Working With What You Have

The house is in a continual state of progress. Whose isn't really. Today I decided that it is time to work a little each day on different areas. I already have the Master To Do List. (I'm a list maker what can I say). Now the goal is to start working with what I have.

The list includes things like sort through areas, that simply need de cluttered, or things we are done with. Cross the one cabinet off the list today!!! Yeehaw! Got rid of 4 puzzles and some kind of McDonald's toy that I'm sure the kids don't even know they had. Found some new space, that currently I think we're going to leave EMPTY! Now there is a thought.

Second, broke out the white paint that has been sitting by the back door in the garage for 4 months. Put the 2nd and 3rd coat on the bathroom door, as well as the cabinet in the bathroom and the moldings. Now just need to touch up the main color, painted it originally in Oct! The bathroom still needs a few new towels as they go on sale and of course the cabinets need to be sorted in there as well. It's getting done though. Best thing, other then the towels that we still need, a new toilet seat cover and a new door knob there is no more cost to the update. Added some bobble heads to the top of the cabinet (it's an extension of our Red Wings hockey room) and it's done!

Now about the gray touch up paint....

It's been awhile, time to ramble.

Life just flies by and the things that have to get done do and the rest...well not so much.
Today I was hoping to be working as a sub in our school district, but did not get called. So...instead I'm going to catch up on the things on my desk and get some other things done around the house.


In the meantime, also getting set for this Thursday when the Wings open the Stanley Cup playoffs against the Blue Jackets. Can't wait to watch. The big question is whether to skip the PTA meeting so we can watch it in real time, or dvr it and watch it later...ugh decisions decisions.

Regardless...LET'S GO WINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Time to change the laundry. Working from home is so great. If it wasn't raining I think I might even decide to do some yard work. We'll see.

Redoing old albums

Yes, I hate to admit it I have old albums in my possession. Prior to 2000 all my albums were non Creative Memories, and while documented in a scrapbook type method were not at all photo safe. My goal for this year is to start doing something about those albums!
This past week I pulled a 7x7 chocolate love album off of my shelf that I have had sitting there for almost 2 years. It already had the paper in it, and was ready for pictures. I pulled apart our honeymoon album and a day later have an album that I know will keep our pictures safe for years to come. The honeymoon album is only 13 years old. Yet, it was already yellowing, and looking bad as it was in one of those stick the picture in on the page and cover it with the piece of plastic albums. We haven't looked at it in years, but now that it is in a photo safe album, we've put it out again and the kids have already looked through it several times.
I have other supplies on my shelf so next I think I will tackle the album covering our first year, and first house. The kids are going to love seeing those pictures again, and I'm going to love knowing that they are now photo safe!
Thank you Creative Memories

New Baby

Creative Memories just launched a brand new line of baby products. They are so cute. The color combinations are beautiful. With the baby girl colors of soft pinks, greens and browns and yellows. Boy colors of browns, blues, greens and yellows. The paper and embellishments almost make me wish I hadn't completed my children's baby albums. There are so many great products. On top of the traditional papers and stickers there is a whole matching line of digital paper and stickers. Want something even quicker??? How about the new baby boy and baby girl quick kits. Complete an entire baby album in 1 2-3 hour sitting!!! It's amazing! Creative Memories is doing such a great job at thinking about peoples lives and time challenges and has created something truly for everyone!
http://www.mycmsite.com/sites/kropwithkathy/catalog-index?ts=1236628679049&event=showmenu&categoryIdParm=170172&pageTitle=New%20Baby&selectedCategory=172&eventId=172&productGroupId=13565

Did anyone else just blink?

It is February 25th. How did that happen? I'm trying to get ready for a big convention this weekend with Creative Memories. I usually look ahead and find out what I need to have done so that Monday won't be as hard. Suddenly I realized the end of the month finance stuff needs done, the calendars need updated and wow it's going to be March. Guess I better add birthday shopping for my brother in law on the list. Time just keeps speeding up as I get older, and life just keeps moving on. Happy March!

Just Do It

Sometimes I think Nike has it right. We make our list of things to do, and then we look at it. Sometimes we need to JUST DO IT. I think the part that is the most frustrating is some of the jobs never seem to go away. Laundry, dishes, laundry, dishes...bathrooms need cleaned...etc. Today I'm going to try and adapt a new mind frame about these things. Today I'm going to be thankful that we have clothes to wear, a washer and dryer right in the other room, clean water, beds to sleep in and food to eat. I'm going to remember to pray for my family as I do the jobs that simply need to get done. There is no sense in complaining about them, we all have them. I just need to do it!

What's Next?

Ever find yourself completing one thing only to wonder...what's next? Sometimes it seems like that is how life is lived. We get through with one thing and immediately need to know what's next? Right now I have several projects going. In my mind I'm trying to get all the details together and somehow I keep coming back to what I'll need to do when this next thing gets done. I guess the thing is sometimes it's fun to have nothing that's next. Just enjoy the day and not worry about where you have to go, or what you have to do. With that in mind...time to go clean the house and set up for tomorrows Creative Memories event and then get ready for World Friendship Day on Sunday. After that it's getting ready for Regional Convention...that's What's Next!

Preserving the Past

I've been thinking a lot about preserving the past lately. For Christmas I made albums for the both the kids featuring the 8x10's from birth until their current age as well as snapshots during that time. I also have been trying to go back and redo albums that are not in safe materials so they will be preserved as well. While this takes time and effort I have learned that it also helps me remember the good times, and why I feel the way I do about people, places and events.
It is stress relief in the simplest form. I don't need to leave the house, although large group crops are great. I just can focus for even as little as 15 minutes on a project and get a sense of accomplishment in it moving forward. I realize not everyone is a scrapbooker, but working with pictures is good for the soul regardless.

All Thrown Off

Have you ever noticed that when things stray from your normal routine everything gets completely thrown off? Friday and Monday the kids had off from school. We had a great time, went to the pool and the mall, played some wii games, and spent time together. Monday Phil also had off which made that day even nicer. Tuesday came and I was lost. Half of the day I thought it was Monday, aside from bible study, Daisy scouts, gymnastics, and hockey that is. Just the same it is now Wednesday and I'm still trying to get the grocery list together and get to the store, normally a Monday or Tuesday task. Get laundry caught up and balance the checkbook. Sometime this month I'd like to finish the taxes but with all the days off here and there it just doesn't seem to get done.
It's not really that I don't like having the extra people home. We've really enjoyed each others company and spent time together. I just wish I wasn't such a creature of habit as when things get out of wack it takes me a few days to recover. That and this weather is giving me a migraine! Oh, well... off to switch laundry and hopefully get back on track.

Did you know?

Did you know that 60* days are only to make you think more about spring and appreciate winter less?

Did you know that 90% of Americans don't sleep well because we are overdosed on caffeine during the day?

Did you know that taking time for yourself everyday only seems selfish if it's all day everyday and really makes you a better person to be around?

Did you know that Casting Crowns and Stephen Curtis Chapman are awesome?

Did you know that facebook can suck the time away from your day if you don't limit yourself?

Did you know that working with photos is actually a great stress reliever?

Did you know that the Wings are going to win the Cup again?

Did you know that this is a really lame excuse for a post but I've committed to trying to post 5 days a week and this is the best I can do?

Did you know that laundry and dishes always pile up, but we should be praising God that we have clothes to wear and have had food to eat?

Did you know that the to do list will never get done, so it's best to do the hardest jobs first?

Did you know that this is the last did you know?

Digital or Traditional?

The question for 2009 has been digital or traditional? This is the year I want to stay on top of my pictures. With that in mind I really need to get started scrapping my 2009 photos. The biggest question is digital or traditional? Do I print them out and scrap them, or do I create page prints and just slide them into an album.....I just can't decide. Perhaps that's why I've put it off to this point.
Digital is a lot of fun. It's quick, and comes back to you bound and finished. Somehow journaling is even easier with digital as it's a typed format.
Traditional is great too. I love the cutting, the arranging. It is incredible. So what to do!?

I'd love input so if anyone wants to vote on what I should do let me know.

Weather Change Mayhem

Every time the weather changes drastically I get to feeling wiped out. Not sure why, always attributed it to my blood not thickening or thinning as quick as the temps do around here. Now I'm noticing it's effecting my kids as well. Both have been fighting headaches as the temps have been rising and the weather is changing so much. I would rather it be 50 than 20 any day, but the fact that it will most likely dip back down makes me nuts. In the last 2 days Z has even visited the school nurse twice. Once for a stomach ache, related to sinus issues I'm sure and once for an itchy red eye...once again related to his allergies bothering him. I'm beginning to think I need to be a walking pharmacy of headache and eye relief. Or, maybe we should just move. Nah, guess I'll stop at the drugstore before I head up to school this afternoon, my heads throbbing as it is, I can only imagine that Katie's is as well.
At least the sun is shinning a wee little bit!

Facebook

Decided at the beginning of the year to see what the big deal about facebook was all about. Truth is I had mixed feelings going in. I know several people that absolutely love it, but also take a ton of time with it. Others who like reconnecting with people and have managed to limit their time on it.

I think that is truly the key. It is a cool thing to find out what people you haven't thought about in years are doing. It's fun to shoot a message to their wall, and maybe exchange a few stories. It's fun to see what others are doing when you read the updated status info. I can say it's been kind of neat to simply state " I'm working on Creative Memories albums" and know that now a whole group of people see I'm a consultant. It could be potentially good for business I would think. Yet, it can also be a HUGE time waster. It would be easy to sit on facebook for hours and play various games, search endlessly for lost friends, and join a million groups.

Just the same, if you can have self control and not spend time you need to be doing something else on it. I would say it's a good thing. It's a way to connect with people, share ideas, and network for work as well. I'm glad I'm on it. In fact, need to jump on it now to find out if things are still set with our babysitter tonight!

Another Weekend...don't blink!

Another weekend is about to be here. I know technically that Friday is the start of the weekend, but really it doesn't officially start for most people until they are home from work or school. In this case I have about 10 more minutes of weekday to deal with before the kids get off the bus.
What is in store for this weekend...if you ever read my blog or facebook entries you'd know there is one word that will appear in this weekends activities for sure..
HOCKEY!

The boys will be starting the weekend off with leaving for Youngstown at 5AM for a scrimmage. Upon their sleepy return we will do normal Saturday stuff. The evening holds a movie night for the kids with Grandparents, while I host my next Creative Memories workshop. Sunday, church and another hockey game. The kids are excited though because Sunday night we will be watching Extreme Home Makeover (sorry Phil) as Creative Memories has donated items to the girls room.

Hope everyone has a good weekend...I'm down to 7 minutes left of the week, got to run!

Enough already!

ENOUGH ALREADY! Yes, this is a pic of Katie and Zach standing on the sidewalk in front of our house while waiting for the bus this morning. It is not a trick. Simply by standing on the sidewalk they are barely able to be seen over the snowbanks. Now I realize that some of it is due to blowing the snow off of the driveway, but still. It's a little deep around here.

Is it pretty? Well, ok as the sunlight (which we usually don't see in these parts this time of year) streaks across the white frozen tundra we call our front yard the sparkles shining do make a pretty picture. Perhaps if we had known yesterdays 13+ inches were coming it would have made it even prettier, but we were told 1-3 inch accumulation yesterday. Maybe it was just a misprint on the weatherman's script and really said 13 inches to begin with. Regardless, life went on. School took place and we as only people from this part can do just kept going.

Do we enjoy it. Sometimes, but mostly this year we're done. Done of the day long storms and the snow that you can't see around at any given corner. All we could hope for is a gradual warming and melting process. Look out Southern Ohio, the snow is predicted to start melting this weekend when the rain moves in. You might want to get a jump start on those boats!

Let it Snow Let it Snow Let it Snow

Do you know the song Let it snow Let it snow Let it snow? Here's the new version.

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
and the fire is gas so we don't light it.
Since it's northeast Ohio we just go
On the roads let it snow let it snow

Oh it doesn't show signs of stopping
The weathermen said only 3 inches would be the topping
The only job where you can always be wrong
Let it snow tends to be our song

When the kiddos get out of school
I'll have to go and pick them up
Or on the bus they'd be till tomorrow
Especially if it doesn't let up

It's better to be in school when it's 15*
In the summer we'd just be iching
Oh, well at least there's work to do
Both at home and in school.

Now the day is slowly fading
It's to cold to be outside playing
But it's pretty just the same
And for the next 2 months there will be more of the same.

Maybe Now I'll Remember

Found a new product today that I'm hoping will help my mind. It's a cleaner for the dry erase board and a squeegee to help clean it off. We used to be good about adding things we needed to do or get from the store on our board in the kitchen. BUT then it got dirty so as I was struggling to remember what I wanted to get at the store or had forgotten at the store yesterday in the aisle of Target I saw the solution. Bought it, brought it home and IT WORKS! The board is clean and ready to jot down info on. Now next time we go out we can glance at the board, grab a post it note and not have to struggle with remembering it completely on our own. Which reminds me... forgot the hot chocolate, guess I better go write that down.

Just Another Manic Monday

Another week has started and already I'm feeling the pull of having so much to do and not much time to do it. Not sure how that happens so fast. I think I have it all organized and then suddenly, the day is off and things are not going as planned. Oh, well maybe my version of the song would go like this

To the tune of Manic Monday
Got to get the kids on the bus
got have friends kids to school by 9
If I got out of bed early
I'd still be running short on time.

Cuz it takes so long to get the kids to get dressed and preparred
I'll get the kids off to school then figure out what's next to do.

Just another Manic Monday oh oh
Yesterday was superbowl Sunday
oh oh
Don't really care who won oh oh
Wings play Blues tonight looking for a hockey fight.

Ok, I'm to tired to really make the song work but at least I feel like I had one moment to myself. Got to run...kids are wanting more snack, go figure!

Car Seat Confusion

Apparently as of 4/6/09 the State of Ohio is changing their car seat law. The new law, as I'm reading it states that children under 8, AND under 80 lbs, AND under 4 feet 9 inches need to be in a booster seat. I have 2 kids. Both have been out of car seats. One for 4 years, and the other for over a year. One is about to be 9 years old, but does not weigh 80lbs and is not 4 feet 9. (My Mom incidentally is just over 4 feet 9- so how will this effect adults???). My other child is 6 and doesn't meet the other criteria. SO...as law abiding citizens what do we do??? Naturally, we got rid of the car seats with the exception of one that we keep for my friends 2 year old. So now what???
I'm actually on hold with the pediatrician at the moment scheduling a well check and they don't even know what to say about it. I'm thinking this would be a good use of the grandfather law thing. I think safety is important. My kids have to wear seat belts, but with the new law it looks like I'll be shopping again for car seats.


Pediatrician is going to call me back...they aren't sure either and agree that with the height requirement what will happen to adults not the right height. Guess we'll see what they say too.

They really should have a gage!

Kids really should come with a gage. It could say "full" when they are babies and you aren't sure if they have gotten enough to eat, and "sick take to Dr", if they need antibiotics, or "sick, but they'll make it" when it's just a cold or something.
Today we're in the "sick, but really didn't need to go to the Dr mode". Of course I know that because we went to the Dr. Zach woke up not feeling good again today. He's said that off and on this week, and I've told him each time that since he doesn't have a fever I think he can make it. But today was different. He didn't feel well and when he climbed in bed with me this morning he slept for 45 more minutes. Not a normal thing. He felt warm, looked tired and said his throat and head and stomach hurt. Which for those of you who don't know is classic strep signs, even without the sore throat. So...what to do as he had 3 tests at school today.
Now I know it could be that he wanted to avoid the tests, but he felt ready for them so I was pretty sure that wasn't it. Called the dr, got him a 10:30 appointment, then called his teacher who understanding the situation asked if he could come and take his tests first thing in the morning. So that is what we did. Of course then we headed to the dr who says he has a very stuffy nose and probably due to the weather is feeling the other symptoms but it is not strep. Now, I don't really want my kids on antibiotics unless they need them, but as a Mom trying to determine if they should go to school or not I'd rather hear it is strep so we know what we are dealing with. Thus the reason...kids really need gages!

Snow Fun

A picture from this past weekend. It was cold there, but not as cold and snowy as it is here!




Another cold wintery day here. Kids were thrilled not to have to go to school. All in all the day was pretty fun. If you can count laundry, and studying for test with your kids fun. We did get a chance to play out in the snow and even spent some time playing board games tonight. It is nice to have a stay at home day every so often. Now if we could prevent the fights over who had more popcorn and who was annoying who I would have been all set. Guess there is always tomorrow for that.

Being a Hockey Fan in Ohio Stinks!

Ok,it's not being a hockey fan that stinks, it's being a fan of hockey when the state thinks everyone wants to watch the Cavs. There are other sports people! The least the Center Ice people could do is see that the game is not on because of the Cavs and add it back into the play list. Oh, well. Guess we'll have to listne to it on internet radio instead. GO WINGS!

Home

It's has certainly been a long weekend. Good, bad. It's been both. The hockey tournament went pretty well. The boys played hard, we kept onsides for the most part, played some pretty good positions, and worked together. The North Toronto team they faced on Saturday afternoon was just tough. They scored 6 goals that we were not able to answer. Our goalie played really well the entire tournament, and it was heart breaking to watch him after the third game. He kept the team from goals in the first two games, and made us all proud in the third game keeping out other shots that could have turned into goals.
The tournament itself was well run, for the most part but the rink SUCKED! It was old, and beyond smelly. In fact we dressed at the end of the stands for the last game as the locker room smelled horrid. We all know locker rooms can smell bad, but this was even worse then normal.
Having lost the third game we headed into Canada to see the Falls and then back home. It was a long weekend, and now I'm fighting a cold which is oh so much fun. Oh, well...back to life and being home. The laundry is stacked up. Guess that's the theme for today.

Holy Moly!

To quote Mickey Redman...Holy Moly! We came to Niagara Falls this weekend for a hockey tournament. We came planning on playing Canadian teams, and sure that it was going to be really tough. They get more ice time, they have more practices, it only seemed logical after we lost all of our games at last weekends tournament. But BOY were we WRONG!
The first game we were in our defensive zone for a solid 3 minutes, unable to clear the puck. Then they got it out and look out the goals started. They weren't easy, they had to fight for most of them and really play strong. Just the same the team scored 4 unanswered goals. We won the game, and moved on to the second game.
Again, thinking this is going to be tough. And it really was. Again, the boys played hard. Zach got a shot at a break away, made his way down the ice and took the shot. It hit the goalie in the pads and rebounded right to him. Then he shot it top shelf and Bam we were up 1-0. We won the game with that score and now we are waiting for tomorrow's game to see if we will be staying in Niagara until the Championship game on Sunday.
WOW! Way to go boys!

Hockey Weekend

Another hockey weekend is just around the corner. Last weekends tourny was fun, the boys played pretty well. They got bunched up a few times, but really that was the only thing that seemed to go wrong. They barely went off sides, they kept up with the other teams decently, even the team that had beat them 11-3 the previous weekend.
Not a bad showing, although disappointing that we didn't win any of the games. More so perhaps for the kids that were on the team last year that won that particular tourny. Regardless, we talked on the way home about being proud of your effort as a team. And they did work as a team.
This weekend we're headed to NY. Another tourny on the horizon, and this time with mainly Canadian Teams. I certainly am not saying that our kids can't do it. I know they will work hard and play as a team, and have fun. Those things are important. But when you hear it's Canadian Teams you just kind of pause. Mainly because ice time is easier to get in Canada, to the tune of most days having practice. In the States we're lucky if we get practice once a week. So, we'll see. Will the boys enjoy the weekend? You bet! Will they be even more excited if they win after last weekend? You bet! Will they still have fun and learn more about hockey if they don't win? Absolutely.
Let's Go Mustangs! It's time for a Hockey Trip!
15 kids
4 hours of driving
3 games
sheets of open ice...how does Master Card put it...Priceless!

The Dog is Freaked Out

We have a wonderful, black lab, named B'Elanna. She is a good dog, with the exception of her being a bit emotional. Phil left for Florida on Saturday and ever since she has followed me around the house, going in bathrooms, and the laundry room where typically she would not go. (she isn't a fan of tile floor). She's also sat by the front door waiting for the kids to let her out when they are trying to get out to the bus in the morning. Now I don't know if it's her age this time, she's almost 12, or the fact that Phil is gone, or the fact that it is cold...today only 7 degrees at the moment. I do know it's not like her. On top of it today she has not eaten her breakfast yet. She didn't eat yesterdays until I was home around 1:30. So, I guess we'll see if she is ok after he gets back. At least he can be happy that someone in the house really missed him!

A New Presidency

I havent' had a chance to see any coverage on the inaugaration of President Obama today, but I did ask the kids if they were able to see any of it at school. Both confirmed that they did watch it. I'm glad they had the chance to witness that part of the Presidency. It is important. I pray that what they remember is that the President placed his hand on a bible and swore to uphold the law of the country and to serve well in the Presidency.
My kids know that I did not vote for Obama, and they know the reasons I chose not to. But they also know that this is who the country picked and that our job now is to pray for the President and respect his position. We might not always agree with his decisions, but we still need to respect the role he plays.
May God bless this country as it moves forward in 2009.

Mom of the year!?

Trying out for the role these last couple of days. With Phil out of town, we've done movie night and sleepover night twice in my room. Tonight, it's back to their own rooms so we can all get a good nights sleep before school starts up tomorrow. Today, I became an even bigger hero when I gave our son his birthday present 3 weeks early! We had decided together that we would get him a DS for his birthday and with an upcoming road trip scheduled this week we figured it was a good time for him to get it and make sure it works before we head out on the road trip. So far it seems to be working. I can't wait for the fight when I ask him to clean it up for the evening. Oh, well...it's a part of the parenting thing.

Focus

Wow! It is day 2 of no school due to extreme temps. Although, our -12 is not near as bad as my friends -20 yesterday. Just the same, the kids are home and now watching Tom and Jerry. We're having a pretty good day, built a cool magnetic sculpture, and the kids are getting along for the most part.
The biggest problem is staying focused on getting other things done. UGH! I don't know if it's just the other noise in the house or the fact that it's freezing out. I just can't seem to focus on anything today. The pile of stuff to get done is growing, but it's just not getting done. Oh, well. With that in mind it's off to the mess of a room upstairs to try and get a little bit more done .

PJ kind of Day!

Kiddos are home today, it's a balmy 5 degrees out. Apparently, only our district and one other close by closed, while most remained open. The kids are happy in their pjs which is fine, but the several projects we've started now through out the house are starting to get under my skin.
I was already in the midst of cleaning Z's room, still working on that actually. Now toys are strewn along the family room floor, just in case they want to play with that again later. There's a clay puck drying in my craft room, a butterfly half painted and various other things. Fun, fun fun! Oh, well. Time to work on Z's room for an hour then it will be time to play a board game or two. Might as well enjoy the time.

Overstuffed?!

Have you ever noticed as Americans we are simply "overstuffed"! Not just in the weight aspect, although as a Nation we are that too. But just in terms of stuff. I spent last week going through my daughters "stuff" and weeding things out. I ended up giving 2 garbage bags of things away, things that she could maybe still use but certainly doesn't need. I'm starting my sons room today. But even looking around my office, I have an entire mug of pens, a stack of magazines, as well as other stuff.

Perhaps this is the year to become less about "stuff", from weight to items in the house it's time to trim back and get rid of it. We don't really need it and we can't take it with us when we go, so why keep dusting it off? With that in mind it's time to head upstairs with the three boxes...keep, throw out, and get it out of my house!

Wish me luck.

Dealing with Difficult People

Started a Bible Study today called the Peace Maker. We're also going through the book by Max Lucdao called Dealing with Difficult People. While that may sound like I think I'm perfect and the others are the problem that is not the case. Regardless, in one session I've already realized a very valuable tip. We all have people we'd rather not deal with. Sometimes we are those people to someone else. The first step is trying to see them the way God does. Do we do that? Or do we see them as annoying, bothersome, whiny, etc, etc, etc. If we can see them as someone with value, and look at them lovingly then we can move towards getting along. It's not always easy, we'll make mistakes, but just that stopping and thinking about them as someone with value may just help alleviate some of the mistakes we may make.
Just this morning I know I really needed to stop and see value in my kids, where I was only seeing whining and fighting. They both need to be heard, did I take the time to really listen, or was I too focused on getting out of the house for them to go to school and me to head off to my class. SLOW DOWN, look at the situation, love the people and then deal with the situation. We all make mistakes, we are all imperfect. Now, to apply it and move on.

Schedule Change

As we cling to our planners, blackberrys or other ways to control our schedule I hope we remember what's really important. I guess today is a good example of that. I started the day with my list of what I wanted to get accomplished. I still had it running in my head when my son said he didn't feel good. I know that with the furnace on so much a sore throat is not neccessarily a sign of being really sick so I encouraged him to go to school. Shortly after coming home from the grocery store I got the call.
It's easy to know it's the school as we only get the last 4 digits sent on our caller id. Sure enough he was not feeling good and I needed to go get him. So, do I get mad and throw my arms up and give up for the day. NO! Instead, I say a pray of thanks that I'm able to go get him, without much of a problem and bring him home to rest. True, I won't get everything I was planning to get done finished today, but I will show him that Mom is there for him, and hopefully get him better so he can go to school tomorrow. Afterall, that really is why I'm home during the day anyway.

Spellingcity.com check it out!

As a Mom I'm always looking for ways to help my kids with learning. Spelling is typically practiced at our house on the way to and from hockey practice, gymnastics and church activities. (I strongly suggest if you are on the go a lot to copy the kids lists and keep them in the car, or near where you keep your car keys for grab and go practice.) We've found that to be a quick way to practice most of the time.

Unfortunatly, reciting the spelling for words is not always fun. Luckily, http://www.spellingcity.com/index.php has found a way to make it a bit more fun. The site is FREE! Which is a nice benefit. I started an account in under 2 minutes. The hardest part was picking a name and a password I'd remember, in case my computer forgets to remember it for me. Then when my kids bring home their lists I simply type the words in for them and save them under my childs name and the date of the test. Ex. Zach 1/9 for this weeks list. When we do have time in the evening they can go on and play games that help them to not only practice spelling the words but also learning what they mean. At the end of the week, the night before the test, we log on to the site and they can take a test to see if they've learned the words. I still suggest having them handwrite a practice test too, as it helps to remember what it felt like to write it down. Handwriting a test is also neccessary when the child has to write their words in cursive.

The test function on the site is also good when you first enter the list just to see what words the child really needs to work on during the week. This is a great educational site, and safe to send them to for playing a game. Which as parents we need to be so careful about. Thanks spellingcity.com, you've made one area of study a bit easier.

Brrrr!

We finally got snow! Of course with it, came the 19 degree mornings. Once inside it's fine, but waiting for the bus is not much fun. The kids were freezing too, even though they were quite bundled up. I'm hoping it either warms up a ton, or the school keeps them in for recess. I guess we'll just wait and see.
The kids were thrilled to play in the little bit of snow we had last night, but even more excited that I said they could probably play in it again this afternoon after school. Hopefully, they'll forget that they want me to play in it with them.
It's not that I don't want to play with them, it's more a matter of not having snow clothes to be out there running around in. Oh, well we'll see what happens.

Working Out

For Christmas I received the Wii Fitness Coach Program, and it's actually pretty good. I was thinking I would like the Jillian Wii Fit program, but then thought it might be to difficult to start with. I'm glad I got the program I did. It's interesting as it has been a different workout each day this week. That's kind of nice as the same ones lose my interest quickly. Each day focuses on a different area, and the "fitness coach" helps you to set goals and a routine. So far I'm 3 for 3 of my 5 days this week. I actually feel pretty good about it too, which is helpful.
It's funny how we think we are still in shape until we start a program. I'm quickly seeing that I've been less stressed and more relaxed since starting it, and also have felt more like eating better too. (Although last night I NEEDED a Pepsi!).
With the kids back in school I'm trying to get back into a routine. I'm hoping it will be a long term one.

Messy Bedrooms

Why is it that no matter how you train your kids to pick up after themselves they still end up with messy bedrooms? I'm sure some of it is due to us not standing there and watching them clean up their rooms, and some of it is just in the nature of playing with things. The crazy thing is it's not a toy issue. It's books, and shoes, and lip gloss and earrings! The hardest part is I remember clearly keeping my room a mess when I was a kid, and since Zach's room is my old room it's sometimes hard to get after him about it. So, I guess I just have to live with it, or work with both kids to pick up the mess. Getting rid of half of their things would help too. Something I'm secretly working on each day while they are at school! I suppose that sounds heartless but truthfully they would never know if things went missing, as I'm only getting rid of clothes and toys that they never wear or play with. Hope I get done before June 11th!

Starting Fresh

I wonder how many people are starting fresh today. Back to school, back to work, back to getting things done. I feel like it has been an amzingly productive day. Of course, it helps that the sun that doesn't shine often between November and May is shining today.
I've been able to exercise, get household chores done, go grocery shopping and even work on piled up paperwork on my desk. It's great! Now if I could figure out a way to do all that when the kids are on break next it would be even more amazing. For now I'll just try to keep up with the plan of getting things done.
Good luck to anyone else who started fresh today!

Happy New Year! 2009

Another year has come and gone, and I find myself of course reflecting on what that means. Goals are being set, whether out loud or internally. Some of them are that this year I will:
complain less
eat less
weigh less
stress less
read more
pray more
sleep more
learn more
spend time with family and friends more
exercise more
drink water more!

So far, off to a fairly good start and it's only 10 am. I've read, prayed, slept, family is already over and I walked on the treadmill. Now if the pace can keep up it will be a great year! Good luck with all your goals.
Happy new year!

Kids and Fish

Went to the store yesterday in search of some algea eaters for my son's fish tank for Christmas. He's had the tank for almost 2 years now and while we clean it regularly we thought they might help. We've had pretty good luck with the tank. We started with 3 Zebradanio fish, which both Dan and Io died. We added another one at some point that we named Kirk Maltby, sorry to say but he's now been put on permenant retirement (if you know what I mean). Other then that we've only lost one other fish named Swimmer. All in all it's been a success and considering that we currently have half of the Detroit Red Wings represented in his tank Zach is pretty happy.
I found a snail (now known as Sammy for Samuelsson) and 2 algea eaters (Lilja and Lebda}. When Zach got home I sent him upstairs to clean the outside of his tank with windex. He was so surprised when he saw his new fish. He was excited because he knew they could do a good job. Katie was excited too, "ALLERGY EATERS" are just what we need. It was so cute I almost hated to explain that they eat algea not allergies. Although, we could use some allergy eaters at our house as well!

Pierre McGuire GET IT RIGHT!

My son is currently watching last nights Flames v Wings game, reminding me once again of how many times during that game I had to say "jerk" out loud. I understand the Pierre Maguire words for TSN and therefore is going to support the Canadian teams. While this makes sense, I've seen and heard many other commentators support their home team and still make objective comments. Last night he accused Franzen or Frahhhnzen or Frenzen depending on how he pronounced it at any given moment, of purposely charging at the goalie. Did he even watch the play??? Yes the goalie got bumped into, and yes Franzen was trying to get into a small space, but he only bumped the goalie when he had to put his head down to avoid getting a puck in the face. Oh, that's right Pierre Maguire realized it after his accusation and had to say something about Franzen putting his head down.
If you are going to be a commentator will you PLEASE PRACTICE PRONUNCIATION, or at the very least decide to mispronounce the name the same the entire game. It is not Kronvall or Kronball it is KronWALL! The fact that you couldn't make up your mind Mr. Maquire leads me to one conclusion...you didn't do your homework. Yes the Flames played aggressively, but in the end it was the composure of the Red Wings that won the game. Which we celebrated not only because they are our team, but because we knew it made you have to take back some of your rude comments during the game. You might want to listen to or watch Mickey Redman or Larry Murphy who both seem to be able to do their job, support their team, and not tear down the opponents.
Oh, by the way...TSN please get your sound fixed before the next game!

Time Warner my Favorite Place for Customer Service!

Would you belive, that Time Warner did it AGAIN! If you read my blog at all you would know that in October and November I've had to deal with issues with Time Warner. Now, it's December and just for the holidays I got to do it all over again!!!!

October-
signed up to get NHL Center ice on 10/7
10/8 3 calls from sales reps to ask if we want Center Ice..uh, yeah signed up for it!
10/9 3 more calls in a row with barely enough time to hang up from the sales reps
asking if we'd like...NHL Center Ice.

Somewhere between Oct and Nov Phil has to call in to get Center Ice reactivated on one of our televisions and is told that it doesn't normally come on both. (which is entirly untrue)

November-
11/5 receive a bill for double what it should be and call not once not twice but THREE times to finally get someone who understands that it is not my fault and to not hang up on me. After 2 days of messing with CSRs I finally get it straightened out. Receive 6 calls asking me to rate their customer service.

December-
12/6 go to watch a game with company over when...guess what it's not on both tvs. Call and get put on hold for 15 minutes (ignoring my guests) so I hung up. Get a call to rate the Customer Service. Rated them as extremely disatisfied.
9:45 call back about Center Ice and ask for a Manager get hung up on
10:00 call back, ask for a Manager, get told I have to talk to them first, and while being transferred get hung up on AGAIN
10:11 call back a THIRD time, tell the person I'm not going to answer any questions till I get a manager and they say, I see you're having problems with Center Ice and in 30 seconds poof it's restored! I told them we need a credit for it on our bill that it has been a waste of my time and energy since October. I get offered $10. HA! Told him that was unacceptable and so he said $15 was the best he could do. I told him I'm calling on Monday to the person who had to deal with the issue last time and after 10 minutes of being on hold he says $25 should make me happy. I of course told him that it did not make me happy, he could put it on my bill but I am still calling on Monday. That for the time I've taken to deal with Time Warner this year I could have made a lot more than $25 if I worked for them.

Don't worry Monday is only a day away and yes...they'll be hearing from me AGAIN!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Hope your holiday season is filled with wonderful moments spent with family and friends.

Time Warner Does it AGAIN!

You may have read my blog on 10/9 if not please take the time to read it before proceeding with this blog.

Now that you've read through the blog on 10/9 I'd like to ask you how many calls should it take to correct a bill for $200 more than you owe. The answer should be 1, BUT not so. It took me 3 calls. 2 to people who didn't think it was TWC mistake. You forgot to pay in Oct. I was told, you were late on your bill, you need to send in your bank records. Considering I was looking at them at the time, and know for certain I had paid each month, I asked to be transferred to a manager. OOPS! I was disconnected.
So I called back and asked to go straight to a manager, actually got to talk to one (maybe he should be counted as person 3?) Your were late on your bill, and we only charged you once for a service that incidentally was listed on the bill TWICE. Let me check on that...disconnected AGAIN!

So, not being one who pays bills late or wants to be charged more than what I owe I called a THIRD time. Got a very nice person, named Taraca.
Taraca I said " I'm very frustrated. I do apologize if I sound angry, it's not towards you but I've called 3 times now, been disconnected twice, have a bill that is over $200 over what it should be, have been told it's because I didn't pay a bill that I did, and last month received 6 calls in 2 days from your Sales department. I'm not angry with you, but I want you to know where I'm coming from"
You know what? She actually did her job. She was polite, understanding and handled my call as quickly as she could. Apologized for needing to put me on hold and when the hold was taking awhile actually came back on line to let me know it would be a few minutes longer. She really should get a raise or a promotion at least!
While on the phone with her my phone beeped several times. By the time I got off the phone with her I had 4 voice mails from TWC asking me to rate their customer service.
YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!! I started to respond to one, but afraid it would reflect on Taraca decided to make one more phone call to Customer Service. Before I could call I got call number 5 from TWC asking me to rate their customer service.
I finally got through to a person, who gave me a name to email, and suggested that I email from the customer service complaint area on the website. Although, surprisingly she could not tell me how to get there. So...I found it myself. With an hour and a half now wasted of my day on one problem I emailed their customer service and emailed the person and now I'm posting here.

Give me a break! I should definitely should at the least get some kind of billing credit. Oh...just in case you think they don't care while relating this whole situation to my husband on my cell the home line rang. GUESS WHO???

Yes of course TWC wanting me to rate their customer service. TRUST ME YOU DON"T WANT ME TO DO THAT RIGHT NOW!

Have you voted?

Loaded the kids in the car, took them to get a doughnut on the way so they'd have something to do while I voted. I've been warned that there would be long lines and a huge wait. Surprisingly there was neither. Of course that could be because at 9:00am many were already off to work.



I expected to see touch screens or the punch cards. Nope, I was handed a ballot and told to color in the bubbles. We are a nation with vast amounts of technology, and we color in the bubbles when we vote. I felt like I was taking the A.C.T. all over again. I colored in my bubbles faithfully though, and then took it up to a scanner to have it scanned in. The whole process took 15 minutes. Still I couldn't help laughing as I left. My 8 year old said he wished he could vote. I do too, one more vote for our choice couldn't hurt, but I just looked at him and said "maybe by the time you vote it will be digital!"



Happy voting. Go do it, it shouldn't matter how long it takes it's your right and your responsibility.

Z hits YouTube!

Coach Jeff, one of Zach's coaches posted his goal this afternoon on You Tube. He is so excited to be on You Tube. Of course we spent several minutes discussing that if his team hadn't worked together in the defensive zone he would not have gotten the puck and been able to score. Tonight as he prayed for his day, he prayed for his team, for their win, for working together as a team and...for being on You Tube. He's 8 what can we say!

Gas Tank Mystery Solved!

You have got to check out the link below. It will prevent you from making a very common mistake at the gas station!

http://momelettes.com/2008/10/did-you-know-your-car-tells-you-which-side-the-gas-tank-is-on-2/


This is so cool. I'd really love to know how many actually knew that before hand and never let us in on it.

Obama Commercial

Do you have $3-$5 million dollars to spare? Apparently, Obama does. So what would be a good use of that money? How about a 30 minute commercial talking about ourselves? OR maybe that money could be used for something more worthwhile like:
feeding the poverty stricken
public education
research for cures to cancer
fuel breaks for gas heating
dealing with a piece of the wall street mess
the list is probably endless if we really wanted to take the time to sit down and make one!

The truth is I think it is time that politicians stop wasting money telling people what they think they want to hear. They talk about "changing" the country. They need to start with "changing" their own spending habits and using their money wisely. Yes, I'm sure it was all private donations, but money is money and a 30 minute commercial is not worth $3-$5 million dollars.

I didn't watch it, and had no desire to do so. I'm sure he was pledging to fix all the problems with the country. Is he planning on having the rest of the elected officials agree with him on everything? The President still has to get ideas past the governing bodies of our country, so no president can fix it all. Neither one running for office has a chance of everything going the way they would like it too. So what do we do? We look for the things that will make our country stronger. Faith and Family. Pray before you make your decision on election day, and pray for our country...we are certainly at a crisis of FAITH and Tuesdays election will determine which road the country is on. One to further destruction, or one to rebirth.

Star Wars Returns

Hope you have a wonderful Halloween! Star Wars has returned to the lives of many who dressed up as those characters when they were kids. Luke and Leia can't wait to go trick or treating this year. Let me just say it is not easy to get really long blond hair into a small wig! Happy Trick or Treating!

Think before you Vote!

Have you really spent time thinking about this election. Watch this short video, and then consider the things that are important to you. This election is about more than the price of gas. It is about the future. Please think about it, and please vote for what is important to you, not what your neighbor or co-worker is telling you to do.

Who Am I by Casting Crowns

This has always been one of my favorite Casting Crowns songs. This was recently sent to me, and it is so cool it just has to be shared with others as well. Enjoy it. Pass it on.

The End of Bubba, and ...Bubba?!

Hockey may have just changed for fans everywhere. In the past while you could watch the team you wanted to with NHL Center Ice, you could always hear the announcers you wanted to. Being a Wings fan, this always was a frustration.

If truth be told the media does not really care for the Wings and even when games appeared on Vs or NBC it was rare that impartiality was shown through out the entire game, with support for both teams as they made good plays. At least when the Wings were one of the teams. We've watched far too many games on those 2 channels where they would be telling all the things the Wings could do wrong and only talk highly of them as they were mopping the floor with the other team. Center Ice had the same dilemma but only because on away games you were forced to view the game from the home ice perspective. This year that appears to have changed.

This year we've noticed that the games listed are either (H) or (A) which has allowed us to view the game with Ken Daniels and Mickey Redman. Both of whom, if you've ever paid attention to Wings games call the game like it is. Naturally, they support our team, they are the broadcasters for the Wings, but at the same time we've heard them, especially Mickey, comment on calls that were bad for the opposing team and his famous "holy moly" has been used for good plays by the opponents as well. The best thing about getting the home ice feed. No more will we have to endure the broadcasts of Bubba and Bubba out of Nashville. I'm sure they are good for their team, but if someone could PLEASE give them a lesson in pronunciation and general hockey rules it would be greatly appreciated. It is Frahhn Zen (Like Hanz and Franz) not FRAN zen, and Datsuyk is one of the most widely known players our team has, you could at least get his name right. Oh, and it's Kron wall not Kron val or Kron vall or Kron ball. We've endured many different commentators over the years but they have to be the worst. Of course what can you expect from the team that throws Catfish on the ice. The octopus at least makes sense. It had a significance when it was first thrown and was not done in a "let's do something like the Wings" fashion.
So thank you Center Ice for giving us the choice. Nashville, I wish you well with Bubba and Bubba, but...up here in Ohio we won't be missing them when we are cheering for our team.
GO WINGS!

Is Hockey Taking Over Your Life????

Not sure who this is originally by, if you aren't certain if Hockey is taking over your life here's a way to tell.



IS YOUR KID'S HOCKEY TAKING OVER YOUR LIFE???

You base the next purchase of your new vehicle on whether it will hold six kids, six sticks, and six hockey bags.

You relate directions to places by the nearest arena.

You know every single kid on every single team your child has ever played on... But don't have a clue who his school mates are.

You feel lost when you have a free weekend.

Your spouse waits until you decide where to sit and then chooses a spot on the opposite side of arena.

You become a partner in a skate sharpening business to save money.

You ground your kids for a week (except for hockey practice).

You can rationalize spending $159 on a Synergy for a 9 year old but won't spend $5 on a Birthday card for your wife.

When someone asks how old your children are you respond, "I have a '94 and a '97."

You have had to use a grandparent to take kid #1 to a tournament because Dad was in a Different state with kid #2 at a tournament and Mom had kid
#3 two states away in a 3rd tournament all in one weekend

You have more miles on '08 mini-van than a '66 Chevy

Hockey practices are your entire social life.

You buy gloves according to how loud you can clap in them.

You find yourself missing the parents of your child's team mates during the off-season.

You plan the birth of next child so he has a good hockey birthday.

New baby's first word is Zamboni.

You have been barred from more than one rink on more than one occasion

You Purchase a new $135.00 stick because the old one "didn't have any goals left in it."*

You know a few 5 year olds that are good but "lack focus".

Your kids have asked if Christmas is "home or away".

Time Warner Cable Customer Service Perfection!

A year ago we spent two weeks in a row calling a cable company to find out if they would be offering NHL Center Ice. For two weeks we received various answers ranging from "what are you looking for", to "I've never heard of that", or even " I can't tell you if we will be offering that.". Finally, on the day before the season was to start we decided to quit messing around with this other cable company and to take out service with Time Warner Cable as they knew what Center Ice was and that they were offering it.
Now a year later I realize why we made a good decision. Tuesday, I noticed that we had received 2 phone calls from Time Warner. While we didn't have a message I could see on the caller ID that they had called. I didn't think much of it as my husband was planning on calling them later in the evening to see what kind of deal we could receive for a year long cable contract and to get us signed up for the Center Ice package as the NHL season was about to kick off. He locked in a decent price and the lady assisted him in getting the new package set up on our system.
Wednesday the phone rang, and I noticed on caller ID that it was Time Warner Cable. I thought to myself, they must be calling about the service we just added last night. (although they typically don't do that.) The person on the other end introduced herself and then proceeded to tell me that it had come to her attention that last year we had the NHL package and she would like to know if we were interested in having it again this year. "Well, we just signed up for it last night." I said. Surprised she asked if we had done that on line or via the phone. "My husband called in and spoke with someone, and we should be all set." We hung up and 10 SECONDS LATER the phone RANG. To my surprise it was....TIME WARNER CABLE!
Feeling a large sense of deja vu, I answered the phone....

"Hello?"

"Hi, this is _______at Time Warner Cable. I noticed that you had the NHL package last year and was wondering if you were interested in having it again this year"

"Well, funny you should ask, as I literally just hung up with someone from Time Warner. We signed up for it last night so we should be fine"

"Oh, well. Thank you for your (BEEP, BEEP...went my phone with another call coming in, give you one guess who it was.) time"

"Ok, bye"
I pushed the button to get to the other call and literally started to laugh.

"Hello, I'm not really laughing at you, but since you are the THIRD call in a row from Time Warner, I'm finding this a bit funny"
"
The third call?"

"Yes. I just had 2 calls from you offering to sign me up for Center Ice, which we signed up for last night"

"Oh, I'll make a note of that, is there anything else I can assist you with?"

"No, I think we're all set, thanks."

"Thank you"

SO here we are on Thursday. When, you guessed it the phone rings and its....drum roll please!

TIME WARNER CABLE

"Hello! This is _________ from Time Warner Cable. How are you today"

"I'm fine thank you"

" We have in our records that you carried Center Ice and the NHL package with us last year, were you interested in doing that again this year"

"Well, I'm glad you called to ask, but considering you are the 4th call regarding this since yesterday and we signed up for it on Tuesday night I think we're all set"

"Oh, thank you"

RING RING!
"Hello"

That's right it was TIME WARNER CABLE! Only this representative was quick on the ball, or maybe I should say puck since they were offering Center Ice!

"Hello, I'm calling from Time Warner Cable would you be interested in the Center Ice and NHL Package that you had last year?"

"We signed up for it Tuesday evening"

"Oh, I see that and you signed up for a lump sum bill, is that still how you wish to pay for it?"
Man I wish I had thought to say, well after getting 5 Calls from you I don't think I should have to pay for it...oh, well!

"Yes, lump sum would be great"

"Ok, if there is anything else we can do for you let us know."

I hung up and started laughing. I had a customer over for an all day Crop so I began to tell her about the last 5 phone calls when ...

RING RING RING

Who I wonder could it be, oh, look the phone ID says TIME WARNER CABLE

"Hello, are you calling to offer me the Center Ice and NHL Package"

"Uh, yes I was this is __________ from "

"Time Warner Cable, yes, I know. You see (please read the next part while trying hard not to die laughing!) we are so happy you called as you are the 6th one to call us in the last 2 days, and the 3rd in the last 2 minutes. The thing is we have signed up for Center Ice on Tuesday evening and we have already happily set the DVR to record the Wings game tonight (I forgot it was on VS but it makes the story better to think it was actually on Center Ice), anyway just so you know the Wings are going to Win this evening and we will happily be following the season on the Center Ice and NHL package that we signed up for already"

"Did you say 6 calls?"

"Why yes, I did"

"Oh, I'm sorry about that I'll speak to my manager about that."

"That would be greatly appreciated, you have a wonderful day and GO RED WINGS!"

Thus I do believe TIME WARNER CABLE deserves an award for either really being hockey fans or being money hungry and calling all who have ever signed up for the Center Ice Package. I'm not sure which it is, but YOU GO TIME WARNER I feel so well taken care of and YES I HAVE ALREADY SIGNED UP FOR CENTER ICE. If they call again tomorrow, I think I should be able to get the service for FREE!

The Word is Out!

I've known for a while now, as many have, that Creative Memories is at the top of the photo preservation industry. Not only do we offer many scrapbooking products, we also offer framing, digital organization and digital scrapbooking. We have something for anyone and everyone who takes a picture. Now, the word isCreative Memories is featured in a number of current magazines and Web sites. Look for all the good news about our products and people in the following places:
Create and Decorate, October 2008Includes the Everyday Display in a full-page feature in the Discoveries department. Available on newsstands now.

Create and Decorate, Holiday IssueShowcases the Tag Maker. Appears on newsstands beginning September 14.

Scrapbooks etc. The Ultimate Guide to Digital Scrapbooking 2This Better Homes and Gardens Creative Collection specialty publication includes a full-page advertisement for Storybook Creator Plus Software on the back cover.

bhg.com (Better Homes and Garden Online) Features an interview with Senior Unit Leader Michelle Reese of Ohio, in the "Holiday Gift Tips & Tricks" area of the site. Appears on bhg.com from October through December and is part of an ongoing rotation with other expert tips, tricks and interviews. Look for Michelle’s ideas on the "Tip Of The Day" pop-up window on the landing page.


(this one is really cool! I've met Michelle and actually had dinner with her at a training class!)

Create and Decorate, December IssueIncludes the Merry & Bright Paper Album Kit as a last-minute gift suggestion. Appears on newsstands beginning Oct. 28.

Memory Makers Magazine, September/October IssueFeatures the Everyday Display as a special prize in a reader contest. Available on newsstands now.

Decorating Digest, November/ December 2008 IssueShowcases the Everyday Display, the

Merry & Bright Paper Album Kit and the Tag Maker. Appears on newsstands beginning in mid-November.

Scrapbooking and Beyond, Winter 2009 IssueFeatures a full-length article about the way scrapbooking supports the healing process during a time of personal loss. Unit Leader Phyllis Cumberlander of Washington, D.C., shares her own story, including how she started her Creative Memories business. Appears on newsstands Dec. 2. out. We can now be seen in the following magazines.

Check it out! Creative Memories is taking the industry by storm.

Brrrr!

Fall has definitely hit the Cleveland Area! It is freezing and the heat is back on in the house. The sky is grey and the leaves are turning colors. While those may be things to be depressed or sad about there are good things too about fall coming.
The Top 5 Things About Fall
5 The beautiful colors in contrast with the grey skies (take a few pictures you'll see what I mean)
4 Warm fuzzy blankets
3 Soft glow of candles near the fireplace
( none of us can afford to actually use the fireplaces
with the cost of gas so candles will have to do)
2 Wanting to be inside to get projects done (perfect time for album making!!!!)
And the number one thing about Fall....
1 Televised NHL games are only a few days away!!!!!

Homework Help

Do you find yourself running to and from practices, and meetings? Are you wondering how and when to get homework done. I've finally figured out a system that works for our family. The biggest problem I've had in the past is remember to practice spelling words. Now with my Creative Memories Keepsake display the words can simply be hung by my calendar in the kitchen with a magnet. Then whenever we are off in the car to practice or where ever we are going we can grab the words and spell away in the car.
Also, I've found that keeping a bag of pencils, crayons, school paper and a writing surface, such as a clipboard, in the car the kids can also work on the go for the evenings when time is limited.
The best option would be to just be home everyday after school, but this is the life we all seem to be living. Even when you limit the activities as our family does you still end up on the go, so why not make the go work for you! Just a tip.

A Real Workout

Ugh! My arms are now killing me. I just spent the last 9 minutes in boxing drills on the Wii Fit program. Of course I was trying to prove to my 8 year old that I can do better than him. (which I did!). The Wii fit is not for the light hearted exercise fan. There are some fairly good workouts.
I realize that true exercise guru's might feel otherwise, but still the yoga is not always easy to hold the positions, and the strength training I haven't even attempted yet. It addition now that I've done the step program and unlocked the next 2 levels I have the goal of doing even better on it. I've also unlocked the advanced boxing as of today! It's a lot of fun, and does get the heart rate up and the muscles burning.
Now Zach is on the program trying to box his way past my record. Hope he gets it, it will give me something else to aim for!

I Did It!

Wow! It is a great feeling to get something accomplished. Today after 4 months of making calls I have completely called through my entire customer data base. Now it would be great to say that it took me that long because I have so many customers, but truth is...it simply took me that long to find the time to make calls and log them in!
Have I increased my business any by making the calls? Well, at least all of my customers have heard my name, website and phone number one more time. I did get a few that want more information and a few that want me to add them to my email list. So, who knows where that will lead. Regardless, I'm no longer fearing the phone. I have something to offer with Creative Memories that can change lives. Whether or not they are interested is completely up to them!

Gosh, that feels good.

Raising the Flag

It's that time a year! Pre-season starts this evening. We're ready for a great season of hockey. Hopefully our cable company can decide if they will have NHL Center Ice by the time the regular season starts. (Half the time they act like they don't even know what NHL stands for!) We've met some great new Wings Fans so we're all set to go. All that's left is to raise the flag.

Now it's just a matter of waiting until we can raise the cup!

A System is Essential

There are so many things to do each day. Laundry, dishes, homework and the list goes on and on. The biggest thing I have learned is that it is vital to have a system. I have found that having a few main chores that you get done everyday allows me to focus on what needs to be done, and find time for other things as well. Not only that but it keeps me from going crazy trying to get it all done in one day.
My system is simple really. I keep a notebook of things that I wish would get done around the house. Projects that range from repaint bathroom to weed the backyard. Each day I try to accomplish at least one job from this notebook. Sometimes I get more done sometimes less, but crossing off anything always feels good. Not only that but by keeping a notebook on a day that I might have planned on outdoor job and it's raining I can quickly find something else to do inside. I even list things like finish a month in my photo album. Fun jobs should count too!

I also have a list of chores hanging on my fridge. This chore list allows me to keep track of what
the kids are suppose to be helping with at a glance. They have their own separate chore lists on the doors of their rooms as well. I keep in mind which days are busiest at our home and schedule less chores on those days. Knowing what the kids are suppose to do has made it easier for me not to just do it for them. Included on this list are my chores, laundry, change towels, clean bathrooms, grocery shop etc. That way I know what I am trying to accomplish around the house on a daily basis.

There are still many days that it doesn't all get done. Life happens, kids get sick, extra hockey and cheer leading practices end up on the calendar and things happen. Staying organized is the one way I have found to fight the battle. It's my system and honestly if I didn't have a system and a list nothing would probably get done.

Reading Frenzy

I posted recently how I am currently addicted to Karen Kingsbury books. http://karenkingsbury.com/ I've now read 26 of them. I'm hoping to read through everything she has written. Her stories just take you in and make you want to find out what is going to happen next to the characters.
In the 2 weeks I've read 5 books! (Once I start reading it's amazing how I can find a minute here and there to get a page or two in) This time I read through her Forever Faithful Series and the Women of Faith Series. Both were about families that learned by trusting God more amazing things could happen. The first book was Waiting for Morning. It is the story of a Mom's struggle to live again after her husband and oldest daughter are killed in a car accident. It takes you through her emotions and learning to forgive. The second book introduced a new set of characters and their journey of finding each other again after a moment of weakness that changed their lives. The final book of the series brings the main characters together as they continue their journey of faith and grow their families. They were very hard to put down. In fact, I'd love to see the characters in a story based on what happened 5 more years into their journey of life.

The Women of Faith series was about a couple dealing with struggles in their marriage and how they could overcome what was happening. It offered hope in the midst of trials and demonstrated a way to trust God for the outcome and to take Him at His word. It found me thinking about my marriage more and like the characters realizing again how true it is that God needs to be the center of that relationship.

The books are so wonderful, if you need a good book just check her stories out. If you are looking at the latest book launching tomorrow called Sunset I do suggest starting with the Redemption Series first. It is the first story of the Baxters. You'll want to read the Redemption Series, then the Firstborn Series and finally the Sunrise Series. Don't worry it really won't take long, you might want to take a few naps before you get started as you might end up staying up just to finish one more page!

Time To Lose Your Voice

It's that time of year again! The time of year for losing your voice. Spending countless minutes on the edge of your seat, hoping and praying that the puck will find it's way wide of the net when it's in your defensive zone and then of course to the back of the net in your offensive zone. Moments of sheer panic as a breakaway takes place and your defense men are skating like maniacs trying to get back in time to stop it. Knowing your goalie can handle it, but hoping he doesn't have to. Watching kids get taken down, mostly accidentally, but still wishing for a call to go in your favor.
Yes...it's hockey season. And to answer the question I have now been asked about a million times since Sarah Palin made the comment, YES hockey moms are somewhat like pit bulls! We can look cute and cuddly, but watch out if you make a call we don't like, or score too many goals against us! I really think someone in that campaign needs to create a sign that says "hockey moms unite!" I'd put one up!

Now that I spent an afternoon yelling at the rink, encouraging things like "You can do it!" "Stick with it" "Great Job!" "Come on boys". Ok, a few things like "come on ref make the calls fair", and "how about a call on that". I suppose I should do a game recap.

It was a tight game. The boys played well, and worked hard. Our coaches did a great job. The kids are still working out the kinks and it was only the first game of the season. One player was on fire and did get 2 of the 3 goals simply by out skating and out playing their team. Then there was the backhanded wonder. The kid who with 2 kids draped all over him, took the puck down ice and then shot it back handed into the upper corner of the net. The kids who amazingly can make pretty good shots with his back hand with out having to switch to his forehand. He scored the 3rd goal making it an even game. (Way to go Zach, that's my boy!)
They did come back and win, but regardless it was an awesome thing to be back in the action again. Hope someone buys extra water bottles before the next game!

To quote my daughter at the game "come on crowd, shout it loud, let's go MUSTANGS!"

Feeling Beaten and Fried?

As Moms sometimes we feel beaten and fried. Which is why Momelettes.com was created. This is a great site for finding useful tips for things Moms need to know. I had the privileged yesterday to have an article about dealing with your children's clothes published on the site. Please take some time to check it out and don't forget to stop back often for new tips and information.
This sites founder Jess Stratton is a friend of Phil's from the Lotus Notes Developers Group. (You can read more about her on the site).

What a Beautiful Day!

It is a beautiful day here in Northeast Ohio. The sun is finally shining after days of being overcast, rainy or windy.

To quote Forrest Gump.."that's all I have to say about that"

Fundraisers

Everything costs money. I'm beginning to think life on the Picard version of the Star Ship Enterprise would be nice. "In the future we have no need for money"...or something like that. I'm trying to get through paperwork today some of which is finalizing the flower sale for Daisy Scouts, putting together the fundraiser stuff for 2 kids for our elementary school and of course desperately trying to find 5 more people who would love to go to a Wing Ding this weekend for hockey. UGH! I know we all have to do our share, but really if the each parent could just give an extra $50 to the school and we did an extra $25 to scouts and of course an extra $100 to hockey we could save ourselves a lot of headaches. True we'd be out another $175, but we would not have the hassle of asking our friends and family again to support one more thing, and oh yeah supporting our friends and families one more thing on top of it.


So...anyone want to go to a Wing Ding on Saturday?! Tickets are only $20 a person and it is all the wings, pizza, beer, and pop you can possibly take in in 3 hours!!!!!!

Can't blame me for asking, or if you'd rather I have some candles, cheesecake, cookie dough and flowers to sell!

Completed Projects

My pile of to do may be growing on one side of my desk, but the project pile on the other is getting done! I am so excited about several different projects that I've wanted to do for a long time are now how long I've wanted to create a birthday party album for each of my kids. With Creative Memories Quick Kits in Celebration and I Do, and only 2 hours I have pages done for 8 different years for Zach and 6 different years for Katie. Not only that but room for the next few birthdays up to age 12, all I have to do is add the photos! My Halloween costume album is the same, completed up to this year...which of course hasn't happened yet (add to to do list..find Princess Leia and Luke costumes soon!). I've also hoped to create an album with the portraits of the kids that so often just sit behind the one currently showing in the frame. I recently received a FREE school embossed album from Creative Memories (they love spoiling their consultants) and also FREE school paper. So in just 20 minutes today I laid out an entire album of paper, created a title page and have Zach's kindergarten and first grade picture in the album. As soon as we get the new school pictures this year I can quickly ad Katelyn's Kindergarten and Zach's second grade photos!
WOW! Maybe this year will be the one where the album projects get caught up. With the quick tools and supplies I have with my company I think it is possible.
I love what I do for a job, and now it's helping me continue to celebrate what I do as a mom too!

A Day of Remembrance

Yesterday was a day to think about our country. To think about our families and to hold them a little closer. Last night at PTA our Assistant Principal made the comment that the kids in our elementary schools don't remember the events of September 11th. They were too young, for them it is simply history.
How true that is, as I look at my own children. Zach was 19 months old. I clearly remember going into the bank that morning as I was off to start my errands for the day. Setting him up on the counter to do my banking and the teller surprised at my good mood. "Don't you know what just happened?" she asked. Having a little one I hadn't had the news on, or even the radio on the way to the bank. I was telling him about our day and what we were going. Quickly that changed. I spent the morning trying to catch bits and pieces of information, but not wanting to turn the tv on so that he wouldn't be exposed to the pictures. The day before I had found out I was expecting our second child. The world had dropped out and I remember wondering why we were bringing a child into a world that was in trouble.
Yesterday, dressed in red, white and blue we walked to the bus stop. We talked about the bad people who had made a bad decision that day. We talked about the many families that were missing their mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers and we prayed for them to feel peace as they go forward each year. I know Katie didn't quite understand all we were talking about, she couldn't believe that airplanes could be taken into buildings, and Zach was amazed that someone would want to do that. So we prayed that God would not allow this to happen again.
I'm so thankful that even with recalling those events and talking about it with the kids that I was able to give them a message again that God is in control. Sometimes bad things happen, and sometimes we won't know why they have happened. But we love and serve a God that is bigger then all of that.
September 11th will always be a day of Remembrance. We should never forget those that lost their lives, but we should also never forget the way the country came together. 7 years later, it's hard to say if the US still feels connected to one another. My prayer as I write this today is that it won't take another act of violence for the people of our country to open their eyes to the world around them and start to make a change in how we live.

Gas Money?

Do you know someone who might be interested in more information about being a Creative Memories Consultant? Someone who is in need of gas money, extra income or simply would like to be able to work from home? Join Creative Memories Field Development Managers and other Home Office staff on a Business Opportunity phone call. Dates, times and phone number are listed below. I would be glad to listen to the calls with you and help answer any questions you may have after the call.
You choose the call that works best for you Call (866) 285-7780, pass code 2163111. • Thursday, Sept. 11 - 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. • Friday, Sept. 12 - 11 a.m. • Saturday, Sept. 13 - 9 a.m. and noon • Sunday, Sept. 14 - 8 p.m. • Monday, Sept. 15 - Noon and 9 p.m. • Tuesday, Sept. 16 - 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. • Wednesday, Sept. 17 - 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The calls are 30 minutes and space is limited. All calls are Central Time. If a call is filled to capacity, make sure to try another time. No registration necessary.


Now is the time to get on board, with our starting kit only $70. What a great way to earn extra income, get products at a great discount and make new friends.

For more information contact me at 440-243-2325 or kropwithkathy@yahoo.com

We're All In The Same Boat

Spent some time today with Area Leaders for Creative Memories and discoved we're all in the same boat. (could be why somedays it feels like it's sinking!). We all have kids and homework, and kid issues. For some it's teenagers for some it's early elementary school. We're all trying to run our businesses, families and lives while trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle and balance between all the areas.
So, how do we do it. Crazy enough it comes back to the same things we learned in early elementary school about getting ready for a project. Make a list of what needs to be done, prioritize and start. So, apparently we have the skills it's just we lose focus. With that in mind, the list is going to be added to this evening, as I come up with a list of what my goals for my business, family and home are. Of course where all of these are concerned it will be best to discuss them with Phil and find out what his goals are. Then allowing him to lead our family in the direction it should go and start walking!
It won't all get accomplished over night, there will always be more to the list. Sitting back and doing nothing won't help either. It's a project, that's what life is all about, to quote one of my favorite shows West Wing..."ok, what's next?"

Got time to Read??

Got time to Read??? Usually, I'd say no! But I'm convinced that a little stress relief each day will make the work easier, and put me in a better mood so, I'm allowing myself time to read or relax a bit everyday. Of course what to read is always a good question.
My newest book obsession is anything by Karen Kingsbury. She has a style that allows you to feel like you know the characters and their lives. The Baxter series which is actually 3 different series combined is a must read. Having finished that, except for the final book to be released later this month, I'm now reading the Forever Faithful series. They are great books and easy to read. Now if I could just convince myself that doing laundry is a stress relief activity too I'd be all set!

Making a Difference

Creative Memories makes a difference in the lives of the people that come in contact with it. Whether it is through their personal photo albums, or memories that they have seen celebrated in others albums. Over the past few years Creative Memories has helped out the Alzheimer foundation and now we are working with Make A Wish Foundation.

This was taken from a news post on our consultant site.
Getting started early with the Make-A-Wish Foundation®
Creative Memories has a long-established reputation for giving back to the communities in which we live and work. Whether at the local level helping individuals or at the national level as a corporate sponsor, we consider it an honor to help organizations whose mission, like ours, is rooted in the service of others. It’s a commitment we’re proud to share with you and one we’re excited to continue with our next non-profit partner, the Make-A-Wish Foundation®.
While our official partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation begins in January 2009, many of you have expressed interest in helping the Foundation right away.
There are many volunteer opportunities available at your local Make-A-Wish chapter, ranging from granting wishes and staffing events to helping with communications and providing office assistance.
To find a local chapter and learn how you can help, go to wish.org and enter your zip code at the top of the page.

I'm sure not only consultants can help the Make A Wish Foundation.

To prove how dedicated the company is to them, recently their was a price discrepancy with the catalogs that we purchase. Some people were charged $5 a pack instead of $4 so instead of going through and sending everyone the dollar back for being over charged CM took the extra dollar made and sent it on to Make A Wish, raising quite a bit of money for them.

We can make the difference in the lives of a child or anyone, we just need the chance to show people how to do it.

Mission Organization

I'm so excited! I just read in the news of Creative Memories that our power sort box is back. It wasn't gone for long, only a couple of months and only because they SOLD OUT! They are that incredible. This box allows you to sort 2400 photos, keep them organized and potentially move them into an album of some type for greater enjoyment. It is an awesome thing. I know many people have the paper/card board boxes sold as "photo" boxes at local stores. Many have their photos stored in Rubbermaid containers as well. The problem is that cardboard and Rubbermaid/plastic, are not photo safe. They both contain chemicals that can over time transfer to your photos and destroy them. Why not keep your photos in a box that has been lab tested for safety, durability and long term use.
Not only do we have an awesome system for 2400 photos, we also have the mini power sort boxes for 600 photos. Good for one child, or one subject. We've also just launched a memorabilia box good for baby booties, and other special things you want to keep in a safe environment. Can't wait to open mine up and put it to use.
As always www.mycmsite.com/kropwithkathy for all your photo needs

The List

Did you ever seem to notice that no matter what you get crossed off a list it somehow never stops growing. I was feeling pretty good this morning about what had gotten done this weekend. We managed to get some weeds pulled, the hostas and bushes trimmed and Phil even got the shed cleaned out. On my walk back to the house this morning I got to thinking, that the yard already is starting to need raked...add that to the list my mind said.
And that is just it, I'm always having to add stuff to the list. Dishes need done again, the dishwasher needs emptied and the laundry is going to need folded. So with the ever growing list how do we feel like we've gotten anywhere. I guess that's where the whole Eat that Frog concept comes in. If you have never heard of the book Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy, you probably are thinking that I'm crazy. But the concept is simple. Each day starts with a bunch of stuff you are never going to get completely finished. So instead of being overwhelmed by what you are not going to get done, you need to take the plunge, eat the frog so to speak and tackle the most important things.
The frogs around here today...laundry! It piles up when my in laws visit as they take over the laundry room with their luggage. The dishwasher, again an issue with having company for the weekend. Business wise, 10 calls to rebook events that somehow cancelled for this month, and finishing Augusts paperwork. Those are the 4 frogs for the day, we'll see what other toads pop up along the way.

Also, for anyone who happens to read this, my husband and a group of Computer guys are taking the challenge to be able to do 100 push ups by the end of the year a day. So...anyone interested in joining the female version of this we're going to be doing sit ups/crunches...started today with 30! Let me know if you want to join in the fun.