I went to the grocery store, and had all the kids with me. Usually, I put them in the "Tree House" which is a child care/play area that they LOVE, but since I only had a few things to get, I just dragged them around with me. (It ended up being more than I had expected, which is not a surprise.)
Once we were done, I found a register with no line and started putting my items up. Before she could even ring one item through, she had to ask me, "Do you have your Martin's card?" That just put me in the foulest mood! Is it me, or is it ok to swipe your card once everything is already rung up? Why was she in such a hurry for it? Couldn't she see that I had five kids I was tending to, as well as loading up all the groceries. I felt obligated to make searching for my card my top priority. That was really irritating.
Then, the bagger kept making comments about my kids- like he's never seen anyone with SO MANY kids before. All of you who have even three kids probably know what I'm talking about. It's like we all have seven eyes or something. Then he was like, "Hurry- get them all out of here quickly- ha ha ha." Yeah, real funny guy. Next time, I know who NOT to go to when it's time to check out, even if there is no line. It wasn't worth it.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Reisterstown Road
So today, Scott and I took Max and Meredith to the Baltimore Symphony for a field trip with our school. It turned out to be a lot of fun and just a really neat concert. They kept it short, about 45 minutes, since it was geared for kids. I thought they did an excellent job for that!
On the way back to Scott's work (in Owings Mills) we took a different route...one in which we did not know where any restaurants were, fast food even. So once we were out of the city and back on the beltway, we had two options. Go ahead to Owings Mills, or stop on Reisterstown Road. That was my suggestion. It is filled with shops and food and everything you need- or at least what we needed at the time. We figured we'd stop at McD's or Burger King...although I was hoping to see a Subway.
Scott spotted a Panera Bread and I said, "Yes- that will be great!" We pulled in to a very packed parking lot (it was kind of a strip mall) and found a spot and parked. Panera was really busy...at 1:30 in the afternoon. I wasn't too surprised. It's a popular place. Scott glanced at his watch, and just then, Meredith suggested that we go to the pizza shop next door. Scott said that was fine, and we went in....
...to this empty pizza place that did have lots of tables. I felt a little uneasy, but we decided to stay. We noticed the kids' meal, which was a good deal, so we ordered two of them. Then we were trying to decide on our own pizza. We were going to split one, and we could each pick our own toppings. I started off saying I'd like pepperoni and onion. The guy was like, "We don't served meat here." Oh, ok. I thought of the movie, "My big fat Greek wedding" when the aunt says, "He don't eat no meat!" Anyway, I was on the right track. Shortly after we ordered our veggie pizza, some men came in...all Jewish. They were wearing their little, and I will have to use the word BEANIE because I don't know how to spell YAMAKA! :) Anyway, you get the point. Then, more and more people piled in...long after the usual lunch time. I was really taken back by it all. I didn't know if the cheese was even normal on the pizza. Do they use NORMAL cheese, or is it goat's cheese? I just don't know. I honestly felt like I was on a missions trip to Israel or something. They even served the "Israeli Pizza."
Scott works for a Jewish firm and was not taken back by this. He said all the guys take a late lunch, because they don't even roll into work until 9 or 9:30. This is just normal. It still felt weird to me.
So it was quite the experience on Reisterstown Road today. Why was I so shocked? I'm still wondering. What was it? I don't know. But I grabbed a pamphlet on how to create the perfect Bar Mitzvah when I walked out the door, just in case I ever needed it! :)
On the way back to Scott's work (in Owings Mills) we took a different route...one in which we did not know where any restaurants were, fast food even. So once we were out of the city and back on the beltway, we had two options. Go ahead to Owings Mills, or stop on Reisterstown Road. That was my suggestion. It is filled with shops and food and everything you need- or at least what we needed at the time. We figured we'd stop at McD's or Burger King...although I was hoping to see a Subway.
Scott spotted a Panera Bread and I said, "Yes- that will be great!" We pulled in to a very packed parking lot (it was kind of a strip mall) and found a spot and parked. Panera was really busy...at 1:30 in the afternoon. I wasn't too surprised. It's a popular place. Scott glanced at his watch, and just then, Meredith suggested that we go to the pizza shop next door. Scott said that was fine, and we went in....
...to this empty pizza place that did have lots of tables. I felt a little uneasy, but we decided to stay. We noticed the kids' meal, which was a good deal, so we ordered two of them. Then we were trying to decide on our own pizza. We were going to split one, and we could each pick our own toppings. I started off saying I'd like pepperoni and onion. The guy was like, "We don't served meat here." Oh, ok. I thought of the movie, "My big fat Greek wedding" when the aunt says, "He don't eat no meat!" Anyway, I was on the right track. Shortly after we ordered our veggie pizza, some men came in...all Jewish. They were wearing their little, and I will have to use the word BEANIE because I don't know how to spell YAMAKA! :) Anyway, you get the point. Then, more and more people piled in...long after the usual lunch time. I was really taken back by it all. I didn't know if the cheese was even normal on the pizza. Do they use NORMAL cheese, or is it goat's cheese? I just don't know. I honestly felt like I was on a missions trip to Israel or something. They even served the "Israeli Pizza."
Scott works for a Jewish firm and was not taken back by this. He said all the guys take a late lunch, because they don't even roll into work until 9 or 9:30. This is just normal. It still felt weird to me.
So it was quite the experience on Reisterstown Road today. Why was I so shocked? I'm still wondering. What was it? I don't know. But I grabbed a pamphlet on how to create the perfect Bar Mitzvah when I walked out the door, just in case I ever needed it! :)
Friday, February 6, 2009
Yay- I got in!
Hi everyone...who still remembers me! :) I have been trying to get onto my blog and did not have any luck until today. I had to go to Heather's first and then try mine. It's so odd!
I had so many great ideas last week of what I could write. Can I remember any of them now? No. I can't.
Let me just give you a quick update then and I'll try to get more creative next time.
1. Tax season has officially started for every other CPA, but thankfully, Scott is not quite too busy yet. OK, I say that as I remember that he is working late and I probably won't see him until midnight. But anyway, maybe it's just not affecting me yet. He is not working tomorrow. That is saying something for a Saturday.
2. I am doing really well on my homeschool schedule and that thrills me! I am not sure how this year will end, or when it will, but it won't be too late. I'll tell you why in #'3 and 4.
3. Mark and Heather and the kids are coming to visit us sometime in March. I absolutely can't wait to see them! Heather and I have such a unique "phone relationship" that I don't have with anyone else. That helps a lot. We catch up and talk for long periods of time about everything. I don't feel we've even skipped a beat. But there's something so great about seeing them and doing things together...in person (and Skype does not count...right Heather? How weird that thing is!).
4. In April...3 days after the official end of tax season, Scott and I are taking a 10 night cruise to the Caribbean. We are going alone, and my mom and sister so graciously offered to keep my kids for that length of time. I cannot wait for that either!!!
5. Scott has a job interview on March 21 with a firm that is only 5 miles from our house. He has some issues with his current firm, and is ready to leave. He feels he should. We are praying for that. And, ultimately, Scott would love to open up a drive-thru coffee shop with my brother, Bill, and that is in their minds right now. They are trying to figure all that out. There is really nothing like that out here (Maryland has a million snowball stands, but no drive-thru coffe shops).
6. We have a membership to the Baltimore Aquarium and the B&O Railroad Museum. We go to the Aquarium very often (once a month?) and have only been to the railroad museum once. I do plan to go back, but part is outdoors, so I am waiting for better weather. This Tues. Scott and I are taking the kids to the Baltimore Symphony with their school for a field trip. I am really looking forward to that one!
7. The kids' school??? OK, so we are part of a school, called Cedar Brook Academy. It is a wonderful support for us. They offer for elementary school, Wed. classes (P.E., Science, and Art) twice a month, field trips, and they report to the state for us. We have yearly reviews and that is it. It's very nice and keeps me on top of things. I think I need the accountability! Once they hit 7th grade, they will be going to class every Thurs. They can take anything from yearbook to anatomy to biology (with labs), etc. It is really neat. They are very organized and like I said before, a huge support. My kids will be able to do a "prom" and also a graduation. That, I like. My sister, Lauren, attends now, and so do my other sister's two oldest kids. I'm trying to decide if Max should start band in a year or two?
8. We just joined the local YMCA. Love it! We usually swim during the day a few days a week and then on Friday nights. One of my best friends, Tammy, goes too, and we see her and her family often. I look forward to that. I take a Yoga class on Thurs. nights with Lauren, and I also enjoy working out when I can. That usually happens two nights a week. Now I don't really remember what it's like not to have a lot of exercise as part of my life. I hope that never changes!
9. We are official members at Forcey Memorial Church now. It doesn't really mean anything, I don't think, but I thought I'd mention it. We do plan to get more involved and find a ministry where Scott and I (and the kids even) can get involved. We are leaning towards "kid's church", which is during the 2nd service every week. Max will be in there next year, and I think they could use another couple to help. Scott might even get to teach some. I don't know.
10. I used to feel very strongly about never sending my kids into day care at places like the Y, but since moving here, they go to that one as well as the "tree house" at our grocery store. What a break that is for me and it has worked out well. They LOVE the tree house especially.
OK, that's all for now. I really need to get dinner ready and head over to the Y in a little bit. Just wanted to say hello to you all and let you know I am alive and hope to write more...now that I know how to!
I had so many great ideas last week of what I could write. Can I remember any of them now? No. I can't.
Let me just give you a quick update then and I'll try to get more creative next time.
1. Tax season has officially started for every other CPA, but thankfully, Scott is not quite too busy yet. OK, I say that as I remember that he is working late and I probably won't see him until midnight. But anyway, maybe it's just not affecting me yet. He is not working tomorrow. That is saying something for a Saturday.
2. I am doing really well on my homeschool schedule and that thrills me! I am not sure how this year will end, or when it will, but it won't be too late. I'll tell you why in #'3 and 4.
3. Mark and Heather and the kids are coming to visit us sometime in March. I absolutely can't wait to see them! Heather and I have such a unique "phone relationship" that I don't have with anyone else. That helps a lot. We catch up and talk for long periods of time about everything. I don't feel we've even skipped a beat. But there's something so great about seeing them and doing things together...in person (and Skype does not count...right Heather? How weird that thing is!).
4. In April...3 days after the official end of tax season, Scott and I are taking a 10 night cruise to the Caribbean. We are going alone, and my mom and sister so graciously offered to keep my kids for that length of time. I cannot wait for that either!!!
5. Scott has a job interview on March 21 with a firm that is only 5 miles from our house. He has some issues with his current firm, and is ready to leave. He feels he should. We are praying for that. And, ultimately, Scott would love to open up a drive-thru coffee shop with my brother, Bill, and that is in their minds right now. They are trying to figure all that out. There is really nothing like that out here (Maryland has a million snowball stands, but no drive-thru coffe shops).
6. We have a membership to the Baltimore Aquarium and the B&O Railroad Museum. We go to the Aquarium very often (once a month?) and have only been to the railroad museum once. I do plan to go back, but part is outdoors, so I am waiting for better weather. This Tues. Scott and I are taking the kids to the Baltimore Symphony with their school for a field trip. I am really looking forward to that one!
7. The kids' school??? OK, so we are part of a school, called Cedar Brook Academy. It is a wonderful support for us. They offer for elementary school, Wed. classes (P.E., Science, and Art) twice a month, field trips, and they report to the state for us. We have yearly reviews and that is it. It's very nice and keeps me on top of things. I think I need the accountability! Once they hit 7th grade, they will be going to class every Thurs. They can take anything from yearbook to anatomy to biology (with labs), etc. It is really neat. They are very organized and like I said before, a huge support. My kids will be able to do a "prom" and also a graduation. That, I like. My sister, Lauren, attends now, and so do my other sister's two oldest kids. I'm trying to decide if Max should start band in a year or two?
8. We just joined the local YMCA. Love it! We usually swim during the day a few days a week and then on Friday nights. One of my best friends, Tammy, goes too, and we see her and her family often. I look forward to that. I take a Yoga class on Thurs. nights with Lauren, and I also enjoy working out when I can. That usually happens two nights a week. Now I don't really remember what it's like not to have a lot of exercise as part of my life. I hope that never changes!
9. We are official members at Forcey Memorial Church now. It doesn't really mean anything, I don't think, but I thought I'd mention it. We do plan to get more involved and find a ministry where Scott and I (and the kids even) can get involved. We are leaning towards "kid's church", which is during the 2nd service every week. Max will be in there next year, and I think they could use another couple to help. Scott might even get to teach some. I don't know.
10. I used to feel very strongly about never sending my kids into day care at places like the Y, but since moving here, they go to that one as well as the "tree house" at our grocery store. What a break that is for me and it has worked out well. They LOVE the tree house especially.
OK, that's all for now. I really need to get dinner ready and head over to the Y in a little bit. Just wanted to say hello to you all and let you know I am alive and hope to write more...now that I know how to!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Halloween
I don't know about you, but I LOVE Halloween. I look forward to celebrating with my kids. Some people really think about the background and where Halloween got started and just can't get past it. I vaguely know a little, but I don't think about it much. I feel like since I have a pure heart in it all and don't celebrate this holiday in a way that is offensive to the Lord, we can enjoy it as a family without feeling guilty.
We are having a party here tonight. Between our family, my sister's family, my parents and Lauren, and one other family, we will have 25 people here! So fun!!! Yesterday I got the house all cleaned up and got everything ready for the party. I moved the table into the kitchen. Now we have room in the dining room to play "Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin" and just a lot of room for everyone to sit.
So this morning, when the kids got up, they came down as I was making cupcakes and were so excited, like it's Christmas- "HAPPY HALLOWEEN MOMMY" is what they said as they hugged me. It just makes me laugh. I am a kid at heart and enjoy this as much as they do. I'll take any reason to party or celebrate something!
The other exciting part of today is that as soon as we all get dressed, we are going to my mom's a pick her up and then meet my dad and my sister's family at the "pumpkin patch." OK, this is really nothing like a pumpkin patch- it's a parking lot that sells a few pumpkins. But, inside, there are Christmas trees all over the place decorated in different styles. It's so fun wallking down the aisles and seeing them all. Growing up, this IS what we called the pumpkin patch. As a matter of fact, a few weeks ago, we went to a REAL one and had the hay ride, picked pumpkins, stuffed a scarecrow, etc. But Lauren wasn't able to go. So the other day she said, "On Friday we're going to the Pumpkin Patch." I asked her which one and she said "The good one!" Ha ha. To us, it's the good one because it's the tradition. We love it (Valley View Farms, for those who live in MD who are wondering)!
After we're done, it will be time for the party. Oh, I love a day like today. The house is all clean, we can leave, do some fun things, and come back to a clean house, and LOTS of people! What more is there in life???
We are having a party here tonight. Between our family, my sister's family, my parents and Lauren, and one other family, we will have 25 people here! So fun!!! Yesterday I got the house all cleaned up and got everything ready for the party. I moved the table into the kitchen. Now we have room in the dining room to play "Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin" and just a lot of room for everyone to sit.
So this morning, when the kids got up, they came down as I was making cupcakes and were so excited, like it's Christmas- "HAPPY HALLOWEEN MOMMY" is what they said as they hugged me. It just makes me laugh. I am a kid at heart and enjoy this as much as they do. I'll take any reason to party or celebrate something!
The other exciting part of today is that as soon as we all get dressed, we are going to my mom's a pick her up and then meet my dad and my sister's family at the "pumpkin patch." OK, this is really nothing like a pumpkin patch- it's a parking lot that sells a few pumpkins. But, inside, there are Christmas trees all over the place decorated in different styles. It's so fun wallking down the aisles and seeing them all. Growing up, this IS what we called the pumpkin patch. As a matter of fact, a few weeks ago, we went to a REAL one and had the hay ride, picked pumpkins, stuffed a scarecrow, etc. But Lauren wasn't able to go. So the other day she said, "On Friday we're going to the Pumpkin Patch." I asked her which one and she said "The good one!" Ha ha. To us, it's the good one because it's the tradition. We love it (Valley View Farms, for those who live in MD who are wondering)!
After we're done, it will be time for the party. Oh, I love a day like today. The house is all clean, we can leave, do some fun things, and come back to a clean house, and LOTS of people! What more is there in life???
Sunday, October 26, 2008
To my Facebook friends
So all of you on Facebook, let me ask you this: Is it not hard enough to think of a daily status, let alone having to think of an entire post for the blog??? I have troubles. I think it's much easier to write a one liner than to write an entire post. Is my life REALLY that boring???
I have been so busy lately! It's like time is flying by faster than it ever has in my whole life. I guess that's good- it's been good stuff at least. I love my Bible studies, teaching the kids, keeping up on the house, cooking meals, all that stuff- I have very good days usually. I am just that kind of person. I just feel bad because I think there has to be more I could be doing. There are times in my day/week that I try to come up with something fun. I'm not bored, but I think I fear being bored, so I make sure every moment is filled up with something. This week I am going to focus more on serving others- and having my kids join in. I would like to take a meal to a neighbor (or two or three) in the next few weeks. I'd like to write letters to Scott's grandpa, and to my grandma. You know, stuff like that. If you have any other great ideas, let me know. It's hard to come up with things for myself, let alone myself and FIVE little kids!
Hope you all are doing well! I haven't talked with a lot of you in a while, and I do think about you, even though I don't always get that email out, or even that quick note on Facebook. Let me know what you've been up to. I'll look forward to hearing from you...and maybe seeing some of you soon!
I have been so busy lately! It's like time is flying by faster than it ever has in my whole life. I guess that's good- it's been good stuff at least. I love my Bible studies, teaching the kids, keeping up on the house, cooking meals, all that stuff- I have very good days usually. I am just that kind of person. I just feel bad because I think there has to be more I could be doing. There are times in my day/week that I try to come up with something fun. I'm not bored, but I think I fear being bored, so I make sure every moment is filled up with something. This week I am going to focus more on serving others- and having my kids join in. I would like to take a meal to a neighbor (or two or three) in the next few weeks. I'd like to write letters to Scott's grandpa, and to my grandma. You know, stuff like that. If you have any other great ideas, let me know. It's hard to come up with things for myself, let alone myself and FIVE little kids!
Hope you all are doing well! I haven't talked with a lot of you in a while, and I do think about you, even though I don't always get that email out, or even that quick note on Facebook. Let me know what you've been up to. I'll look forward to hearing from you...and maybe seeing some of you soon!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Feeling out of control
As much as I enjoyed last week- all the running and eating out and all that, after a while you just feel out of control and need to get back into some sort of routine. Plus, it gets so expensive! :) But, I feel good about my shopping trips and how I think everyone is set for fall and winter, and that is quite the accomplishment. It takes a long time to organize 5 kids' clothes from season to season. I go into it thinking it will be a quick, easy, and fun job. I figure I'll just put some clothes in a tote and pull out the news ones- that's all there is to it. But, then once I get started, I realize that Jill is the last girl in the family. I need to put her clothes that are too small into a different tote and label it. The same goes with Riley. And, now that I think about it, I do that for Max as well- so they will be ready for Riley in a couple years when he is ready to wear them. So anyway, I did get it all done last week, I got the house all in order, and now I am ready to kind of start the month. I mapped out all the days we are doing school this month and it comes down to just 15 days. I have a lot to fit into those days, but that is the beauty of homeschooling. We can work at our own pace and if we need to take more time, that is an option. That's the reason I started school in August. There are times, or weeks, that come up and you just don't get any school done, and that's ok. We are already a month ahead, so there is no rush.
All that to say, today feels good. I am ready to be in control again of my routine, and I feel organized to do it. Hope your day goes well too!
All that to say, today feels good. I am ready to be in control again of my routine, and I feel organized to do it. Hope your day goes well too!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
When the cat's away, the mice will play
Scott and Paige are in Oregon this week. I was dreading it before they left. I was actually ok that Scott was going, but I was really sad about Paige. Scott can handle himself because he's an adult, but what if little Paigy girl misses her mommy? The anticipation was the worst. Once they left, and I shed my few tears, things were fine. It was then that the mice began to play! :)
I have actually had a really great week so far. Monday afternoon and evening was spent shopping and eating and having fun with my sister, Lauren. I had some jeans to return and then was able to find a pair that fit better. That is a good feeling! Then I went to Weight Watchers and was down 2 pounds on their scale from last week. Another great feeling! I celebrated by taking the family to Texas Roadhouse! ha ha
Tuesday was Bible study, then lunch with my mom and sister. I got some school done with the kids, cleaned the house a bit, and then enjoyed a great thunder and lightening storm. The kids' swimming lessons were cancelled, but that was ok because that meant Paige didn't miss two lessons, just one.
Wednesday was also a fun day. I picked up Lauren and we went to this park that has the old Enchanted Forest things (what do you call them?) and a petting zoo and all that. Max and Meredith had school (which was right down the road from there) and Lauren and I took Jill and Riley shopping...another pair of jeans to return. When we picked the kids up from school, we headed down near our church and looked in Kohl's and then ate at Chipotle. Yum! Then it was time for choir rehearsal. Fun day!
Now it's Thursday already and I don't know what I am going to do yet. I need to do some school and clean up our living room and do some laundry. And they do have swimming lessons tonight. But other than that, the possibilities are endless! :) I am still trying to find some winter clothes for the kids, so I might hit a thrift shop I heard about, or I could take the kids to Chuck E Cheese's (because it's been since Labor Day that we've been there and I'm going through withdrawal). Who knows? But, the mice are playing and it's actually turned out to be a fun week!
I have actually had a really great week so far. Monday afternoon and evening was spent shopping and eating and having fun with my sister, Lauren. I had some jeans to return and then was able to find a pair that fit better. That is a good feeling! Then I went to Weight Watchers and was down 2 pounds on their scale from last week. Another great feeling! I celebrated by taking the family to Texas Roadhouse! ha ha
Tuesday was Bible study, then lunch with my mom and sister. I got some school done with the kids, cleaned the house a bit, and then enjoyed a great thunder and lightening storm. The kids' swimming lessons were cancelled, but that was ok because that meant Paige didn't miss two lessons, just one.
Wednesday was also a fun day. I picked up Lauren and we went to this park that has the old Enchanted Forest things (what do you call them?) and a petting zoo and all that. Max and Meredith had school (which was right down the road from there) and Lauren and I took Jill and Riley shopping...another pair of jeans to return. When we picked the kids up from school, we headed down near our church and looked in Kohl's and then ate at Chipotle. Yum! Then it was time for choir rehearsal. Fun day!
Now it's Thursday already and I don't know what I am going to do yet. I need to do some school and clean up our living room and do some laundry. And they do have swimming lessons tonight. But other than that, the possibilities are endless! :) I am still trying to find some winter clothes for the kids, so I might hit a thrift shop I heard about, or I could take the kids to Chuck E Cheese's (because it's been since Labor Day that we've been there and I'm going through withdrawal). Who knows? But, the mice are playing and it's actually turned out to be a fun week!
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