What's All the Ruchus?

I'm starting with the man in the mirror

2012-01-03T16:58:00.002-06:00

My most recent title was lifted from one of my favorite Glee episodes. I have to agree with Mrs. G of Derfwad Manor that New Year's resolutions aren't really my kind of thing. I do believe whole-heartedly in goal setting and the power of I AM statements. I believe so much so that I have almost found myself a little bit afraid to create my new I AM statements for fear of what I might really accomplish. Is that odd? I'm not sure...I know I have some lofty goals for this year and some of those are things I wasn't sure were entirely possible but at this point, it seems they may in fact be and so now is the time to set my sights high! Mrs. G spoke in her New Year's post about setting goalettes and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the comments which included many peoples' goalettes. This year...I'm trying to worry less. Really...LESS...is the goal. I set a renewed goal to take a picture every day to document for future generations my ever changing family and life as we know it. I'm going to write more scholarships for the joyous one...and continue to be the best parent I can be. Those goals, in themselves, are lofty. My I AM statements are known only to me and my trusty Covey planner :). I AM going to report my success in reaching those goals at the beginning of 2013. Be blessed and remember, change starts with you...the man in the mirror.

My thoughts to my children on New Year's Eve 2011

2011-12-31T21:53:00.003-06:00

To Stephanie~

My oldest :) Sometimes I'm surprised you survived my parenting! I surely tried to do things by the book with you, along with a healthy dose of advice from your Grammie and your Grandma. This past year has been one of many many emotions for me. So much pride and accomplishment in watching you graduate and then the journey of choosing colleges and the messy map of how to get it paid for! What an adventure this year has been. It has been hard for me watching you have grown up problems, e.g. love life, paying bills, moving, etc., but also another opportunity for me to glow with pride at how you've come through it all. Your dad and I continue to comment on how we see you more now that you've 'moved away to college' than when you lived at home! This past year has been focused on graduation and what the future will hold. My wish for you in 2012 is to appreciate where you are and to just take a minute to slow down and experience things one day at a time. College will go quickly I'm sure, just as high school did and then you'll have more responsibilities. I love you Stephanie and continue to beam with pride at the young lady you have become. Happy New Year! Love Mom

To Brennan~

My sonshine. When you were diagnosed with Autism, I didn't know what the future would hold for you. I didn't know if you would get a job, learn to live independently, or drive. This past year you have worked so hard. You have fought your way through regular education with some help of some great mentor teachers. You learned to drive (and I only have a few more gray hairs) and you got a job. You are learning to manage your money and to take on more adult responsibilities. You have learned to stand up for yourself and to help others. You have close friends and a family that loves you. The things you have achieved are all things I had hoped for you but wondered if you would be able to achieve them and you certainly did! 2012 will bring with it the start of your Senior year, which is beyond hard for me to believe. My wish for you in 2012 is to work hard to become all you can be and don't let setbacks get in your way! You are an amazing young man and I know you can do it! Happy New Year! Love Mom

To Kristina~

My babygirl. Perhaps there will come a day when I don't call you my baby girl. Maybe you'll be 40 or 60 or maybe you'll always be my baby girl! This year you will turn 16 and will get your driver's license. It is hard for me to let you go, more than you will ever know until you're a mom yourself. You have always been strong and capable and I need to remind myself of that! You are an amazing smart young lady with a bright future ahead of you. My wish for you in 2012 is to continue to work hard in keeping a little bit of yourself for you and to appreciate the world around you and to enjoy the moment you are in right now. High school is a fleeting time. Enjoy being 16, work hard and bloom where you are planted. Your name Kristina, means little christian girl...continue to grow in Faith and truth. I couldn't be more proud of you! Happy New Year! Love, Mom

As We Approach the New Year

2011-12-30T14:57:00.003-06:00

Thoughts of many things are in my mind as we approach the new year. Most of them begin by recognizing the fact that although the last year has been very challenging, it was also full of blessings. As I lay here recuperating from foot surgery two days ago and wondering in my mind HOW CAN PEOPLE WATCH SO MUCH TV? I am also contemplating my goals for the new year. I would love to once again try a photo a day for a year. I've never made it past February in the past and I think this would be my third try. It's definitely something I would like to do for myself and my family.

I look back on my oldest daughter's first year at college and yes I made it through it. (At least half of it). My baby girl will be 16 in a few weeks and my son will begin his senior year this fall. Once again I shake my head and wonder where has the time gone?

Professionally, this has been a great year. I continue to grow my private practice and most recently passed my LCSW certification. Really what this means for me is that I will have paying clients once I get on the insurance boards. Which brings me to my next biggest goal...paying off student loans! I love my jobs but often find myself torn between work and family. There never seems to be enough time for both.

Being a small business owner has capped off this being an especially tough year. Finishing my second graduate degree has meant more time with my family and more time doing things I love, e.g. working in my yard, reading, cross stitching, and learning again how to just sit around.

A goal for the new year is to work diligently to reduce debt and on a more trivial note...to scrapbook...regularly. After 5 years of graduate school, internships and homework there are many unfinished home improvement projects that can use my attention as well.

I hope to spend time this year with my family...as time goes on, people age and families change. I want to spend a moment cherishing my family in the point they are now and enjoying the moment.; that is my biggest goal. I wish you the very best 2012...

The woman of the place may have been the subject of an undercover experiment

2011-10-01T19:04:00.002-05:00

I (Mrs. Ruchus) do the bulk of the cooking around here. The Mr. cooks on the grill and frequently reheats left overs and once in a while has been known to brown a pan of hamburger, but other than that...it's on me. I'm a bland eater and a bland cooker. (I like it that way duh!) The Mr. however feels the need to add Lots o salt and pepper to everything I cook.

Today, while I was here catching up on facebook, the hubby was heating leftovers and asked if I would like some. Of course I said...Parmesan cheese? He said. Of course, I said. AND he even heated it up for me. So nice! He dropped off the leftovers in the den for me and headed to the family room. I took one bite and it was good...immediately after bite #2 my mouth was WAY hot!! I said, did you salt and pepper this? Of course he said...I thought I was going to eat it, but then you wanted some. Now...you know, he had to be sitting in the family room waiting with baited breath to see if I would EVEN notice the taste! YUCK, YUCK, YUCK!!! Wait...I then had to compose myself after saying yuck 80,000 times and thank him for heating me up some leftovers :) It really was a nice thought...right?

Homecoming 2011 and Christmas preparedness

2011-09-25T20:08:00.003-05:00

Does that title grab you? If so...welcome to my world. As I see the pages of my cherished Covey planner ticking away into October, I know that the holidays are right around the corner. I haven't had a chance to see my family as much as I would like to and perhaps that is the reason that I simply cannot wait for the holidays. One of my daughters this weekend said, "I'm in the mood to bake cookies". Me too! I was in GFS the other day admiring the trays and covers they have there and thinking how awesome it would be to use those for my cookie deliveries. In addition, I have saved a few recipies on my night stand to be added to the trial list this year. If you are a long time reader, you know that cookie baking is big business for the Ruchus. We hit over 300 dozen every year, a five day process, and we all look forward to and love it. At least I do :) This year we're going to add a gingerbread house decorating party for all the little ones in the family as a new tradition.

This week I added to my planner to clean the kitchen...for 3 days. This will allow me enough time to clean and organize cabinets in preparation of making the cookies. Next will be a complete scrub down of the kitchen, top to bottom. I'm not sure about you, but I have pets in my house and I don't appreciate hair in the cookies...so, we always start wtih a good fall cleaning.

Many lists of Christmas gifts have run through my head already as well. In past years, especially the last two I haven't really had anything special in mind for the folks on my list, which is not the case this year. I've also been cross stitching Christmas stockings all summer long, so perhaps that is why I am anticipating the season. Who knows...I do know, it feels better than last year when I really had a hard time getting in the spirit. I think I was so burned out on graduate school, and tired, and broke that even on the best days...it was tough. I feel the outlook this year is just a bit brighter...hope that feelings hangs on until December 26th!

OK, next...Homecoming!! For whatever reason homecoming at our local high school gets earlier and earlier. It used to be near the end of October. Last year it was a few weeks earlier (still freezing by the way) and this year it was moved to September! As an educator and a mom, I appreciate the earlier homecoming because I really feel the kids don't concentrate academically as much until all the festivities and match making are over. My precious one disagrees and says having homecoming so early puts undo stress on the students by having to find a date so early in the year. It's always good to know both sides of the story. Anyway...we had a slightly smaller budget this year, but learned some good tricks on saving money and my baby girl looked fabulous regardless! (If I don't say so myself) I really like her darling boyfriend (don't tell a highschooler I called him darling ok?) and I like his family as well. You can go to my facebook page - via the tag over there on the right...the one that says facebook :) to see ALL 120 or so pictures...and I'll share a few with you here as well. As the crazy mamarazzi that I am, I especially appreicated having 'no group' this year, which meant no other kids to coordinate time, place, parents, number of pics etc. AND I finally got my choice of locals: Downtown.

Our downtown is a place that not too many people venture to. I however work downtown and so everyday as I drive I think, that would be a great place for pictures, and so would that and so would that. So, finally...we have beautiful downtown urban pics. The precious one's boyfriend said, why are we taking pictures in an alley? Well, I appreciate the mix of glamour and alley. What can I say? Judge for yourself.

You'll have to judge photos via my facebook page since blogger has not been cooperating with photo uploads. As technical difficulties allow I will eventually post pics here too :)

Evidently a little more training is required

2011-09-18T19:43:00.002-05:00

You might be asking yourself..."What on God's green Earth is that?!?" I think that is what I also said when I opened my kitchen cabinet...and then ran for my life! I have a great son, whose job it is to do the dishes... I often tell him that we have differing standards when it comes to clean. I have recently come to discover that we have differing standards when it comes to organization as well.

This week's task = teach that boy how to stack the dishes!!

Parental mistake number 892,736,124

2011-09-18T14:13:00.006-05:00

Do you, like I, realize after the fact that maybe that just wasn't the best idea? Or do you, like I, realize these things after one of your children less than tactfully points it out to you? I believe I tend to fall into the later category...

Perhaps if you are the parent of a high schooler, you may have heard the hubub lately about the requirement to be asked to homecoming or prom via a creative method. Believe me, among the 15 - 18 age group, this is indeed a hot topic.

OK, now you have the history. Here's the story...

I came home the other day to find this...

I quickly wondered who on earth left me such a wonderful surprise on my front porch! Having over 40 eyes, I looked a little bit closer to observe this...

Well, the surprise clearly wasn't for me...but for my precious one. Being the good ~~blogger~~ parent that I am, I quickly went inside to get my camera to capture this moment for future generations. Then...I made the ultimate mistake. I took a picture with my phone and sent it to her.

Good idea right? No?

Who knew?!? I didn't really mean to spoil the surprise. I meant for the picture to be the surprise, and certainly not to steal the young man's thunder by any means. Evidently, that wasn't a good idea.

Gratefully, the precious one was home just a few minutes later to open said homecoming invitation so all is well that ends well. And perhaps this parenting mistake won't be remembered 20 years from now.

For all you high school mom's out there...let me clarify. If you come home to find any type of sweet sentiment meant for your child... DO NOT! I repeat DO NOT! Let them in on the secret. Just sit on your hands, do not text, no facebook, no pictures....just wait :) No extra charge for the invaluable advice!

The U Dub Dub world

2011-09-13T07:44:00.003-05:00

As you now, my big girl has left for college....more than once. Even though I love having her home on the weekends, I know the importance of campus involvement for college Freshmen. She recently bought tickets for some upcoming shows on campus...and also attended an art show. She has had so many experiences already in life that college is kind of the icing on the cake for her :) What I especially love about her being in college, is that she has begun blogging... again. I kind of chuckled when I read her side bar descriptions including professing her love for all things Jonas and also her college plans when she was 16...my how times change.

To keep up with the joyous one on her latest journey visit her blog at http://stephaniejoysstory.blogspot.com You'll be glad you did!

Hello 11-12

2011-09-05T20:03:00.006-05:00

Even though my two youngest have been in school for a few weeks, my new school year and my daughter's 1st year of college both start tomorrow. As school administrator, I choose to always start the school year with a kick off breakfast to welcome everyone back and hope to have something inspirational to say. That's where I'm stuck. Last year was a tough year...pay cuts, staff changes, loss of our director, and of course a whole slew of personal struggles, I have now formally dismissed along with August. I'm not sure what I'll say tomorrow, probably something completely memorable like "Welcome Back!" This has been such a restful break for me. I didn't make endless to do lists, which is VERY unlike me...but I got a lot done: at home and at school and I feel very rested and ready to go back to work. That's pretty good I think!

Looking ahead...

This is the year I will take my LCSW test so I can begin seeing clients with insurance...this will, in turn, allow me to begin paying down the ~~national debt~~ student loans. I'm also hoping this to be my last year of working my third job. I think I'll have to have my old dog put to sleep this year, I'll have to start working on a formal transition plan to get my sonshine from high school to college and perhaps I'll clean the basement! One thing I do know is that one summer spent not in graduate school has allowed me to catch up more than I ever thought possible. One daughter in college and the other two in high school and driving have given me more time to myself than I ever thought possible. This past year has definitely been a year of transitions for me and I can only wonder what the new year will bring. I have certainly grown closer to God this year and have prayed more than ever before. I have set many goals and accomplished much.

This is the year we have committed to no vacations and to pay bills instead. That sounds completely no fun, but just a little bit responsible. Somewhere down the road is retirement for me and a house on the beach...Missing a week at the beach this year will be worth retiring on the beach some day :) Remind me I said that when it's 20 below here!

While I contemplate what ~~last minute~~ inspiring thing to say tomorrow, I think I'll watch several episodes of the Young and the Restless to empty my DVR. Surely there should be some inspiration there right?

OK, Now for a quick photo update of the Joyous one's college adventure.

Her room is all set up...with a place to relax....

and a place to sleep and study....

And of course...it's just a little bit pink :)

Let's just say...the 4th floor was...HOT!

We dropped her off at the arts building to change her major (again), kissed her goodbye, and we were off!

Study hard!! We love you!

She went for one day...moved in...stayed overnight...had welcome to college kick off...then came back home. (Something about it was just too hot to sleep there!) Since then she's been home 4 days and left to go to college again. About a half hour later she returned with a friend. I exclaimed "Gee! I hardly missed you!" and continued weeding the flower gardens. About 20 minutes ago...she left again...for college. She said she'd call when she got there so perhaps now she has really left. All this repeated leaving makes this whole going to college thing much easier on the Mama. Thank God she didn't go to California! Look how much she's saved me already in airfare :) I am so very proud of the young lady she has become...just four more years til graduation. Again!

Dear August...you have been dismissed

2011-08-27T20:26:00.003-05:00

As much as I have looooooved this summer, and I truly have, August has been a little more challenging than I care to recall. So, despite the lovely weather and sunshine this month has brought, the personal struggles, challenges at work, difficulties at home and the joyous one leaving for college just haven't been worth it! So...August, you're fired! Bring on September :)

Is closing her eyes, covering her ears and whispering quietly...say it isn't so

2011-08-01T19:31:00.004-05:00

August 1st...sigh. School registration tomorrow. Where has the summer gone? Why do I say this every year? This year the precious one will be a sophomore (and I will be sure she knows how to spell it) and sonshine will be a Junior. They will be riding to school together for as long as they can stand each other and no one gets hurt, or until her schedule gets out of hand which will precipitate the mama pitching in with rides...

Besides the portion of the national debt that equals school registration fees, I'm just clearly not ready for them to go back. NOR am I ready for the joyous one to head off to college just one week later.

Being this is my first summer without graduate school for, count them, five summers...I may have slightly over enjoyed this summer. In fact, I'm catching up on things like cleaning under my bed and organizing the linen closet. True story, both of those have happened. Perhaps I will enjoy the business of two teens in high school without homework and classes of my own. There's a chance that I'll relish in all things back to school like I have in all things summer this year...but it's unlikely.

The good news is, we still have a weekend planned for the beach... Summer, it just doesn't get any better than this.

Coming in and out of your life...

2011-07-25T19:57:00.004-05:00

That title is from a Barbra Streisand song that I loved...perhaps in middle school? That seems odd to me, that I would like that song at that age, but I loved to hear Barbra belt it out, while playing the record. (For all you under 25, that's a plastic thing that music used to come on that was played with a needle...odd I know) Anyway, I heard on the radio that every 7 years or so, 50% of your friends are no longer your friends. ponder, ponder, ponder...I have found myself saying lately on more than one occasion, that SO many people have come and gone from my life recently and I really wasn't appreciating it. I'm thinking we lose friends so often, because people change jobs so often...you think? I have been extremely blessed to have maintained friendships from my last job (one I was at for 9 years), especially when the job was in a daycare where you see your friends and their children for 9 or 10 hours every day where everyone is so close, I count myself lucky. I still have a few friends from a job I had for 9 years before that. Hmmmm, there seems to be a trend with the 9 year thing...Anyway, the point I'm making is this...friendships have to be maintained. They do. When one of my best friends left for greener pastures, we committed that if we had to we would schedule time to see each other! Doesn't that sound crazy? But...it worked. We used to schedule scrapbooking trips and then when our budgets got tighter, we scheduled scrapbooking nights. Well, our last night of scrapbooking, I'm not sure anyone scrapbooked, but we all sure did chit chat and catch up and it was wonderful. We looked at Lia Sophia, we talked about soap operas, we talked about who knew who and who lived a few houses from my daughter's boyfriend. I suggested maybe next we should schedule dinner and movie so we can all just chat!! Those nights I cherish and the time flies so fast. We always try to schedule our next get together right away or before we know it, kids have gone off to college! Ok, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration...but you know, time gets away from you and next thing you know, 50% of your friends are gone!

To digress and share a memory from my baby book: My mom wrote, Jacque doesn't like when anyone goes bye bye without her. Odd isn't it...it's only a few years later :) and I still don't like when people go bye bye without me! So, here's the thing...if you're in my life, make an effort to stay there ok? I'll do the same...

http://youtu.be/VkGAi-LVSbQ

I hear voices...not the kind that require $300 an hour therapy sessions, but voices none the less

2011-06-30T00:18:00.004-05:00

I am a country music monger. When driving in the car the other day my baby niece said..."Auntie, we don't listen to this music at my house, we only listen to rock and roll." The funny part of that statement is that her mama sure doesn't listen to rock and roll, unless Brittany Spears and Lady Gaga have suddenly changed genres. Anyway, I digress...on the second sentence, that must be a record.

I was going to blog about voices. A post that was inspired by the country song...Voices, by Chris Young. A few lines...

I hear voices...

Like my dad sayin, work that job, but don't work your life away
Mama tellin me to drop some cash, in the offering plate on Sunday.
And Grandad sayin you can have a few, but don't ever cross the line.
I hear voices all the time.

You get the picture now right? THOSE kind of voices.

So as I was ~~deep in thought~~ paying close attention to driving and listening to that song I began to ponder a variety of the voices that still bounce around in my head today. Come to think of it, maybe some did require therapy...clearly that's a story for another day...

Thought I'd share a few of my favorites...

Work before play .... I'm not sure, but I've surely been called a work-a-holic

Pretty is as pretty does .... I'm still pondering that and I'm not sure where sarcasm falls on that continuum...but sarcasm can be pretty, right?

Showers and snacks before 9:00 ... probably why my kids have no bed time ...

If this is old age, I don't want any part of it ... A truer word has never been mumbled by my precious Gramma Bee

Are you cereal? ... spoken when something just couldn't be

S'nice piece ... Originally spoken to depict a lovely antique

Flip-ops ... all rubber bottom shoes shall now be known as flip-ops

It's too mall ... when something clearly doesn't fit!

It's not Santa, it's Marks! ... from a little friend who departed this Earth MUCH too early and clearly wasn't fooled by that Santa costume!

Graaaatefully I didn't write these down while I was paying careful attention to my driving...they just all continued to bounce around in my head. There are so many. It amazes me how many times each day I think of the person who's 'line' I still hear to this day...in their voice. They are fond memories...they have become a part of my voice.

You have voices? Feel free to share them here and save the therapy fee :)

In 30 minutes or less

2011-06-21T07:55:00.003-05:00

The time leading up to my daughter's graduation was certainly a roller coaster of emotions for me. I spent a lot of time crying happy tears as well as I can't believe it's over tears. I cried them not only for my daughter but for at least 20 of her closest friends. I went to many end of the year performances where I watched out of the corner of my eye. If I were to watch too closely and realize this is the last this or this is the last that...the tears would flow. When graduation day finally came....no tears! I was pretty sure they were all out...until now.

It's graduation party time and that means creating a "Joyous one, this is your life" video. I'm not sure how you summarize 18 wonderful years in 30 minutes or less, but I have done my best. As I walked into the video store with pictures, videos, music in hand...the tears began to flow. Thankfully, a family friend is making her video so I was among understanding company :). After a bit of a struggle at the door, a thought popped into my mind. 'Be grateful you are creating her graduation video and not an end of life story'. If've had friends that have lost their children at tragically young ages due to very tragic circumstances and once I got things in perspective, I was able to go through the pictures and videos and realize what a celebration this is....with no tears. I am blessed to have raised a successful young lady with a good head on her shoulders. I couldn't be more proud of her. I so enjoyed watching her baby videos...her sweet face, her cute waves, and best of all her saying, "Grammie! Take a picta of me making this face!" Pictures of soccer, dance, softball, birthday parties, sleep overs, dragways, playing in the front yard, plays, musicals, and honors societies. It has been one amazing ride...one that I will summarize in 30 minutes or less...with joy in my heart.

I just decided not to

2011-06-19T10:07:00.004-05:00

In the past hour or so, I have toyed with the idea of going to church. It's ordinarily not a decision, I just get up and go. Today is a little bit different. Today is father's day. Which means to me, two things. One, my dad is buried in the cremation garden, which I will have to walk by to go to church. Two, my former pastor is also buried in the cremation garden, which I will have to walk by to go to church. Any other day, I enjoy throwing a greeting their way...Hi Poppy & Pastor Bill, hope things are well in Heaven....miss you more than you know.

Today....I'm longing for a pastor Bill sermon about father's day and a trip to the store to buy Twinkies and peanut butter cookies for my dad, not a visit or a walk by the cremation garden. I'm longing to hear the benediction...And now may the Lord bless you and keep you, may he make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May God give you his peace in your going out and in your coming in, in your lying down and in your rising up, in your labor and in your leisure, in your laughter and in your tears, until that day you stand before Jesus in which there is no dawning and no end, in Pastor Bill's powerful voice with his hand held high for the blessing.

I'm longing for hugs for my kids from their Poppy, and handmade wooden toys, or the project B, or S, or K. I'm longing to hear...hey Jackson!...to take a picture on the Polaroid, or to go on a family outing to the garden store. But most of all....I'm longing to not be sad.

So today...I'm going to just stay home

I know a large Blue dog that needs a face lift...

2011-06-18T14:08:00.002-05:00

We have a large dog. An old large dog. With big saggy lips. The lips have never been a problem until he turned about 10 1/2. We first started noticing wet spots on the floor where he had been sleeping. Assuming he was becoming incontinent, we assumed the worst. However the spots were no where near large enough to be that. We finally figured out it was drool.

Our dog is part great Dane and part lab...so he has big saggy lips. Now, evidently they are too saggy to hold in the drool. There are not only wet spots where he sleeps, but around his water bowl since part of the water goes in, and the other part leaks out his lips!

I've heard of a tummy tuck, but never a lip tuck. Perhaps he needs collagen implants in his lips to fluff them up a bit and thereby hold in the drool?

Anyone one know a dog plastic surgeon? Or better yet, anyone wanna donate several boxes of swiffers for the cause?

Be it ever so humble...

2011-06-15T21:22:00.003-05:00

There is no place like my own bed :) We just took an amazing trip to Disney World for the joyous one's graduation from high school. It was a fabulous trip, because not only did the Ruchus attend with two boyfriends in tow, but also, my two brothers and their lovely wives. Eleven of us in all! There will soon be a photo montage of the 400 images of all things Disney...AND I hope to get a copy of my sister in law's pics that actually have me in them! Shocking I know, but I digress.

OK, so, you know how you don't appreciate something until it's gone? Well that is what I discovered about my bed. You see, we have one of those beds that when the other person moves...you don't feel it. And I must admit, I appreciate it every day. Let me mention that Disney World did NOT have the foresight to invest in 80,000 of those mattresses and WOW did I notice! I was certain I was on a cruise ship, or in a tornado, or an earthquake or something every time the man of the place moved in the super tiny double Disney bed.

So....besides having a great time, spending some MUCH needed time with my brothers and family (including celebrating the 10 year anniversary of my kidney donation) the best part of being home is by far my bed! As I sat in bed for the best part of two hours catching up on work email...let me just mention that I don't think the man of the place has moved once. Evidently he saved all that for the super tiny double Disney bed.

Did I mention I was glad to be home?

Sitting without panic

2011-05-30T19:36:00.003-05:00

Mama Ruchus...does not sit well. Perhaps that is why for the past 20 years, she has maintained 3 jobs, 3 kids, a marriage, an unkept house, and earned a few college degrees along the way. Mrs. Ruchus is definitely at a crossroads...the road to cross includes sitting. As in actual down time, and mama Ruchus just isn't too sure what to do with that.

It all started a few weeks ago, when she finished her final master's degree...yes you heard it hear first...FINAL degree and found herself with a spare evening on her hands; one that had been filled with the drone of professors for the past two years. On top of that, she found herself with some free time on the weekends, because there was no 'couldn't hate it any more' homework calling her name. To top it all off, the precious one began driving and the joyous one graduated high school. YES! GRADUATED!! No more musicals, award nights, voices performances, bringing dinner, signing permission slips, scholarship applications, finding the missing shoe, prom dress shopping, and the list goes on and on. You get the picture...there is A LOT of unanticipated free time. Mama made the first executive decision about what to do with all this newfound free time and joined a garden club. That only covered one night per month. She found herself with nothing to do (cleverly excluding the years of housework and laundry she is behind).

That first night was awkward to say the least. Sitting by the pond, nope...walking the neighborhood, nope...cleaning closets, nope...nap, nope...none of those things worked to relax her, had deadlines, or were remotely even comfortable.

Until now...

The breezes of summer are blowing. Mama Ruchus has adjusted...or is at least making the valiant effort to try...to sit and just be. The pond has been a wonderful addition although the incessant sounds of the bullfrogs do limit the amount of sleep mama can get on certain evenings....it has been peaceful none the less and mama has learned to sit. So much so, that she believes a patio set is in her future; and a patio; and a house in a warmer climate. Mama may like this sitting stuff so much, that sitting on the patio set, on the patio, by the pond, may become a year long past time.

We're still a little busy here at the Ruchus, don't worry. Summer ball starts tomorrow and the boy is taking his drivers test this weekend. Oh, and then there's the years of housework and laundry to catch up. But for now...the mama is sitting; and getting quite used to it!

BALLLS IN!!!!

2011-04-12T18:45:00.004-05:00

Tis the season...again! There are a whole lot of balls in our house that are holding great significance at this time...

First...let me introduce you to this little darling:

This specimen can often be found at the receiving end of the precious one's foot right into the goal! I coached soccer many moons ago and when it was time for the precious one to play, in true fashion she put those little hands on her hips and pronounced, "I don't want to play soccer. I want to play softball with my friend Caroline!" And so it began; summer ball that is. After several years of the rec leagues she tried out for high school ball. After many days of conditioning and tryouts, the precious one was cut from the high school soft ball team and ended up playing soccer by default...and is really quite good at it. I do love to watch her play soccer :)

Then, there is this...

The precious one is also quite fond of this and plays tennis...in the fall. Spring tennis is for boys and the sonshine loves nothing more than tennis. No referees, no team, just him, the ball, and the opponent. His kind of sport. AND I love to watch him play tennis :)

Finally, there's this...

And summer just isn't the same without it. Many girls on the precious one's team have been together for 7 years. Fast pitch softball is summer to me. I have sat at the ball diamond doing homework many summers, 7 summers to be exact, but I was there. This year, as I am done with school in two short weeks...there will be no homework for me! But there will be summer ball. I can't wait!

Baaaaaaaaaalls in! Let the games begin!

Highly Educated and Flat Broke

2011-03-26T13:20:00.002-05:00

If you're en education monger like me...did you ever find yourself saying after this degree I'll get this job and then...or, after this degree I'll get that job and then...or do you find yourself saying, after the 4th degree, I'll get that job, the economy will take a dump, pay cuts, furlough days, unpaid holidays and benefit increases will ensue? ME NEITHER!!! Well, despite the stupid, ugly, annoying, disturbing...well you get the picture...economy, I still find myself on the path to paying down my debt and sending my first daughter off to college. Has it been easy? Really? Not at all. But I'm sticking to it. We have sure learned to live with less....and that often includes gas and groceries, but there are times you feel like you're being closed in on and then the break is going to come. I surely hope that's where I'm at.

I finally have my type 75, which means I can and am applying to a variety of schools to see what options are out there for me. I am also just waiting for one more form from my college so that I can take my LCSW and finally after almost 6 years can begin seeing clients that have insurance. I have always said, when I knew starting out the road would be this long, I wouldn't have started. In hindsight, I'm glad I didn't know...and I'm glad I started...and I'm even more glad I finished. Now it's time to accept the challenges, take the risks and move forward.

I've been married 21 years. The very first book my husband and I read together was "Do what you love, the money will follow". OK, every day I find myself doing what I love. It is now time for the money to follow!

On a brighter note...my kids are on spring break this week. I am not, but I took the week off for 2 reasons. It's the last spring break my kids will be home together and I didn't want to miss it. AND, oh my gosh, could I be any further behind? The paint I bough in December is still sitting in the dining room with the half-stripped wallpaper. That, my friends, cannot continue any longer! The laundry and this house have been put on notice...Spring Cleaning time has arrived!!!
Open the windows and let the fresh air of spring move you!

Couldn't be any more delicious...

2011-03-20T19:46:00.002-05:00

Tonight I find myself in wind down mode...for two months or what seems like an eternity, my girls have been practicing for Footloose the Musical....many nights, many hours, and many many trips to school with dinner. Once or twice I cooked and took food to them, but most of the time it was fast food. Isn't it amazing how fast food can seem like a treat, until you eat it all the time and then...YUCK!

Today was the last show. I've seen the play 5 times in 5 days and I am more than ready for a break, a nap, and did I mention....HOME COOKED FOOD! Tonight I made a simple thrown together recipe I call rice stuff for lack of a better name...celery, hamburger, rice, chicken noodle soup, cream of mushroom soup, pepper and Parmesan cheese. Sounds terrible I know, but tastes terrific! It's one of the few all-in-one-pan foods my son will eat. He looked hesitantly in the pan and announced, "Oh! I like that!" Yes son, I know you do!

So...the thrown together recipe, canned green beans, and a glass of milk. In a real glass. Without a lid...or a straw. Nothing has ever tasted more delicious!

Are you thinking Christmas yet?

2011-03-13T14:53:00.004-05:00

It is just the very strangest thing, how urges come and go with me. My very latest urge is to cross-stitch, which I find very odd. I haven't cross stitched in about a hundred years, but when I go to my mother in law's house or my mom's house, there hang beautiful cross stiches that I have done over the years. In true form, I have none in my house...none. Well, as long as you don't count the unfinished projects! (I know they're around here somewhere!) I've been wanting to start cross stitching again for about a month now. I have talked myself out of it over and over telling myself, it will soon be spring and the garden will need the attention, not the cross stitch! Recently I have told myself that perhaps the house requires the attention, perhaps finishing the half peeled wall paper border in my dining room and maybe even using the paint that I bought 3 months ago to paint the dining room! Oh, and I might possibly find time to find my missing telephoto lens and the battery charger for my camera. Lord help me! So much to do, so little time; unfortunately to no avail...

Today...I gave in.

After a blissful hour spent at Michael's browsing the painting aisle, the scrap aisle, the floral isle, the cake making aisle, and the cross stitch aisle...I was hooked. And what I have I decided on you ask? Christmas stockings!

When I came home and hopped on ebay, I found myself humming Christmas carols on this, the 'spring ahead day' with the warmest weather of the year. How very odd is that? I am most pleased to say I purchased this little darling on ebay...

You can't stand it right?!? Neither can I!! As I was looking through a variety of patterns and picking out one for my husband and I, I thought to myself..."self...in the not too distant future there may be spouses, that may require a stocking on the fireplace, and self, you better buy more than five patterns" :) And so I did!!! NINE, count them NINE patterns....one for each of us, and three for future spouses, and 1 extra :) In case there's a pattern I don't like!

I strangely feel better. I've talked myself into the fact that I can cross stitch in the summer...after dark right? Then I won't be taking time away from the garden, the bird feeders, walking the dog or any other daylight sort of thing. In case I haven't mentioned it...I am also DONE!!! with a capital D; DONE with college in 7 short weeks and I will certainly require something to fill my time. Not to mention I have a baby going off to college in 5 short months. I am anticipating some time to cross stitch. It's good to know I'll have plenty of patterns to choose from!

Completely away from the Christmas topic...I made my first potential garden trade today. (insert an incurable smile on my face) Let me begin by saying that my house and especially my gardens have suffered over the past 5 years I have been in graduate school and interning. This year, I intend to get these gardens in order! Ihave even contemplated rejoining the plantaholics garden club :) My son's friend's mom (got that?) has a beautiful hosta that I have been envying for the past few summers. Today I mentioned to her, as I was there to pick up his forgotten DS, you know, I'd love to trade you some hosta of mine for some hosta of yours...and she agreed! Give us a few more weeks when they peek through the ground and let the trading begin!!!

Happy Spring! oh...and Merry Christmas!

A useful use for something...often annoying

2011-02-26T09:23:00.002-06:00

My husband is the king. THE KING I tell you...of bad jokes. Jokes that he thinks are hilarious and because of this feels it necessary to tell them. Repeatedly. I've tried everything to change this. I've told him the old adage...never tell a bad joke more than once. I've given him an online subscription to joke of the day. I share jokes with him that I actually think are funny. FUNNY!!!! There's a novel idea...a joke that's funny.

I think, however, I may finally had the epiphany we've all been waiting for. The other day while driving back to work, after droppin the precious one at the library for a research seminar (nothing but a good time I tell ya), driving through and getting my lunch, and not 8 seconds later receiving a call asking if I could bring him lunch, I found myself on the phone, listening to another less than stellar joke. "Did you hear about the midget (If your under 4' please don't be offended, it's not my joke) that moved into a nudist colony?" Uh, no, and I probably don't want to, was my response. "He was asked to leave cuz he always had his nose in everyone's business" Followed by nearly hysterical laughter at the other end of the phone. I was silent. "Did you hear me? He had his nose..." Yes dear, I heard you. "Well isn't that crazy funny?" Silence. I do actually feel badly for him at times ;)

Wait for it...

Here's my new solution! Honey, I said. I think I have a useful use for your jokes! The very next time a telemarketer or better yet A BILL COLLECTOR calls you....TELL THEM YOUR JOKES!!!! There I said it! Doesn't that just sound like the best solution ever? Certainly it will cut down on unwanted calls and my husband could continue to tell the bad jokes over and over to someone other than me...or his precious children...or his mother...or anyone else that will listen. If you'd like, we could start a daily email of bad jokes and you could use them too!

Needless to say, my husband went on to figure out who he hadn't told his latest and worst too...his poor mother. Sorry Grandmother I tried to deter him, but to no avail. Better luck next time!

It's not summer break, but it feels very similar

2011-02-24T07:37:00.003-06:00

Life as a mom of three darling high schoolers can be hectic. Can be? Wait. IS HECTIC! All. the. time. Just sayin. However...there are points in life, such as today, when the darlings have a 4 day weekend. This allows me to get up, not wait for the bathroom, not run around waking the dead 3, 4, 8, as many as it takes times, before finally bellowing, "I'm leaving!!! Good luck with getting up!"

This morning...it is peaceful, tranquil, quiet, serene...you get the picture. Just me, one big lazy dog, one small hyper dog and two adorable cats (who may become unadorable very quickly if they don't get some breakfast).

It almost seems like summer :) Ahhhhhhhhh summer. Except for the pesky snow on the ground, which serves as a reminder that school will resume on Monday. Until then, I'm livin in my fantasy summer break world. Have a great day!

You take the top, I'll take the bottom

2011-02-22T07:26:00.004-06:00

Let me just be the first to say that Great Dane feet are NOT, I repeat are NOT meant to walk on human feet. As I am sleepily trying to let the little dog in this morning, my old big dog decides that my foot would be the perfect place to stand. And not move. Thereby pulling my sock right off, as I tried to get to the door without falling. I was successful in letting the little dog in; I was also successful in noticing how sweet and adorable that big dog is. Before leaving for the day, I squeezed him and whispered....it's ok Blue...you walk on the top and I'll walk on the bottom. (An old time statement compliments of my beloved Gramma Bee) Have a great day!

We're just lovin' and laughin' and bustin' our asses and we call it all livin' the dream...

2011-02-18T18:11:00.002-06:00

Do you ever find yourself evaluating that whole livin the dream thing? I'm here to tell you that it seems to me that livin the dream ain't all it's cracked up to be sometimes. I am ETERNALLY grateful that after many hours each week of bustin my a** that I have a safe haven to come home to where I have a wonderful husband, three amazing kids, a peaceful home and a handful of pets.

There are times in my life when I have certainly had my fill of liars, fakes, and people without ethics or morals, and not that I'm perfect...cuz I have a looooooong way to go...but I'll tell ya, I know right from wrong as do most kids by the time they reach 5 and I just don't understand how people get through life, become adults, get themselves a happy little job and just fake their way along.

There's a saying I learned a long time ago..."I put my eggs all in one basket and I was surprised when they got broke". I tried HARD to be trusting, that people would not let me down if my eggs were all in one basket. I gave it my all. I learned. Next time....no eggs in that basket. Just sayin. Live and learn. Thanks for listening...the domestic Goddess of the Ruchus feels much better.

Dare I, Shall I, Might I?

2011-01-26T20:04:00.003-06:00

You know the old adage, the names have been changed to protect the innocent? I'm contemplating it; let me tell you why...whenever I tell a story, not just any story, but an honest to God, truthful story of some of the craziness that has occurred throughout my lifetime, or even today, let's say...I am often told...you should write a book, or how did you turn out remotely sane, or you've got to be kidding me, or sometimes there's swearing involved, hysterics, blah blah blah, you get the picture. But here's the glitch...seriously many of these things are worth sharing...however...there's the public life, the job, the other job, the third job, the professional reputation, the public servant duties which shall remain nameless, let's just say...many things at stake if I were to cough up and put into print such truthful craziness. So, I have contemplated an anonymous blog...something that says I live in Australia say, and my name is Sally Jo May, and the other people I know...well let's just say they would be anonymous too and I could finally have my say....get it?

I am REALLY feeling it today. I think I'll add it to my to do list. Perhaps you'll find the alter ego me, somewhere...feigning residency in Australia...and letting it rip! Good'ay Mate!

December Daily - December 25th

2011-01-02T19:59:00.003-06:00

I did it! I did it! I actually completed a daily photography project! AND I already made the scrap book. So once I finish this post, I just have to print my pictures and voila! I am so excited! When I was scrapbooking the other day, I say a tote bag that said, "Queen of unfinished projects" and I pondered how perfect that was for me. Usually...but not this time! No sirreeee! This here project is complete. And now for the final December Daily...

Christmas morning has always included our kids opening gifts at our house and then we head over to Grandma's. Grandma's house is the same every year. Kids, presents, stockings, breakfast, hugs, naps, dinner, naps, then home to play with our new toys. I am truly blessed with THE most amazing mother - in - law in the world. As always at the grandmas...a good time was had by all! Merry Christmas.

December Daily - December 24th

2011-01-02T19:54:00.003-06:00

As is the tradition, my famiy celebrates Christmas on Christmas Eve. We have usually had a big dinner at our house, but in the past few years, I have found that this makes it difficult for me to enjoy the evening and also leaves me with a huge post holiday mess. This year we broke from tradition and went to JMK Nippon for dinner. It was a little different because we had to arrange our budget to afford it, as well as our celebration was cut a bit short since no one showed up for hors d'ovres, but instead all met at the restaurant. I'm hoping next year to move up the gathering time so we can all spend more time together before dinner. Stephanie and Kristina weren't sure they liked the change, but everyone else responded positively. Perhaps we'll try it again next year and see if it will become a new Ruchus tradition!

December Daily - December 23rd

2011-01-02T19:52:00.004-06:00

Delivery day is by far our favorite. Due to some of our usual recipients being on vacation and making our cookies later than usual this year, we had a small delivery list. I love how bubbly and excited my girls are when we deliver our cookie trays. The oohs and aahs as people sample our cookies make all the effort and time well worth it. We love to bring joy to others at Christmas! This tray went to our friends at Circles of Learning. I love that a few weeks before Christmas, the staff there started asking on Facebook wether they would be getting cookies this year :) That warms a person's heart I tell ya!

December Daily - December 22nd

2011-01-02T19:48:00.002-06:00

The best part of our cookie baking tradition is how much my daughter's look forward to the baking and how much the cookie recipients look forward to the eating! We got a little smart this year and started with the most difficult (the roll and cut cookies) first this year. It's always a good idea to bake the ones that require the most patience first right? After trying different cut out recipes and spritz recipes, I returned to the original tried and true cut out cookies recipe from when my kids were little and the cookies turned out fabulously! I made butter and powdered sugar frosting with sprinkles and all of them turned out so cute. I also purchased a set of medium sized cutters so we had more cookies than if we used the large wilton ones. Much better this year!

December Daily - December 21st

2011-01-02T19:39:00.004-06:00

Our main family tradition at Christmas time, revolves around our cookie baking extravaganza. I took this picture to demonstrate that I do, in fact, have the smallest kitchen ever that has created hundreds of dozens of cookies! Our baking is usually a 5 day process. Day one planning cookies and recipies and making the shopping list. Day 2...shopping! Day 3 and 4 baking, Day 5 decorating and then our favorite part...delivery :) This year we added peanut butter cup cookies and they were fabulous! They will definitely become part of the annual list which includes sugar cut out cookies, cranberry cookies, strawberry sandwich cookies, thumbprint cookies, russian tea cakes, peanut butter blossoms, peanut butter balls, peanut butter cup cookies, corn flake wreaths, and carrot cake cookies.

December Daily - December 20th

2010-12-21T16:58:00.002-06:00

One tradition that didn't happen this year is our outside lights. Of the 9 strands necessary to icicle our entire house 3 of them didn't work. By the time I got around to purchasing three more, the roof was ice/snow covered, making it way too unsafe for one of the girls to get up there to put up the lights. Another tradition, the snowman tree, almost had a similar fate. You see, I am a fan of snowmen. I just don't think there is anything happier than a chubby, snowy, snowman face. I love them so much that I have a whole tree with only snowman ornaments. Kristina brought the tree up from the basement, arranged all the ornaments and replaced the snowflakes. She plugged in the tree and fsssssss. The top half was dark. The tree sat that way for at least 10 days while I shopped for another strand of white lights. Oh, did I mention I'm cheap? I'm not paying $8 for a strand of lights, so I was shopping for the $1.50 strand. I finally found it yesterday at Target...so now my snowman tree is back in business! Kristina was so kind to undecorate the top, put on the new lights, and redecorate the tree for the second time this year. Merry Christmas my little snowy friends!

December Daily - December 19th

2010-12-21T14:57:00.002-06:00

Today was the 4th Sunday of Advent. We started the day with Church and then spent the day with Aubrey and Ashlyn. Ashlyn was amazed at the ornaments on the tree and must have spent at least a half hour looking at all the ornaments!

December Daily - December 18th

2010-12-21T14:54:00.003-06:00

Stephanie has begun to carry on the traditions started at home...she now makes almond bark pretzels for her friends/teachers at Christmas :) Of course, her dad was annoyed there were none left for him!

December Daily - December 17th

2010-12-21T14:52:00.003-06:00

Today Santa came to Easter Seals. The kids were so amazed and happy to get their presents from him. Wendy (my boss) came today from Chicago and brought a present for Lacey from her honey Charlie...Lacey loves her new squeeky toy. She even takes him outside with her when she goes potty!

December Daily - December 16th

2010-12-21T14:49:00.002-06:00

Today was the most amazing day. The Voices of Harlem came to sing for the kids at my school. It was so nice to see 27 kids with autism, just being kids and enjoying the holiday music.

December Daily - December 15th

2010-12-16T08:09:00.003-06:00

Mmmmmmm, can you smell it? The amount of baking that goes on in this house at Christmas is nothing short of world record setting I tell you! This year, in addition to the hundreds of dozens of Christmas cookies that will be made, I decided it would be nice to bake each of my staff members a baby loaf of bread using my sister-in-law's terrific banana bread recipe. The glitch with this recipe is the baking time is an hour...so it's quite the production. Especially considering I only have one oven and one rack in said oven (For 5 years now...heaven forbid we actually plan to, remember to, and purchase a second rack). At this point I have16 loaves baked, but need 42. I had planned on baking all night on Thursday, but got a call last night that I now have to host a Christmas Party for one of our staff members who had a family emergency. At this point, I believe there will be a whole lot of late night baking and not a whole lot of sleeping going on at the Ruchus.

December Daily - December 14th

2010-12-16T08:02:00.004-06:00

I have spoken before on the ole' blog about being a procrastinator; actually about how I can turn procrastination into a fine science. The Ruchus Christmas cards are a fine example of the difficulties that can arise when the gal in charge participates in procrastination with a capital P. Some years I call them New Year's cards. Some years I hope to call them Happy Summer cards, but to save myself the embarrassment, we just begin looking forward to next year :) This year, things are different! I started the cards in October when I was at a weekend long scrap retreat. Fabulous I KNOW!! Then, we planned the Christmas picture to be taken when we cut down our tree. Even though my sonshine didn't cooperate and ended up being grounded over his less than stellar enthusiasm toward our group family photo AND even though I have now discovered that each card requires 88 cents in postage, which do the math equals a small fortune....the Ruchus Christmas Cards went in the mail TODAY!!! Well....most of them. I have a few folks that are address hold outs...and if you're one of those GET ME YOUR ADDRESS!!! But other than that, people on the far coasts of this country will be receiving their Ruchus Christmas card on time...Merry Christmas y'all!

December Daily - December 13th

2010-12-16T07:57:00.002-06:00

Today's December Daily is about the tradition that wasn't. Every year when the kids were little, my mother always bought them an advent calendar. There was always some kind of fiasco that included someone eating someone else's candy, or someone eating all 25 pieces the first two days, but none the less, it was tradition. After my mom moved away, I began purchasing the advent calendars and more of the same continued. No one ever fessed up to eating anyone else's candy, but as they kids got older they got smarter and began hiding their calendars :) This year, in the flurry of all things Christmas, I overlooked the advent calendars until this December Daily project got me to thinking about our traditions...So today...December 13th I began calling around to find their calendars. After 11 phone calls...count them 11 to various Walgreen's, CVS, other pharmacies and Hallmark, I have sadly decided there will be no Advent Calendars this year. The Advent Calendar in 2010 is the tradition that wasn't.

December Daily - December 12th

2010-12-12T19:50:00.002-06:00

I'm proud to announce I'm half way there! Half way through my December daily and haven't missed a day. That in itself is a great accomplishment for me! Today has been THE BEST day. I started at church, then picked up some party supplies at GFS for the holiday party at school, then picked up my best friend's babies whom I had not seen in MUCH too long. After I picked them up and we drove to the grocery store, I found myself just smiling and enjoying every word that came out of their mouths. I surely love these babies as if they are my own and even if they're not babies anymore, they'll always be babies to me! These super precious twins, look to me just like they did the day they were born only slightly bigger :) Today we built a ginger bread house, made corn flake wreath cookies for their mama, watched frosty the snowman and talked...A LOT!! They are so wonderful and I am so blessed to be able to spend just a little bit of my day with them!

December Daily - December 11th

2010-12-12T19:48:00.004-06:00

Tis the baking season...and at the Ruchus that means purchasing in large quantities. This year I added to my baking list a mini loaf of banana chocolate chip bread for all of my staff members. Evidently so did many other people because when I went to the store to buy bananas, I bought all the rest that they had. Buying large quantites of bananas didn't even garner a 'what on Earth' look from the checker...

December Daily - December 10th

2010-12-12T19:41:00.002-06:00

Forth time is the charm. Do you ever know how something needs to be just so? Well...that is the issue with our Christmas tree star. We had a star for many years that we loved...Finally it died and we through it out. Last year we bought a beautiful angel for top of the tree, which really wasn't so beautiful. Nobody liked it. Maybe if it had lights it would have been better. I'm not sure. It matched my Mom's tree so we gave it to her. This year, we started on a search for our new star. I refused to pay 20 or even 30 dollars for a star. No way. So I bought a $5 one at Target and after I got it home...well let's just not mince words here, it was butt ugly! My husband and I searched at least 8 more stores and couldn't find anything we liked. Some were pretty, but open in the back where you could only see wires. Since you can see the front and back of our tree, that wouldn't do. I finally resigned myself to the fact that we weren't finding a star this year and bought red sparkly ribbon to make a big bow. But then! The Christmas miracle...I went to Hobby Lobby and there...was the exact star we had before, 50% off, making the grand total $6. Now...our previous star had red lights. When I got home I told the girls...the only way this could be better was if this star had white lights. I plugged it in and behold~ I bring you tidings of great joy~ The star shimmers in the night.

December Daily - December 9th

2010-12-10T08:16:00.003-06:00

Ahhhhh, the Christmas Choir Concert. I surely didn't get through this without a few tears. What a beautiful evening, and what beautiful daughters I had performing!

December Daily - December 8th

2010-12-10T08:14:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite holiday traditions is sending but most importantly recieving Christmas cards. I especially love the photo cards to see how everyone has changed over the year...It's always so exciting when we recieve our first cards!

December Daily - December 7th

2010-12-10T08:12:00.002-06:00

Writing has never been a favorite past time for Brennan. When he was younger, one of the only ways we could get him to write was to tell him he wouldn't get any Birthday or Christmas presents unless he made a list...He's become pretty proficient at list making and proudly displays his wish list on the fridge!

December Daily - December 6th

2010-12-06T20:28:00.003-06:00

Along with our first single digit days come the first of the non starting cars. Usually we are pleased with these happenings since they cause the shop to be busy. Today...not so much, since it was Stephanie's car that wasn't starting. I took her to her Voices performance at 8:15 this morning and picked her up from the drama club meeting at 4:30...it's 8:17 pm now and her dad is fixing her car at the shop...so she can resume her busy schedule tomorrow with her own transportation!

December Daily - December 5th

2010-12-06T20:16:00.003-06:00

We went today to Williams Tree Farm to cut down our first Christmas tree! It was freezing cold but lots of fun!

December Daily - December 4th

2010-12-06T20:13:00.004-06:00

Easter Seals Christmas Party!! SO Fun! It was so nice to show up to a party that I had no part in planning. what a wonderful evening of dinner and dancing.

December Daily - December 3rd

2010-12-06T20:00:00.004-06:00

This was such an exciting day for Brennan. Today he got his class ring. I had picked out my own design choice and he picked out his. You can rank your maturity as a parent when you let your son choose his own deisgn. In this case, he chose the gaming design with his gaming nickname -Dusk. He is so pleased with his choice and I wouldn't have it any other way!

December Daily - December 2nd

2010-12-06T19:59:00.002-06:00

December 2nd NHS Induction Banquet. We are so so proud of Stephanie and all that she has accomplished in High School. Dr. Morris, Superintendant and Mr. Hazen, HHS principal pose for a photo :)

December Daily - December 1

2010-12-06T19:54:00.003-06:00

Nothing says Christmas to me like kids in jammies :) Especially footie jammies! My great nephews and niece Robert, Ryan, and Lizzie in their jammies. Trying to get them all to look and smile at the same time is similar to herding cats!

December Daily

2010-12-04T15:16:00.003-06:00

First let me start out by saying that I'm not very good at doing something every day for any length of time...except for the obvious things like breathing, being a mom, sleeping, etc. I have tried several daily photography projects without success...the ones with the three digit numbers come to mind as especially large failures on my part. Despite all of these past fails...I have committed to December Daily...let me tell you why.

Before I know it, our Christmases will be changing as my young adults begin to leave the nest. *sigh Soooooooo, before that happens, I'd like to document this last Christmas, day by day, so we can look back fondly on our family traditions while the kids were growing up.

I have taken December Daily pics for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd...and I have today's in mind. I did not create the album in advance like Ali Edwards recommends, but I know I have a scrap day planned for December 29th AND I'm anticipating great sales on Christmas fodder at that time, so that is the day I plan to make my album :) So...stay tuned...

I am hopeful I can stick with it for 25 short days. For more on December Daily, visit Ali's website here... www.aliedwards.com and stay tuned to the ole' blog for December Daily photos...

Now, where did I put that memory card?

Thanksgiving....Go Team!!

2010-11-28T21:23:00.003-06:00

There were 18 on the invitation list this year and what was especially delightful was the clean house my children had prepared in advance of the big day. Outside of tidying up the bathroom, washing the dishes as I made them and showering, the only thing on my list to do on Thanksgiving was cook. I had so little to do, in fact, I even squeezed in a nap!

Previous years have usually found me with wet hair fresh from showering and mopping the kitchen floor as the first of the guests arrived. OOOOORRR, there was the frantic call to my mother-in-law, "I have guests in 2 hours, can you please come help me finish the house?!?" and like always, she'd be there.

This year, we had a different kind of team work. My brother and his wife stopped by to drop off some things they had made, just as I realized it was taking MUCH too long to cook my pumpkin pie. So long in fact that I was now behind on getting the turkey in the oven. Upon my thorough investigation I discovered the oven had turned off. Over a fury of turning it on, and it turning off, and I turning it on, and it turning off, and my cursing and turning it on, and it turning off...um, you get the picture, it quickly became apparent I was having an oven malfunction. Now, since we had bought the scratch and dent version my oven only has one rack and even though we pledge to buy another rack every year, we never do and because of this, cooking and especially baking have been turned into a fine science in my house, especially with 18 on the way. I can deal with that, but now add to the one rack the fact that the oven turns itself off each time it reaches cooking temp was just a bit much to bear. I called my mother-in-law frantic and asked her to bring over a roaster for the turkey. In true form, she was there in 15 minutes, still in her pj's roaster in hand. I pointed out that the kitchen floor had already been mopped, so she could go back home and rest :) Crisis averted...for now. I still had muffins, green bean casserole, and sweet potatoes to bake somewhere. My sister-in-law offered her oven...as my husband and brother were tackling the digital complexities of my oven, trying to coax it into working. Finally, through a series of pounding, opening and closing the door, turning on and off fans...it was working....sigh of relief! Muffins went in the oven and I moved on to mixing the whipping cream for the fruit salad. Turned on the mixer and...silence; and it was not golden. I flipped the GFI, tried a different outlet, had my brother look at the mixer, and no luck. Into the garbage it went. My sister-in-law went to her house to get her mixer. Her mixer is what appears to decades older than mine, yet worked beautifully. UGH! Finally all the dishes were cooked and everything was served. We enjoyed a wonderful meal together...a loud, Ruchus, happy meal with many generations present.

Afterward, we gathered to do the dishes. My daughter opened the oven to put away pans only to discover the perfectly cooked green bean casserole and candied sweet potatoes that I forgot to serve. Thank God the oven worked so I could finish making food that never got served! Oh well, we had a wonderful time of Thanksgiving, and for the first time, I had a houseful of people addressing the challenges one by one, as I cooked (in my smallest kitchen of all time), and it all came together beautifully. Go Team!!

Welcome to my humble abode...by blog abode

2010-11-19T22:09:00.003-06:00

When I come back to blog, I feel home. From the layout to the photos, to the memories, to the music...this is my place and it is uncanny how connected I am to this place. When I log into the Ruchus, a million posts cross my mind...posts that haven't made to your eyes...but they are there. Life has been craaaaaazy busy lately, and I am rounding the final bend toward graduation. Mine...and my baby girl's. I am taking the time to savor her last days as a high schooler, attend her events, take pictures, hug her, and just marvel in the amazing young woman she is becoming.

I still come here to keep up with you...I read your blogs, when I have a minute and it's nice to catch up with people I know very well, yet have never met. Blogging continues to amaze me.

This weekend, I've had a moment to rest, relax, be by myself, read, watch TV, nap, and spend time with friends. Tomorrow the rest of the Ruchus will join me and I will get to share in the joy that is my family. Just wanted you to know...life is awesome...and amazing...and yes I'm still here!

Not ever again....just sayin

2010-09-19T19:56:00.003-05:00

Do you procrastinate ever? Well, let's just say I don't either. HAAA! Fooled you. In fact, this week I procrastinated in cleaning my house when I knew I had a whole house full of people coming over on Saturday. So, in my usual fashion, I got up at 7, ran my errands and cleaned like gangbusters for 5 hours oh and recruited a few less than willing teens to help me. Washing curtains, rugs, windows, scrubbing floors, toilets, showers, cleaning china cabinets, oiling the wood furniture, sweeping down the cobwebs outside. You name it, if it existed in this house, it got scrubbed, swept, dusted, cleaned, or otherwise altered. Even the man of the place said, "I was shocked when I walked in the house at how much you did." REALLY? So am I now that I think about it...but here's the thing, every muscle in my body is killing me today...even after two extra strength tylenol.

So here's my new dilemma: Do I continue to procrastinate, so that SO much has to be done in one day, do I pace myself, do I give up cleaning all together and just have get togethers at other people's houses, or perhaps hire a cleaning lady? Those are the important matters of life being pondered at the Ruchus today. By the way, they're being pondered in a clean house :) At least for today!

I was once was lost, but now am found

2010-09-15T08:38:00.004-05:00

Picture it...Sunday...September...2010. "Mom, Have you seen my retainer?" "Um, No precious one, have you?" "I had it in the car last. I took it out to eat McDonald's" Fast forward AFTER searching through the garbage, calling gramma, Dad's searching through the garbage at his work, thoroughly examining every crevice in the Suburban. I look up from my blog fodder today and what do I see?

There! Do you see it? Plain as day? YES! So do I! The kicker is...the precious one sits at this computer for hours DAILY....Do you also see that it is about 4 inches from the mouse?

I can't go on.

It oughta be illegal...

2010-09-15T08:33:00.002-05:00

17 cavities. Really? Have you ever heard of anyone having 17 cavities? Before they are 6 years old. Let's just say that proper nutrition and teeth brushing has it's place...like in every child's life. This morning, I'm taking my baby boy great nephew to get 17 temporary fillings. That's the precursor to the hospital visit when they have to put him out to actually fill them. I am certain he will be less than pleased (even with the promise of an amazing toy afterward). I can say that I am less than please with the very tiny amount of sleep I got last night worrying about his adventure today. Please Pray. A lot.

So Glad I Did...

2010-08-30T08:56:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was one of those nagging mornings when there were a million other things calling my name, that did not include going to church. Little did I know this week was a week I had looked forward to for months. After much discernment, I drug my behind in and sat in the last pew. WHAT AN AMAZING DAY IT WAS!! My former pastor's son was at church playing the bagpipes. This is by far my all time favorite. The Amazing grace rendition brought so many tears as I remembered all too well, my pastor's funeral. Along with that we had an amazing 5 year old congregation member who won 1st place in BMX nationals...AT 5!!! Then, we sang What a friend we have in Jesus (a song from my wedding) AND It is Well...which is at the top of my all time favorite hymn list. The fall calendar came out, filled with opportunities to serve. The message was wonderful as well...speaking about peace, and God knows I need a bit of that right now. I left church and stopped in the cremation garden. I shared a little prayer with my pastor that his son was in the house today and how proud he would be of him...I also chatted a bit with my dad...to update him on the latest happenings with the grandbabies. Just when you think it's not the day to go...drag your butt in. If you're like me, you'll be so glad you did!

It's possible things will never be the same...

2010-08-29T22:04:00.004-05:00

I would like to announce that my three babies are in high school. Yes all three.

(By the way they really enjoy when I call them babies...especially in front of their friends!)

We are nearly approaching the national debt in registration fees, AP class fees, calculators, clothes, cars, parking passes and yada yada yada, but alas, they have all made it! When I was in school, the teachers would ask me...oh you're the Moffitt girl, having had my brother 5, 6 years and 10 years before me. Such is not the case with the Ruchus...since the brother or sister are usually just up the hall :) I can't tell you what fun it is to have them all in high school at the same time, uh...and how much work it is! I have one driving, one soon to get a license, and one to start driver's ed in December. The driving part is key, because running these kids all over takes a social secretary to be sure! I am utterly amazed at my kids every day. What they know, as well as what they don't know. I still feel every day like parenting is a huge undertaking to ensure they know all they will need to know to be successful in life. I am unsure how some people just muddle through and let the chips fall where they may...*sigh. For me...it is a challenge; one I don't take lightly and one I wouldn't trade for anything!

The joyous one had the honor of being a Link Leader this year. This program is a national high school mentoring program that pairs successful students with incoming Sophomores (in our case since our Freshman have their own campus). Stephanie has a great leadership style...confident, steadfast and humble...I think it will take her far in life :)

Ok, now on the lighter side. I always try to make my kids great breakfasts the first week of school (after that they're scrounging for whatever they can find) but for the first week, we like to start out right. On the first day I made blueberry waffles...so I took this picture for the scrapbook. Now...are you like me? Do you look at the background of the photo before the actual subject content? Cuz I do...and if you're like me...you'll notice the gas relief pills in the background. Just to clarify I do NOT serve these with my special breakfasts!!

Rest assured they'll be cropped right out of there before this one makes it to the scrapbook!

Excuse me, class started when?

2010-08-27T11:22:00.002-05:00

So I begrudgingly headed off to class # 4 from the end last night and sat down. One of the other ladies said, "you were busy last week?" Stop...think...why would she be asking me that? "Um, I guess." "Yea, we thought that's why you weren't here." *Thinking to self, I wasn't here cuz there was no class.... Checked calendar...Class #1 clearly listed LAST Thursday. Hmmmmm. 17 years of college and never has such an event happened. I, have either lost interest...which by the way is ENTIRELY possible...or, well, I can't really know what happened. I was happily at Freshman open house with my daughter and 500 of her closest friends. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

A precious one tidbit

2010-08-08T17:01:00.004-05:00

Overheard at the Ruchus a few short moments ago...Precious one "Mother! When are you going to work in the yard?" Mother "I guess after I cook your dinner" (the precious one is certain she is starving to death) Precious one, "Well Hurry!"

Substituted for your enjoyment

2010-07-31T18:16:00.002-05:00

Bowling!! The agenda today originally included a beach day in Kenosha and then a trip to the drive in theater. The misty cool morning did not seem indicative of a bonus beach day, so we thought perhaps we'd head up later. Then, realizing the drive-in would be $40 plus snacks AND that the movies playing aren't very palatable to the MR., we had to substitute in a new plan. Bowling it is! Several months ago I won a bowling pass for 4 including pizza and pop. What can be better than that? We're off to the bowling alley! Hope my not 29 anymore back can get through it!

Summer Sloooooooow down...

2010-07-28T19:24:00.004-05:00

Summer ball ended last week. I was just a little teary on the way home. The precious one was quite put out by this, "Whyyyyyy are you crying?!?" she asked. I responded, it just chokes me up. I'm not sure why. (But really, inside, I am sure why, so let me tell you...) I SO look forward to the lazy days of summer, and no matter what's on the schedule I do my very best to be at those ball games to sit. Just to sit. Oh! And to cheer...LOUD! For my precious one.

She has played summer ball I think for 8 summers now. Summers that have been filled with me reading text books with one eye and watching the game with the other. I didn't have school this summer for the first time in four years so it was fabulous to just sit and watch. The precious one's team was one game out of first at the end of the regular season...then came the tournament. Five games in two days?!? That's my kind of summer ball! It just so happened that one of my amazing brothers who happens to be the owner of a kidney I loaned him about 9 years ago was in town. After being up at 3 AM to travel here, he still managed to sit through two games and show his support for the precious one. He's amazing in more ways than one!

When all was said and done, summer ball ended and they came in second in the tournament. The undefeated team came in first.

Her team mates voted her most improved batter and she got a bat with all the girls signatures on it. Of course I cried! I'll just start listing the times I don't cry as that list would be much shorter ;) She had great coaches this year (The joyous ones coach from a few years ago) and that surely made a difference. It'll be a few weeks until fall ball starts but I , for one, will be ready!

We lucked out that it wasn't 100 over the weekend, but it sure has been hot. These days, affectionately known as the dog days of summer, are especially appreciated by one old dog I know... Now that he's older (10) he really just enjoys laying around in the sun, only rambling in to get a drink when needed and of course to sleep in my bed when it's too hot outside!

I love the affordable and fresh fruit of summer...especially delicious blueberry waffles on a Sunday morning! YUMMY!!

I love the birds and typically I love the yard work, although I haven't felt it much this year. We have been inundated with thistles for about 5 years now and it has caused me to experience weed pulling burn out! Even my lawn service couldn't get rid of them after 3 years, so I gave them the boot (The lawn service...not the thistles, well I would have liked to give the thistles the boot, but alas, it wasn't meant to be). Now, God is my gardener and I just enjoy the monarchs, yellow swallowtails, hummingbirds, and gold finches those darn thistles attract...

I'm not exactly sure my neighbors appreciate this natural type of attraction...but for now, I'm practicing appreciation and am holding on to summer with all my might.

Next week, I register all three of my precious babies for high school. Good Lord, get the kleenex ready!

I call the upstairs computer tomorrow...and other anomolies at the Ruchus household

2010-07-27T20:37:00.002-05:00

I often wonder how things have evolved into the state that we are currently living in. For instance...I fondly remember the joyous one calling, I call the front seat! While racing to the car faster than her brother. I call the last donut...while trying to beat dad into the kitchen...good luck with that one! I call being the first to mow the lawn...ok that one never really happened but a weary mother can hope, right? This is the current state of affairs with the Ruchus.

Two years ago, I got me a TIVO so I could watch TV without the worry of the actual schedule of the shows....the problem? I have a TIVO, but I can't ever use the TV! How could I have known I also needed to purchase my own TV? I often point out that the TIVO is in fact mine, but to no avail.

I also have a lovely computer that I purchased specifically for scrapbooking and photo editing...(I think at the time I said it would be for homework, Master's thesis, etc, but really? Scrapbooking is much for fun! But, guess what...it has become the World of Warcraft computer or the Skype computer or the anything but mine computer.

About a week ago, I added some blog revamping to my Covey planner...and somewhere in my silly 40 something mind I actually thought I might get a minute to use the computer. OOOHHH Contrare! I realized after a few days of stalking said computer that this is not the case! Even as we speak, the sonshine is continually asking, "Mom are you done yet?" As he waits not-so-patiently on the scrap room floor. Now if that isn't music to my ears....NOT!!!!! Anywaaaay...I have put my foot down for moms everywhere. I called the computer! ...yesterday... before I left for work...with one day's advance notice. Take that!

Rockin the to do list...

2010-07-13T21:56:00.002-05:00

I have had the wonderful experience of having 2 and 1/2 weeks off. Yesterday was my first day at work (without students) and today the students returned. This break was such a wonderful time, in that I had a vacation AND enough time at home to feel READY to go back to work. Who ever feels ready to go back to work? I did. And it is SO nice to be refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to Rock the to do list. The best part of my job is...in 6 more weeks we have another break! I hope I can keep this momentum the entire 6 weeks. The possibilities would be endless.

I also have some exciting challenges coming up. I have been asked to speak at the Illinois State Board of Education Non Public School Conference on "how to turn around a failing school" Evidently someone, somewhere thinks I have done that...and honestly, I have led an amazing staff to do that, but I myself have not done that. So really, I'll be presenting a talk on leadership versus management, which is one of my VERY favorite topics. Having worked for a host of nightmare bosses, I hope I can share some information on how not to be a nightmare! I'll be submitting my proposal here in the next few weeks. Cross your fingers. Also, for a while, I have been teaching child development classes, but have wanted to teach some other classes that I have written regarding staff supervision, communication, educating the individual, and other things I love. Well, I finally got excited to do so...Soooooo more workshops to submit for approval.

A few of you know that I have wanted to write a book for quite some time. I finally have my first firm topic idea and am ready to get started. I have a few connections who have published several books, and although I have changed contacting them in my planner on more than one occasion, it is on my to do list and I find that exciting. Stay tuned as we move along that process.

Finally, I'm getting ready to start my second to last semester of this master's degree. Big sigh of relief, with bigger things on the horizon to replace the time and effort that school has taken for the last 6 years. I am SO ready!

Be rockin your to do list! You'll be so glad you did...I know I am!

Bucket list revisited

2010-07-06T11:04:00.004-05:00

After an awesome time away from my planner, the house, and the pets, that included a lot of down time, time outdoors, time in my FAVORITE weather (hot and windy) I've realized it is time to revisit the bucket list. It seems that as my babies have gotten older, the bucket list has included things I want to do before the kids are...such and such age, or before the kids get to high school, or before the kids are in high school, or before the kids go to college, etc. This past week, I can honestly say that the bucket list may have some things added to it that just include only me, or only Kevin and me.

Changes...acceptance of things to come? You decide. All I know is, there's a lot I want to accomplish...things to experience, things to learn, places to visit, time to relax, goals to accomplish. I believe I'm adding a bucket list page to my planner, so that when things cross my mind, they can be promptly added and prioritized, lest they be forgotten...

Time away is a good time to reorganize your thoughts. To have a chance to listen to yourself. I am ready to be back to life, back to the pursuit...I'll keep you posted!

Get your photo eyes ready reader...

2010-06-27T18:07:00.002-05:00

My next goal includes a playdate with this... to remove the 2000 plus images that are waiting for editing, printing, and storing. Stay tuned...

Take note all you ice cream lovers

2010-06-25T23:49:00.004-05:00

Take note readers...tell me specifically what you notice about this cone...

Did any of you mention the paper wrapping on the bottom of the cone? If so, good for you! Now let me tell you why. Tonight after many hours of retail therapy with my mama and a few cranky teens, we thought it'd be nice to drive through and get an ice cream. (Which by the way turned into McDoubles, Cokes AND ice cream cones) Anyway...about half way home my mother innocently says...gee, my cone tastes like paper. I glance to the left where my mother is sitting/driving to see her cone just about gone along with quite a bit of the paper wrapping. I clearly stated (before going into hysterics) perhaps that's because you're eating the paper!! Ohhhhh what wonderful times we have! My mother says you need a good laugh to 'clear the acid from your system'. I'm not always sure what that means, but you can rest assured there is no acid in my system tonight. I'm just grateful we got home safe, while we all laughed so hard we cried, all while Grammie was driving!

Leaving it at the door...

2010-06-25T14:04:00.002-05:00

My desk is about a foot deep in paperwork. That's ok I'm leaving it. There are enormous to do lists. That's ok I'm leaving it. Today...I'm headed out for some retail therapy, taking some time to organize my thoughts, revamp my goals, plan accordingly, and well, maybe take a nap! Tomorrow's another day...I have a fabulous weekend planned and I am CERTAIN that all of my work will be waiting for me when I return :)

Some Days are Diamonds, Some Days are Stone

2010-06-23T22:15:00.003-05:00

As the old song goes...today was definitely one of those stone days...one of those days that being a school administrator isn't all it's cracked up to be...one of those days when announcing pay cuts, furlough days and let's not forget the ever popular unpaid holidays to my wonderful staff who work hard every day in less than stellar conditions. As the meeting approached I found myself with a bigger lump in my throat. Let's just say, this is one of those days where you're just grateful to lay your head on the pillow at the end of a very long day.

Where have I been...have you been there too?

2010-06-20T19:18:00.002-05:00

I know I've been in school a looooong time and that blog reading has really fallen by the way side. In case you have been just a smidge busy too...let me help catch you up...

Dawn of mom2my6pack...is divorced! Seriously! Who knew?

Matt, of Matt Liz an Madeline is dating...Seriously! Who knew?

Ree of Pioneer Woman is still madly in love with Marlboro man...we all knew that right?

There you have it...this things I've learned today. Oh, and I think the Jen of the dust bunny hostage has moved...but I'm not sure, I'm just not that caught up yet.

If you're reading my blog and wonder what's up at the Ruchus...weeeeeeeellll

Gratefully we have no divorced or dating scenarios to report. The Ruchus is still as crazy as ever. The kids are freshman, sophomore, and a senior in the fall! Wow! 3 in high school, the moment we've all been waiting for.

The house...well let's just say we won't post any photos.

The man of the place hasn't ripped his pants lately AND business if finally picking up.

I have 32 more classes before being done with grad school...again.

Just wait for the blogomania that will occur at that point!

Be blessed all! Speak at you soon!

Random Ramblings

2010-06-12T22:15:00.003-05:00

I have been just a bit verclempt lately....making mental lists of things I treasure...

babies...their tiny and sometimes big voices
my amazing children...I am so proud of them
work...a variety of jobs I love
my husband...strong, patient, loving
down time...it seems far and few between, but I treasure time to watch tv, blog, enjoy nature, travel
my family...brothers...medical miracles like organ donation, my mama...steadfast and the one constant in my life
my mother in law...I'm the only person I know who has their mother in law for a bff
pets...despite the hassle, when the kitty wake you up with over zealous snuggling...life is good
God, church, church family...
summer...warmth on my skin, sunshine...can you ever have too much sunshine?
books...reading...nuf said
learning
friends...I look at photos and am amazed at the wonderful friendships I am blessed with

and...a whole host of other things... but for now...it's enough. What a wonderful life I have.

Robin's Nest Review

2010-06-02T20:38:00.004-05:00

I am posting this for parents of kids with Autism. Many many many of our kids are attracted to trading card games like Pokemon, Yu-gi-oh, etc. When I was searching for a safe place for my son to play I thought I had done my due diligence. My son had played at Robin's Nest (a local card shop) every weekend for about 5 years. Sunday when he went in, the owner told him that he was banned from the store. My son called me in tears and asked me to pick him up. Upon my arrival I went in to speak with the owner. She stated she had not banned him, but her "help" had. (her help is her husband by the way) due to the fact that "he wasn't happy there." The real issue is, my son has autism, he has very black and white thinking, and the store had been violating some trading deck policies by selling promo cards. My son simply stated to friends that this shouldn't be happening. The owner told me she'd rather sell them than throw them away. So? Why was my son "banned"? For following rules and having ethics. The owners systematically used special needs kids and young adults against each other to gather the info needed to ban certain kids from their shop. When I questioned that, the owner replied, this is my business. I can do whatever I want. Yes, you sure can, but not with my son. If you have a special needs kid or young adult, I would highly recommend you rethink sending them to Robin's Nest.

Tennis love...

2010-04-20T19:48:00.002-05:00

My boy...the sonshine...after all his struggles with physical challenges, balance, strength, tone, and his lack of desire for any kind of team involvement or sports...who'd have thought he would love tennis? He never ceases to amaze me :)

April, where have you gone?

2010-04-19T19:00:00.003-05:00

Wow, the days and months, it seems, just fly by! I think I'm going to try a new form of blogging...just a thought or two a day, not a big ole' post. I've given up the cyber farm on facebook, I've also given up the cyber cafe...I realized I had no time left to watch TV if I participated in those two things, and there are a few things on TV I'd really like to watch. I also thought I may have a few minutes to blog and to catch up on your blogs as well :)

So...here's the latest things Ruchus...my precious one is going to run for Ms. Young at Heart...she is young, to start out with, and young at heart as well. We searched for a dress and finally found this princess version...

The precious one looks very precious don't you think?

Onward to my new love/addiction...I pink puffy heart my new D-60...I was finally able to buy my new telephoto lens and the D-60 for dummies book, which would be me! I've even had a few minutes to read it...

Here are my latest...of the chosen one Jake...

Then there's Julio...

He can never sit still long enough for a good photo...

Until next time...

Odd or God?

2010-03-07T21:26:00.003-06:00

I have been on a diligent search for a new church. Oh, that rhymes. I think I may have found the one and let me tell you why...as I have been going to a variety of churches, every visit is like mourning the loss of my church all over again. I'll tell you there's nothing like visiting a church and crying through the service. Geez, will I be glad when this 'phase' is over! Anyway...my youngest daughter and I have been to a variety of churches and through the process have really discovered what we like and don't like in a church. (Don't know what you appreciate in your present church? Try changing...it'll become crystal clear!)

I have discovered I don't like rock and roll churches. I love rock and roll Christian music, just not in a church service. I like pastors that are reverent. The tone of voice is SO critical to me, as is the way they pray. I like a smaller church. I like stained glass windows. I like the organ. I like a choir. I like having a hymnal in my hand not words on a screen. I like a neighborhood church. I like grandma's in the nursery, not teens. I like teens participating in the service. I like to get communion from the pastor not handed down the aisle. I like bread, not wafers. I like grape juice, not wine. I like individual cups of grape juice, not dipped bread and the list goes on and on. What an eye opening experience this has been and through it all, I have realized how very much my former pastor has taught me and how many of his lessons have become life lessons for me.

OK, now onto the odd or God part. I Believe in signs. There are signs from God that you're in the right place, that you're following His will, that you're on the right path. Let me share with you the sign from today. After visiting several churches, I had a really good feeling about a local church here after pouring over their website. Through busy schedules we were finally able to visit there today. I was apprehensive because I had my precious great nieces with me and was really nervous about how they would react to a new church/new nursery/new staff. We visited the church and the girls went right in, said goodbye, started playing and were equally as happy as we picked them up. It was TOTALLY as if they didn't notice anything was different. Odd, or God?

Then, I'm in church and the Bible verse today was one that my pastor spoke of which was one of my favorite lesson which referenced Hebrews 13:8. Jesus Christ is the same today, yesterday, and forever. He spoke about driving by a church in Rockford that had that verse on the outside of their building and how that always provided him comfort.

Today, I'm sitting in this new church and this high schooler gets up and reads..."Jesus Christ is the same today, yesterday, and forever." SERIOUSLY?!? Odd, or God? I vote God. Tears welled up in my eyes and I knew without a doubt I was in the right place.

Finally, as you know, I have had SUCH a hard time with the losses of my pastor, my dad, my aunt Ruth and my Gramma Bee over a relatively short period of time. Guess what? Next week, this church is starting a grief group...for those that are grieving. Odd? I don't think so. God? Most definitely. I've committed to 6 weeks at this church, which I am relieved to know will get me through the Easter Season with some sense of sameness (meaning I won't be at a different church every week) After 6 weeks...we'll see how I feel, and of course we'll vote as a family. I'm sensing this could be good...really good.

One other thing my pastor always hoped for our church was to be a church of neighborhood and of our community. Our new church (dare I call it that) is in the beginning stages of creating teams to go door to door in their neighborhood. They already provide a Friday Fun Fest that serves over 100 children from the neighborhood school. It seems to me that my pastor's vision may be alive and well in this church. Time will tell for sure, but I definitely feel like I have taken a step in the right direction.

My dearest winter

2010-02-07T15:35:00.002-06:00

Oh how I love thee..From December 24th through January 1st. Please notice today is February 7th. Please be on your way...

Last Minute School Projects

2010-01-24T17:11:00.003-06:00

I am certain our family is the champion last minute project maker. I remember all too well when I was growing up, that waiting until the last minute to inform mom or dad, (No not dad...just mom) that a school project was due was definitely a no-no. This rule has definitely not been handed down to our children. As I recall we also didn't have nearly the amount of projects that kids today have.

Kristina announced one night about 7:00.."Oh, I have a language arts project due tomorrow. I have to make a character puppet and a poster." Off we ran to Walgreen's to pick up some poster board. Gratefully, we just happen to have an array of wonderful materials to make just about any school project with last minutes' notice! This project called for an Asian girl puppet, with a pink party dress and a heart shaped necklace...

What do you think?

Not too bad eh? A paper bag, some googly eyes, pop dots to make a nose, lip linerfor the mouth, an American Girl pink party dress and necklace, coke box arms, and an Asian wig carefully removed from one of my porcelain dolls and voila! One last minute language arts project. By the way...she got an A. And I think that puppet could not have been any cuter!

How bout you? What do you do that's crazy last minute?

So you miss the midwest do you?

2010-01-17T19:29:00.003-06:00

It's about this time of year that I get really tired of winter. Usually we head to a sunny beach in December to help me get through, but we weren't able to do that this year. Hence...it appears I may be in for a loooooong winter. The bright side however, is that this winter has been especially beautiful and not especially cold, which I appreciate. For some reason we've had quite a few days of frozen fog. You know...it's foggy at night and then you wake up to this...

Looks like someone has gone around with their spray can of "flocking"

What a beautiful Sunday morning!

14 !?!?

2010-01-12T20:11:00.004-06:00

Can you believe the precious one has turned 14?!? Where has the time gone? I have to be honest that a part of me is ~~celebrating joyously~~ a bit relieved that the some times tumultuous 13th year is now in the past. Middle school is on it's way out and I, for one, am looking forward to high school. The fun, the experiences, the memories. I still can't grasp 14...for my baby.

The family gathered for cake on Dad's side...

Mom's side will be coming up as soon as all of our schedules coincide...and then of course there'll be the friend party. More on that later...

For now...Happy Birthday Nina!

Make a wish lovie!!

I think not...

2010-01-07T19:27:00.003-06:00

We are a 3 cat family. One cat is my brothers...we are caring for him until my brother gets an apartment that allows pets. Then there's Julio...He was our third cat...and I love him, but he is not the chosen one. The chosen one, is our first cat...Jake. There is no upsetting Jake, no picking up Jake, no moving Jake, no bothering Jake...because Jake is the chosen one. Really! I love him the best (GASP!) And I'm just a little bit honest about it. He sleeps on our bed. He is just precious.

The only bad thing about Jake is that he likes to sneak outside. All of our cats are indoor cats, but since Jake likes to sneak out, we've had him micro chipped. Even so, it still terrifies me that he will get out and meet a terrible fate...like a coyote. :( Today, as in most of the nation, we're getting snow and lots of it. Jake was curiously by the door....thinking perhaps it was time to sneak out. I bravely left the door wide open for him, prepared to run right outside and grab him, should he take the opportunity. Let's just say....Jake passed on that one... He's safe and warm sitting next to me in a chair by the computer.

It's heeeeeeeeeeere!

2010-01-05T19:45:00.002-06:00

My project life kit arrived today and I am SOOOOOO excited. Last year, Creating Keepsakes offered the project 365, but sadly I missed out. This year, I was right on the project life kit, by Becky Higgins. I ordered it for myself for Christmas from my mama. So far, I have been faithful in taking my photo a day. (All 5 days, I know...right?) I just love the elements of this kit and can't wait to get started...

Home and Sick...

2010-01-04T18:13:00.001-06:00

My precious one went out of town with friends to Virginia. Sounds like she had a great time...she's home today...and sick as a dog. Baaaaaaaaad cold. Feel better soon love!

Christmas Photos finally!

2010-01-03T16:05:00.007-06:00

Finally around to posting some photos from Christmas for my family near and far. Even though Christmas had to be postponed to due a stomach bug I had (YUCK!) We did get around to it eventually once I was feeling better! Here is our newest addition...Ashlyn Rosie's first Christmas

All of the kids got awesome presents, but as usual had more fun having a paper fight with the left over wrapping!

Experimented just a bit with my new camera (7 months old now, but still new to me) and the Christmas tree. It was sooooo beautiful this year. Perhaps it was because I had time or took the time to enjoy it!

Our other new addition...Julio...enjoyed himself in the midst of all the chaos with a nap!

Santa brought the Wii Fit Plus for the kids this year... and new Christmas Jammies!

Aubrey got many things princess this year...including this card from her Grammie. There is nothing like Christmas will little ones!

Now that I felt better, we gathered for a hearty meal of Ham, mashed, broccoli gratin, rolls, deviled eggs, and ambrosia. Yummmm!

It was wonderful to be together...

in the real life snow globe we've been living in...

Lacey just can't get enough of the snow! She runs around like a crazy dog and usually has a face covered with snow. After trying for more than 10 shots to get a picture of it, I gave up. She has a way of shaking the snow off her face right as I take her picture!

Speaking of little ones...we finally had EVERYONE at Grammas this year. Gramma, two kids, two spouses, 6 grandkids, and 6 great grandkids. So awesome. Do you think we took a picture of us all together? Heck no! How crazy is that?

We did however take SOME pictures...

Grammas not really drunk, in fact she rarely drinks. She just manages to look 'drunk' in every picture!

This is my favorite Christmas picture this year...My mother in law collects rocking horses of all types, shapes, and sizes. She has quite the amazing and beautiful collection. I have a baby great niece Lizzy, who looks an awful lot like my big girl...check it out...

How stinkin cute is that?!? Couldn't they be sisters? Next time you visit the Ruchus, that ones' gonna be framed on a wall. So precious.

Finally, a few more cookie shots and one more recipe...I love cookies that taste good AND cookies that are beautiful...

These cookies taste good...Raspberry thumbprints...

And these cookies are beautiful...Strawberry Sandwich Cookies

My new recipe I'm sharing is Carrot Cake Sandwich cookies. Sorry that I don't have a picture....but MAN were they yummy.

Here's the recipe...

Carrot Cake Cookies

1 1/2 C all purpose flour

1 1/2 C granulated sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

8 oz. unsalted butter

2 large eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 C chopped or sliced almonds

3/4 C shredded coconut

2/3 C pureed cooked carrots

2/3 C drained, crushed pineapple

Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz. room temp cream cheese

6 T sweet butter

3 C powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy, add eggs and vanilla until combined. Add four, salt and baking soda. When flour mixture is combined, add remaining ingredients and mix until just combined. Portion onto sheet pans prepared with parchment paper lining using a #40 scoop.

Bake at 350 degrees F 10 - 12 minutes.

While cookies are baking prepare filling by combining all filling ingredients until smooth and well combined.

After cookies are completely cooled, turn over using a metal spatula. Frost every other cookie bottom with 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese frosting and top with unfrosted cookie.

Enjoy!

If you double this recipe (as I did) you only need a single batch of frosting to frost all of the cookies.

Single batch makes 29 cookies.

Finally...as promised!

2010-01-01T08:50:00.005-06:00

Computer glitches are my very least favorite thing...however...I'm baaaaaa-aaaaaack! So sorry for the delay in the Christmas pictures, baking pics, and recipes. I'm going to do my very best to catch up. Here goes.

As my children get older, my helpers get more limited. I was lucky to have at least one helper per day...

Some new recipes were a total flop... and will not be making a return next year. This was the first batch of chocolate chip kiss cookies. Even after adding enough flour to avoid this...the cookies were still not very good. So long chocolate chip kiss cookies...

Other tried and true favorites were amazing as always... like my very favorite cranberry orange walnut cookies...Total yum. I pink puffy heart these cookies as does my mother in law. Whenever I show up around Christmas time at her house, I best be carrying a baggy of these little darlings for her!

Finally a new twist to an old favorite...Check out these peanut butter blossoms...

A few years ago we added red and green sugar. This year we added Brach's stars instead of kisses. Aren't they so pretty? The good news is, I overbought the stars and have 4 bags left...so there will be more of these come some cold snowy day.

Here is the wonderful cranberry walnut orange cookies recipe...I can't give credit...I know I got this recipe out of the newspaper about 5 years ago. It quickly became a family favorite.

Cranberry Orange Walnut Cookies

If you double this recipe and use a 1 tablespoon scoop, it makes 5 1/2 dozen cookies.

1/2 c butter

1 c granulated sugar

3/4 c brown sugar

1/4 c milk

2 tbsp orange juice or orange liqueur or 1/2 tsp orange extract plus 1 1/2 tsp water

**I prefer to use orange juice. The orange extract is too strong a flavor for me

1 large egg

3 c all purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking soda

1 c chopped walnuts or pecans

2 1/2 c coarsely chopped frozen, fresh, or dried cranberries

**I use craisins. They stay soft in the cookies

Preheat oven to 375F. Grease baking sheets. Beat together butter and sugars until creamy. Stir in milk, orange juice and egg. Mix in dry ingredients. Stir in nuts and cranberries.

Drop dough by tablespoons about 2" apart on greased baking sheet. Bake 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool for 2 minutes on baking sheet, then remove to wire cooling racks to cool completely.

Remember...if you store these in a zip lock with a slice of white bread, they stay amazingly soft and chewy.

Enjoy...

Stay tuned for more recipes.

Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR~

Baking....sweet baking

2009-12-20T18:36:00.003-06:00

Christmas baking in our house is a big event. BIG. I learned somewhere along the way about a 6 day baking process which we have cut down to 4 days, which works really well for us. We make about 100 dozen cookies, many of which will proudly have their pictures displayed here in a few short days. Here's our 'sane way to holiday baking' breakdown. First of all. TAKE NOTES! It's important to know how many cookies you made last year, what kind, what worked and what didn't. We always make the tried and true favorites, and then we always add a few new varieties to the bunch. Some of the new ones stick around, and some...well, let's just say they're not so lucky!

This year, the tried and true varieties making their returns are corn flake wreaths, cranberry/orange/walnut cookies, peanut butter blossoms, Russian tea cakes, raspberry thumbprint cookies, and strawberry jelly sandwich cookies. The cranberry, thumbprint, and jelly sandwich cookies, were all new once but now have become Christmas staples. The cranberry are our favorite cookies of all! After I've started the baking, I'll share some recipes with you. Perhaps they'll be 'new' at your house next year!

OK, this year for 'new' cookies I'm making peanut butter balls (I found a recipe without rice krispies, even though my husband insists they should have them...yuck!), chocolate Swedish spritz cookies (because I am the proud owner of a new cookie press compliments of my daughter :), carrot cake sandwich cookies (oh my gosh, I'm drooling just thinking about these...more on that later) and finally kisses chocolate chip cookies. These are chocolate chip balls with a kiss inside, drizzled with chocolate. We might call them 'death by chocolate' instead!

Now, back to the carrot cake sandwich cookies. A few weeks ago I toured an inner city Chicago School when I was at the school board convention. This school had an award winning culinary program. They gave us these MOST delicious carrot cake sandwich cookies AND the recipe. The cookies had almonds, pineapple, carrots, and coconut. They were filled with cream cheese frosting. Simply delicious! Sadly, I promptly proceeded to lose the recipe. Soooooo....I had to find the school, contact them, feel foolish, and ask them if I could please have another copy of the recipe. They did indeed fax me a copy. I searched google high and low and there were no recipes similar to that one. I cannot wait to make a wonderful batch of those. I know that they will not be on the 'new' list for long.

Enough about that, now on to the system. Now that you know to take impeccable notes...the next part is easy. I keep a 'cookie folder' in my cook book cabinet, where all my cookie notes go. When it's time, all my recipes and information are safely stored in one spot. Here is our 4 day process.

Day 1: review notes, recipes, yields, decide what you'll be baking, add a few new recipes. Make a list of what you'll be baking. Make a list of recipients (if you give cookies for gifts as I do) Figure out how many dozen will be required.

Day 2: create your shopping list. I make a list of all ingredients, i.e. butter, flour, eggs, sugar, etc., and then stroke tally how many cups of each I'll need. I convert this into my shipping list and shop. Don't forget things like cookie tins, parchment paper, and any tools that need replacing. For example, last year we broke the 1 tsp. cookie scoop. I got a terrific new one at Walmart this year. They now carry Wilton...(I have a tremendous crush on all things Wilton by the way)

Day 3: make all of your dough. Most dough performs better if it has been refrigerated. Roll it up in plastic wrap and label the outside with temp and cooking times with a sharpie marker.

Day 4: BAKE!

Optional Day 5. Day 5 may be required if you have cookies that need to be decorated. In years past when I made gingerbread men or cut out cookies, we would decorate on a separate day, when we were fresh and not tired from baking. This year we're using the cookie press instead of cut out cookies...so no day 5 for us!

At the Ruchus, we have day 1 and 2 complete. Tomorrow is baking day. Here's the real kicker. Every year about this time I remember I only have one oven rack. Every year I swear I'm going to remember to order another. Every year I don't. So....baking is truly an all day thing here, with my one lone oven rack. We will start by locking the pets in a room and scrubbing the kitchen...I despise pet hair in the cookies personally...If we have lots of energy, we may begin baking tomorrow.

Now...I'm going to share my final trick. Listen closely...I do not like crisp or crunchy cookies. Yuck! I know some of you do...I do not. So, you know the easiest way to keep your cookies chewy until delivery day? Store them in zip lock bags with a slice of cheap white bread in each bag. I don't remember where I learned that tip from, but it works like magic. Truly!

So, there you have it....the Ruchus baking system. Stay tuned for pictures and recipes...and if you're lucky enough to be on the list....yummy cookies!

Let the competition season begin...

2009-12-13T14:15:00.004-06:00

My big girl has begun her dance competition season. Yesterday, after finishing class I headed to Schaumburg to watch her compete. They ended up getting second in pom (I missed that one so no pictures) and second in hip hop. They were 1/2 point from qualifying for state, but they have 4 competitions to go to qualify. It was such fun watching them! My big girl is on the far right.

Except for this pic where she's second from the right...

It's nice to see that all those years of dance lessons paid off! Bust it!

Winter wonderland and other beauties...

2009-12-09T20:50:00.002-06:00

The first real snowfall arrived today. I walked out my front door to a winter wonderland...

How beautiful is that? I actually had left the house, realized I forgot my camera, decided to go on without it, but then realized I had forgotten my snow scraper, and there was no way I was heading anywhere without that! So...back home I went to get the snowscraper and the camera :) I often wonder if my neighbors think I'm stalking them...especially when I stop the car, roll down the window, and take pictures! The roads were actually very clear and I was able to do the speed limit all the way to work. The only hazard was the large mounds of snow left by the plows often in the intersections, oh...and...the hazard to the mailboxes. Ours didn't fare too well... I actually consider this a small price to pay, since it took my husband a looooong time at 4 AM to get the drive and walks shoveled and snowblowed. He even scraped my car and put it in the garage to warm up when he was done. What a lovely bonus that was!

Other very beautiful things I have had the joy to experience lately are 1) more time with this little one...

who is just getting bigger and sweeter every time I see her.

Time with this little one...

who was so excited to get her first advent calendar from her Grammie!

And then there's these two...

Finally, a good picture of them together...teasing and poking fun at each other (as usual). My big girl and her Gramma.

I'm off to study for finals finish a few school projects and then enjoy a month off school and two weeks off work. Only 7 days to go!

Tis the season...

2009-12-04T07:57:00.002-06:00

For Christmas Concerts! My precious one had her choir concert on Tuesday...

The house was packed! They did a great job and I was SO impressed with the singing and solos from this group of young people. They did one number that recognized a variety of celebrations and cultures. My precious one was a Svenska Flicka... or....little Swedish Girl...for you non Swedish speaking folks :) I whipped up this Saint Lucia dress on Monday night for her. Her Gramma Bee and Poppy would have been so proud!

Thursday night it was band time...

I am so glad to see such interest in the music programs. Our district does a good job promoting the arts and my artsy fartsy kids are living proof! Kristina plays the trombone...that's her down there...in the second seat.
Next week is filled with High School Christmas activities...stay tuned.

Clarity

2009-12-02T20:30:00.002-06:00

Do you ever pray for clarity? Are you ever grateful for clarity? I read Kelly Epperson's column in a very small local paper in my town. She is wonderfully known as a spreader of joy and I went to high school with her. I recall reading one of her articles recently that reminded me to list things everyday that I am grateful for. It has been a tough few years...grad school, tanked economy, j-o-b challenges, raising adolescents, finances, yada yada the list goes on and on. After reading Kelly's article I was driving down the road the other day (where most of my thinking takes place) and I began my gratitude list...I'm grateful for the blessings and challenges that are my children, I'm grateful for medication that makes MRI's a little less daunting, I'm grateful that my husband is there...and knows me...and knows when I need support...and lets it be ok that I don't wanna talk...and just a whole host of other things, including being my best friend. I am grateful for my mothers...my own and my mother in law; what an awesome example of motherhood they give me...I'm grateful for therapists...to talk to one, and to be one...I'm grateful for having the most wonderful job...two of them actually...and as I was listing all of my gratitudes...the word clarity came to mind. I am grateful that in the midst of it all, God sends me clarity so I can see things in a light of gratitude. I have friends battling chronic illness, terminal illness, loss of their husband, loss of their child...UGH! I am grateful to have the problems I have...the children challenges, the stress, the craziness, and most importantly the blessings...of which I have an abundance.

Happy Thanksgiving...

2009-11-27T21:52:00.008-06:00

It's been a busy two weeks here at the Ruchus. Last week I spent 5 count them 5 days in Chicago. For me, that's about 4 too many ;) The first two days were at the Illinois State Board of Education Non Public School Conference. Because I love the people I work with and they were there...it was ok. I learned a lot: that's a plus! The last 3 days were at the Illinois Association of School Boards conference where I also learned a lot.

There are 85 thoughts I want to put down here that are all in a jumbled mess, so let me be brief..

~My very first career goal was to be an attorney. I went to beauty school instead. (Similar I know)

~I soon will have two Master's Degrees and really do not anticipate going to school any more.

~I am fascinated with Special Education Law and cannot tolerate when children's rights are violated

~If I ever get another degree...perhaps it will be a law degree.

Pretty concise huh? OK, what does this have to do with Thanksgiving? Nothing really, I just had to say it. L-A-W Degree...maybe? Who knows. How the heck long does that take anyway? Sheesh, I'll be 108 and still in school at this rate.

Anyway...a definite plus to the weekend was the fact that the Holiday-miracle mile kick off parade was happening while we were there...

Mickey Mouse was the king of ceremonies...

Chip and Dale were there...along with many other Disney folks...

I loved the big tethered balloons. It was the first time I had ever seen these and I especially loved to watch them bump into things ;)

The parade was followed by fireworks...

This picture is a bit phenomenal...

My sonshine has Autism and a pretty healthy dose of sensory integration dysfunction to go along with it. What that means to the lay person is that he HATES fireworks. In fact, I am most certain this has been the first time in his life he has seen them, not from a building or a car and without earplugs. I mostly stood and watched him and not the fireworks. Finally the lights and the smell, and the sound got the best of him. He sat down in the middle of the enormous Chicago crowd and took a break.

He is the reason why I am such an advocate for kids. He has been such an inspiration to me as I find myself learning constantly from him. I find kids with Autism to just be amazing and awe inspiring.

After a busy weekend, we headed home and Sunday afternoon I was in the 'Light the Parks' Parade. I was so thrilled to have my little friends be able to join me...

Can you even believe how big Zoe and Jason are getting?!? Check out the picture of them over yonder on the left side of my blog...Amazing! Anyway, I had not seen them in so so long, so it was a great time having them with me. We rode on a school bus... and threw candy out to all the kids that were lined up to watch the parade. Jason yelled "Happy Hanukkah!" at the top of his lungs (and no he's not Jewish) While Zoe tried to ensure that every child got a piece of candy. We had so much fun...and I was SOOOOOO pooped by the time the weekend was over!

Finally...on to Thanksgiving...True to form I took several before and during pictures of the turkey...

but no after picture...it's becoming a regular tradition around these parts.

We brought back an old tradition... Fudge stripe turkey cookies. My Gramma Bee used to make these when we had Thanksgiving at her house...It was nice to have a part of her with us :) We had Aunt Ruth's Cheese ball and Uncle Leo's prayer..."Good Food, Good People, Good God, Amen"

After dinner, Aubrey tried on Honey's (that's what she calls my husband) shoes for size...

Those are some big shoes to fill precious girl!

We watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on Tivo...

and enjoyed the newest member of our family...

Finally, we all took part in a Turkey Induced nap...

Happy Thanksgiving!

The best $5 you'll ever spend...

2009-11-15T20:51:00.004-06:00

Are you sick and tired of the absence of photos on the ole blog? I'll tell you what, SO AM I!

Over here at the Ruchus, it's been one fiasco after another. First the virus, then the antivirus that removed the internet drivers, then the repair shop (my wonderful brother), then of all things...in the absence of my computer I had put away my camera usb cable so as not to lose it while I wasn't using it and...you know what happens next...I LOST IT!! So, I finally have a beautiful camera, a fixed computer, a thousand pictures and no way to share them. What's a picture if you keep it to yourself I ask? Well, today I could take it no more! I just happened to be at Target and thought to myself..."Self, today is the day you find a stinkin new cord for your camera!" So, I was looking all over for a cord, none of which was to be found of course, but then I stumbled upon this...

Now, I for sure didn't know what it was, but it seemed like I could use it to transfer pictures without a cord and by the way it was only $5 so really, what did I have to lose? Can I just say that I am happier than a pig in mud? So happy in fact that I scrubbed my kitchen floor on my hands and knees with spic and span tonight? I'm not really sure what being happy has to do with me scrubbing the floor, but let's just say that floor hasn't seen hands and knees and far too long! I was downloading pictures, scrubbed some of the floor, edited some pictures, scrubbed some more floor...you get the picture (boo hiss, bad pun I know) However...I am now fully able to share such pictures with you such as this... My beautiful daughter and her boyfriend at homecoming. I know it looks like they were in Sears, but really...we were at the park and the background is real...

Or this...my new beautiful baby great-niece Ashlyn...oooooohhhhh is she sweet. She's already become quite accustomed to the flash of my camera ;)

Then of course there's this...It can't really be autumn without at least one beautiful picture of the maple in my front yard...and this year with my new Digital SLR, the photo is more beautiful than ever (if I don't say so myself!)

And then finally there's this... My big girl turned 17 last month. Can you believe it? Where has the time gone? I just got a peek at the proposed school calendar for the 2010-2011 school year and [gulp] there in black and white is my big girl's graduation day...oh dear, let me breathe a minute. Whew, I think I'm ok now. There'll be no more speaking of the G word...at least for a few months.

A-N-Y-W-A-Y....my point is...if you don't own one of those whos-a-ma-jig-its...and you want a super convenient way to transfer your pictures...get yourself one of those! It's the best $5 you'll ever spend! Until next time...

What an awesome place the library is...

2009-11-11T20:21:00.002-06:00

First of all, please excuse me for ending the title with the word is. It doesn't sit well with me as I'm sure it doesn't sit well with some of you...but that is the way it is today.

I have discovered...that I really must get out more. I mean really. It has also occurred to me that I have missed so much being in graduate school for what seems like forever. Between the 3 jobs, the internship, and the first round of graduate school...there are things in life I missed. Like being at home.

Today's post isn't about being at home however, it's about going out. Tonight the big girl, the sonshine and I went to the library, then to Big Lots, and then to the pet store. I, for one, could fart around (not literally, ok, maybe sometimes literally, no not really, well maybe, not) ANYWAY, I could wander around endlessly in stores and look at stuff, and marvel at how cheap the prices are at the Big Lots, and how I thought this pet store went out of business, but lo and behold, here it is in a new location in a mall, and I could REALLY marvel at all the goings on in the library...families playing games, youth groups in the computer lab, classes going on, families with young children reading and checking out books together, local history...I was amazed! Evidently it had been MUCH too long since I had been experienced the splendor of the library. It was a wonderful day to stop and smell the roses, or the books if you will. I'm so glad not to have missed it!

Help from the blogosphere is needed...

2009-10-21T20:25:00.004-05:00

For those of you that have read my blog for some time, you know that I lost my pastor earlier this year. You also know that it has been clearly the most difficult loss I have faced to date. Firstly, it was so unexpected...secondly, it was something that I had never,in my wildest dreams, prepared myself for. I always envisioned Pastor Kerr, old and gray, presiding at my funeral. Along with my personal struggle, I know that his family continues to struggle as well, and I continue to pray for them daily.

One thing that I may or may not have shared with you through all of this, is that my Pastor's son William and my big girl were born on the same day, at the same hospital. They were raised in our church family together...and on Monday they will be 17. Here's where you come in. I want to share a letter with you from William's mom...

Hi e-mail buddy's :o)

The 26th of Oct. is my son William's birthday (he'll be 17). I worry about him this year for many reasons, so I need your help. I want to do something special for him but he's a guy so he says "no way". I would like to surprise him by giving him a Birthday Card party. Please send him a funny birthday card and please send this e-mail to ANYBODY in the world. I would love to see him get cards from all over the world (it won't matter if they're late). I know I'm thinking kind of big but I'm a mom who loves her son and I need to do something. All of those "first" this year have been very hard on us just as any family who has lost someone as important as my son's father. So please help make this a day that he will remember, a day that people cared.

William Kerr
4522 Galleon Dr.
Loves Park, ILL. 61111

Thank you from a Mothers Heart,
Debbie Kerr

So there you have it....Please send this to everyone on your blogrolls and your email contact list and lets see if we can't get this boy thousands of birthday cards from around the world. Send your today. I'm counting on you!

Please stay tuned...

2009-10-12T17:41:00.001-05:00

I know it's been the longest blogging break in history for me...but here's the thing. The computer wizard is coming to town this weekend (Thank God his grandaughter is having a birthday) and I should be back up and running! Thanks for your patience

The computers are winning again...

2009-09-27T21:43:00.002-05:00

We.Have.Issues.

Computer Issues.

Our current status includes the following...

One computer out for repair...needs a hard drive scrub, but has hundreds of pictures on it I need to remove first.

One computer has my beautiful new camera software but no internet.

One computer has no software but internet

One computer is a laptop and is doing the best it can.

So...

Still no pictures.

I'm trying to figure out a go-fight-win song, so that I, for a change, can win against the computers. That day is not today...

It's windy, can you feel it?

2009-09-20T20:08:00.003-05:00

The winds of change are a blowin here at the Ruchus...it's time to buckle down, and get some stuff done. In just a few weeks I hope to have photos for you of my scrap room's amazing transformation, from a relativly useless storage space, to MY space. My space to contemplate and to create. I can't wait! Among other things...I have decided October 3rd, is diet day for me...back to Weight Watchers...it is SO time. I've been working ever so slightly on changes in my life and have decided it is time to kick it into full gear. It is becoming evident to me how much growing my kids have done and what a short period of time I have left with them. It is important to utilize every day to the fullest!

My fabulous boss is helping me with one of my primary weaknesses...organization. Everyone marvels at how much I accomplish, but it is usually at a price to me. I have not been sleeping well lately, often waking up throughout the night with the never ending to do list on my mind. My work load is astounding, add to that household responsibilities, a second job, aging parents, grad school, three super busy teenagers and a marriage and wow! Organization is really the key to keeping it all together. As you know from previous posts, I was hit with quite a sever bout of depression recently. For whatever reason it seems to be lifting and the clouds are being replaced with sunny hopeful skies. Thanks for everyone's love and support.

I have some fabulous pictures to share, but I'm still having a few computer issues. I have camera software on one computer but not internet, and internet on the other computer but not software! As soon as we become resynchronized around here computer wise, I'm sure you'll be wowed!

We are super busy preparing for homecoming, fall, the family reunion, and three birthdays the month of October. I've also put together a committee to plan my class reunion yet this year, since no one else stepped up, and it's our 25th! Brennan has his x-rays on Wednesday, has been cleared to wear a shoe, but still isn't able to walk on his foot. Hopefully Wednesday's x-rays will give him the all clear to begin physical therapy and he can begin to move on with the recovery process.

We have had to make some rather painful decisions around here regarding our pets. I have an older dog that has begun having potty issues and I'm pretty sure I cannot deal with that. We've tried doggie diapers but that seems to be humiliating to him and frustrating to me...so time will tell. He has joint issues and is getting quite old. I'm thinking before the weather gets really cold, which is really hard on him...perhaps it will be time...what a great sadness. His beautiful eyes and gentle ways will be so missed. He has been my napping companion for the past 8 years. When I'm really stressed and can't sleep, I call him up onto the bed and with his warm self and snuggles, I almost instantly fall asleep. This decision leaves a definite ache in my heart. I hope by beginning the process now, I'll be able to work through the sadness and send him to heaven in November. (sighs heavily)

It also seems I need to begin letting go of my big girl. With dance, working, social life, and academics, she hardly has time to be helping around the house. Is it time to remove her from the chore list? I'm not sure. PSAE's are coming, ACT's, class rank, college visits...wow! Where has the time gone? As she transitions out of high school, my precious one begins. I absolutely love that my children are so close together and treasure the time when they will all be in high school together. I think the most special part is because I am on the school board, I'll be able to hand them their diplomas when they graduate. Many tissues will be required on those days!

So, you're a little caught up now with all things Ruchus...oh wait...I was in Arizona last week caring for my mama after her most recent surgery. I am so grateful everyday that I have a wonderful job that says...you need time off? Go! ...no guilt, no questions, just support. When I return there are genuine questions of concern about my mom. Even from our CEO! I know I've said it before, but I am SO truly blessed with the amazing job I have and with the amazing people I work with. When I was praying last year...God was listening and he surely went above and beyond my wildest dreams when I landed this job. God is so good!

The Ruchus is wishing everyone a bountiful fall. Enjoy the crisp air, the beautiful leaves, and try to take a moment to relish in all things wonderful. If you know someone who's suffering (and I know far too many people right now) lend a hand...say a prayer...let them know you care.

A funk so low even Arby's can't fix it...

2009-09-10T22:23:00.004-05:00

Yes, I'll have...well, let me see...that, that, that, that, let's just say one of everything on the left side of the menu...plus a chocolate shake. What's that you say? $402? Let me rethink that a minute...small rootbeer, fabulous turkey sandwich, no onion, no mustard, no cheese, cheese sticks...yes I know I ordered no cheese on the sandwich and oh yeah...one of those dreamy chocolate shakes with the chocolate syrup stuck on the sides. Yum.my.

42,812 calories later...I'm still in a funk. It may be time to call in the professionals.

Congratulations, I have officially become a firefighter

2009-09-09T21:55:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had one of those days, weeks,spans of time, careers or something else where you discover you have officially gained your self a red truck and an unattractive hat? Welcome to the world of firefighting...let me tell you those California wildfires got nothin on me (Before you get your panties in a bunch, it's just an expression, I'm not downplaying the seriousness of the fires) Now. Seriously. You've heard the expression the best defense is a good offense? Meet me...on the offensive. Tomorrow begins a new day. A day of planning, prodding, and purposeful actions to regain the offensive...at work, in life, at home. It. Is. Time. There will be a terrific fire fighting party at 8AM sharp. Bring your hoses.