12 Preplanned, Prepaid Dates

It's the weekend before Christmas and I haven't finished all my Christmas stuff yet.  In fact, I haven't gotten anything for my Dahlin'.  However, I've spent hours and hours on Pinterest.com and stumbled upon this great idea!!!  12 preplanned & prepaid dates!!!  Each one assigned to a certain month!  Isn't that a fun thing!?

So, I sat down at the computer and made my list of Dates.  I haven't really assigned each one to a month yet but I'm gonna list my ideas here for your enjoyment.

Date #1

Cooking Class at LCAI = at $100 per person this will probably be our most expensive date!

 

Date #2

Skeet Shooting = we have a skeet thrower and own property where we could just go out, shoot to our heart's content, and have a picnic.  BUT if you don't, you could always find a shooting range to do this.  In our neck of the woods, there are a couple of places you can go.  The Amite Skeet Club looks real nice and there's also a list here where you can hunt for shooting ranges by state.

 

Date #3

Zoo Date!!!  Self-Explanatory

 

Date #4

Here we have the Global Wildlife Safari which is similar to the zoo but a very different experience.

 

Date #5

Bowling Date

 

Date #6

Planetarium Date

 

Date #7

Walking Tour of downtown area

 

Date #8

Comedy Club

 

Date #9

Pick Your Own Fruit date

 

Date #10

Fishing and picnic date

 

Date #11

Mini golf

 

Date #12

Riverboat Dinner Cruise



 

 

And there ya have it.  I'm currently working on getting all these put into individual packets complete with prepaid gift cards and brochures as well as menus for the dinner location for that night.  I'll be back to post as we have our date nights.  Stay tuned!

My wish list 2012

For Christmas this year, I sent Santa my wish list.

1.  Computer
2.  Horse
3.  Personal Assistant

Well, so far, I have a computer. 

I ALMOST had a horse, and still might, but there are some things that have come to mind while processing the fact that I might have a horse.

Starting off, I have 38 acres of property on which said horse would be mighty happy.  My father has 35 acres sitting next to mine.  The difference between the two is that his is fenced and mine is not.  On the assumption that he would be happy to have my horse on his property for a temporary visit while I fence mine and build a horse shelter, I went looking for a horse. 

Though I haven't yet handed money over, I have truly bonded with the whole IDEA of buying her.  I met her, pet her, smelled her.  Dreamed of riding her but haven't gotten that opportunity yet.  After ALMOST buying her, I decided to wait and talk to my dad.  Well, my initial assumption was wrong.  He does NOT want my animal on his property.  I don't know why.  I just know that it made me mad. 

My husband accused me of not thinking things through regarding the purchase of this horse.  I assured him that I have done my homework.  I'm not stupid.  I know horse care will be time consuming and expensive ... even for a healthy horse!

Then I started thinking.  Maybe purchasing this first horse isn't such a good idea.  Yet.  I have some other things that I need to purchase first.  Things that don't eat or drink.  Things that I'll need to have on hand for proper horse care and enjoyment of such.  So, my current game plan is to fence my property, build a shelter, and start stocking it with things needed for my horse. 

THEN, I'll go looking for the horse for me.  The one that I'll get to ride around the country with.  The one that will lay down basking in the field and let me use her for a pillow.  The one that I have dreamed of having and enjoying for the past 15 years. 

I think I'm going through a mid life crisis as this horse obsession has become even more of an obsession!

Unpleasant Police Chief Encounter

During the Hurricane Isaac aftermath, I endured only 1 night of sweaty sleep before caving in and running to my Mommy's house where she has electricy and, most importantly, air conditioning.  Getting up this morning, I made a little list of somethings I needed to take care of.  Such as, getting back to my home, washing out the really big ice chest, and loading it up with ice to protect some meats.  Looking back, I should've done that on Monday or Tuesday before I lost power.

I procrastinated too long, I suppose.  My 18 y.o. son, 8 y.o. and 6 y.o. daughters, and I left my mom's approximately 1:30 p.m. and went through Cane's for some lunch and then proceeded to Rushing Road (across the street from Burger King) in order to get on the interstate towards my home.  For those familiar with the area, when pulling out of the parking lot, I had to make a right hand turn and immediately get in the left hand turn lane.  When I approached the Rushing/Range intersection, I had a green arrow ... so I entered the intersection.  I entered the LH turn lane, but didn't get any further due to the backed up traffic in that lane.  I looked ahead and saw a green light there, but the intersection there was also blocked by an 18 wheeler rig. 

I attempted to assess the situation I was in since now I'm sitting in the middle of the intersection and need to get out of it.  I turned my head as far to the right as possible in order to look over my right shoulder for oncoming traffic.  It was hard to see anything since my vehicle was turned to the left.  Taking a chance, I changed lanes and got into the center lane to exit the intersection and pass the backed up traffic in that LH turn lane.  My intent was to get through the next 2 intersections, make a left turn and come back to make a RIGHT turn onto the interstate. 

As soon as I changed lanes, a man in a plain white vehicle pulled up on the right hand side of my vehicle and motioned to my son to roll down the window.  At this point, the LH turn lane is backed up, I'm stopped in the center lane, and he is stopped in the R lane.  There is traffic backed up behind both of us.  He addressed me in not so friendly terms and began screaming at me that "if you don't know not to enter a blocked intersection, then you don't need to be driving!"  Thinking he was just another idiot, I rolled up the window and pressed the gas pedal in order to CLEAR THE INTERSECTION! 

He then pulled his plain white car directly behind me and I immediately saw these pretty flashing blue lights and heard a siren.  Great.  He's a cop?  So, I (still in the center lane) turned on my blinker and moved into the Right Lane and as far off the road as possible.  The thing is, at this point, there is no shoulder where I stopped.  Therefore, now BOTH vehicles are blocking the Right Lane.

I asked my son to hand me the essentials out of the glovebox.  I had them in my hand when HE approached the driver's side window.  Then the rain began.  I rolled down my window, and there HE stands in a black dress shirt embroidered with the DSPD logo on the left pec area.  Not on the outside of the shoulder.  With my peripheral vision, I saw some embroidery also on the opposite side but did not note the details.  HE begans berating my driving, saying things like, "Don't you KNOW you aren't supposed to enter an intersection if there's no where for you to go?  You had a hundred ways out of that situation but you just sat there!!!"  Yada Yada, (his mouth was moving but I wasn't hearing him at this point).  When he took a breath, I responded, "I had a green light, I looked ahead to see where I COULD go, I looked behind me to avoid ONCOMING traffic.  I did the best I could to assess and move."  (I'm guessing I was bit to slow from his observation.) He opened his mouth again and said, "Did you not see that I'm a police officer?" to which I said, "No!" (Duh dude!  You're in an UNMARKED car and wearing a black DRESS SHIRT!  So sorry that I did not take notice what you're "profession" is.)

He saw that I had my stuff and said, "Do you WANT me to write you a ticket?" and the Lord must have had pity on me then because the rain began coming down with a vengence while HE was standing by my door with his hands on his hips.  I THINK I said, "If you feel the need." (Maybe not, but I should have.) I know I started to hand him my stuff.  Then horror of horrors, the most mortifying thing happened.  I started blubbering....turned on the water works.... you know, cryyyyyiiiinnggg.  I know I said something about having to get home and "I have been TRYING to get in that LH turn lane!  Do you think you could help me get there?"

Then he did the most astounding thing.  He shut up.  He looked at me, took a step back, and held up his hand in the traffic, holding up both lanes in order for me to cross waaaaayyyyy over there in that LH turn lane where I wanted so badly to be in the first place! 

Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I pressed the gas and got my vehicle where I needed to be.  My girls had been so good during the entire incident, not making a peep in their seats.  Once he cleared the way for us to make the move, my youngest started wailing, "I WANT MY DADDY!!!!"  I felt so bad for her that she had witnessed this entire encounter, bravely sitting quiet, yet scared to death.

I got on the interstate, reliving the entire episode in my head as I drove, trying to figure out why he looked familiar but yet unfamiliar.  About 5 miles later, it dawned on me just who HE was, it had been a long time since seeing him driving alongside the schoolbus I'd ridden on 20+ years ago.  Being a law abiding citizen and voter in a neighboring town, I really didn't have a need to know who he was.  So, during THIS encounter, I was just a tad bit slow on the recognition. 

In the future, if I happen to be driving along in front of you and I don't move when my light turns green, this encounter will be the reason why I DON'T get out of your way.  You've been warned.

20 ways to say “I love you”

I am typing this article from a clipping I saved dated May 2002 of Redbook magazine written by Nancy Evans
Nancy Evans is a founder and the editor-in-chief of the online women's network iVillage.com (http://www.ivillage.com/).


Of course you're crazy about your kids. Below, tips that'll show them just how much.

Like most moms, you probably can't begin to count the ways your love expresses itself, from the shoes tied to the knee scrapes made "all better." Nor do you track the sleep lost or worries concealed. Your love – and the ways you show it – is boundless, all-embracing, as natural as breathing.If we're lucky, those feelings get reflected back to us in priceless ways, such as homemade cards that say "I love you" and a grateful hug after a comforting talk.

All the more reason to go ahead and outdo yourself. Shower your kids with maternal love in grand style with these ideas from the women at iVillage.com.And by the way: Happy Mother's Day.

1. "My daughter and I squeeze hands three times to say "I love you." It's a sweet secret between us."
2. "I wrap my kids' lunch sandwiches in colored waxed paper an dseal them with heart stickers for a midday 'hug'."
3. "My husband uses a turkey baster to make pancakes in the shapes of our kids' favorite things: hockey sticks, paper dolls, Mickey Mouse, whatever!"
4. "I frame and display my kids' artwork, straight A's, and varsity letters. It tells them I love to show them off!"
5. "I taught my daughter how to say 'I love you' in sign language: Hand upright, with the middle and ring fingers bent down and the thumb, index finger, and pinkie extended. We sign as she's riding away on the school bush each morning."
6. "Every year on the eve of my daughter's birthday, I sneak into her room while she's sleeping and decorate it with streamers and balloons. She loves waking up in a birthday fairyland!"
7. "I ask my children all the time, 'Have I told you lately that I love you?' Usually they say, 'Yes, ten minutes ago,' but it gets my point across!"
8. "I've started writing yearly 'love letters' to my children and putting them away in their baby books. I talk about their likes and dislikes, their quirks, and important events in their lives so they'll always have a reminder of how blessed I feel to be their mother."
9. "Every night as they lie in bed, I tell my children 'I love you bigger than the sky,' and I hold my arms out as far as I can. My kids look forward to it."
10. "Because I just went back to school, I'm often not at home when my husband puts my daughter to bed. So that I can still 'be' there for her at bedtime, I made tape recordings of myself reading her favorite books."
11. "Recently my husband and I made a family tree with our son. We drew a big heart around his name and hung the tree over our bed to show him that he has a place in our hearts."
12. "My husband and I always ask our daughter about her new favorite thing – band, clothing designer, TV show – so we can treat her to a new CD or shirt after she accomplishes something great. That way she knows we listen!"
13. "Now and then I'll leave work early and surprise my son by picking him up from school. We go out for ice cream and great one-on-one time."
14. "I send my daughter letters and cards, just to say 'Thinking of you.'"
15. "Once a month I give my daughter a manicure and pedicure."
16. "We use a high five to say 'I love you' when my son needs a boost – like before a soccer game – so he won't be embarrassed in front of his friends."
17. "Sometimes I'll treat my kids to a reverse dinner: dessert first!"
18. "When I'm on the phone with a friend and my daughter walks into the room, I mention how great she's doing in school or ballet class. It shows her I'm proud of her."
19. "My husband and I create coupons that say 'No chores' or 'five-minute backrub' for our kids to redeem when they need a lift.
20. "Hugs, hugs, and more hugs!"

Key to long marriage: Do what your wife wants

This article was printed in the Baton Rouge paper on Feb 21, 1998
By Thomas H. Maugh II
Los Angeles Times

Husbands, forget all that psychobabble about active listening and validation.

If you want your marriage to last for a long time, the newest advice from psychologists is quite simple: Just do what your wife says. Go ahead, give in to her.

Active listening, in which one partner paraphrases the other partner's concerns – "So what I hear you saying is …" – is unnatural and requires too much of people in the midst of emotional conflict, says psychologist john Gottman of the University of Washington. "Asking that of couples is like requiring emotional gymnastics," he says.

Gottman and his colleagues studied 130 newlywed couples for six years in an effort to find ways to predict both marital success and failure.

Couples who used such techniques were no more likely to stay together than couples who did not, they are to report today in the Journal of Marriage and the Family, which is published by the National Council on Family Relations.

"We need to convey how shocked and surprised we were by these results for the active listening model," the team admitted in the article.

In fact, Gottman and his colleagues have long recommended active listening to couples seeking counseling and had expected that its use would be a predictor of success in marriages.

That it was not a predictor, he said, suggests that its widespread use in marital counseling should be abandoned.

The marriages that did work well all had one thing in common – the husband was willing to give into the wife.
"We found that only those newlywed men who are accepting of influence from their wives are ending up in happy, stable marriages," Gottman said. The autocrats who failed to listen to their wives' complaints, greeting them with stonewalling, contempt and belligerence were doomed from the beginning, they found.
But the study did not let wives completely off the hook.

Women who couched their complaints in a gentle, soothing, perhaps even humorous approach to the husband were more likely to have happy marriages than those who were more belligerent.

"That type of (belligerent) response is even more exaggerated in violent marriages," he added.
The fact that happily married couples do not normally use active listening is not a surprise, according to psychologist Howard Markman of the University of Denver, author of the 1994 book "Fighting For Your Marriage".

"We've found that in our own studies," he said.

In fact, he argues that Gottman is setting up a "straw man" in the study of active listening and validation, which is another form of recognizing the legitimacy of a spouse's opinions.

"When active listening is taught, it is not because happy couples use it," Markman said.
"We use it to help couples disrupt the negative patterns that predict divorce."
Gottman said he is "very sympathetic" to that idea.

"If you can genuinely listen and be empathetic when you are the target of the complaint, that can be very powerful," he said.

But for the average person, he said, "it is just too hard. The average person meets anger with anger."

The differences between Gottman and Markman are typical of the turmoil in the field of marital counseling.
A 1993 report argued that marital therapy has a relapse rates so high "that the entire enterprise may be in a state of crisis."

A recent Consumer Reports study found that people who underwent such therapy were the least satisfied among people who had undergone any form of psychotherapy.

Gottman's study was designed to identify the factors that naturally contribute to a successful marriage so those might be brought into play in therapy, thereby making it more successful.

"If you want to change marriages," he said, "You have to talk about the 'emotionally intelligent' husband. Some men are really good at accepting a wife's influence, at finding something reasonable in a partner's complaint to agree with." That group represents perhaps a third of all men, he added.

"Another group just rejects all attempts at influence. That's very characteristic of violent men," he said, but a majority of men do it to some extent.

"They feel, 'If I give in on this, I'm going to lose everything. I'm going to be totally manipulated and controlled."

That is not to say that men are the source of all problems in a marriage, he hastens to add.
But changing the attitudes of men "is a very powerful lever" in changing the course of a marriage.

"The only way to change marriage for the better is to improve the quality of friendship between a husband and wife and to help them deal with disagreements differently," Gottman says.

"There has to be a kind of gentleness in the way conflict is managed. Men have to be more accepting of a woman's position, and women have to be more gentl in starting up discussions."

The pleasures of being a mom,

33 little things that we really love about it
Copied from an article printed in Redbook Magazine, May 2002.
By Veronique Vienne


Parenting can be a tough job, but the rewards are endless. In the spirit of Mother's Day, we thought we'd name just a few of the ways little people enrich your lives.
12 REASONS TO HAVE CHILDREN: Why go to the trouble of having kids? Consider the following:

1. You wish to pass on to posterity the best qualities of your mate.
2. You wish to pass on to posterity your sense of humor.
3. You need a good excuse for baking chocolate-chip cookies.
4. You need an excuse for being broke.
5. You love children.
6. You love major disruptions.
7. You'd like to give your parents a grandchild.
8. You'd like to give your in-laws a chance to treat you as their own child.
9. You want to be the mother of his children.
10. You are ready to settle down.
11. You are ready to learn to blow someone else's nose.
12. You are ready to experience pure joy in your lifetime.

MOM-ISMS THAT REALLY WORK: Your kids will respect you if you tell them the truth. When they ask you why you want them to behave a certain way, don't try to bribe, threaten, or deceive them, or lose your patience and declare, "Because I say so." Try these fresh answers instead:

1. Because we'll both feel better when it's over.
2. Because I'm running out of ideas for getting you to put your socks on.
3. Because I'm bigger than you are.
4. Because I really need you to help me get out of the house on time.
5. Because I don't want the lady across the street to think I'm a bad mom.
6. Because you don't have a better offer yet.
7. Because you I don't feel like getting mad at you right now.
8. Because you don't want to give people who don't like kids more reasons to be right.
9. Because you are my best friend on earth.

CUTE NAMES TO CALL YOUR KID: Kids are so cute, we sometimes say, "I love you so much, I could just eat you right up!" Need more inspiration for putting your love into words? Then in addition to the nicknames you already call your little one, try these sweet and silly terms of endearment. They will establish a delicious bond of affection between you and your child, bringing you even closer.

1. Angle Cake
2. Pumpkin
3. Gumdrop
4. Sweetie Pie
5. Dumplin'
6. Cupcake
7. Peanut
8. Honey Bun
9. Sugarplum
10. Sweet Pea
11. Muffin
12. Butter Bean

From the Art of Expecting by Veronique Vienne.

Beethoven hair study suggests lead poisoning

By Martha Irvine (Associated Press writer)
(Article appeared in The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La., Wednesday, October 18, 2000)

ARGONNE, Ill. – An analysis of a lock of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggests lead poisoning could explain the erratic genius' lifelong ailments, his strange behavior, his death, maybe even his deafness. 

The four-year analysis of the hair – apparently snipped after the composer's death at age 56 in 1827 – has turned up a concentration of lead 100 times the levels commonly found in people today, according to researchers at the Health Research Institute in suburban Chicago, where the hair was tested.

That means it is all but certain that the composer suffered from lead poisoning, also known as plumbism, the researchers said.

"It was a surprise, but it stood out like a sore thumb in the analysis," said William Walks, director of the institute's Beethoven research project.

Scientists initially were searching for mercury, a common treatment for syphilis in Beethoven's day. The absence of mercury supports the recent consensus of scholars who believe Beethoven did not have syphilis.

On the net: Center for Beethoven Studies http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/beethoven/

80 Creative Dating Ideas

Lately, I’ve been looking for different date ideas for my hunny and I to enjoy together. We’re working on our 15th wedding anniversary this year!!! So, I hunted up some ideas and decided to post them here for your reading … and dating… enjoyment.  Oh, and there's a few links to Baton Rouge places.

1. Sketch your dream-house floor plan and talk about the possibilities for each room.

2. Write the story of how you met. Get it printed and bound.

3. List your spouse’s best qualities in alphabetical order.

4. Tour a museum or an art gallery.

• LSU Museum of Art

5. Notice the little changes your spouse makes in his/her appearance.

6. Float on a raft together.

• Baton Rouge Recreation Boat and Canoe Rentals

7. Take a stroll around the block – and hold hands as you walk.

8. Stock the cupboards with food your spouse loves to eat. (But ONLY if he or she ISN’T on a diet.)

9. Give your spouse a back rub.

10. Rent a classic love-story video (or go out to a movie) and watch it while cuddling.

•  Movie Date ideas (these are really cool!)

11. Build a fire in the fireplace, turn out the lights and talk.

12. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride.

13. Go swimming in the middle of the night.

14. Write a poem for your spouse.

15. Remember to look into your spouse’s eyes as he/she tells you about the day.

16. Tell your spouse, “I’m glad I married you!”

17. Hug your spouse from behind and give him/her a kiss on the back of the neck.

18. Stop in the middle of your busy day and talk to your spouse for 15 minutes.

19. Create your own special holiday.

20. Do something your spouse loves to do, even though It doesn’t interest you personally.

21. Send your spouse a love letter.

22. Build a snowman together.

23. Watch the sunset together.

• 
  

24. Sit on the same side of a restaurant booth.

25. Picnic by a pond.

•  

26. Give your mate a foot massage.

27. Put together a puzzle on a rainy evening.

28. Take a moonlight canoe ride.

•  

29. Tell your spouse, “I’d rather be here with you than any place in the world.”

30. Whisper something romantic to your spouse in a crowded room.

31. Have a candlelight picnic in the backyard.

32. Perfume the bed sheets.

33. Serve breakfast in bed.

34. Reminisce through old photo albums.

35. Go away for the weekend.

36. Share a milk shake with two straws.

•  

37. Kiss in the rain.

38. Brush his/her hair.

39. Ride the merry-go-round together.

40. Dedicate a song to her/him over the radio.

41. Wink and smile at your spouse from across the room.

42. Have a hot bubble bath ready for him/her at the end of a long day.

43. Buy new satin sheets.

44. Tenderly touch your spouse as you pass one another around the house.

45. Reminisce about your first date.

46. Plant a tree together in honor of your marriage.

47. Go kite flying.

48. Attend a sporting event you’ve never been to together.

49. Take time to think about him/her during the day, then share those thoughts.

50. Drop everything and do something for the one you love.

51. Dinner on the beach.

52. Eat in a jail cell – preferably not because you HAVE TO!

53. Progressive dinner – have a 7 course meal, but each course is in a different room, or house.

54. Paint balling

55. Go on a scavenger or Treasure hunt throughout town (I think this is now called Geocaching!)

56. Watch movies blind folded.

57. Go rock climbing.

58. Go fishing.

59. Set up a table and eat in the bed of a truck.

60. Eat on top of a bridge.

61. Go to a driving range.

62. Go “House Hunting” and check out all of the open houses – pretend that you are looking for a house.

63. Go hiking.

64. Go to the zoo.

65. Go Christmas Caroling – in August.

66. Do charity work together.

67. Go to Chuck E. Cheese.

68. Go mini golfing.

69. Have a picnic on top of a roof. Check out the stars while you are up there.

70. Feed the ducks or pigeons (depending on where you live).

71. Get 2 disposable cameras and take pictures all over town, then get them developed and make a mini scrapbook of your date.

72. Go to a video store. Walk in blindfolded and randomly choose a video off the shelf. Watch it.

73. Go out for ice cream.

74. Go get old fashion pictures taken.

75. Go to a fair or amusement park.

76. Go target or skeet shooting.

77. Dress up in Black-tie attire. Have dinner at McDonalds and go to a movie.

78. Get on a chat line together.

79. Get a tattoo together.

80. Make dinner together and eat it.

Hey - These are ONLY 80 ideas!  If you have any to add, please feel free to make a comment!  I LOVE Comments!

13 Rainy Day Ideas by Katrina Cassell*

How to stay sane and keep your kids amused when the weather locks you in.

(This is an article I clipped from Parentlife, March 1999 issue.)

1. ICE SCULPTURE
   

You need: Ice frozen in a half gallon milk carton, screw driver, small hammer.

To Do: Peel the carton from around the ice. Allow older children to create an ice sculpture by chiseling the ice with the screwdriver and hammer.

 

1. GEO BOARD
   

You need: A smooth, 12-inch square board about one-inch thick, sixty-four 1 ½" screws, screw driver, rubber bands of different colors and sizes.

To Do: Place screws equal distance in eight rows of eight and screw into the board, leaving a half-inch protruding above the board. Let your child put the rubber bands around the screws in various combinations. Create squares, triangles, or colorful designs.

 

1. SCAVENGER HUNT
   

You need: A large bag for each child, a timer or watch, a list of items found in the house.

To Do: Tape the list on the refrigerator door. Give each child a large bag. Tell the children to look for the listed items and to place the items in their bags. The children can work as a tem, or the children can compete against each other. Set the timer, or use the watch to see how long it takes each child to find the items on the lsit, or set a limit as to how much time will be allowed to gather the items.

1. PAPER CHAINS
   

You need: Construction paper, scissors, glue.

To Do: Have your child cut long strips of colored paper about an inch wide. Form a circle with one piece and glue (or staple). Loop another piece through the circle and glue. If you have more than one child, let each child make a short chain of his own and then connect all the short chains. Hang the chain somewhere to remind the children of what they can do when they work together.

1. BALANCE BEAM
   

You need: Masking tape

To do: Put a strip of masking tape on the floor to represent a balance beam. Let your child walk on the beam. Suggest ideas: Be a tight rope walker, walk forward, walk backward, and so on.

Variations: Play follow the leader. Have your child imitate you, and then let him be the leader. Play music and have your child walk the beam in time to the music. Have him march, move very slowly, and so on. Suggest animals your child can imitate.

1. GREETING CARD BOOKS
   

You need: Four or five used greeting cards, yarn, paper punch.

To Do: Have your child carefully remove the backs of his cards so he has only the picture. Punch holes along the side of each card. Then let your child tie his cards together to make a book. Your child may want to deliver completed books to church members in a nursing home or to give the books to parents or grandparents on special occasions.

 

1. TEXTURE RUBBINGS
   

You need: Heavy-weight white paper; crayons with paper removed; small items such as a comb, leaf, coin, key, paper clip.

To Do: "Hide" one or two items under a piece of paper. Have your child rub over the paper with a crayon until he can identify the objects under the paper. Repeat with other objects. Allow your child to arrange as many objects as he wants under a piece of paper and make a crayon rubbing collage. Experiment with objects of different textures.

 

1. COLORFUL BUBBLE PICTURES
   

You need: Bubble solution and wands, tempera paint, small bowls, paper, paint shirt.

To Do: Pour a small amount of bubble solution in a bowl. Add a few drops of tempera paint and stir. Let your child blow a bubble so that it pops on his paper and leaves a splatter of color. Repeat using different colors until your child has a colorful splatter picture.

 

1. BEAN BAG FUN
   

You need: Old socks, uncooked beans, laundry basket, or waste basket.

To Do: Fill old socks with beans and tie then end shut. Form a line about six feet from the basket. Let your child have a turn tossing the bean bags at the basket. If he hits the basket, move it back. If he misses, move it closer. You may have to demonstrate how to toss a bean bag underhand rather than throw it overhand.

 

1. BALLOON VOLLEYBALL
   

You need: Round balloons.

To Do: Blow up several balloons and tie. Toss them up in the air. Have you children bat at the balloons to keep them in the air. Use one or two balloons for one child and three or four balloons for more children. Pick up any popped balloons as they are a choking hazard.

Variation: Stretch a string across the room and try to hit the balloon back and forth over the string.

 

1. HOMEMADE GREETING CARDS
   

You need: Colored or white paper, scraps of material, felt, pipe cleaners, buttons, glitter.

To Do: Fold the paper in half. Let your child design the front of his card using whatever supplies he desires. Write a message to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others on the inside. These can become cherished keepsakes.

 

1. MINIATURE VILLAGE
   

You need: Colored tape or chalk, small cars, and trucks.

To Do: Design roadways with colored tape or chalk on the basement or kitchen floor. Let your child help draw bridges, curves, and intersections. Drive the toy cars.

 

1. PAINT BLOBS
   

You need: Paint shirt, heavy paper, finger, or tempera paint, crayons.

To Do: Have your child fold a sheet of paper in half, crease, then unfold. Drop a few drops of paint on one side of the paper. Refold the paper so the paint smears. Unfold the paper and look at all the patterns. Try to find shapes and "pictures". Use crayons to make the blobs into a picture.

 

*Katrina Cassel is a freelance writer, wife, and mother. She lives in England.

 

Divorce Decluttering

It's been a while since I've posted regularly.  I guess it really doesn't matter anymore since I don't have THAT many readers.  I just post to keep up with myself.  Sometimes.

So, today, I got in a mood to start some decluttering.  I went through my filing cabinet and weeded out a whooooooollle bunch of stuff.  Then I placed my hand on a thick folder labled "Legal Papers".  In truth, it was everything related to my divorce saga from waaay back when.  The divorce decree, the custody agreement, the child support papers, etc.  Well, it dawned on me that the youngest child from that union is now 18 years old.  Therefore, I really didn't need that stuff anymore.  There were also lots of notes, tape recordings, and other junk that I never wanted him to see or hear. 

So, I did something today.  I decluttered.  I took that entire folder out to my fire pit in the back yard and burned it ... one page at a time .... to make sure that my son would NEVER lay eyes on that stuff.  As I placed each page on the flame, I glanced over it, remembering all the heartache and turmoil from that time in my life.  It hurt to rehash it, but burning it was also healing.  It's the past.  It's done.  All has been forgiven. 

My ex husband has grown up.  I have grown up.  It's refreshing to close that chapter of my life.

My life as a 3 Ring circus

Since ya'll haven't heard anything from me in quite a while, I'll try to fill you in on what's been going on here.  But first, grab a cup of tea, sit down, and hang on tight!

 

Child #1 has got a job now and loves it.  She's working as a telemarketer.  I keep her child while she works (and when she's not working).  Since she has no transportation yet, I take her to work most days and my Mom picks her up, most days. 

 

We'll start this particular "saga" with last Tuesday, Jan, 31 - on which day several things were going on. 

 

At 4 p.m., I was rudely awoken from a nap by a phone call from Dahlin', yelling at me to "Call the Fire Departmen!!  Quick!".  Thinking at first that it was a bad joke, I started to go back to sleep.  But then, curiosity got the best of me and I got up, phoning 911 while pulling on my jeans and stumbling out the front door of the house.  While still on the phone, I see the dead brush and acreage between my place and my dad's place was aflame.  It seems that my Dahlin' had been busy in the garden area and lit it up to burn off the dead stuff.  Well, right about that time, along comes a big gust of wind and the cute little flames got away from him and began devouring all the unkempt stuff next door.  All of this was going on about 1/2 an acre or less from my house!!!  BTW, it took the fire dept 25 minutes to get here and when they did arrive, my dad, Dahlin', and Child #2 all had everything under control.  Alas, a tragedy averted.

 

At 5 p.m., we received the phone call we'd been waiting for and dreading.  My ex-mother in law had not been doing well for quite some time.  She had suffered for months from pulmonary fibrosis.  She was 82 (or 83?).  This call told us that she had passed away.  Child #1, Child #2, and I actually had planned to visit her on Wednesday afternoon.  She was too tired to wait.  She was Grandma to my older 2 children.

 

At 7 p.m., Child #2 endured his Eagle Board of Review.  It took more than an hour!!!  But they told him Congrats he'd made it.

 

On Wednesday, we did our usual Wednesday night church stuff.

 

On Thursday, I took Child #1 to work and returned home (66 miles RT).  Then I did what I always do on Thursdays.  As soon as my girls (Child #3 & #4) hit the door, things get a bit chaotic.  Before they arrive, I gather up my laundry (my dryer died a while back) and make them a snack which sits on the counter waiting for them.  As soon as they walk in, that's the first thing they look for.  Then, it's "Get changed!" while I toss their leotards and tights at them.  Child #3 wears some sort of little skirt or pants over hers because HER first stop is at piano lessons.  At 4, we're out the door and off. 

 

At 5, they both have places to be.  So, I drop Child #3 at her piano lesson and speed off for #4's dance lesson, which is also at 5.  Once I drop HER off, I drive around the corner to the laundromat and toss my laundry into the washers.  That runs for about 30 minutes but I don't have time to toss it in the dryer yet.  So, I leave it while I run back to get #3 at her now finished piano lesson.  By this time, #4's dance class is out, so she just hangs out with her teacher till I get back to pick her up.  Then it's back to the laundry around the corner to toss the laundry into the dryers and back around the corner to drop #3 at HER dance class.  Then back to the laundry to finish up and head home with hopes of arriving by 8:30.

Friday, Feb 3, was ex-Mother in law's funeral.  #1, her child, and #2 attended the services with their Dad who had come in from out of town.  I also attended in the capacity of musician to accompany my music minister who sang a couple of songs. 

 

Saturday, I transported #1 to work and headed back to the laundry to wash another load or two.  Between loads, I received a phone call from #2.  He had been with his best friend and his girl friend.  He was calling to tell me they had crashed.  He was so calm about it that I literally thought he and his friend had arrived at his friend's house where they "crashed".  He then had to explain to me that they had experienced a one car incident that left them in a water filled ditch on a rural road.  I sent Dahlin' to pick him up.  About an hour later, Dahlin' calls me to tell me about the wreck.  #2 had left out the part about the car flipping 3 times and landing upside down in the water!!!  Fortunately, he was alive to tell me all about it later. 

 

On Sunday, we had church, which for our family usually involves about 7 hours.

 

Monday, I took #1 to work then went to Walmart to buy my girls some new sneakers.  While there I bought some for me, too, with intentions to restart the Couch to 5 K program the next morning.

 

Tuesday, I woke up feeling icky and fluish.  I blame it on the shoe purchase the day before.  I took grandchild to #1 at 8:30 a.m., then went to play piano for a Sr. Adult choir practice.  Then at 11:30, I took #1 to work and took grandchild to the doctor due to congestion and green goo coming from the nose.  He wasn't running any fever so I had no reason to suspect anything.  As a result of that visit, poor little grandchild was dx'd with a double ear infection.  I ended up not leaving there until late afternoon .. about 3.  Went to pick up his antibiotic at Walmart which took an hour!!!  While at Walmart, I ran into a family cousin and chatted with her for a bit.  Then, I went to my mom's, changed Grandchild, fed him dinner, gave him his first dose of antibiotic and left to come home.  Arrived at home right at 5:15, gathered up my girls, and hit the road again for a girl scout meeting.  Finally got home at 8, put everyone to bed, and hit the hay myself.

 

Wednesday, #4 had a dentist appointment to have her upper baby eye teeth pulled.  The dentist said they don't normally come out until 8 or 9 years old, but #4 is only 6.  However, her permanent teeth were trying to come in and there isn't any room for them.  So, we made some room for the newbies.  I spent the rest of the day pampering her before we had our usual Wednesday night activities.  By this time, she was raring to get to church as they were having Valentines festivities for the kiddos that she had been looking forward to.  When we got home, I helped #3 with her George Washington Carver biography report rough draft.  Then put them all to bed.

 

Thursday, I took #1 to work and returned home.  #2 came home from school and excitedly informed me that he had pulled an inch long piece of glass from what looked like a scratch on his leg as a result of the car accident nearly a week ago.  I paused a moment, looked at him, considered taking him in for a tetanus shot but dismissed the thought. I told him instead just to keep it clean and watch for signs of infection.  Then I proceeded to embark on the Thursday Crazy Run.  Gather stuff, Get Snacks, and hit the road running. - Dropped #3 for her piano lesson, Drop #4 at dance, hit the laundromat, back to get #3, then get #4, back to the laundry, then dance for #3, back to the laundry, pick up #3, Head home, help #3with her Science poster project on sources of Light, Heat, and Sound.  Then bed.

 

Friday -  I took #1 to work, called the doc on the way regarding a tetanus shot for #2.  Thankfully, he had his last one in 2006 and they're good for 10 years.  Then I went grocery shopping and home.  Waited patiently for my girls.  They had a big night planned.  It was their first Daddy Daughter Dance!!!  I laid out every dress they had so they could pick their favorite.  Then I had to work on hair.  I had planned to do some fancy updo's but they chose to wear it down.  I was a tad disappointed that they didn't want updo's but it was much easier to leave it down!  I picked out Dahlin's outfit and ironed it.  He did the rest himself.  

 

Before he got dressed, He had cooked up 3 gallons of seafood gumbo!!  Then they were gone, #3 was off at a school basketball game, leaving me, grandson, and Buddy the beagle home all alone.  I was so happy to have the TV remote to myself for a change!

 

Well, there ya have it.  My life, a.k.a. the 3 ring circus, for the past week and a half.   Tomorrow morning, I'll drive the gang down to my sister's to collect Neice, who will be staying with me this week while Sister and BIL are cruising around Mexico.  Once I get Niece, we're off to Lowe's so all three girls can hammer to their hearts content as they build a little Valentine Card maker center (sort of a lap desk?).  I have nothing else "planned" for tomorrow, but ya never know what'll happen over here!!! 

 

Well, I hope you've enjoyed a glimpse into what is going on here.  BTW,I'm currently accepting donations for a much needed vacation.  :D  However, I'm sorry to say that I don't think the donations are tax deductible.