When you shop at Amazon through the link posted on the Hear See Hope Foundation's website, Amazon will donate 4-8.5% of your purchase. This money goes towards researching Usher Syndrome, which is the number one cause of Deaf Blindness.
The foundation was started by a coupe that a friend of mine used to nanny for. They have four children, two with Usher.
So if you're going to shop on Amazon please use the link through their website as you'll be contributing to their foundation just by shopping! Pretty easy and no extra money out of pocket!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Gobble, Gobble!
Happy Thanksgiving! God bless all of you!
Here are just a few things I'm thankful for:
-The opportunity to participate in the Mass this morning with both of my parents and my nephew.
-A wonderful family, with a new little girl on the way!
-Great friends, including my amazing boyfriend.
-A great job nannying.
-Hope.
-Being able to save my peacan pie after dropping it while trying to get it in the over.
-Surprise flowers to cheer my day.
-Dinners with family and friends.
-Those who support my loved ones with open hearts.
-The men and women serving our country.
-Tears and struggle that humble me and provide me with the opportunity for growth.
-Laughter!
Thank you to all of you who bless my life. You are in my prayers today.
Here are just a few things I'm thankful for:
-The opportunity to participate in the Mass this morning with both of my parents and my nephew.
-A wonderful family, with a new little girl on the way!
-Great friends, including my amazing boyfriend.
-A great job nannying.
-Hope.
-Being able to save my peacan pie after dropping it while trying to get it in the over.
-Surprise flowers to cheer my day.
-Dinners with family and friends.
-Those who support my loved ones with open hearts.
-The men and women serving our country.
-Tears and struggle that humble me and provide me with the opportunity for growth.
-Laughter!
Thank you to all of you who bless my life. You are in my prayers today.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Seriously, Officer!?
Today is totally one of those days. I got yelled at by a police officer, it rained on my picnic, and I was almost pee'd on.
The day started off so well. Instead of waking up at 5:00 AM, I got to sleep in until 6:30 AM. Do you know how late that felt to me? Anytime I woke up, I would check the clock and I was just sure I had set my alarm wrong and that I must have made a mistake. It's amazing how much of a difference an hour and a half makes! One of the parents of the children I nanny had the day off of work and he was nice enough to let me come in a little late even though he intended to be out for most of the day running errands and getting some work done at his parents condo they use to visit the family.
The morning went pretty well with the kiddos, Veronica got off to school smoothly, and the other three were in good moods and well behaved. Eric and I decided that I would head over to the condo with the kids to meet his mom and nephew Josh for a little play date to walk to the park and have lunch. It was a fantastic idea, really.
I followed Eric over to the house and since there appeared to be no parking anywhere nearby, we felt like it would be a lot easier to pull over, unload the 3 kids (ages 1, 2, and 2) and then we could go find parking for the two cars. Apparently, not such a great idea! A cop came by checking parking and ever so nicely (or sarcastically you might say) pointed out the no parking sign down the street. We explained we were going to quickly unload, but to put it shortly, he said no. Eric went to park his car and I moved the van into the condo driveway - private driveway, it's cool, right? Again, no. Eric comes back and is bringing some things into the house and the cop comes back and threatens a ticket again. I tell him Eric is on his way back out, but he's out of his car, ready to go. Eric comes back to move the car, but still nothing changes and instead of the car getting moved, we have to sit there to "politely" talk about it. Once Eric's dad came out, the cop immediately got into his car. Hmmm. Apparently, since we were partially blocking the sidewalk, it was still inappropriate. "What if someone on a wheel chair came by?" I do enjoy examples, but really? There was enough room for a wheel chair to get by with out going into the street. No one's safety was at risk. I understand rules are rules and he has a job to do, but aren't those rules in place for safety? Wasn't it safer to just let us quickly unload the kids? We were in no way ever blocking any one or any cars from going by. But eh, what are you going to do. He's going to have it his way, and fine, ok, that's that. Negotiating and conversation were clearly not going to happen and any attempt at this it seems was "bad-mouthing" him. I'm pretty sure there was never anything negative said directed towards his person or otherwise. I would have loved if he could have provided us with another example for this situation because I just couldn't figure it out on my own.
Once all the drama was over, it was off to the park. We now had three 2 year old's and one 1 year old. And here starts the crying, whining, and arguing. It's amazing how contagious it is! "I want to walk alone!" "I want to sit in the stroller!" "I want my mommy!" "NO!" Oh man! This was actually the worst I have ever seen it on an outing. We get to the park and immediately there are 4 children fighting over 2 swings. Eventually Eleanor wonders off and her grandma follows. As soon as they are across the playground, Madeline needs to go to the bathroom. She is crying and trying to pull her tights down. Yikes! I leave the kids in the swings, sprint across the playground, tell the grandma, and run back to Maddy. Tights are almost all the way down now. I grab Maddy and I'm waiting for Grandma. Finally she gets there, we run to the community center where all of the door's downstairs are locked. SHOOT! I'm totally just waiting to get pee'd on. By the time we try the doors, Eleanor has come running after us and caught up. I don't really have time to be slowed down by her, but she is refusing to go back to grandma. What do I do!? Try to run with them both, let one run? No, no, no...all of my options will slow us down. Finally grandma comes after her and Eleanor is down on the ground crying. Sad, but I really don't want to be pee'd on!! I run up the stairs and just keep telling Maddy to hold on, we're almost there. We get inside and then have to get back downstairs to the bathrooms. AAAH! Luckily, we make it. But oh, wait! Madeline is afraid of public bathroom toilets! They flush really loud and she doesn't really like it! Still, I get her on the potty and all is well. We get back outside and poor Eleanor is still crying, even though she is now getting a turn on the swing. We work things out, but attitudes are just not good from any of them at this point.
I decide it's time to change gears and pull lunch out. Let's feed those little bellies, take a break, and and bring the fun back on. No, no. Let's fight over what color cheese we get, whine over who has what, and oh, Eleanor is afraid of the birds. SIGH. Could it get any worse? Oh, yes. Here comes the rain! It starts as a sprinkle and then slowly works into a steady, heavy rain. We pack up lunch, we pack up the kids, and crying again starts. And oh, there's my lunch on the ground! Josh is mad the diaper bag is on his seat (just keepin' it dry for you buddy!), Madeline still wants her mommy, Eleanor doesn't want to walk and grandma is now carrying her, and Georgia is mad she is in the stroller and not with Grandma, but is really the only one who can comfortably fit in the front of the stroller and doesn't have an option and has no concept of understanding all that is going on and why she is wet and cold. Despite the crying, and Josh's constant loud "MOO'ing" which is scaring poor Georgia, we make it back all in once piece.
The kids warm up, finish lunch, and have some play time. We make it back to the house just in time for Veronica to get dropped off and all is well although there is still some whining. I take Maddy and Veronica home and it's time to get ready for naps. I'm pretty ready for one too!
I was actually in a pretty good most of the day and laughing a lot. Sometimes there is just nothing else to do! The most frustrating part of the day was actually hearing a swear word come out of one of the children because she wanted a book her sister had. REALLY!? Inappropriate!
It's now nap time slash my break time. I think I'll recover and I'm ready for a fun night! Marc and I are taking Phil out for his birthday since we missed it on Friday and then I'm off to my championship indoor soccer game tonight. We're the defending champs - kind of a big deal. Ok, not really and I'm pretty sure the cool shirts we win are the same ones from last time. It's a good thing I don't need any new shirts!
Wish me luck! Or better yet, say a prayer for my sanity....just in case naps don't go very well. :) It would fit in with the day rather well and give me another opportunity to work on my patience.
The day started off so well. Instead of waking up at 5:00 AM, I got to sleep in until 6:30 AM. Do you know how late that felt to me? Anytime I woke up, I would check the clock and I was just sure I had set my alarm wrong and that I must have made a mistake. It's amazing how much of a difference an hour and a half makes! One of the parents of the children I nanny had the day off of work and he was nice enough to let me come in a little late even though he intended to be out for most of the day running errands and getting some work done at his parents condo they use to visit the family.
The morning went pretty well with the kiddos, Veronica got off to school smoothly, and the other three were in good moods and well behaved. Eric and I decided that I would head over to the condo with the kids to meet his mom and nephew Josh for a little play date to walk to the park and have lunch. It was a fantastic idea, really.
I followed Eric over to the house and since there appeared to be no parking anywhere nearby, we felt like it would be a lot easier to pull over, unload the 3 kids (ages 1, 2, and 2) and then we could go find parking for the two cars. Apparently, not such a great idea! A cop came by checking parking and ever so nicely (or sarcastically you might say) pointed out the no parking sign down the street. We explained we were going to quickly unload, but to put it shortly, he said no. Eric went to park his car and I moved the van into the condo driveway - private driveway, it's cool, right? Again, no. Eric comes back and is bringing some things into the house and the cop comes back and threatens a ticket again. I tell him Eric is on his way back out, but he's out of his car, ready to go. Eric comes back to move the car, but still nothing changes and instead of the car getting moved, we have to sit there to "politely" talk about it. Once Eric's dad came out, the cop immediately got into his car. Hmmm. Apparently, since we were partially blocking the sidewalk, it was still inappropriate. "What if someone on a wheel chair came by?" I do enjoy examples, but really? There was enough room for a wheel chair to get by with out going into the street. No one's safety was at risk. I understand rules are rules and he has a job to do, but aren't those rules in place for safety? Wasn't it safer to just let us quickly unload the kids? We were in no way ever blocking any one or any cars from going by. But eh, what are you going to do. He's going to have it his way, and fine, ok, that's that. Negotiating and conversation were clearly not going to happen and any attempt at this it seems was "bad-mouthing" him. I'm pretty sure there was never anything negative said directed towards his person or otherwise. I would have loved if he could have provided us with another example for this situation because I just couldn't figure it out on my own.
Once all the drama was over, it was off to the park. We now had three 2 year old's and one 1 year old. And here starts the crying, whining, and arguing. It's amazing how contagious it is! "I want to walk alone!" "I want to sit in the stroller!" "I want my mommy!" "NO!" Oh man! This was actually the worst I have ever seen it on an outing. We get to the park and immediately there are 4 children fighting over 2 swings. Eventually Eleanor wonders off and her grandma follows. As soon as they are across the playground, Madeline needs to go to the bathroom. She is crying and trying to pull her tights down. Yikes! I leave the kids in the swings, sprint across the playground, tell the grandma, and run back to Maddy. Tights are almost all the way down now. I grab Maddy and I'm waiting for Grandma. Finally she gets there, we run to the community center where all of the door's downstairs are locked. SHOOT! I'm totally just waiting to get pee'd on. By the time we try the doors, Eleanor has come running after us and caught up. I don't really have time to be slowed down by her, but she is refusing to go back to grandma. What do I do!? Try to run with them both, let one run? No, no, no...all of my options will slow us down. Finally grandma comes after her and Eleanor is down on the ground crying. Sad, but I really don't want to be pee'd on!! I run up the stairs and just keep telling Maddy to hold on, we're almost there. We get inside and then have to get back downstairs to the bathrooms. AAAH! Luckily, we make it. But oh, wait! Madeline is afraid of public bathroom toilets! They flush really loud and she doesn't really like it! Still, I get her on the potty and all is well. We get back outside and poor Eleanor is still crying, even though she is now getting a turn on the swing. We work things out, but attitudes are just not good from any of them at this point.
I decide it's time to change gears and pull lunch out. Let's feed those little bellies, take a break, and and bring the fun back on. No, no. Let's fight over what color cheese we get, whine over who has what, and oh, Eleanor is afraid of the birds. SIGH. Could it get any worse? Oh, yes. Here comes the rain! It starts as a sprinkle and then slowly works into a steady, heavy rain. We pack up lunch, we pack up the kids, and crying again starts. And oh, there's my lunch on the ground! Josh is mad the diaper bag is on his seat (just keepin' it dry for you buddy!), Madeline still wants her mommy, Eleanor doesn't want to walk and grandma is now carrying her, and Georgia is mad she is in the stroller and not with Grandma, but is really the only one who can comfortably fit in the front of the stroller and doesn't have an option and has no concept of understanding all that is going on and why she is wet and cold. Despite the crying, and Josh's constant loud "MOO'ing" which is scaring poor Georgia, we make it back all in once piece.
The kids warm up, finish lunch, and have some play time. We make it back to the house just in time for Veronica to get dropped off and all is well although there is still some whining. I take Maddy and Veronica home and it's time to get ready for naps. I'm pretty ready for one too!
I was actually in a pretty good most of the day and laughing a lot. Sometimes there is just nothing else to do! The most frustrating part of the day was actually hearing a swear word come out of one of the children because she wanted a book her sister had. REALLY!? Inappropriate!
It's now nap time slash my break time. I think I'll recover and I'm ready for a fun night! Marc and I are taking Phil out for his birthday since we missed it on Friday and then I'm off to my championship indoor soccer game tonight. We're the defending champs - kind of a big deal. Ok, not really and I'm pretty sure the cool shirts we win are the same ones from last time. It's a good thing I don't need any new shirts!
Wish me luck! Or better yet, say a prayer for my sanity....just in case naps don't go very well. :) It would fit in with the day rather well and give me another opportunity to work on my patience.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Happy Veteran's Day!
Happy Veteran's Day!
Thank you to all who serve our country and fight for the lives and rights of so many while being so readily willing to sacrifice your own.
May God bless you and may everyone appreciate you and be inspired by what you stand for.
Thank you to all who serve our country and fight for the lives and rights of so many while being so readily willing to sacrifice your own.
May God bless you and may everyone appreciate you and be inspired by what you stand for.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
I Finally Found My Calling!!
It's been so clear my whole life. How did I not know? I'm meant for leading Catholic Aerobics!
Part of the photo shoot:
My stage shot:
With my saint crew:
Part of next year's promo materials?
Things to note:
-My stage name is Sensaria.
-My show is called Work Out with the Saints!
-My first show was at Convention 2008: Get a Clue
Part of the photo shoot:
My stage shot:
With my saint crew:
Part of next year's promo materials?
Things to note:
-My stage name is Sensaria.
-My show is called Work Out with the Saints!
-My first show was at Convention 2008: Get a Clue
Thursday, November 6, 2008
I've sent too many fwds today...
Just passing on a couple of things that came through my mailbox....and trying not to send another fwd out!
I particularly appreciated the reference to the abuse of the teaching on "Forming Consciences For Faithful Citizenship," as that is exactly how I felt...
Catholic Leaders React to Obama Victory, Offer Advice
And here's a little podcast for your enjoyment...
A New Chapter in the Cult of the Presidency
I particularly appreciated the reference to the abuse of the teaching on "Forming Consciences For Faithful Citizenship," as that is exactly how I felt...
Catholic Leaders React to Obama Victory, Offer Advice
And here's a little podcast for your enjoyment...
A New Chapter in the Cult of the Presidency
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
A Long Crazy Weekend
Happy Birthday, Little Perry! My nephew is 8 today! So old!
This last weekend was pretty long and crazy - hence the title of this post.
Friday night I kicked off my long weekend with a party at the Dupe de Lupe: The Finer Things in Life. I was excited for wine and cheese and even more excited when my brilliant boyfriend decided we should get port and chocolate....mmmmm. And not only is Marc brilliant, but he's hilarious too. He apparently owns his own tux and just happened to have a salmon-colored cumber bun and bow tie. He was pretty thrilled to get to wear them! The party was great fun, the port was delicious, and better yet, my much desired hang out time with some friends was met! :) The funniest parts of the night came after the party though. Marc and I hadn't had time for dinner, so we stopped by Taco Bell. After the drive-thru guy handed us our food, he said, "Enjoy your prom!" Really!? So maybe we looked young, but still, it was the end of August! The laughter continued after that when we stopped by Marc's friend's place. As we were leaving, someone complimented our dress and then her friend asked her as we walked away, "Did they just get married tonight!?" Again, let's break this down! 1. I'm in a black dress. 2. Why on earth would we stop by a party after getting married!? People are ridiculous! ...but it's much to my enjoyment so I can't complain too much. And for your very own enjoyment, here are some pictures from the night....
Saturday was moving day! I helped Marc, Greg, and Phil (who was gone in Chicago at a wedding....oh man, as Greg put it, "Phil owes us dinner. At least twice!") We spent ALL day moving and still weren't done. I can't believe how much stuff can fit into an apartment. Honestly, I don't quite understand! I was so tired and finally fell asleep on the living room around midnight while the guys were loading up some more furniture. I was pretty much spent and I think my fatigued-mono-recovering self had had enough.
Greg was kind enough to take us out for a really great Chinese dinner at Louie's in Ballard that night though. On a quick side note: Who would have thought a place called Louie's would have such great Chinese food!? It was pretty awesome what happened there. We prayed before eating as usual and a group of people happened to be walking by who had just finished. One of the men stopped and patted Greg on the shoulder and thanked us for praying in public and said it was really great to see. A couple of minutes later after he probably paid, he came back and put 50 dollars on our table for our dinner as a thank you! WOW! We all thought that was pretty awesome. It's something I hope I can return. I don't quite have the money to go around buying everyone dinner, but at the very least, I'd like to make it a point to thank others I see pray while out for a meal. It's just not done enough and I'd love to encourage people more and show my appreciation.
Sunday we were all pretty exhausted, but moved a few more things. Thankfully we were just down to the smaller things. We got a few loads and left the last couple of loads for Monday. It was great to go to Mass and get some much needed peace! And for the much needed fun I needed, Marc and I played some miniature golf! I had hoped to cut Marc's hair for the second time that day too, but we ran out of time. It's probably better that way. I was so tired! And well, I wasn't that great to begin with on my first hair cut. (It took me an hour and a half the first time! But at least the end result was decent. :) That's what counts!) To illustrate how tired we were, this was my favorite line of the day. Marc: We'll go play miniature golf and then come back and take a hair cut. We wanted naps so badly!
Instead of napping and a hair cut, we went out to the Pub at Piper's (or something like that) for Andrea's birthday. Happy Birthday, Andrea! It was a lot of fun. I especially enjoyed talking to the Dayton girls and playing darts with Marc, Britta, and ...oh man, Tom? Sorry...Tom? (It was Britta's friend from work who I just met, let's call him Tom.) It was the longest game of darts I have ever played. Marc was pretty good, I started off really well, Britta has ridiculous beginners luck, and I'm not sure if Tom has ever played before. So let's put the blame on Tom and myself and just say we hadn't finished the game before our time was up. Did anyone else know there was a time limit on darts?
Monday was another busy day and very fun! I brought Marc along for family time. We started at a BBQ my sister was having. I won't get into the ridiculousness of our adventure just to bring a side dish to share, but let's just say we ended up bringing a box of fries from the Pike Brewing Co. That's totally normal for a BBQ, right? After that we had dinner with my parents. I really enjoy them! :) We wrapped up the night watching Season 1 of the Office with some manis, pedis, and facials. It was so nice!
And Tuesday was back to usual with adventures in babysitting....I had 5 girls all together and some how the day went amazingly well....and I am so thankful because I was sooo tired! My little kiddos are so great! Just one more little shout out from Tuesday: Woo! Way to go Soccer West! My soccer team FINALLY beat a team we never beat to win the championship game. Holler!
This last weekend was pretty long and crazy - hence the title of this post.
Friday night I kicked off my long weekend with a party at the Dupe de Lupe: The Finer Things in Life. I was excited for wine and cheese and even more excited when my brilliant boyfriend decided we should get port and chocolate....mmmmm. And not only is Marc brilliant, but he's hilarious too. He apparently owns his own tux and just happened to have a salmon-colored cumber bun and bow tie. He was pretty thrilled to get to wear them! The party was great fun, the port was delicious, and better yet, my much desired hang out time with some friends was met! :) The funniest parts of the night came after the party though. Marc and I hadn't had time for dinner, so we stopped by Taco Bell. After the drive-thru guy handed us our food, he said, "Enjoy your prom!" Really!? So maybe we looked young, but still, it was the end of August! The laughter continued after that when we stopped by Marc's friend's place. As we were leaving, someone complimented our dress and then her friend asked her as we walked away, "Did they just get married tonight!?" Again, let's break this down! 1. I'm in a black dress. 2. Why on earth would we stop by a party after getting married!? People are ridiculous! ...but it's much to my enjoyment so I can't complain too much. And for your very own enjoyment, here are some pictures from the night....
Saturday was moving day! I helped Marc, Greg, and Phil (who was gone in Chicago at a wedding....oh man, as Greg put it, "Phil owes us dinner. At least twice!") We spent ALL day moving and still weren't done. I can't believe how much stuff can fit into an apartment. Honestly, I don't quite understand! I was so tired and finally fell asleep on the living room around midnight while the guys were loading up some more furniture. I was pretty much spent and I think my fatigued-mono-recovering self had had enough.
Greg was kind enough to take us out for a really great Chinese dinner at Louie's in Ballard that night though. On a quick side note: Who would have thought a place called Louie's would have such great Chinese food!? It was pretty awesome what happened there. We prayed before eating as usual and a group of people happened to be walking by who had just finished. One of the men stopped and patted Greg on the shoulder and thanked us for praying in public and said it was really great to see. A couple of minutes later after he probably paid, he came back and put 50 dollars on our table for our dinner as a thank you! WOW! We all thought that was pretty awesome. It's something I hope I can return. I don't quite have the money to go around buying everyone dinner, but at the very least, I'd like to make it a point to thank others I see pray while out for a meal. It's just not done enough and I'd love to encourage people more and show my appreciation.
Sunday we were all pretty exhausted, but moved a few more things. Thankfully we were just down to the smaller things. We got a few loads and left the last couple of loads for Monday. It was great to go to Mass and get some much needed peace! And for the much needed fun I needed, Marc and I played some miniature golf! I had hoped to cut Marc's hair for the second time that day too, but we ran out of time. It's probably better that way. I was so tired! And well, I wasn't that great to begin with on my first hair cut. (It took me an hour and a half the first time! But at least the end result was decent. :) That's what counts!) To illustrate how tired we were, this was my favorite line of the day. Marc: We'll go play miniature golf and then come back and take a hair cut. We wanted naps so badly!
Instead of napping and a hair cut, we went out to the Pub at Piper's (or something like that) for Andrea's birthday. Happy Birthday, Andrea! It was a lot of fun. I especially enjoyed talking to the Dayton girls and playing darts with Marc, Britta, and ...oh man, Tom? Sorry...Tom? (It was Britta's friend from work who I just met, let's call him Tom.) It was the longest game of darts I have ever played. Marc was pretty good, I started off really well, Britta has ridiculous beginners luck, and I'm not sure if Tom has ever played before. So let's put the blame on Tom and myself and just say we hadn't finished the game before our time was up. Did anyone else know there was a time limit on darts?
Monday was another busy day and very fun! I brought Marc along for family time. We started at a BBQ my sister was having. I won't get into the ridiculousness of our adventure just to bring a side dish to share, but let's just say we ended up bringing a box of fries from the Pike Brewing Co. That's totally normal for a BBQ, right? After that we had dinner with my parents. I really enjoy them! :) We wrapped up the night watching Season 1 of the Office with some manis, pedis, and facials. It was so nice!
And Tuesday was back to usual with adventures in babysitting....I had 5 girls all together and some how the day went amazingly well....and I am so thankful because I was sooo tired! My little kiddos are so great! Just one more little shout out from Tuesday: Woo! Way to go Soccer West! My soccer team FINALLY beat a team we never beat to win the championship game. Holler!
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