One of my co-workers brought warm pumpkin muffins to an in-service earlier this year. I was hooked. I started making them for the family every few weeks. Now, we pretty much eat them weekly. And when we run out, Joshua immediately asks me to go to the grocery store so I can make more. I figure they are somewhat good for you with pumpkin in them. :) (By the way, I stock up on pumpkin any chance I get...there was a shortage earlier this year and likely will be another one next year). Anyway, I had a request for the recipe...here it is. Simple, but yummy!
Ingredients:
1 small can of pumpkin
1 bag of cinnamon chips (made by Nestle I think...around here I can only get them at Harps, and I am not just saying that due to family connections...if you go to the Nestle website and put in your zip code, it will actually tell you where to find them. If you cannot, then I have heard chocolate chips or butterscotch are good substitutes.)
1 spice cake mix
Mix the three ingredients together. Nope, no water, oil, etc. needed. Just those ingredients. It is really thick and gets difficult to stir, but keep at it. I figure I am building up my arm muscles anyway.
Fill muffin tins, even with tin. A couple of things I have learned. Using cupcake liners is a LIFESAVER. Helps so much during clean up time. If you don't use them, spray well. They are sticky. The other trick I recently discovered...I am now using a cookie scoop. You know the thing that you push on with your thumb and it pushes the dough out of the scoop? Well, that thing is amazing. When I used to try to fill the tins with a regular spoon, I had to scrape because as I said, it is really sticky. I can whip those things out in no time with the cookie scoop. And I use it for the muffins way more than I do for cookies. I can easily make 12 large muffins and 12 or so minimuffins with the recipe. It makes a lot.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
You can also add raisins, nuts, etc. And some friends have even added a glaze. However, for us, the three ingredients is ALL we need. Yum, yum, yum. (Oh, and if you have any left over, just warm in microwave the next day...good as new!)
Enjoy!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Home Again, Home Again...
No church for us today. The streets are still covered with snow and ice. I do not see how we will have school tomorrow unless we have a sudden heat wave...in the next few hours. :)
Katie O, you asked about "reasonable rates" for a beach vacation. One of the few things I have learned in planning beach trips is that you can spend about as much or as little as you want. If you are willing to stay in a place not on the beach, you pay less. And if you aren't nearly as paranoid about sounds as I am (as in us making too much noise), you can get a condo most of the time for MUCH cheaper then townhouses or houses. During the summer, almost all rentals on the beach are weekly. However, if you have the flexibility to travel at different times, most of the rates are cheaper right before June or after mid-August. Unfortunately, our prime travel time with school and all is right during the highest peak in prices. (same with Disney World) The townhouses I mentioned in my last post were even as cheap as 1000 or so for the week. They are "beach view" but from what I can tell from the pictures, they really have a decent view of the gulf and are still pretty close. (Just for the record, to be more economical, I told Mark we could stay in one of those...he went ahead with the one that is directly on the beach) Oh, and obviously some beaches are cheaper than others. There are so many beach areas on the Gulf. Some are really pricey, others a bit cheaper. You really just have to google and see which are which. I would also recommend rentalo. I don't think we have ever actually gotten a rental through rentalo but it is a good place to start. You type what you are looking for and soon you will have offers from people (condos, houses, etc) that meet your requirements. It is a good starting point. Plus I always check out the major realty places in the area...most handle rentals. In our house, I usually do the legwork, spending a day or so searching rentals and bookmarking the most promising, then Mark makes the final call. Anyway, you can also go cheaper if you have a camper...there are some awesome campsites on the beach. With food, we usually like to eat out once a day (it is a vacation after all, plus the seafood is...delicious!), but we always stop by the store and pick up groceries for the other meals. And obviously to save money, you can eat at home the whole time. Most rentals will have a full kitchen. Hope that helps!
We had home church today because our church was canceled due to the ice/snow. Our church parking lot is a bit...hilly. I honestly have no desire to get out on the roads at all. They don't look like fun to me. I am just not a Northern girl at heart.
Anyway, our home church never goes like I think it will. In my mind, it will be this sweet moment of praise and worship. And we do have those. But they are mixed with a lot of other moments. For one thing, there is no nursery to take Child 4to. And he takes full advantage of that. He gets into as much as he can while we have "church". Today we used some music off the i-Touches to sing with. Oh my, have I mentioned how very musically challenged we are as a family? It hurt to listen to. It truly did. I can only hope that God's ears have a special filter and that it sounded charming to Him! Overall, though, it was a special time of worship. I enjoy those times.
The two big kids have been outside as much as possible. They cannot get enough of sledding. A big thanks to our neighbors across the street for letting them sled (we have no hills really at our house). I really need to consider a trip to Colorado for them one day (as long as it doesn't interfere with the beach of course :); I know their daddy is always ready to go.
I think, maybe, just maybe, the kids are growing up a bit. Maybe. Today they were all up around 8:30 which is pretty late for us. (It sure was a treat though) It used to be that as soon as they were up they were asking for food. Today I got up, made pumpkin muffins, and didn't hear one complaint about hunger until the muffins were ready to come out of the oven. That includes the little guy who used to think he was starving...all of the time. It kind of gives me hope for the future.
Yesterday we were on such an organization kick. Today not so much. I have a lot to do before next Sunday though! (We are hosting our Bible Fellowship's Super Bowl party...finally getting a chance to showcase our Panasonic suite of goodies! Anyone is welcome to join us. :)
Recently I have started getting "spam" comments on here. I get all excited when I see that there is a comment then open it to find it is from someone I don't even know trying to get people to visit their sites (which I don't recommend). I have seen an increase in recent weeks...not sure why. Part of me thinks I should feel flattered (haha) but most of me is just annoyed. I am trying really hard to not go to word verification because they frustrate me to no end. (They are always so hard to read, letters all jammed together) For now, I am just deleting the comments as they come and hoping for the best. Spammers, spammers, go away!
I am not sure how my weigh in will go on Wednesday (if we are even in school then). I have been eating fairly regularly and normally (rather than lighter like I should). But I have also been exercising a bunch. Wii Active was almost too much for me today. One thing I have learned as I get older is that my knees are not as young as they used to be. Lunges and squats are tough on them!
One funny thing about Wii Active... I used to do my exercising after the kids were in bed. In a lot of ways it was easier. Okay, still is. But for one thing, I have more energy when I first get home rather than late at night when I am just ready to crash. So I have been doing my workouts shortly after we get home which means I typically have an audience. It is funny to watch and listen to my kids. It is like having cheerleaders around me. "Come on, Mom, you can do it!" (when I am moaning about another set of lunges which I despise) Today I pulled my hair back. You would have thought I had changed the color of my skin. They were in awe and amazement that I had a ponytail! And when I have to run (which is every stinking time), they are usually jogging around the living room with me.
I hope my hubby has a plan for dinner. I don't! I really have been doing better about cooking. (For one thing, I have to...Wii Active asks me how many fast food meals I had the previous day!) Last night I made shrimp cooked in teriyaki sauce. I thought they were divine. Unfortunately Child 2 was the only other one who seemed to enjoy them. Today I have no inspiration. Only hunger for things I shouldn't eat.
Sometimes I feel like the Seinfeld of bloggers...blogging about a whole lot of nothing. Sadly that is my train of thought most of the time. :)
Okay next blog I promise to share substance. Seriously. I have been reading a book called "Gender Matters". It is fascinating. I am reading it for school but am finding it applies just as well at my house!
Reba
Katie O, you asked about "reasonable rates" for a beach vacation. One of the few things I have learned in planning beach trips is that you can spend about as much or as little as you want. If you are willing to stay in a place not on the beach, you pay less. And if you aren't nearly as paranoid about sounds as I am (as in us making too much noise), you can get a condo most of the time for MUCH cheaper then townhouses or houses. During the summer, almost all rentals on the beach are weekly. However, if you have the flexibility to travel at different times, most of the rates are cheaper right before June or after mid-August. Unfortunately, our prime travel time with school and all is right during the highest peak in prices. (same with Disney World) The townhouses I mentioned in my last post were even as cheap as 1000 or so for the week. They are "beach view" but from what I can tell from the pictures, they really have a decent view of the gulf and are still pretty close. (Just for the record, to be more economical, I told Mark we could stay in one of those...he went ahead with the one that is directly on the beach) Oh, and obviously some beaches are cheaper than others. There are so many beach areas on the Gulf. Some are really pricey, others a bit cheaper. You really just have to google and see which are which. I would also recommend rentalo. I don't think we have ever actually gotten a rental through rentalo but it is a good place to start. You type what you are looking for and soon you will have offers from people (condos, houses, etc) that meet your requirements. It is a good starting point. Plus I always check out the major realty places in the area...most handle rentals. In our house, I usually do the legwork, spending a day or so searching rentals and bookmarking the most promising, then Mark makes the final call. Anyway, you can also go cheaper if you have a camper...there are some awesome campsites on the beach. With food, we usually like to eat out once a day (it is a vacation after all, plus the seafood is...delicious!), but we always stop by the store and pick up groceries for the other meals. And obviously to save money, you can eat at home the whole time. Most rentals will have a full kitchen. Hope that helps!
We had home church today because our church was canceled due to the ice/snow. Our church parking lot is a bit...hilly. I honestly have no desire to get out on the roads at all. They don't look like fun to me. I am just not a Northern girl at heart.
Anyway, our home church never goes like I think it will. In my mind, it will be this sweet moment of praise and worship. And we do have those. But they are mixed with a lot of other moments. For one thing, there is no nursery to take Child 4to. And he takes full advantage of that. He gets into as much as he can while we have "church". Today we used some music off the i-Touches to sing with. Oh my, have I mentioned how very musically challenged we are as a family? It hurt to listen to. It truly did. I can only hope that God's ears have a special filter and that it sounded charming to Him! Overall, though, it was a special time of worship. I enjoy those times.
The two big kids have been outside as much as possible. They cannot get enough of sledding. A big thanks to our neighbors across the street for letting them sled (we have no hills really at our house). I really need to consider a trip to Colorado for them one day (as long as it doesn't interfere with the beach of course :); I know their daddy is always ready to go.
I think, maybe, just maybe, the kids are growing up a bit. Maybe. Today they were all up around 8:30 which is pretty late for us. (It sure was a treat though) It used to be that as soon as they were up they were asking for food. Today I got up, made pumpkin muffins, and didn't hear one complaint about hunger until the muffins were ready to come out of the oven. That includes the little guy who used to think he was starving...all of the time. It kind of gives me hope for the future.
Yesterday we were on such an organization kick. Today not so much. I have a lot to do before next Sunday though! (We are hosting our Bible Fellowship's Super Bowl party...finally getting a chance to showcase our Panasonic suite of goodies! Anyone is welcome to join us. :)
Recently I have started getting "spam" comments on here. I get all excited when I see that there is a comment then open it to find it is from someone I don't even know trying to get people to visit their sites (which I don't recommend). I have seen an increase in recent weeks...not sure why. Part of me thinks I should feel flattered (haha) but most of me is just annoyed. I am trying really hard to not go to word verification because they frustrate me to no end. (They are always so hard to read, letters all jammed together) For now, I am just deleting the comments as they come and hoping for the best. Spammers, spammers, go away!
I am not sure how my weigh in will go on Wednesday (if we are even in school then). I have been eating fairly regularly and normally (rather than lighter like I should). But I have also been exercising a bunch. Wii Active was almost too much for me today. One thing I have learned as I get older is that my knees are not as young as they used to be. Lunges and squats are tough on them!
One funny thing about Wii Active... I used to do my exercising after the kids were in bed. In a lot of ways it was easier. Okay, still is. But for one thing, I have more energy when I first get home rather than late at night when I am just ready to crash. So I have been doing my workouts shortly after we get home which means I typically have an audience. It is funny to watch and listen to my kids. It is like having cheerleaders around me. "Come on, Mom, you can do it!" (when I am moaning about another set of lunges which I despise) Today I pulled my hair back. You would have thought I had changed the color of my skin. They were in awe and amazement that I had a ponytail! And when I have to run (which is every stinking time), they are usually jogging around the living room with me.
I hope my hubby has a plan for dinner. I don't! I really have been doing better about cooking. (For one thing, I have to...Wii Active asks me how many fast food meals I had the previous day!) Last night I made shrimp cooked in teriyaki sauce. I thought they were divine. Unfortunately Child 2 was the only other one who seemed to enjoy them. Today I have no inspiration. Only hunger for things I shouldn't eat.
Sometimes I feel like the Seinfeld of bloggers...blogging about a whole lot of nothing. Sadly that is my train of thought most of the time. :)
Okay next blog I promise to share substance. Seriously. I have been reading a book called "Gender Matters". It is fascinating. I am reading it for school but am finding it applies just as well at my house!
Reba
Saturday, January 30, 2010
All Roads Lead...
to the Beach...
For Christmas, one of my favorite gifts was a shirt with this saying. I had seen it in a magazine or something and had fallen in love with it. I am already ready for warmer weather just so I can wear it! (I did get to wear it while in Florida over the Christmas break)
Anyway, I didn't grow up going to the beach. We did take trips to Disney World sometimes, and when we did, we usually stopped by the beach. And I did spend some time playing on the sand dunes of Lake Michigan when we visited our grandparents in the summer. But otherwise, I had little beach experience other than occasionally watching a movie...like Beaches. :)
In college, one spring break I did do a beach reach with a trip to Hilton Head island. Yes, we actually did mission work AT the beach. I remember enjoying the trip; I actually have more vivid memories of that trip than a lot of others. It was fun, but I don't remember my heart just being sold out...yet.
When our big kids were young, Mark took a business trip to Destin. I have no idea why they had lighting meetings in Destin, but he went anyway. I remember him calling and saying, "You have got to see the beach here, Reba. It is beautiful. The sand is white. The water is so blue." So when our daughter was around one and our son was three and a half, we took a little trip to Destin. It was everything Mark promised and more. We didn't know much about beach rentals. For instance, "beach view" as listed on advertisements actually means you will be able to see the beach. It doesn't say that you might have to stand on the roof or see just a glimpse of it between the high rise condos that are between you and the beach. In our case, we failed to see "a short walk to the beach" as having to cross a fairly busy highway. We also didn't know at the time that those little umbrellas and chairs set up were there for use IF you were willing to pay to rent them! We learned a lot that trip. Some of my favorite memories: Child 2 eating sand. I have pictures of her little mouth just covered with sand. Swimming with the dolphins at a local aquarium. That was SO much fun. Mark and Child 1 taking a helicopter trip. Don't you know as a preschooler that was a big deal? And snorkeling...my first time to do it. I never knew that fish would go crazy over frozen peas! Anyway, it was fun.
We didn't go to the beach again until Child 3 was home. The first full summer she was with us we packed up and headed to Galveston. Yes, we always drive. We just cannot afford to fly. Mark doesn't particularly care for that part but it is a necessary evil. (Of course, he would fly two towns over I think if he could...he much prefers flying over driving) The good part is that often the rentals are weekly, and with the weekends in there, we have enough time to drive and still enjoy much of the week. Anyway, Child 3was three, Child 2 was six, and Child 1 was eight. We rented this beautiful little beach house...gulf front. We learned a few things about wording. :) It really was gulf front too. We walked out the door and walked down the steps and onto the sand. It had a huge deck where we could listen to the waves. We stood on that deck and watched a sand crab scuttle down a dune. Favorite memories? Child 3 in the water...her first time to see the ocean other than flying over it. Visiting NASA in Houston. And finding out that our youngest's DNA test was being done...we were in the midst of another adoption already. (I know, crazy, huh? :) My very favorite memory though is just our time together. I loved watching Mark and the big kids boogie board. Sitting out on the deck. Collecting seashells. That time together. It was then my heart was hooked. A year later, Hurricane Ike hit Galveston. I am pretty sure that beautiful little beach house we stayed in is gone. (It is no longer listed as a rental property anyway) My heart still aches. It wasn't as pretty of a beach as the Florida coast but it was beautiful and holds dear memories that I will forever cherish in my heart.
Two years ago, we decided to visit Gulf Shores, which is sometimes referred to as the Riviera of the South. This time, we decided to stay in a townhouse. While we loved the beach house, we realized that with children, having pool access was a pretty big deal. Yes, even when you are by the ocean! And that is what we did...we spent time in the ocean. And then the kids would spend some time in the pool. Favorite memories? Joshua's first time to see the ocean. Watching Child 3 jump in the water our first day there, fully clothes. Having our family portrait (several hanging in our living room) made on the beach. Visiting Dauphin Island by ferry. The zoo...little but with a lot of animals! A dolphin cruise. And food...lots of good food. Like Lulu's. Yum!
Last year we decided to return to Destin. This time we looked for those cue words "gulf front" (I don't have a lot of experience with other waters, but we LOVE gulf water...warm and fairly gentle). We found a wonderful townhouse on a quiet beach. We also took our first visitor...Our oldest's friend L. joined us for the week. Favorite memories? Walks on the beach. Crabbing. Visiting some friends at a nearby lake. Watching the kids build sand castles. Snorkeling with kids. Sitting with Mark on the deck overlooking the water. And seafood nachos at Elmo's...my mouth still waters when I think of them!
Needless to say, I am hooked. I don't know if it is the warmth. I have mentioned how much I prefer warm weather over the cold. Maybe it is the peace that comes from walking barefoot on the sand with the waves crashing at your feet. I feel closer to God there than most anywhere else. Of course, I also think it is the slower pace. There is no tug to go do chores around the house. I don't feel depressed looking at the unorganized piles that need to be dealt with. We get to truly just enjoy ourselves. (Oddly, we do laundry better on our vacations than at home...there is just something about doing it at our own leisure and listening to the waves crash around us...) And of course, lastly there is that time together. My heart feels like it will burst when I watch the kids run into the waves laughing. Or stretch out on the sand together. Or dance in the moonlight as we "hunt" for crabs. It is just one of my favorite memories, something I look forward to each year. (Not that it is all smiles...they still argue too. But for some reason, it doesn't bother me as much there :)
As usual, with snow swirling outside, my thoughts turned to the beach again. It happens this time of year...I start to think, "Hey, let's plan a trip!" I told Mark that for six months I am basking in the memories, then for the next six months I am in eager anticipation of our next trip :). I like to travel, which is kind of funny since I am such a homebody. I like to see new places, try new things. And my travel list is long. I want to go to New York City, the Grand Canyon, back to San Francisco, visit Hawaii, spend some time in Chicago, travel the East Coast. I have lots of places I long to see. And maybe one day I will. But for now, all we can afford (if that) is one "real" trip...and I choose the beach.
I had thought we were going to be traveling with some family this year. It just didn't work out which was crushing. I want so much to experience those beach times together...maybe one day we will. And unfortunately while I was waiting to find out if it would, the townhouse we stayed in Destin filled up the summer rentals. I was feeling a bit defeated. Then this week my thoughts kept going back to Gulf Shores. I had just assumed we would go back to Destin, and I hope we will next year. But Gulf Shores is a bit closer. Plus they have Lulu's. :) I started looking at Fort Morgan which is nearby but not quite as busy (I think). I spent much of yesterday checking out rental possibilities. I finally narrowed down to what I thought was a good option for us. And today, I watched Mark push "reserve" on a townhouse there, "gulf front" of course :).
So, now for the next six months, I am going to eagerly anticipate the time we will spend on the sand and in the sun...my rejuvenation for the year. (There are still some townhouse rentals available, some for very reasonable prices if you want to join us :)
After all, all roads lead to the beach!
Reba
For Christmas, one of my favorite gifts was a shirt with this saying. I had seen it in a magazine or something and had fallen in love with it. I am already ready for warmer weather just so I can wear it! (I did get to wear it while in Florida over the Christmas break)
Anyway, I didn't grow up going to the beach. We did take trips to Disney World sometimes, and when we did, we usually stopped by the beach. And I did spend some time playing on the sand dunes of Lake Michigan when we visited our grandparents in the summer. But otherwise, I had little beach experience other than occasionally watching a movie...like Beaches. :)
In college, one spring break I did do a beach reach with a trip to Hilton Head island. Yes, we actually did mission work AT the beach. I remember enjoying the trip; I actually have more vivid memories of that trip than a lot of others. It was fun, but I don't remember my heart just being sold out...yet.
When our big kids were young, Mark took a business trip to Destin. I have no idea why they had lighting meetings in Destin, but he went anyway. I remember him calling and saying, "You have got to see the beach here, Reba. It is beautiful. The sand is white. The water is so blue." So when our daughter was around one and our son was three and a half, we took a little trip to Destin. It was everything Mark promised and more. We didn't know much about beach rentals. For instance, "beach view" as listed on advertisements actually means you will be able to see the beach. It doesn't say that you might have to stand on the roof or see just a glimpse of it between the high rise condos that are between you and the beach. In our case, we failed to see "a short walk to the beach" as having to cross a fairly busy highway. We also didn't know at the time that those little umbrellas and chairs set up were there for use IF you were willing to pay to rent them! We learned a lot that trip. Some of my favorite memories: Child 2 eating sand. I have pictures of her little mouth just covered with sand. Swimming with the dolphins at a local aquarium. That was SO much fun. Mark and Child 1 taking a helicopter trip. Don't you know as a preschooler that was a big deal? And snorkeling...my first time to do it. I never knew that fish would go crazy over frozen peas! Anyway, it was fun.
We didn't go to the beach again until Child 3 was home. The first full summer she was with us we packed up and headed to Galveston. Yes, we always drive. We just cannot afford to fly. Mark doesn't particularly care for that part but it is a necessary evil. (Of course, he would fly two towns over I think if he could...he much prefers flying over driving) The good part is that often the rentals are weekly, and with the weekends in there, we have enough time to drive and still enjoy much of the week. Anyway, Child 3was three, Child 2 was six, and Child 1 was eight. We rented this beautiful little beach house...gulf front. We learned a few things about wording. :) It really was gulf front too. We walked out the door and walked down the steps and onto the sand. It had a huge deck where we could listen to the waves. We stood on that deck and watched a sand crab scuttle down a dune. Favorite memories? Child 3 in the water...her first time to see the ocean other than flying over it. Visiting NASA in Houston. And finding out that our youngest's DNA test was being done...we were in the midst of another adoption already. (I know, crazy, huh? :) My very favorite memory though is just our time together. I loved watching Mark and the big kids boogie board. Sitting out on the deck. Collecting seashells. That time together. It was then my heart was hooked. A year later, Hurricane Ike hit Galveston. I am pretty sure that beautiful little beach house we stayed in is gone. (It is no longer listed as a rental property anyway) My heart still aches. It wasn't as pretty of a beach as the Florida coast but it was beautiful and holds dear memories that I will forever cherish in my heart.
Two years ago, we decided to visit Gulf Shores, which is sometimes referred to as the Riviera of the South. This time, we decided to stay in a townhouse. While we loved the beach house, we realized that with children, having pool access was a pretty big deal. Yes, even when you are by the ocean! And that is what we did...we spent time in the ocean. And then the kids would spend some time in the pool. Favorite memories? Joshua's first time to see the ocean. Watching Child 3 jump in the water our first day there, fully clothes. Having our family portrait (several hanging in our living room) made on the beach. Visiting Dauphin Island by ferry. The zoo...little but with a lot of animals! A dolphin cruise. And food...lots of good food. Like Lulu's. Yum!
Last year we decided to return to Destin. This time we looked for those cue words "gulf front" (I don't have a lot of experience with other waters, but we LOVE gulf water...warm and fairly gentle). We found a wonderful townhouse on a quiet beach. We also took our first visitor...Our oldest's friend L. joined us for the week. Favorite memories? Walks on the beach. Crabbing. Visiting some friends at a nearby lake. Watching the kids build sand castles. Snorkeling with kids. Sitting with Mark on the deck overlooking the water. And seafood nachos at Elmo's...my mouth still waters when I think of them!
Needless to say, I am hooked. I don't know if it is the warmth. I have mentioned how much I prefer warm weather over the cold. Maybe it is the peace that comes from walking barefoot on the sand with the waves crashing at your feet. I feel closer to God there than most anywhere else. Of course, I also think it is the slower pace. There is no tug to go do chores around the house. I don't feel depressed looking at the unorganized piles that need to be dealt with. We get to truly just enjoy ourselves. (Oddly, we do laundry better on our vacations than at home...there is just something about doing it at our own leisure and listening to the waves crash around us...) And of course, lastly there is that time together. My heart feels like it will burst when I watch the kids run into the waves laughing. Or stretch out on the sand together. Or dance in the moonlight as we "hunt" for crabs. It is just one of my favorite memories, something I look forward to each year. (Not that it is all smiles...they still argue too. But for some reason, it doesn't bother me as much there :)
As usual, with snow swirling outside, my thoughts turned to the beach again. It happens this time of year...I start to think, "Hey, let's plan a trip!" I told Mark that for six months I am basking in the memories, then for the next six months I am in eager anticipation of our next trip :). I like to travel, which is kind of funny since I am such a homebody. I like to see new places, try new things. And my travel list is long. I want to go to New York City, the Grand Canyon, back to San Francisco, visit Hawaii, spend some time in Chicago, travel the East Coast. I have lots of places I long to see. And maybe one day I will. But for now, all we can afford (if that) is one "real" trip...and I choose the beach.
I had thought we were going to be traveling with some family this year. It just didn't work out which was crushing. I want so much to experience those beach times together...maybe one day we will. And unfortunately while I was waiting to find out if it would, the townhouse we stayed in Destin filled up the summer rentals. I was feeling a bit defeated. Then this week my thoughts kept going back to Gulf Shores. I had just assumed we would go back to Destin, and I hope we will next year. But Gulf Shores is a bit closer. Plus they have Lulu's. :) I started looking at Fort Morgan which is nearby but not quite as busy (I think). I spent much of yesterday checking out rental possibilities. I finally narrowed down to what I thought was a good option for us. And today, I watched Mark push "reserve" on a townhouse there, "gulf front" of course :).
So, now for the next six months, I am going to eagerly anticipate the time we will spend on the sand and in the sun...my rejuvenation for the year. (There are still some townhouse rentals available, some for very reasonable prices if you want to join us :)
After all, all roads lead to the beach!
Reba
Friday, January 29, 2010
Still holding on...
Our power, that is!
Unfortunately, the latest news (which is not from a news station but rather the updates on Facebook :) indicate that some power outages have occurred in our area. Ugh! Not again!
Oh, I am postponing my "special post" that I mentioned in my last post for a couple of weeks. I will explain more later. I am sure you were on the edge of your seat just waiting for it. :)
We have been hearing of a "winter storm" all week. All of this is on the anniversary week of the terrible ice storm we had last year (one that we as a community have not completely recovered from). The good news around here (or my little bit of hope) is that sometimes here in NWArkansas, we tend to overdramatize winter weather. I cannot tell you how many forecasts, actually...whole newscasts, I have seen dedicated to winter weather that just never happened. In fact, for a long time, if the forecasters (and I have nothing against them...I just think they have a tough job) declared winter weather was on its way, it was a guarantee that we would get NOTHING. Of course, since winter weather is not the norm around here, even if we get a half an inch, our area shuts down. We just aren't used to it nor really equipped for it.
Anyway, so yesterday all day at school, there was this buzz. The kids were giddy with anticipation. They told me all day, "We are having another ice storm, Mrs. Cloud!" My intern asked the kids to predict whether we would be getting snow this weekend. Only one student said "no". I even had kids asking me, "When is it going to start?" Apparently one of my teacher roles is forecaster. :) Anyway, we watched outside all day. I checked the radars all day. Before I even left school, I found out that all of the kids' afternoon/ evening activities (which includes gymnastics, swimming, and basketball) had been canceled. As soon as the day was over with, I left as teachers called, "See you Monday!"
When I picked up Child 4, it was starting to drizzle. It didn't seem like anything but rain. However it was pretty cool out. By the time we got home, the car and the ground were wet with bits of ice here and there. Last night we let the kids stay up, though part of me wondered if we had been blinded again by all of the hype. Apparently we hadn't. I went to sleep listening to ice pelt the windows. (By the way, I fell asleep at 9:30...a very rare occurrence for me!)
And now here I am today. School is canceled. (Thankful to know that before we went to bed last night...I love shutting that alarm off!) I think the ice has finally stopped and now a steady snow is falling. If we are going to have anything, I will take snow any day! Mark did go to work (I haven't found any weather that stops that man...not sure if he just really wants to work hard or escape us :). And the kids are enjoying electricity while we have it, getting Wii games in while they have the chance.
We are enjoying the lazy day.
Hope you are too!
Reba
Unfortunately, the latest news (which is not from a news station but rather the updates on Facebook :) indicate that some power outages have occurred in our area. Ugh! Not again!
Oh, I am postponing my "special post" that I mentioned in my last post for a couple of weeks. I will explain more later. I am sure you were on the edge of your seat just waiting for it. :)
We have been hearing of a "winter storm" all week. All of this is on the anniversary week of the terrible ice storm we had last year (one that we as a community have not completely recovered from). The good news around here (or my little bit of hope) is that sometimes here in NWArkansas, we tend to overdramatize winter weather. I cannot tell you how many forecasts, actually...whole newscasts, I have seen dedicated to winter weather that just never happened. In fact, for a long time, if the forecasters (and I have nothing against them...I just think they have a tough job) declared winter weather was on its way, it was a guarantee that we would get NOTHING. Of course, since winter weather is not the norm around here, even if we get a half an inch, our area shuts down. We just aren't used to it nor really equipped for it.
Anyway, so yesterday all day at school, there was this buzz. The kids were giddy with anticipation. They told me all day, "We are having another ice storm, Mrs. Cloud!" My intern asked the kids to predict whether we would be getting snow this weekend. Only one student said "no". I even had kids asking me, "When is it going to start?" Apparently one of my teacher roles is forecaster. :) Anyway, we watched outside all day. I checked the radars all day. Before I even left school, I found out that all of the kids' afternoon/ evening activities (which includes gymnastics, swimming, and basketball) had been canceled. As soon as the day was over with, I left as teachers called, "See you Monday!"
When I picked up Child 4, it was starting to drizzle. It didn't seem like anything but rain. However it was pretty cool out. By the time we got home, the car and the ground were wet with bits of ice here and there. Last night we let the kids stay up, though part of me wondered if we had been blinded again by all of the hype. Apparently we hadn't. I went to sleep listening to ice pelt the windows. (By the way, I fell asleep at 9:30...a very rare occurrence for me!)
And now here I am today. School is canceled. (Thankful to know that before we went to bed last night...I love shutting that alarm off!) I think the ice has finally stopped and now a steady snow is falling. If we are going to have anything, I will take snow any day! Mark did go to work (I haven't found any weather that stops that man...not sure if he just really wants to work hard or escape us :). And the kids are enjoying electricity while we have it, getting Wii games in while they have the chance.
We are enjoying the lazy day.
Hope you are too!
Reba
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Hopes of all hopes...
that the winter weather predicted for us for this weekend is not nearly as much or as bad as we have heard! This time last year we had the famous Icegate. Now they are using that "i" word again. And they are also using such dirty words as "power outages", "being prepared", etc. I cannot tell you how many posts on Facebook were about people stopping at the store on the way home and finding the shelves wiped out.
We are not totally naive. We realize that there is some storm making its way across the states. We will likely see something. And Mark did go ahead and run to the store for some "essentials", like milk and bread which we always need anyway. Child 2 was going to charge her Nintendo DS just to be prepared. And Child 1 has a flashlight ready (one of those that you crank up). So we are prepared physically. But mentally? Not!
I only have a few minutes, then I must prepare for the day. I wanted to type last night, but I collapsed out of exhaustion. I even missed exercising last night...I just didn't feel 100%. (and no, it wasn't because I felt discouraged from the weight I GAINED last week!) Now I am waking up with a big headache to start the day. Off to a good start. :)
I better do my gratitude journal before I sink back into a pity party like the other night :)...
More later...
There is something special about the next post...guess what it is?
Reba
We are not totally naive. We realize that there is some storm making its way across the states. We will likely see something. And Mark did go ahead and run to the store for some "essentials", like milk and bread which we always need anyway. Child 2 was going to charge her Nintendo DS just to be prepared. And Child 1 has a flashlight ready (one of those that you crank up). So we are prepared physically. But mentally? Not!
I only have a few minutes, then I must prepare for the day. I wanted to type last night, but I collapsed out of exhaustion. I even missed exercising last night...I just didn't feel 100%. (and no, it wasn't because I felt discouraged from the weight I GAINED last week!) Now I am waking up with a big headache to start the day. Off to a good start. :)
I better do my gratitude journal before I sink back into a pity party like the other night :)...
- The youngest is still walking into daycare happy! His first words when we pick him up? "I not cry, Mommy, I get to play my Leapster!"
- Heated seats in my van
- Friends at school who encourage me in my exercise and my diet
- my co-workers...even staying until after 6 for a meeting (making up one of our snow days/missed inservice) isn't too bad when you have co-workers to share with and learn from
- teachers who love my kids and have high expectations for them
More later...
There is something special about the next post...guess what it is?
Reba
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Terrible, No Good, Very Bad...
Okay, so it wasn't quite that bad. It was just a disappointing kind of day. a lot of little things that add up to a disappointed heart. First there was something at school that was a letdown. (I am not sure if it is the situation that is a letdown or the fact that nobody seems to want to help out) Then there were some grumpy children at my house. (Even after I made breakfast for dinner) Then I found out a family vacation I had been hoping for (more than I even realized) this summer (with extended family) will not happen after all. (I have been hoping for this for some time...guess I will hope for it some more) So I decided to go ahead and check out our own summer vacation (the beach, of course!). Well, while things were up in the air for us, apparently a lot of people figured out what they wanted to do. The place we stayed (and all of the other units there) are booked already. We were really happy there. Part of me just wants to throw up my hands and walk away, except the beach vacation is really one of the year's highlights for me. It is my chance to rejuvenate, awaken, and bask in His glory. Sigh. And my poor computer with no screen is still screenless...there are more delays with that too. Plus tomorrow is going to be a VERY long day.
Not a terrible day. Just not a fun one. A day of broken expectations and hopes and having to change my heart's plans...
Hoping for a better tomorrow.
Reba
Not a terrible day. Just not a fun one. A day of broken expectations and hopes and having to change my heart's plans...
Hoping for a better tomorrow.
Reba
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Falling Asleep at the Wheel...
Of my computer mouse. :) That was me last night. I was laying in bed, snug in my fuzzy robe, wrapped up in my electric throw, computer on my lap, dozing off. I would wake up for a few minutes, drowsily stare at the screen, then promptly fall back asleep. I don't know if it was my lack of sleep the night before. (There is that vicious cycle...I LOVE Sunday naps but then cannot sleep on Sunday nights, throwing my whole week off...) Or maybe it was my Wii Active workout which was more of a workout than I have done in a long time. It was squats and lunges day. Oh my. Have I ever admitted I was not an athlete in school? I do remember watching basketball players do things like "sit on the wall". Didn't understand the purpose of it then, and still don't now. :) The only good thing was that my kids were watching me while I did it. And they heard me say, "Oh, no, more squats?" Then they saw me do it anyway. And that is exactly what I want them to learn! It could just be the normal fatigue of being a mom, a teacher, a wife. I don't know. I just know that I could not stay awake. And I am not exactly hopping out of bed this morning!
Quick update: Mark's mom got her test results. The levels weren't as high as the doctor's originally thought. She has a follow up next week and surgery will be planned then. Of course, they won't know much more until surgery but it sounds like the doctors are feeling a lot more positive about everything.
Another quick update: I don't think I ever mentioned that by the end of last week, my friend Jill posted that her husband Jeremy's test results (follow up to colon cancer) came back benign! (He had had some polyps removed during his follow up tests that the doctors were concerned about) Such a praise!
Since I didn't get on yesterday, I didn't get to say..."Happy birthday, Bonnie!"
If I weren't running so late, I would post links above. But for now, I must go face the day.
More later,
Reba
Quick update: Mark's mom got her test results. The levels weren't as high as the doctor's originally thought. She has a follow up next week and surgery will be planned then. Of course, they won't know much more until surgery but it sounds like the doctors are feeling a lot more positive about everything.
Another quick update: I don't think I ever mentioned that by the end of last week, my friend Jill posted that her husband Jeremy's test results (follow up to colon cancer) came back benign! (He had had some polyps removed during his follow up tests that the doctors were concerned about) Such a praise!
Since I didn't get on yesterday, I didn't get to say..."Happy birthday, Bonnie!"
If I weren't running so late, I would post links above. But for now, I must go face the day.
More later,
Reba
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