Reading Marathon/Idol

Last night was quite the reading marathon at the Ruch house. Kristina read a book cover to cover, Kevin read quite a bit, and I finished one curriculum book and started another. I am catching up slowly but surely. I've had to take a bit of time off from the ole internship this week, but there are some topics I needed a bit more info on, so hence all the reading. This afternoon I have to prepare for my class I'm teaching tonight and found some great info on infant attachment last night in my studies. I caught up on Brothers and Sisters and also October Road the night before. The girls went to girl scouts were they are working on a photography unit (right up their alley) although I think they are finding out they're pretty smart where that is concerned. :) I registered my beeba for Middle School (VERY hard to believe isn't it?). She will have auditions in February. PLLLLLEEEEEEAAAAAASSSSSSSEEEE let her make one of the academies. Keep a good thought for her K?

Finally, the highlight of my evening was American Idol, and I came to realize how very addicted I am to that show. My favorites so far are the AA lady with the daughter with Rett's syndrome, and then there are two blonde girls...the very last one (very 'Faith Hill' ish) and then the one from Oregon that had to sell her horse to get there. I do believe the 'Princess Leigha" look alike was on the Autism spectrum, and felt a bit badly for her...but really, overall Simon was quite nice last nite! Shocking! So tonight I work til 9:30 but Tivo will be on hand to care for my Idol craving! Gotta love that Tivo--- Until next time...

What a great new computer!!

Hey, I am officially posting from my kids' new computer. It is so nice :) I am for sure picturing one for my scraproom in the near future! I especially enjoy that none of the keys stick! So, as promised I finally have pictures of my lovely new family room. All of my pictures are up, the new entertainment unit is set up, and I only have about 8 wires left to hide :) and I have this quote from upper case living... the picture is only temporarily in that frame until a new frame can be secured! Stephanie is relaxing in the new recliner :), while Bluey was feeling the need for a hug. Does anyone else out there have a 90 lb. dog that hugs them or is it just me?

Finally, I wanted to share with you my new lease on life. You see, one of my greatest joys in life is reading. The trouble is I always go to bed after Kevin and that is where I like to read. Well he highly dislikes having the light shine in his eyes while trying to sleep. So check out this nifty gadget... Look closely...it's sitting on the new book I'm reading in the dark with my new ear mounted reading light! One of the kids got this for selling 5 items from a fund raiser. It is the BEST ever!! Last night I laid in bed in the dark with no TV on and no distractions and read for 45 minutes without disturbing the hubby. It sure doesn't get any better than that! Aaaaahhhhh, you gotta love life's simple pleasures!

So much to say/do, so little time~

Where or where has this weekend gone? I am feeling great that I got so much accomplished, but also feeling WAAAAAY tired! I started out the weekend, having a quick birthday cake for Nina and gift opening, before I had to leave for school. Here she is modeling her new coat :) After I headed to Delevan I met my friend Carlene for dinner. I was almost a bit giddy, since it had been a month since we saw each other. We had so much catching up to do. We ate at Chili's and I had steak, everything mashed, and a salad. Oh, let's don't forget 2 root beers. I didn't add up the WW points, really what's the point? I am starting the WW today, refreshed, hopefully, unless the stress level goes over the top then all bets are off! Meanwhile, Kevin took the kids to Thunder Bay Grill (Nina's favorite) for her birthday dinner. {The last birthday I'll have to miss :)} Friday night and Saturday I had my first class, which was EXCELLENT! I have such a great and knowledgeable instructor, plus there are only 10 people in this class, so there is a lot of great discussion. She is going to give me info on how I can get a free special ed advocate for Brennan and for one of my clients. How great is that? I am so excited to read all the info she gave us. On a side note, one day she brought chips and mango salsa. OK, so not that I needed another food to love,but I LOVE mango salsa!! After class, Kristina had cheer practice and a game, but had to leave early cuz she didn't feel well (mostly I think tired and hungry and missing me) -- I went to Slumberland and finally picked up my new entertainment unit. It is all set up and looks great! (Will have pics posted on that tomorrow) I am so glad to not have the clutter and wires everywhere. The furniture is all arranged, and the pictures are up on the wall. I put up a upper case living quote on the wall, and am so pleased with how the room turned out. I am a bit sore today from carrying in the units. I told Kevin, odd how it smells like stain. For real, I think it's the first 'real wood' furniture we have ever purchased. Merry Christmas to me! Sunday I continued cleaning and got quite a bit done. I finally put away the rest of the Christmas odds and ends that were still about and then it was time for Kristina's family birthday party. Uncle Tim, Aunt Deb, Shana, Ryan, and Aubrey were able to attend. A. Teresa, & Gramma were sick, so Ryan, Robert, and Arissa couldn't come either. Kristina was real sad about that, but I told her we would have another little get together for Daddy's side when everyone is feeling better. :( We haven't heard from UD in a week and I'm beginning to get concerned. Hope all is well with him. We had a great Wii tournament and true to form, Shana beat Ryan in Boxing... a TKO! Way to go! I think they may be a bit sore today cuz man that Wii is a work out! Anyway, A. Deb and U Tim gave Kristina a dozen dollars, in an egg carton. Kristina said..."they always give the best gifts!" Deb is so creative and the presentation is always the best! She got a gift card from Grandma. that Aubrey really enjoyed tasting! Nina's not sure what she'll get yet, but I bet she's got her Dad at the target before we know it! She picked out this cake.... Yumm Peppermint concrete cake from Culver's (again no WW points tallied there) Uncle Tim got the new computer all set up and Brennan was so thrilled. The girls will also be thrilled, because there will be so much less bickering now over the computer! Thanks again Uncle Tim! (Don't know what I'd do without my own personal IT guy!) I finally hit the bed at 11:15 and was reading til 12:00 or so. 5:00 came super early and I'm a bit wiped today. I don't have any clients scheduled tonight and hope to be home early AND in bed early! Until next time...

PS Hey Ry, you lucked out I didn't post your 'yawning' picture :) But you know if it wasn't blurry it'd been on here!!

Peace be with the Morrissey family

A sad day for the Morrissey Family. Their baby Michael has gone to Heaven. If you have not kept up on their blog, Dad left a most beautiful entry last night in light of Michael's passing. He spent 5 short weeks here on Earth but has touched so many hearts. God Bless you and keep you Michael until we meet again.

Happy Birthday Kristina!

Today, it is this precious one's 12th Birthday! She was born as 4:09 pm 12 years ago today....hard to believe how quickly our babies grow up. This is what I love (or adore, or cherish, or can't live without) about Kristina-- She is a genius (I'm not just saying that cuz I'm her mama either ;), She has the most beautiful smile, she is very caring and giving, she is a great helper, she has always been very huggy, she makes up crazy nick names for me, (the most recent of which is bologny! or hondu, or scoobidy, or bleekin), she is soft hearted, she loves her family, her beautiful green eyes, she loves God, she is an eager learner, she brings a bubbly energy to our family, she is independent with a good balance of dependence, she is an all around wonderful daughter. Happy Birthday Precious One!

Last night I got to spend a night at home -- well at least after 7:00. I made a home cooked meal, which the kids were very excited about AND we had a Robert Thursday! Although he was quite cranky last night, we still enjoyed having him over. He had his 'baf' and his yummy dinner, While Bluey waited patiently by for any morsel that may 'accidentally' be dropped on the floor! Robert gets a big kick out of feeding the dogs...and they have come to expect it ;P After dinner, we baked Kristina's birthday treat for school... while Robert played in the kitchen with me. He thought he'd try my shoes on for size It was the craziest thing ever watching him try to walk around as he giggled and giggled. I think if the shoes are 13 sizes too big, it doesn't matter if they're on the wrong feet or not! I had time to spend some much needed together time with my kids, I got 2 loads of laundry done, and got to read the newspaper. It was a rejuvenating evening and it was so needed. I feel like a new person today! I have a stressful day at work, but then I'm off to meet Carlene for dinner and go to school. It will be so nice to see everyone again and I am so excited for this class. Saturday I have school and Kristina has cheer practice and a game. Sunday we have church and then Kristina's family party. I'm looking forward to get together to celebrate her birthday.

PS, check out the Edward blog on the right...it updates on the rebuilding efforts and volunteer opportunities to help.

Until next time...

46 hours

In the last three days I have worked 46 hours. That might be a record even for me...to top it off, I've also gotten 15 hours of sleep in those same three days! Today, I only have 11 hours on the agenda, and then I get to spend the evening with my family :) :) :) Kristina's birthday is tomorrow so tonight we have to make a treat for her to take to school {on the last year that she can take a treat for school}. Stephanie has been so busy getting ready for end of semester finals today and tomorrow, with lots of homework every night. She is excited to change classes and to finally be done with Algebra! (Me too since I cannot help her with her homework) Next semester she will take Honors Contemporary World Studies, Spanish, Gym and Choir, and Advanced Placement English. Brennan too has been busy making sure that all his work is turned in. He is looking forward to his report card money and as usual already knows what he wants to spend it on. He definitely gets that from me! I had a few extra things on the agenda this week, which led to the long hours. Kristina said last night that she believes it's time for me to quit 'that dumb school thing' -- I explained to her that I will be done 'next year' (my new favorite phrase) and then at that point I'll have more freedom and more time to spend with her. She said, "But I won't be the same next year, I'll be old!" Bless her heart...She had to have lots of extra hugs last night and mom time. I rubbed her face so she could go to sleep and she seemed to be much more relaxed. Her skin is at the all time worse and so that is making her very emotional (in addition to me being gone) -- The real trouble is, when her skin is so broken out, all of the medication burns her and just makes it worse. I read on the package last night that burning is an adverse reaction (meaning she's probably become allergic to the medicine too) -- so today I must contact the Dr. to come up with a new plan.

On a brighter note, I talked to my friend last night that used to work at UIC-- I finally found out the pay scale, which is right up my alley, and also, that after you work at the college since you are a state employee, your kids can attend any state school for 50% off tuition. I think that is terrific! Also, you don't pay social security tax when you work there, and the benefits are terrific. Yes, I do believe this is where I want to work. I can only hope they feel the same way!

I taught my first class at the Y last night and I think it went pretty well. There are 28 people in the class so I was a bit surprised by that! (I really expected about 15)-- Stephanie's preschool teacher from Kiddie Kollege is in the class and it was so nice to see her again, and to thank her for giving Stephanie such a good foundation for learning. There was a lot of interaction and the students all seem to be pretty interested. Only 4 more classes to go :)

Hope you all have a terrific Thursday...until next time.

Pardon our dust!

This is my family room in progress...please pardon the mess! I told my niece, by the way I don't clean and organize before I paint, that all happens after! The khaki on the top is new...note the ugly white and left over beigey color on the bottom...yuck!

Now note the new khaki and chocolate brown :) I wasn't so sure at first, but it has really grown on me and now I quite like it! The cleaning and decorating will be done this weekend when the new entertainment unit comes in...can't wait for that :D
OK, so today I worked my usual 6a til about 4-- then I was off to Chasi for my adoption group...trouble was both of the child care workers were not able to attend, so guess who got to provide childcare?....yup, yours truly. I really wasn't looking forward to it, but it turned out to be ok. I had fun and the kids had fun. As I left work I grabbed a can of rootbeer and threw it in my purse for later. I stopped by Culver's and got a cup of yummy Stuffed Green Pepper soup. [Who knew they made that? It was VERY tasty!] I got to Chasi and got out some paperwork, when my phone rang. I pulled it out and it was R-E-A-L sticky and wet. Ummmmmmmmmmm. Yes, that's right, the whole can of root beer leaked into my purse. {Enter a speechless moment here} because I really didn't know what to do. I threw away every piece of paper I really didn't need and tried to stuff the rest into the side pocket to dry. I dabbed my dripping soaked wallet with tissue and when I picked it up to look at the bottom, yes it was dripping :( and it was now time for me to go care for 12 kids for 2 hours. Ugggghh, that mess is for sure going to have to wait! So, I am home now and the vera bag is getting ready to hit the washer, because really, I cannot tolerate sticky! I am really sad about my marc jacobs leather wallet and don't yet know if it is salvageable-- this has been my wallet for hmmmm about 2 years and it is going to be a tough replacement. Yes, I know we shouldn't get so caught up in material things, but being organizationally challenged as I am, it is especially hard when the one organizer you rely on becomes a root beer float! (I know bad joke, just couldn't help it!) So, we'll scrub up the ole vera tonight and if all else fails...the new spring colors are out and Raspberry fizz is calling my name (although I had hoped to wait til spring to actually purchase it!) Until next time...