Here we are once again... just last summer about this time I started this blog to write about our road trip down Route 66 from California to Arizona. One short year later, we are getting back in the car and back on the road to travel to Arizona once again. This time we'll be heading to Southern Arizona and planting ourselves in Tucson for the entire week. Pool, horseback riding, Tombstone and lots of Mexican food.
Spent the last several hours packing up... doing laundry, taking out trash, cleaning house. I think I am over-tired... you know, when you are way too tired to even lie down and sleep. I think I have a million things running through my mind, not the least of which is the fact that I feel totally unprepared for this trip. Other than our hotel (excuse me... RESORT), this is the least planned out trip we've ever taken. Of course, Arizona was like 6th on our list of summer vacations.
1. Cruise (too expensive)
2. Hawaii (too expensive)
3. Bahamas (too expensive)
4. North Carolina (too expensive considering we also wanted to add South Carolina and Georgia)
5. Oregon/Washington (couldn't stomach the thought of all that time riding in a car with three girls)
6. Arizona
Anyone want to place a bet as to our estimated time of departure tomorrow? I really wish I could say we'd be on the road by 9am... but anyone who knows my husband will probably guess the time to be closer to 11am. You know... gotta stop at the bank, gotta stop at the tire shop, gotta stop at the gas station... you get the picture.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Family Holidays
Just a few thoughts about our nation's upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. I think some people are forgetting the true meaning of the day. We get together to share a meal and be thankful for each other and the fact that our minds are free and our bodies are full. The Pilgrims came to this land in search of freedom and if it weren't for the Indians that already claimed this land, they would surely have all died off or ended up returning to England.
We all celebrate the holiday, but we all do so in different ways. This is precisely what makes it such a blessing. We CAN celebrate how we want. But, sometimes we don't always remember that we each have different ways of celebrating; different family traditions that we like to remember on Thanksgiving and other holidays as well. We come together as one family, but that family is also comprised of several smaller family units. One family might do mashed potatoes, another family might do sweet potatoes. One family might do stuffing inside the turkey, another family might do stuffing outside the turkey. I believe each person should bring their history and traditions to share with the rest. By dictating to others what they can or can't do, eat, share, think, feel, etc.... we are deflating the exact meaning of the first Thanksgiving when the Pilgrims AND the Indians brought their individual bounty to the table to share with each other. What a shame we can't do that today.
We all celebrate the holiday, but we all do so in different ways. This is precisely what makes it such a blessing. We CAN celebrate how we want. But, sometimes we don't always remember that we each have different ways of celebrating; different family traditions that we like to remember on Thanksgiving and other holidays as well. We come together as one family, but that family is also comprised of several smaller family units. One family might do mashed potatoes, another family might do sweet potatoes. One family might do stuffing inside the turkey, another family might do stuffing outside the turkey. I believe each person should bring their history and traditions to share with the rest. By dictating to others what they can or can't do, eat, share, think, feel, etc.... we are deflating the exact meaning of the first Thanksgiving when the Pilgrims AND the Indians brought their individual bounty to the table to share with each other. What a shame we can't do that today.
Friday, October 2, 2009
To Laugh or to Cry?
What possesses children to totally trash their own house? Seriously, I don't get it. Is there something innate in them that likes to live in their own mess? Clothes always end up on the floor when there is a hamper less than 6 inches away. Food wrappers and empty juice boxes end up under beds. There is ALWAYS gobs of toothpaste in the sink. They can trash a room in 4.3 seconds but it takes them a good 3 hours to clean it up (of course that's counting the 10 minutes actually spent cleaning and the other 2 hours and 50 minutes of complaining about it).
My wonderful, creative kids. They who take all their books off the shelf and build school desks for their American Girl Dolls. They who drape blankets and pillows and sheets to make intricate forts any architect would be proud of. They who can play dress up and manage to look like a movie star but then can't find a thing to wear on school mornings.
Where did my babies go? Tiny little angelic babies who didn't talk back, who didn't throw their belongings on the floor, who only wanted to be held and loved. Now I get called "bad Mom", "mean Mom", "unfair Mom", and my favorite, "the worst Mom in the world."
I look at them and I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I cry because I'm so tired all the time from punishing them, cleaning up after them, being emotionally abused by them. I laugh because I know that one day they'll have children of their own. Oh yes.... how I will laugh!
My wonderful, creative kids. They who take all their books off the shelf and build school desks for their American Girl Dolls. They who drape blankets and pillows and sheets to make intricate forts any architect would be proud of. They who can play dress up and manage to look like a movie star but then can't find a thing to wear on school mornings.
Where did my babies go? Tiny little angelic babies who didn't talk back, who didn't throw their belongings on the floor, who only wanted to be held and loved. Now I get called "bad Mom", "mean Mom", "unfair Mom", and my favorite, "the worst Mom in the world."
I look at them and I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I cry because I'm so tired all the time from punishing them, cleaning up after them, being emotionally abused by them. I laugh because I know that one day they'll have children of their own. Oh yes.... how I will laugh!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Missing
It's truly amazing how you can be so jazzed up about spending a weekend without your kids, and 5 minutes after they leave you miss them like crazy. Go figure.
My kids are gone. They are visiting their grandfather for the weekend while Mom and Dad have a relaxing weekend in Las Vegas. I know, I know, Las Vegas is not exactly the most relaxing place, but that's what you get when you leave reservations to the last minute and all the hotels in Coronado (San Diego) are booked. So, we decided to leave our fate in the hands of Priceline (a website we've never tried before). I figured if we chose a 5 star hotel and put in a ridiculously low dollar amount, we'd either get an amazing deal or be turned down. Well, we did get a good deal but the jury is still out on the hotel. We ended up getting the Trump Hotel, one of only four 5-star hotels on the strip. I say the jury is still out because while the hotel seems very nice, it has no casino, no fancy pool, no buffet, and no Starbucks (oh say it isn't so). Oh dear!
But... it is quiet and elegant and close to all the other hotels with action and things to do. We'll be off in the morning (after stopping for my Starbucks Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte, of course). Just me and the hubby. Now if we could figure out something to talk about besides the "kids".
The house is so quiet without those three little (big) voices. I miss them.
My kids are gone. They are visiting their grandfather for the weekend while Mom and Dad have a relaxing weekend in Las Vegas. I know, I know, Las Vegas is not exactly the most relaxing place, but that's what you get when you leave reservations to the last minute and all the hotels in Coronado (San Diego) are booked. So, we decided to leave our fate in the hands of Priceline (a website we've never tried before). I figured if we chose a 5 star hotel and put in a ridiculously low dollar amount, we'd either get an amazing deal or be turned down. Well, we did get a good deal but the jury is still out on the hotel. We ended up getting the Trump Hotel, one of only four 5-star hotels on the strip. I say the jury is still out because while the hotel seems very nice, it has no casino, no fancy pool, no buffet, and no Starbucks (oh say it isn't so). Oh dear!
But... it is quiet and elegant and close to all the other hotels with action and things to do. We'll be off in the morning (after stopping for my Starbucks Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte, of course). Just me and the hubby. Now if we could figure out something to talk about besides the "kids".
The house is so quiet without those three little (big) voices. I miss them.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Moment of Silence
Just when you think you are going to go crazy.... Grandma takes two kids swimming and the littlest kid falls into a deep, deep sleep. Ahhh... soaking up the peace and quiet.
I didn't write yesterday because anything I would have said would have seemed really negative, like I'm a bad parent or something. (Heaven forbid!) Kids are getting a little stir crazy being around each other all the time (I know the feeling). 3 weeks from today and they are back at school torturing their teachers while I get my whopping 3 hours home alone. Why, oh, why don't we have all day kindergarten?
So... playroom is coming along nicely. I put together our wonderful (and cheap) Ikea furniture. Big kudos to my husband for knowing what to do with his power tools. (Go ahead... make a crass comment.) Now, just have to put up the bulletin boards and the picture wire (will explain later) and we're done.
Two more days and we will be child-free. The kids are spending the weekend with their grandfather so that Mommy and Daddy can actually go out of town and have a mini grownup vacation. You know... swimming and eating and playing... gee, same things the kids do. But, it will be nice to be able to do it all without little people tugging on me all day. Problem is, we haven't decided where to go yet. This will most likely be decided by whichever hotel wants to give us a deal through Priceline.
By the way... I wrote another article for ehow.com... this one is about finding friends on Facebook. The more you read, the more money I make.
I didn't write yesterday because anything I would have said would have seemed really negative, like I'm a bad parent or something. (Heaven forbid!) Kids are getting a little stir crazy being around each other all the time (I know the feeling). 3 weeks from today and they are back at school torturing their teachers while I get my whopping 3 hours home alone. Why, oh, why don't we have all day kindergarten?
So... playroom is coming along nicely. I put together our wonderful (and cheap) Ikea furniture. Big kudos to my husband for knowing what to do with his power tools. (Go ahead... make a crass comment.) Now, just have to put up the bulletin boards and the picture wire (will explain later) and we're done.
Two more days and we will be child-free. The kids are spending the weekend with their grandfather so that Mommy and Daddy can actually go out of town and have a mini grownup vacation. You know... swimming and eating and playing... gee, same things the kids do. But, it will be nice to be able to do it all without little people tugging on me all day. Problem is, we haven't decided where to go yet. This will most likely be decided by whichever hotel wants to give us a deal through Priceline.
By the way... I wrote another article for ehow.com... this one is about finding friends on Facebook. The more you read, the more money I make.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Finding My Nitch
I've definitely been feeling a little on the "low" side lately. Maybe it's just the summer blues (although I don't think there really is such a thing). I think it has something to do with the fact that my kids (all three) will be going back to school in 3 weeks and I am feeling the need to do something with my life. Not just to help contribute to the family budget (although that would be a huge plus in my husband's eyes), but something just for ME... to keep me busy with things that I enjoy doing.
So... I love blogging. I've gotten a lot of good feedback from this tiny little blog I started with absolutely no blogging (or writing) experience whatsoever. But really... what can I do with a blog unless someone sees it, calls me and offers me a million dollar book deal? Yes, I know... not likely.
Then, David and I were watching TV the other night (yes, no big surprise there) and we came across a website where people (even people like me) could write articles and actually make money doing it. The site is called ehow.com and it's really easy. You write an article that you hope someone else might find useful and if people view it... bang, you earn money. I gotta admit, I've already written three articles and I had 4 people view just my first one alone. Pretty cool considering I hadn't told anybody about it.
If interested, you can go to www.ehow.com and do a search for "temysmom" which is my screen name. If you like what you see... let me know. If you don't... please definitely don't tell me. I can't take the criticism.
And yes... I have revamped my Cozy Chic Designs business a little. New website coming soon (www.cozychicdesigns.com) and I'll be back on the boutique circuit by October. Fun stuff!
So... I love blogging. I've gotten a lot of good feedback from this tiny little blog I started with absolutely no blogging (or writing) experience whatsoever. But really... what can I do with a blog unless someone sees it, calls me and offers me a million dollar book deal? Yes, I know... not likely.
Then, David and I were watching TV the other night (yes, no big surprise there) and we came across a website where people (even people like me) could write articles and actually make money doing it. The site is called ehow.com and it's really easy. You write an article that you hope someone else might find useful and if people view it... bang, you earn money. I gotta admit, I've already written three articles and I had 4 people view just my first one alone. Pretty cool considering I hadn't told anybody about it.
If interested, you can go to www.ehow.com and do a search for "temysmom" which is my screen name. If you like what you see... let me know. If you don't... please definitely don't tell me. I can't take the criticism.
And yes... I have revamped my Cozy Chic Designs business a little. New website coming soon (www.cozychicdesigns.com) and I'll be back on the boutique circuit by October. Fun stuff!
Friday, July 17, 2009
What's a Typewriter?
So I'm driving in the car today with my 9 year old and she brings up the subject (again!) of her getting a cell phone. I explain to her (again!) that a 9 year old doesn't need a cell phone and even if she had one who would she call anyway because all her other 9 year old friends don't have cell phones either. Then she explained to me (again!) that she needed it for emergencies like when we had an accident and I forgot my phone then she would have hers as a backup. And I explained to her (again!) what a ridiculous excuse that was and she still was no closer to getting that cell phone. (Sigh!)
And then I did what I really hate doing... I actually went there... I told my child that when I was growing up...
... there were no such things as cell phones, in fact, we didn't even have cordless phones when I was her age.
... there were no computers. We had to had write out all our school reports or if we were really lucky we got to use a typewriter. "What's a typewriter?", she asks. Am I crazy? My kid doesn't know what a typewriter is?
... no CD's, DVD's, iPods, iPhones, iTouch, i-nothing!
... cars didn't have electric windows and electric door locks. We had to hand roll down those windows and actually needed a "key" to open the door.
... yes, we did have calculators, but we'd be expelled from school if we were caught with one.
... no satellite dishes, no plasma, no flat screen, no remote controls. Oh dear... am I really old enough to remember having to get up from the couch and actually turn a TV dial to change stations?
So when my child acts like not having a cell phone is the worst thing in the world... I don't have any sympathy.
And then I did what I really hate doing... I actually went there... I told my child that when I was growing up...
... there were no such things as cell phones, in fact, we didn't even have cordless phones when I was her age.
... there were no computers. We had to had write out all our school reports or if we were really lucky we got to use a typewriter. "What's a typewriter?", she asks. Am I crazy? My kid doesn't know what a typewriter is?
... no CD's, DVD's, iPods, iPhones, iTouch, i-nothing!
... cars didn't have electric windows and electric door locks. We had to hand roll down those windows and actually needed a "key" to open the door.
... yes, we did have calculators, but we'd be expelled from school if we were caught with one.
... no satellite dishes, no plasma, no flat screen, no remote controls. Oh dear... am I really old enough to remember having to get up from the couch and actually turn a TV dial to change stations?
So when my child acts like not having a cell phone is the worst thing in the world... I don't have any sympathy.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Being Thankful
I just finished reading the book "Against Medical Advice", by Hal Friedman and James Patterson (yes, that James Patterson). The book is a true account of what happened to Hal's son, Cory, between the ages of 5 and 18. At 5 years old he suddenly had Tourette's Syndrome as well as OCD. The struggle he and his parents went through for 13 years to seek treatment is chronicled and is heartbreaking. Sadly, doctor after doctor could not find a way to help him, despite dozens of different medications.
I certainly do my share of complaining about my kids. I know we all do. They fight too much, they don't clean up their room, brush their teeth, do their homework. But really, are any of these life threatening? My kids are healthy... really healthy... and I know that we don't take enough time to be thankful for that. So they have a cavity... or need braces... or eye glasses. That should be the most we have to worry about.
We know kids who aren't so lucky. Who knows why some kids get sick and some don't. Maybe it's genetics, maybe environment, but mostly it's just the luck of the draw. I, for one, am damn lucky that not only are my kids healthy... they are incredibly smart, talented, funny, and lovable. I think that sometimes we need to get a dose of what other people go through with their medical problems to truly appreciate what we have.
If you haven't read the book... I'd recommend it. It will make you truly be thankful for what you have.
I certainly do my share of complaining about my kids. I know we all do. They fight too much, they don't clean up their room, brush their teeth, do their homework. But really, are any of these life threatening? My kids are healthy... really healthy... and I know that we don't take enough time to be thankful for that. So they have a cavity... or need braces... or eye glasses. That should be the most we have to worry about.
We know kids who aren't so lucky. Who knows why some kids get sick and some don't. Maybe it's genetics, maybe environment, but mostly it's just the luck of the draw. I, for one, am damn lucky that not only are my kids healthy... they are incredibly smart, talented, funny, and lovable. I think that sometimes we need to get a dose of what other people go through with their medical problems to truly appreciate what we have.
If you haven't read the book... I'd recommend it. It will make you truly be thankful for what you have.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Say NO to Clutter!
If it's summer, can I still call it spring cleaning?
I am on a cleaning and de-cluttering kick. Not sure why... spring is behind us and school doesn't start until the middle of August, but I suddenly feel the need to get rid of all the junk in my house. Oh yes, my friends, there is waaaaayyyyyy too much junk.
So, today I spent all my time cleaning up the "upstairs" of the house. For those of you who don't know my strange house... the upstairs consists of the kitchen/dining room/living room (also known as the "Great Room") and the master bedroom and bath. So... the laundry is done, the kitchen is clean and the living room is free from tiny shoes and polly pockets and empty candy wrappers.
I thought I'd start with the "top" of the house since the "bottom" of the house is something that I am trying to put off tackling until I absolutely have to. The lower level of our house could be an episode of "Clean Sweep". If you haven't seen this show, they take the messiest, most unorganized home and sweep it clean of every stitch of furniture, knick-knack and just plain trash... then they make it look really, really pretty. My problem is... I actually have a degree in interior design... so I have no darn excuse for my house looking like this!
So, the bottom of the house has the girls' bedrooms and the playroom, as well as the office that David and I share. So my idea... change the "playroom" into more of a "craftroom" for the kids. Some place where they can do their homework and work on their projects. Since toys are finally going the way of the dinosaur (I never thought I would actually say this), I want my girls to be able to show more of their creative side. Temera can write... Mandy can paint... and Lauryn...???... well, I'm sure Lauryn has some type of creativity in her.
Okay, get rid of the tiny, rickety desks that they have been using and get some heavy, duty, sturdy ones for them to really work on. Then I need to buy a sturdy shelving unit that they can store all their supplies on (crayons, markers, scissors, glue, tape, paper, etc., etc.). Oh... and get some inexpensive but funky colored boxes that they can keep their schoolwork in (you know the kind... you know you are going to toss it, but you can't really do it until the end of the school year). Shouldn't be too hard, right?
Of course, I am dreading our office space. Two people (with a lot of stuff) sharing one office. The only good part is that I use it during the day and HE uses it at night. And how exactly did I manage to accumulate these hundreds of books? I know I can do it... I think I can do it. No, I KNOW I can do it.
I'll post pictures.
I am on a cleaning and de-cluttering kick. Not sure why... spring is behind us and school doesn't start until the middle of August, but I suddenly feel the need to get rid of all the junk in my house. Oh yes, my friends, there is waaaaayyyyyy too much junk.
So, today I spent all my time cleaning up the "upstairs" of the house. For those of you who don't know my strange house... the upstairs consists of the kitchen/dining room/living room (also known as the "Great Room") and the master bedroom and bath. So... the laundry is done, the kitchen is clean and the living room is free from tiny shoes and polly pockets and empty candy wrappers.
I thought I'd start with the "top" of the house since the "bottom" of the house is something that I am trying to put off tackling until I absolutely have to. The lower level of our house could be an episode of "Clean Sweep". If you haven't seen this show, they take the messiest, most unorganized home and sweep it clean of every stitch of furniture, knick-knack and just plain trash... then they make it look really, really pretty. My problem is... I actually have a degree in interior design... so I have no darn excuse for my house looking like this!
So, the bottom of the house has the girls' bedrooms and the playroom, as well as the office that David and I share. So my idea... change the "playroom" into more of a "craftroom" for the kids. Some place where they can do their homework and work on their projects. Since toys are finally going the way of the dinosaur (I never thought I would actually say this), I want my girls to be able to show more of their creative side. Temera can write... Mandy can paint... and Lauryn...???... well, I'm sure Lauryn has some type of creativity in her.
Okay, get rid of the tiny, rickety desks that they have been using and get some heavy, duty, sturdy ones for them to really work on. Then I need to buy a sturdy shelving unit that they can store all their supplies on (crayons, markers, scissors, glue, tape, paper, etc., etc.). Oh... and get some inexpensive but funky colored boxes that they can keep their schoolwork in (you know the kind... you know you are going to toss it, but you can't really do it until the end of the school year). Shouldn't be too hard, right?
Of course, I am dreading our office space. Two people (with a lot of stuff) sharing one office. The only good part is that I use it during the day and HE uses it at night. And how exactly did I manage to accumulate these hundreds of books? I know I can do it... I think I can do it. No, I KNOW I can do it.
I'll post pictures.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
How Time Flies
Saturday nights during the summer in Santa Clarita we have "Concerts in the Park". Bands from all over play on stage at Central Park and the place is packed with local residents out for a good time. We've gone in previous years to hear various bands... and mostly we spent our time telling the kids, "It's almost over", "We'll leave soon"... you get the drift.
So tonight I thought I might get the same response. We met a bunch of friends there at the park and when it was time to go (lights came on, cars headed for the exit), all I heard from my kids was, "Is it over?", "Why do we have to go?", "Can't we stay?" Well, how do you like that? My kids didn't want to leave. Never mind the fact that I barely saw them all night. My nine year old went off to play with her nine year old friends. My six year old went off to play with her six year old friends. My four year old decided to hang out with her teenage cousins and talk them into taking her to the playground. When did my kids become so independent? They didn't need me... they needed friends!
Oh friends... one minute they love them, the next minute they hate them. So hard to be a kid these days. But gosh darn it... you need friends. I can't say that I love all my kids' friends, but it is a joy to see them interact... to keep secrets... to share stories. This is where they learn about relationships... how to deal with pain and loss... mean kids... popular kids... bad kids (and good kids). Seeing my kids pick and choose who they want to be friends with is really something to see. The thought process that goes into it is truly amazing.
When my nine year old daughter tells me that she doesn't want to be friends with another little girl because she is mean to other girls, well, my heart soars. Yes, despite all my mothering doubts, I did something right... my daughter has empathy. She cares for people. And, she knows wrong from right. Raising kind, caring kids... isn't that what we all strive for?
It's hard work, but at the end of the day when you realize your kids have grown another day older (and a whole lot wiser), you know it's been a good day and you've done your job.
Time flies so fast.
So tonight I thought I might get the same response. We met a bunch of friends there at the park and when it was time to go (lights came on, cars headed for the exit), all I heard from my kids was, "Is it over?", "Why do we have to go?", "Can't we stay?" Well, how do you like that? My kids didn't want to leave. Never mind the fact that I barely saw them all night. My nine year old went off to play with her nine year old friends. My six year old went off to play with her six year old friends. My four year old decided to hang out with her teenage cousins and talk them into taking her to the playground. When did my kids become so independent? They didn't need me... they needed friends!
Oh friends... one minute they love them, the next minute they hate them. So hard to be a kid these days. But gosh darn it... you need friends. I can't say that I love all my kids' friends, but it is a joy to see them interact... to keep secrets... to share stories. This is where they learn about relationships... how to deal with pain and loss... mean kids... popular kids... bad kids (and good kids). Seeing my kids pick and choose who they want to be friends with is really something to see. The thought process that goes into it is truly amazing.
When my nine year old daughter tells me that she doesn't want to be friends with another little girl because she is mean to other girls, well, my heart soars. Yes, despite all my mothering doubts, I did something right... my daughter has empathy. She cares for people. And, she knows wrong from right. Raising kind, caring kids... isn't that what we all strive for?
It's hard work, but at the end of the day when you realize your kids have grown another day older (and a whole lot wiser), you know it's been a good day and you've done your job.
Time flies so fast.
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Little Things
Sometimes it's the little things that make your day.
I got "the" letter in the mail today from Highlands Elementary School (my kids' school) letting us know that Lauryn got morning kindergarten with Mrs. Dominguez. Exactly what I wanted. I know, I know... not that big a deal in the scheme of things, but when something works out just like you wanted it to... well, that's kind of a nice thing.
Yes, my last baby will be starting kindergarten in one month. Hard to believe that all my kids will be in elementary school (although all three get out at different times). Whatever will I do with my three hours a day?
I don't get why Santa Clarita is the only school system in Los Angeles that doesn't do full-day kindergarten. Honestly, my daughter has been going to preschool for 2 1/2 years already... I think she can handle a full day of class. I've worked in the kindergarten classes... they barely have time to zip through the material they have. It's rush, rush, rush from one project to another. And how are kids supposed to learn at this pace? I seem to remember when I was a kid, we spent weeks on end just learning how to write an "a". (Funny how the "a" we learned in no way reflects the typewritten "a".)
Oh well... I will not be the mother who stands outside the door with a tear down my eye wondering if my baby is missing me. Oh please... life moves on... kids get older... heck, I'm getting older. Lauryn will handle it just fine... just like Temera and Amanda did. I won't be sad... I'll be at Starbucks enjoying my peace and quiet. Even if it's just for three hours a day.
I got "the" letter in the mail today from Highlands Elementary School (my kids' school) letting us know that Lauryn got morning kindergarten with Mrs. Dominguez. Exactly what I wanted. I know, I know... not that big a deal in the scheme of things, but when something works out just like you wanted it to... well, that's kind of a nice thing.
Yes, my last baby will be starting kindergarten in one month. Hard to believe that all my kids will be in elementary school (although all three get out at different times). Whatever will I do with my three hours a day?
I don't get why Santa Clarita is the only school system in Los Angeles that doesn't do full-day kindergarten. Honestly, my daughter has been going to preschool for 2 1/2 years already... I think she can handle a full day of class. I've worked in the kindergarten classes... they barely have time to zip through the material they have. It's rush, rush, rush from one project to another. And how are kids supposed to learn at this pace? I seem to remember when I was a kid, we spent weeks on end just learning how to write an "a". (Funny how the "a" we learned in no way reflects the typewritten "a".)
Oh well... I will not be the mother who stands outside the door with a tear down my eye wondering if my baby is missing me. Oh please... life moves on... kids get older... heck, I'm getting older. Lauryn will handle it just fine... just like Temera and Amanda did. I won't be sad... I'll be at Starbucks enjoying my peace and quiet. Even if it's just for three hours a day.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Leaving Tomorrow....
It's Sunday... Happy Father's Day! We are about 90% packed and I am dead tired. I am so ready for a vacation... I think we all are. Still need to run the dishwasher, do the last load of laundry, and take out the trash. I'm hoping to leave by 9:00 am, but those of you who know David... 9:00 just ain't gonna happen.
I just had a thought... this will be our first vacation where I didn't pack not even one pull-up! A very scary thought! And believe it or not, I don't think we'll even be using the floaties I bought for Lauryn... SHE CAN SWIM!!!! She taught herself. Just jumped in the pool and there she went.
So, I will try to blog every day, but not knowing the wi-fi situation where we will be, I can't promise I'll be able to publish every day. Keep checking back. Oh yea... there will most likely be photos and videos as well.
Off to dinner... you know, Father's Day and all.
I just had a thought... this will be our first vacation where I didn't pack not even one pull-up! A very scary thought! And believe it or not, I don't think we'll even be using the floaties I bought for Lauryn... SHE CAN SWIM!!!! She taught herself. Just jumped in the pool and there she went.
So, I will try to blog every day, but not knowing the wi-fi situation where we will be, I can't promise I'll be able to publish every day. Keep checking back. Oh yea... there will most likely be photos and videos as well.
Off to dinner... you know, Father's Day and all.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
2 More Days
Ahhhhh, Saturday! Woke up late today, took the kids to Tae Kwon Do class and now we are going to run some errands and pick up those last minute items we need for the trip. Then, this afternoon we will finally take the suitcases out and begin the arduous task of packing. Let’s see… there are 5 of us and we will be gone for 7 days. That’s 35 outfits, at least 15 pairs of shoes, 5 pairs of sunglasses, assorted hats, purses, stuffed animals, and a cooler full of water and snacks. Oh, and several bathing suits each, cover-ups, flip flops and floaties.
Then there are the “others”… portable DVD player, 4 ipods, 2 nintendo DS, one leapster, one laptop, assorted earphones, travel games, books, notepads with magic markers (no crayons since it will be over 100 degrees and who wants THAT mess in a car), GPS, maps, triptik, AAA Guide, tickets for the Diamondbacks game, hotel confirmations… Jazz (we’ll be dropping him off on the way) and his paperwork (proof of vaccines).
What am I forgetting? There must be something.
Then there are the “others”… portable DVD player, 4 ipods, 2 nintendo DS, one leapster, one laptop, assorted earphones, travel games, books, notepads with magic markers (no crayons since it will be over 100 degrees and who wants THAT mess in a car), GPS, maps, triptik, AAA Guide, tickets for the Diamondbacks game, hotel confirmations… Jazz (we’ll be dropping him off on the way) and his paperwork (proof of vaccines).
What am I forgetting? There must be something.
Friday, June 19, 2009
3 Days and Counting
We made it to Friday… only a weekend to go before our trip. Despite the fact that we’ve known we were leaving for months now, for some reason we have left everything to do until the last minute. Hmmm… what a surprise.
So what have we left to do? Charge up cell phones, ipods, DVD players, laptops, nintendos… put new batteries in Leapfrogs and car earphones, wash the car, wash the clothes, get the suitcases down from the top shelf of the closet where I can’t possibly reach (even with a chair). Oh… and I need to get Temera a new bathsuit and cover-up and a new pair of shorts for me.
I don’t know… staying home seems so much easier.
So what have we left to do? Charge up cell phones, ipods, DVD players, laptops, nintendos… put new batteries in Leapfrogs and car earphones, wash the car, wash the clothes, get the suitcases down from the top shelf of the closet where I can’t possibly reach (even with a chair). Oh… and I need to get Temera a new bathsuit and cover-up and a new pair of shorts for me.
I don’t know… staying home seems so much easier.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
5 Days and Counting
My house is being cleaned today… why? Because I’m one of those people who can’t possibly pack for a trip and leave my house for a week unless everything is spotless. Since after a week on the road, I will be feeling dirty, grubby, bloated and tired beyond belief, coming home to a “clean” house will be heaven.
And while my house was being scrubbed, vacuumed and dusted, I took Amanda and Lauryn to the library to pick out a book to take with them on the trip. Never mind that we’ve spent the last two weeks actually “buying” books to take… no, my little angels want to go and “rent” books to take. Go figure!
Also stopped at the AAA to get a triptik to take with us. I’ve been hearing stories of Route 66 and how parts of the old road aren’t on current maps anymore. I wanted to be sure we didn’t get lost and wind up in Denver or something. Not that I wouldn’t love to go to Denver, been there before and it’s a lovely town. Just not what we planned on this particular trip. So, the AAA travel agent puts together the triptik for me after I specifically told her I need the Route 66 part from California to Flagstaff. I get in the car and open the triptik to find… she highlighted the FREEWAY part of the drive… NOT the ROUTE 66 part of the drive. Lovely!
Oh yes, and we are putting together all our DVD’s for the trip. Thankfully we have a DVD player in the car. The kids are already deciding what they want to watch first, second, etc. Come on kids… I thought the point of this trip was to be enjoying each other and the scenery! Come to find out… my kids just want to watch movies!
The fun is just beginning…
And while my house was being scrubbed, vacuumed and dusted, I took Amanda and Lauryn to the library to pick out a book to take with them on the trip. Never mind that we’ve spent the last two weeks actually “buying” books to take… no, my little angels want to go and “rent” books to take. Go figure!
Also stopped at the AAA to get a triptik to take with us. I’ve been hearing stories of Route 66 and how parts of the old road aren’t on current maps anymore. I wanted to be sure we didn’t get lost and wind up in Denver or something. Not that I wouldn’t love to go to Denver, been there before and it’s a lovely town. Just not what we planned on this particular trip. So, the AAA travel agent puts together the triptik for me after I specifically told her I need the Route 66 part from California to Flagstaff. I get in the car and open the triptik to find… she highlighted the FREEWAY part of the drive… NOT the ROUTE 66 part of the drive. Lovely!
Oh yes, and we are putting together all our DVD’s for the trip. Thankfully we have a DVD player in the car. The kids are already deciding what they want to watch first, second, etc. Come on kids… I thought the point of this trip was to be enjoying each other and the scenery! Come to find out… my kids just want to watch movies!
The fun is just beginning…
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
6 Days and Counting
What were we thinking? Taking our 3 girls on a week-long car trip through Arizona? My girls... the ones that fight over everything from what movie to watch to whose shirt that was before it became Lauryn's. (Because, eventually, everything becomes Lauryn's.) Last summer we cruised to Alaska. One place, one room, and we could dump (I mean, lovingly place) them in the Kids Camp when they got to be too much!
No, this time we'll be one big happy (?) family in our Honda Pilot cruising down Route 66 trying to find the Grand Canyon. Please spare me the references to the movie "Vacation"... we've heard it all. If we can come home in one piece, I'll consider it a successful trip. Vacation? Maybe not so much. I know I'll need that spa day when I come home.
So, we'll be blogging our way through because we wanted to share our journey with all our friends and family. Not sure of the internet situation. Hopefully we'll be in some places that have actually heard of the internet.
Our itinerary is: Leaving Monday for one night in Las Vegas. We figured driving straight through to Arizona our first day might not be such a good idea. Tuesday it's off to the old Route 66 - stopping for the night in Kingman, AZ. Next two nights we'll be in Flagstaff, with a train ride to the Grand Canyon in between. Then on to Phoenix where we'll actually be at a "resort" for the remainder of the trip. Come on people... there are only so many Best Westerns I can stand.
Should be fun, right?
No, this time we'll be one big happy (?) family in our Honda Pilot cruising down Route 66 trying to find the Grand Canyon. Please spare me the references to the movie "Vacation"... we've heard it all. If we can come home in one piece, I'll consider it a successful trip. Vacation? Maybe not so much. I know I'll need that spa day when I come home.
So, we'll be blogging our way through because we wanted to share our journey with all our friends and family. Not sure of the internet situation. Hopefully we'll be in some places that have actually heard of the internet.
Our itinerary is: Leaving Monday for one night in Las Vegas. We figured driving straight through to Arizona our first day might not be such a good idea. Tuesday it's off to the old Route 66 - stopping for the night in Kingman, AZ. Next two nights we'll be in Flagstaff, with a train ride to the Grand Canyon in between. Then on to Phoenix where we'll actually be at a "resort" for the remainder of the trip. Come on people... there are only so many Best Westerns I can stand.
Should be fun, right?
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