I may be callous but the show Bachelor or Bachelorette really disgusts me. I watched that show, I admit, the first few seasons. Then I started really looking at - analyzing it I guess you could say. I listen to the Bachelor or Bachelorette, whatever the case may be, carry on about these 12 (or more) girls/guys that "I am really falling in love with".... isn't true love with ONE person? How can you be "in love" with all those different ones at the same time? I realize there are varying shades of love, like I love my brother, but not in the same way I love my husband. But it appears that these people are describing the love you have for a spouse. That just doesn't seem right.
Then I get equally as annoyed by the ones who aren't chosen - "I had so many feelings for him/her and I just don't know why I wasn't picked?" This is a competition. Is this REALLY how you want to meet your spouse? You competed amongst a bunch of other girls/guys and just happened to be the last one standing after 6 weeks. SIX WEEKS people!!! Six weeks is not nearly long enough to really get to know someone. I knew of my now husband probably 6 weeks before he ever asked me out on an official date! I am sure there are exceptions to this rule, but those exceptions probably don't involve a large group of other potential mates you are fighting against!
Then there is the one who gets chosen, how many of them have gone on to say how hard it was to watch the taped shows and see how their bachelor/bachelorette treated the other potentials on the show and how hurt they were to watch them passionately kiss someone else. I am not sure what they expect?
I guess I am disgusted that the men and women go on this show and degrade themselves down to a level that is so wrong. I don't know any of them individually but surely they are better than that. Out of the last 13 or 14 seasons only 3 couples remain together - this should tell you something.
I feel bad that these people have such little self esteem that they would attempt a show like this.
I am sure I will offend people with this post, but I was so bothered when I got online and saw all the talk about it I had to post this.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Young Eagles Flight Lessons
On Saturday the boys got to go to a small local airport for a flight lesson. They had the best time E.V.E.R. This was hosted by EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association - the experimental part does not make a mom feel at ease!) The group is called Young Eagles and they are encouraging young kids to get involved in aviation.
The flights were for one child at a time, there were probably 8-10 pilots and their little Cessnas there. They would take one kid up for a 30 minute flight and they let the kids ask questions and once up in the air the kids were actually allowed to take the controls and steer (or whatever it is called when you are flying!) After the flight the pilot signed a certificate of completion and also signed the child's Flight Log Book!
Lefty was a tad bit nervous when he found out that Spirit would not be with him. As we walked towards the plane, the pilot actually invited Mr. Man to sit in the back seat for the flight (not all planes had a back seat). So Mr. Man took a camera up and was able to get some aerial shots from up there. At one point Lefty was climbing, climbing, climbing and the pilot said "So, do you know what it means to stall?" and Lefty said he didn't and the pilot says "Well, you are about to find out unless you bring us down a bit!"
Another story I heard was that they were heading straight for the mountains and the pilot calmly says "Do you see those big things in front of us? Well you might want to do something about that because they are much bigger than we are!"
I heard from Mr. Man that Lefty was not the smoothest pilot and was jerking them around quite a bit. The pilot looked back at Mr. Man and said "Are you ok back there?" and he said yes and the pilot said "good! Because if I was sitting back there I would be hurling!" We had a laugh about that after the flight!
All the pilots were amazing to work with and you could tell they were so excited to share their love of planes with all these eager kids that showed up bright and early on a chilly Saturday morning!
Spirit and his pilot went flying over some major landmarks in the area and really had a great time! Spirit was able to steer and turn the plane from side to side. He is anxious for when he can go again! Spirit didn't have a camera with him, nor did he have a parent with him and that is just the way he wanted it! He had a blast!
Now here are some pictures from Spirit's flight:
This was certainly a day we will never forget!
The flights were for one child at a time, there were probably 8-10 pilots and their little Cessnas there. They would take one kid up for a 30 minute flight and they let the kids ask questions and once up in the air the kids were actually allowed to take the controls and steer (or whatever it is called when you are flying!) After the flight the pilot signed a certificate of completion and also signed the child's Flight Log Book!
Lefty was a tad bit nervous when he found out that Spirit would not be with him. As we walked towards the plane, the pilot actually invited Mr. Man to sit in the back seat for the flight (not all planes had a back seat). So Mr. Man took a camera up and was able to get some aerial shots from up there. At one point Lefty was climbing, climbing, climbing and the pilot said "So, do you know what it means to stall?" and Lefty said he didn't and the pilot says "Well, you are about to find out unless you bring us down a bit!"
Another story I heard was that they were heading straight for the mountains and the pilot calmly says "Do you see those big things in front of us? Well you might want to do something about that because they are much bigger than we are!"
I heard from Mr. Man that Lefty was not the smoothest pilot and was jerking them around quite a bit. The pilot looked back at Mr. Man and said "Are you ok back there?" and he said yes and the pilot said "good! Because if I was sitting back there I would be hurling!" We had a laugh about that after the flight!
All the pilots were amazing to work with and you could tell they were so excited to share their love of planes with all these eager kids that showed up bright and early on a chilly Saturday morning!
 |
| Lefty and Mr. Man getting buckled in the plane before take off |
 |
| Mr. Man excited as could be to be taking a flight - he was more excited at this point than I think Lefty was! |
 |
| Lefty and Mr. Man heading to the runway for take off |
 |
Lefty getting ready to fly!  |
 |
| Arial view from Lefty's plane |
 |
| Lefty taking the controls! |
 |
| Lefty and his pilot, Jerry after the flight |
 |
| Another arial view |
Now here are some pictures from Spirit's flight:
 |
In the cockpit  |
 |
| Mr. Man shaking Spirit's pilot's hand after the flight. | <><><><>
 |
| The pilot, Bob, signing Spirit's Flight Log Book |
Thursday, March 10, 2011
We did it...
We did it... we agreed to another year commitment to the PTCO (Parent Teacher Community Organization) at the kids' school!
Mr. Man has served has co-president for the last 2 years and will continue in that capacity next school year. I have not had a title in the years past, just been involved at meetings and organizing events, etc., but next school year I will be secretary for the PTCO! I am actually quite excited about this!!
Our current principal has been a thorn in the PTCO's side for quite some time. She is friendly and all that, but every idea someone would have - if it was not something she wanted to do or was something that had never been tried then she would squash the idea immediately. It has actually been frustrating and parents didn't want to get involved anymore. There were several PTCO meetings that we would have a vote of parents regarding certain events (like how much to charge at the door or should we do a can drive, etc.) and parents would vote and yet the principal would do it the way she wanted to anyway REGARDLESS of how the parents voted. This really irritated me and other parents and lots of parents just stopped coming to vote.
BUT our principal is going to a different school next year, the district moved her. I had been praying that something would change for next year (lots of reasons, not just problems with PTCO) and my prayers were answered! We do not yet know who the new principal will be but I am confident it will be a good change for the school.
I am confident the PTCO will be able to accomplish so much more next school year! It is exciting!
Mr. Man has served has co-president for the last 2 years and will continue in that capacity next school year. I have not had a title in the years past, just been involved at meetings and organizing events, etc., but next school year I will be secretary for the PTCO! I am actually quite excited about this!!
Our current principal has been a thorn in the PTCO's side for quite some time. She is friendly and all that, but every idea someone would have - if it was not something she wanted to do or was something that had never been tried then she would squash the idea immediately. It has actually been frustrating and parents didn't want to get involved anymore. There were several PTCO meetings that we would have a vote of parents regarding certain events (like how much to charge at the door or should we do a can drive, etc.) and parents would vote and yet the principal would do it the way she wanted to anyway REGARDLESS of how the parents voted. This really irritated me and other parents and lots of parents just stopped coming to vote.
BUT our principal is going to a different school next year, the district moved her. I had been praying that something would change for next year (lots of reasons, not just problems with PTCO) and my prayers were answered! We do not yet know who the new principal will be but I am confident it will be a good change for the school.
I am confident the PTCO will be able to accomplish so much more next school year! It is exciting!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
About my "other" full time job
I have a full time job at home as a mommy and a wife, but I do have this OTHER full time job outside our home as a paralegal. I work for one attorney, but there are two subtenants in this office that are also attorneys. I answer phones for the attorney I work for plus the two subtenants and greet all clients for all attorneys. In addition to that I do paralegal work for the one attorney.
I work 29 hours per week at the office and the remainder of my days at home being the mommy/wife. I am blessed to be able to drop my kids off at school every morning (no need for them to go to before school daycare) and 3 days a week I leave the office in time to pick them up from school (no need for after school daycare, except for the 2 days a week).
During my 29 hours at the office I prepare correspondence, research law, prepare pleadings and motions for delivery to court, arrange for and sometimes meet with clients regarding their case, organize and maintain case files, water plants, pick up the conference room after client meetings, and a myriad of other tasks. Some days, as I am sitting at my desk working away the 3 attorneys in the office will all close their doors to take a nap - sometimes I have to wonder if I work in a law office or a daycare. Cracks me up though because my office job has a "nap hour" and home job does too or used to anyway- sadly, not so much anymore since my kids are all in school and claim to be much too old for naps, but momma isn't too old for naps!
I enjoy working outside the home most days. It gives me a little adult interaction while the kids are at school and then I get to go home and be with the kids in the afternoons and evenings. Currently I feel like I get the best of both worlds and am blessed to be able to do so!
I work 29 hours per week at the office and the remainder of my days at home being the mommy/wife. I am blessed to be able to drop my kids off at school every morning (no need for them to go to before school daycare) and 3 days a week I leave the office in time to pick them up from school (no need for after school daycare, except for the 2 days a week).
During my 29 hours at the office I prepare correspondence, research law, prepare pleadings and motions for delivery to court, arrange for and sometimes meet with clients regarding their case, organize and maintain case files, water plants, pick up the conference room after client meetings, and a myriad of other tasks. Some days, as I am sitting at my desk working away the 3 attorneys in the office will all close their doors to take a nap - sometimes I have to wonder if I work in a law office or a daycare. Cracks me up though because my office job has a "nap hour" and home job does too or used to anyway- sadly, not so much anymore since my kids are all in school and claim to be much too old for naps, but momma isn't too old for naps!
I enjoy working outside the home most days. It gives me a little adult interaction while the kids are at school and then I get to go home and be with the kids in the afternoons and evenings. Currently I feel like I get the best of both worlds and am blessed to be able to do so!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Why is it so hard?
When you bring home that newborn baby does anyone ever realize how mush harder it will be when they start school? I mean really?
We had parent teacher conferences this week and Lady Bug's was first.... nothing of real concern other than her chatting too much (but even that is improving).
Next we had Lefty's... nothing of real concern here either. He is doing really well and was very serious the first part of the school year but the teacher says she has recently started seeing him "let loose" a little and not be so serious.
Then it was off to Spirit's conference... well, not sure where to start. We have noticed over the last few months that his confidence is going in the toilet which is reflective of his grades now. His grades have taken a serious dip since September and aren't showing any signs of improving at this point. How can a kid who is in the 4th grade but reads at a 9th grade level have self-confidence issues? How can a kid who is in an advanced math class have self confidence issues? Is it because he is too hard on himself? possibly. I just don't know where to go. The teachers tell me that he isn't giving it effort, if he doesn't "get it" immediately then he just shuts down. I complained to the teachers, being careful not to give Spirit any excuses, that he is only in 4th grade and having him leave the classroom throughout the day for different classes doesn't appear to be working. What they do is group each of the 4th graders, regardless of your homeroom class, into a group based on the skill level. So Spirit is in the group of 4th graders that are in advanced math, and also an advanced reading group, then of course he leaves homeroom for science, music, p.e., and art as well. BUT, the catchy thing here is that he will leave homeroom for the advanced math but return to his homeroom for the last 15 minutes and is expected to the homeroom math as well. Same goes for Reading/Literacy. Which means, he gets an assignment from the group AND homeroom. Not so much for literacy assignments, but I notice with the math that he misses the instruction time on it and has to figure it out on his own (which most times he can, others he struggles). The teachers recognize this an issue, not just for Spirit but other kids as well. BUT, is that the reason his self confidence and the lack of motivation in school and the dips in grades? He got a D in science. He loves science! I am at a loss and want to cry for him. On the way out of the school he looked at his dad with tears in his eyes and said "I will do better from now on. I promise."
Parenting is so hard! I wouldn't trade it for the world, but man oh man is it painfully hard at times!
We had parent teacher conferences this week and Lady Bug's was first.... nothing of real concern other than her chatting too much (but even that is improving).
Next we had Lefty's... nothing of real concern here either. He is doing really well and was very serious the first part of the school year but the teacher says she has recently started seeing him "let loose" a little and not be so serious.
Then it was off to Spirit's conference... well, not sure where to start. We have noticed over the last few months that his confidence is going in the toilet which is reflective of his grades now. His grades have taken a serious dip since September and aren't showing any signs of improving at this point. How can a kid who is in the 4th grade but reads at a 9th grade level have self-confidence issues? How can a kid who is in an advanced math class have self confidence issues? Is it because he is too hard on himself? possibly. I just don't know where to go. The teachers tell me that he isn't giving it effort, if he doesn't "get it" immediately then he just shuts down. I complained to the teachers, being careful not to give Spirit any excuses, that he is only in 4th grade and having him leave the classroom throughout the day for different classes doesn't appear to be working. What they do is group each of the 4th graders, regardless of your homeroom class, into a group based on the skill level. So Spirit is in the group of 4th graders that are in advanced math, and also an advanced reading group, then of course he leaves homeroom for science, music, p.e., and art as well. BUT, the catchy thing here is that he will leave homeroom for the advanced math but return to his homeroom for the last 15 minutes and is expected to the homeroom math as well. Same goes for Reading/Literacy. Which means, he gets an assignment from the group AND homeroom. Not so much for literacy assignments, but I notice with the math that he misses the instruction time on it and has to figure it out on his own (which most times he can, others he struggles). The teachers recognize this an issue, not just for Spirit but other kids as well. BUT, is that the reason his self confidence and the lack of motivation in school and the dips in grades? He got a D in science. He loves science! I am at a loss and want to cry for him. On the way out of the school he looked at his dad with tears in his eyes and said "I will do better from now on. I promise."
Parenting is so hard! I wouldn't trade it for the world, but man oh man is it painfully hard at times!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Here we go...
Have one little boy at home sick today. He has been fighting this for a couple of days and it hasn't really produced into anything major, but he asked if he could stay home today so Mr. Man took the day off to stay with him. My boss has had a terrible crud, we have some friends that both kids had strep, a client of mine cancelled an appointment last week due to crud.... I hope this stays with one person and that we don't all get it!
I had a productive weekend, laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, made homemade cinnamon rolls, made yummy enchiladas, visited with friends, visited with my mom and one of my sister's... it was good weekend!
Tomorrow is Mr. Man's birthday but he has a busy evening so the kids are going to give him his presents in the morning (over cinnamon rolls).
This week is a busy one...both at home and at the office, but it should all be ok as long as the rest of us stay healthy!
I had a productive weekend, laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, made homemade cinnamon rolls, made yummy enchiladas, visited with friends, visited with my mom and one of my sister's... it was good weekend!
Tomorrow is Mr. Man's birthday but he has a busy evening so the kids are going to give him his presents in the morning (over cinnamon rolls).
This week is a busy one...both at home and at the office, but it should all be ok as long as the rest of us stay healthy!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Friday Recipe - Apple Crisp Pancake with Apple Cinnamon Syrup
I got this recipe from a Bed & Breakfast in Mt. Jackson, Virginia. I have a dream of one day owning my own B&B so I love cooking recipes from B&B's and making my family pretend we are in a B&B! This one was a big hit, Lady Bug preferred it without the syrup (but this girl doesn't like maple syrup on anything either, and she also doesn't like powdered sugar so I am not sure you can trust her on this one!)
Apple Crisp Pancake
PANCAKE INGREDIENTS:
1 egg, beaten
3/4 c milk
3/4 c chunky applesauce (when I make it I don't use chunky because I use our homemade applesauce which is not chunky and it tastes really good enough though it isn't chunky)
1 tsp vanilla
2 c pancake mix
TOPPING INGREDIENTS:
1/2 c quick cooking oats
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 c brown sugar
1/2 c pancake mix
3 Tbls butter
Spray a jelly roll pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the egg, milk, applesauce, vanilla and pancake mix. The mixture will be a little thick, not too thick but certainly not thin. Spread the mixture in the prepared pan.
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, pancake mix. Cut in butter for crumble topping. Sprinkle topping over the pancake batter. Bake at 375 for 14-16 minutes. Cut into squares and serve with Apple Cinnamon Syrup.
Apple Cinnamon Syrup
INGREDIENTS:
1 c sugar
2 Tbls cornstarch
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 c apple cider or natural apple juice
2 Tbls lemon juice
1/4 c butter
In a saucepan combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, cider and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil and let boil 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and add in the butter. Stir until melted. (makes about 3 1/4 cups of syrup)
This makes a large pan and therefore is more than even my family could eat in one sitting. This pancake warms up well. I would like to try to freeze it too and see how it does, just haven't gotten that far with it yet.
Apple Crisp Pancake
PANCAKE INGREDIENTS:
1 egg, beaten
3/4 c milk
3/4 c chunky applesauce (when I make it I don't use chunky because I use our homemade applesauce which is not chunky and it tastes really good enough though it isn't chunky)
1 tsp vanilla
2 c pancake mix
TOPPING INGREDIENTS:
1/2 c quick cooking oats
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 c brown sugar
1/2 c pancake mix
3 Tbls butter
Spray a jelly roll pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the egg, milk, applesauce, vanilla and pancake mix. The mixture will be a little thick, not too thick but certainly not thin. Spread the mixture in the prepared pan.
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, pancake mix. Cut in butter for crumble topping. Sprinkle topping over the pancake batter. Bake at 375 for 14-16 minutes. Cut into squares and serve with Apple Cinnamon Syrup.
Apple Cinnamon Syrup
INGREDIENTS:
1 c sugar
2 Tbls cornstarch
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 c apple cider or natural apple juice
2 Tbls lemon juice
1/4 c butter
In a saucepan combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, cider and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil and let boil 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and add in the butter. Stir until melted. (makes about 3 1/4 cups of syrup)
This makes a large pan and therefore is more than even my family could eat in one sitting. This pancake warms up well. I would like to try to freeze it too and see how it does, just haven't gotten that far with it yet.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
