I am pretty sure now. You'd think that after yesterday fiasco I'd give up on trying to find gadgets for family. Apparently, I inherited my Dad's love for all things technical as well as his lack of judgement in that area. Because this morning as I was getting kids ready for school, I started thinking about mom-in-law really missing her daughter who lives in AL. And you know what was the first thing that came to my mind? Vebcam. Wouldn't it be great? It's free with high speed internet, they would be able to see each other often and it would be killing two birds with one stone, for I am pretty sure S (the daughter) doesn't have one of those, either. So, we can get two, mail them early and they can have a virtual Christmas together. What a present!
Well, in-laws don't have high speed internet. Ooops! Hubby says that it's not available in their area, but I am sure he is wrong. I e-mailed mom-in-law today to check on that. I also talked to sis to get her prospective. She will be discussing it with her hubbs and calling me back. I do hope it works out, it would truly be a present that keeps giving.
We will see.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Eating Cake And Being Frustrated.
Christmas is not about presents, no doubt. Still, it's a tradition to give presents on Christmas and I had what seemed to me like a good game plan. I was going to take full advantage of Cyber Monday and get a Kindle for my husband and a digital frame for my parents. Easy enough, right?
Um, not for me. First, i don't buy anything without reading reviews. So, let's start with the frame. I read so many reviews on so many brands and models I can't keep them straight anymore. It seems like every frame has at least one review saying 'this one freezes after a month. Don't buy', 'it goes dark and quits', or 'it says it has internal memory, but it really doesn't' (the last one's not a problem, flash cards are so cheap these days) Every.Single.One. After spending hours on the computer I am not even sure they will like it. They are attached to their computer anyway and Dad carries his lap-top everywhere (he even brought it here when they came to visit, because, you know, we live in Africa and don't have a computer. LOL) Also, Dad LOVES playing with electronics, they have lost sooooo many computers because he thinks he knows what he is doing. I feel that no matter the quality of the frame it will be short lived. I have no idea what to do.
Now, to the Kindle. I though that would be an awesome idea for M. He LOVES to read. The thing is, I can't find anything under 150$. Also, he loves reading BLOGS. I don't think you can get those on Kindle. I doubt I will be able to get books that he would like, either.
I am back where I started this morning.
As to the cake, it's soo good and we have a lot of it left...
Um, not for me. First, i don't buy anything without reading reviews. So, let's start with the frame. I read so many reviews on so many brands and models I can't keep them straight anymore. It seems like every frame has at least one review saying 'this one freezes after a month. Don't buy', 'it goes dark and quits', or 'it says it has internal memory, but it really doesn't' (the last one's not a problem, flash cards are so cheap these days) Every.Single.One. After spending hours on the computer I am not even sure they will like it. They are attached to their computer anyway and Dad carries his lap-top everywhere (he even brought it here when they came to visit, because, you know, we live in Africa and don't have a computer. LOL) Also, Dad LOVES playing with electronics, they have lost sooooo many computers because he thinks he knows what he is doing. I feel that no matter the quality of the frame it will be short lived. I have no idea what to do.
Now, to the Kindle. I though that would be an awesome idea for M. He LOVES to read. The thing is, I can't find anything under 150$. Also, he loves reading BLOGS. I don't think you can get those on Kindle. I doubt I will be able to get books that he would like, either.
I am back where I started this morning.
As to the cake, it's soo good and we have a lot of it left...
Parade Of Lights.
Parade of Lights takes place every year after Thanksgiving. It's wonderful and colorful and a lot of fun especially when it isn't too cold. This year it was on Jadin's birthday and it was also the warmest it has ever been. We parked the pickup along the rout early so that we had a comfortable place to sit.
Here we are, all ready for the show to begin:
A few of our favourites:
This one is done by our Airforce base and the airplane was moving! It was awesome!
We went out to eat (I baked all day and didn't realize that the kids hadn't been fed until it was time to leave for the parade, so we all were starving!) Rachael fell asleep on the way back from the restaurant. I took her out of the car, dug her out of the snowsuit and put her warm jammies on. She never woke up. I don't think she has been that sound asleep ever in her life.
Here we are, all ready for the show to begin:
A few of our favourites:
This one is done by our Airforce base and the airplane was moving! It was awesome!
We went out to eat (I baked all day and didn't realize that the kids hadn't been fed until it was time to leave for the parade, so we all were starving!) Rachael fell asleep on the way back from the restaurant. I took her out of the car, dug her out of the snowsuit and put her warm jammies on. She never woke up. I don't think she has been that sound asleep ever in her life.
So Many things to Post, So Little Time
First, my firstborn son, Jadin, turned six on Saturday.
I am still in denial. He can't be six! I remember his birth like it was yesterday. And now look at this tall young man!
It is a family tradition to invite our friend and doula and her husband to dinner on Jadin's birthday. This sweet lady was on a romantic getaway with her hubby when my water broke. She left their expensive hotel in the middle of the night and rushed back to assist me in labor and delivery...
Mr. and Mrs. G had other plans this Saturday so we got together on Sunday night. We also had Pastor and his wife over.
From left to right: Jadin, Pastor's wife, Pastor, Mr.G, Mrs.G, the doula.
I made a dinosaur cake for home and a spider man cake for church:
It took me two days and an extra batch of dough to figure out the baking thing (this cake is half a sheet, big enough to serve 50, so having to bake it twice wasn't fun). It was so worth it, though. Both cakes were divine! The cream cheese filling is perfect and I was able to find a good recipe for butter cream icing that would be stiff enough for piping and still taste good. I still remember having to throw the whole dinosaur cake out a few years ago when I used store bought icing (it was so bad even the kids who normally eat anything with sugar in it refused to eat it).
One of the highlights of the weekend was receiving a package from my family. Mom sent real Ukrainian chocolate and caviar and presents for all the kids (for Jadin's birthday) We were in caviar heaven! All three of my kids L-O-V-E caviar and we ate two cans! M. says that though he doesn't mind it, it's not his favourite. Fine by me! LOL.
I also made chocolate cars on a pretzel for Jadin to take to school today, but be had to stay home because of the weather. Oh, well, he's be happy to take them there tomorrow.
Now, with Jadin's birthday behind I have Rachael's to plan for. I am considering making one of those dolly cakes where the cake is the dress and you stick a plastic barbie on top. That should be interesting.
-------------------
Christmas time is great for flute. I had so much fun playing all those carols on Sunday and quite a few people said they really enjoyed it afterwards.
I am still in denial. He can't be six! I remember his birth like it was yesterday. And now look at this tall young man!
It is a family tradition to invite our friend and doula and her husband to dinner on Jadin's birthday. This sweet lady was on a romantic getaway with her hubby when my water broke. She left their expensive hotel in the middle of the night and rushed back to assist me in labor and delivery...
Mr. and Mrs. G had other plans this Saturday so we got together on Sunday night. We also had Pastor and his wife over.
From left to right: Jadin, Pastor's wife, Pastor, Mr.G, Mrs.G, the doula.
I made a dinosaur cake for home and a spider man cake for church:
It took me two days and an extra batch of dough to figure out the baking thing (this cake is half a sheet, big enough to serve 50, so having to bake it twice wasn't fun). It was so worth it, though. Both cakes were divine! The cream cheese filling is perfect and I was able to find a good recipe for butter cream icing that would be stiff enough for piping and still taste good. I still remember having to throw the whole dinosaur cake out a few years ago when I used store bought icing (it was so bad even the kids who normally eat anything with sugar in it refused to eat it).
One of the highlights of the weekend was receiving a package from my family. Mom sent real Ukrainian chocolate and caviar and presents for all the kids (for Jadin's birthday) We were in caviar heaven! All three of my kids L-O-V-E caviar and we ate two cans! M. says that though he doesn't mind it, it's not his favourite. Fine by me! LOL.
I also made chocolate cars on a pretzel for Jadin to take to school today, but be had to stay home because of the weather. Oh, well, he's be happy to take them there tomorrow.
Now, with Jadin's birthday behind I have Rachael's to plan for. I am considering making one of those dolly cakes where the cake is the dress and you stick a plastic barbie on top. That should be interesting.
-------------------
Christmas time is great for flute. I had so much fun playing all those carols on Sunday and quite a few people said they really enjoyed it afterwards.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
One of Those Days.
I woke up this morning feeling a little bit under the weather. Not really sick, or anything, just a sore throat and low energy (that last one I should be used to by now, right? No, not really) And it's 3F outside. I HATE having to do anything when I am cold.
What I want to do is sit at home with a book. What I have to do is run to the store and get things for Thanksgiving dinner and for Jadin's birthday cakes (yeah, there going to be more than one), buy Jadin's birthday present, clean the house (in desparate need of being cleaned, too) and do laundery.
When I am done with all that, I need to go work out, though Rachael said this morning 'Momma not work out, momma not faaaaat!' (I wish! With Thanksgiving and a birthday coming I can't really afford to not go to the gym)
Oh, and than there's Jadin's Thanksgiving program tomorrow morning. I decided I am not going to make food (being Daniel's room mom and having to organize Thanksgiving for 150 people on Monday was enough).
And than there was the incident yesterday with Rachael and the teacher of the other pre-school class. I was at school before 8 am chopping, peeling, arranging, getting the food ready, recording the program on two different cameras and cleaning up afterwards. Rachael didn't get any of my attention. She was such a good girl, never really making a fuss. Until it was time to serve the food. She saw the toys in Mrs.H's class and went in to play with them (I am not talking fancy toys, stuff like babies and blankets). Mrs.H discovered here there and brought her out kicking and screaming telling me she can't touch the toys. She will break them. SERIOUSLY??? You can SEE I am helping with the food, you KNOW I have been here for 3 hours with her. How hard is it to give her a baby? Is she really going to break it in the 20 minutes while I am serving the food? Rachael cried the whole time while I was trying to feed the boys, help with the food and clean-up.
I am upset. I understand rules, but there was not compassion or understanding. Just rules. She can't touch.
Oh, well. I am glad Daniel's in Mrs.R's class. And for Easter I am going to stay low. After all, Mrs. H has a room mom, too.
What I want to do is sit at home with a book. What I have to do is run to the store and get things for Thanksgiving dinner and for Jadin's birthday cakes (yeah, there going to be more than one), buy Jadin's birthday present, clean the house (in desparate need of being cleaned, too) and do laundery.
When I am done with all that, I need to go work out, though Rachael said this morning 'Momma not work out, momma not faaaaat!' (I wish! With Thanksgiving and a birthday coming I can't really afford to not go to the gym)
Oh, and than there's Jadin's Thanksgiving program tomorrow morning. I decided I am not going to make food (being Daniel's room mom and having to organize Thanksgiving for 150 people on Monday was enough).
And than there was the incident yesterday with Rachael and the teacher of the other pre-school class. I was at school before 8 am chopping, peeling, arranging, getting the food ready, recording the program on two different cameras and cleaning up afterwards. Rachael didn't get any of my attention. She was such a good girl, never really making a fuss. Until it was time to serve the food. She saw the toys in Mrs.H's class and went in to play with them (I am not talking fancy toys, stuff like babies and blankets). Mrs.H discovered here there and brought her out kicking and screaming telling me she can't touch the toys. She will break them. SERIOUSLY??? You can SEE I am helping with the food, you KNOW I have been here for 3 hours with her. How hard is it to give her a baby? Is she really going to break it in the 20 minutes while I am serving the food? Rachael cried the whole time while I was trying to feed the boys, help with the food and clean-up.
I am upset. I understand rules, but there was not compassion or understanding. Just rules. She can't touch.
Oh, well. I am glad Daniel's in Mrs.R's class. And for Easter I am going to stay low. After all, Mrs. H has a room mom, too.
Friday, November 19, 2010
'Tis The Season
I LOVE Thanksgiving and Christmas season. I love driving around in the cold weather looking at Christmas lights decorating people's houses. I enjoy fixing hot cocoa for my family and going Christmas tree hunting with our church, and watching the parade of lights.
But not only is it a festive time of year, it holds a special significance to our family. Two days after Thanksgiving our firstborn son took his first breaths, made his first cries and wore his first outfits. I even picked the day of his birth (no, not a c-section, my water broke two nights after Thanksgiving just like I predicted a month earlier.) Also, a day before New Year's Eve or third child and first daughter made her appearance.
This time of the year is very special not only for us but also for my sister-in-law and her family as they celebrate birthdays of two of their children as well. Needless to say, it means LOTS of shopping.
Though I really hate shopping for myself I LOVE shopping for my family and extended family, especially if I can do it by myself. M likes to participate, too, and I never buy anything for our children on my own, but since he is so very busy and I know what my sister-in-law wants for her children (because we are girls and we TALK (and LISTEN!) it's much easier for me to do it with just Rachael in tow while boys are at school and hubby is at work. In fact, Rachael and I held the following conversation in the car today. Me 'Rachael, mommy needs to stop by the house and get a coke.' Rachael 'No-o-o-o. I want to go shopping!' What can I say, it's a girl thing :)
So, we went to T.arget (couldn't find the lacing beads for Daniel's class but I spied a couple of things that will make a good birthday gift for Jadin. Now I need M's approval and we are good to go.) and TJ.Maxx and bought Christmas gifts for all the nephews and nieces a birthday present for E., my niece. I am going to get a bottle of wine from our local winery (their wines are exceptional! when Sister-in-law and family were visiting, they bought a whole case to take home, so I figured that would be a good present) for sister and brother-in-law, wrap all the presents and mail! I am doing it early because E's birthday is in the beginning of December and that way we only have to go to the post office once.
Here's what I got
Oh, and since I couldn't find those beads for Daniel's class I showed the lace-and-trace that I got for one of the nieces to his teacher and she said that she loved it even better than the beads. Problem solved!
Can't wait to start wrapping them up!
But not only is it a festive time of year, it holds a special significance to our family. Two days after Thanksgiving our firstborn son took his first breaths, made his first cries and wore his first outfits. I even picked the day of his birth (no, not a c-section, my water broke two nights after Thanksgiving just like I predicted a month earlier.) Also, a day before New Year's Eve or third child and first daughter made her appearance.
This time of the year is very special not only for us but also for my sister-in-law and her family as they celebrate birthdays of two of their children as well. Needless to say, it means LOTS of shopping.
Though I really hate shopping for myself I LOVE shopping for my family and extended family, especially if I can do it by myself. M likes to participate, too, and I never buy anything for our children on my own, but since he is so very busy and I know what my sister-in-law wants for her children (because we are girls and we TALK (and LISTEN!) it's much easier for me to do it with just Rachael in tow while boys are at school and hubby is at work. In fact, Rachael and I held the following conversation in the car today. Me 'Rachael, mommy needs to stop by the house and get a coke.' Rachael 'No-o-o-o. I want to go shopping!' What can I say, it's a girl thing :)
So, we went to T.arget (couldn't find the lacing beads for Daniel's class but I spied a couple of things that will make a good birthday gift for Jadin. Now I need M's approval and we are good to go.) and TJ.Maxx and bought Christmas gifts for all the nephews and nieces a birthday present for E., my niece. I am going to get a bottle of wine from our local winery (their wines are exceptional! when Sister-in-law and family were visiting, they bought a whole case to take home, so I figured that would be a good present) for sister and brother-in-law, wrap all the presents and mail! I am doing it early because E's birthday is in the beginning of December and that way we only have to go to the post office once.
Here's what I got
Oh, and since I couldn't find those beads for Daniel's class I showed the lace-and-trace that I got for one of the nieces to his teacher and she said that she loved it even better than the beads. Problem solved!
Can't wait to start wrapping them up!
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