Sunday, December 30, 2007

Guess What? Chicken Butt!

My daughter, Brooklyn, told her Grandma (my Mom) today, "Yesterday, my Mom said Chicken Butt!" Then my daughter, Lauren, said the whole joke to Grandma: "Guess what? Chicken butt!" I actually have not said that joke for some time, but to Brooklyn the past is always yesterday or last night. It was funny, and it caught my Mom off guard.

Today we did some Christmas clean up. I always enjoy the clean up after Christmas. It makes everything feel so clean to get rid of Christmas clutter. We always have a lot of it!

Okay, it's another day but I had started this post so I left it as my intro. I have been quite busy. So sorry blog fans. I wasn't aware that I had any, but Teri says I do! See comments on my last post.

Andrew and I went away on New Year's Eve. It was all his idea. He even got Amy and Keith to babysit the kids! Thanks guys! We went to Palm Desert. It's the first date we've had in months! Anyway we spent the night there, went to Mimis for dinner, saw the new national treasure movie (good), and did some shopping. It was fun. The next day, we bought a car! Now, those of you who talk to me a lot knew I wanted a new car. Mine was starting to drive me crazy! It's a 2007 Saturn Outlook. It's silver and we love it!

Our dog, Riley, got really sick this week and we've been tending to him. By the way, hospital stays for dogs are very expensive. It's a good thing he is cute and that we love him!

Between Riley and the car, I need to work more! Anyway, I think you are filled in for now!
Love you all!
Janice

Friday, December 21, 2007

'Tis the Season to be busy!

I subbed four days this week~ WHEW! I subbed for a 1st grade class on Tuesday. Then I subbed for Kyle's teacher, Mr. Manson, from Wednesday through Friday (today). Mr. Manson has a family of 8! (Six kids + two parents). His wife was very sick with the flu while two of his kids have chickenpox! YIKES! Needless to say, he had to be home with them. I work in his class every week so I know the kids. It went fine. I am tired though ~ I'm not accustomed to working that hard! You know me, the lady of leisure. My dear, sweet , wonderful friend, Joanna, watched the girls for me. I am very grateful to her.

Tomorrow is Nana's Tea Party. Every year Andrew's Mom gives a tea party for the kids just before Christmas. The parents don't have to go so it gives us a chance to do last minute shopping, wrapping, etc. It's one of my favorite days of the year :0)
It's rare on a Saturday that I would have any time to myself. I do have lots of wrapping, baking, even decorating to still do! I'm looking forward to it!

I'll let you know how it goes.

Working on some Christmas magic,
Janice

Monday, December 17, 2007

Christmas Letter!



If you already read this regularly, you won't get one of these in your Christmas card because I'm putting it here. You probably know all the information anyway, but , here it is nonetheless.




December 16, 2007

Hi Dear Ones!

We hope we are finding you well and enjoying a very special Christmas season! Life at the Shepard house is always interesting!

We have had a good year. Lauren and Brooklyn turned 4 in March. Kyle turned 8. Also in March we took a trip to Legoland. The girls liked it, but said that next time they would like to go to Barbieland instead! We went to the beach and Ruby’s on the pier. It was fun. Our kids like hotels (they take after their Mom!).

In June, Noah turned 10! I can’t believe how old he looks! He is a fifth-grader now and Kyle is a third-grader. The girls will go to kindergarten in fall 2008.

Our niece, Amber, got married in July. Lauren and Brooklyn were flower girls and Kyle was the ring-bearer. Noah was in charge of the gift table with his cousin, Eli. It was a beautiful wedding and it was so fun to have the kids in it!

At the end of July we went to Washington for a month! It was heaven. We saw Janice’s parents, our Anacortes friends, and had a wonderful time. Andrew and I spent the last week of our Washington trip on a cruise to Alaska. We left the kids with Grandma and Grandpa. The kids had a great time at their house. Lauren keeps saying she wants to go back to Washington and play with her Washington toys.

This Fall I (Janice) started to substitute teach. I only do it sometimes for my friends. I did finish my CLAD certificate so that I can teach again in the future. I also began to sell Mary Kay for fun. I really like it and it’s nice to get out of the house! Andrew is still working for Loma Linda University and also taking x-rays to make ends meet. Next fall, he is starting his Master’s Degree! UGH!

Our latest news is that we got a puppy! He is a golden retriever named Riley. He is cute and sweet and perfect, except, he got stepped on and it broke his leg….so he is mending, but is still cute and sweet!

That’s about it for us! Now you are up to date! You can read our blog about our latest antics at http://janifay.blogspot.com/ and feel free to leave comments! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers this Christmas season! We pray God’s blessings on each one of you, and join you in celebrating Christ’s birth!

Love to you all,

Andrew, Janice, Noah, Kyle, Lauren and Brooklyn Shepard

Friday, December 14, 2007

Bookstores and Coffee

Tonight I was out shopping with my WHOLE family. It's not as enjoyable as you would think. The girls and Kyle are running this way and that...and Noah is doing his usual whining. I'm catching the dirty looks from people who no longer have little kids. It's so easy to revert into dreamland. You know the place you wish you were. I looked into the window of Barnes and Noble and wished I had the freedom to sit in the Starbucks section, have a coffee, and read a book. I told Andrew if I was single: meaning, without any of my entanglements, I would probably spend a lot of time there. It looked so warm and cozy and stress-free....

I know someday I'll have that time and wish back to these times. We always want what we can't have! But, all I want is a few minutes in my dreamland, then I'm ready to be back in my crazy life.

Here's hoping you can have a few minutes in your dreamland too!
Janice

Thursday, December 13, 2007

It's Already December?

Hey all you loved ones!
Time is getting past me like never before! I keep thinking I have time for things, such as my blog, and I don't! I have been so crazy busy that I can't think straight! Yesterday I got up at 4:30(am!) and I went and went until about 9(PM!). I have been working at selling Mary Kay and I have been subbing. When you add in orchestra practice it makes for a busy time! Tonight is Noah's first band performance. He is learning the alto saxaphone. I have to admit that I am surprised that he is sticking with it. He still seems interested though and I am glad for that. I think he is playing Jingle Bells tonight.

Riley has been keeping me busy too. He goes to the vet at least once a week to have his leg checked. It's also a full time job keeping him from chewing on things and keeping a plastic bag on his leg when we take him outside. Lucky for him, he's cute!

I took the kids to Disneyland on Monday to see it decorated for Christmas. It's my favorite time of year to go. It's so beautiful. I posted a picture of them on my mobile blog.

Last week we saw the movie, Enchanted. We loved it. It's the best family movie I've seen in a long time. My girls, of course, LOVED Giselle! We bought the movie soundtrack and sing the songs every time we are in the car! If you have not seen it, I recommend it.

Well I'd better check to see what Riley is up to!
Love, Janice

Thursday, November 29, 2007

One of THOSE weeks.....

Brooklyn got sick right after Sunday school on Sunday....good timing. She was sick for a couple of days. Lauren started throwing up this morning..in her bed...and everywhere around the house she can think of....Every time I clean up a barf mess I think to myself, "It will be a miracle if I don't get this." It's weird though, she isn't sick in a typical sense. She keeps telling me that she hasn't gotten anything to eat, and when I give her a cracker, she barfs. When I'm sick with a stomach thing, I don't want to eat. She even gets perky between barfs. No fever yet either.

It's already been a long week. I'm just hoping and praying no one else gets this.
Love you all, and please, PRAY FOR US!

Janice

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

...anyone there?

I have to say I am sooo sorry for being so behind on my blog. The last two weeks have been CRAZY! Where I last left you, we got Riley. Well, a few days later, Riley got stepped on and his back right leg was broken! We have been taking care of him and he is recuperating nicely. Now we keep a very close eye on him and ANY time he goes outside he must have a plastic bag covering his splint. I'm telling you that just this chore alone is a full time job! I'll post a picture of him on my mobile phone blog. We've been calling him peg leg.

This past week was my Mary Kay debut, which went very well. I also hosted Thanksgiving for 21 people, and had my first Mary Kay skin care class at my house. It's been party central here! Now I'm trying to catch up from all the items I'm behind doing, including my blog.

My friend, Jennifer, called me last night. Our 20th high school reunion is this summer. I can't believe it. We are making plans to go and have some fun. It's not until June 28. Jen, I hope someday you'll figure out how to post comments! Your comments would be fun to read!

Sorry this is short, but at least it's updated! Have a good day!
Love,
Janice

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Our new addition to the family!




This is Riley. He is our new puppy. Thanks to Grandpa and Grandma Proctor and Aunt Melissa and Uncle Tim, he is the kid's Christmas present. We are all in love with the little sweet guy!

Yesterday I made my first Mary Kay sale! It was to Keith, my brother-in-law (yes, they sell men's stuff!) Thanks Keith! I also have my first skin care class organized through my sister. Thanks guys for your support.

Sorry, that's all for now. Riley is crying!
Love, Janice

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Times to Cherish

Hello!

Yesterday, my friend Joanna and I and the kids, went to Chick-fil-a for lunch (Sorry Teri!). It is her birthday next week so we went to lunch to celebrate. We had a tiny cake and everything~YUM! We had a good time except for the bathroom. Apparently a little boy had used the restroom previous to us because there was pee on the back of the toilet seat and a small puddle on the floor. (I can spot boy usage a mile away!) Anyway, I spent the WHOLE experience listening to screaming by my girls afraid we were going to step in the puddle of pee (there were 3 of us in a small stall). Brooklyn would not pull up her pants because she was afraid somehow it would make her gravitate toward the pee; I therefore, in exasperation, bent down to pull them up and knocked my drink over with my rear and made a bigger puddle...more screaming....Next, it was Lauren's turn. She decided she could not possibly pull up her pants either and started crying while I'm trying to somewhat clean up diet coke all over the floor. Lucky me, I did manage to step in the pee while enduring all the screaming...........and people say I'll remember these times with fondness....hmmmm...........

Monday, November 5, 2007

Oh Golly Gee/Shucks!

Thank you darlings for your positive comments. They help me greatly! I have moments of terror for what I signed up for, then moments of clarity. I'm glad you all have confidence in me!

Here things are relatively calm. We are getting ready to have the big family Thanksgiving in our house! That Monday before Thanksgiving is my business debut which is a party inviting all my friends to come. All of you who live near, it's November 19 at 6:30 at my house. Please come! That is going to be a busy week! I do thrive on being busy though! The kids are out of school the whole week of Thanksgiving , so that week we are going to Disneyland on Tuesday. I am going to recruit them to make some Thanksgiving decorations for Thursday...and of course...help clean. Okay, they won't clean, but maybe I can get them to agree to not drag out everything they own! That would be progress in itself!

At weight watchers tonight, I was informed that I have "isms"; you know the little sayings that someone in particular says. I told the weight watchers lady that I am "hyper-vigilant" about the things I choose to eat and she said she hadn't heard the term "hyper-vigilant" before. Amy told her that it's a Janiceism. I thought that funny! It would be interesting to me if you could leave me a comment on a Janiceism that you know of....I'm just curious because I'm not aware of them. Isn't it weird that you can say something a lot and not know it? The girls started saying,"What the heck?" and I asked Andrew where they learned it and he said they learned it from me! OOPS! I had no idea I said that so much! I like learning things about myself that I hadn't previously known. By the way, I lost 1 full pound so now I've lost 30.8! Yeah!

Well, that's it for now.

Love you all, Janice

Saturday, November 3, 2007

My New Job!

Hello dear friends!
I've got a new job. I've decided to break out of my shell, which is very thick, and try my hand at selling Mary Kay cosmetics. Don't laugh Carey South! I've been thinking about it for some time and I've decided that I'm going to give it a try. I have never sold a darn thing in my life, except at yard sales, so I'm a little scared. I do use Mary Kay so I'll have access to all the makeup I want, which is a good side benefit. I'm mainly hoping to supplement our income and pay off some bills. So, if you have something encouraging to say: Bring it on! If not, don't tell me! Anyway, that's my newest news.....I am still planning on subbing occasionally, however there hasn't been much action on that front!
Well, I'm off for now!
Love you all,
Janice

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Happy Halloween!




Are my kids weird or what? Noah was trying to look like an old lady, but looked more like a homely one! They are all in character in this photo. We went to Keith and Amy's house for Halloween. It was fun and the Dads' took them trick-or-treating...SCORE! Thanks Keith and Amy ~ You're the best! See Keith, you made the blog!
Today I finished my last project for my CLAD! Woo-hoo! These are the classes I've been working on for almost the last two years. If I take one more class it bumps me up on the pay scale (that is nonexistent at this point) from B.A. and 30 units to B.A. and 45 units. That is, if I decide to teach again!
Well all, it's late and I'm pooped!
See you in cyberspace!!!!!
Love, Janice

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Weight Watchers Update

Hello all! I know you're waiting with great anxiety to see if I made my 30 lbs weight loss, and guess what? I've lost 29.8 pounds as of last night. I was .2 lbs off! Can you believe it? I'm okay though. I'm not discouraged. I'll make it next week! I still love weight watchers and I'll never give up! It's the best!

I hope you are all having good days!
Love, Janice

Monday, October 29, 2007

My Mobile Blog

I realized that I could send blogs from my cell phone. I thought, "That could be fun!", so I signed up. I thought it would add to my existing blog, however, it made a new one. Oh well, two can be fun. You can get to it from my fun blog links. Guess which one it is...you guessed it, fleur-de-mobile.

I went into L.A. with my friend, Marilyn, yesterday. We attended a cultural event for our class. Now we have one project left to go! We are going to do it on Wednesday afternoon. Do you know that we have almost been doing these four classes for two years? Yikes! To celebrate, we went to an italian place in Beverly Hills for dinner. It was fun. We also walked through Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma....DANGEROUS!.....and....covet,covet,covet. Now that I've confessed that I can move on!

I think I MAY have made it to my 30 pound weight loss at Weight Watchers tonight. I've been going for a year (as of tonight). I'll let you know!

Have a great day!
Janice

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Holidays

Last year I was depressed when Christmas came around. I didn't get around to my Christmas cards (not like me). I didn't do much baking (not like me either). I was in a funk. I feel myself slipping into that again because I'm already mourning Christmas. I REALLY wanted to go to Washington for Christmas and it's not going to happen. I hate that finances can dictate where I can and cannot go. Although, I'm not sure my car would make it all the way there either! It seems that every time I get into that car something new is broken! Oh well, my son was already complaining how long the drive takes when we were just thinking about it. Maybe God is saving me! Can you imagine a marathon driving session with the world's most relentless whiner, coupled with happy and blood curdling screams from the twin world record holders in scream volume, mixed with fighting and crying from the world's most easily hurt and dramatic middle child? This is our car and it's supposed to be fun! My dear, dear, dear, father experienced this just this summer. I think they let him off a little easy, however, they had their moments. My Dad flew down from Washington and drove us up so that we could be there longer. (Believe it or not, Andrew only has so much vacation time!) Anyway, during one crying session from little Brooklyn, I told her to stop crying to which she replied, "I'm not crying, I'm whining! I'm not stupid crying!" We found that to be completely funny.

Well, upon that memory, I am smiling again. I am also left with the thought that maybe God has a reason and a purpose for us to be here this year. While I am not gifted in the realm of making lemonade from life's lemons, I certainly don't want to mess with God's purpose or plans!

Well, I love you all. All you Washington loved ones, be assured, I'm working on my next return!

Love, Janice

Friday, October 26, 2007

Staying Positive!

In an effort to stay positive, I am generating a list (not all-inclusive) of the things I am grateful for today:
*clean air~you don't appreciate it until it's full of smoke!
*I'm not homeless.
*Healthy children.
*God's grace.
*Television!
*Friends and Family!
*Belly laughs!
*My cars are still running.
*My husband comes home to this crazy house every night! It would be tempting to keep on driving!
*Diet coke...need I say more?
*Just found out my husband is coming home early....unplanned...YES!

Okay, I already feel better.
Love, Janice

Thursday, October 25, 2007

I'm laughing at myself!

Reading my own blog is my only laugh today. I realized in my previous entry I called bad air quality,"bar air quality". I guess the air outside could be compared to a smoky bar, not that I go to them. It is so hazy outside that it looks overcast. The sun was dark red through the haze. BLEH! Are the fires out yet? I wouldn't know. I have not had a chance to sit down and relax dealing with little darlings locked inside all day. Watching the news doesn't help much. They mainly report the expensive areas like OC and San Diego. San B doesn't get much air time. It's irritating.
I did attempt to incorporate some fun into an otherwise dreary day. Between the fighting of the boys and the girls crying over whatever, I made halloween sugar cookies. I frosted some for dessert. I froze some unfrosted cookies to maybe have on another day. For one split second I felt all organized for doing that. I then awoke from my daydream to the second major sticky spill of the day....apple juice. Great fun!
Right now it's after dinner and I'm blogging. I'm trying to not talk because I have a sore throat (smoke? or yelling? It's a toss up!)

I sure hope your day was better!
Love,Janice

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Fires! UPDATE

Well, technically it's not an update about the fires themselves, it's an update about what's going on because of the fires. The boy's school sent the kids home early today and they don't have school tomorrow or Friday. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! and OH GOODY!.......at the same time! It means I'm trapped inside (because of stinky smoke and bar air quality) with four kids for four days AND they have no homework! I don't know whether to cry or cheer! I really wish I could afford to fly to Washington for four days where the air quality is perfect! Maybe I'll tackle a bigger project than I normally have time to do. Who knows!

God be with us all,
Janice

Fires!

I watched the bad fires from four years ago in Washington. It seemed that they would go on forever. It's weird being here for them this time. While I don't have a fire in my near vicinity, our sky just looks dirty from the the smoke from the south and the north. The kids have rainy day schedule at school because of the air quality and they are going berzerk. Noah got in trouble at P.E. yesterday, which is inside, from his grouchy P.E. teacher. Having busy boys stuck inside with grouchy people makes for a bad combination! Anyway, I'm not complaining, I still have my house which is more than some could say! I'm just praying the wind dies down so that they can contain some of these fires.

I went to a Mary Kay thing with my Mary Kay lady last night. I'm intrigued by the idea of making money at home, which I could greatly use, but I have very low confidence in my skills with contacting people. I could sell the makeup, but it's having to call and possibly push myself on people that makes me nervous. I would welcome your comments on your take on how well I would do. You all know me well. Some of the motivational things they do I would consider on the dorky side, but if you do well, it's worth it. Anyway, I'm mulling it over. Subbing only pays $105 per day without the possibility of making more. They made it clear: "It doesn't matter if you are an experienced teacher or have never been in the classroom, you make the same...$105." It was humbling to say the least. My last few years have been filled with humbling experiences which I think has shaken my confidence level. I never had a problem with that before....

Praying God doesn't humble me today,
Janice

Monday, October 22, 2007

Pumpkin Patch



...the kids then.............


......The kids at the pumpkin patch now



We went to the pumpkin patch this weekend. I don't recommend it on a Saturday! Yikes! There were so many people there! It took 15 minutes just to get out of the parking lot. We had fun though. Every year I go with my sister and her daughter, Grace. The kids have fun, we get to shop, and everyone is happy! I've included a picture I took that day. Yesterday I also shopped for costumes. I went to Goodwill first and I found exactly what I needed. It was great and I got the main part of two costumes for $10. I was very happy to spend so little.

I subbed in my friend's first grade class on Friday. It was fun and the kids were great. All in all it was a good day. I was really tired though. I didn't stop all day. Who knows when I'll sub next....

Have a great day!
Love,
Janice

Thursday, October 18, 2007

A Better Day!



Today was a much better day getting the kids to school. I'll admit it's mainly because Noah has to bring his saxaphone today and wanted a ride rather than any creativity on my part! I'll take whatever works!

I've also been productive today. When I feel like I've been productive all is more right with the world. I just went through my old video tapes. I'm going to get rid of most of them. In the world of dvd's I'm just running out of room! I did get to see some video of my kids from more than three years ago. My boys voices and faces have changed. The girls were just babies. At the time they seemed so hard, but now they are just completely adorable. I'll have to remember each and every day to not waste my time wishing them to be bigger. It makes me wish I'd filmed them more! The pictures are what they looked like in the video.

Have a happy (and productive) day!
Love, Janice

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

The Calm After the Storm

Hello! It's Wednesday morning and my boys just left for school. I am sipping some tea and calming down. It's the calm after the storm. Everyday my oldest, Noah, makes a big commotion just before he leaves for school. It stresses me out and frankly, makes me mad! He doesn't care if he's late, I do. He doesn't care if his teeth are brushed or hair is combed, I do. Not only that, he tries to do things such as pump up his tires on his bike when he is already 5 minutes late leaving! Now I don't mind letting him reap consequences for such behavior, however, when the school notifies you about such consequences they act like it's the parent's fault. I guess I take it too personally because I feel like I work so hard to get these things done. If any of you have any suggestions, I would welcome them greatly! Just typing this out has calmed me already!
By the way, thanks for commisserating with me about the thing at Kohls! Those salespeople OBVIOUSLY do not have children! I agree with Karen, people outside of California are nicer.

Looking for something positive to write about,
Janice

Monday, October 15, 2007

Kids!

Am I the only parent that cares how my kid.....treats others?...........tells the truth?...........talks to adults?...........does right or wrong? Right now it feels like it. I feel like I work so hard to impress these values on my children and others (I won't say who, but it's none of you!) do nothing to make sure their child is doing the right thing! I guess that's the problem with being here on earth. It is broken, and so are the people! I sometimes get so frustrated with the parents of my kid's friends.
Not that I'm perfect.. And then there is Kohl's. I was shopping there with my girls today. I was looking at something real quick and Lauren accidently pulled off the mannequin's hand. Don't tell me you didn't do that as a kid. Before I even noticed, (it wasn't even a minute) the saleslady said, "Can you please keep them from doing that!" I wanted to say, "No I'm sorry the eyes in the back of my head are not working today and I'm just a completely incompetent mother!" Never mind the fact that I'd spent the last twenty minutes keeping them in line very competently. Meanwhile, Lauren was traumatized because I got mad at them and told them, "When you do things like that, the salespeople yell at me!" Lauren told me she never wants to be in a store with a mannequin again!
I think these are the experiences are the kind that make me a "type A" personality! Pray for me! My personality needs it!

Can anyone relate?

Janice

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Orchestra

I joined my church's orchestra last week. If you don't know, I play the flute. I have not played regularly since 8th grade so therefore I'm not that good. It was interesting how intimidated I was to play with these (mostly high school kids) other players. You would think, as an adult, insecurity wouldn't be a factor. It's starting to come back to me.....slowly! It's humbling, but at the same time I feel like I'm actually using my brain which is a nice change of pace! I'm supposed to be playing for church in two weeks and for the Christmas program. We'll see how it goes! Please pray for the girl to my right! Poor thing, she has to hear all of my mistakes!

Some nice news...Kyle asked Jesus into his heart today. As a parent I feel happiness, pride and to some degree... relief. Every Christian parent wants their child to know Jesus as their Savior! He and Noah want to be baptized soon. Please pray they hold on tight to their love for Jesus!

Love you all,
Janice

Friday, October 12, 2007

I'm Glad It's Friday

Friday is my favorite day of the week. The kids have no homework, which I hate fighting with them about, and it feels that I can breathe a sigh of relief. Yes, I'm glad it's Friday!

One week from today I will be substitute teaching for the first time. I'm slightly anxious because I'm used to the routine of being in my own classroom but what the heck, they're first graders, I can take 'em! It's my friends classroom too so I know she will have plans. My friend, Joanna, will be watching my girls for me. Thanks Joanna!

Some sad news, our beloved goldfish, Jimmy, is dying. We have had him for a year and 8 months so we are pretty attached to him. Everytime he sees me he swims to the glass and it almost looks like he wags his tail. Whoever said goldfish only have a two second memory is wrong. Ours is smart and he loves us too. Yes, I have shed a tear or two over our sweet Jimmy. My days with fish will be over for while. I think I need a break from the heartbreak of losing them. We lost our black fish, Stevie, just before school started. We had him for almost as long. I hate seeing my kids cry. Someday, when we are in a house that we want to live in indefinitely, we will get a dog.

Well, I'm going to leave it at that for now.
Happy Friday!
Love, Janice

Monday, October 8, 2007

zoOM!

Did that weekend zoom by or what? It seemed I blinked and it was over. In my quest to find interesting things to write about, I'll tell you what happened at Noah's soccer game this weekend. During the game, the coach of the opposite team yelled out (I found out later to his son) "You kick like your Mom!" I'm telling you the whole field heard this. I thought to myself...."Hmmmm". Later, to another kid, he yelled and asked if he should move the goal a little to the left because the kid missed it. I found myself being thankful my son was not on that team. I was happy to be on a losing team with a coach who is a good example. It's funny because just before the game I was wishing Noah could be on a winning team. I think God uses these experiences to show me what is important and that he knows what is best for me and my family. A side note: I saw that coach and his wife in the parking lot after the game; guess who was driving....yep, the wife. Hmmmmmm! I have to admit, it made me smile!

I hope you smile today!
Love, Janice

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

An Update

Hello all! I just wanted to update you all on my father-in-law, Var. He had two stints placed yesterday and is doing well. He is supposed to be coming home today. Andrew's sister, Amy, said he looked good yesterday. Thanks for your prayers.

I got a happy surprise yesterday. Disneyland sent back Brooklyn's annual pass! Yippee! Now I have one less worry! They told me they would mail it to me if someone found it. Thanks Lord!

An update on the soccer drama because I know you all care! Apparently one of the parents of a kid on the team is a board member for the soccer league. We think there is a personality clash of some kind and they are looking for things to complain about. It's all petty, however the board decided to make the head coach the assistant coach and vice versa. It's all politics...OH BROTHER! I'm telling you these people need lives!

One more update, we worked on the backyard yesteday. Andrew rototilled it and raked it. We are going to level it out some more and plant some new grass seed. It's slowly coming together!

I'll end with a joke from Lauren:
"Why did the dog sit in the shade?
Because he was a hot dog!" (When you deliver the punch line you need to crack up or it won't be the same!)

Have a blessed day!
Love, Janice :0)

Monday, October 1, 2007

A Mixed Bag Weekend!

Hi there friends and family!
It was sooo nice having Andrew home for two days in a row! Okay, about the yard work, we didn't get much done. We need to rent a rototiller to remove some weeds so that we can plant some grass seed. I hate manual labor! We did get to go out to dinner. We had a good time this time! ( I guess you win some and lose some!). We went to BJ's (a pizza/pasta place).

Some hard news this weekend...my father-in-law, Var, had a small heart attack. He is currently in the hospital getting angiograms and anything else he may need. The blessing is that they think he had the main part of the heart attack while he was in the hospital. He had already had some nitroglycerin to help and some pain medication which means it could have been a lot worse! They are not thinking that it caused a lot of damage either. God was certainly taking care of him! If you could pray for him we would appreciate it!

Tonight we will have some soccer drama. Apparently there are some parents who are not happy with Noah's coach and want her removed...there will be a meeting with the soccer board during his practice tonight. It's news to me! I'm just happy to have someone willing to be the coach! I'm wondering if any of them complaining will be willing to step up and coach themselves. Hmmmm..... somehow I doubt it! I am curious though...I'll keep you updated! Have a splendid day!
Love, Janice

Friday, September 28, 2007

Hey there!


Hi friends and family! Sorry there has not been a post in a couple of days. I took the girls to Disneyland yesterday with my friend, Joanna, and we are recovering today! All in all it was a good day, but a little hot. Brooklyn lost her annual pass, but we're hoping someone will turn it in.

Andrew finally has a Saturday off tomorrow! Yay! He so rarely has a Saturday off! I'm very excited! He is going to do the soccer games! Yippee! After that, we are probably going to work on some landscaping in the backyard. It needs some help. I hate weeding! If anyone wants to help, you know where I live! Maybe tomorrow I'll include a picture of our progress.

I hope you all have fruitful weekends!

Love,

Janice

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

I'm Living In Luxury!

This morning the sound of someone's diesel truck (you know the big loud trucks families drive today that run on diesel) woke me up. It was about 6:20am and they were dropping off their child at my neighbor's daycare next door. At about 6:30 am I heard another diesel truck drop off their child. It made me feel sad for those kids to have to get up so early. I was thinking of my own children and how they get to sleep in their own bed until they wake up naturally...what a luxury. I was also trying to imagine getting up a family so early to be somewhere by 6:20! To me that's unimaginable! My kids have to leave by 8:30 (another luxury!) Our school is around the corner, so they do not have far to go! There have been many times (far too many I'm ashamed to say) that I have questioned why I decided to stay home. Many times it feels like suffering (not enough money, driving an old car, having to actually save for something) but today it felt like a luxury. Today I'm grateful that my kids woke up at their regular time, I got to make them breakfast, and I got to send them off to school. I thank God for the perspective of my early morning wake-up call. Yep, I'm living in luxury.....and they may not know it, but my kids are too.

Love to you all from the lady of leisure,
Janice

Monday, September 24, 2007

Let them eat cake!

Hey there friends and family! Today was one of those days. I'm glad it's almost done. Mondays are very busy for us. I'm supposed to go to Weight Watchers on Monday nights except I didn't go tonight. I stayed home and made a cake. It was white cake with neon green frosting and sprinkles. YUM! I doubt they would accept me as their spokeswoman tonight! Every so often, I think you need those days when you break out from your regular routine and do something different. That's what I needed. Sigh.....I think I need to develop a new hobby...baking can be dangerous!
Love you all!
Janice

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Parent Guilt!



Hi friends and loved ones! I have been having so much fun writing these blogs and getting your responses! I am proud of you, Dad, for getting up the courage to open an account!
Today I have one cute story to share. Tonight we ordered pizza. We, being the money savers that we are, went and picked it up ourselves. On the way home we must have been talking about puppies because our daughter Lauren blurted out, half-crying, "They told us to raise our hands (in Sunday school) if we had a cat or a dog, and I was the only one who couldn't raise my hand!" She said it so broken-heartedly that the parent guilt really set in! Don't get me wrong: I am a dog lover, however, now is not a good time. Anyway, despite the fact that I know that, it seems that one very sad comment from my little darling can make me question everything! Kids are good at that!
Happy Sunday!
Janice

Saturday, September 22, 2007

It's Finally Raining!



Here is a picture of the sky last night on the way to our lovely dinner. I took it with my camera phone. With a sky like this the other day, Kyle asked me, "Is that heaven coming down?" I thought to myself, "Take me Lord!"
Noah just reported to me that it is finally raining! Maybe my other two soccer games will be canceled today. I need a break.
Keeping my fingers crossed,
Janice

Friday, September 21, 2007

Dinner Out?

To us stay-at-home Moms the idea of eating dinner out is enticing. I personally crave time out with others to hang out and have fun; however, tonight I wish I'd eaten in my car. We paid around $40 for all six of us to eat and not one darn kid finished their dinner! Not only that, I took each daughter to the bathroom (separately of course!) Brooklyn cried or acted obnoxious most of the time and we really got in no conversation with the other adults. (Sorry those of you who were with us!) To round out the evening, the boys fought the whole way which was no picnic either. On the other hand, we brought home three take-out boxes which means Andrew has his lunch already made for work tomorrow! (Score!) It turns out Brooklyn isn't feeling well and went to bed early... the boys earned an early bedtime for their behavior in the car.....maybe not all is lost for a pleasant evening!
The kids are in bed!

Janice

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Hmmmm....

You know, when you lock yourself in your house and you don't get out, it's hard to think of witty/fun/interesting things to say. In my desperate attempt to keep anyone reading this, I think I'll keep a notebook of weird things that happen to me so that I can write about them. I am having so much fun writing this blog and reading the responses I think I could get addicted to it!
By the way, it's cloudy again. I made lemon poppyseed muffins so far. Who knows what I will bake next....
I love you all!
Janice

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

It's cloudy today!

It is cloudy today. There is supposed to be a storm coming with real and actual rain! We'll be on storm watch here in California any minute! Now, if it would only get cold....Isn't it weird that clouds would make someone happy? Don't get me wrong, I like sun. However, I have come to love it when it gets rainy! I think I'm starting to smell chocolate chip cookies..............

I'm almost done!!!!!

I just finished my 40th, yes 40th, class in completing my CLAD certificate for teaching. Each class is about 3 hours...and I'm talking BORING! I have no idea why they thought this instructor would be good to teach many CA teachers. You'd think they would use the best of the best! It's one of those things that makes you scratch your head in wonder...I have to do 4 projects and then I'm good to go. No one would employ me in the future without it, so it had to be done. I am breathing a huge sigh of relief!

It's 11:15 and I'm still in my pajamas. I wanted to get that class done so badly that I did that first. Of course I was short one copy to finish my assignment (story of my life) so I have to now go somewhere and make a copy just to finish my assignment. AAAhhhh! It's one of those little things that the guy who authored that book told me not to sweat( was that the small things?). I really am working on it!

Here's hoping your day has at least one crowning achievement!
Janice

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Hello


My friend Teri has a blog. She is so interesting and she has the skill to write just how she speaks. It feels like you are actually having a conversation with her. I thought I'd try my hand at having a blog. We'll see how it goes.......
I called it fleur-de-more because if you know me you know that I love fleur-de-lis. It just seemed like a fun name. I am all about fun. A day without fun is very, very long.
Today, I worked in my boy's classrooms. I really like to be able to do it. They have great teachers and I'm so happy things are going so well. God was gracious to us this year with the teachers they got.
Today, I'm thinking about homework. At what point does the child's inner will decide for themselves to be motivated to do it? Right now, it's my will, and ,frankly, it drives me crazy!
Thanks for indulging me by reading this! I love you all, Janice