As a mother who strives to be fair (which I understand is an impossible mission and I also understand that not everything can nor should be fair, but when it is possible, I try), I have always struggled with the egg hunt tradition for Easter. I love the concept, but it is always so unfair.
The older kids are held back as they watch the youngest of the 'older' kids running around a head of them, grabbing all of the eggs possible, leaving only the ones that take a cheerleader pyramid and fifteen minutes to grab. And heaven forbid an older child grab an egg just hanging out in the middle of the lawn, tempting, almost taunting them til they pick it up. Immediately, an adult from the side lines will start lecturing about "those ones" being left for the babies. Which the kid will respond by looking completely innocent, losing valuable hunting time or will just ignore the adult entirely and grab up all of the eggs possible, having already made the decision, probably while being held back, that it will be better to grab and go and deal with the disappointment from the parents while he has a basket full of chocolate.
Then we have the wee ones who are completely oblivious to anything happening around them as mom is getting considerably frustrated trying to get them excited and grab some eggs so that they can steal the candy later and hopefully get some cute snap shots of their "first egg hunt".
So in an attempt to avoid all of the chaos, I decided to try a new egg hunt method. I assigned each child an egg color and the child can only pick up their color.
Each kid would get the same amount of eggs and they could be hidden according to age. No more holding any one back. No more frustration. You could easily even fill the eggs according to age, but I opted to fill them all the same so each kid got the exact same candy. No more disappointment when you only got one of your favorites while the kid next to you got a whole basketful.
I will admit though, I was pretty nervous how this method would work out for the wee ones. Will this add to the frustration for them and mommy?
I am happy to report the answer is no. This was easy for the young ones to grasp as well. It only took a few eggs before the babies knew what to look for. And if they did pick up someone else's color, they would hunt down the owner to put it in their basket. :-)
Of course, this only works for smaller groups of kids as there are only so many colors. But it was awesome to see it play out so flawlessly. I would definitely recommend doing your hunts this way. I know, I will be doing my future hunts this way from now on!
Pics to come. Hopefully. I was using my dad's camera as he wasn't able to get out to watch the kids. His back is in such disrepair that he can't stand. So I am waiting for him to send me the pics.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Daddy Daughter Dance
Every year the local high school hosts a Daddy Daughter Dance for the kids at our school. And each year Shawn takes the girls - sometimes an extra girl if needed. :)I am so thankful that he makes it a point to take the night off to take them. It means so much to them.
This year, he asked them if they wanted to do something else instead of the dance, but Ciara wouldn't have anything to do with that. Her daddy was going to take her to that dance and that was that!
I was afraid that Katie was getting older and wouldn't want to go, but her worry when I was helping her get prettied up was "When I am in jr high, can I still go or is this my last year?" Ciara loves the dressing up part. She knew exactly what shoes she wanted to wear and the perfect dress to go with them. She knew exactly how she wanted her hair and made sure to tell me so.
Katie, on the other hand, would have been perfectly fine throwing on a pair of jeans and her favorite hoodie shirt. I told her that she was welcome to, but when she came upstairs, she was in a dress. :)
She wasn't sure what she wanted for her hair, so we played around and incorporated a couple of my favorites into one style. I really liked how it looked on her, it was a little more grown up than CiCi's but it was still whimsical. I sure love it when the girls let me play with their hair.I think they all looked beautiful! I hope they have fun and create new memories. I also hope that Shawn is able to embarrass them just a little. That seems to be their favorite part every year. They always come home with some cute story on how he was a bit goofy. I love that about him.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Changes
I have written and rewritten this post numerous times. I don't know why I am having such a hard time. Maybe I am just afraid of jinxing something.
Shawn and I decided that it is time for us to be a family again. Together.
There is a new building being created for the Post Office and with it will be new positions and the possibility of Shawn going back to a day shift. The building doesn't open until May/June but they opened the shift bid.
It was perfect timing because there was another opening in the bank that opened that I really wanted and I was "strongly encouraged" to apply. Always a good sign. So I did.
In the meantime, we had a meeting at the kids' school about Dual Immersion for jr high for Katie.
Unknown to the parents, the school had decided that the program would continue at Eisenhower. And no transportation would be provided.
My heart fell. If Shawn gets his day shift bid and I get this new position, we wouldn't be able to get Katie to and from school if she continued in the program.
When the program first started, it was presented that if the children continued through jr high and high school, that they could graduate with an Associates Degree in Language Arts.
However, the program has changed. If continued through high school, it is possible for the kids to earn 3 college credits in language they can use towards their degree.
Although it wasn't what we were thought it was going to be, it was still something that could potentially benefit Katie.
So now the dilemma. Do we go forward with Dual Immersion and stay in the shifts/jobs that we currently have or do we change the shifts/jobs and pull Katie out of the program?
We weighed several different options and with prayer and input from Katie, we decided as a family that it is best to go forward with the shift change and to pull Katie out of the program next year.
We talked to her counselor at the jr high down the street (easy walking distance) and we arranged for Katie to take Spanish 3 (still a bit lower level than what she is currently at, but it is something) and then 9th grade will be at the high school so she can continue there. Its 8th grade that'll be tricky but we are going to take it as it comes.
So Shawn continued with his bid and I didn't withdraw my application for the new position. In fact, I was "strongly encouraged" to apply for another position as well with virtually the same hours so I applied for that one too, knowing that there is a strong likelihood that I will get at least one of them. The second job is a little more risky as it is back in New Accounts, a slowly dying department, but it is a job that is better suited to my strengths. I know I could be successful and happy there.
In order for this to work though, we will have to have the younger two go to a different elementary school next year. Sadly, it's only because of early out days. Currently, they go to a school outside of our boundaries because of the Dual Immersion for Katie but she won't be in that program next year so it will no longer be necessary.
I would keep them in the school because I know it sucks to change schools, but they would have no way home on Fridays. Because its not their boundary school, they are too far to walk and they can't ride the bus.
So we have 2 options.
Option 1) Enroll them back into their boundary school and they can take the bus.
Option 2) Request a special permit for the school right in our neighborhood (Don't ask me why that isn't our boundary school, I don't understand it.) and they can walk home.
We are REALLY hoping for option 2. We submitted the requests for special permits but we won't know for a few weeks. So we are still praying for that to go through, but if it doesn't, wet'll still be ok with option 1. I just hate having to bus them when it isn't necessary.
Tuesday, I had an interview for the first position. The interview went great and although I was extremely nervous, I walked out feeling really good about it and was told I would hear back next week for next steps.
When I got home, Shawn told me he got a text from his mom. One of his day shift bids were approved! Woohoo! It was disappointing that it wasn't one of his first choices with weekends or even Sunday/Mondays off (he'll have Monday/Tuesday off) but it is still a GREAT start in the right direction!
Although, I have to admit that I am very sad that once it goes into effect, he wont be able to go to church with us on Sundays any more. I'm having a hard time with it. BUT I know it'll all work out and it isn't forever. We will now have him home with us every single night! And right now, that is priceless to our family.
And then today, I got a call with the job offer! Not a second interview, not a follow up, an actual offer!! And for the more reliable, prestigious job! Yahoo!!!! Boy, that was fast!
I am so overwhelmed with praise and thankfulness that I almost feel guilty for continuing to ask for those special permits to go through.
Shawn and I decided that it is time for us to be a family again. Together.
There is a new building being created for the Post Office and with it will be new positions and the possibility of Shawn going back to a day shift. The building doesn't open until May/June but they opened the shift bid.
It was perfect timing because there was another opening in the bank that opened that I really wanted and I was "strongly encouraged" to apply. Always a good sign. So I did.
In the meantime, we had a meeting at the kids' school about Dual Immersion for jr high for Katie.
Unknown to the parents, the school had decided that the program would continue at Eisenhower. And no transportation would be provided.
My heart fell. If Shawn gets his day shift bid and I get this new position, we wouldn't be able to get Katie to and from school if she continued in the program.
When the program first started, it was presented that if the children continued through jr high and high school, that they could graduate with an Associates Degree in Language Arts.
However, the program has changed. If continued through high school, it is possible for the kids to earn 3 college credits in language they can use towards their degree.
Although it wasn't what we were thought it was going to be, it was still something that could potentially benefit Katie.
So now the dilemma. Do we go forward with Dual Immersion and stay in the shifts/jobs that we currently have or do we change the shifts/jobs and pull Katie out of the program?
We weighed several different options and with prayer and input from Katie, we decided as a family that it is best to go forward with the shift change and to pull Katie out of the program next year.
We talked to her counselor at the jr high down the street (easy walking distance) and we arranged for Katie to take Spanish 3 (still a bit lower level than what she is currently at, but it is something) and then 9th grade will be at the high school so she can continue there. Its 8th grade that'll be tricky but we are going to take it as it comes.
So Shawn continued with his bid and I didn't withdraw my application for the new position. In fact, I was "strongly encouraged" to apply for another position as well with virtually the same hours so I applied for that one too, knowing that there is a strong likelihood that I will get at least one of them. The second job is a little more risky as it is back in New Accounts, a slowly dying department, but it is a job that is better suited to my strengths. I know I could be successful and happy there.
In order for this to work though, we will have to have the younger two go to a different elementary school next year. Sadly, it's only because of early out days. Currently, they go to a school outside of our boundaries because of the Dual Immersion for Katie but she won't be in that program next year so it will no longer be necessary.
I would keep them in the school because I know it sucks to change schools, but they would have no way home on Fridays. Because its not their boundary school, they are too far to walk and they can't ride the bus.
So we have 2 options.
Option 1) Enroll them back into their boundary school and they can take the bus.
Option 2) Request a special permit for the school right in our neighborhood (Don't ask me why that isn't our boundary school, I don't understand it.) and they can walk home.
We are REALLY hoping for option 2. We submitted the requests for special permits but we won't know for a few weeks. So we are still praying for that to go through, but if it doesn't, wet'll still be ok with option 1. I just hate having to bus them when it isn't necessary.
Tuesday, I had an interview for the first position. The interview went great and although I was extremely nervous, I walked out feeling really good about it and was told I would hear back next week for next steps.
When I got home, Shawn told me he got a text from his mom. One of his day shift bids were approved! Woohoo! It was disappointing that it wasn't one of his first choices with weekends or even Sunday/Mondays off (he'll have Monday/Tuesday off) but it is still a GREAT start in the right direction!
Although, I have to admit that I am very sad that once it goes into effect, he wont be able to go to church with us on Sundays any more. I'm having a hard time with it. BUT I know it'll all work out and it isn't forever. We will now have him home with us every single night! And right now, that is priceless to our family.
And then today, I got a call with the job offer! Not a second interview, not a follow up, an actual offer!! And for the more reliable, prestigious job! Yahoo!!!! Boy, that was fast!
I am so overwhelmed with praise and thankfulness that I almost feel guilty for continuing to ask for those special permits to go through.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Pony Power!
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We love to play with Olivia. One of her favorite things right now is Ponyville. For Christmas I gave her some Ponyville stickers and she was so excited! Somehow she got it into her head that they gave her super powers. If she had one on the back of her hand and pointed her hand at us, we would have to fall backwards! it was a super strength we called Pony Power.So of course for her birthday I searched the land for and wide to find the most Pony Power I could find for her!
I found stickers, temporary tattoos, band aids and rings! Throw in some My Little Pony puzzles and Memory Game, and she was set! But I couldn't find any MLP wrapping paper or even gift bags! I was shocked! With how popular MLP is, you'd think it would be a bit easier.What I did find was even better. Pintrest. This lovely person sells her own MLP bags but I needed something bigger and I didn't want to fork out the money for her bags. So Katie and I went to work and made our own! I think they turned out even better than the inspiration! It was so much fun to see Livie get excited about the bags! She may have liked the bags better than the gifts inside!
And as much as I loved the bags, I was SUPER impressed with Katie's special gift for Livie. Olivia's favorite ponies are Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, so Katie drew her favorite characters in both pony form and Equestria Girl form, colored and framed. She is so talented, I wish I had some of that artsy talent!Happy birthday Livie Girl!!
Friday, January 31, 2014
Calander Catch Up Part 2
NOTE:
Holy crow! I thought I had published this post a LONG time ago. It was sitting in my drafts. I thought I was slow when I originally posted this at the end of December. Super sorry!!
PS- Blogger still isn't allowing me to add the pictures. I don't understand what is going on. Lame sauce.
I am SO sorry for the delay. And I am even more sorry because I can't remember the order we did things in the calendar. Things have gotten all scrambled and fuzzy in my head. But I'll try my best, this is at least the order I THINK we did them in.
Day 19 - Snow forts
I tried not to put any snow activities in the calendar because I cannot control the weather and didn't know which days would be good snow weather ahead of time. But we did swap out the activity in the 19th because the snow was so perfect. The kids built two snow forts in the backyard to have snowball fights in.
Unfortunately, this is one of the activities that I forgot to grab a camera and now they have melted. :(
Day 20 - Ornaments
We spent most of the day with my dad for his birthday. His work was having a Christmas dinner that we were invited to. I was super excited because they had it catered by Famous
Daves, one of my favorites.
That evening we also made some fun ornaments for our tree from little kits. We made some reindeer, snowflakes, and gingerbread men.
Day 21 - Homemade Eggnog
I have always wanted to make eggnog but have always been a little scared of it. So I have just been collecting recipes over the years.
I did a lot of research on the whole raw egg thing and there are a few things I learned. One being that it isn't so much the raw egg itself that is dangerous but the eggshell itself. Weird. So as long as the outside of the shell doesn't touch your egg, you are pretty safe.
And store bought eggs are safer when it comes to the shell because of their bleaching process.
So all of this time I have spent feeling guilty for sharing some cookie dough with my young ones was pretty wasted guilt. Good to know.
The other thing I learned over my recipe collecting, most modern
eggnog recipes do actually heat the egg. Its not necessarily raw. It is cooked over the stove, just not boiled.
With this info, I felt safe enough to try it. And it was yummy! I made a pumpkin spice eggnog. And I plan on making it every year! It was pretty simple if not a bit time consuming but it was so yummy and there is a bit of pride drinking something you made yourself. Seems to make it a bit more special.
Day 22 - Santa Cookies
The next few days were going to be super busy so it was time to make our Santa cookies.
By now, the other two have lost interest in helping me make goodies. So it was just Katie and I in the kitchen. Which was nice too.
We decided on our famous cake mix cookies. They turned out beautiful, chewy, and perfect...as usual. It's my can't mess up, super easy, secret recipe.
Just kidding. No secret. Just deliciousness. Its as easy as 3-2-1.
1/3 c oil
2
eggs
1 box cake mix (any flavor)
Mix together
Bake at 375 for about 10 mins.
Take out of the oven once they start to crack.
Volia.
Day 23 - The Christmas Carol
We were able to go see A Christmas Carol at Hale Centre Theatre as a family.
The girls love going to the theatre, but it isn't always a treat for Justin. Everyone seemed to have a good time though. And one day I hope Justin will learn to appreciate going to live plays. It's not something everyone gets to discover, but he is lucky to have parents who love it and force it upon him. Lol
Day 24 - Pajamas
Every Christmas Eve we open one designated present from under the tree. Every year it is the same thing. Pajamas. Luckily, they do a good job at pretending to be excited.
I thought it was funny this year. Katie asked me not to get her cute fluffy, fuzzy pajamas. She just wanted sweat pants. A girl after my own heart. So that's
what she got. Along with some comfy tshirts.
Justin got his tank tops with his pajama bottoms. He was particularly fond of his Green Bay bottoms.
And CiCi got some nice warm pant sets, My Little Ponies and cupcakes!
Overall, our advent calendar was a success. Next year I will tweak a few things but it was so much fun I don't think I could get away without doing it again and again and again.
Holy crow! I thought I had published this post a LONG time ago. It was sitting in my drafts. I thought I was slow when I originally posted this at the end of December. Super sorry!!
PS- Blogger still isn't allowing me to add the pictures. I don't understand what is going on. Lame sauce.
I am SO sorry for the delay. And I am even more sorry because I can't remember the order we did things in the calendar. Things have gotten all scrambled and fuzzy in my head. But I'll try my best, this is at least the order I THINK we did them in.
And as usual, in my excitement, I forgot a lot of pictures.
NOTE: Blogger is being dumb and won't allow me to add the few pics I do have anyways. I'll try again later.
Day 19 - Snow forts
I tried not to put any snow activities in the calendar because I cannot control the weather and didn't know which days would be good snow weather ahead of time. But we did swap out the activity in the 19th because the snow was so perfect. The kids built two snow forts in the backyard to have snowball fights in.
Unfortunately, this is one of the activities that I forgot to grab a camera and now they have melted. :(
Day 20 - Ornaments
We spent most of the day with my dad for his birthday. His work was having a Christmas dinner that we were invited to. I was super excited because they had it catered by Famous
Daves, one of my favorites.
That evening we also made some fun ornaments for our tree from little kits. We made some reindeer, snowflakes, and gingerbread men.
Day 21 - Homemade Eggnog
I have always wanted to make eggnog but have always been a little scared of it. So I have just been collecting recipes over the years.
I did a lot of research on the whole raw egg thing and there are a few things I learned. One being that it isn't so much the raw egg itself that is dangerous but the eggshell itself. Weird. So as long as the outside of the shell doesn't touch your egg, you are pretty safe.
And store bought eggs are safer when it comes to the shell because of their bleaching process.
So all of this time I have spent feeling guilty for sharing some cookie dough with my young ones was pretty wasted guilt. Good to know.
The other thing I learned over my recipe collecting, most modern
eggnog recipes do actually heat the egg. Its not necessarily raw. It is cooked over the stove, just not boiled.
With this info, I felt safe enough to try it. And it was yummy! I made a pumpkin spice eggnog. And I plan on making it every year! It was pretty simple if not a bit time consuming but it was so yummy and there is a bit of pride drinking something you made yourself. Seems to make it a bit more special.
Day 22 - Santa Cookies
The next few days were going to be super busy so it was time to make our Santa cookies.
By now, the other two have lost interest in helping me make goodies. So it was just Katie and I in the kitchen. Which was nice too.
We decided on our famous cake mix cookies. They turned out beautiful, chewy, and perfect...as usual. It's my can't mess up, super easy, secret recipe.
Just kidding. No secret. Just deliciousness. Its as easy as 3-2-1.
1/3 c oil
2
eggs
1 box cake mix (any flavor)
Mix together
Bake at 375 for about 10 mins.
Take out of the oven once they start to crack.
Volia.
Day 23 - The Christmas Carol
We were able to go see A Christmas Carol at Hale Centre Theatre as a family.
The girls love going to the theatre, but it isn't always a treat for Justin. Everyone seemed to have a good time though. And one day I hope Justin will learn to appreciate going to live plays. It's not something everyone gets to discover, but he is lucky to have parents who love it and force it upon him. Lol
Day 24 - Pajamas
Every Christmas Eve we open one designated present from under the tree. Every year it is the same thing. Pajamas. Luckily, they do a good job at pretending to be excited.
I thought it was funny this year. Katie asked me not to get her cute fluffy, fuzzy pajamas. She just wanted sweat pants. A girl after my own heart. So that's
what she got. Along with some comfy tshirts.
Justin got his tank tops with his pajama bottoms. He was particularly fond of his Green Bay bottoms.
And CiCi got some nice warm pant sets, My Little Ponies and cupcakes!
Overall, our advent calendar was a success. Next year I will tweak a few things but it was so much fun I don't think I could get away without doing it again and again and again.
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