This morning my daughter’s new preschool hosted an orientation for the parents and children. We were able to meet her teacher and visit the classroom.
My little girl is beyond excited and can’t wait to start her Pre-K program. She’ll be gone 4 mornings a week, which will be a big change for the both of us.
It is a little overwhelming for me when I stop and think about how quickly my children are growing and changing. Next year she’ll be in Kindergarten. They are not babies any more. As much as I enjoy watching them grow it does feel a little bitter sweet at times. Life as a mother sure can be emotionally draining.
Next week my son starts first grade. Wow. I remember when I was his age. I really believed I was old. He is 6 years old and will be 7 before I know it.
Time just keeps moving quicker doesn’t it? I don’t like that. The older they get, the older I get too… Before I know it they’ll be driving my car, going on dates and maybe even surfing the net in search of the best acne cures.
Okay, maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself. Sometimes I just can’t help myself!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
The End of Summer
Is everyone ready for Fall? Truthfully, I am not. This summer seriously flew by. I didn’t do half of the stuff I hoped I would do with the kids. This makes me a little sad.
I feel our summer last year in California was a lot more fun for my kids. We had the pool in the back yard a long with the club house that had 2 pools and a water park. Our little plastic pool in the back yard this summer just didn’t compare. Not that they ever complained. I just worry and obsess about everything. It is a trait I swear I was born with and wish I could change.
Next year I hope we take the kids camping. I hope we spend time at the coast. I hope to sign my kids up for more fun day camps too. I feel like they spent too much time inside playing with toys and watching TV. That isn’t how any child should spent their summer.
Last week I picked up their school supplies. On the weekend we hit the discount mall and purchased some winter clothes for school. Never ever (ever) go shopping on the weekend when school is about to start. It was crazy. It felt like I was in the middle of a mob of last minute Christmas shoppers all on bodybuilding supplements!!!
Seriously!!!
With the kids in tow it was just stressful. The husband (who isn’t a fan of shopping to begin with) got a little overwhelmed and irritable too, which is always fun for mom!
So what is this post about? I rambled on about a bunch of stuff, didn’t I? I’m just stressing about the end of the summer, and the start of a new school year…
I feel our summer last year in California was a lot more fun for my kids. We had the pool in the back yard a long with the club house that had 2 pools and a water park. Our little plastic pool in the back yard this summer just didn’t compare. Not that they ever complained. I just worry and obsess about everything. It is a trait I swear I was born with and wish I could change.
Next year I hope we take the kids camping. I hope we spend time at the coast. I hope to sign my kids up for more fun day camps too. I feel like they spent too much time inside playing with toys and watching TV. That isn’t how any child should spent their summer.
Last week I picked up their school supplies. On the weekend we hit the discount mall and purchased some winter clothes for school. Never ever (ever) go shopping on the weekend when school is about to start. It was crazy. It felt like I was in the middle of a mob of last minute Christmas shoppers all on bodybuilding supplements!!!
Seriously!!!
With the kids in tow it was just stressful. The husband (who isn’t a fan of shopping to begin with) got a little overwhelmed and irritable too, which is always fun for mom!
So what is this post about? I rambled on about a bunch of stuff, didn’t I? I’m just stressing about the end of the summer, and the start of a new school year…
Friday, August 22, 2008
Christmas in August
My son has left his passion of everything pirates. I never thought that day would come. It was almost an addiction. He collected many pirate ships, pirate action figures and… well you name it he wanted it if it was pirate related.
He has made a sudden turn to Neo Shifters. I would compare them to Transformers, although my son would say they are nothing a like. He wants to spend all his money on his new passion. He carries around a catalog (listing all the Neo Shifters available) with him. If given a chance he will attempt to engage you in a conversation about the leaders and warriors. I get posed the question, “Which one is your favorite?” more then once a day.
He wants them all (of course) and when his Dad asked him where he was going to get the money, he said with confidence that he has 3 sources of money; his Dad, his Mom and the Tooth Fairy. Seriously! I had to laugh.
Now he wants to know if Christmas is coming. I think if allowed, he would send out Christmas invitations with a detailed list of the Neo Shifters he wants and why. Oh to be young and carefree, right? :o)
He has made a sudden turn to Neo Shifters. I would compare them to Transformers, although my son would say they are nothing a like. He wants to spend all his money on his new passion. He carries around a catalog (listing all the Neo Shifters available) with him. If given a chance he will attempt to engage you in a conversation about the leaders and warriors. I get posed the question, “Which one is your favorite?” more then once a day.
He wants them all (of course) and when his Dad asked him where he was going to get the money, he said with confidence that he has 3 sources of money; his Dad, his Mom and the Tooth Fairy. Seriously! I had to laugh.
Now he wants to know if Christmas is coming. I think if allowed, he would send out Christmas invitations with a detailed list of the Neo Shifters he wants and why. Oh to be young and carefree, right? :o)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Basement Entertainment
I’m jealous of my sister and her family.
Why?
Well, they have a basement. Does that sound odd? If it does, then that must mean you have one as well.
I grew up with a basement. We had a recreation room downstairs (which was a great place to hang out with my friends). Plus my parents had plenty of storage space. A house without a basement equals zero storage. So. Yeah. I’m jealous.
The other day my dear sister called to brag about their latest purchase. A pool table: which of course fits neatly in their basement. Am I a bitter jealous older sister? Well… I’m trying my best not to be.
However, she then went on to say our Father came by to check it out. I guess he scared her by saying she should look into pool table covers. He apparently asked her how much they spent on their new pool table and nearly chocked on his water with her reply (ha! I would of loved to have been a fly on the wall for that one). Any way, he felt that their newest investment should be well protected. I’m going to guess he was thinking of my niece and nephew when he said that. At their young ages a spilled drink or a non-washable marker masterpiece could easily happen on the pool table.
My sister (who loves to talk) went on and on, giving me quite the spiel on covers. She discussed how one would help prevent natural wear and tear from pool balls and cue sticks. She also explained that these covers come in all different sizes and colors, so she felt certain she could find a perfect match for their table.
I’m guessing our Dad’s comment regarding her kids and the damage they could potentially do scared her into wanting to protect her new pool table. Frankly, I think it is a smart idea. The last thing you want to see is scratches, water ring marks from drinks, or creative artwork done by a 4 year-old on the pool table fabric. I’m going to guess it would not be easy or cheap to have it replaced. So, yeah, a table cover makes sense.
In the meantime, I’m going do my best to stop competing with my sister. I’ll also attempt not to be jealous of the things she has and I’m living without. Namely… a basement!!!
Memories of Babyhood
This summer we held a garage sale. We had collected quite abit stuff over the past few years. I guess that is what happens when you have kids. We had given away most of our baby things, still it was bitter-sweet opening some long forgotten boxes. I came across a few old baby toys, a bath ring and some other baby things from what feels like long ago. Part of me misses the baby era. I do not miss the sleepless nights, but I miss holding my children as little ones. Unknown to me, life was a lot similar back then. In different ways things get harder and more complicated as they grow.
Any way, I remember looking at my beloved Bugaboo stroller sitting in the corner of our garage as we set up our sale. I have loved this stroller and it is my one last remaining baby item. My daughter still rides in it sometimes when we go to the mall or the zoo. I have to admit, now that she is four years old we haven’t really touched it much lately. I thought of putting it in our garage sale, but I couldn’t do it. Silly, right? I guess I have some sentimental attachment to it. I just loved everything about it though. It has been so versatile and I loved the mobility it gave me. I had orginally purchased a basic unbrella stroller, but then I received my Bugaboo when my second child was born. It wasn't until I tried it for the first time that I realized how much I had struggled with my orginal stroller. This one rode so smoothly and made turns and corners with ease. Now, it holds memories.
So I kept my beloved stroller and a little piece of my children’s babyhood. Maybe next year I’ll be ready to part with it.
Any way, I remember looking at my beloved Bugaboo stroller sitting in the corner of our garage as we set up our sale. I have loved this stroller and it is my one last remaining baby item. My daughter still rides in it sometimes when we go to the mall or the zoo. I have to admit, now that she is four years old we haven’t really touched it much lately. I thought of putting it in our garage sale, but I couldn’t do it. Silly, right? I guess I have some sentimental attachment to it. I just loved everything about it though. It has been so versatile and I loved the mobility it gave me. I had orginally purchased a basic unbrella stroller, but then I received my Bugaboo when my second child was born. It wasn't until I tried it for the first time that I realized how much I had struggled with my orginal stroller. This one rode so smoothly and made turns and corners with ease. Now, it holds memories.
So I kept my beloved stroller and a little piece of my children’s babyhood. Maybe next year I’ll be ready to part with it.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Companies
I know healthcare and the topic of pharmaceutical companies isn’t a typical blog read. Especially from your standard mom blog. Yet, it is a topic that is so important in our day-to-day lives; yet no one ever wants to discuss it. To be 100% truthful, I get a little stressed just thinking about it. Which is why I wanted to share a website I found today from Johnson & Johnson.
This site was full of information and short videos on every topic including their views and positions on effective, compassionate health care. Here they discussed how the well-being of people (such as you and I) are affected by the decisions we make about our health care. Whether we have private insurance or a national health service (like what can be found in Canada and across Europe). This site touched on something I believe to be true, and that is good health care has a positive impact on our lives and well-being.
They have a short document called “The Promise of Health Care” that is available to read on their site. It touches on the importance of health care systems being centered around the patients. This includes information, support, incentives and encouragement to remain healthy, receive early diagnoses and high quality care and treatment. No matter who pays for it (private insurance or Government).
They also touched on how no two countries have the exact same health care system, but most have some elements of government-financed care. I found this to be interesting reading since I was born and raised in Canada (an entirely government-run health care system) and now live in the United States that is largely market-based. Plus with health care being a top focus as we enter a new election year, I can’t help but way the pros and cons of different health care systems and the responsibilities of pharmaceutical companies.
This site was full of information and short videos on every topic including their views and positions on effective, compassionate health care. Here they discussed how the well-being of people (such as you and I) are affected by the decisions we make about our health care. Whether we have private insurance or a national health service (like what can be found in Canada and across Europe). This site touched on something I believe to be true, and that is good health care has a positive impact on our lives and well-being.They have a short document called “The Promise of Health Care” that is available to read on their site. It touches on the importance of health care systems being centered around the patients. This includes information, support, incentives and encouragement to remain healthy, receive early diagnoses and high quality care and treatment. No matter who pays for it (private insurance or Government).
They also touched on how no two countries have the exact same health care system, but most have some elements of government-financed care. I found this to be interesting reading since I was born and raised in Canada (an entirely government-run health care system) and now live in the United States that is largely market-based. Plus with health care being a top focus as we enter a new election year, I can’t help but way the pros and cons of different health care systems and the responsibilities of pharmaceutical companies.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Putt-Putt
I have an 11-year-old car. I purchased it before I was married. It is a 4 door little box, but I love it. It is a no thrills vehicle. I had a friend recently ask me how I roll down my windows… I had to point to the handle and say, “wined away”. Nothing is powered in my little putt-putt car!
In fact (way back when) I could only afford to pay extra for air and the tape deck. Oh yeah… my car has a tape deck. I think it still works… I wouldn’t know, as I haven’t tried to use it in years.
My little car has been kind to me. The miles are low on it, and so have the repairs. That is until last week when my battery died. Well, that isn’t quite true… for sometime now I’ve been living with a bit of an oil leak. But with the $1700 price tag to fix it, we were living with an oil pan under my car when it was parked.
With the dead battery and the car already in the shop we took a deep breath and agreed to get the oil leak fixed. It cost us more then what the car is actually worth… which hurts a bit. However, I know I’ll be driving it for a few more years. So in that mindset, it was worth the money.
I’m pretty much a girl when it comes to cars. As long as it runs I am happy. I know nothing about getting auto insurance quotes, or basic car maintenance. I do however love my little putt-putt car. A new fancy brand new vehicle could never replace it in my heart.
In fact (way back when) I could only afford to pay extra for air and the tape deck. Oh yeah… my car has a tape deck. I think it still works… I wouldn’t know, as I haven’t tried to use it in years.
My little car has been kind to me. The miles are low on it, and so have the repairs. That is until last week when my battery died. Well, that isn’t quite true… for sometime now I’ve been living with a bit of an oil leak. But with the $1700 price tag to fix it, we were living with an oil pan under my car when it was parked.
With the dead battery and the car already in the shop we took a deep breath and agreed to get the oil leak fixed. It cost us more then what the car is actually worth… which hurts a bit. However, I know I’ll be driving it for a few more years. So in that mindset, it was worth the money.
I’m pretty much a girl when it comes to cars. As long as it runs I am happy. I know nothing about getting auto insurance quotes, or basic car maintenance. I do however love my little putt-putt car. A new fancy brand new vehicle could never replace it in my heart.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
