EAA AirVenture Museum

Click here to view our EAA AirVenture Museum Photo Album

Click where it says EAA AirVenture Museum and you will be taken to my Facebook photo album and you can see about 67 photos from our trip.  It was a wonderful day!  It was just me and my boys and all three of them got along well, stayed relatively close by, and took time to read, see, and understand (probably because I've taken them to so many museums in the past 14 years).  We were there for about 4 1/2 hours, but gone for 7. 

The day was beautiful, for starters.  The sun was shining and we left around 10am.  I had to stop and get gas, some sodas for us (and a fun treat - donuts) since it was an hour long drive.  We checked in at 11:05, the kids were eager to ride the flight simulator.  One of my favorite exhibits was one in which they showed how a lot of training was done - comics!  Cartoon-type posters that point out vital reminders and without scaring the pants off the pilots, explain how you could die.  I especially love the book, "Don't Kill Your Friends."  Of course, it was in a case and I couldn't actually see it (the title was catchy!).  EAA stands for Experimental Aircraft Association.  Another of my favorite exhibits was a plane built by a Racine man a very, very long time ago.  It had a boat attached to the bottom of it - you'd have to see it, there's a pic in the album - and he flew all over the world in it.  The 9 minute video we watched in the boat portion showed his son on a flight his father took.  The Amazon is beautiful and the man made a lasting contribution to Brazil by sending down some cows so they could have milk (descendants of those cows are there still today!) and he built a school (also still there today).

Justin enjoyed the whole museum.  But, Tyler and Joshua mostly enjoyed being able to get into the cockpit's of several WWII type planes.  Even at 12 Tyler is so cute as he sits in there and will push buttons, flip switches, turn knobs, buckle up, and aim the joystick as if he were really flying.  He wants to be an astrobiologist so he says he needs to learn to fly anyway.  (Walked out of there with him telling me the importance of getting him flying lessons!!)

One thing I learned, though I took the kids often enough to museums when they were little (the last time we were at the EAA, though, Joshua was 13 months old) it makes a difference to go when they are older and can remember the items on display, remember reading about particular planes and remember what a fantastic time they had. 

At any rate, we broke for lunch around 1pm and I took the kids over to Subway (nicest Subway I've ever been in - fireplace, 2 computers with wifi).  We had a great lunch then went back for more!  We ended our tour around the museum about 1 1/2 hours later in the KidVenture area - a lot of hands on stuff!  We concluded in the gift shop where Tyler and Justin got an EAA mug, pens, and Tyler got a set of wings.  Joshua got a build it yourself Navy plane - and I - got the family a puzzle of WWII planes!  I'll have to post a pic when it's done.

On our way home we stopped for Starbucks and the 'Thank you's' continued on until bed time!

This is one of the best days I can remember with my kids!  I hope they'll always remember it, too!

More Snow

March 18, 2013. 3-4 more inches!

The only Chore Routine that has worked for me. . .

How many chore charts and creative ways to track or assign chores have you used?  Well, I've used them all (I'm pretty sure).  I started one about 2 years ago that worked out very well.  I stopped it out of laziness, or probably because we just got so darn busy.  Well, I'm reinstituting it because it did work very well.  I've also added something new that we tried last night - and it was a complete success! 

I have three boys.  So, each boy has a folder and a pen which are kept on a stool at the island for easy access.  I have written the rules on the folder, for example, they get .10 per chore completed and done correctly (I am the judge of that).  I will minus one cent for spelling errors (it's about more than just the chores - responsibility and doing things right in all areas of life - so, I won't tolerate mispelled words.  It's something easy to incorporate and spelling is a huge deal in the real world).  Now, I have one kid who loves to read and two who like to read - but it doesn't come quite as easy to them.  So, I've also added that they can read a book and do a book report (and have gone over what I expect in a book report and have left an example in their folders) for what I feel is an appropriate amount of 'reward.'  But, on to the chores. . .

Here is the simplest chore chart - ever.  I got tired of the idea that they do the same chores over and over each week, or rotate chores with siblings - they are still the same chores.  Truth of the matter is - how often do we have something extra they could totally help with - but it's not a part of their chore chart??  So, I tell my kids, if you see something that needs to be picked up or cleaned up - and you have the ability to do it - then do it.  Write it down and for everything you do completely and correctly, I'll pay you ten cents.  Ten CENTS!?  Who would even find that worthwhile? 

Well, first of all, I really don't believe in paying my kids to do chores.  I don't get paid to do chores.  So, why should they?  But, they would like to earn money to spend on a pack of gum or to spend at the theater on food or drink, etc.  But, I'm not hard and firm on the ten cent limit, either.  For example, Tyler and Justin shoveled snow yesterday.  It was a big job.  Tyler knew he did a lousy job and Justin worked pretty darn hard.  So, I asked Tyler how much he thought he deserved for the work he did.  He said .40 cents worth, but that Justin probably did about $1.60 worth of work compared to him - totaled $2 and I thought that seemed fair.  I asked Justin about it and he agreed so - that's what I will pay them for the shoveling job.  (Now, if I were very well-off, I might consider working in quater, or dollar, increments).  Today, Joshua washed dishes - but they included pots and pans.  He did great and I took the time to stand there to teach and watch - so, I equated that to a .20 cent job.  Either they or I will write what they've done down in a column for that day.  At the end of the evening before I go to bed - I will look at what they've done and fill in the total they have earned (assuming they've done the chores they said they did - to my standards, which is a concept they are very familiar with).  See an example below:

 

 

 

 

Now, for the 'something new' I've encorporated. . .I have added three slips to a jar and every week each kid will draw a slip.  They will do what they've drawn.  What's on the slips?  Dust  *  Windex  *  Vacuum.  Just to be clear, this is a once a week job - not a job they do every day for a week.

 

It worked out so well last night!  So well, I'm tickled pink.  I don't expect the job to be done as well as if I were to do it myself but it took so much off my plate, they worked together, and I know, for the most part - my house is clean!  Now, I have a 3 story home - it is only for the main floor, and their rooms.  It works out so well that I can focus on other parts of the house and other chores involved with raising 3 boys, a husband, 2 cats, 3 fish, 4 chickens, and soon - a brand new puppy.  Plus, I do work part-time, sometimes from home and sometimes I travel.  And, let's not forget that mama's should have a life, too, outside of housework.

 

 

Final notes:  The charts start on Saturday and end on Friday - the day I choose to pay them so if they have somewhere to go during the weekend - they can have some cash.  

 

I finally figured out how to organize my scrapbook paper!

Ugh!  I have so much paper! 

Ha!  It's not as if I don't LOVE it!!  I have a paper fetish - no doubt about it.  But, I have always struggled with how to organize it!

I have looked online and I haven't found what I was looking for - I found mostly how to store it.  Different types of racks, etc.  I have found some forums in which people tell what works best for them, and I have taken some suggestions.  But, I'm sure we each have a different 'set up' so, honestly, I think each individual needs to find what works for them.  I will post how I've organized my paper and maybe, someone with a similar set up will find my post useful.

My set-up:  I have 20 paper trays.  So, I had to find 20 or less categories in which to label my trays and separate my paper.  This is what I came up with:

Solids
Family
Kids
School
Sports
Camping
Flowers & Nature
Spring & Summer
Fall & Winter
Circles & Dots
Squares & Plaids
Paisley's & Swirls
Stripes
Themed
Modern
Antiqued & Heritage
Textured
Vellum
Holiday

I have one tray left - I can use if for scraps or very large sticker or punch out sheets - or whatever.

You could certainly take one heading, like 'kids,' and further organize it into subcategories:  Boys, Girls, Baby, or by colors.  You can do that with many headings - if you have a lot of paper storage.

I certainly hope this helps someone.  I FINALLY feel organized.

27 hours since January. . .

That's right - I've put in about 27 hours of PTO work since January.  I haven't blogged about it because I was really so disgusted with it.  As I am now if the term 'disgusted' didn't signify my current feelings well enough.  I want to be a helper and a volunteer - simply because I like it.  But, I constantly feel belittled with, what are most likely insignificant and non-intentional, snyde remarks.  They are little things - but then, that's kind of how be'littling' works.  Proper definition:  To make someone or something seem unimportant.  Yep - there you go.  I definitely feel belittled.  By other PTO members.  So, it kind of makes continuing the job seem like walking in shit.  Of course, I've committed to it for this year so I'll ride it out. 

I'm about to read through our by-laws to see if there is any proper motion to disband the PTO. . . because apparently, no one else wants the job.  And, I'm not doing it again. 

Nemesis

I had a wonderful night out with my sister. We went to Nakashima's where we were thouroughly entertained by Brett (maybe in more ways than one??). LOL! Okay - don't take that statement too far - he was cute and cut up with us - that's all (I swear it!). :) Then we went to B and N where she found this wonderful book called Q and A A Day; 365 Questions * 5 years * 1,824 Answers, a 5 year journal. So, there is a different question for each 365 days with space for you to fill in the year. So, 365 days later you answer the same question, exactly one year later (or would that actually be on day 366??). Anyway, I figure I'll blog about some of my answers. And, that is exactly what I'm doing in this post.

The Question: Who's your nemesis?

Well, I first had to look up the definition because I would've thought it meant who I don't like right now, or who hates me. But, the definition is - the inescapable or implacable agent of someone's or something's downfall. Hmmm. Now, what a perfect question to have only a day after I was so disappointed with myself for my child not bringing home an envelope given to him - to give to me - so I could finish up the PTO newsleter and have it out in time. What was in that envelope was important to finishing the newsletter. I yelled at him and when tossing things out of his book bag and snow bag in haste, searching for anywhere the envelope could've been stuffed, I accidentally hit him in the head with his snow boot. I didn't physically hurt him but I did hurt his feelings and immediately I knew I was wrong. I had to let it go - and apologize to my kid (and he's so darn forgiving - I didn't think I deserved it).

So, my answer: PTO

I do love my work for the PTO but I have a tendency to put it ahead of the things (people) that matter most - and a big reason why I work on the PTO, my child enjoys seeing me at school and by being there - he gets to see me more than if I weren't at his school. I know if must be refreshing and exciting for a 2nd grader to see his mom during the day - that he's the lucky one. I don't want to say I can't wait for it (PTO) to be over, but I do need to keep perspective. I had been blogging my hours working on PTO related activities -but stopped when the pace began to pick up for Family Fun Night. Blogging helped me to keep perspective and keep a balance between school and home. So, I'm just going to have to make the time to continue blogging about PTO - and hopefully, enjoy it again and still be a good mom!

Homeless

My sister and I drove to the east side to watch Tyler in his Forensics meet.  (He did great, by-the-way!)  We arrived early so we decided to swing by Starbucks.  Today's temperature has been in the low 20's and I'm sure it was colder with the wind chill and tonight we are expecting another 3-6 inches.  Less than a block away from Starbucks, by a high traffic stop sign on a street that runs by a small shopping center, was a man holding a sign that said, "homeless, anything will help."

This man had no gloves.  He was wearing a rather old and torn denim material, tan-ish, coat that I'm sure was nice at one point in time.  He had on what a appeared to be a fishing type hat.  Sometimes you can look at a person and just know that what you see is real.  Of course, I'm not deluding myself that I haven't been 'suckered' but, there's no harm in feeding a person, which is what I did.  At Starbucks I purchased a sausage and cheese sandwich and a grande regular coffee.  My sister and I drove by and lowered the window and offered him the food and drink, words of encouragement and kindness.  It made me feel good.   He was very thankful, too - and most of all - he was very sincere.  His face was so red from the cold and the wind and I cannot seem to get that out of my mind.

Back home I called the police department to ask if I should request an officer swing by to check on this individual.  I found out that anyone with a sign is doing what's known as 'panhandling.'  And, it's illegal.  Oddly, it's something I see very frequently at the Sam's parking lot on the west side of town.  The lady on the phone told me that an officer could drive by when I report a homeless person but, if the homeless person is an adult the officer will not take them anywhere - because they are adults, after all, and can make their own decisions.  She did give me a list, at my request, of places I can suggest they call or hop on the bus and take a ride to:  St. John's homeless shelter, Paul's Pantry, Salvation Army, or the Crisis Center.  I am going to make a few 'business' type cards with that info and contact #'s and pass them out if I feel a person might really be in need. 

I have no doubt this fellow will hop on the city bus and go to one of those places.  At least, that's what I need to believe in order to go about the rest of my day, in my roomy, warm home, with a stocked pantry and fridge, electricity, TV's in so many rooms I'm embarrassed, etc.  I know my husband and many other folks don't spare a second glance or give nary a thought to the circumstances that lands one on a street corner advertising that 'anything can help.'  Some, I'm sure, have a choice to be there or not.  But, my heart softens for the ones that really cannot help themselves - age being a big factor.  And, this guy looked to be in his 60's, at least. 

There's a quote my granny used to say often, and I'm sure many of you have heard it.  However, I hold no stock in the God part (my apologies to those who are shocked) and I say:  There but for the sake of circumstance, go I.  There are so many paths to choose from in life, choices to make, you'd better make the right one;  Else your circumstances could be those shared by others instead of your own.  Most importantly, learn to recognize when you're on a fall - and switch course quick before you wind up at the bottom of the bog.

I have much to be thankful for, for example: that I have made some fairly decent choices in my life.  And, that I should choose to help another - who deserves it or not- has made me a better person for I have taken the time, this moment, to stop my hustle and bustle to reflect on what could've been my life had I made poorer decisions.  Of course, I do know that sometimes we are simply dealt a hand that has not a thing in the world to do with any decisions we make -  and that's called an unfortunate circumstance.  And, I know that I could be dealt that hand at any time in my life - and there's a lot of life left to live.  That is an important reason why I believe folks (like my husband) shouldn't be so quick to dismiss a person because of how they look, where they live, etc. 

Lesson learned:  life can be fickle.  Take nothing for granted.

More Beautiful Snow Pictures

These were taken on a road adjacent to mine. Beautiful.

Tyler and Pebbles

Joshua's 8th B-day

Joshua opted for a simple birthday party (thank you!!!). He had two friends over for cake and a 'Build Your Own Sundae' sleepover party.

He got Just Dance 4 & lincoln logs from me and daddy, Nerf basketball and guns from Robert, and from Tyler he got Doctor Dreadful!

Also, I take the kids on their birthdays (or near a 'bouts) to have their pics made. I've been using Portrait Innovations for a while now which happens to be next to Starbucks.

It was simple. And most importantly, Joshua had fun. All the kids got along really well. I would do this again.

I love The Snow

Views of the back yard and from my desk where I work from home.

Thoughts on Blogging

I took Justin to the ortho this am and since it's next to B&N we left early so I could get a coffee, look over a magazine and chill while Justin walked around.  I picked up three mag's whose titles I found interesting (I'm not much of a magazine reader but thought it would be urban-like and sophisticated.  I guess you could say I was enjoying the morning and par-took in some 'play-time' pretending to be trendy.). 

At any rate, one of the magazines I picked up was on blogging.  I read an article in which the writer clearly referred to photo-blogging as 'blogging.'  I see those as slightly different as both terms exist and have specific, yet similar, definitions.  She talked about how blogging (the taking photos part of blogging) was so important because it immortalized a specific time and place and feeling - she referred to taking a picture of a garden one day and that on no other day would the garden ever look exactly the same as it did at that moment.  Later in her article the writer stated she was watching her son and mom play at the playground while she wrote the article and forgot her camera and the fact that she couldn't snap a picture of the moment was sad because she'd never have that moment to look upon again.

Now, here is where I have to disagree and define my opinions on blogging.  First of all, photo-blogging focuses on pictures rather than words though, often, words accompany the pictures.  Blogging is a web log.  An online journal that primarily uses words to express feelings, convey experiences, initiate conversations and deep thought - or can simply be a way of clearing ones mind of the stresses of the day, and  more.  A blog is whatever you, the blogger, wants to write about and share with others.  I do both - and that's okay.

I would like to share with you all that you don't need to take photos to immortalize anything you see.  Words are powerful. 

“My task, which I am trying to achieve is, by the power of the written word, to make you hear, to make you feel--it is, before all, to make you see.”
― Joseph Conrad, Lord Jim

Words can paint a picture!

As someone who takes a lot of pictures - for the mere reason I have a slight memory problem - I can assure you that if you see a moment taking shape that makes you feel a certain way - a way you want to remember:  nostalgic, enlightened, happy, free, peaceful, thoughtful, etc - if you don't have a camera - begin describing it to yourself.  Work your way in - what kind of light?  Sunlight - is it soft, fading, brilliant?  What are the surroundings?  Building, trees, people, water, animals?  What or who is the focus of what you're seeing?  A child, a parent, an old couple, an animal?  What makes the object so endearing?  Innocence, playfulness, funny or hilarious, sweet, calming, relaxing?  Look to colors, actions, expressions, feelings - a breeze, warmth, salty air - etc. 

That is my thought on blogging and I hope that enlightens anyone who reads this. 

Back to the grind. . . 80.5 hrs

Okay - So, I finally got back into the PTO mode again.  Reluctantly, unfortunately.  I hate feeling so - done with it.  I really should be enjoying this but, as our PTO is winding down, part of an ebb & flow - it's hard to enjoy your accomplishments. 

At any rate, I managed to get the PTO Newsletter done (late, albeit) and whipped up an agenda (to discuss with a total of 8 people), and work on a layout for the upcoming Family Fun Night.  I submitted the facilities order for tables and (96!) chairs, had a prelim meeting w/ my co-chair - and as a result have initiated so many emails for status checks - I have no idea who I'm expecting to hear from.  Whew! 

But, on a positive note - I am managing quite well at not becoming over-stressed and allowing any of it to consume my time.  As a matter of fact, my sister and I made a plan - and have initiated it:  YMCAa (I cannot say that without singing it!).  We just got back from an hour and half work out and I am left feeling rather invigorated - so I hope this will carry over to all aspects of my life.  Including PTO.

I am adding 3 hours to my PTO volunteer hours count.  And, looking back through my blog posts to see what number I'm up to - I realize I didn't account for my hours AT bingo in December, another 2 hours.  Last count was 75.5 so with the new numbers I am up to 80.5 hours. 

TV Relo

We may break our necks trying to watch TV, but at least we'll ALL be able to see the TV from any seat in the living room - well, eventually. It's no easy task drilling into brick!



Okay - you can see its up now. We still have to get creative and hide the cords. We need a longer cable for the PS3 and maybe for some other component. Then I can decorate and cover cords.

Though I would have paid the price to have professionals do it all (especially running cords) Sky didn't see spending nearly double the cost of what we spent doing this bit ourselves. I can only shrug my shoulders. I think that's a huge difference between many men & women. The women would rather pay to have something done: completely, professionally, and quickly.

Now, it will definitely take some getting used to. But it is easier to see the TV from all the seats in the living room and from the kitchen area. I have never been a fan of this set up but it's practicality won out.



Ok, got it cleaned up and attempted to hide wires behind decor. Still would live to have had it done professionally, though. Still also getting used to looking UP to watch TV.

8 years

Do you know - I've had this blog for just over 8 years!  I love scrolling down to the archives on the right side and arbitrarily picking a year and seeing the posts made at this time during that year.  I started it in December of '04, right before Joshua was born.  We were living in Wrightstown. 

I think that's cool.  I hope to have it for many more years.