br />
I actually found out that I enjoy healthy foods! My breakfasts consist of steel cut oatmeal with a pinch of cinnamon and frozen fruit or dried fruit. Yum. (Note-steel cut oatmeal takes a long time to cook, so I would cook my weekly batch on Sundays so I only had to reheat during busy mornings) I snack on a piece of fruit, unsalted almonds or a cheese stick. Lunches are usually leftovers from the night before or cheese and whole grain crackers, with veggies or fruit. I have only had water to drink for 6 weeks. Dinners are generally clean for me. If we go out to dinner, I stay away from white bread products, and steer towards salads with light dressing. That is a big deal for this salad dressing freak...I bought an organic italian dressing and drizzle lightly. I actually can taste the lettuce now! Ha! We had In and Out Burgers, and I had the "protein burger"-wrapped in lettuce with no cheese and sauce. It was delicious...<br />
I ended up doing the challenge by myself...my husband couldn't make it (but he is going to try it starting this week!)...and I didn't force my kids. Though, just by seeing what I ate and what choices I was making, I saw them grab fruit for snacks more often and think about the sugar content of what they were eating.<br />
The good news is that I lost 5 pounds, too! I'm not actively trying to lose weight, but like any mom who has birthed three children, I could stand to lose some baby pounds. Now here goes my realization-I exercised pretty well starting last spring through the fall...and yes, I could see my arms were more toned and I felt better about myself...but I didn't lose any weight. This time, combined with eating much better and exercise, I did. I really think I have discovered the secret to weight loss-it's eating well! (And maybe limiting carbs :-))<br />
I am not one to ask about clean eating. I know I ate some things that die hard clean eaters would say is a no-no, but for me, I think I did well! There are tons of good ideas and meal suggestions out there. Some recipes we loved...some we did not. I recommend starting <a href="http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating/">here</a> or <a href="http://www.blessthismessplease.com/2012/11/eating-clean-2-week-plan.html">here</a> if you'd like some ideas. The first one had good suggestions, grocery lists and lots of recipes. The second one had a great meal plan, I used quite a few of her recipes. She has two different sets of meal plans, so look at her other set as well for meals. If you follow me on instagram, I share some of my meals on there.<br />
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Then...this weekend hit...and I got sick. Sick with a dizziness and vertigo. Still feeling it...4th day in my jammies. And my diet took a hit. I ate too many valentine chocolates and Taco Bell. And-I had a coke! Oops! It's called survival when mom is sick. But, as soon as I'm better, Joe and I plan to stock up at Trader Joe again and I will be back on track. I am actually looking forward to doing the completely Clean Challenge with Joe soon. As someone who does better when she has a challenge, I enjoy it. And since Hawaii is only 2 months away, I better continue to get ready to be bathing suit ready!<br />
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<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-5460520432397064572014-01-05T16:24:00.000-08:002014-01-05T16:26:51.662-08:00Happier in my life 2014This month for my online book club, we read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307886794/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307886794&linkCode=as2&tag=fromleft2write-20"><u>Happier at Home</u> </a>by Gretchen Rubin. I already blogged about her first book last year, <u>The Happiness Project</u>, when she inspired me to start some resolutions that I did not keep-shame shame. This year, I got to read her second book, where she runs a nine month experiment to create happier surroundings. More inspiration! Join <a href="http://fromlefttowrite.com/">From Left to Write</a> on January 6 as we discuss <u>Happier at</u> <u>Home</u>. You can also chat live with Gretchen Rubin on January 7 on <a href="t:%20https://www.facebook.com/events/639979452729265/?ref=5">Facebook</a>. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes. However, I have decided NOT to keep resolutions this year. I have my "word" for the year *ACTIVE*, but instead, I will make some lifestyle changes...slowly...and add on as the year progresses...here are some my ideas and tips!<br />
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*Tip #1 Always make new changes with another person!<br />
Starting this month, I will drink my 8 glasses of water a day and add more exercise-I plan to work out with a friend. The BEST way to stay on track! I made it through 4 straight months of 5:30 AM exercise classes because I had a friend waiting for me. Then, fall and school and homework and theater took over our family life. BUT, the good news is that we are planning to start up and I have already reserved a spot in the kickboxing class I tried for a couple week last fall with my neighbor! I also do a daily exercise thing with a co-worker. It's one of those monthly plans for sits ups and squats. We both have it on our phones and we stay on track that way. We check in daily together!<br />
Also, I plan to slowly change my diet. I am that mom who serves her kids chicken nuggets and mac and cheese in the blue box (mom confession #423). Joe and I went to Trader Joe's today and stocked up on whole wheat pasta, chia seeds, veggies, steel cut oatmeal, etc...ready to start our Real Food Challenge tomorrow. I boxed up lots of processed food we had in the pantry and stuck it in the garage. We're doing this together! Spencer is planning to try it, too. I will have a super hard time cutting out white bread-so I bought some whole grain crackers and will eat that instead of bread for my lunches.<br />
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*#2 Be reasonable in expectations. I have stacks of photos and even more thousands of photos on my computer that I need to print or archive someway. I made a resolution to catch up on my scrapbooks last year. Progress...zilch. But I am stealing Gretchen Rubin's suggestions and giving myself 15 minutes daily to work on my photos and memory sorting. Will time myself and stop after 15 minutes. I will make slow progress, but slow progress is better than none. Right?!<br />
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*#3 Don't add too many expectations for yourself. I would like to change many things, but the truth is, I am a busy full time mama with a full time teaching job. I take work home. I carpool. I have bunco nights monthly (yay!). I try to schedule date time with Joe. My life is busy and full. I can't make many big changes. So, I will go slow...add something slowly. Like drink my 8 glasses of water daily, give up soda, keep on my cleaning plan...but not big things. Can't. Not now anyway. And that's OK.<br />
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It's January 5. I haven't had any glasses of water yet today, drank a coke, skipped breakfast...but it's OK, tomorrow will be better. Wish me luck!<br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-40774669004593735702014-01-01T12:33:00.000-08:002014-01-01T12:34:49.862-08:00*ACTIVE*One word...I do this every year....and like practically every other person who does this...forget to focus on this by February 1. But, once again, here I go. <br />
*My word this year is ACTIVE. Yes, active in activity-gym, running, etc...isn't that everyone's wish for the New Year?? We have a beach trip planned for Spring Break, so I have less than 4 months to get ready to wear my bathing suit for a week.<br />
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But also, ACTIVE in life...want to work on my photography, organize my photos (stealing the 15 minutes a day idea from Happier At Home by Gretchen Rubin-blog post on that coming soon), play with my kids, ride our bikes together, work on our diet (hello clean eating...starting Jan. 6!).<br />
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I will also try to be more active on this blog, too. I stopped writing for my online book club because life was crazy this fall. However, I know I can make the time. Reading is so important to me, and I did not read as much as I should have this fall. I challenged my class to read 3 chapter breaks over this winter break. I am finishing book three sometime today! Whoo-hoo! Can't wait to see how they did!<br />
So...that's my word for the year. I promise to keep you updated on how I am doing with it. Do YOU have a word for the year??<br />
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Leaving my family readers with some recent family pics. The first is from Christmas Eve with my side of the family! The second is from a pumpkin patch trip, and the last one is Spencer & Joe's first time in a show together-Christmas Carol! They had a blast!<br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-44215161896594297432013-10-06T10:35:00.001-07:002013-10-06T10:35:43.610-07:00Are you still here?Well now...time sure flies when you're having fun...or working full time...or raising three kids...or living a life...right?<div>
We finished our summer, enjoyed spending lots of time together, and now we're back to school! All the kiddos are with me this year! I love it! I get to see them every day at work. The boys stop in on their recess breaks and sometimes I sneak over to Kendall's playground on my lunch break and say hi. I love it! School is going very well for everyone. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spencer is working hard in 5th grade and is on safety patrol, is a 5th grade senator for student council, and is taking singing and acting classes. He just auditioned for the Christmas show at his theatre. </div>
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Cooper loves 3rd grade and happy his BFF is in class with him, too. He just finished his first session of water polo and was awesome! He is hoping to start tennis lessons next. He can be found sneaking onto his video games whenever he can. Mama outlawed video games during the school week...here's Cooper and me in his class. I am not his teacher this year! I have none of my kids this year. Miss them!</div>
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Kendall is a social butterfly in kindergarten. She is excited to go to school everyday and see her friends. She is learning so much and leaves us little notes all around the house. LOVE. She started girl scouts this fall! Friday night we hosted her first slumber party. I think it was a success! 3 little girls laughing, dressing up, playing "fashion", doing their nails 50,000 times...and finally falling asleep. </div>
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Here's Kendall and Grandma at one of our fav after school spots-frozen yogurt!</div>
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I am in 4th grade again (wahoo) and love my class! Joe and I have been getting out a little more. Spent a weekend in San Francisco a month ago, and we went to see Depeche Mode last week. Awesome show! We have a few more upcoming date nights coming up, too. Life is good in the Brown household.</div>
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Hoping to update this ole blog of mine more in the upcoming weeks...stay tuned...</div>
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Summer flashback: camping at Pinecrest!</div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-31523346879665985612013-07-29T10:09:00.001-07:002013-07-29T10:09:15.010-07:00Food Glorious Food!<b id="docs-internal-guid-1178b73b-2b5f-28a4-9bdb-cffa5f89bdf3" style="font-weight: normal;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This month's book club choice was The Execution of Noa P. Singleton...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-1178b73b-2b5f-28a4-9bdb-cffa5f89bdf3" style="font-weight: normal;"></b></span></div>
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</b>So this book is pretty serious, thought provoking as well...but my blog post is not...I saw a few other people decided to run with the "last meal" idea, so I did, too! (It's summer break for me-can't get too deep now!) Joe and I would like to think we are foodies...we're not real, fancy food foodies...but we love a good meal! Triple D is one of our fav shows! Whenever we go somewhere new, we look to see if they are any places recommended by the food network! So, running with the "last meal" idea, I decided to blog about several places I'd choose, depending on where I was!<br />
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<i>San Diego</i>....ahh...this is hard, but I'd have to go with Phil's BBQ in Ocean Beach. LOVE that place! We go every time we are there-yummy pulled pork sandwiches "The Bro-ham"-tangy BBQ sauce, crispy coleslaw...oh my mouth is watering! The line is long-I recommend going right when it opens on the weekend or for lunch during the week. If we lived there, I bet we'd eat there once a week. Its very inexpensive, as well. Joe and I can make two sandwiches out of one 6.95 sandwich. Here's Joe on Father's Day 2012-happy as can be.<br />
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<i>Los Angeles </i>(I'll <strike>eat </strike>work my way up CA)...well, this is hard too...Joe and I always make our list of places we have to eat when we plan trips to LA. It changes depending on our mood, but Killer Shrimp is always on it! Unfortunately, the one most convenient for us closed down, and we haven't been to the new location yet in Marina Del Ray, but we cannot wait to go. I always get the main dish...shrimp served over spicy sauce on pasta. I hear they have expanded their menu...the shrimp on pasta, rice or just as is used to be the only thing they served. We really wanted to go last time we were in LA (June), but it didn't happen....so I'll wait...not so patiently...for our next trip... (Just looked on the website-they are opening one up in Santa Barbara now!!!!)<br />
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<i>San Francisco</i>...our friend Steph has introduced us to some great places to eat! When I went in May for my birthday weekend, we went to 1300 Fillmore for the fried chicken. Oh my word-delish! The place is dark and fancy, with a jazzy vibe. The drinks are stiff...a little too strong...but the chicken was one of the best things I've tried! Finished with beignets for dessert...the best birthday meal ever!<br />
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<i>Home</i>...ahh, good old home town...what will I eat??? Either the Californian Burrito from Victoria's or the French Dip from the Branding Iron (with a side of gazpacho)...if you locals haven't tried those, you need to!!<br />
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And I will end with one last place that is found in many areas...The Cheesecake Factory...yes, it's a chain...BUT the Jambalaya is OH.SO.GOOD. Spicy with tons of shrimp and chicken and veggies...I always order it, even though they have about 50,000 things on the menu. Once I find something I like on a menu, it's hard for me to stray!<br />
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Have I made you hungry yet? I know I am hungry now...hungry and needing a vacation to scout out some more food places! Share your fav with me!<br />
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-1178b73b-2b5f-28a4-9bdb-cffa5f89bdf3" style="font-weight: normal;"></b><br />
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-1178b73b-2b5f-28a4-9bdb-cffa5f89bdf3" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This post was inspired by the novel <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/038534743X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=038534743X&linkCode=as2&tag=fromleft2write-20">The Execution of Noa P. Singleton</a> by Elizabeth L. Silver. Mere months before Noa’s execution, her victim’s mother changed her mind Noa’s sentence and vows to help stay the execution. Join </span><a href="http://wp.me/pYejZ-QJ" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From Left to Write</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on July 30 as we discuss </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Execution of Noa P. Singleton.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.</span></b></div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-55131503627939193462013-06-06T09:27:00.001-07:002013-06-06T09:29:46.115-07:00Technology love/hate?<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=17427435" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=17427435" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This post was inspired by the novel </span><a href="http://amzn.to/YBhoxt" rel="nofollow" style="color: #003399; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Those We Love the Most</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> by Lee Woodruff. Every family has its secrets and deceptions, but they come to surface a tragic accident changes the family dynamic forever.. Join </span><a href="http://wp.me/pYejZ-QJ" rel="nofollow" style="color: #003399; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From Left to Write</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on June 6 as we discuss </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Those We Love the Mos</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">t. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can also enter to win a live video chat with Lee Woodruff</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">! As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The accident happens right away in the<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401341977/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1401341977&linkCode=as2&tag=fromleft2write-20"> book</a>, and it involves a mom on a cell phone. That kind of took my breath away. I am a mom who uses her cell phone quite often. More than I like, to be honest. I know we've all probably read those posts berating moms (and dads) for playing on their phones while kids are at the park. I've even seen the posts about people saying to give them a break. I truly have a love/hate affair with this technology. While I love my Iphone-checking my mail saves me from getting on the computer and the GPS is amazing, I am also aware of when I am just playing on it while I'm in the same room as my kids. It's something that I personally want to work on.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I do think we, especially parents, need to put the phone down more often. Interact with our kids, actually help them with homework instead of sitting there on the phone while they work- true story told to me by a grandma. And now that it is summer, and I am home all day with my kids (wahoo!), I plan to keep my phone in my purse all day! Well, as much of the day as I can. Technology is great, but it scares me, too! I can see the interactions changing between people. My teenage niece tells me that sometimes her friends will sit side by side and text each other. What?! First we are losing actual written letters-people are emailing-now we are missing out on face to face conversations for texting? Will we have any history to save? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">How do you feel about all this???</span></div>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-49382008824619573082013-03-12T07:21:00.002-07:002013-03-12T07:23:22.074-07:00Just Be<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddxkVGCDcRlRN7-jKAlU0f7E5otEJal3E7soDwj_9IhF-LNyXg3-HeCnzJA-d5lzykZlNGnmmEcQvrJCuiU8dCch8y0obgbiEyx9zQYFJGZKrkEqVcD3oyTnzuZdm8Kfs-vZv3Q/s1600/Raising-Cubby-by-John-Elder-Robison-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddxkVGCDcRlRN7-jKAlU0f7E5otEJal3E7soDwj_9IhF-LNyXg3-HeCnzJA-d5lzykZlNGnmmEcQvrJCuiU8dCch8y0obgbiEyx9zQYFJGZKrkEqVcD3oyTnzuZdm8Kfs-vZv3Q/s200/Raising-Cubby-by-John-Elder-Robison-1.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">This </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="yiv1932580879" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">post</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"> was inspired by </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><a href="http://amzn.to/TVo6Lq" rel="nofollow" style="color: #003399; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">Raising Cubby: A Father and Son’s Adventures with Asperger’s, Trains, Tractors, and High Explosives</i></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"> by John Elder Robison. Parenting is a challenging job, but what challenges does a parent with Asperger's face? Join </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><a href="http://www.fromlefttowrite.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #003399; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">From Left to Write</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"> on March 12 as we discuss </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">Raising Cubby</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"> </span>If anyone knows who the lovely photographer Tara Whitney is...or <strike>stalks</strike> follows her instagrams as much as I do...you may know her philosophy is "Just Be". I may have dismissed that idea off in the past as a kind of hippie, laid back concept...but after mulling over what to write about after reading this book, I realized how profound that concept of "Just Be" is!<br />
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The author had many decisions to make in raising his son-as we all do-but coupled with his son's issues, (as well as his own) he seemed to have decisions coming every which way. A few years ago, I stumbled onto the "mommy blogs". You know, those pretty blogs with gorgeous pictues of children and neat as a pin darling homes and special traditions and celebrations almost every day. I admit, I fell for them, hook, line, and sinker. I scoured them for ideas, tried to keep up, and felt dismayed when I looked at my messy home with the never ending tornado of legos and socks and sneakers (and no granite countertops-eek!). I admit, I may have tried to even copy that here on my blog at one point or another. But the truth is-that's not me. And honestly, that's not anyone! I've met many moms, been in MOPS groups, work with families everyday, and there is no family that compares to the blogs. I deleted those glossy blog from my feeds, but every once in while, I do check one or two. It seems like they have moved away from trying to showcase the perfect lives (that they don't really have), and they are starting to show the cracks and the not-so-perfect behind the scenes. That's healthy-that's realistic-that can make their blog readers sigh with relief. <br />
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So this is where the philopophy "Just Be" comes in...just be...the best you can be. The best mom you can be, the best you can be...I may not win any parenting awards, but I know I am a good mom. I still struggle with how to assign chores (I've pinned about a million ideas) and wonder how to handle this whole computer/ipod/video games/tv debate...trying to implement a "Screen Free Sunday"...trying being the key word...mama needs a little screen time, too! But I know every day is a new start and I can try again to be the best me I can. We mamas need to support each other, share our feelings, share both our triumphs and our failures, and start again. And since this book was written by a dad, who I think did his best, let's include the dads...just be the best parent. Just Be.<br />
<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-46633953813873176102013-02-17T11:48:00.002-08:002013-02-17T11:48:34.848-08:00February is Health Month...what?Happy February! Hope everyone had a sweet Valentine's Day! We sure did-it's family day in our house...though it was a bit crazy. Spencer is in a local play and he had rehearsal that evening until 8:30. We had pizza (without him), though Daddy ate another slice with him when he got home. Now Cooper has gone down to San Diego for his yearly trip with Grandma. Lucky boy!<br />
Joe and I planned to go out alone for a belated Valentine's Day, but with Grandma out of town and Grammy hurting her back, we decided to do a "double date" with Spencer & Kendall. We got dressed up and went out for Chinese food at our favorite place. Spencer was ever the gentleman, learning how to open car doors and be courteous to the girl. It was a lot of fun! One of these day Joe and I will enjoy an evening alone!<br />
So this month was supposed to be HEALTH month. Ha, notice I said "supposed"...well, not off to a good start. Honestly, life has been so busy that going to the gym has been impossible to do. I started running, taking Spencer with me, but that's about it. I want to start eating healthier...darn Valentine candy! No fast food, more water...gotta work on it. I will keep you posted.<br />
I decided to continue the HOME theme for the year, as well. Even though we live in a rental, there are things I can do to make it more homey. I found some material to make curtains-and found this awesome tutorial on <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/02/nursery-progress-getting-the-hang-of-it/">NO SEW curtains</a>-YAY! Later this month, we have a trip to IKEA planned to get Kendall's new big girl bed, which means new bedding for her. And I just might finally break down and order the Pottery Barn bedding I have been drooling over for years for the boys' room. One set is not too bad, but when you need two, it sure adds up! Hoping to paint their room this weekend...or at least start. :-)<br />
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So, that's our life right now....looking forward to moving onto March-I have some new photography books that I am perusing. Trying to pick up my camera a little more. My iphone camera is the one that gets used daily! And even that one has not been connected to my computer in a while...these are two from Joe's...our super kid at preschooland helping Daddy paint! Can you tell they spend a lot of time together???Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-22684059794252140512013-02-12T21:42:00.001-08:002013-02-12T21:42:55.258-08:00Perspectives<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<i style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial;">This post was inspired by <a href="http://amzn.to/11T1BWw" rel="nofollow" style="color: #003399; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Saturday Night Widows</a> by Becky Aikman. After being kicked out of her widow support group for being too young, Becky creates her own support group with an unusual twist. Join <a href="http://www.fromlefttowrite.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #003399; line-height: 1.2em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">From Left to Write</a> on February 14 as we discuss Saturday Night Widows. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes</i>.</div>
This month, my online book club read the memoir,<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307590437/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307590437&linkCode=as2&tag=fromleft2write-20"> <u>Saturday Night Widows</u> </a>by Becky Aikman, about a group of widows meeting once a month to meet, talk, and just be there for one another. Becky led the group (she was kicked out of her first grief group!) and planned outings for the group to help stretch themselves in their healing process. After all, as they said in the book, the worst thing that can happen, already happened. I found it very interesting and very heartbreaking to read the widows' stories and the pain they felt. I really truly felt for them.<br />
The widows' were all in different stages of their lives-newlyweds, young parents, parents of college aged children, no children-but I really found myself drawn to Dawn. She was a young mom with two small children. As I read, I kept thinking about my own mother. My father passed away when I was four and my sister one, leaving a huge hole in my heart. For years, I wouldn't speak about it, and I never, ever asked my mom about how she felt. Now, I look back and think how strong she was. Yes, she must have been hurting, but I don't remember seeing her pain. She kept going, got up everyday, mothered my sister and me, took us on vacations, brought us to see our grandma in Los Angeles, and honestly, I don't remember her sadness or her tears. Wow, now I think back and just am so thankful that she was strong for us. Me, I think I would fall apart in the same situation. Hide in bed with the covers over my head and mope. But with children, you cannot. You have to be strong. You can't fall apart-for them, and I think, for them alone. I am so glad that I have had such a strong role model in my life. <br />
<a href="http://www.fromlefttowrite.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Saturday-Night-Widows-by-Becky-Aikman-198x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Saturday Night Widows by Becky Aikman" border="0" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2959" height="300" src="http://www.fromlefttowrite.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Saturday-Night-Widows-by-Becky-Aikman-198x300.jpg" title="Saturday Night Widows by Becky Aikman" width="198" /></a>My mom and I have a good relationship today-I adore how she treats her grandbabies (my babies)-but after reading this book, I have a newfound appreciation and gratefulness for her. I still don't like to talk about my father's death, but I am going to try to talk to my mom about it and see if she'll share her heart with me. Thank you, Mom, for being you-strong, loyal, and brave. I love you! And thank you, Becky Aikman, for helping me see my Mom in this new light.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-71789605451615670192013-01-21T11:33:00.001-08:002013-01-21T11:33:31.252-08:00Okay....So...this month, I am not doing too well on the resos...oh wellll....there are 11 other months! The hallway is half painted...thanks to Joe still being down for the count. But it will be done...maybe today??? <br />
I have been thinking about my cleaning and purging, and trying to figure out what I am drawn to when I look for inspiration. I like clean...not a lot of clutter...I like little whimsical bits (colored frames, words on the wall, etc.). So I went through half of the kitchen yesterday-the eating and table area, and tried to make it look "clean"...took off the tablecloth, made a place for keys and sunglasses in a drawer, not out on a counter, cleaned out my kitchen baskets that get stuffed with mail and receipts and clutter...now I have an empty one ready for a new home. Organized my home binder. Cleaned out part of my closet. Filled up a trash bag-LOVE that feeling! Now, I feel like I am on a roll. <br />
Starting the boys on their plan tomorrow. They will have a container of quarters on their dresser. For the first week, they get to keep their daily quarter if they make their bed before school and do their homework before bed. Last week, they were so bad about getting homework done...at least 3 mornings, they were finishing in my classroom. Then, the next week, I will add a "zone" that daily needs to be cleaned to keep their daily quarter (like bathroom, or family room, or playroom,etc...). Starting small! Will keep you posted. Hope to have 4 things they have to do daily.<br />
Anyway...hope our new work pans out. Still trying to get more home stuff done before the end of the month. Today, off to replace fridge filter and buy a new flag pole for front of the house. And take my kids on a McDonald's date and park time. Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Wish I had a magic fairy to clean up my house!<br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-35029966375416942102013-01-13T11:36:00.000-08:002013-01-13T11:38:44.127-08:00Week 2Checking in here-hello, Marie (a new friend and reader!)...so...how did I do? It was back to work this week for me. And...Joe was laid up pretty much all week...so I didn't do as great as I wanted. I did clean a bit each day and felt that if someone came over, I wouldn't be scrambling around. Please tell me I am not the only one who feels that way! So, this week I will try to stay even more on top of my cleaning schedule. Didn't get to painting or taking down the Christmas lights (that's my man's job), but we'll do that this week. We don't have plans any evening except Monday. <br />
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I thought a lot about my resolutions, and even though keeping a chart worked well for Gretchen Rubin in her book, it's not working out for me. Though I do find myself mentally checking things off. I also starting keeping track of my gratitudes with an app on phone. On track there. I took facebook off my phone-what a time waster! No, I am not getting rid of my account-that's how I communicate with my bunco group and new book club-and I love looking at my friends' and family members' photos, but I really don't need to read about so and so's sore throat or trip to wherever. I don't miss it. :-)<br />
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Haven't started a chore system for my kiddos yet-hello, back to work and swamped with report cards AND common core training-feels like we've been back for ages! But, have some ideas. I really am interested in <a href="http://www.71toes.com/2012/11/a-money-system-that-works.html">this plan </a>from the 71toes blog. (Love her photos, too!) I want something simple and motivating. I also like <a href="http://www.busykidshappymom.org/2013/01/quarters-for-month-bed">this idea</a> which was inspired from Cleaning House by Kay Wills Wyma which is about a mom was trying to get rid of the entitlement her children felt. Except Kay Wills Wyma was rich and paid her kids LOTS of money to make their beds. This quarter idea is more doable! Ha!<br />
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Tip-if there are blogs you find yourself interested in, subscribe to the email feed and save yourself some time. I subscribe to about 6 and when the email comes in, if the topic doesn't interest me, I delete it. I rarely get on the computer anymore (even though we are now a 2 computer family! We bought the kids an inexpensive laptop for Christmas. It stays out in the family room and they take turns. They love it!) so I don't blog surf, but just picked the blogs where I got the most ideas. I like: How Does She, Simple Mom, Make & Takes, Eighteen25, Teaching in Room 6, Busy Kids=Happy Mom (links are on right hand side). <br />
I really am digging this idea of starting my resolutions slower...instead of jumping in all at once. Yes, I am wanting to get to more stuff...but I need to go slow to see changes. And as I drive by the packed gym...whoo...hopefully it will be cleared out a bit by people quitting by Feb. <br />
Leave you with some pinterest inspired ideas for your classroom/home...in my class, we did a mug exchange and hot cocoa, and we decorated "Christmas trees" instead of gingerbread houses for our Christmas celebrations! Easy and fun! I even had some of the kids friends over the day after school was out for a Christmas tree decorating event, too. <br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-11745190979016781932013-01-06T13:24:00.001-08:002013-01-06T13:24:39.932-08:00I am blogging again!Can you believe it? Several posts in one week! Whoo-hoo!<br />
So...how am I doing with my HOME focus? Pretty good, if I may say so myself. I've cleaned out a few areas, thrown away things, rearranged Kendall's room, looked online for the the new bed we are buying her (probably Ikea), bought paint for the hallway-ready to start painting, found a color for the boys room (Behr's Cloudy Day), cleaned a lot, figured out what other small projects to do...and now tomorrow it's back to work. I will try to keep to my cleaning schedule as best as I can.<br />
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I'm just going to do the best I can-I am reading an awesome book called:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592407331">Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead</a>-and it's a slow go because it's a lot to take in (I keep finding myself rereading passages and thinking about my own life). Brene Brown is dismantling the common conceptions out there that we women have to do it all (be sweet, super mom, super wife, super thin, etc). She says no one can do it all-duh-but we need to be vulnerable and admit it, and just do the best we can. No sense in feeling shame. LOVE it! Don't let those voices tell you that are failing as a mom, as a wife, as a women...just do what you can and be who you are. Well, those are my words-what I am taking away from her book. It's freeing. I admit, I don't have it all together. I wish sometimes I did, and I do sometimes pretend I have it all together-but I never have, never will. I know I am a good mama, but I am not super mom. I cuddle with my kiddos all the time, read to them daily, help with homework, tell them they are loved ten times a day-but I also let them watch too much TV, don't make them take baths and showers every day, serve them mac and cheese from the blue box at minimum once a week for dinner, clean up their toys too much (instead of making them), and the list goes on. I'm on the computer right now while they are playing video games...ahhh, that feels good!<br />
Not sure where this post is going...it's been hijacked by this book! Have you read this???<br />
So...anyway, this year, along with my monthly focus and resolutions, I will try to be the best I can, but not beat myself for not meeting my expectations. <br />
Here's some Christmas and New Year's pics to share. Aren't they cute kids???<br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-67919184626378510222013-01-02T22:50:00.002-08:002013-01-02T22:52:14.958-08:00Day 2 in the books!Ok, so here goes...here's how my first month is playing out. *Cleaning schedule-I made one a few months ago and even laminated it and stuck it to my fridge. I did follow it for a while and found my house was much neater...then life got in the way. I hate the big mad rush to clean when someone is coming over-I want people to come over anytime and not be worried the toilet has a ring around it or the carpet has papers strewn all over or the sink is full of dirty dishes...please tell me I'm not the only one with a house like this! So, I want to keep a neater house. I printed out Clean Mama's schedule: click <a href="http://www.cleanmama.net/2012/12/clean-organized-2013-free-january-cleaning-calendar.html">HERE</a> for your copy.<br />
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Day 2-not started...BUT I did clean out and rearrange the pantry yesterday and I've been spending lots of quality time with the family. So, tomorrow I will start!<br />
I plan to keep track of my resolutions through a chart system-Gretchen Rubin said that worked very well for her in The Happiness Project, so I printed one from <a href="http://www.happiness-project.com/get-started/downloads/">HERE.</a><br />
So, there you go...my not so splashy start. But it's a start, right???<br />
Leaving you with some pics of my babies from December (student of the month, Kendall's dance & singing recital, and my boys actually posing together-believe it or not!). <br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-76287409619428515972013-01-01T16:12:00.000-08:002013-01-01T16:14:16.702-08:002013 ResolutionsWow! <b>2013 is here<b></b></b>! Happy New Year! I love the new year-new start, new beginnings, hope for the upcoming year... I always make resolutions, but like most people, don't keep them much after March. <br />
This year, I started reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (see www.happiness-project.com) right before New Years. Perfect timing! I have decided to pattern my resolutions after her happiness project.<br />
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*Each month, I will focus on one area of my life (preferably one that will make me happier). Each month will have a set of "resolutions" to start trying to live by. When the month is over, I will start a new area of focus, but continue to do the resolutions from the previous month.<br />
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*January is <b>HOME</b>. I plan to *stick to a cleaning schedule *do a few home projects that have been put off (make benches for the playroom table, paint, polish the doorknobs, get bark for the front walkway) *set up a chores schedule for my children *declutter<br />
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*February is <b>ENERGY</b>. I hope to *go to the gym or run 3 days a week *drink more water *eat healthier (cut out soda, snacks, sugary foods) *get more sleep (8 hours a night?!)<br />
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*March is <b>HOBBY TIME</b>. I want to focus on leisure activities-what is fun to me. Gretchen's book about her leisure time-what makes her happy was fascinating to me. She discussed that some of the things we do for "fun" aren't even really fun for us. Her new rule of life (well, one of them anyways) is: what's fun for some people may not be fun for others. Food for thought... *focus on my photography, practice!!! *do more scrapbooking-catch up on boys' school albums (though "catching up" stresses me out, I do enjoy the creative process) *read about creativity *set up office to be more efficient for Joe and me<br />
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*April is <b>FAMILY</b>. *implement family night weekly *check in/tweak chores schedule *Put phones away more often *start Technology Sabbath (something I read about recently in Sunset magazine...technology break from Friday night sundown to Saturday night sundown (personally the computer/ipod/iphone/tv situation drives me crazy!)<br />
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The next months include:<br />
May-FRIENDSHIP<br />
June-LOVE/JOE<br />
July-CREATE<br />
August-SPIRIT<br />
Sept.-MONEY<br />
Oct.-WORK<br />
Nov.-GRATITUDE<br />
Dec.-ALL/REFRESH<br />
*I am working on the specifics of those months, including mailing birthday cards to friends, starting bi-weekly date nights, doing some of the pinterest projects I've pinned, join a Bible Study, family volunteer activities, etc...<br />
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I thought if I blogged about how I was doing, it might keep me more accountable. Even though there are only about 2 of you out there reading this...:-) That's OK. I blog for me. ONE of these days I will make my blog book...maybe July's resolution???<br />
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Anyone else read this book? What are your resolutions???Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-33376153438672220822012-12-28T16:53:00.001-08:002012-12-28T16:56:42.634-08:00Books of the Year 2012Linking up to my online book club: From Left to Write<br />
<b>*Here is my Top Ten List of Best Books of 2012*</b><br />
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In no order...<br />
1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Island-Novel-Elin-Hilderbrand/dp/B007MXBGJW/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356741778&sr=1-3&keywords=elin+hilderbrand">Elin Hilderbrand books</a> (OK, so it's not just one...) I am not a big fan of chick lit, I think I overdosed on it in the 90's...but her books are not frothy reads, though I do consider them beach books-books to get lost in. Storylines sometimes deal with heavier topics. I enjoyed a few-The Island, The Blue Bistro, The Castaways-all take place on Nantucket area <br />
2.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gone-Girl-Novel-Gillian-Flynn/dp/030758836X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356741829&sr=1-1&keywords=gone+girl+gillian+flynn"> Gone Girl-Gillian Flynn</a>: great suspense novel with a twist! This was a much talked about book, one that I passed around to many friends!<br />
3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_5_5?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=bloom+kelle+hampton&sprefix=bloom%2Cstripbooks%2C204">Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected-Kelle Hampton</a>: sweet memoir about a mom who has a baby with Down Syndrome and how she reacted to her new daughter. Very honest, beautiful photographs, worth a read!<br />
4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bakers-Daughter-Novel-Sarah-McCoy/dp/0307460193/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356741922&sr=1-1&keywords=the+baker%27s+daughter+by+sarah+mccoy">The Baker's Daughter-Sarah McCoy</a>: another one I passed around quite a bit. Part historical fiction, part contemporary about the bonds of love and family<br />
5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_15?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+bloodletter%27s+daughter&sprefix=the+bloodletter%2Cstripbooks%2C198">The Bloodletter's Daughter-Linda Lafferty</a>: this is one that cemented my love of historical fiction. Could not put down, thank goodness it was so thick! (I really want that tote bag that says I Love Big Books and I Cannot Lie-that's exactly how I feel). Interesting time period in Eastern Europe about members of the Hapsburg Family<br />
6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/January-First-Descent-Madness-Struggle/dp/0307719081/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356742004&sr=1-1&keywords=january+first+a+child%27s+descent+into+madness+and+her+father%27s+struggle+to+save+her">January First: </a>A Child's Descent into Madness and her Father's Struggle to Save Her-M. Schofield: VERY hard to read memoir, but worthwhile. It's about a young girl who is diagnosed schiphrenia and her father's fight to save/help her. Timely, especially now that mental health issues are a hot topic. Not a fun read at all, but I am glad I stuck with it. Makes you think about what we need to do to help people.<br />
7. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hemingways-Girl-Erika-Robuck/dp/0451237889/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356742092&sr=1-1&keywords=hemingway%27s+girl+by+erika+robuck">Hemingway's Girl-Erika Robuck:</a> historical fiction account of Hemingway's time in the Florida Keys and what life was like there. The main character is a fictional maid of Hemingway. LOVED this! Loved the writing style!<br />
8. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blackberry-Winter-Novel-Sarah-Jio/dp/0452298385/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356742127&sr=1-1&keywords=blackberry+winter+sarah+jio">Blackberry Winter</a>-Sarah Jio: sweet and sad story, another beach read-easy to read, but the story sticks with you after you're done.<br />
9.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Igniting-Passion-Reading-Successful-Strategies/dp/1571103856/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356742167&sr=1-1&keywords=igniting+a+passion+for+reading"> Igniting a Passion for Reading-Steven Layne</a>: one of my biggest goals as a teacher is to help my students become lifelong readers and love reading-so fun to read this and get many more ideas to help cultivate the love of books<br />
10. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592407331/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=">Daring Greatly</a>:How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead-Brene Brown: OK, technically, I am not done with this book, but I am really into it and will be done before Jan. 1! Eye opening!! A must read for all! Inspires us to embrace our vulnerability and dare to live whole heartedly-know that we could fail, but we wouldn't succeed for sure if we don't try and go for it. Be honest with yourself and who you are...<br />
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So there you go...my list for 2012. Looking forward to making a dent in my goodreads list for 2013 and finding new MUST reads! What are YOUR must reads???<br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-50238518701219904442012-12-28T12:07:00.000-08:002012-12-28T12:07:08.097-08:00*Mindful*Do any of you do a "word for the year" a la <a href="http://aliedwards.com/2012/12/one-little-word-2013.html">Ali Edwards</a>?<br />
I start the year out with a word...but within a few weeks, don't think about it much. However, this year, I'd like to stick with it. I know most people don't follow their resolutions, but I am going to make a BIG effort to follow my word-MINDFUL. <br />
I chose that word that because I think in this technology driven world, we aren't being very mindful. I know I am guilty of playing with my iphone, half listening to my children tell me a story. That makes me feel sick to my stomach. I want to be there-all there-for my kiddos. It's proven that if you don't listen to them now as young children-fully-they won't be willing to share with you when they are teenagers. I am reading Brene Brown's new book-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592407331/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356724822&sr=8-1&keywords=brene+brown+daring+greatly">Daring Greatly</a>. It's fabulous! It's hitting me right where I need a kick in the pants. After finishing a chapter last night, that's when I lay in bed and thought about my word for 2013. Highly recommend it!<br />
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I know my thoughts are all scattered, but I am going to make this year the year that I really *think about gratefulness*be thankful*listen*eat healthy*get healthy*be more creative*write more letters*share*be the best me* AND I think all of that falls under mindfulness. <br />
I will be back later today or tomorrow to share my fav books of 2012 (linking up to <a href="http://www.fromlefttowrite.com/">From Left to Write</a>).<br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-82975645616231210042012-11-10T14:11:00.001-08:002012-11-10T14:13:30.388-08:00FaLl UpdAtESo, what's going on the kiddo world?<br />
Spencer: age 9, in 4th grade (my class!) and our school's Vice President. He is a reader-reads ALL the time. He just finished The Hunger Games trilogy, which he loved, and which Joe and I had already read so we could discuss with him. Truthfully, not all 4th graders are ready for that series, but he was. He finished another season of water polo-which he loves and hates. He moved up to a harder level, and there were a few teenagers in his group. He did great, but he's very motivated to try to be a faster swimmer. He might try our local swimming club for a few months to practice that. He is doing wonderfully in school-and I'm not just saying that because I am his teacher. Out of 4 students in my class with straight A's, he was one of them. He deserved it!<br />
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Cooper: age 7, in 2nd grade. He adores school and his teacher (my master teacher when I student taught!), and he is acing all of his math tests. Math is his subject for sure, and he is practicing his multiplication tables at home (because he wants to). He loves music, and I think we may sign him up for piano. He wants to do water polo come spring time, too. And tennis. He loves animals, and he has a slight obsession with pandas. Got an outstanding report card, as well. We are so proud of the independent, strong, self motivated boy he is becoming.<br />
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Kendall: age 4, in preschool. She is a joy in our family-always smiling, laughing, giggling! She is a little boss to her brothers. She calls them "the brothers". "Where are the brothers? Are the brothers coming, too?" She adores her dolls, and carries them everywhere. She says that she can read-loves books like her brothers-but she is really a whiz with numbers, too. She likes to be the center of attention, something this introverted mama doesn't quite understand. She loves ALL dogs and can't walk by one without chasing after the owner, begging to pet the dog. <br />
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Joe and I feel so blessed to have such lively, fun to be around, healthy children. We actually enjoy spending time with our children. Both of us have deliberately chosen to spend much of our time with them-we don't have any outside hobbies that take us away at this point. They grow fast. Too fast. We want to appreciate this time. <br />
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Don't get me wrong, we enjoy our time without them, too-I try not to miss my monthly bunco group and just spent a weekend with my mom and sisters in San Francisco, and Joe is planning a Vegas trip with some close friends. We also look for any concerts coming near us to go see with some good friends. The last one was Foster the People in Berkeley. We are overdue for our next one! It is important to have that recharge time. <br />
So, that's us in a nutshell now. And I look forward to sharing some cute ideas I am trying with the family soon. Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-19019136550800545242012-11-10T13:42:00.000-08:002012-11-10T13:42:23.991-08:00What's up with my blog?Wow, hello blog. How are you? I have thought about you a lot over the last few months. What are we doing? Where are we going? It seems to be only the stopping place for writing about the books I am reading...which is fine....BUT I started this blog for me, for my family, for a glimpse into my world. I admit, I look at some of the mom/crafts/home dec/teaching blogs and sometimes wonder if I could do that, too.<br />
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The truth is no. i don't want to. I don't get on the computer very much. I check my email and pinterest on my iphone. And that's fine. Besides, when you are a working mama of 3 busy kids, you don't want to be on the computer all the time. I am hanging with my kids, helping with homework, reading with them, and oh, yeah, cleaning...<br />
So, I will try to update more often...mostly about my kids (that's why I started blogging) and with some ideas I like and books I like...if no one reads my blog, that's fine, too. So, hello, blog, I will try to visit you more often.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqjlTY3tacVL_qxHYzRJvrTPPQ7bdjVslcwL1_2rWQ-B7YuPcDjj21-_fZlxnBJRRMlYNrsUsNYA7yYRCx7rIlrZ-Y6-M-t8IFGj4dt0kh4bb5ODpg6gvUd_oMeD-65MUPp9inA/s1600/IMG_4166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqjlTY3tacVL_qxHYzRJvrTPPQ7bdjVslcwL1_2rWQ-B7YuPcDjj21-_fZlxnBJRRMlYNrsUsNYA7yYRCx7rIlrZ-Y6-M-t8IFGj4dt0kh4bb5ODpg6gvUd_oMeD-65MUPp9inA/s320/IMG_4166.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17427435.post-13454692845205122952012-10-10T20:30:00.001-07:002012-10-10T20:31:45.228-07:00I {heart} FranceIt's Book Club day! This month's book was a biography, The Black Count. I haven't quite finished-it's full of history, but I am enjoying it!<br />
Alexandre Dumas' works were heavily influenced by his father, also named Alexandre Dumas. In the biography <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/030738246X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=030738246X&linkCode=as2&tag=froleftowri-20">The Black Count</a>, author Tom Reiss tells how Dumas went from slavery to become the equivalent of a five star general in the French military. Join <a href="www.fromlefttowrite.com">From Left to Write</a> on October 11 as we discuss the The Black Count. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.<br />
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I have a slight obsession with the French. I love reading about anything related to France. On my Goodreads list, I have read about 20-30 books that take place in France, soaking up the culture and the history. I have certainly learned a lot-Sarah's Key opened my eyes to how some of the French Jewish citizens were treated in France (so tragic), and this book explored the world of slavery in the French colony of what is now Haiti (terribly-even worse than the southern Americans treated their slaves), and how the first civil rights movement appeared in France before the French revolution! Very interesting to read more about the French history. <br />
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Earlier this summer I couldn't put down the child rearing book, Bringing Up Bebe, about the difference between American parents and French parents. I have to say, I discovered a lot (and annoyed several of my friends as I blathered on and on...sorry!).<br />
That being said, I haven't been planning any trips to France, no travel budget at this point in my life (though my little sister is saving for a trip on her 40th birthday-3 years away and has invited me). I don't have a burning desire to go to France. Maybe I will or won't make it there, maybe I am a better "armchair" traveler, but I will keep reading about French woman and French families and enjoy "getting away". Oh, have I mentioned how I have a slight obsession with books taking place in India, as well???Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13222988240112042151noreply@blogger.com4