Its cold out there! And it is, for most people, the busiest time of year...shopping, parties, food...
I like to get outside when I can but I don't risk injury exercising on ice-covered surfaces...but I let the kids out all the time to play. Bundle up! Go out. I watch from the door and make them hot cocoa when their noses are rosy. Playing in the snow is great exercise! Shoveling! Raking the leaves you didn't get to before the snow! Making a snowman! Just being in the cold takes more energy. If you must keep them in...I kid you not...invest in a small climber, slide, trampoline, nerf basketball hoop, something. Clear some space and let them run around. It will make everyone happier (natural exercise high, release of excessive energy, fun).
As for me, I head to the gym a little bit more (stay later, really). Since I'm planning on running all over CU in the spring...the treadmill and elliptical will be my extra activity. But I always like to jump some rope for 10mins...its fun and a great, quick workout. Its all about mediation for me...zone out for 10-30mins each day...listen to good music or watch trashy tv....revitalizing!
Of course, I highly advocate belting out holiday songs and dancing around the Christmas tree.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Friday, December 05, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Family Fitness Friday
As Fall officially begins next week...take some time to enjoy the amazing weather! Walking is a great way to exercise for all ages. Hiking in the woods or in the city can provide many opportunities for learning and family bonding. Talk about the many colors and why the environment is changing. Bring a bucket or canvas bag with you, so the little ones can collect special treasures.
Today, you can head to Meadowbrook Park in Urbana for a Jazz Walk.
In Illinois, you only have about 6 weeks left to enjoy many of our state parks before they are closed (please help us save them!!). Kickapoo is a great place to venture to...only about 30 mins from CU. Hiking and kayaking are just some of the things to do. Closer to home, Busey Woods is great.
Heading to your local orchard is also a great place to walk around. In CU, that's Curtis Orchard or Arthur's Great Pumpkin Patch.
There are also slews of fall festivals...walk around, enjoy some music (dancing is fabulous exercise) and food. See your local paper for event info.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
For the love of family...
Let me tell you a little about my mom's family....
My grandparents were teenagers when they got pregnant and then married. Add 17 years....nine kids later...they made things work pretty well (after some serious trial and error, of course). From the eight still living children....spouses...grandchildren (their spouses)....great-grandchildren....60 years yields a family of about 75 (give or take any pending births...someone is always pregnant).
And we still see each other often. Smaller groups gather often (my family unit has dinner once a week..usually with an add-on from another family unit), a family website provides weekly communication, at least twice a year the whole group gathers for a wedding and holiday, and we still go on vacation together!
We are old and young, liberal and conservative, religious and not, straight and gay, married and single, rich and poor (ok, we're mostly white). And...we LIKE each other...we WANT to spend time together....we long for it and wish we could see each other more. Not many people today can say they can not only name their second cousins but know them.
My daughter developed a nice relationship with my 'baby' cousin (who is now 25 and getting married). They played cards together (although with another 15 people, my uncle donating the betting money for the little ones). How cool is that?
I love CU, I really do...but what I miss most is my family and all the gatherings and gossip. I do make it up to the hub of the suburbs often (we do have a group in CA and FL)...but I often feel its not enough.
I so often tell them...but thanks Gram and Grandpa for creating such an amazing family to be a part of.
My grandparents were teenagers when they got pregnant and then married. Add 17 years....nine kids later...they made things work pretty well (after some serious trial and error, of course). From the eight still living children....spouses...grandchildren (their spouses)....great-grandchildren....60 years yields a family of about 75 (give or take any pending births...someone is always pregnant).
And we still see each other often. Smaller groups gather often (my family unit has dinner once a week..usually with an add-on from another family unit), a family website provides weekly communication, at least twice a year the whole group gathers for a wedding and holiday, and we still go on vacation together!
We are old and young, liberal and conservative, religious and not, straight and gay, married and single, rich and poor (ok, we're mostly white). And...we LIKE each other...we WANT to spend time together....we long for it and wish we could see each other more. Not many people today can say they can not only name their second cousins but know them.
My daughter developed a nice relationship with my 'baby' cousin (who is now 25 and getting married). They played cards together (although with another 15 people, my uncle donating the betting money for the little ones). How cool is that?
I love CU, I really do...but what I miss most is my family and all the gatherings and gossip. I do make it up to the hub of the suburbs often (we do have a group in CA and FL)...but I often feel its not enough.
I so often tell them...but thanks Gram and Grandpa for creating such an amazing family to be a part of.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Family Talent Show
Yes, we love to do shows....ever since I can remember, our family has done shows at family gatherings (I used to carry a leotard and bandanna at all times). This was no exception.
Emceed by my Uncle Sean...we had several songs by the little ones (one in Italian, a couple self-composed songs about going to the bathroom, a teenage ballad of lost love ('our five months together'), an uncle-lead sing-a-long, ukulele accompanied duet)....a spy demonstration (and later spy school), superhero showcase complete with kitchen-towel capes, a hoedown by my chipped tooth uncle and costume-bringing uncle, and a dance number by a pregnant woman and her daughter.
The best part of the show were the introductions by my cousins' kids. "Please stay in your seats but if you have to use the bathroom, that's ok." "If you are sitting on the floor, you might want to move back because I will be moving around a lot." "I will be doing some spy moves that are dangerous. I'm warning you so you don't freak out."
It was a delight.
The next night we had a karaoke party and a special storytelling of the The Three Pigs and the Big Bad Walleye (complete with audience participation and actors).
Emceed by my Uncle Sean...we had several songs by the little ones (one in Italian, a couple self-composed songs about going to the bathroom, a teenage ballad of lost love ('our five months together'), an uncle-lead sing-a-long, ukulele accompanied duet)....a spy demonstration (and later spy school), superhero showcase complete with kitchen-towel capes, a hoedown by my chipped tooth uncle and costume-bringing uncle, and a dance number by a pregnant woman and her daughter.
The best part of the show were the introductions by my cousins' kids. "Please stay in your seats but if you have to use the bathroom, that's ok." "If you are sitting on the floor, you might want to move back because I will be moving around a lot." "I will be doing some spy moves that are dangerous. I'm warning you so you don't freak out."
It was a delight.
The next night we had a karaoke party and a special storytelling of the The Three Pigs and the Big Bad Walleye (complete with audience participation and actors).
Friday, July 25, 2008
Fitness Friday!
I've noticed that people aren't coming into the gym as much this month...summer has been busy for everyone. Here some things you can do to burn some calories while still hanging out with your family and friends at reunions, weddings, or just chillin' (and remember what you can do in the car on those long drives (bring some weights or a resistance band in the car)).
*Have a dance party or go to a bar with a dance floor and better yet, a live band! (go to outdoor concerts!)
*Go on long walks together...you can catch up or gossip along the way.
*Swim across the lake...or to a raft together.
*Take the row or paddle boat!
*Chase the little kids around! Tickle Monster or Hide-n-Seek!
*Have a leg wrestling competition (a favorite at our family reunion)!
*Karaoke party! Everyone will be dancing!
*Play charades...yes, it will get you moving!
*Contests....most push-ups, crunches, relay races, arm wrestling, Simon says, hula hoop....
*Hit the beach...walking, swimming, Frisbee, sandcastles
*Go to a neighborhood festival...lots of walking from booth to booth
Also, try to drink lots of water and limit the alcohol! Save the calories for that chocolate fountain.
*Have a dance party or go to a bar with a dance floor and better yet, a live band! (go to outdoor concerts!)
*Go on long walks together...you can catch up or gossip along the way.
*Swim across the lake...or to a raft together.
*Take the row or paddle boat!
*Chase the little kids around! Tickle Monster or Hide-n-Seek!
*Have a leg wrestling competition (a favorite at our family reunion)!
*Karaoke party! Everyone will be dancing!
*Play charades...yes, it will get you moving!
*Contests....most push-ups, crunches, relay races, arm wrestling, Simon says, hula hoop....
*Hit the beach...walking, swimming, Frisbee, sandcastles
*Go to a neighborhood festival...lots of walking from booth to booth
Also, try to drink lots of water and limit the alcohol! Save the calories for that chocolate fountain.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Weekend fun
Despite the heat...this was the first couple days of the summer that I wouldn't let the kids outside for more than a couple minutes...except when we went to the pool....we had a lovely weekend.
We finished most of the big sorting in the house and I am enjoying the open space. I especially like my bedroom...I removed all toys and children's books (although the rocking horse seems to like it in there). The clean floor, cleared dresser and desk, made beds. I also cleaned the car! Does anyone know how to easily and cheaply clean the carpets in the car?
My brother and SIL visited. Lots of good food (mango cream pie!) and fun. A trip to Sholem...its so great going with so many adults. I almost didn't want to leave. Both the boys put their heads under the water! We even held our own mini-Olympics---sorry for taking over a swim lane.
My daughter started her tech week for Seussical so she has had some late nights but she got to have some fun as well.
It was fun and I am now really tired. I went into preschool today to help sort toys so we can order what we want but I have until tomorrow night off from exercise work!
Oh and I watched Dr. Horrible several times....LOVE IT! I'm waiting to purchase the DVD instead of buying it on iTunes. Sequels, please!!!
We finished most of the big sorting in the house and I am enjoying the open space. I especially like my bedroom...I removed all toys and children's books (although the rocking horse seems to like it in there). The clean floor, cleared dresser and desk, made beds. I also cleaned the car! Does anyone know how to easily and cheaply clean the carpets in the car?
My brother and SIL visited. Lots of good food (mango cream pie!) and fun. A trip to Sholem...its so great going with so many adults. I almost didn't want to leave. Both the boys put their heads under the water! We even held our own mini-Olympics---sorry for taking over a swim lane.
My daughter started her tech week for Seussical so she has had some late nights but she got to have some fun as well.
It was fun and I am now really tired. I went into preschool today to help sort toys so we can order what we want but I have until tomorrow night off from exercise work!
Oh and I watched Dr. Horrible several times....LOVE IT! I'm waiting to purchase the DVD instead of buying it on iTunes. Sequels, please!!!
Saturday, July 05, 2008
"We had a very America Day."
We had a great, Americana, family-full Independence Day.We started with our neighborhood parade and potluck. It is a supercute 4-block parade full of a miscellaneous band, variety of pets, and lots of kids on bikes. Our 4yo rode his bike holding a flag the entire time. Complete with hot dogs, a water balloon toss, talking with friends. (loved that the party had a garbage and a compost bin)
Run home...make potato salad and blueberry jam for dinner. Then pack picnic for the big Champaign County parade through the university. We got a great spot so we could sit in the back of our van. It was a bit long but great to see all the marching bands, politicians, fire trucks, and local organizations. (note: we were obviously sitting in the conservative section, us being the only ones cheering for the democrats, gay rights group, etc. and booing (internally) the gun rights groups and Tim Johnson). I even felt almost emotional when the many young soldiers walked by...but that's another post.
Back home...relax. Kids play outside, once dinner was in good shape I actually laid down a bit. Then dinner (corn on the cob, sloppy joes, baked beans, and potato salad...blueb
erry shortcake for dessert). Keep kids busy until we headed to the fireworks.
erry shortcake for dessert). Keep kids busy until we headed to the fireworks.It was a great fireworks show. While we waited...in jeans and sweatshirts...the kids caught lots of fireflies and played Uno. The kids ooohed and aaahed over the fireworks. Rush back to the car to try to get out before midnight. One kid was asleep before we left the parking lot...the others minutes after we got home.
The weather was perfect and it was a great day. I hope you all had a great holiday as well.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
The chore of chores...
Like everyone else...the house is always a mess and there is always some kind of chore to be done. After trying lots of things...here is our new attempt at family clean up.
I made a Chore Chart. It lists specific chores for each child for each day. Our 11yo has 3 each day, the 4yo has 2, and 2yo has 1. Nothing takes more than 5min. These are in addition to anything we ask them to do (e.g. pick up anything they took out, put meals away...). Somedays they luck out...there is no dishwasher to be emptied...it rained so no watering needed...Dad swept the floor already. And sometimes we give them credit if they helped out some other way. If they didn't do something, they have the week to make it up.
If, overall, they did a good job and most of the things got done...special dessert on Sunday! (this week, they picked Jello!)
My 4yo helped me make it...listed chores that needed to be done, cut it out, taped it, decorated it. I made a week-list on the computer and printed several copies (a new one goes up each week). The first week, we had it up and talked about it but didn't actually start it. This week was the first week that we really used it. It went really well.
It has really helped me out, I feel like I have more time to relax and play...and we all feel like we have a collective responsibility to the house...our 4yo loves being a good helper...and we think our 2yo has even caught on. Our 4yo is also really into learning the days of the week.
So we are determined to be consistent about it throughout the summer and then re-evaluate it.]
*List of chores
Toys in living room
Toys in dining room
Toys in kitchen
Clean up DVD/videos/games
Clean up books
Bathroom
Sweep kitchen floor
Mop kitchen floor
Wipe kitchen cabinets
Empty dishwasher
Water plants
Dust dining room
Dust living room
Clean mirrors/glass
Recycling
Your choice
I made a Chore Chart. It lists specific chores for each child for each day. Our 11yo has 3 each day, the 4yo has 2, and 2yo has 1. Nothing takes more than 5min. These are in addition to anything we ask them to do (e.g. pick up anything they took out, put meals away...). Somedays they luck out...there is no dishwasher to be emptied...it rained so no watering needed...Dad swept the floor already. And sometimes we give them credit if they helped out some other way. If they didn't do something, they have the week to make it up.
If, overall, they did a good job and most of the things got done...special dessert on Sunday! (this week, they picked Jello!)
My 4yo helped me make it...listed chores that needed to be done, cut it out, taped it, decorated it. I made a week-list on the computer and printed several copies (a new one goes up each week). The first week, we had it up and talked about it but didn't actually start it. This week was the first week that we really used it. It went really well.
It has really helped me out, I feel like I have more time to relax and play...and we all feel like we have a collective responsibility to the house...our 4yo loves being a good helper...and we think our 2yo has even caught on. Our 4yo is also really into learning the days of the week.
So we are determined to be consistent about it throughout the summer and then re-evaluate it.]
*List of chores
Toys in living room
Toys in dining room
Toys in kitchen
Clean up DVD/videos/games
Clean up books
Bathroom
Sweep kitchen floor
Mop kitchen floor
Wipe kitchen cabinets
Empty dishwasher
Water plants
Dust dining room
Dust living room
Clean mirrors/glass
Recycling
Your choice
Friday, May 02, 2008
Fitness Friday!!!
Dance, dance, dance!
I love to dance and so do my kids. After dinner, turn on a couple songs and dance your hearts out!
*Let each family member pick 1 song
*During a song, let each family member make up a move and have everyone follow
*Dance as fast as you can then in slow motion
*Make a theme playlist (HSM, trains, 80's, drums, songs that start with A)
*Use music from different countries and music genres
Just dance enough to work up a sweat...follow by some stretching to some quiet music and you have a great 30 min workout!
I love to dance and so do my kids. After dinner, turn on a couple songs and dance your hearts out!
*Let each family member pick 1 song
*During a song, let each family member make up a move and have everyone follow
*Dance as fast as you can then in slow motion
*Make a theme playlist (HSM, trains, 80's, drums, songs that start with A)
*Use music from different countries and music genres
Just dance enough to work up a sweat...follow by some stretching to some quiet music and you have a great 30 min workout!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
May All Your Days Be Circus Days!
So, what better way to spend my birthday than to head with the whole family to the circus! Ringling Bros. came to town this weekend...my parents, brothers, and SIL came down to play for the day. Unfortunately, we only got in there for about 10min of the pre-show but that was ok. We all felt like this was classic circus...like we remember when we were kids. Classic clowning...which I love. (could have done without the archer...I don't like to promote shooting things in my house...plus you couldn't really see the arrows and the build up time was way too long for the little pay off)
The kids loved it, the 4yo especially. He really loved the lights and watching the shadows of the performers. The 2yo did his own circus of sorts on my lap and on the seats. Of course, we had to have some popcorn (which occupied the 2yo most of the show) and cotton candy. But no other super expensive trinkets (or rip-offs, as we used to call them as kids). Overall, a nice, affordable family day out.
I do feel a bit torn about the circus. I know that there is a lot of concern about the animals. I don't know about these specific animals. But I will tell you that I think the tiger trainer (who is also an acrobat) seemed to really love and care for the animals. She called them all by name and practically cuddled with them.
Now my kids want to be circus performers...my 4yo rode his tricycle around with a new flare...my brother and SIL have been aerial dance teachers...and my hub is always a clown. I'm sure there will be some risky new tricks in my house for a couple weeks.
The kids loved it, the 4yo especially. He really loved the lights and watching the shadows of the performers. The 2yo did his own circus of sorts on my lap and on the seats. Of course, we had to have some popcorn (which occupied the 2yo most of the show) and cotton candy. But no other super expensive trinkets (or rip-offs, as we used to call them as kids). Overall, a nice, affordable family day out.
I do feel a bit torn about the circus. I know that there is a lot of concern about the animals. I don't know about these specific animals. But I will tell you that I think the tiger trainer (who is also an acrobat) seemed to really love and care for the animals. She called them all by name and practically cuddled with them.
Now my kids want to be circus performers...my 4yo rode his tricycle around with a new flare...my brother and SIL have been aerial dance teachers...and my hub is always a clown. I'm sure there will be some risky new tricks in my house for a couple weeks.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Pregnant Men
I'm sure many of you have heard about the Oregon couple who is having a baby. What is different about this couple is that the transgendered husband is the one who is pregnant. I watched them on Oprah...and here is what I have to say...
They are an incredibly loving couple who wanted to try to have a biological child. The wife was unable to and since the husband had kept his reproductive parts for this very reason...he got pregnant. Watching them....they are so cute and in love and super excited about their little bundle of joy. People think it is weird that a man is pregnant...well, of course, this is the first time. It brings up tons of issues (homosexuality, transgender issues, alternatives for pregnancy) for people (not them, this couple is very strong and grounded). But let's remember something....he identifies a man...he IS a man in his life and his soul but biologically he is a female and, therefore, can still do some things that women can do. I wish them the best of luck in their pregnancy, birth, and lives together (I'm sure many people will be very unkind to them). Best wishes!
Hey, come on...if your husband wanted to have the next baby...would you let him? I would.
They are an incredibly loving couple who wanted to try to have a biological child. The wife was unable to and since the husband had kept his reproductive parts for this very reason...he got pregnant. Watching them....they are so cute and in love and super excited about their little bundle of joy. People think it is weird that a man is pregnant...well, of course, this is the first time. It brings up tons of issues (homosexuality, transgender issues, alternatives for pregnancy) for people (not them, this couple is very strong and grounded). But let's remember something....he identifies a man...he IS a man in his life and his soul but biologically he is a female and, therefore, can still do some things that women can do. I wish them the best of luck in their pregnancy, birth, and lives together (I'm sure many people will be very unkind to them). Best wishes!
Hey, come on...if your husband wanted to have the next baby...would you let him? I would.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Ahh...the 4 Year Old.
Well, its been going on for a long time....our 4yo is anti-poop. Ever since we started potty training, he just refuses to poop. After painful constipation, medication, diet changes, positive reinforcement, punishment...still doesn't like to poop, especially not in the toilet. He's 4 1/2 yos...he has been peeing in the toilet for 2 years and doesn't wear anything at night. But where he used to just hold it in for days and then sit all day on the potty...now he just poops in his pants. I hate it. Besides it is absolutely gross....I just don't know what to do.
Yesterday, after a long and angry tantrum by all involved...he eventually cleaned himself, his clothes, and the bathroom up. Only to do it again later in the day...more crying and then cleaning up. So, I guess I plan to try to calming insist that if he is going to poop in his pants that he has to clean it up... Any suggestions?
*Note that the 2yo is fully potty training during the day (he can do the whole thing completely on his own and in 'privacy please').
And we are in the 'hard of hearing' stage of childhood. I remember my oldest in this phase as well but it is still equally annoying. Basically, whatever I say to my 4yo I must repeat at least 3 times (He says 'what?' before I even finish the sentence). I could say anything those first 2 times....he will ask for it be repeated. Another mom at school says hers is doing the same thing. Could it be a conspiracy?
Our middle child really challenges us and he has changed a lot of my parenting tactics for good and, sometimes, bad. He even has impacted my decision to go back to work (I turned down a job last fall because I knew I wouldn't have the energy). Some kids are just more work than others but it is all good work...at the end of the day with a piece of dark chocolate and a glass of wine.
Yesterday, after a long and angry tantrum by all involved...he eventually cleaned himself, his clothes, and the bathroom up. Only to do it again later in the day...more crying and then cleaning up. So, I guess I plan to try to calming insist that if he is going to poop in his pants that he has to clean it up... Any suggestions?
*Note that the 2yo is fully potty training during the day (he can do the whole thing completely on his own and in 'privacy please').
And we are in the 'hard of hearing' stage of childhood. I remember my oldest in this phase as well but it is still equally annoying. Basically, whatever I say to my 4yo I must repeat at least 3 times (He says 'what?' before I even finish the sentence). I could say anything those first 2 times....he will ask for it be repeated. Another mom at school says hers is doing the same thing. Could it be a conspiracy?
Our middle child really challenges us and he has changed a lot of my parenting tactics for good and, sometimes, bad. He even has impacted my decision to go back to work (I turned down a job last fall because I knew I wouldn't have the energy). Some kids are just more work than others but it is all good work...at the end of the day with a piece of dark chocolate and a glass of wine.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Quickies...
*We got our tax refund! Youpi! We have no plans for it except to try not to spend it. Can't wait for our 'relief' check.
*In the past 2 weeks we have had our power shut off for 45mins and our road closed for 2 days...without any notice from the respective companies. What a pain.
*Looks like the potholes in town are finally being filled!
*Make sure to buy your pool passes before the pools open...there is a reasonable discount. Check out Champaign Park District for more. There are a lot of changes to the Urbana Park District summer schedule so check things out.
*There is a film, Stories of Us, about bullying created by the 8th graders at Franklin MS in Champaign playing at the Virginia on Friday at 7pm...its free.
*I watched Elizabeth: The Golden Age (good, I love historical movies, and I loved the first one. The DVD extras are good...about the cathedrals, etc.) and Gone, Baby, Gone (it was very good, a really good conversation starter and Casey Affleck was great, but I hope you like the F-word..I think it is in every sentence).
*Head to the library on Friday! Urbana is having the Fairy Ball and Champaign is showing Harry Potter 1...both begin at 6pm.
*I am the official winner of the Longest Distance Award from our family's 1st Annual Egg Throwing Competition! We all decorated dyed eggs with markers, pipe cleaners, stickers, etc. then closed our eyes, spun around, and threw them. My step-father won most artistic, best integrity, and best in show. My 4yo won best sportsmanship (thanks to his Spiderman sweatband). Thank you all for your support!
*In the past 2 weeks we have had our power shut off for 45mins and our road closed for 2 days...without any notice from the respective companies. What a pain.
*Looks like the potholes in town are finally being filled!
*Make sure to buy your pool passes before the pools open...there is a reasonable discount. Check out Champaign Park District for more. There are a lot of changes to the Urbana Park District summer schedule so check things out.
*There is a film, Stories of Us, about bullying created by the 8th graders at Franklin MS in Champaign playing at the Virginia on Friday at 7pm...its free.
*I watched Elizabeth: The Golden Age (good, I love historical movies, and I loved the first one. The DVD extras are good...about the cathedrals, etc.) and Gone, Baby, Gone (it was very good, a really good conversation starter and Casey Affleck was great, but I hope you like the F-word..I think it is in every sentence).
*Head to the library on Friday! Urbana is having the Fairy Ball and Champaign is showing Harry Potter 1...both begin at 6pm.
*I am the official winner of the Longest Distance Award from our family's 1st Annual Egg Throwing Competition! We all decorated dyed eggs with markers, pipe cleaners, stickers, etc. then closed our eyes, spun around, and threw them. My step-father won most artistic, best integrity, and best in show. My 4yo won best sportsmanship (thanks to his Spiderman sweatband). Thank you all for your support!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Meme-alicious!
I was tagged by Chambana Fanna Fo Fanna and Soy is the New Black...
Here are 5 interesting things about me:
1. I am a fountain of useless knowledge...especially pop culture. I have a strange knack for remembering little details about everything (this was good skill in school). And if I can't remember an actor's name or sitcom plot...I think about it all day until it pops in my brain. My husband likes to turn on Seinfeld just for a second and see if I can tell him all the plot lines in the episode.
2. I cook a lot...I actually got accepted into culinary school for college (similar to Soy!) but I decided that the life of a chef wasn't the best idea. But I still love learning new cooking skills and always think of ways to make it a reasonable profession.
3. I come from a HUGE family. I only have 2 brothers but my mom's family is especially large (we are ranging in the 70's I think). And get this....until a few years ago, we all went on vacation together annually! Now its only every 3 years. We still get together for major holidays and weddings (for our wedding, just family and friends, we had 200 people).
4. I was 18yo when I had my first baby...I still got my bachelor's and master's degree (all in 6 years), married my high school sweetheart, and own a house in fabulous Central Illinois....livin' the dream, baby.
5. I balance my love of musical theater with football (and sometimes basketball). I especially like college sports (March Madness is coming!!).
I tagged A Mom's Life, Neat Shots and More, Little Blog on the Prairie, Pammie Cakes, and Ladybug's Picnic.
Rules:
Link to your tagger and post these rules.
Share 5 facts about yourself.
Tag 5 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.
Here are 5 interesting things about me:
1. I am a fountain of useless knowledge...especially pop culture. I have a strange knack for remembering little details about everything (this was good skill in school). And if I can't remember an actor's name or sitcom plot...I think about it all day until it pops in my brain. My husband likes to turn on Seinfeld just for a second and see if I can tell him all the plot lines in the episode.
2. I cook a lot...I actually got accepted into culinary school for college (similar to Soy!) but I decided that the life of a chef wasn't the best idea. But I still love learning new cooking skills and always think of ways to make it a reasonable profession.
3. I come from a HUGE family. I only have 2 brothers but my mom's family is especially large (we are ranging in the 70's I think). And get this....until a few years ago, we all went on vacation together annually! Now its only every 3 years. We still get together for major holidays and weddings (for our wedding, just family and friends, we had 200 people).
4. I was 18yo when I had my first baby...I still got my bachelor's and master's degree (all in 6 years), married my high school sweetheart, and own a house in fabulous Central Illinois....livin' the dream, baby.
5. I balance my love of musical theater with football (and sometimes basketball). I especially like college sports (March Madness is coming!!).
I tagged A Mom's Life, Neat Shots and More, Little Blog on the Prairie, Pammie Cakes, and Ladybug's Picnic.
Rules:
Link to your tagger and post these rules.
Share 5 facts about yourself.
Tag 5 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Quickie Round Up
We have been REALLY busy lately....
First of all...what is all that green stuff on the ground....I don't remember what its called, I haven't seen it in so long!
*We had a really busy past Saturday.
11yo went to Anime drawing workshop at the library with a Chicago-based illustrator...awesome and FREE!
2 and 4 yo and Mom went to Lincoln Square Mall for Read Across America. Super fun, well-organized, and great day to spend reading, doing literacy and other fun activities, and finding out about all the areas' early childhood services/businesses. Super Why was there! And it was FREE!
Dad was at Bergner's at other mall for a promotional event..we stopped by and met Andy the Ambulance, decorated cookies, got tattoos, egg hunt, fun photos, etc....it was also FREE (they did hope we would buy some clothes...but we didn't...ha, ha!).
Then in pm, Mom and the 11yo (plus Dad who was working the event), went to Krannert to see Diavolo (crazy, awesome good dance group out of LA) and stayed for the Talk Back session afterwards...and that was also FREE (go KCPA staff!).
*Sunday was filled with family and fun for the rest of the fam while I drove to Peoria for an all-day workshop and certification for fitness instructors (and with the time change and late night out (ok, it was like 11pm)...I was SOOO tired.
Other things...
*What the F#*@ happened to gas prices?! I know the price of the barrel is at an all time high....we definately can't afford that second car now (yes, we only own 1 car).
*Can someone remove all the black, ugly snow piles from around town...they are dampening my Springy outlook. And while they're on it...fix the potholes on University...its like a video game.
*FYI, if anyone is looking into preschools/daycares for next fall...NOW is the time. Most places have applications due between March and April.
*Has anyone seen Your Momma Don't Dance on Lifetime? Its like a bad car accident...it is so bad but you have to watch.
Finally...Happy Birthday to my loving Hubby!
The kids decorated the dining room for dinner and sang the cutest version of Happy Birthday ever. Then my husband fell asleep on the couch...and slept for 11hrs! Now that's a great birthday present!
First of all...what is all that green stuff on the ground....I don't remember what its called, I haven't seen it in so long!
*We had a really busy past Saturday.
11yo went to Anime drawing workshop at the library with a Chicago-based illustrator...awesome and FREE!
2 and 4 yo and Mom went to Lincoln Square Mall for Read Across America. Super fun, well-organized, and great day to spend reading, doing literacy and other fun activities, and finding out about all the areas' early childhood services/businesses. Super Why was there! And it was FREE!
Dad was at Bergner's at other mall for a promotional event..we stopped by and met Andy the Ambulance, decorated cookies, got tattoos, egg hunt, fun photos, etc....it was also FREE (they did hope we would buy some clothes...but we didn't...ha, ha!).
Then in pm, Mom and the 11yo (plus Dad who was working the event), went to Krannert to see Diavolo (crazy, awesome good dance group out of LA) and stayed for the Talk Back session afterwards...and that was also FREE (go KCPA staff!).
*Sunday was filled with family and fun for the rest of the fam while I drove to Peoria for an all-day workshop and certification for fitness instructors (and with the time change and late night out (ok, it was like 11pm)...I was SOOO tired.
Other things...
*What the F#*@ happened to gas prices?! I know the price of the barrel is at an all time high....we definately can't afford that second car now (yes, we only own 1 car).
*Can someone remove all the black, ugly snow piles from around town...they are dampening my Springy outlook. And while they're on it...fix the potholes on University...its like a video game.
*FYI, if anyone is looking into preschools/daycares for next fall...NOW is the time. Most places have applications due between March and April.
*Has anyone seen Your Momma Don't Dance on Lifetime? Its like a bad car accident...it is so bad but you have to watch.
Finally...Happy Birthday to my loving Hubby!
The kids decorated the dining room for dinner and sang the cutest version of Happy Birthday ever. Then my husband fell asleep on the couch...and slept for 11hrs! Now that's a great birthday present!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Family of the Future
My mom's family had their holiday party this weekend. So, we gathered a small group together (about 40 or so) ranging in age from 9mons to 60yrs...three generations. We ate lots of food...lots of chocolate. Played a gifting game. Talked. The kids ran around allowing the tired parents a chance to eat and talk with other adults. My uncle entertained them for hours playing monster/hide-n-seek.
The interesting thing....we organized the party over the internet! We started a family website at myfamily.com. So far, we have been very active posting recipes, family news, photos, media reviews/recommendations, contact info, birthdays. And we easily planned our potlock dinner!
Your family should check it out...
The interesting thing....we organized the party over the internet! We started a family website at myfamily.com. So far, we have been very active posting recipes, family news, photos, media reviews/recommendations, contact info, birthdays. And we easily planned our potlock dinner!
Your family should check it out...
Friday, January 18, 2008
We are a NPR Family
Listen to my mom and brother create sweet smells on NPR...the Power of Scent.
We listen to enough NPR as a family...it is only fitting someone finally got on a show!
Enjoy!
We listen to enough NPR as a family...it is only fitting someone finally got on a show!
Enjoy!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Snow!
Yes, we have snow here...a lot of snow. Not enough to close the city but enough to need to shovel and play in. We had already made a snowman by noon yesterday (although he got covered through the night).
And the snow brought us some winter visitors...my parents. Ok, none of our family lives within a reasonable distance from here...and most of our good friends have moved away...so we never have anyone drop in. But Mom was in Decatur and the weather dictated a stop. So the kids got to stay up a little late and play with Grandma and Grandpa.
We had chocolate chip cookies and chatted. Sleepover with a pancake breakfast. It was super nice. Thanks Mom!
Did I mention she left her People Magazine for me?!
And the snow brought us some winter visitors...my parents. Ok, none of our family lives within a reasonable distance from here...and most of our good friends have moved away...so we never have anyone drop in. But Mom was in Decatur and the weather dictated a stop. So the kids got to stay up a little late and play with Grandma and Grandpa.
We had chocolate chip cookies and chatted. Sleepover with a pancake breakfast. It was super nice. Thanks Mom!
Did I mention she left her People Magazine for me?!
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