What do you do to celebrate the New Year? Get together with family and or friends? Stay up much later than usual to watch the ball drop? Do you make resolutions and/or keep them?
You may do one or more of the above or you may do nothing. I like to reevaluate the year that we have completed and contemplate what the future holds. I don't necessarily make resolutions. Rather, I prefer to seek God and inquire what changes would benefit me and my family. Does that sound super spiritual to you? Really...it isn't. It's my life. Real life. That doesn't mean that I am able to seclude myself for a large part of January and just rest in His presence. Sounds lovely. Picture that for a moment...back to reality...I am a mom and wife and there are a lot of responsibilities that are mine on a daily basis. Responsibilities that He has blessed me with.
How is this (time with God) accomplished? I rest in the knowledge that He knows where I am at and meets me in that place. I take comfort in the fact that no matter what I am doing, I can talk to Him. There is no other relationship I have that is like this. It's special. And the best part is, no matter what I am doing, I can listen to Him. Conversing with God = prayer. Prayer in my life will not always look like this but in this season - for this period of time - it largely does.
This month at MIA, Sue Eichelberger will be joining us. She is a seasoned mom - one who has faced many storms and challenges. If you live locally, be sure to join us as she shares how she has learned to balance her call to prayer and intercession with the responsibilities of family.
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Union28
Remember back in February when I talked about my love for dark chocolate? The tees, not the sweets! If you don't, you can always check out that post but meanwhile, I have some news for you. Here's a hint:
Same Company, Same Products, Same Mission...NEW NAME!
Why UNION28? Let me break it down for you...
Union: Marriage is a sacred Union.
2: Marriage is an exclusive relationship between 2 - a husband and his wife.
8: ("forever") Marriage is marked by commitment and steadfastness.
That's not all...there is also a new website. New Name = New Website.
How do you access such fine attire? Click on the link or use the following url's: http://www.union28.net/, http://www.myhusbandrocks.net/, or http://mywiferocks.net/. And if you forget and go to the old site, it will bring you to the new one.
While you are there, you might want to check out the new design for the older boys and girls in your life. You know the ones that think they are too old to call you "mommy" or "daddy" anymore? That's okay. They can still let the world know that their "mom" or "dad" rocks with these great new tees.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Did Someone Say Dark Chocolate?
Simms and I have never gone crazy over Valentine's Day. I'd hypothesize that it's because our Anniversary (both when we started dating and when we got married) is in January and we've already celebrated how much we love each other. It kind of makes February 14th a day to say "oh yeah, by the way, just in case you've forgotten, I love you again!" Don't get me wrong - we still let each other know how much we love them but we've never established a tradition for Valentine's Day. Throughout the years cards have been given, a love note tucked in his lunch, e-cards sent online, dinner out or in but not cooked by me (now that's a huge gift!). You get the point. Last year I gave Simms a chocolate my wife rocks tee and myself a chocolate my husband rocks tee which can be purchased at from*me tees. He loved it and wears it often. I liked that I was giving him chocolate without the calories!!!
For our anniversary this year, we treated ourselves to the two shall become one tees - his and hers.
For our anniversary this year, we treated ourselves to the two shall become one tees - his and hers.
Since we did that a couple of weeks ago, I didn't know what I was going to do this year for Valentine's Day until I saw the debut of the new black metro tees. Can you tell we like to live the tag line celebrate your spouse in style?
I appreciate being able to give Simms a gift that is thoughtful, loving and will last long after the flowers have wilted and the candy has gone to your waist or hips. LOL. I will probably still leave a love note in his lunch and we'll go out to eat but since we are both watching our calories, this year, the black metro tee is my dark chocolate.
What if you aren't a chocolate kind of gal? No problem. From*me tees has a large selection for both men and women and there is even a Winter Sale going on right now! While you are checking the site out, you may want to note that the company has recently expanded their line to include selections for children and babies. My boys were thrilled to receive their daddy rocks (mommy's right) tees at Christmas and have already told me that they want the mommy rocks (daddy's right) tee as well.
Regardless of what you choose to do this year, take time to say I love you and remember to say it on the days that lead up to the 14th as well as those that follow!
Regardless of what you choose to do this year, take time to say I love you and remember to say it on the days that lead up to the 14th as well as those that follow!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Clicking with Reading?
Reading has never come easy for Sparkle. To help her learn, we had her tutored during first grade and she continues to meet with a reading specialist at school this year. Despite some great strides and improvements, she has never found it to be enjoyable. She's still at the stage where it is hard work and she NEVER chooses reading as a fun diversion for when she has free time.
But that may have all changed this week...
In class they just started reading The Boxcar Children. These mystery books were first published in 1942 and there are 119 books in the series. It's about 4 orphaned siblings who live together in a boxcar after their parents die. Eventually the children's wealthy grandfather finds them and gives them a wonderful home, but their adventures don't stop there. They travel to all parts of the country, see exciting places, and become involved in strange and mysterious happenings.
Sparkle LOVES this book. So much so that last night she read me six pages out of the book---two pages more than she was supposed to read. It was some of the best reading I've heard from her. AND...she took another book in the series from her classroom library and is READING IT FOR FUN BECAUSE SHE LIKES IT SO MUCH. This is huge for her. Huge.
I'm not sure what these books have that the other 92 books in our house didn't have, but I'm thrilled that maybe reading is clicking for her and she will finally find it fun and enjoyable.
But that may have all changed this week...
In class they just started reading The Boxcar Children. These mystery books were first published in 1942 and there are 119 books in the series. It's about 4 orphaned siblings who live together in a boxcar after their parents die. Eventually the children's wealthy grandfather finds them and gives them a wonderful home, but their adventures don't stop there. They travel to all parts of the country, see exciting places, and become involved in strange and mysterious happenings.
Sparkle LOVES this book. So much so that last night she read me six pages out of the book---two pages more than she was supposed to read. It was some of the best reading I've heard from her. AND...she took another book in the series from her classroom library and is READING IT FOR FUN BECAUSE SHE LIKES IT SO MUCH. This is huge for her. Huge.
I'm not sure what these books have that the other 92 books in our house didn't have, but I'm thrilled that maybe reading is clicking for her and she will finally find it fun and enjoyable.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
My Husband Rocks
Say Anything introduced me to this great fashion find last spring and I've been waiting at least 100 years for her to blog about it. But since she seems to be allergic to blogging in recent weeks, I'm going to scoop her.
If you're looking for a way to celebrate your spouse in style then you need to head over to From*me Tees and check out the great shirts they have for men and women "that display a positive image of marriage."
With several different designs and many colors to choose from, their mission is "enhance marriage relationships, communicate a positive image of marriage, and encourage/support the sanctity of the marriage covenant between a man and a woman in a fun and stylish way."
They've got great stuff. Look! They even have shirt for the newly engaged.
Of course, you'd need one too...
Say Anything has this shirt. I joke her that every time I see her (which is almost every day) she is wearing it. Okay, that's a little exaggeration. I probably see her 3-4 times a week.
If you're looking for a way to celebrate your spouse in style then you need to head over to From*me Tees and check out the great shirts they have for men and women "that display a positive image of marriage."
With several different designs and many colors to choose from, their mission is "enhance marriage relationships, communicate a positive image of marriage, and encourage/support the sanctity of the marriage covenant between a man and a woman in a fun and stylish way."
They've got great stuff. Look! They even have shirt for the newly engaged.
This would be a great gift to give your husband, just so he doesn't forget...
Of course, you'd need one too...
Say Anything has this shirt. I joke her that every time I see her (which is almost every day) she is wearing it. Okay, that's a little exaggeration. I probably see her 3-4 times a week.
So who rocks in your life?
Give More
According to The Advent Conspiracy, giving more is not about increasing the number of gifts you give but...
Relational gifts allow us to pour more of ourselves back into the people who matter most to us. We are affirming the importance of these people in our lives and showing them how much they matter to us and God.
Still not sure how to create memorable relational gifts this holiday? Well, the Advent Conspiracy has listed a large number of ideas that will spark your imagination.
What other ideas do you have for relational gifts?
in saying “no” to over-spending we are then invited to say “yes” to give in relational ways. We do this because we worship a God who gave us a relational gift. God gave us His son. This is an incredible opportunity to reclaim the heart of what matters most as we learn together to give gifts of meaning instead of simple material gifts.
Relational gifts allow us to pour more of ourselves back into the people who matter most to us. We are affirming the importance of these people in our lives and showing them how much they matter to us and God.
Still not sure how to create memorable relational gifts this holiday? Well, the Advent Conspiracy has listed a large number of ideas that will spark your imagination.
What other ideas do you have for relational gifts?
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Spend Less
The Advent Conspiracy gives a simple, yet compelling reason for spending less during Christmas.
Part of saying “yes” to Jesus means that we say “no” to over-spending. We say “no” to over consumption.
Sounds easy, but we all know better. How do we walk out spend less in a nation that thrives on bigger, better and more.
Here are a couple of ideas I came up with to "spend less."
Give Less Gifts
Many families I know give each child just three gifts, just like baby Jesus received. Think quality, not necessarily quantity.
It is so easy to overspend when you don't have a set amount of what you can afford to spend...without going into debt. Get rid of the notion you need to spend the same amount of money on every kid.
Make a List
When I know exactly what I'm looking for it keeps me from buying just whatever looks good at the time. When I'm focused on finding specific items I'm less likely to overspend.
Have a 7th Heaven Christmas
One of my favorite shows used to be 7th Heaven. At Christmas, this family had a unique approach to gift giving. This family with five children drew names and could only give a gift that met one of three criteria: The gift had to be something handmade, something they owned and wanted to give away or they could give an act of service.
We used this concept years ago with our small group and gave them the same guidelines. It was so fun the night of our party to see the creativity and thought that went into every one's gifts. There were homemade cookies and candies by the gourmet cooks, a custom-designed tee shirt by the graphic designer in the group, and a kayak trip with the outdoorsman to name a few of the great gifts from that night.
How do you plan to Spend Less this Christmas?
The Best Gift
What's the best gift you've ever received?
Was it clothes? An iPod? Special perfume? The hottest toy?
If truth be told, most of us could probably not recall even half of the gifts we received last year for Christmas. I know I can't.
But isn't that what we're going for every year...the perfect gift?! Consumers spent approx. $457 billion on Christmas last year according to the National Retail Federation. That is about $907 per family.
Think about that for a moment. You may have spent nearly $1,000 last year just to find that one gift that will be remembered forever.
For most of us, the gifts we remember and cherish most weren't the ones with the highest price tag; they were the handmade ornaments that were still sticky with our kid's gluey fingerprints or the poignant note in a card or someone giving their own time or resources to bring us dinner or to mow our yard.
For example, one year we were talking with some friends about what we would grab if the house was on fire. One of the items most of them mentioned was their wedding videos. I simply commented that ours was a mess and there were many other things I'd grab first. So for our next anniversary, Jim had a colleague of mine professionally edit our video. I was blown away by his thoughtfulness.
Another time, I was getting together with a group of my friends for a meeting on my birthday. They all came to the meeting with cards and dark chocolate. I went home with enough dark chocolate treats to last me a few months. I was humbled they even remembered my birthday and by the kind words they wrote in their cards.
Last year for Mother's Day, Sparkle painted me a birdhouse. It's paint splattered but I've proudly displayed it ever since because I know how much love went into the making of it.
Leave a comment and let me know what is one of the gifts you've received that you cherish most.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Worship More
So let's unpack this idea that it is possible to Worship More, Spend Less, Give More and Love All this Christmas season and at least turn the tide in our own families.
Immediately when I thought of the concept of Worship More I thought back to hearing Emily Chase speak to MIA last year on the topic of Advent. She captivated us with a tradition that she has done in her family for over 30 years. TCC summed up Emily's talk last year like this:
Essentially she selects/creates a theme each year that allows her family to spend time together and focus on the meaning of Christmas. Some of the themes she has done in the past include names of Christ, miraculous births, Christmas carols, ancestors of Christ, friends of Jesus Christ, things Jesus left when he came to earth from heaven, and verses that deal with light.
Once a theme is selected she decorates a box/tin as a gift and places it on the kitchen table. Each day the family will open the "gift" which will include something, related to the theme, for them to discuss or do together - Bible verses are included.
That simple idea changed the way many families I know celebrated Christmas last year. By focusing the entire month on some aspect of Christ, they found deeper meaning in their Christmas celebration. Most said their kids loved the idea and it kept an air of excitement and anticipation leading up to Christmas Day---keeping everyone focused on what's in our hearts, not what's under the tree.
This year, my family is going to focus on 24 miracles of Christ. Sound hard to put together? Just Google "miracles of Christ" and you'll have enough information for 3 months.
But that's just one idea. Some people Worship More when they are sacrificially giving---just as Christ gave to us. Worship More may simply mean clearing the hustle and bustle out of the holiday schedule and making more time for fellowship and reflection.
There's not a right or wrong way of worshipping more. Simply ask God for ideas.
I'd love to hear in the comments how you have Worshipped More in the past or any ideas you have for this year.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Learning through Song
The school my kids attend uses a lot of songs and chants for learning. They take everything from math facts to history, science and grammar and set it to a tune or little ditty.
Brown Sugar always has a little song she's humming while coloring or swinging. Now, instead of just made up words she is actually singing about even numbers or creation. I thought I'd share a few of the kindergarten chants and songs they use for math and Bible that you could use with your own kids.
Days of the Week (to the tune of "Clementine")
There are 7 days, there are 7 days, there are 7 days in a week:
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Counting by 10 (song: Little Bunny Foo Foo tune)
10, 20, 30
40, 50, 60
70, 80, 90
100!! (say this line loudly)
Even and odd numbers (chant)
Even numbers are my hero;
They end in 2, 4, 6, 8, and 0.
Odd numbers are so fine;
They end in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9.
Matthew 28:19 (song: 10 Little Indians)
Matthew 28 verse 19 (repeat this part of tune for next line)
Go therefore and make disciples
Of all the nations
Baptizing them in the name of the Father
And of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
1 John 3:18 (song: Are you Sleeping, Brother John? tune)
Dear Children (echo)
Let us not love (echo)
With words or tongue (echo)
But in actions and in truth (echo)
First John 3:18 (echo)
Three Patriarchs (song: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)
There were three patriarchs
Abraham, Issac, Jacob
Abraham married Sarah,
Had a son named Issac.
Isaac married young Rebekah,
Had twin sons Esau and Jacob.
Jacob married Leah and Rachel,
And he had a dozen sons.
Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Juday,
Issachar, Zebulon,
Dan Naphtali, Gad and Asher,
Joseph and Benjamin.
Brown Sugar always has a little song she's humming while coloring or swinging. Now, instead of just made up words she is actually singing about even numbers or creation. I thought I'd share a few of the kindergarten chants and songs they use for math and Bible that you could use with your own kids.
Days of the Week (to the tune of "Clementine")
There are 7 days, there are 7 days, there are 7 days in a week:
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Counting by 10 (song: Little Bunny Foo Foo tune)
10, 20, 30
40, 50, 60
70, 80, 90
100!! (say this line loudly)
Even and odd numbers (chant)
Even numbers are my hero;
They end in 2, 4, 6, 8, and 0.
Odd numbers are so fine;
They end in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9.
Matthew 28:19 (song: 10 Little Indians)
Matthew 28 verse 19 (repeat this part of tune for next line)
Go therefore and make disciples
Of all the nations
Baptizing them in the name of the Father
And of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
1 John 3:18 (song: Are you Sleeping, Brother John? tune)
Dear Children (echo)
Let us not love (echo)
With words or tongue (echo)
But in actions and in truth (echo)
First John 3:18 (echo)
Three Patriarchs (song: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)
There were three patriarchs
Abraham, Issac, Jacob
Abraham married Sarah,
Had a son named Issac.
Isaac married young Rebekah,
Had twin sons Esau and Jacob.
Jacob married Leah and Rachel,
And he had a dozen sons.
Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Juday,
Issachar, Zebulon,
Dan Naphtali, Gad and Asher,
Joseph and Benjamin.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
More Homework, Please
My kids attend a school that has a reputation for giving a lot of homework. I have to be honest, this issue definitely caused me to really consider if I wanted them chained to the kitchen table every night instead of having time to "do what kids do."
The school even publishes homework guidelines "based on the work of the average student proceeding with due diligence, combined with proper study habits to complete the required homework." For example, my kindergartner can expect about 15 minutes of homework a day while my second grader can have 30-45 minutes. By the time they are in sixth grade, they can have around 60-90 minutes. Wednesday evenings there is no homework.
So what's that all mean? Well, my fears about the kids never getting to climb trees and visit friends was completely unfounded. The amount of homework they have has never been an issue because the kids know what is expected of them and they get to business pretty quickly. None of the homework is new material, it's just reinforcing what they learned that day.
My youngest does take ballet one day a week and the older one is getting ready to start gymnastics. Will this cut into their homework time? Not really. It will just require them to be diligent in completing their work on those days. However, to avoid chaos and frustration in our family I would probably not let them do more than one activity at a time.
As I've seen them excel in school and master the material, not just learn it, but really master it, I can really see the benefits to having homework. It teaches them about responsibility, time management and doing all things unto God. Practically, it reinforces new concepts or skills and gives them the extra practice they need to move forward and continue to build on that foundation.
Margy Tripp, wife of Ted Tripp who is best known as the author of Shepherding a Child's Heart, wrote an article called, "Homework: A Biblical View." If you are struggling with the role homework is playing in the life of your child, I challenge you to read this article. You'll never believe how much God has so to say about how our kids learn!
The school even publishes homework guidelines "based on the work of the average student proceeding with due diligence, combined with proper study habits to complete the required homework." For example, my kindergartner can expect about 15 minutes of homework a day while my second grader can have 30-45 minutes. By the time they are in sixth grade, they can have around 60-90 minutes. Wednesday evenings there is no homework.
So what's that all mean? Well, my fears about the kids never getting to climb trees and visit friends was completely unfounded. The amount of homework they have has never been an issue because the kids know what is expected of them and they get to business pretty quickly. None of the homework is new material, it's just reinforcing what they learned that day.
My youngest does take ballet one day a week and the older one is getting ready to start gymnastics. Will this cut into their homework time? Not really. It will just require them to be diligent in completing their work on those days. However, to avoid chaos and frustration in our family I would probably not let them do more than one activity at a time.
As I've seen them excel in school and master the material, not just learn it, but really master it, I can really see the benefits to having homework. It teaches them about responsibility, time management and doing all things unto God. Practically, it reinforces new concepts or skills and gives them the extra practice they need to move forward and continue to build on that foundation.
Margy Tripp, wife of Ted Tripp who is best known as the author of Shepherding a Child's Heart, wrote an article called, "Homework: A Biblical View." If you are struggling with the role homework is playing in the life of your child, I challenge you to read this article. You'll never believe how much God has so to say about how our kids learn!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Excuse Me While I Rant
So, what has my pantyhose in a twist?
Let me just say that after I read Mr. Opdyke's column yesterday I was fuming. The parents think that homework has become so excessive that their kids have no time to be kids.
Hey, I'm all for lazy weekend mornings and pancakes, and I love family dinners and visits with friends. But the problem isn't the homework, it is the 64 other activties that these parents have their kids involved in after school and throughout the weekend. It's because as soon as the school bell rings they are jetting off to ballet, karate, piano, gymnastics, soccer, baseball, Boy Scouts, football and a host of other activities that have taken over the after school lives of our kids.
There was a column in yesterday's Patriot-News reprinted from the Wall Street Journal by a columnist named Jeff Opdyke. Apparently, he wrote a piece a few weeks ago on what he believes is an excessive amount of homework his kids have and how it interferes with family time. He received thousands of letters from parents, teachers and others who agreed.
Let me just say that after I read Mr. Opdyke's column yesterday I was fuming. The parents think that homework has become so excessive that their kids have no time to be kids.
"What is meaningful," says one mother, is "free time after school playing outside, family dinners free from stress and pressure, lazy Saturday mornings filled with tickle fights, cartoons and a big pancake breakfast, Sunday evenings spent relaxing rather than dreading school or cramming for a test."
Another parent chimed in saying, "There's barely time for dinner and no quality family time with our children that isn't controlled by upcoming tests and papers due." Homework also has interfered with church, vacation, movies and visits from friends and family. "The weekends are so jammed with studying and writing," Ms. Brooks says, "that we've reached a point where we've actually told our girls not to worry if they don't get that almighty A."
Hey, I'm all for lazy weekend mornings and pancakes, and I love family dinners and visits with friends. But the problem isn't the homework, it is the 64 other activties that these parents have their kids involved in after school and throughout the weekend. It's because as soon as the school bell rings they are jetting off to ballet, karate, piano, gymnastics, soccer, baseball, Boy Scouts, football and a host of other activities that have taken over the after school lives of our kids.
You want your kid to climb trees? Great! Then re-evaluate all the activities that are taking the place of that free time. I don't believe homework is the variable that needs to be fixed.
Back in the WSJ article, another mom says she and her husband are:
"big believers in formal education," but that the amount of homework was so absurd that she decided her son did not need to do his homework any more.
As long as he knew the material, "I was fine, and he could skip the assignment," she says. "If he messed up on a test, but knew the material, I was fine. I told him no one ever was going to care what grade he got on a second-grade math test, and I made it clear that as his parent, I was making the decision to override the teachers because I believe the school system has some fundamental problems."
Ms. Woods told her son's teacher of her decision as well. "If you maintain regular communication with a teacher, explaining that you are on top of your child's progress and that the stress is too much, most teachers will be OK with it," she says. "The ones who aren't should be ignored anyway." (my emphasis)
TEACHERS SHOULD BE IGNORED?? What are we teaching our kids with that kind of behavior? How about, 'Be lazy and if your boss gives you a hard time just ignore him?' or 'Don't try and tell me what to do?'
C'MON PEOPLE!
Okay, I must go now before I pound my keyboard to shreds. However, tomorrow, after much deep breathing, I'm going to post some reasons why homework is a good thing...even lots of homework.
And, hey, you may not agree with my outrage and think homework is out of control. Please don't be afraid to comment---I would like to hear any other opinions. I promise to be kind.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Does Birth Order Hold True in Your Family?
First born: A Scholar
Second born: An Athlete
Third born: A Game-show host
Fourth born: A Salesman
Second born: An Athlete
Third born: A Game-show host
Fourth born: A Salesman
Friday, February 23, 2007
Final Pictures
Valentines Day!
Enjoying a newly groomed trail early in the morning.
Corduroy never looked so good.
The Parke Hyatt Hotel situated at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain.
A look up the mountain from the base village.
Visiting a familiar friend in Denver.Thursday, February 22, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Breathtaking
I thought that while I work on pulling my life back together (i.e. laundry, paperwork, laundry, laundry, laundry), I'd post some vacation pictures.This was taken on one of the first days we skied, about half-way up the mountain. The picture doesn't do it justice, but it was breathtaking scenery.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Priceless
Half-day lift ticket at Beaver Creek: $69
Lunch at the Ritz-Carlton, slopeside, with my sweetie: $40.29
Skiing in 10 inches of fresh powder with my Valentine: PRICELESS
Lunch at the Ritz-Carlton, slopeside, with my sweetie: $40.29
Skiing in 10 inches of fresh powder with my Valentine: PRICELESS
Monday, February 12, 2007
Powder
Thanks for your prayers for Sparkle. She was doing much better today. I think the combination of the hard trip out here, fighting the virus she picked up at school, and a little bit of altitude sickness got the best of her yesterday.
Today we were able to ski in fresh powder. Something that is rarely seen in the east. Sparkle went out with this afternoon and did a great job manuevering in the white stuff. If you've ever skied in powder you know how exhausting it can be, so she only lasted about 4 runs. However, 4 runs out here took us about 2 hours to complete. She'll sleep well tonight.
Tomorrow we're shopping (Jim will be back at the slopes) and then I'll join him for the last two days. Not sure if the kids will ski more. They've been pretty overwhelmed by it all.
Today we were able to ski in fresh powder. Something that is rarely seen in the east. Sparkle went out with this afternoon and did a great job manuevering in the white stuff. If you've ever skied in powder you know how exhausting it can be, so she only lasted about 4 runs. However, 4 runs out here took us about 2 hours to complete. She'll sleep well tonight.
Tomorrow we're shopping (Jim will be back at the slopes) and then I'll join him for the last two days. Not sure if the kids will ski more. They've been pretty overwhelmed by it all.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Trains, Planes and Automobiles
Okay, I'm pathetic. I admit it. But there is a computer in the lobby of where we're staying for guests to use so I couldn't pass the opportunity to log in.
Our trip to Colorado was nerve racking. As you know, we drove to Baltimore Thursday night so we could catch a 7AM flight on Friday. Well, Jim set his watch to get us up at 4:30. I just assumed he had also asked for a wake-up call---as a back up, of course, in case he would happen to stick his hand under his pillow and never hear his alarm. Obviously I was wrong when I just happened to glance at the clock at 5:03. We were suppose to catch a 5:20 shuttle. I yelled bloody murder and then we bounded out of bed like rockets out of control throwing clothes, kids, and whatever else we had into our suitcase.
We made the shuttle and even got to ride over to BWI with an Anderson Cooper look-a-like who happened to be a pilot for Southwest. In fact, the other 4 people on the shuttle were all pilots. They're parting words: "Good luck with those kids." We're off to a great start.
So, now we arrive disheveled and frazzled at BWI and it's only 5:30AM. Our first flight to Charlotte barely arrived in time for us to catch our connecting flight to Denver. We literally flew like bats from you know where out of the first plane and over to the second one. When I asked the gate lady if we had enough time to go to the bathroom before we boarded, she responded "RUN." So run we did.
Now I should pause here to say that even though we didn't buy a seat for Jr. on the first flight, there were plenty of seats available so they let us put him in his car seat. He did great. Never heard a peep from him.
However, as the gate lady informed us, we wouldn't be able to give Jr. his own seat on this leg of the journey because this flight was "slammed." I think that's airplane speak for so full that you'd have to sit with the pilot in order to have a seat. She was right.
As soon as we got on the plane I gave Jr. dramamine, the drug of choice for kids who react crazy to benadryl. The plan had been to give it to him while we were having our layover in Charlotte, but we had to improvise when we arrived late. It should've kicked in after 30 minutes. It took Jr. about 1 hour and 45 minutes of animal-like behavior before he fell asleep. Our "neighbors" seemed to take it all in stride, but it wasn't pretty. At one point he was running down the aisle from our seats back to the bathrooms, barefoot, and gripping his socks in both hands. The entire cabin held their breathe hoping he wouldn't slam into anything since it was a bumpy flight. By the time he fell asleep, the we all heaved a sigh of relief and enjoyed the last 1 hour and 30 minutes in silence.
Every time the flight attendants walked by they would throw us bags of pretzels. I think he ate about 5 bags and we took off the plane another 3 or 4. If nothing us, we got our money's worth in pretzels that flight.
We were so mentally and physically exhausted when we arrived in Denver that we just sat down and tried to regain our composure. We must have rested so long that when we went to get our bags they had already been pulled off the belts and sat over in the corner.
Now we pile into a brand new Dodge Grand Caravan and start the 1-1/2 hour trek to the Vail Valley. Beee-u-ti-ful drive. However, as we are zipping along we all begin to notice that there really isn't a lot of snow. In fact, many of the mountains we see have no snow and what snow we do see if very, very, very dirty. Like it had been sitting there since, say, mid-December.
When we arrive at Vail/Beaver Creek, it is 45 degrees and very little snow. We were a little concerned until we headed up the mountain to the actual ski area. Beaver Creek Resort is 2 miles up the mountain from where we are staying at the base. It was snowing up there and evident that they had had more recent snow.
Please keep us in prayer. When we left PA, Sparkle was running a fever. She seemed to be great today but tonight she has gotten worse. We are actually concerned that she may becoming dehydrated. We're going to let her sleep tonight and see how she is in the morning. But we don't plan on taking her to the mountain to ski tomorrow.
Well, gotta go. Someone else is waiting to use the "guest" computer. I'll check back with you all later.
Our trip to Colorado was nerve racking. As you know, we drove to Baltimore Thursday night so we could catch a 7AM flight on Friday. Well, Jim set his watch to get us up at 4:30. I just assumed he had also asked for a wake-up call---as a back up, of course, in case he would happen to stick his hand under his pillow and never hear his alarm. Obviously I was wrong when I just happened to glance at the clock at 5:03. We were suppose to catch a 5:20 shuttle. I yelled bloody murder and then we bounded out of bed like rockets out of control throwing clothes, kids, and whatever else we had into our suitcase.
We made the shuttle and even got to ride over to BWI with an Anderson Cooper look-a-like who happened to be a pilot for Southwest. In fact, the other 4 people on the shuttle were all pilots. They're parting words: "Good luck with those kids." We're off to a great start.
So, now we arrive disheveled and frazzled at BWI and it's only 5:30AM. Our first flight to Charlotte barely arrived in time for us to catch our connecting flight to Denver. We literally flew like bats from you know where out of the first plane and over to the second one. When I asked the gate lady if we had enough time to go to the bathroom before we boarded, she responded "RUN." So run we did.
Now I should pause here to say that even though we didn't buy a seat for Jr. on the first flight, there were plenty of seats available so they let us put him in his car seat. He did great. Never heard a peep from him.
However, as the gate lady informed us, we wouldn't be able to give Jr. his own seat on this leg of the journey because this flight was "slammed." I think that's airplane speak for so full that you'd have to sit with the pilot in order to have a seat. She was right.
As soon as we got on the plane I gave Jr. dramamine, the drug of choice for kids who react crazy to benadryl. The plan had been to give it to him while we were having our layover in Charlotte, but we had to improvise when we arrived late. It should've kicked in after 30 minutes. It took Jr. about 1 hour and 45 minutes of animal-like behavior before he fell asleep. Our "neighbors" seemed to take it all in stride, but it wasn't pretty. At one point he was running down the aisle from our seats back to the bathrooms, barefoot, and gripping his socks in both hands. The entire cabin held their breathe hoping he wouldn't slam into anything since it was a bumpy flight. By the time he fell asleep, the we all heaved a sigh of relief and enjoyed the last 1 hour and 30 minutes in silence.
Every time the flight attendants walked by they would throw us bags of pretzels. I think he ate about 5 bags and we took off the plane another 3 or 4. If nothing us, we got our money's worth in pretzels that flight.
We were so mentally and physically exhausted when we arrived in Denver that we just sat down and tried to regain our composure. We must have rested so long that when we went to get our bags they had already been pulled off the belts and sat over in the corner.
Now we pile into a brand new Dodge Grand Caravan and start the 1-1/2 hour trek to the Vail Valley. Beee-u-ti-ful drive. However, as we are zipping along we all begin to notice that there really isn't a lot of snow. In fact, many of the mountains we see have no snow and what snow we do see if very, very, very dirty. Like it had been sitting there since, say, mid-December.
When we arrive at Vail/Beaver Creek, it is 45 degrees and very little snow. We were a little concerned until we headed up the mountain to the actual ski area. Beaver Creek Resort is 2 miles up the mountain from where we are staying at the base. It was snowing up there and evident that they had had more recent snow.
Please keep us in prayer. When we left PA, Sparkle was running a fever. She seemed to be great today but tonight she has gotten worse. We are actually concerned that she may becoming dehydrated. We're going to let her sleep tonight and see how she is in the morning. But we don't plan on taking her to the mountain to ski tomorrow.
Well, gotta go. Someone else is waiting to use the "guest" computer. I'll check back with you all later.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Mom's Minivan
I took a 12-hour trip this month with my three kids. It was ugly. Before we were on the turnpike the baby was crying. He cried through the tunnels and mountains of Pennsylvania, cried through Wheeling, Columbus and Dayton, and then finally passed out in a cornfield in Indiana. I vowed off 12-hour car rides until he's at least 16.
Unfortunately, when you go on a car trip...you eventually have to come home. However, on the return trip the baby was not the problem. The 4 and the 6 year old were the problem. So instead of crying, I now had to hear fighting, whining, crying, shrieks, whining, fighting, whining and more crying back through the cornfields of Indiana into Dayton, Columbus and Wheeling and through the tunnels and mountains of Pennsylvania.
I'm guessing my trip may have been different if I would've just visited MomsMinivan.com first. This great Web site has 101 ideas for fun things to do in the car with your kids. Mom's Minivan has kids' travel games, printable car games and activities, and road-trip tips. She even has where you can find travel freebies.
For the love of Pete, don't go on a 12-hour car trip (or any trip!) without checking this site first! Awwwwwgh...I can still hear the whining, and the fighting, and the crying...
tag: Tried & True Tips
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