Okay, the weather is beyond crappy. The nor'easter has been howling and raging all day. It's cold, windy and wet, and a tree went down on the next door neighbor's fence, but overall, here in Williamsburg, we're okay. I'm feeling simply awful for the folks further down on the peninsula, south side and the Eastern Shore as there is massive flooding going on. High tide came in early this morning, didn't retreat and the rain kept coming down.
W/JCC schools and our school were in session this morning. However, as the morning wore on, we began to see there was trouble. The kids were out of control--I think they had been hoping for a day off (heck, so had we)--and we lost power a couple of times. We fed the kiddos and they were sent home by noon. I had B pick up Lil and was home and napping by one.
The winds continue to rage, the rain continues to howl and more rain is called for throughout the night and tomorrow and they are calling for still more flooding. I just received a blast call informing me we will have no school tomorrow. YES!!! The break I've been needing. :o) No, I'm not happy there is so much flooding and damage going on. Yes, I'm devastated for those who are dealing with water in their homes and are staying in temporary shelters. This is indeed some crappy weather.
However, I get a day to rest, a day to sleep in. A day to play in the studio and finish up those cards and then make some for the fun of it. A day for doing nothing. Ahhhhhhhh. :o) We're turning the alarm clock off tonight and will get up when we do. Langley is once again "mission essential personnel" tomorrow so B will be here with Lil and me.
It's definitely not as much fun as a snow day, but still a fun, unexpected vacation day. Here's hoping everyone else out there is hanging in there. My prayers for those in the low-lying, flood prone areas. My prayers for those with no power, and those with downed trees. It's ugly out there.
***************************************
Today's Sparklies:
1. Having a garage to park in in the POURING rain.
2. A 1/2 day off.
3. Day off tomorrow! The rest I needed!!! :o)
4. A nap today. I can't remember the last time I had a good nap.
5. So far no flooding/damage to our home and property. :fingers crossed:
No milestones.
***************************************
I don't know how well Lily will sleep tonight. She's not a big fan of the huge wind gusts and driving rain. We'll see...
Oh, and I figured out why she's not a fan of napping at school--they put them down at 12:15 and Lil typically doesn't go down until 1 or 1:30! No wonder it takes her forever to fall asleep!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Happy Veteran's Day
Finally, Blogger is allowing me to upload photos again. These were taken soon after we redid Lil's room. We had told her Holly would most likely curl up in bed with her if she got her new bed, and I do wonder if that was one of the bigger draws. We knew Holly would LOVE to sleep with Lily because we always found her at the foot of Hannah's bed--only after the girls are asleep, of course. :oP
Lil drew it the other day and suddenly, there it was. I walked in the room, saw it, and grinned. I was wondering what we were going to put there. ;o)
**************************************
It seems we were excused from any tropical storms and hurricanes this year, but not from the Nor'Easters. It is a rainy, cold mess out there and there have been gusty winds throughout the day. They are calling for between 3 and 8 inches of rain over the course of the next two days and Langley has already closed for all but essential personnel tomorrow.
Poquoson--which is quite low-lying and was utterly destroyed by Isabel in 2003--has already closed schools for tomorrow, as has ODU which is located in Norfolk--also prone to flooding. I'm grateful we're here in the 'burg where we are a bit higher in elevation and have experienced very little in the way of flooding. I hope everyone else in the local area is able to stay warm and dry.
**************************************
Today's Sparklies:
1. Okay, so this one is from a few days ago. Look what I found whilst poking around the other day:
2. Lily had nothing but fun things to say about her stay home with Daddy today. :o)
3. Speaking of the Bean, I've been feeling some more movement lately. According to Babycenter, Jellybean is about the size of a turnip this week. Huh.
4. It's most definitely sweatshirt weather this evening. I'm all snuggled up with Waylen and a fuzzy blanket (B has Holly with his fuzzy blanket).
5. We had a veteran come and talk with children today. I was pleased to hear his take of the situation in Iraq.
No milestones.
*****************************************
And, last, but most definitely not least, to all the vets out there, Happy Veteran's Day. Thank you all so much for all you have given and continue to give.
I visit Mental Floss every day and today, they had the sweetest tribute to veterans. If you like reunion clips and dogs, you should consider checking out this link. There's also a montage of surprise reunions with military personnel and their children. Not surprisingly, I bawled my way through the clips, but the last one finished me off.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Birthday With Nana
I was DELIGHTED to go to dinner with Nana and Pop this evening. We went to Carrabba's, a family favorite and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. In fact, we're only just getting in! Good thing B and Lil are off tomorrow, huh? :o)
Dinner was delicious and the company divine. Thank you, Nana, for sharing your day with us. :o)
*******************************
Overheard after dinner, while Lil was snuggled in Nana's lap:
"If da baby is a girl, we should name her Jasmine. If da baby is a boy, we'll name him Aladin. If da baby is a monkey we'll name him Abu."
At which point Nan could no longer contain herself and began laughing. Yes, it's funny written out, but even more so when you hear Lily saying it so matter of factly following "If da baby is a boy...". It reminds me of Ella and Jessie having a kitten (or some such). Maybe I'm not explaining well enough about Jellybean? ;o)
*******************************
Today's Sparklies:
1. I had the loveliest visit with Scottie today.
2. I had a student tell me he's asking for a Day-Timer for Christmas. I almost died on the spot. The thing is, if this fella were to get one, he would use it and use it well. He's the one who has the Tide-to-Go pen and first aid kit in his backpack, lol! This is one child who is ALWAYS prepared for any eventuality. :o)
3. Dinner with Nan and Pop.
4. Lordy that Lil is a silly girl! She continually says things that have us in stitches. ;o)
No milestones.
t
*****************************
Well, B and Lil may have tomorrow off, but I don't. So, I'm off to hit the hay. Wishing you all fantabulous Wednesday. :o)
Dinner was delicious and the company divine. Thank you, Nana, for sharing your day with us. :o)
*******************************
Overheard after dinner, while Lil was snuggled in Nana's lap:
"If da baby is a girl, we should name her Jasmine. If da baby is a boy, we'll name him Aladin. If da baby is a monkey we'll name him Abu."
At which point Nan could no longer contain herself and began laughing. Yes, it's funny written out, but even more so when you hear Lily saying it so matter of factly following "If da baby is a boy...". It reminds me of Ella and Jessie having a kitten (or some such). Maybe I'm not explaining well enough about Jellybean? ;o)
*******************************
Today's Sparklies:
1. I had the loveliest visit with Scottie today.
2. I had a student tell me he's asking for a Day-Timer for Christmas. I almost died on the spot. The thing is, if this fella were to get one, he would use it and use it well. He's the one who has the Tide-to-Go pen and first aid kit in his backpack, lol! This is one child who is ALWAYS prepared for any eventuality. :o)
3. Dinner with Nan and Pop.
4. Lordy that Lil is a silly girl! She continually says things that have us in stitches. ;o)
No milestones.
t
*****************************
Well, B and Lil may have tomorrow off, but I don't. So, I'm off to hit the hay. Wishing you all fantabulous Wednesday. :o)
Monday, November 09, 2009
And Doesn't This Put My Previous Post in Perspective?
I just received this email from Lissie--Kirk Philpot was her doctor when she lived in Greenville. This is just devastating. Could you please pray for this little girl and her family?
A few days ago I got a notice in an email that it took time to digest and process because the emotions were too high.... now I know what to ask you to pray for...
I am asking everyone that reads this to forward and get a prayer chain going for little Riley Philpot and her family. Riley is one year younger than Kathryn and has been fighting Wilm's tumor cancer for a bit over three years - thinking she was done twice in that time and showing more faith and courage than you can imagine, her parents, Kirk and Kelly have now been told that Greenville isn't going to treat her anymore and they don't think that she has a curable condition. Her records are being sent to centers around the country. I don't know where, but please pray that the people reading those reports will be lead by the Holy Spirit to know what to do for her next. You send jokes all of the time and this prayer request is coming from the very marrow of my bones and I feel led to do this so much! Prayers for Riley!!!! Think of someone that you love more than life itself.. your daughter, your son... your niece, nephew.. imagine if those words were told to your family that they are giving up on that child. Then picture a real little 9 yr old child that has lived through this and has joy in her heart and the faith that can move a mountain....
I am asking you... no - begging you to take the time right now... stop what you are doing for a while and pray for this child of God... PLEASE.. Tell that mountain to move and if we are all praying the same prayer... "Mountain Move for Riley"... God will hear us and in His Time and by His Will... the mountain will move. I know not in what direction... but for His purpose... and for that precious child's sake... Please take time to do this... ask others...and God Bless you! I hope and pray that none of your precious children will ever have to be put on this kind of prayer request.
A few days ago I got a notice in an email that it took time to digest and process because the emotions were too high.... now I know what to ask you to pray for...
I am asking everyone that reads this to forward and get a prayer chain going for little Riley Philpot and her family. Riley is one year younger than Kathryn and has been fighting Wilm's tumor cancer for a bit over three years - thinking she was done twice in that time and showing more faith and courage than you can imagine, her parents, Kirk and Kelly have now been told that Greenville isn't going to treat her anymore and they don't think that she has a curable condition. Her records are being sent to centers around the country. I don't know where, but please pray that the people reading those reports will be lead by the Holy Spirit to know what to do for her next. You send jokes all of the time and this prayer request is coming from the very marrow of my bones and I feel led to do this so much! Prayers for Riley!!!! Think of someone that you love more than life itself.. your daughter, your son... your niece, nephew.. imagine if those words were told to your family that they are giving up on that child. Then picture a real little 9 yr old child that has lived through this and has joy in her heart and the faith that can move a mountain....
I am asking you... no - begging you to take the time right now... stop what you are doing for a while and pray for this child of God... PLEASE.. Tell that mountain to move and if we are all praying the same prayer... "Mountain Move for Riley"... God will hear us and in His Time and by His Will... the mountain will move. I know not in what direction... but for His purpose... and for that precious child's sake... Please take time to do this... ask others...and God Bless you! I hope and pray that none of your precious children will ever have to be put on this kind of prayer request.
Trials and Tribulations
Blogger is still holding me hostage photo-wise and I'm getting frustrated. Lily didn't nap at school. My car wouldn't start this morning so B had to drive me to work and pick me up--a bit of a problem since that means he gets to work a little later and has to leave a little earlier--and my van is still giving us fits.
It ran perfectly yesterday. This morning? The darn thing wouldn't turn over. Then, it began that rat-a-tat-tat thing that usually means a dead battery. I've had no warning lights, no indications there might be any problems. Brien was trying to get the van to do something--anything--and the check oil light came on. He looked and it seems I'm beyond low on oil--how that happened, I don't know, as I've had no oil slicks below my car, and again, no warning lights.
We've had Brien's Mazada, running, hooked up to my car via the jumper cables and still, nothing. I'm terrified I've seized the engine or something equally awful and life-ending for a vehicle I'm not nearly finished with yet. I don't WANT a car payment. I don't WANT a new car. I want MY car to work and work well. :o( CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP.
Lily has had her dinner and been put to bed--by 6:15 as per her consequences--and I missed dining with her. I also had no time to play with her this evening, so this punishment is also a punishment for us. :o(
In other news, I found an incredible deal on the infant car seat I wanted to buy and it came in combination with a stroller--a travel system for less than the cost of the car seat. I purchased it Halloween and it arrived today. It's wonderful and I couldn't be happier with either piece. They took the stroller and infant carrier I loved with Lily and improved them. :o)
Nana's birthday present arrived (and not a day too soon) and with any luck we'll be able to get together with her to celebrate tomorrow.
It's truly been a day of ups and downs. I'll keep you posted on the status of the van...
*****************************************
Today's Sparklies:
1. B was actually home when my van wouldn't start so he was here to give Lil and me rides to school and work.
2. Pop reassuring us (B and me) that it's just the battery and there is nothing else to worry about. I just keep seeing dollar signs, though. :shudder:
3. The new car seat and stroller. I'm very pleased with both.
4. A clean kitchen is so lovely. Hooray for that. :o)
No milestones.
P.S. Thanks for putting up with the whining. It's been a rough day. :sigh:
P.P.S And lest I forget in all my whininess, the Berlin Wall fell 20 years ago today. I remember it so vividly it doesn't seem possible it's been 20 years. Wow.
*****************ETA*****************
HALLELUJAH!!!!!! I just heard my van start in the garage!!!!!!!!! :o) :o) :o)
B went to Autozone and picked up a battery and some oil. I could weep tears of joy right now. :o)
It ran perfectly yesterday. This morning? The darn thing wouldn't turn over. Then, it began that rat-a-tat-tat thing that usually means a dead battery. I've had no warning lights, no indications there might be any problems. Brien was trying to get the van to do something--anything--and the check oil light came on. He looked and it seems I'm beyond low on oil--how that happened, I don't know, as I've had no oil slicks below my car, and again, no warning lights.
We've had Brien's Mazada, running, hooked up to my car via the jumper cables and still, nothing. I'm terrified I've seized the engine or something equally awful and life-ending for a vehicle I'm not nearly finished with yet. I don't WANT a car payment. I don't WANT a new car. I want MY car to work and work well. :o( CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP.
Lily has had her dinner and been put to bed--by 6:15 as per her consequences--and I missed dining with her. I also had no time to play with her this evening, so this punishment is also a punishment for us. :o(
In other news, I found an incredible deal on the infant car seat I wanted to buy and it came in combination with a stroller--a travel system for less than the cost of the car seat. I purchased it Halloween and it arrived today. It's wonderful and I couldn't be happier with either piece. They took the stroller and infant carrier I loved with Lily and improved them. :o)
Nana's birthday present arrived (and not a day too soon) and with any luck we'll be able to get together with her to celebrate tomorrow.
It's truly been a day of ups and downs. I'll keep you posted on the status of the van...
*****************************************
Today's Sparklies:
1. B was actually home when my van wouldn't start so he was here to give Lil and me rides to school and work.
2. Pop reassuring us (B and me) that it's just the battery and there is nothing else to worry about. I just keep seeing dollar signs, though. :shudder:
3. The new car seat and stroller. I'm very pleased with both.
4. A clean kitchen is so lovely. Hooray for that. :o)
No milestones.
P.S. Thanks for putting up with the whining. It's been a rough day. :sigh:
P.P.S And lest I forget in all my whininess, the Berlin Wall fell 20 years ago today. I remember it so vividly it doesn't seem possible it's been 20 years. Wow.
*****************ETA*****************
HALLELUJAH!!!!!! I just heard my van start in the garage!!!!!!!!! :o) :o) :o)
B went to Autozone and picked up a battery and some oil. I could weep tears of joy right now. :o)
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Pooh.
It seems I have once again exceeded my photo storage limit on Blogger so I'm unable to upload the photos I want to. Drat. I'll try again tomorrow because I just don't have the time tonight to fool around with it. Blah.
We've had a busy weekend full of yard work and family time. Brien and I removed ALL the shrubbery from the front beds yesterday. Okay, he did the cutting and sawing and trimming, I just helped lug the stuff around back for temporary storage until we can chip it up. B and I are both quite happy to have the unsightly shrubs gone, but it does look a bit naked out front right now. Oh well. We have plans for putting in new shrubs and flowering goodies in the spring. Of course, we've got to remove all the stumps first--an easy task, I'm sure...;oP
Lily's old bed went to its new home yesterday which means I can once again park in the garage. Woo hoo! And, I'm positive the little girl who will have it will LOVE it. :o) What's not to love? It really is a great bed.
Meanwhile, Nana's birthday is Tuesday, so we had a family get together at her house and had a wonderful birthday luncheon with Jen and her crew. I made a HUGE (five pounds!!) bowl of potato salad and some wild mushroom and artichoke dip, Jen made a very delicious pumpkin cake with orange cream cheese frosting (:drool:) and Pop grilled steaks. There were also rolls and broccoli. I'm still stuffed! :oP The little girls all played beautifully--I don't think I heard a single cross word the entire time--and I was stunned to see just how grown up Kelsey is becoming. Holy cow, she's a teenager!!!
This evening, Lil will be having an early bedtime--no nap as she was too busy playing with her cousins--and B and I will snack on whatever we can find. Then, I'm off to the studio to finish off the cards for the auction. I'm anxious to get to work on MY Christmas cards and a couple of gifts and I can't until I've finished off this obligation. B will keep me company and we'll work our way through HP Book 6. I'd like to be able to read Book 7 over Christmas break. :o)
***************************************
Weekend Sparklies:
1. Getting those blasted shrubs out. Hooray!
2. Nana's birthday shindig. :o) We'll see her again Tuesday for the real deal as well. However, it was nice to see Jen and the kids.
3. I got all the laundry done, the kitchen cleaned and mopped and the groceries in for the week.
4. I'm lesson planned through Christmas Break, so I have my weekends free. FREEEEEEEEE!!!!! ;o)
5. Oh that potato salad today was good. It's a lot of work (homemade mayo for one), but SO worth it. Ahhhhh.
6. The sounds of all the kiddos playing. :o)
7. Time spent with B. :o)
No milestones.
But, I do so miss Hannah at family get togethers, especially if Miles is around. They were such pals, playing together--even if they didn't always have the same interests or abilities--and I miss hearing her laugh and play.
We've had a busy weekend full of yard work and family time. Brien and I removed ALL the shrubbery from the front beds yesterday. Okay, he did the cutting and sawing and trimming, I just helped lug the stuff around back for temporary storage until we can chip it up. B and I are both quite happy to have the unsightly shrubs gone, but it does look a bit naked out front right now. Oh well. We have plans for putting in new shrubs and flowering goodies in the spring. Of course, we've got to remove all the stumps first--an easy task, I'm sure...;oP
Lily's old bed went to its new home yesterday which means I can once again park in the garage. Woo hoo! And, I'm positive the little girl who will have it will LOVE it. :o) What's not to love? It really is a great bed.
Meanwhile, Nana's birthday is Tuesday, so we had a family get together at her house and had a wonderful birthday luncheon with Jen and her crew. I made a HUGE (five pounds!!) bowl of potato salad and some wild mushroom and artichoke dip, Jen made a very delicious pumpkin cake with orange cream cheese frosting (:drool:) and Pop grilled steaks. There were also rolls and broccoli. I'm still stuffed! :oP The little girls all played beautifully--I don't think I heard a single cross word the entire time--and I was stunned to see just how grown up Kelsey is becoming. Holy cow, she's a teenager!!!
This evening, Lil will be having an early bedtime--no nap as she was too busy playing with her cousins--and B and I will snack on whatever we can find. Then, I'm off to the studio to finish off the cards for the auction. I'm anxious to get to work on MY Christmas cards and a couple of gifts and I can't until I've finished off this obligation. B will keep me company and we'll work our way through HP Book 6. I'd like to be able to read Book 7 over Christmas break. :o)
***************************************
Weekend Sparklies:
1. Getting those blasted shrubs out. Hooray!
2. Nana's birthday shindig. :o) We'll see her again Tuesday for the real deal as well. However, it was nice to see Jen and the kids.
3. I got all the laundry done, the kitchen cleaned and mopped and the groceries in for the week.
4. I'm lesson planned through Christmas Break, so I have my weekends free. FREEEEEEEEE!!!!! ;o)
5. Oh that potato salad today was good. It's a lot of work (homemade mayo for one), but SO worth it. Ahhhhh.
6. The sounds of all the kiddos playing. :o)
7. Time spent with B. :o)
No milestones.
But, I do so miss Hannah at family get togethers, especially if Miles is around. They were such pals, playing together--even if they didn't always have the same interests or abilities--and I miss hearing her laugh and play.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Lily Sleeps
I have wondered if one of Ms. Tanya's biggest issues with Lily is that she hadn't been napping at school. I know preschool teachers work hard--I wouldn't want to be responsible for 10 three and four year olds--and don't get much of a break. I'm sure that two hour nap must be where they get some relief, and if you have one who won't nap, I'm sure that complicates matters quite a bit.
We had told Lily the doctor had said she needed to get lots of sleep every day. If she wasn't napping, she would have to get that sleep at home at night by going to bed early. Ever since we've had that discussion (and I remind her daily as I drop her off), Lily has napped at school. Woo hoo! :o)
I also told Lily she had a job to do at school just like Daddy and I have jobs. Her job is to play nicely, don't whine, and use good manners. She's working on it, she really is. When I pick her up, she comes bounding to me with a "kyooge" grin and tells me how good she was that day. What more could a mommy ask for? She really is such a sweet baby, and she is working so hard to "be a good girl" (her words). I think of it more along the lines of working towards being a good citizen. Growing up is HARD work.
****************************************
Today's Sparklies:
1. We had the yummiest creamy mushroom noodle casserole this evening.
2. Lily's enthusiasm when I pick her up. She's enjoying school and she wants to share her excitement. :o)
3. Back scratches. I don't think there's anything I love more. :oP
4. I've gotten decent nights' sleep the past two nights. Ahhhhh.
5. College Football Thursday! I just LOVE August through January. :o)
No milestones.
But, eating dinner this evening, I was watching Lily and couldn't help but notice how often she makes faces that remind me of her sister, or how in a certain light with her head tilted a certain way she looks like Han. Genetics are an amazing thing. I wonder who Jellybean is going to look like.
************************************
Although I'm quite hesitant to do so, I'm off to watch my Hokies. Here's hoping they show up to play tonight...
We had told Lily the doctor had said she needed to get lots of sleep every day. If she wasn't napping, she would have to get that sleep at home at night by going to bed early. Ever since we've had that discussion (and I remind her daily as I drop her off), Lily has napped at school. Woo hoo! :o)
I also told Lily she had a job to do at school just like Daddy and I have jobs. Her job is to play nicely, don't whine, and use good manners. She's working on it, she really is. When I pick her up, she comes bounding to me with a "kyooge" grin and tells me how good she was that day. What more could a mommy ask for? She really is such a sweet baby, and she is working so hard to "be a good girl" (her words). I think of it more along the lines of working towards being a good citizen. Growing up is HARD work.
****************************************
Today's Sparklies:
1. We had the yummiest creamy mushroom noodle casserole this evening.
2. Lily's enthusiasm when I pick her up. She's enjoying school and she wants to share her excitement. :o)
3. Back scratches. I don't think there's anything I love more. :oP
4. I've gotten decent nights' sleep the past two nights. Ahhhhh.
5. College Football Thursday! I just LOVE August through January. :o)
No milestones.
But, eating dinner this evening, I was watching Lily and couldn't help but notice how often she makes faces that remind me of her sister, or how in a certain light with her head tilted a certain way she looks like Han. Genetics are an amazing thing. I wonder who Jellybean is going to look like.
************************************
Although I'm quite hesitant to do so, I'm off to watch my Hokies. Here's hoping they show up to play tonight...
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
More Randomness
- "I don't have my homework because..." followed by something ridiculous.
- Parent/Teacher conferences
- Back-to-School Night
- H1N1 infected students
- Sick children at home
- Lesson planning
- Technology that doesn't work the way it is supposed to
This evening, Lily is topping the list. She had another good day at school, but now sounds stuffy and congested and I think she has fever. Great. :sigh:
I have one more day with students this week and then conferences all day Friday. I'm looking forward to the weekend spent stamping and taking care of chores around the house. We might be going to Green Front this weekend to look at cribs. Mom and Dad found a nice one last weekend and I want to check it out.
We also need to work on removing the ugly shrubbery from the front of the house and raking the leaves at the back. We've got quite a bit of work ahead of us, but we'll be home, doing it as a family. :o)
********************************
Today's Sparklies:
1. I had a very difficult task to complete today and I did it and feel SO much better now that it's done. Whew!
2. I got some coupons in the mail that I can use to purchase some Calico Critter items from the local teacher store. Woo hoo! 20% off is a pretty nice deal. :o)
3. Skyping with Lissie and Ella this evening. Lil certainly enjoyed herself.
4. Snuggling with the dogs on a cool evening. (Yes, they have forgiven us for the Halloween "torture".)
5. This made me LOL! :oD
No milestones
******************************
I've made 40 cards the past two nights and still need to make another 30. I'm planning on finishing these guys up the next couple of nights and then working on OUR Christmas cards and then working on a few Christmas gifts. I have taken care of most of the people on my Christmas list--I still need to do Pop, and the Anderson kiddos as I have no idea what to get for them. I also have to procure Josh and Dana's gifts, but at least I know what we're getting for them. :o) I also have a couple more items I want to get for Brien.
As for me, I still have NO clue what I want. Sorry, Lissie. I'm working on it, I promise!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
