Those of you who know me, know my love of reading. I have read many wonderful books in my life and yet I have so many that I have still yet to curl up with. I have decided that since Corey will be gone, and I will have far too much time on my hands, Im going to tackle the top 100 American Novels (according to random house). This is a big job to tackle, but Ive made up my mind. I WILL FINISH ALL 100 BY THE TIME COREY GETS HOME!!! I would love to have some company, so if any of you would like to join me, I challenge you! I plan on putting in my 2 cents after I finish reading each one, and I would love to have some discussions. Perhaps together, we can find some new favorites...come up with a list all our own! I will be starting the first pick, Ulysses, on March 19th.
I will post my current Book on the side bar to the left~ Happy Reading!
Allison
To find the list that I am following, please click on this link.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Technical Difficulties
Im not quite sure why, but my previous postings are no longer viewable. Im am trying to figure out why this is happening, and hope to have our page up and running again. Keep checking back in!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
You know life is good...
...when your kids start fighting over who gets to clean up the kitchen floor. Not since the invention of hugs and kisses has a parent ever truly been able to appreciate the eagerness of children. I don't know what it is about the Swiffer Vac, but my kids adore it. Its practically a member of the family. To be quite honest, I don't know what I would do without it.
The older Emily gets, the more "chores" she accumulates. Parents have been shocked when I ramble off Emily's daily "to-do" list. Obviously people don't realize the benefit to daily responsibilities. Yes, there are days when Emily down right refuses to do any of them. But one must remember that she is only 3. However, I also appreciate the fact that contributing to the family is a priceless gift that a parent MUST bestow upon their children.
This may seem like a lot. In reality however, these are things that anybody who is capable would be doing. If we expose our kids to "chores" early on, then eventually they aren't chores. They turn into things that just "are". Like getting dressed for the day, or going to the bathroom. Its just something that you do. The definition of the word Chore: A task, especially a difficult, unpleasant, or routine one; To steal.
Now I don't know about you, but that doesn't seem like very much fun. No one likes to be forced into doing anything. Not too many people can complain about having to go to the bathroom or getting dressed for the day. I think too many people make chores a point of forcing control over their kids. Take the emphasis off the "must" people! When we try to police our kids, that's when they rebel. Give them a sense of pride and ownership, acknowledge when they are a help and an asset. Give them an identity within the family and let them know how truly important they are. In return, they will strive to do whats right.
This may in fact be an entirely idealistic perspective. All I can say is that the encouragement and love that Emily constantly receives has given her great tools to use on a daily basis outside of the home. I see her encouraging and congratulating everyone from her sister, to her classmates and even her teachers. Emily knows that she has so much to offer, and I only pray that that feeling of self-worth lasts. As a parent it is my responsibility to show her that everyone needs to contribute, that sometimes you lose and no matter what the outcome is, she must always do her best, even when she knows it wont be enough. Pride in oneself, and the ability to help others is a gift worth having..wouldn't you agree?
I'll get down from this soap box that I have been standing on and let you all get back to your day. I'm afraid this post got away from me a bit. You all should know by now that when I have an opinion, I love to share. *Wink*
So, get out there and give your kids their own "To-Do" list!
* Non-negotiable
The older Emily gets, the more "chores" she accumulates. Parents have been shocked when I ramble off Emily's daily "to-do" list. Obviously people don't realize the benefit to daily responsibilities. Yes, there are days when Emily down right refuses to do any of them. But one must remember that she is only 3. However, I also appreciate the fact that contributing to the family is a priceless gift that a parent MUST bestow upon their children.
Emily's Daily To-Dos
Make her bed
Feed the fish
Set the table
Clear her dishes after every meal
Put her dishes in the dishwasher if they are dirty
Swiffer Vac the kitchen
Clean out her backpack and lunch pail after school and put them away
Give Mommy hugs and kisses on demand*
This may seem like a lot. In reality however, these are things that anybody who is capable would be doing. If we expose our kids to "chores" early on, then eventually they aren't chores. They turn into things that just "are". Like getting dressed for the day, or going to the bathroom. Its just something that you do. The definition of the word Chore: A task, especially a difficult, unpleasant, or routine one; To steal.
Now I don't know about you, but that doesn't seem like very much fun. No one likes to be forced into doing anything. Not too many people can complain about having to go to the bathroom or getting dressed for the day. I think too many people make chores a point of forcing control over their kids. Take the emphasis off the "must" people! When we try to police our kids, that's when they rebel. Give them a sense of pride and ownership, acknowledge when they are a help and an asset. Give them an identity within the family and let them know how truly important they are. In return, they will strive to do whats right.
This may in fact be an entirely idealistic perspective. All I can say is that the encouragement and love that Emily constantly receives has given her great tools to use on a daily basis outside of the home. I see her encouraging and congratulating everyone from her sister, to her classmates and even her teachers. Emily knows that she has so much to offer, and I only pray that that feeling of self-worth lasts. As a parent it is my responsibility to show her that everyone needs to contribute, that sometimes you lose and no matter what the outcome is, she must always do her best, even when she knows it wont be enough. Pride in oneself, and the ability to help others is a gift worth having..wouldn't you agree?
I'll get down from this soap box that I have been standing on and let you all get back to your day. I'm afraid this post got away from me a bit. You all should know by now that when I have an opinion, I love to share. *Wink*
So, get out there and give your kids their own "To-Do" list!
* Non-negotiable
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
For my Friends that have become my Family
...a friend showed this to me awhile back...thought it deserved a post.
The Truth Military Wives Face
I would like to recognize these often underestimated, unseen, and unheard heroes.
This is for the sad Military wives, the angry Military wives, and the strong Military wives.
This is for the young women that are waking up at 6 a.m. every morning, laying out clothes and packing three lunches for those small precious children that they have been left alone to care for.
This is for the pregnant Military wife, wondering if her husband will make it home in time to watch their miracle happen.
This is for the childless Military wife, living in a town or on a base alone where she is a complete stranger to her surroundings.
This is for the women that feel like a third leg when they go out with their friends and their husbands.
This is for the Military wife that canceled all her plans to wait by the phone, and even though the phone broke up and cut off every time you spoke to him, you waited anyway.
This is a pledge to the women that cry themselves to sleep in an empty bed.
This is to recognize the woman that felt like she was dying inside when he said he had to go, but smiled for him anyway.
This is for those of you that are faithfully in that long line at the post office once a month, handling 2 large boxes and 2 smallchildren like a pro.
This is for that woman that decided to remodel the house to pass time, and then realized that she had no idea what she was doing, sighed and wished she had a little help.
This is for all the lonely nights, all the one-person dinners, and all of the wondering thoughts because you haven't heard from him in days.
A toast to you for falling apart and putting yourselves backtogether. Because a pay check isn't enough, a body pillow in your bed is no consolation, and a web cam can never compare.
This is for all of you no matter how easy or hard this was for you. Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are brave, they are heroes, but so are we. So the next time someone tells you that they would never marry a Military man, don't bother explaining to them that you can't control who you fall in love with. Just think of this and nod your head, know that you are the stronger woman. Hold your heads up high, hang that flag in your front yard, stick 100 magnets on your car, and then give yourself a pat on the back.
Be proud to be the woman that you are, be proud to be a Military wife.
The Truth Military Wives Face
I would like to recognize these often underestimated, unseen, and unheard heroes.
This is for the sad Military wives, the angry Military wives, and the strong Military wives.
This is for the young women that are waking up at 6 a.m. every morning, laying out clothes and packing three lunches for those small precious children that they have been left alone to care for.
This is for the pregnant Military wife, wondering if her husband will make it home in time to watch their miracle happen.
This is for the childless Military wife, living in a town or on a base alone where she is a complete stranger to her surroundings.
This is for the women that feel like a third leg when they go out with their friends and their husbands.
This is for the Military wife that canceled all her plans to wait by the phone, and even though the phone broke up and cut off every time you spoke to him, you waited anyway.
This is a pledge to the women that cry themselves to sleep in an empty bed.
This is to recognize the woman that felt like she was dying inside when he said he had to go, but smiled for him anyway.
This is for those of you that are faithfully in that long line at the post office once a month, handling 2 large boxes and 2 smallchildren like a pro.
This is for that woman that decided to remodel the house to pass time, and then realized that she had no idea what she was doing, sighed and wished she had a little help.
This is for all the lonely nights, all the one-person dinners, and all of the wondering thoughts because you haven't heard from him in days.
A toast to you for falling apart and putting yourselves backtogether. Because a pay check isn't enough, a body pillow in your bed is no consolation, and a web cam can never compare.
This is for all of you no matter how easy or hard this was for you. Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are brave, they are heroes, but so are we. So the next time someone tells you that they would never marry a Military man, don't bother explaining to them that you can't control who you fall in love with. Just think of this and nod your head, know that you are the stronger woman. Hold your heads up high, hang that flag in your front yard, stick 100 magnets on your car, and then give yourself a pat on the back.
Be proud to be the woman that you are, be proud to be a Military wife.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Daddy is Dashing
Corey had to wear his Dress Blues to work on Friday. Emily never sees him in uniform, as he always changes out of his Cami's at work. To put it simply, she was amazed when he walked through the door. She wanted to know what every tie, button and pin was for. She also grew quite fond of the hat.
If Only Every Day Could Be A Beautiful Weekend
We were attacked by beautiful weather this weekend and I was easily reminded of why I truly love living in Southern California. The rest of the country is currently being pummelled with icy winter storms, and we are exchanging our jeans and t-shirts for bathing suits. Why would I possibly want to live anywhere else? Sure we have our share of earthquakes, grid lock traffic, and an insane cost of living...but hey, I have tan lines in January!
Emily is learning all about arctic animals and and ice in school this month. She begged us all last week to take her to see the walruses and polar bears at Sea World. I'm not one to disappoint, so we took the girls on Saturday. It was nice having Corey along, a treat we don't normally have. I usually just cruise there with the girls on the occasional week day. We don't get to watch any of the shows typically because I'm by myself and they don't allow strollers in the stadiums. I'm not crazy enough to drag two small children into a crowded stadium and then hike up to the top where I know I wont get splashed by frigid "Shamu" water. So, because Daddy was there, we got to see Shamu! Emily was thrilled and had the "Shamu Chant" down pat by the end of the performance. Here are just a few photos of our day there.
Emily carried the park map around the whole time, directing us to where she wanted to go.
Sisters are the best!
Its slightly eerie. I have a photo of Corey and Emily just like this before his last deployment. Emily was exactly the same age.
Reflections in the sand
The Dismount
Emily's Reflection
Corey and Sam's Reflection
Samantha's Reflection
Emily is learning all about arctic animals and and ice in school this month. She begged us all last week to take her to see the walruses and polar bears at Sea World. I'm not one to disappoint, so we took the girls on Saturday. It was nice having Corey along, a treat we don't normally have. I usually just cruise there with the girls on the occasional week day. We don't get to watch any of the shows typically because I'm by myself and they don't allow strollers in the stadiums. I'm not crazy enough to drag two small children into a crowded stadium and then hike up to the top where I know I wont get splashed by frigid "Shamu" water. So, because Daddy was there, we got to see Shamu! Emily was thrilled and had the "Shamu Chant" down pat by the end of the performance. Here are just a few photos of our day there.
The Beluga Whale Exhibit
Emily carried the park map around the whole time, directing us to where she wanted to go.
Sisters are the best!
On Sunday, we hit the sand. It was a wonderful day at the beach, and I was excited that Corey was around to enjoy another great day with the girls. Our time with him is quickly dwindling and its nice that he gets to enjoy "Summer" activities with the girls in January. The focus is family right now. It definitely helps you appreciate all the little things that typically go unnoticed, when you know your time is limited.
Its slightly eerie. I have a photo of Corey and Emily just like this before his last deployment. Emily was exactly the same age.
Reflections in the sand
The Dismount
Emily's Reflection
Corey and Sam's Reflection
Samantha's Reflection
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