It is December 26th, 2008. I am sitting here, at my computer in the basement of our Athens home, trying to wrack my brain for some topic of news that may interest myself and anyone else who happens upon this blog. Nothin'. Like winter in Northeastern Pa, my mind seems frozen, barren, dull, and quiet. I thought maybe if I changed the title of my blog, it would give me new perspective...maybe jump start the lifeless motor of my senses so I could at least type out something substantial. *sigh* Maybe come spring...
Regardless, I still changed the title and it seems quite fitting actually. Because everything I post here will be some tiny window into the life I'm leading...which, currently, seems very slow and turtle-like. :) I can't help that I'm not cut out for this gray, cold, colorless weather!
Things to look forward to...
Spring
Colorado in May
California in August
SUNSHINE!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Fall is On its Way...
Although we've had some warmer, mild days, the colors are changing rapidly! Below are some pictures of Greg and Abbie and what I would call the "fire" tree. The colors are beautiful...
Friday, September 5, 2008
September Chaos
Back to school. Back to work. Braces for Greg. Rochester for Paul. Volleyball for Jessi. Student Council nomination speech for Abbie.
It's all good.
Well, most of it anyway. It's been hard having Paul away and he won't be home until the 3rd weekend of September for a couple days, then it's back to Rochester for another 5 weeks. Seems like forever, but I'm sure we'll all survive. Below is a mosaic I put together of Greg. Yep...he has braces now. :)
It's all good.
Well, most of it anyway. It's been hard having Paul away and he won't be home until the 3rd weekend of September for a couple days, then it's back to Rochester for another 5 weeks. Seems like forever, but I'm sure we'll all survive. Below is a mosaic I put together of Greg. Yep...he has braces now. :)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Family Trip to Acadia National Park
Our trip to Maine definitely had its highs and lows. Our first day of travel made it all the way to Portland Maine where we stayed one night in a hotel. The next morning we decided to take the coastal route up to Acadia National Park and see all the small Harbour towns along the way. Unfortunately, this route took us a lot longer than expected, but the sites were fun to see and we stopped at a beautiful state park along the way right on the ocean and the kids spent hours digging for shells.
We rolled into our campground later that evening, cooked up some soup and grilled cheese sandwhiches, had a bonfire, and hit the sack.
The rest of the week turned out to be a lot of wet and gray! We spent a lot of time in the car driving around Mount Desert Island (where Acadia National Park is located); took some hikes -- one in which we got separated from each other and me, Jessica, and Greg waited around for about 2 hours until Paul finally found us with the car; tasted some great seafood chowda (spoken w/ a New England accent), and tried not to let the weather get us down.
On our last full day the sun finally burst out and the whole world changed! It was beautiful. We took a fishing boat trip out into Frenchman's Bay and everyone in the family caught a fish except for me. We went back around to all our favorite places on the island that we had discovered so far and took pictures. Below is a slideshow of pictures from the trip.
We are finally home and although we miss the salty air of the wide open sea, we are happy to be in our own comfy beds! :)
We rolled into our campground later that evening, cooked up some soup and grilled cheese sandwhiches, had a bonfire, and hit the sack.
The rest of the week turned out to be a lot of wet and gray! We spent a lot of time in the car driving around Mount Desert Island (where Acadia National Park is located); took some hikes -- one in which we got separated from each other and me, Jessica, and Greg waited around for about 2 hours until Paul finally found us with the car; tasted some great seafood chowda (spoken w/ a New England accent), and tried not to let the weather get us down.
On our last full day the sun finally burst out and the whole world changed! It was beautiful. We took a fishing boat trip out into Frenchman's Bay and everyone in the family caught a fish except for me. We went back around to all our favorite places on the island that we had discovered so far and took pictures. Below is a slideshow of pictures from the trip.
We are finally home and although we miss the salty air of the wide open sea, we are happy to be in our own comfy beds! :)
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Hugs and Handshakes
Most people who know me know that I’m not a “hugger”. It’s not that I don’t know how to hug or that I can’t hug, or that I don’t necessarily want to hug (although this may often be the case) it’s just that I’m not a hug initiator. I rarely make the first move for a hug. They tend to make me feel self-conscious and vulnerable and oftentimes they infringe on my personal space.
But that’s all besides the point, because this is not about me not being a hugger but more about my pet-peeve of people who don’t know HOW to hug correctly. It’s sort of like when you go to shake someone’s hand and their grasp is limp and lifeless. You wonder, “what in the world was that?!” “What kind of character/personality does this person have? Do they have any character/personality at all? Why can’t they give a real handshake? What is this limp and lifeless form I’m holding in my hand and trying to squeeze in a “how do you do” greeting or a “nice to meet you” greeting. Just shake my hand like you mean it!” (Yes, these are all thoughts that go through my head).
And then I started to think about hugs in the same way. Have you ever hugged someone who just loosely puts their arms around you without barely touching you and pats you on the back in a lame sort of ta-ta way? I again find myself wondering, “what in the world was that?” Do I have cooties? Is that the best you can do?” Maybe they have attachment issues or don’t like me too much, but then…why even hug me in the first place?!” It’s weird and I’ve decided that I’m not going to let that happen again. The next time someone hugs me like that I’m going to call them on it. I’m going to SHOW them what a real hug should be and then if they get all weirded out by that I’ll just tell them we can do a nice handshake or a nod instead (not everyone likes a hug, ya know).
I mean, there are different ways you can hug and mean it. For example, the side hug (which I prefer); you can put your arm around someone and squeeze like you mean it (it’s sort of like the “man hug”) and not have to give them the full frontal hug (which I don’t prefer). It can pack the same, “I love you, I’m going to miss you, you mean a lot to me” meaning and not infringe on your personal space too much. The full frontal hug, when done correctly, should be strong (not weak and ta-ta-ish) and it requires that almost all of your upper body touch their upper body. There should be NO patting on the back! This is a sign of weakness and “I’m out of my comfort zone-ness". Yes, the full frontal hug is more intimate and mostly reserved for people who you are VERY comfortable with, but it is a powerful hug when done correctly and with sincerity.
So there you have it. I want my hugs and handshakes to be strong and sincere and I think the way a person does either of these is a testament to their strength of character. So ladies, especially, don’t hug like you aren’t sure of yourself or the other person, and don’t give any limp handshakes. I mean, there are people out there, like me, who tend to pay very close attention to these things! :-)
Sunday, July 6, 2008
It's Been A While....
Yes, baseball and softball have taken over my life. Days are consumed with practices, games, and travelling. Both Greg and Abbie are playing All Stars this season. They are both subs for the team and don't get as much playing time but the extended practices and exposure to the game have helped to improve their skills so much. In fact, Abbie's team just played their last game against the first seat for Division Champions. Our team lost to theirs, but we gave them a good game and came in second in our division. Below are some pictures from the season...
Greg at bat
Jessi with a hit!
Abbie at bat
Greg at bat
Jessi with a hit!
Abbie at bat
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Weekend in Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada
We had the privilege of meeting my Uncle Bob, Aunt Janice, Grandma Kurtz, Cousin Renay and husband Paul and little baby Madeline in Niagara Falls this weekend for a wonderful Mother's Day get together. Saturday at the Falls was spectacular -- we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. It was sunny, the perfect temperature, and hardly a cloud in the sky.
At first, I was a little anxious about driving all the way into Canada with just myself and the kids for the very first time and not having passports. The drive up was beautiful though -- we took a short cut that went along some rural highways and through a lot of beautiful country. It only took us about 3 1/2 hours door to door. Getting through customs was pretty simple really. She took my ID, our birth certificates, asked me a few questions, and we were on our way.
When we parked close to the Falls to meet up with everyone, I soon realized that I had to exchange some currency to pay for parking! It was the first time I've ever done anything like that and I found out that Canadian money is much cooler looking than U.S. money -- at least, in my opinion.;-)
The entire weekend was a feast for the eyes with all we saw. The tulips and flowering trees were in full bloom and you wouldn't believe the colors. Amazing! We also visited the very quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and that place was amazing too.
It was wonderful to spend time with family seeing all of those sights for the first time and I feel blessed that we were able to do that. A ton of thanks goes to my wonderful Uncle Bob and Aunt Janice for their generosity and kindness this weekend.
Here's a slideshow of some of the pictures!!
At first, I was a little anxious about driving all the way into Canada with just myself and the kids for the very first time and not having passports. The drive up was beautiful though -- we took a short cut that went along some rural highways and through a lot of beautiful country. It only took us about 3 1/2 hours door to door. Getting through customs was pretty simple really. She took my ID, our birth certificates, asked me a few questions, and we were on our way.
When we parked close to the Falls to meet up with everyone, I soon realized that I had to exchange some currency to pay for parking! It was the first time I've ever done anything like that and I found out that Canadian money is much cooler looking than U.S. money -- at least, in my opinion.;-)
The entire weekend was a feast for the eyes with all we saw. The tulips and flowering trees were in full bloom and you wouldn't believe the colors. Amazing! We also visited the very quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and that place was amazing too.
It was wonderful to spend time with family seeing all of those sights for the first time and I feel blessed that we were able to do that. A ton of thanks goes to my wonderful Uncle Bob and Aunt Janice for their generosity and kindness this weekend.
Here's a slideshow of some of the pictures!!
Friday, May 9, 2008
A Mother's Day Surprise
Greg's class entered a local contest in which they each had to write a story about their mom for Mother's Day. The stories were submitted to the company and they chose a winner. He only had one day to write his story since we had been in California and he missed a whole week of school. Regardless, Greg's story was chosen as the winner and because of that, I was delivered a beautiful bouquet of flowers along with a copy of Greg's story. Below is a picture of me and Greg with the bouquet. His story will now be submitted in the national contest for a chance to win $25,000 and a new car! Wouldn't that be cool?! Below the picture is a typed version of his story.
My Caring Mother
by Greg Beck
My mom is the #1 caring mother in the world which feels like the universe. I feel this way because she is like a mother bird and I'm a baby bird and she is protecting me from the outside in the neverlasting land. She gives me food of healthy parts of the food chain so I can reach my goal I'm now proceeding in. She is a very trustworthy mom and never lies. Never before did she lie to me. She will not spoil me, which if she did, I would be a selfish little brat. That is why my mom is the number one caring mother in the whole world.
*isn't that SOOOO cute??!!!
My Caring Mother
by Greg Beck
My mom is the #1 caring mother in the world which feels like the universe. I feel this way because she is like a mother bird and I'm a baby bird and she is protecting me from the outside in the neverlasting land. She gives me food of healthy parts of the food chain so I can reach my goal I'm now proceeding in. She is a very trustworthy mom and never lies. Never before did she lie to me. She will not spoil me, which if she did, I would be a selfish little brat. That is why my mom is the number one caring mother in the whole world.
*isn't that SOOOO cute??!!!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Spelling Bee
This is a picture of Greg receiving his certificate after the Spelling Bee
The Athens School District puts on a Spelling Bee for local 3rd and 4th graders as preparation for the "official" Spelling Bee that 5th graders are given the opportunity to participate in (the one where they can go all the way to D.C.). The top 2 "spellers" in each 3rd and 4th grade class across the district are brought together for a Spelling Bee. Greg received the most points in his class after a series of mini spelling bees and was chosen to represent his class along with the second highest scoring student. The Spelling Bee for all the district classroom "champs" was last Wednesday. Out of 37 students, Greg came in 8th. His word was "longitude" and he missed the e on the end! He was so close! Had he spelled that word correctly, I'm positive he would have went on to be in the top 2 or 3. Below is a video clip of Greg spelling "frequently".
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Back from Cali
We just returned from a week long trip back home to Northern California. The weather was beautiful and it was great to see family and friends. Below are a couple pictures from our trip and I've posted more on my Flickr. Tomorrow is back to work and the day to day grind of getting up at the crack of dawn. Ugh!
Taken on Table Mountain near Oroville, Ca.
A shot of Burney Falls
Taken on Table Mountain near Oroville, Ca.
A shot of Burney Falls
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Jessica's 2nd Solo!
I have to give props to my daughter. Twice now she has stepped up and put herself on stage to pretty much blow our tops off with her singing. Tonight was the Talent Show for her Junior High. When Jessica initially told us she was going to perform, my first thought was...."Oh no...please don't!" This thought was spurred by my tragic remembrance of stage fright I encountered as a child and my own lack of self confidence. How does a child spawned of my (and Paul's) genetic make up get up there and just bust out singing without showing a hint of nerves??? There were 8 acts tonight and Jessica was, by far, the best talent up there on that stage. Our video clip isn't the best because Abbie was taking it on her camera and moving her arm around a lot. We also have it on digital video but I can't upload that to our computer without proper equipment. Jessica is a natural performer...it's in her blood...and God has blessed her with a beautiful voice. And now --- here she is --- Jessica Beck singing "Hey Jude" (by the Beatles) ---- our next AMERICAN IDOL! ;-)
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Mama's Got A Brand New.....CAMERA!!
For those of you who know me well, you know that photography is a huge hobby of mine. Well, for two years now I have been hoping and waiting and wishing for a digital SLR so I can expand my options. For my birthday my husband selflessly bought me a Nikon D40x!!!!! I'm so stoked!
So today I decided to experiment with some portraits since I'm not too great with them. I bought some black fabric to use as a backdrop, and below are a few of the first portraits I took. Hopefully I'll improve as I learn more about my new camera.
I did a little playing around with this one in photoshop...as you can see.
Jessi's "pouty" side
Abbie's sweet side. And yes, her eyes really are this blue. No "editing". The quality on this one isn't as good for some reason... I think because I cropped it a lot.
So today I decided to experiment with some portraits since I'm not too great with them. I bought some black fabric to use as a backdrop, and below are a few of the first portraits I took. Hopefully I'll improve as I learn more about my new camera.
I did a little playing around with this one in photoshop...as you can see.
Jessi's "pouty" side
Abbie's sweet side. And yes, her eyes really are this blue. No "editing". The quality on this one isn't as good for some reason... I think because I cropped it a lot.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
He's Got Skills....Mad Basketball Skills!
So today was the culminating skills assessment for the winter basketball league. Below are some pictures and video of Greg from today. The exciting news is that he did awesome and scored in the top 5 out of 200+ 3rd and 4th graders from the valley!! He was so excited. ;-)
Greg during the dribbling skill assessment
Greg's commentary on the day.
Greg during the dribbling skill assessment
Greg's commentary on the day.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Another Snow Day!!
I'm all for having days off, but really now....ANOTHER ONE? :-) A friend of mine forwarded the following poem and I found it quite fitting for the occasion. Enjoy!
Pennsylvania Winter Poem
It's winter in Pennsylvania
And the gentle breezes blow
Seventy miles an hour
At twenty-five below.
Oh, how I love Pennsylvania
When the snow's up to your butt
You take a breath of winter
And your nose gets frozen shut.
Yes, the weather here is wonderful
So I guess I'll hang around
I could never leave Pennsylvania
'Cause I'm frozen to the ground!!
Pennsylvania Winter Poem
It's winter in Pennsylvania
And the gentle breezes blow
Seventy miles an hour
At twenty-five below.
Oh, how I love Pennsylvania
When the snow's up to your butt
You take a breath of winter
And your nose gets frozen shut.
Yes, the weather here is wonderful
So I guess I'll hang around
I could never leave Pennsylvania
'Cause I'm frozen to the ground!!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Happy 14th Anniversary to Us!
February 19, 1994Wow! We've made it 14 years...can you believe it?!! Happy Annivesary Paul. I love you!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
Orlanth Pantheon
"Valind" is what they called him; the Gloranthan god of winter who is portrayed as a giant, with a frozen beard and dripping with ice. Although I'm not one to promote mythology I find his description quite fitting for the nasty wintry weather we are experiencing here in the Northeast.
This is the second day this week the kids and I have had off from school because of nasty weather and school closings. Tuesday it was an ice storm that left about a quarter of an inch of ice everywhere. Paul called me from work that morning to warn me that he had nearly crashed twice on his way to work and I was relieved I didn't have to try and drive in it myself.
Ironically, while I'm on the phone with Paul I decided to open up the front door and check things out. It looked like there were a couple of dry spots, so as I took a step out onto one of them, much to my dismay I realized it was all ICE andI slipped, fell on my butt, and proceeded to slide down each of the steps on our front porch to land on the sidewalk below. Luckily I wasn't hurt, just totally embarrassed and laughing hysterically. It took me a couple tries to get myself back up the porch and into the house since i was wearing my house slippers with absolutely now traction. I'm sure it was quite a hoot for any neighbors who happened to catch me out their windows. :-)
Today is the second day this week we have off due to more bad weather. It can't decide whether to snow, sleet, pour down icy rain, or do all three. And in fact, it's been doing all three for most of the morning. There's now about a good inch or more of ice and sleet built up on everything outside. It's cold, nasty, and ridiculous.
Although I'm always up for a free day off of work, this cold and dreariness is getting to all of us. Oh, how we miss the mild winters of Redding, Ca...
This is the second day this week the kids and I have had off from school because of nasty weather and school closings. Tuesday it was an ice storm that left about a quarter of an inch of ice everywhere. Paul called me from work that morning to warn me that he had nearly crashed twice on his way to work and I was relieved I didn't have to try and drive in it myself.
Ironically, while I'm on the phone with Paul I decided to open up the front door and check things out. It looked like there were a couple of dry spots, so as I took a step out onto one of them, much to my dismay I realized it was all ICE andI slipped, fell on my butt, and proceeded to slide down each of the steps on our front porch to land on the sidewalk below. Luckily I wasn't hurt, just totally embarrassed and laughing hysterically. It took me a couple tries to get myself back up the porch and into the house since i was wearing my house slippers with absolutely now traction. I'm sure it was quite a hoot for any neighbors who happened to catch me out their windows. :-)
Today is the second day this week we have off due to more bad weather. It can't decide whether to snow, sleet, pour down icy rain, or do all three. And in fact, it's been doing all three for most of the morning. There's now about a good inch or more of ice and sleet built up on everything outside. It's cold, nasty, and ridiculous.
Although I'm always up for a free day off of work, this cold and dreariness is getting to all of us. Oh, how we miss the mild winters of Redding, Ca...
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Checking In...
I haven't posted anything in a while for only one reason...I quite honestly don't have much to say. It has been very cold here...too cold actually to enjoy any significant time out in the fresh air. Add to that an almost constant gray covering, and you have the makings for a very long, depressing winter.
Today I stayed home from work to help nurse Greg back into some health. All three of the kids were hit with a pretty nasty virus that included low grade fevers, severe sore throats, wet coughs, etc. Unfortunately, it has hit Greg the hardest and he is going on his 7th day of being sick. Both "Dr. Paul" and a community physician diagnosed him with a virus that we can't do much for except wait it out. We were concerned that it may have progressed into pneumonia, but thankfully, it didn't. Things are looking better this morning though and I think we may be out of the icky stuff for good by tonight!
Jessi decided to try swimming this winter to help keep her in shape for track and softball in the spring. She is enjoying the practices at the high school's heated, indoor pool and is excited about their first meet coming up next week. I'll have to let you know how that goes.
I'm glad that January is coming to a quick close because we're getting that much closer to spring. I've been told the winters here could last into May and that scares me a little bit. It will take a little extra effort on my part to stay sane that long!
I'll try and post something interesting and profound in the next few days! :-)
Dreaming of home, warmer weather, and sunshine... ~Monica
Today I stayed home from work to help nurse Greg back into some health. All three of the kids were hit with a pretty nasty virus that included low grade fevers, severe sore throats, wet coughs, etc. Unfortunately, it has hit Greg the hardest and he is going on his 7th day of being sick. Both "Dr. Paul" and a community physician diagnosed him with a virus that we can't do much for except wait it out. We were concerned that it may have progressed into pneumonia, but thankfully, it didn't. Things are looking better this morning though and I think we may be out of the icky stuff for good by tonight!
Jessi decided to try swimming this winter to help keep her in shape for track and softball in the spring. She is enjoying the practices at the high school's heated, indoor pool and is excited about their first meet coming up next week. I'll have to let you know how that goes.
I'm glad that January is coming to a quick close because we're getting that much closer to spring. I've been told the winters here could last into May and that scares me a little bit. It will take a little extra effort on my part to stay sane that long!
I'll try and post something interesting and profound in the next few days! :-)
Dreaming of home, warmer weather, and sunshine... ~Monica
Friday, January 18, 2008
When I Say I'm a "Christian"...
I had a relative forward the following poem written by Maya Angelou. It says everything I've always felt, but could never put as nicely as she. ;-)
Christians
by Maya Angelou
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her."
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin' " I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou; I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!
Christians
by Maya Angelou
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her."
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin' " I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou; I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
A Child's Revelation
A friend forwarded me this YouTube video/radio show recording and I just had to share it. It's so sweet...
More about this clip (copied directly from YouTube)
"(A FrankLozano.com Production) Little did I know when I was given the audio to this phone call that it would become SO HUGE. When I produced this video, I knew it was special to ME, but never would I have guessed when typing the text and editing the music that it would literally touch MILLIONS. I am proud to have put this video together for the world to see and hear. We have had a lot of requests to replay the phone call that Pastor Mike shared during our church service on Sunday, Nov. 11th, 2007.
Here you'll find the video clip that I created just for you. After our church service I placed the video on YouTube so that you can watch it and share with family and friends.
Logan is a 13 year-old boy who lives on a ranch in a very small town in Nebraska. Logan listens to Christian Radio station 89.3FM KSBJ which broadcasts from Houston, TX. Logan called the radio station distraught because he had to take down a calf . His words have wisdom beyond his years.
Since airing the audio of the phone call and now the making of the video clip, it has taken on a life of its own. People are forwarding it all over the world. We encourage you to share the love of Christ with anyone you can."
More about this clip (copied directly from YouTube)
"(A FrankLozano.com Production) Little did I know when I was given the audio to this phone call that it would become SO HUGE. When I produced this video, I knew it was special to ME, but never would I have guessed when typing the text and editing the music that it would literally touch MILLIONS. I am proud to have put this video together for the world to see and hear. We have had a lot of requests to replay the phone call that Pastor Mike shared during our church service on Sunday, Nov. 11th, 2007.
Here you'll find the video clip that I created just for you. After our church service I placed the video on YouTube so that you can watch it and share with family and friends.
Logan is a 13 year-old boy who lives on a ranch in a very small town in Nebraska. Logan listens to Christian Radio station 89.3FM KSBJ which broadcasts from Houston, TX. Logan called the radio station distraught because he had to take down a calf . His words have wisdom beyond his years.
Since airing the audio of the phone call and now the making of the video clip, it has taken on a life of its own. People are forwarding it all over the world. We encourage you to share the love of Christ with anyone you can."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
