Merry Christmas
We went to mass yesterday.... Jay took the kids at 3 PM, I stayed home with Luke and the dog and started dinner, we had dinner and opened gifts and then I went to 10 PM mass alone....I bawled on the way there when this stupid song came on the radio that for some reason always makes me think of my dad...its a frickin rap song...lol.... "I'll be missing You" by Puff Daddy, I highlighted the parts that make my cry...yesterday they made me just bawl! I even ended up crying during mass, but I wasn't sobbing like I did in the car. Good thing I got there 30 minutes early so I had time to collect myself....bad thing was I had Jay's van so I had to scrounge around for fast food napkins to blow my nose and wipe my eyes...I always have kleenex in my van!
Verse one: puff daddy
Seems like yesterday we used to rock the show
I laced the track, you locked the flow
So far from hangin on the block for dough
Notorious, they got to know that
Life aint always what it seem to be (uh-uh)
Words cant express what you mean to me
Even though youre gone, we still a team
Through your family, Ill fulfill your dream (thats right)
In the future, cant wait to see
If you open up the gates for me
Reminisce some time, the night they took my friend (uh-huh)
Try to black it out, but it plays again
When its real, feelings hard to conceal
Cant imagine all the pain I feel
Give anything to hear half your breath (half your breath)
I know you still living your life, after death
Chorus: faith evans
Every step I take, every move I make
Every single day, every time I pray
Ill be missing you
Thinkin of the day, when you went away
What a life to take, what a bond to break
Ill be missing you
[puff] I miss you big
Verse two: puff daddy
Its kinda hard with you not around (yeah)
Know you in heaven smilin down (eheh)
Watchin us while we pray for you
Every day we pray for you
Til the day we meet again
In my heart is where Ill keep you friend
Memories give me the strength I need (uh-huh) to proceed
Strength I need to believe
My thoughts big I just cant define (cant define)
Wish I could turn back the hands of time
Us in the 6, shop for new clothes and kicks
You and me taking flicks
Makin hits, stages they receive you on
I still cant believe youre gone (cant believe youre gone)
Give anything to hear half your breath (half your breath)
I know you still living youre life, after death
Chorus[faith evans]
somebody tell me why
Interlude: faith evans
On that morning
When this life is overI know
Ill see your face
Outro: 112
Every night I pray, every step I take
Every move I make, every single day
Every night I pray, every step I take[puff] every day that passes
Every move I make, every single day [puff] is a day that I get closer [puff] to seeing you again
Every night I pray, every step I take[puff] we miss you big... and we wont stop
Every move I make, every single day[puff] cause we cant stop... thats right
Every night I pray, every step I take Every move I make, every single day
[puff] we miss you big
ANYHOW....we had greek salads, steak, scallops, mac and cheese (Will's request), sauteed mushrooms, and baked potatoes then cheese cake and brownies for dessert, after diner we opened a few gifts....did ANYONE hear Grant SCREAM when he opened the PS3???? I swear it was just like the comercial for Sears with the guy screaming it it...it was HILARIOUS! Luke was more into his gifts than I thought he would be!
Jay and the kids spoiled me......2 sets of alphabet dies for my diecut machine, a set of circle dies (from Brett), and baby pages idea book, adhesives, 2 sweatshirts, a pair of sweatpants, 2 long sleeve t-shirts (brown and lime), socks (I needed those desperately!), underwear (I needed those too!), new pillows (4) for the couch in the living room (we got new couches in late Sept and I never got pillows for them).
The kids seemed really excited about everything they got.....as far as their big things....Em and Brett got cellphones, Hannah an 8.2 MP camera, 1 G memory card and printer, Grant, Jacob and Cade Nintendo DS/with games and guitar hero III....Sophia got TONS of Bratz stuff, Will got a guitar and it seems like every Deigo toy on the market, Luke LOVES this cool babystage that plays music and has a mirror (he loves looking at himself)!
Jay made breakfast.....bacon, eggs, left over steak (reheated), toast, juice and he did the dishes!
It is just after 1 PM now....my mom is coming at 3 PM....she is bringing a prime rib roast, stuffing and desserts...I have a ham, and am making green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry salad, rolls...I might make some corn! Should have bought some alcohol...I will probably need it!
Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you are surrounded by those you love!
I plan to go shopping tomorrow morning to get some after christmas deals anyone else????
I forgot...Jay bought a COOL little bar table for our kitchen Sunday night and assembled it yesterday...it is so cute! It only seats 4, but it is going to be great to have an extra "counter" space in the kitchen.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Christmas Caroling at a Nursing Home
When: Wednesday, December 12th; 1:00–3:00PM
Where: Llanfair Retirement Community, 1701 Llanfair Ave., Colllege Hill 45224
Ages: All
What to bring: Nut-free cookies to share
RSVP: Jenna
This is a yearly event. First we practice singing some carols and then we sing them with the residents. Afterwards there are cookies to share and eat. It really warms the hearts of the residents to have visitors. Join us for this activity of giving.
When: Wednesday, December 12th; 1:00–3:00PM
Where: Llanfair Retirement Community, 1701 Llanfair Ave., Colllege Hill 45224
Ages: All
What to bring: Nut-free cookies to share
RSVP: Jenna
This is a yearly event. First we practice singing some carols and then we sing them with the residents. Afterwards there are cookies to share and eat. It really warms the hearts of the residents to have visitors. Join us for this activity of giving.
On Thursdays, the older girls are gone from the house all day, from 9 AM until 9:30 PM at their home away from home, the dance studio. I tend to not plan field trips or outings on Thursdays because of this, I always want them to have the choice of joining us in the things we do. I decided this morning that I would take the kids that were here with me to Walmart and let them pick out gifts for whichever of their siblings they had drawn in our family name drawing. It worked out well because Cade needed to buy from Brett, Jacob for Emily, and Grant for Luke, all of whom weren't with us. The only difficult purchase would be William buying for Cade, since Cade was with us. I thought the whole thing through and decided that I would let Cade show Will a couple of things he wanted and then I would have him wait in the next aisle with Jacob while Will decided what to buy. I would then send Grant to the front of the store to check out with William while I waited in the back with the other kids, because we had additional shopping to do. Grant was told to double bag the purchase, put the receipt in the bag and tie it shut and then come back and rejoin us. The store was quite busy and after waiting about 10 minutes and having every child kidnapping story I could remember run through my head, I decided to go to the front of the store, just as Grant was finishing tying the bag in a knot! Will was smiling and holding the change. Purchase complete, now to get on with our shopping!
We ended up spending about another hour shopping and then went to check out. We ended up in the same lane Grant and Will had checked out through earlier. The lines were long, the kids were being kids, I was chatting with the woman in front of me when I hear the cashier say,
"Ma'am, are those your children?"
"Yes" I answer, turning quickly to see what they must be destroying to elicit such a question from the cashier
"I just want you to know that your boys checked out through this line earlier and they are two of the most well behaved and well mannered children I have ever met. And your older son, he was so wonderful with the little one. You certainly are doing something right"
OK, so knock me over with a feather. I am sure the smile on my face must have been HUGE and the glow to my skin rivaling the best glow ever! Of course we were no sooner in the van than Sophia was screaming about her gum and that everyone else was only getting ONE piece, but that cashier's words still resonated in my head!
We ended up spending about another hour shopping and then went to check out. We ended up in the same lane Grant and Will had checked out through earlier. The lines were long, the kids were being kids, I was chatting with the woman in front of me when I hear the cashier say,
"Ma'am, are those your children?"
"Yes" I answer, turning quickly to see what they must be destroying to elicit such a question from the cashier
"I just want you to know that your boys checked out through this line earlier and they are two of the most well behaved and well mannered children I have ever met. And your older son, he was so wonderful with the little one. You certainly are doing something right"
OK, so knock me over with a feather. I am sure the smile on my face must have been HUGE and the glow to my skin rivaling the best glow ever! Of course we were no sooner in the van than Sophia was screaming about her gum and that everyone else was only getting ONE piece, but that cashier's words still resonated in my head!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Memory Candles Ceremony
OK, the wicked witch, errrr....I mean, my wonderful mother has decided to stay in town for the holidays. She sent me the following that she wants to do prior to eating Christmas dinner. I like the idea (although I don't like her telling me who has to read each part, it is like she thinks I am too retarded to figure out who can do what). She got the handout at a grief support meeting she attended.
As we light these four candles in honor of you, we light one for our grief, one for our courage, one for our memories and one for our love
LIGHT FIRST CANDLE
The light of this first candle represents our grief. The pain of losing you is intense. It reminds us of the depth of our love for you.
LIGHT SECOND CANDLE
The light of this second candle represents our courage to confront our sorrow; to comfort each other; to change our lives.
LIGHT THIRD CANDLE
This third candle is a light to all of our memories of you. To the times we laughed, the times we cried, the times we were angry with each other, the silly things you did, the caring and joy you gave us.
LIGHT FOURTH CANDLE
This fourth candle is the light of our love. As we enter this holiday season, day by day, we cherish the special place in our hearts that will always be reserved for you. We thank you for the gift your life brought each of us. We love you always.
Nancy Moeller, LSW, CADA
Conely Outreach Community Service
OK, the wicked witch, errrr....I mean, my wonderful mother has decided to stay in town for the holidays. She sent me the following that she wants to do prior to eating Christmas dinner. I like the idea (although I don't like her telling me who has to read each part, it is like she thinks I am too retarded to figure out who can do what). She got the handout at a grief support meeting she attended.
As we light these four candles in honor of you, we light one for our grief, one for our courage, one for our memories and one for our love
LIGHT FIRST CANDLE
The light of this first candle represents our grief. The pain of losing you is intense. It reminds us of the depth of our love for you.
LIGHT SECOND CANDLE
The light of this second candle represents our courage to confront our sorrow; to comfort each other; to change our lives.
LIGHT THIRD CANDLE
This third candle is a light to all of our memories of you. To the times we laughed, the times we cried, the times we were angry with each other, the silly things you did, the caring and joy you gave us.
LIGHT FOURTH CANDLE
This fourth candle is the light of our love. As we enter this holiday season, day by day, we cherish the special place in our hearts that will always be reserved for you. We thank you for the gift your life brought each of us. We love you always.
Nancy Moeller, LSW, CADA
Conely Outreach Community Service
Friday, December 07, 2007
Christmas Craft Day
You are receiving this email because you RSVPed to the Christmas Caroling event at Llanfair on Wednesday, December 12th. A few of us thought it would be a great idea to get the kids together beforehand to make cards to give out to the residents. The idea then blossomed into a card and christmas craft making day. Below are the details. Please consider bringing card making supplies (stickers, diecuts, etc) to share with the group or a simple christmas craft with supplies for about 20 kids.
What: Card and Christmas Craft Making Day
When: Friday, December 7th 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Where: Meeting room at the Newport Library, 901 East 6th Street, Newport, KY 41071 859-572-5035
Who: Families attending christmas caroling at Llanfair
RSVP: Tina is the organizer, but is out of town till next week, so you can RSVP to Jenna
We will have stations set up for card and ornament making. Feel free to pack your lunch and/or bring snacks with you. Come for the entire time or join us for a short while. We ask that some cards you make be donated for the residents at Llanfair, but you can also make cards to take with you. Ornaments and other crafts are yours to take home.
We'll also be practicing our songs and learning accompaniment using hand bells!
What a great time. I was a bit worried when I got to the library at 10:35 AM and NO ONE else was there, but others arrived quickly and the kids got to work crafting. I love seeing how you can give a 3 year old and a 13 year old the exact same supplies and how they come out with such different results. They made 4 different types of ornaments, snowflakes from coffee filters, and cards galore for the residents of the nursing home!
The one beaded ornament kit that Tina brought with her, Emily and I fell in love with, I had to stop at Hobby Lobby on the way home and get similiar ones for us to play with at home. I can't wait to play with them.
You are receiving this email because you RSVPed to the Christmas Caroling event at Llanfair on Wednesday, December 12th. A few of us thought it would be a great idea to get the kids together beforehand to make cards to give out to the residents. The idea then blossomed into a card and christmas craft making day. Below are the details. Please consider bringing card making supplies (stickers, diecuts, etc) to share with the group or a simple christmas craft with supplies for about 20 kids.
What: Card and Christmas Craft Making Day
When: Friday, December 7th 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Where: Meeting room at the Newport Library, 901 East 6th Street, Newport, KY 41071 859-572-5035
Who: Families attending christmas caroling at Llanfair
RSVP: Tina is the organizer, but is out of town till next week, so you can RSVP to Jenna
We will have stations set up for card and ornament making. Feel free to pack your lunch and/or bring snacks with you. Come for the entire time or join us for a short while. We ask that some cards you make be donated for the residents at Llanfair, but you can also make cards to take with you. Ornaments and other crafts are yours to take home.
We'll also be practicing our songs and learning accompaniment using hand bells!
What a great time. I was a bit worried when I got to the library at 10:35 AM and NO ONE else was there, but others arrived quickly and the kids got to work crafting. I love seeing how you can give a 3 year old and a 13 year old the exact same supplies and how they come out with such different results. They made 4 different types of ornaments, snowflakes from coffee filters, and cards galore for the residents of the nursing home!
The one beaded ornament kit that Tina brought with her, Emily and I fell in love with, I had to stop at Hobby Lobby on the way home and get similiar ones for us to play with at home. I can't wait to play with them.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Beach Waterpark HOLIDAYFEST!!!!
If you haven't already RSVPed for this event, it's not too late! Feel free to come and join us...there are close to 300 homeschoolers on the growing RSVP list! Details are listed below, feel free to email me with any questions!
Holidayfest at the Beach Waterpark
The park has agreed to open the park EXCLUSIVELY FOR HOMESCHOOLERS on Wednesday December 5th from 10 AM until 4 PM. The offer is incredible (includes everything) and we will have the park entirely to ourselves. This should be a great activity for everyone...toddlers, preschoolers, elementary schooler and teens. There are activities for ALL ages, including teens...here's what your admission includes: Skating and skate Rental, Carriage Rides (pulled by tractor), Paddle Boats, Toboggan Slide, Santa’s Maze, Live Nativity, Polar Pearl Palace, Santa’s Sleigh, Holiday Lights and Dazzling Animated Lights Displays, South Pole Petting Corral, Holiday Railway, and Festhaus Pavilion. We will even have an area set up for the kids to make a small Christmas craft!
Admission $6.50 per person (ages 3 - 12 are $5) , children 2 and under free. Free Parking! Typically, admission and to do all activities at Holiday Fest at The Beach is $25.00. This special rate is a savings on admission of $18.50 per person. Parking is $5.50 per car on any operating day, but will be waved for our visit. MEAL $6 per person (optional)
*participants are welcome to pack lunches, but meals will need to be eaten in the picnic area outside the park. The only food that can be consumed within the park, is food purchased from the Beach.
We had an awesome time last year and had wonderful weather! It was VERY WARM in the tents!
I talked with the group sales staff at the Beach and they are very excited about our visit. There is an exciting new element to our visit, Santa will be making an appearance! Pictures in a photo greeting card will be available to be purchased for $2 each! Santa visits and the craft will take place in the tents where the lunch will be served, but EVERYONE is welcome to come and visit santa and do the craft, even if you aren't eating the lunch buffet!
If you haven't already RSVPed for this event, it's not too late! Feel free to come and join us...there are close to 300 homeschoolers on the growing RSVP list! Details are listed below, feel free to email me with any questions!
Holidayfest at the Beach Waterpark
Wednesday, December 5th 10am - 4pm, lunch at 11:30 AM!
Where: Beach Waterpark Mason, Ohio
Cost: Admission $6.50 ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 3 -12!!! (note this is a change from last year....3 and 4 year olds now need to pay for admission), optional lunch $6, Parking free. Platinum pass holders get in FREE, regular pass holders need to pay admission price! Pay at the gate when you arrive.
Organizer: Laura please RSVP so that I can get a count to the waterpark!
The park has agreed to open the park EXCLUSIVELY FOR HOMESCHOOLERS on Wednesday December 5th from 10 AM until 4 PM. The offer is incredible (includes everything) and we will have the park entirely to ourselves. This should be a great activity for everyone...toddlers, preschoolers, elementary schooler and teens. There are activities for ALL ages, including teens...here's what your admission includes: Skating and skate Rental, Carriage Rides (pulled by tractor), Paddle Boats, Toboggan Slide, Santa’s Maze, Live Nativity, Polar Pearl Palace, Santa’s Sleigh, Holiday Lights and Dazzling Animated Lights Displays, South Pole Petting Corral, Holiday Railway, and Festhaus Pavilion. We will even have an area set up for the kids to make a small Christmas craft!
Admission $6.50 per person (ages 3 - 12 are $5) , children 2 and under free. Free Parking! Typically, admission and to do all activities at Holiday Fest at The Beach is $25.00. This special rate is a savings on admission of $18.50 per person. Parking is $5.50 per car on any operating day, but will be waved for our visit. MEAL $6 per person (optional)
*Holiday Fest at The Beach Catering Staff will serve the All-You-Can-Eat buffet style meal in an exclusive pavilion during a specified time frame (starting at 11:30 PM) which includes your choices of..Nathan’s World Famous Hot Dog or a ¼ lb Hamburger or Cheeseburger, mac and cheese, Bag of chips and drink for $6 per person. PLEASE let me know when you RSVP if you want the meal or not.
*participants are welcome to pack lunches, but meals will need to be eaten in the picnic area outside the park. The only food that can be consumed within the park, is food purchased from the Beach.
All You can drink wristbands $3.00 (they have guarenteed that drinks will be available the entire time, even at the end!). I have been told that coffee will be ready the minute we enter the park!
We had an awesome time last year and had wonderful weather! It was VERY WARM in the tents!
Please feel free to share this information with your homeschooling friends, regardless of their group affiliation, but remember that they need to RSVP to Laura.
What an awesome day! We were blessed with a snowstorm overnight and the waterpark took on a completely magical appearance! Over 200 homeschoolers braved the elements and came out for an amazing day. My only regrets, not getting to socialize with everyone because I was busy running around making sure everything was going OK and NOT WEARING 2 or 3 or 4 PAIRS of SOCKS....man were my toes COLD! I didn't take many pictures (OK, for me 30 pictures isn't many!), hopefully I will be able to snag some from Deanne or Lisa!
The kids had a blast on the paddleboats and on the sled rides! Chris even went down the one slide IN HIS SWIMSUIT! It was HILARIOUS, hopefully Deanne got a picture of it. The boys had joked it would be funny to wear swimsuits because the event was at the waterpark where we spend so much of our summer and Chris decided to go ahead and do it!
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