Thursday, March 29, 2007
Last night I kinda let loose! An old friend invited me to go do karaoke w/ them and I thought "what the heck". I sang one song, which was plenty! I don't really like karaoke, but I had a lot of fun! I needed a release because Allen is leaving tomorrow and won't be home until next THURSDAY!!!! !!! AYE AYE AYE!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
American Idol!!!!!
I think Sanjaya was kind of trying to do a Gwen Stefani look with his hair, which didn't really work! And the judges were absolutely right, he just didn't go for the song! He could be as big as Michael Jackson if he'd just lose his timidness (and I'm not sure that's a compliment).
Gina did awesome last night! Jordin did good too, not as good as last week though. I didn't really think one girl out-sang another last night. Chris Richardson sucked AGAIN! 3 weeks in a row and I'm yelling a the TV "am I the only person with EARS!".
I think Sanjaya was kind of trying to do a Gwen Stefani look with his hair, which didn't really work! And the judges were absolutely right, he just didn't go for the song! He could be as big as Michael Jackson if he'd just lose his timidness (and I'm not sure that's a compliment).
Gina did awesome last night! Jordin did good too, not as good as last week though. I didn't really think one girl out-sang another last night. Chris Richardson sucked AGAIN! 3 weeks in a row and I'm yelling a the TV "am I the only person with EARS!".
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
I'm at the point in my life where I'm going to lose weight or die trying. A friend of mine is blogging her weight-loss and is doing really well. She has inspired me! So watch me lose weight! I will post a more frightening before shot tomorrow. Up until now I've only saved pictures that I look good in. Now I'm going to face reality!
Here are some of my goals:
- Lose 60lbs in 24 weeks (2.5lbs lost per week)
- Lose 8 inches around my waist
- Walk or ride my bike everyday
- Do exercise video every day
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Today we went to a baby blessing (same baby as yesterday) then I went to the last hour of my church because I had some stuff to give to people. Then I drove to the open house for the little baby that was blessed (yes, kind of a big deal for 1 little baby, but it's a family that we've been friends with forever). Now I'm home and I REALLY need to do SOMETHING around this house, but I've promised Cori that she and I can go make some cards. So it doesn't look like I'll be getting anything done.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Shreeve Family March Update
Do they call it March because you just have to keep marching forward and get through all the bumps the year has thrown at you? I'm tired...can you tell? So we've had an eventful year so far. We're on spring break this week and we're going to do as LITTLE as possible! On Saturday we took the kids' the Enchanted Island at Encanto Park and had a GREAT time! There are some pictures attached!
Allen - Still working, nothing much changes for this poor guy. He put my g'parents new cooler up on their house this weekend, so that's a bit of a change I guess.
Gigi - I'm still cleaning my house. After spending the better part of a month w/ my g'parents my house looks like a bomb went off. It's all I can do to keep up w/ the dishes and laundry, much less get the rest of the mess cleaned! I did start a new project in my kitchen (that is almost done). I'm re-doing my cabinets w/ chalk board paint! It looks cool, plus it doubles as great place to make lists and a place for the kids to draw! I'm contemplating getting a job at Tutor Time as well.
Cori - She has lost TWO teeth! The first one she actually LOST! She couldn't find it anywhere. So we wrote the tooth fairy a letter and she got TWO gold dollars! She lost the 2nd tooth on Sunday morning. The tooth fairy was out of gold dollars so she gave TWO Susan B Anthony dollars! (The tooth fairy is cheap, but creative!) I told Cori to put the money in her spending money and she said she didn't want to give them to the people at the store! Funny kid!
Ethan - He has one more week left at Tutor Time. He is doing SO WELL there! He has all sorts of good peer models which we've discovered is key to his development. I wish I could afford the keep him there. That's why I'm applying for a job there. This week has been a little rough because he got into something he shouldn't eat, so his ticks are back and he's acting doubly hyper and sometimes I can tell he's just not comfortable in his skin! It's hard for him to have this much of a set back after doing so great.
Georgia - She is the funniest most grown up little 20month old ever! She speaks in full sentences but you can only understand about half the words she says. And yet all she has to do is look at you and you know EXACTLY what she wants! She does just about everything I tell her to do. She does things w/out me asking, like putting toys away and dishes in the sink. Anytime I start doing something, like putting away laundry she starts "helping". She is also the most mischevious little thing. Too smart for her britches!
And that's all she wrote!
Allen - Still working, nothing much changes for this poor guy. He put my g'parents new cooler up on their house this weekend, so that's a bit of a change I guess.
Gigi - I'm still cleaning my house. After spending the better part of a month w/ my g'parents my house looks like a bomb went off. It's all I can do to keep up w/ the dishes and laundry, much less get the rest of the mess cleaned! I did start a new project in my kitchen (that is almost done). I'm re-doing my cabinets w/ chalk board paint! It looks cool, plus it doubles as great place to make lists and a place for the kids to draw! I'm contemplating getting a job at Tutor Time as well.
Cori - She has lost TWO teeth! The first one she actually LOST! She couldn't find it anywhere. So we wrote the tooth fairy a letter and she got TWO gold dollars! She lost the 2nd tooth on Sunday morning. The tooth fairy was out of gold dollars so she gave TWO Susan B Anthony dollars! (The tooth fairy is cheap, but creative!) I told Cori to put the money in her spending money and she said she didn't want to give them to the people at the store! Funny kid!
Ethan - He has one more week left at Tutor Time. He is doing SO WELL there! He has all sorts of good peer models which we've discovered is key to his development. I wish I could afford the keep him there. That's why I'm applying for a job there. This week has been a little rough because he got into something he shouldn't eat, so his ticks are back and he's acting doubly hyper and sometimes I can tell he's just not comfortable in his skin! It's hard for him to have this much of a set back after doing so great.
Georgia - She is the funniest most grown up little 20month old ever! She speaks in full sentences but you can only understand about half the words she says. And yet all she has to do is look at you and you know EXACTLY what she wants! She does just about everything I tell her to do. She does things w/out me asking, like putting toys away and dishes in the sink. Anytime I start doing something, like putting away laundry she starts "helping". She is also the most mischevious little thing. Too smart for her britches!
And that's all she wrote!
American Idol tonight!
I was actually pretty impressed with Sanjaya's performance especially compared to weeks past. He's creepy to look at (like Michael Jackson) but he gave a decent performance this time. The girl with the face was hilarious! I couldn't tell if she wanted to cry or throw up! The one that made me want to tear my ears off last week I THINK was Chris Richardson. His performance had a similar effect on me tonight. I think Jordin blew everyone away though! I'm voting for as I type. Last week it was Lakisha, but this week Jordin out-piped her big time! I really like Gina, she is just so cool, but her performance was lacking. Scarily, I agreed w/ everything that Simon said! Oh and Haley would win the prettiest girl ever contest! Too bad her singing is so weak.
I was actually pretty impressed with Sanjaya's performance especially compared to weeks past. He's creepy to look at (like Michael Jackson) but he gave a decent performance this time. The girl with the face was hilarious! I couldn't tell if she wanted to cry or throw up! The one that made me want to tear my ears off last week I THINK was Chris Richardson. His performance had a similar effect on me tonight. I think Jordin blew everyone away though! I'm voting for as I type. Last week it was Lakisha, but this week Jordin out-piped her big time! I really like Gina, she is just so cool, but her performance was lacking. Scarily, I agreed w/ everything that Simon said! Oh and Haley would win the prettiest girl ever contest! Too bad her singing is so weak.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
DONE w/ our taxes!!!!!! WOO-HOO!!!!! !!!!!!!! It's amazing what we'll pay for convenience though. $33 to efile and if I wanted that $33 taken directly out of my tax refund it would have cost me another $30! YIKES We didn't go that route though. Need all the money we can get for our savings account! hehe Not to mention that we spent $80 on Turbo Tax in the 1st place!
Last night I shined my sink and put a load of laundry in the washer to soak over night. Then I got up this AM, turned on the washer, emptied the dishes and put away the kids clothes I had left over last night!!!!!!! !!!!! I just finished putting a coat of paint on two cupboards and as soon as they're dry I'll put a 2nd coat. Then I'm done w/ the cabinets until Allen can get me more red paint! I'm gonna go out and blow off the back porch in a minute!
Did I mention that we started our taxes last week (we do Turbo Tax) and I'm nearly done with them! A MONTH early! That is a record for us!
Did I mention that we started our taxes last week (we do Turbo Tax) and I'm nearly done with them! A MONTH early! That is a record for us!
At my kids' school they do this accountable kids program that is really cool.
Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country
Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements
Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices
Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly
Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need
Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment
Faith
Divine Nature
Individual Worth
Knowledge
Choice and Accountability
Integrity
Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country
Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements
Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices
Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly
Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need
Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment
Faith
Divine Nature
Individual Worth
Knowledge
Choice and Accountability
Integrity
Don't remember where I found this, but I really like it!
Setting The Tone
Starting Your Day Well
The choices you make upon waking can have a profound impact on your day. If, still drowsy, you hit the ground running, rushing to prepare yourself to face your worldly obligations, you will likely feel fatigued and overwhelmed for most of your day. A leisurely and relaxing morning, on the other hand, can energize and excite you, as well as give you the courage to meet the challenges waiting for you. By beginning your day in a focused and centered fashion, you make it your own. You set the tone of your expectations and choose the mood you will use to respond to your circumstances. A gentle, reflective, and thoughtful morning will prepare you to create a gentle, conscious, and thoughtful day. The simplest way to eliminate the rush from your morning routine is to rise earlier. Getting children into routines and getting themselves ready as much as possible will also give you more time. Though this may seem like a hardship at first, you will soon grow to love the extra minutes or hours that afford you an opportunity to really enjoy watching the sun come up or connect with your loved ones before you go in your separate directions. There are many more ways you can constructively use the time you gain. A mere half-hour of introspection in which you examine your goals, thank the universe for the richness in your life, and contemplate the blessings you will receive this day can lift your spirit and help you formulate lasting positive expectations. Likewise, you can solidify your day's intention through spoken affirmations or the words you record in a journal. Or, if you want little more than to enjoy your day, devote a portion of your personal time to activities that bot! h ground and delight you, such as meditation, yoga, chanting, singing, reading, or listening to music. If you feel, however, that there is little room for change in your start-of-the- day routine, try to make each activity you engage in upon waking a ritual in its own right. The time you spend everyday savoring a soothing cup of tea or washing away tension in a hot shower can serve as a potent reminder of the need to care for yourself no matter what the hour. Your morning is yours and should reflect not only your practical needs but also the needs of your soul. When you center yourself at the start of your day, you will likely find it easier to remain centered during subsequent work, play, and downtime because the overall sense of serenity you create through your choices will stay with you throughout the day.
Setting The Tone
Starting Your Day Well
The choices you make upon waking can have a profound impact on your day. If, still drowsy, you hit the ground running, rushing to prepare yourself to face your worldly obligations, you will likely feel fatigued and overwhelmed for most of your day. A leisurely and relaxing morning, on the other hand, can energize and excite you, as well as give you the courage to meet the challenges waiting for you. By beginning your day in a focused and centered fashion, you make it your own. You set the tone of your expectations and choose the mood you will use to respond to your circumstances. A gentle, reflective, and thoughtful morning will prepare you to create a gentle, conscious, and thoughtful day. The simplest way to eliminate the rush from your morning routine is to rise earlier. Getting children into routines and getting themselves ready as much as possible will also give you more time. Though this may seem like a hardship at first, you will soon grow to love the extra minutes or hours that afford you an opportunity to really enjoy watching the sun come up or connect with your loved ones before you go in your separate directions. There are many more ways you can constructively use the time you gain. A mere half-hour of introspection in which you examine your goals, thank the universe for the richness in your life, and contemplate the blessings you will receive this day can lift your spirit and help you formulate lasting positive expectations. Likewise, you can solidify your day's intention through spoken affirmations or the words you record in a journal. Or, if you want little more than to enjoy your day, devote a portion of your personal time to activities that bot! h ground and delight you, such as meditation, yoga, chanting, singing, reading, or listening to music. If you feel, however, that there is little room for change in your start-of-the- day routine, try to make each activity you engage in upon waking a ritual in its own right. The time you spend everyday savoring a soothing cup of tea or washing away tension in a hot shower can serve as a potent reminder of the need to care for yourself no matter what the hour. Your morning is yours and should reflect not only your practical needs but also the needs of your soul. When you center yourself at the start of your day, you will likely find it easier to remain centered during subsequent work, play, and downtime because the overall sense of serenity you create through your choices will stay with you throughout the day.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Okay, I am back to my semi-regular life. I'll send out an update with more details later, but my g'pa is doing really well. Now if only I could get my house back in order! AYE AYE AYE! Laundry and dishes everywhere! That's what I get for being gone for the most part of a month! However, instead of getting any major cleaning done today I refinished my kitchen cabinets. My g'parents have DirectTV w/ a million channels, so I've been watching a lot of HGTV and DIY! I have so many projects planned now it's not even funny! The really great thing is that I'm nearly done w/ the cabinets! When I 1st refinished them I started when Allen and I 1st got married (7 years ago) and I never did get the refinish completed! All I need to do is buy a little more paint, decide which yellow I want for the walls, buy some bead-board, and buy some BBQ paint for the oven hood. I'll try to post some before, during, and later some after pics! One of these days I'll get my laundry done!
I did get a couple more important things done. I put a box of Ethan's trucks away (to get out later and he'll think they're NEW...he's not too bright!). I also put away a box of kids' books (left each kid one shelf of books, and put all the Chistmas/Winter books w/ the Christmas oranments, and still had a HUGE box left to put up for rotating later) and decluttered my sheet music and piano/flute books for the first time in over TEN YEARS!!!!!!!!! I got rid of about HALF my stuff! I had duplicates of almost everything and had books that I actually hate to use w/ my piano students! Why on earth was I keeping them!
We're having a yard sale the 1st Sat in April and I'm doing a MAJOR declutter. I plan to get rid of EVERYTHING I possible can! Then the money we make will go in our savings account!
I just recently read Robert Kioysaki's 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' and 'CashFlow Quadrant'. Excellent books...anyway. We decided to increase our cashflow by cutting down on as many expenses as possible. Here are the things we are doing:
Basic phone service - no call waiting, no caller id, no voice mail....screen calls with an answering machine if nessasary.
Lower Internet bill-we just switched to Cox's $29.99/mo internet, but we are actually considering switching to PeoplePC for $12.99.
NO CABLE-no ifs ands or buts.....it's just not nesesary if you're trying to pay off debt.
Decided EXACTLY how many times per month we will eat out (decided we would eat out w/ the kids once a month, and eat out just DH and I once a month).
Decided how cold we are going to keep your AC and don't change it. Buy some extra fans. We're going to keep our AC at 82 (and we have an old, non-energey efficient home, w/ sucky windows, and vaulted ceilings that make the living room hot!).
Don't carry a debit card, or more than $5 cash (should always have some emergency cash on hand).
Robert Kioysaki says if you want more money, donate more money to church or charity. His "rich dad" was a big believer in tithing. We always tithe 10%, but just recently upped our fast offerings from $20 a pay period to $40 a pay period.
Pay ourselves FIRST! Even if all we can save is $5 or $10 a month, we're putting it away and NOT touching it!
Any "extra" money that comes in (anything that we don't have worked into our budget) will go directly in savings.
Lastly, I make $125/week watching ONE daycare kid! So that helps LOTS!
I did get a couple more important things done. I put a box of Ethan's trucks away (to get out later and he'll think they're NEW...he's not too bright!). I also put away a box of kids' books (left each kid one shelf of books, and put all the Chistmas/Winter books w/ the Christmas oranments, and still had a HUGE box left to put up for rotating later) and decluttered my sheet music and piano/flute books for the first time in over TEN YEARS!!!!!!!!! I got rid of about HALF my stuff! I had duplicates of almost everything and had books that I actually hate to use w/ my piano students! Why on earth was I keeping them!
We're having a yard sale the 1st Sat in April and I'm doing a MAJOR declutter. I plan to get rid of EVERYTHING I possible can! Then the money we make will go in our savings account!
I just recently read Robert Kioysaki's 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' and 'CashFlow Quadrant'. Excellent books...anyway. We decided to increase our cashflow by cutting down on as many expenses as possible. Here are the things we are doing:
Basic phone service - no call waiting, no caller id, no voice mail....screen calls with an answering machine if nessasary.
Lower Internet bill-we just switched to Cox's $29.99/mo internet, but we are actually considering switching to PeoplePC for $12.99.
NO CABLE-no ifs ands or buts.....it's just not nesesary if you're trying to pay off debt.
Decided EXACTLY how many times per month we will eat out (decided we would eat out w/ the kids once a month, and eat out just DH and I once a month).
Decided how cold we are going to keep your AC and don't change it. Buy some extra fans. We're going to keep our AC at 82 (and we have an old, non-energey efficient home, w/ sucky windows, and vaulted ceilings that make the living room hot!).
Don't carry a debit card, or more than $5 cash (should always have some emergency cash on hand).
Robert Kioysaki says if you want more money, donate more money to church or charity. His "rich dad" was a big believer in tithing. We always tithe 10%, but just recently upped our fast offerings from $20 a pay period to $40 a pay period.
Pay ourselves FIRST! Even if all we can save is $5 or $10 a month, we're putting it away and NOT touching it!
Any "extra" money that comes in (anything that we don't have worked into our budget) will go directly in savings.
Lastly, I make $125/week watching ONE daycare kid! So that helps LOTS!
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