Periodically I check the stats on this little blog of mine. And it always is interesting to me to see which posts are read the most, how long ago they were written, and who is reading them. The US is always the first on the leader board with the UK a distant second, sometimes 3rd.
It's a hoot when I see that people from Germany, India, or the Ukraine have read Dorothy. When I checked today though, Russia is in the lead and the numbers are pretty huge for them for the week. And I can see which posts are the most popular. Always, always the Baby Jesus Hot Dog and the Baby Jesus Peanut post is looked up. It makes me wonder what the heck people are Googling!
I also noticed that the last 3 months the views have climbed significantly. Whatever the reason, whoever the audience, I'm really appreciative. I'm not sure they find what they are searcing for but I hope at the very least they are entertained!
2012 Wrap-up
We didn't send out Christmas cards this year and I didn't send out a Christmas letter. I did that once when we first moved out of state and it was 5 pages long and I vowed to never bore anyone that much again. So now...I just blog!
December of 2011 was pretty cool in Nebraska. Very little snow on the ground for that day and we just hung around the house, the 4 of us with our dogs and our little cat. We watched basketball and had a movie marathon and it was nice and relaxing. It was also our last away from family. I was happy that Christmas but hadn't been home for any holiday in 4 years and I couldn't take it anymore. In February we put the house on the market and moved back home in April. Ryan told me that his friend Cole said there was 8 inches of snow on the ground yesterday in Minden. Not here...
December of 2011 was pretty cool in Nebraska. Very little snow on the ground for that day and we just hung around the house, the 4 of us with our dogs and our little cat. We watched basketball and had a movie marathon and it was nice and relaxing. It was also our last away from family. I was happy that Christmas but hadn't been home for any holiday in 4 years and I couldn't take it anymore. In February we put the house on the market and moved back home in April. Ryan told me that his friend Cole said there was 8 inches of snow on the ground yesterday in Minden. Not here...
Earlier this month, we got to go look at Christmas lights ... without wearing hats or coats or gloves. Or shoveling out the driveway.
From May to July I searched and searched for a job and was extremely stressed at not being able to find one. And then, dream job! Librarian at the elementary school 4 blocks from my house. Zach goes to the school too, so it's perfect. The high school Ryan goes to is literally in our back yard. He hops the fence and walks across the street. We can see the Performing Arts Center from our window. I can also see the mountain views from our windows too...
Ryan played football this year, of course. And Bean played basketball...
This football season was the first time the Wolves had ever won section Champs. The team went undefeated in division games and lost only 2 non-division games. It was pretty awesome! Zach's 7th grade team had a pretty good season and were eliminated in the first round of playoffs. It was just fun to watch both boys play and be active.
We were able to return to family camp in California this year. So much fun! I missed this place...
Since we've been home we've made it to several birthday parties for family. Zach turned 13 and Ryan turned 17.
And Kevin came home from Afghanistan! That's his "mean" face... :)
And we've had our first Christmas back...
So, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Here's hoping 2013 is an amazing year for everyone!
The Ugly Truth
Due to the sad, sad events of Friday, today at work we had a lock down drill. We had discussions with parents and meetings with law enforcement. Our principals and our Superindendent will meet this week to discuss ways we can keep our campus safer. Because as our police officer pointed out, it's not a matter of "if", it's a matter of "when".
Our town is small. Not rural, like a few other schools within our district, but small and a little out of the way. You kind of have to know where you are going "up the hill" if you want to find us. It doesn't make us any safer, although we'd like to think so.
We've all been told to be hyper-vigilant, be more aware of who is on campus and why. Right now, many, many parents walk their kids directly to class in the morning and wait right outside the gate for afternoon pick up. There is some discussion on whether or not to take that option away, at least for the drop off. We all have mixed feelings about it. And different reasons for those mixed feelings. We will discuss on whether or not we want to have an auto lock on the front office entrance and "buzz" people in. There are mixed feelings on that too.
But, this afternoon, one of the Kinders came in to the office and was waiting to talk to the principal. He was in a bit of trouble and sat quietly waiting, his brown eyes huge, taking everything in. His blond hair was messy and he was completely adorable. And I felt so unbareably sad. Those poor, innocent, precious children, barely more than babies really, the same as this little one sitting before me. And they are gone.
So, yes, if that means a little bit of extra work on staff's part, if that means more taxpayer money or bond overrides or whatever, I will never complain or roll my eyes or even sigh heavily at the school for going "overboard". Because it means that our children are a little bit safer. Because it's not a matter of "if"...
Our town is small. Not rural, like a few other schools within our district, but small and a little out of the way. You kind of have to know where you are going "up the hill" if you want to find us. It doesn't make us any safer, although we'd like to think so.
We've all been told to be hyper-vigilant, be more aware of who is on campus and why. Right now, many, many parents walk their kids directly to class in the morning and wait right outside the gate for afternoon pick up. There is some discussion on whether or not to take that option away, at least for the drop off. We all have mixed feelings about it. And different reasons for those mixed feelings. We will discuss on whether or not we want to have an auto lock on the front office entrance and "buzz" people in. There are mixed feelings on that too.
But, this afternoon, one of the Kinders came in to the office and was waiting to talk to the principal. He was in a bit of trouble and sat quietly waiting, his brown eyes huge, taking everything in. His blond hair was messy and he was completely adorable. And I felt so unbareably sad. Those poor, innocent, precious children, barely more than babies really, the same as this little one sitting before me. And they are gone.
So, yes, if that means a little bit of extra work on staff's part, if that means more taxpayer money or bond overrides or whatever, I will never complain or roll my eyes or even sigh heavily at the school for going "overboard". Because it means that our children are a little bit safer. Because it's not a matter of "if"...
So yesterday...
My intentions were to create a birthday post Thursday night or Friday morning for my wonderful kiddo, John Ryan. I didn't do it and now I regret it because his special day has passed and it turned out to be a day that really, truly sucked.
It started out great. We woke up, slapped his butt, said happy birthday, gave hugs all around and headed out for school and work. I had promised I'd make his cake when I got home later that afternoon and we'd open gifts after he and his girlfriend got back from dinner. And then I got sick and came home. My mom called me and asked if I'd heard about the shooting at an elementary school in CT. 28 dead, 18 of them children. I briefly turned on the news to hear the story but had to turn it off, largely because the media drives me insane in cases like this. They "try" to be sensitive, but in all reality they are just trying to get the scoop, be the first to report any new information and it's almost always wrong. Anyway, I spent the rest of the day in bed, sleeping my aches and pains away and my great kid would text me to check up on me. When he got home, we started talking about this tragedy and about how someone could walk into a school and shoot people, kill children. I don't have any answers. I don't know that the elementary school I work in would be any safer if we were armed or not. I do know that Monday, when school is in session again, I will not be able to look at those kids and not think of the little ones that lost their lives. I'm hoping that over the weekend, our parents take precautions and not let their kiddos watch too much tv that shows this tragic event over and over again. I want our babies to always feel safe.
So, even though I was sick, didn't get to make a cake, Ryan's plans fell through I had to put it in perspective. Ryan HAD a birthday. He's one year older. He is 17 and next year he will be 18. I get to see his handsome face for one more day. I get to hear his laugh and hug him for one more day. I get to enjoy his company for one more day. And I get to help heal his hurts for one more day. I'm a very lucky, very blessed mom.
It started out great. We woke up, slapped his butt, said happy birthday, gave hugs all around and headed out for school and work. I had promised I'd make his cake when I got home later that afternoon and we'd open gifts after he and his girlfriend got back from dinner. And then I got sick and came home. My mom called me and asked if I'd heard about the shooting at an elementary school in CT. 28 dead, 18 of them children. I briefly turned on the news to hear the story but had to turn it off, largely because the media drives me insane in cases like this. They "try" to be sensitive, but in all reality they are just trying to get the scoop, be the first to report any new information and it's almost always wrong. Anyway, I spent the rest of the day in bed, sleeping my aches and pains away and my great kid would text me to check up on me. When he got home, we started talking about this tragedy and about how someone could walk into a school and shoot people, kill children. I don't have any answers. I don't know that the elementary school I work in would be any safer if we were armed or not. I do know that Monday, when school is in session again, I will not be able to look at those kids and not think of the little ones that lost their lives. I'm hoping that over the weekend, our parents take precautions and not let their kiddos watch too much tv that shows this tragic event over and over again. I want our babies to always feel safe.
So, even though I was sick, didn't get to make a cake, Ryan's plans fell through I had to put it in perspective. Ryan HAD a birthday. He's one year older. He is 17 and next year he will be 18. I get to see his handsome face for one more day. I get to hear his laugh and hug him for one more day. I get to enjoy his company for one more day. And I get to help heal his hurts for one more day. I'm a very lucky, very blessed mom.
Glazed Carrots
On the school lunch menu today, glazed carrots were offered. Do you know how many kids didn't bother to even try them? I actually paid one little girl 75 cents to eat 4 spoons full of them. She did it. And bought a bottle of water to wash them down with.
Happiness
This song makes me super, super happy and is currently stuck in my head.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWiwuiT58Yc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWiwuiT58Yc
Boys of Fall
Boys of Fall
EFHS Football banquet last night marks the official end of football season. It's bittersweet. So glad the grueling schedule is over, both for Ryan and for us. But I love watching those kids play. They play with heart and passion and integrity. They are held accountable for their actions as individuals and as a team. They are applauded both as individuals and as a team. They've played in blazing heat and chilly weather. They've ran miles and miles and done countless up-downs and 55's and spent many, many hours in the weight room. This link, Kenny Chesney's Boys of Fall, highlights everything football should be about. From little PeeWee players to highly paid NFL pros.
Next year, Ryan's senior year, I can't even think about it without getting emotional. When he walks that field for the last time on Sr. night with his dad and I....I can't even finish that thought. Every year he has debated back and forth about not playing and has always made the decision to stick with it. He has played through illness and injury except when I pulled the Mom card and made him sit out for one game. He has had awesome coaches and he's had men who should never be allowed to call themselves coach. Each has taught Ryan, and us, something. They've created learning experiences for those kids, good and bad.
As soon as Ryan graduates, Zach will start his freshman year. I have 5 more years as a football mom. I'm in for the long haul and I couldn't be happier.
Congrats, Wolves on your banner, on being section CHAMPS for the first time ever! You should all be very, very proud. I know your parents are.
EFHS Football banquet last night marks the official end of football season. It's bittersweet. So glad the grueling schedule is over, both for Ryan and for us. But I love watching those kids play. They play with heart and passion and integrity. They are held accountable for their actions as individuals and as a team. They are applauded both as individuals and as a team. They've played in blazing heat and chilly weather. They've ran miles and miles and done countless up-downs and 55's and spent many, many hours in the weight room. This link, Kenny Chesney's Boys of Fall, highlights everything football should be about. From little PeeWee players to highly paid NFL pros.
Next year, Ryan's senior year, I can't even think about it without getting emotional. When he walks that field for the last time on Sr. night with his dad and I....I can't even finish that thought. Every year he has debated back and forth about not playing and has always made the decision to stick with it. He has played through illness and injury except when I pulled the Mom card and made him sit out for one game. He has had awesome coaches and he's had men who should never be allowed to call themselves coach. Each has taught Ryan, and us, something. They've created learning experiences for those kids, good and bad.
As soon as Ryan graduates, Zach will start his freshman year. I have 5 more years as a football mom. I'm in for the long haul and I couldn't be happier.
Congrats, Wolves on your banner, on being section CHAMPS for the first time ever! You should all be very, very proud. I know your parents are.
Notes to self...
Things I learned today:
Kiwi doesn't taste so good right after brushing your teeth.
Don't go hiking on an empty stomach, especially with your panicky husband. :)
Don't go hiking and then to the store to buy break and bake cookies. :(
It's never a good idea to try to jog a trail without the proper undergarments.
Kiwi doesn't taste so good right after brushing your teeth.
Don't go hiking on an empty stomach, especially with your panicky husband. :)
Don't go hiking and then to the store to buy break and bake cookies. :(
It's never a good idea to try to jog a trail without the proper undergarments.
Weekend Randomness...
Went hiking yesterday by myself. One more reason I love living in EMR: several trails to choose from. Anyway, I had my earphones in, listening to music, and I thought of every single murder mystery show I've ever watched where they always find the girl buried in a shallow grave because some maniac is waiting on the trail, sees the perfect opportunity and attacks. And I thought about how I couldn't hear if anyone were to come up behind me because of my earphones. Just then, out of the corner of my eye, I see someones shadow behind me. I jumped and turned around really fast, like a ninja ready to fight to the death if I had to. I think I scared him a little, this man on his mountain bike. "Good morning!" I say a little to loudly and scootch over to the side of the trail to let him pass.
Further up the trail, about a mile in, I keep thinking I want to go further but being all by myself it's probably not a good idea. I'm seriously bad with directions (yes, Steve has me on Life360 so he can "map" me and direct me home, if needed) and get turned around very easily. And it was getting steep and I thought, if I fall and break an ankle or something, no one will ever find me and I'll die out here. So, I kept going, naturally. About another half mile. And then I hear men sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat". Boot campers of some sort on the mountain with me, but on the other side, on a different trail. They got through it three times and couldn't quite get the cadence down so they stopped. I finally turned around and kept to the trail all the way back down. Turns out I would have been fine if anything had happened. By the time I was heading down, there were 6 more people on the trail. Popular little place!
So this morning, I'm taking Steve, against his will, to the trail. He told me last night, "I'm such a sucker for you", so I'm taking full advantage of it!
Further up the trail, about a mile in, I keep thinking I want to go further but being all by myself it's probably not a good idea. I'm seriously bad with directions (yes, Steve has me on Life360 so he can "map" me and direct me home, if needed) and get turned around very easily. And it was getting steep and I thought, if I fall and break an ankle or something, no one will ever find me and I'll die out here. So, I kept going, naturally. About another half mile. And then I hear men sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat". Boot campers of some sort on the mountain with me, but on the other side, on a different trail. They got through it three times and couldn't quite get the cadence down so they stopped. I finally turned around and kept to the trail all the way back down. Turns out I would have been fine if anything had happened. By the time I was heading down, there were 6 more people on the trail. Popular little place!
So this morning, I'm taking Steve, against his will, to the trail. He told me last night, "I'm such a sucker for you", so I'm taking full advantage of it!
Thank you!
Monday is Veteran's Day. Facebook will be flooded with posts thanking veterans in general and veterans specifically. I have a few to thank personally.
Thanks to my amazing husband, Steve, for his service in the Army and then the National Guard. I'm happy he's out, but proud of his service.
Thank you to my brother-in-law Kevin. Currently serving in Afghanastan, due home in December. Can't wait to see him again!! Thanks to my sister Amy, for holding everything together at home while he's gone. You are very brave, Mim!
Thank you to Jordan Stanton, for making the ultimate sacrifice. I've never met you, but I've heard lots of stories and great things about you. I pray for peace for your family. I know they are proud of you and miss you.
Thanks to my groovy cousins Spencer, currently serving in Japan in the Air Force, and Valarie for her service in the Air Force, too!
I appreciate all of you, the sacrafices you've made, the sacrafices your family has made, to keep our country safe. Please stay safe, and those currently serving overseas, please come home soon. We love and miss you!
Thanks to my amazing husband, Steve, for his service in the Army and then the National Guard. I'm happy he's out, but proud of his service.
Thank you to my brother-in-law Kevin. Currently serving in Afghanastan, due home in December. Can't wait to see him again!! Thanks to my sister Amy, for holding everything together at home while he's gone. You are very brave, Mim!
Thank you to Jordan Stanton, for making the ultimate sacrifice. I've never met you, but I've heard lots of stories and great things about you. I pray for peace for your family. I know they are proud of you and miss you.
Thanks to my groovy cousins Spencer, currently serving in Japan in the Air Force, and Valarie for her service in the Air Force, too!
I appreciate all of you, the sacrafices you've made, the sacrafices your family has made, to keep our country safe. Please stay safe, and those currently serving overseas, please come home soon. We love and miss you!
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