Fall is here

I have gotten really bad at keeping this blog updated and I'm not even sure anyone reads it anymore. I actually considered quitting, but I do enjoy the occasional chance to vent or announce important events, so I guess I'll just stick to updating from time to time.

The aha moments video went well. Since my last entry I have been very busy. The kids started school in August. My daughter is in 3rd grade and loves it. Adam has never liked school and was not looking forward to starting high school this fall, but he really seems to enjoy it, or at least as much as he will ever like school!

I've been traveling and doing recruiting fairs for work on top of trying to get back into the school habit and all of our fall activities. My schedule has been hectic, but the month of September usually is for us. I'm glad things will be calming down soon and we are going on vacation in October.

I have never been to Florida and I'm taking the kids to Disney World this year! We are all so excited and it couldn't come at a better time. Just as Kentucky weather is beginning to cool down and show signs of fall, we are going to Florida. I can't wait!!

My aha moment

 On July 14, I was approached via email by a Mutual of Omaha Representative. This very nice lady found my website and blog online and contacted me about doing a video of my aha moment. For those who don't know about aha moments, this comes from the Mutual of Omaha website:

proud sponsor of life's aha moments

What is an aha moment? It's a moment of clarity, a defining moment where you gain real wisdom - wisdom you can use to change your life. Whether big or small, funny or sad, they can be surprising and inspiring. Each one is unique, deeply personal, and we think, worth sharing.
Mutual of Omaha celebrates and honors these moments and the people who act upon them. We're proud to have the products and services that can help people insure their possibilities.

The next day, I went to Cheapside Park in downtown Lexington and recorded my aha moment in the 34-foot airstream studio. The new experience was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. However, I completed the video and would like to share it here:

Please check out my aha moment:

Please feel free to provide feedback! Thank you!

Summer Vacation

My children go to different schools in separate districts. Aurea finished second grade yesterday and Adam completes eighth grade today. I cannot believe I am going to be the mom of a high school freshman in August! That really makes me feel old even though I know I'm not old.

Aurea was so excited to be out for summer vacation that she did not want to go to bed last night! I couldn't get her to understand that just because school is out does not mean mommy gets to stay home from work and play all summer. The joys of single parenthood! We still have to get up and go every morning. She will just be going to the YMCA to swim and have fun and go on field trips instead of sitting in a classroom all day. Unfortunately, the Y decided not to start childcare until Monday. Seriously, why in the world would you not start childcare until Monday when school is out on Friday? Therefore, we have already had a chaotic morning. I drove downtown just to find out it wasn't being held. Then, I called numerous friends in search of a sitter. My neighbor finally called back so I had to turn around and drive back home and then back across town to work! At least I found someone, but that was really aggravating this morning.

Adam is thrilled to be getting out for the summer and could care less about going back in the fall, high school or not. Aurea loves school. It's amazing how contrasting two children can be, but they are both wonderful!

Either way, it's summer vacation and I'm going to love getting to go swimming and do more fun stuff in the evenings and on the weekends. We started off with a big cookout and pool party at my mom's Memorial Day weekend. Hope everyone else has a safe, fun summer also.

RIP Granny: December 31, 1913 - April 26, 2009

It has been one year ago today since the Lord decided to call my Granny home. I truly believe she went back to be with her husband, my papa, in heaven. They were married for 60 years! That is a long time to be married, I am so proud to be able to say that, especially in this day and age! When he died in 2001, we thought for sure she would be right behind him. Luckily, we were able to have her here on Earth for 8 more years. I am particularly grateful because I was pregnant with Aurea when papa died, so he never got to meet her. Granny got to know her for the first few years of her life anyway. My son still remembers both of them well. He loved Granny, but he was closer to papa. Growing up on a farm, my papa would take my son, Adam, riding on the tractor and doing all kinds of things around the farm. To this day, Adam is more about 4-wheelers and dirt bikes than anything else. Granny Gladys was 95-years-old and lived a good, long life. It was certainly her time to go and I'm glad she went peacefully. Unfortunately, I still miss her. I only have one grandparent still living, but I was fortunate to have the other three until 2001, 2005, and 2009 respectively. I cherish the time left with my grandma and the fact that my son got to meet all four of his great-grandparents (at least on my side) and my daughter got to meet three of her four great-grandparents on my side, that is so rare. Even though it hurts that she is gone, I will try to simply cherish her memory for the rest of the day and be grateful for the time we had together.

Happy belated holidays

Okay I'm really behind. I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I have been housesitting without internet for most of my time off of work! However, we had a very nice break. One advantage to working at a university is being able to have a week and a half off of work for the holidays.

The kids really enjoyed it, especially sleeping in and staying up late every night. Adam got the Harry Potter six-disc DVD collection for Christmas, so one day was nothing but a Harry Potter marathon. Aurea got a DSi and Wii Fit. Needless to say, she was extremely occupied.

The three of us took turns playing on the Wii Fit and I certainly got my workout. I guess it's what you make it (like most anything these days), but I certainly have been getting my daily workouts by using it. After the first three days I was extremely sore. The best part is that I enjoyed it and I hate to exercise!

Our New Year's Eve was pretty boring. Adam was with his dad so it was just me and Aurea. She decided to watch Disney's New Year's Showdown while I watched Dick Clark's New Year's Eve show where the ball dropped in Times Square. That's it, just television for us. At least I got to spend midnight with my daughter, but it was a quiet and uneventful evening.

I would love to say so much about our exciting adventures and everything we did over break, but that didn't happen. What did happen was a lot of catching up on sleep and favorite television shows, playing the Wii and DSi, and seeing family. While it might not have been eventful, it was peaceful and relaxing. I was really glad for the break.

Unfortunately, it made it extremely difficult to get up and going this morning. The 13 degree temperature and snow falling on this cold, dark morning did not help our spirits any either. Thankfully, Monday (at least the workday part of it) is about over and hopefully the rest of the week will be much easier.

I hope everyone else had a good break. Enjoy 2010!

Boyz II Men

Saturday night I had the incredible opportunity to see Boyz II Men (Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman,and Wanya Morris) in concert at the UK Singletary Center for the Arts. I have loved this group for years and finally got to see them live, 5th row. The best part was when Shawn and Nathan came out carrying red roses as the song "I'll Make Love to You" began. Those of us in the first few rows dashed to the stage and I got a red rose from Shawn! I know I sound silly, but it was really exciting and I have that rose on display now!

The concert was great. They sang everything from "On Bended Knee" to Lonestar's "Amazed." They even sang songs from their latest Love album. It was fantastic and they really got the crowd involved in the music. I had a wonderful time.

I also went to a graduation party after the concert for a friend who graduated that morning. As a single mom, nights like these are rare. I got a chance to get out and have some "me" time for the evening. It was a relaxing and much needed break.

Now I only have two days left to work this week and I'm off until January 4th. I feel really good.

Aurea's 8th birthday

This is Aurea's Wizards of Waverly Place birthday cake from her party this weekend. I'm not posting party pictures for the sake of privacy of the attendees. However, there were about seven children there ranging in age from 4-8. My beautiful baby girl is now 8-years-old! I still can't believe it.

Aurea's birthday was on Friday. Barnes & Noble hosted a special night for her school. The children had the opportunity to sing songs, listen to a storyteller, watch a magician, and shop for books. Plus, 15% of the proceeds from purchases went to our PTA. It was hectic, but fun.

After Barnes & Noble, we went to see the Disney version of "A Christmas Carol" with Jim Carrey in 3D. It was really cute, but 3D movies have gotten expensive! The theatre is close to the mall and was also playing "New Moon." Needless to say, we had to park in the nearby shopping center and walk over since the parking lot was completely full. Walking wasn't bad since it was not that far, but it sure was cold. She loved the movie and fell asleep on the way home.

Saturday was her party and our first snow for the season here in Kentucky. Fortunately, it was only a mild dusting with no ice. Everyone made it to the party and had a great time. My parents and niece drove up for the party and stayed the night with us. They took us out to eat that evening and then Aurea and her cousin spent the evening playing.

Things finally calmed down yesterday after my family left and I put the house back in order. I finally got a chance to relax for a bit last night before coming back to work today. I'm proud the kids had a great time at the party and Aurea had a wonderful weekend, but I'm grateful next weekend will not be as hectic.