I found this interesting--strike that--frustrating.
http://bestplaces.nydailynews.com/voyeur/michigan-woman-faces-jail-time-vegetable-garden
What is it with Americans and grass? We have to pay to keep it weed free (and pour pesticides into the ground), pay to run a lawn mower across it, and pay to fertilize it (again, usually not very safe stuff).
Why are we so in love with the stuff?
Isn't it supposed to be a good idea to grow your own food? It's healthier for us and for the environment. Food eaten sooner after picking retains more vitamins. Shipping food from across the continent (or flying it in from other countries) uses tons of oil. Wouldn't we all like to have more oil for other things (like our own cars)?
I have to shake my head in disbelief. It's a sad state of affairs.
I apologize for the rant, but I just couldn't believe how ridiculous this was.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Friday, July 08, 2011
Chugging along
We are chugging along here. Ben is working hard, I am trying to get through school, Maddie is taking driver's ed, and the babies are just trying to stay out of our hair.
There are 44 exams in total that I have to take for school. I have 15 of them done so far. I'm way ahead of schedule, but I won't let that go to my head. I'm 3/5 of the way through Business English at the moment. This is my last gen ed before I start into the actual medical stuff. My next course is Introduction to Medical Terminology/Biochemistry. Ultimately, I would like to be done by the end of January. The sooner I finish, the sooner I can go back to work! I'm very excited at the prospect. When school work tries to tranquilize me, I remind myself what I will be getting out of it in the end.
Maddie has a couple days left of driver's ed. It's going to get real very soon. I think I might be in denial about how soon she really will have a license in her hand. It's hard to wrap my head around. Seems like just yesterday I was buckling her into a car seat. To say time flies is a real understatement.
Callie had a great birthday. We spent the day at the Mall of America. Everyone had a good day. It was happy, calm, and most importantly--peaceful! Calm and peace are not regular visitors around our household, so it was a dream come true to have a whole day of it (while out for the day, might I add).
Reese is in the middle of an aggressive growth spurt. That kid has two hollow legs and possible narcolepsy. He's either eating, asking for food, or screaming about his "tummy growling". At the same time, he's either maniacally laughing while running around hyper speed in his underwear, crying, or in a half-sleep stupor. Never a dull moment with that boy lately. In addition to his appetite, mood swings, and exhibitionism, his vocabulary is expanding. He says something funny on a near hourly basis.
Despite the long hours at work, Ben has managed to get a lot of outdoor time lately. He's been getting some sun, and no one would ever guess he's locked in a basement most of the week.
I should probably still get going and do some studying. I made kitchen curtains yesterday, hence no study time.
Take care everyone. We send our love.
There are 44 exams in total that I have to take for school. I have 15 of them done so far. I'm way ahead of schedule, but I won't let that go to my head. I'm 3/5 of the way through Business English at the moment. This is my last gen ed before I start into the actual medical stuff. My next course is Introduction to Medical Terminology/Biochemistry. Ultimately, I would like to be done by the end of January. The sooner I finish, the sooner I can go back to work! I'm very excited at the prospect. When school work tries to tranquilize me, I remind myself what I will be getting out of it in the end.
Maddie has a couple days left of driver's ed. It's going to get real very soon. I think I might be in denial about how soon she really will have a license in her hand. It's hard to wrap my head around. Seems like just yesterday I was buckling her into a car seat. To say time flies is a real understatement.
Callie had a great birthday. We spent the day at the Mall of America. Everyone had a good day. It was happy, calm, and most importantly--peaceful! Calm and peace are not regular visitors around our household, so it was a dream come true to have a whole day of it (while out for the day, might I add).
Reese is in the middle of an aggressive growth spurt. That kid has two hollow legs and possible narcolepsy. He's either eating, asking for food, or screaming about his "tummy growling". At the same time, he's either maniacally laughing while running around hyper speed in his underwear, crying, or in a half-sleep stupor. Never a dull moment with that boy lately. In addition to his appetite, mood swings, and exhibitionism, his vocabulary is expanding. He says something funny on a near hourly basis.
Despite the long hours at work, Ben has managed to get a lot of outdoor time lately. He's been getting some sun, and no one would ever guess he's locked in a basement most of the week.
I should probably still get going and do some studying. I made kitchen curtains yesterday, hence no study time.
Take care everyone. We send our love.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Another rainy day here
It's been raining all day in St. Clair.
Callie and Reese have their super heroes and princesses out. There are dollhouses and various "lairs" spread from one end of the house to the other. Little toys are sprinkled all over the floor, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to impale the arch of my foot.
Maddie is refinishing her night stand downstairs, and I am trying to finish some school work.
It will be nearly three hours before Ben is released from the basement at Taylor. We all eagerly await his return each evening. It's just not the same until everyone is together.
I don't have anything shocking (or even interesting) to report, so I'll let you get on with your day.
Take care and enjoy.
Callie and Reese have their super heroes and princesses out. There are dollhouses and various "lairs" spread from one end of the house to the other. Little toys are sprinkled all over the floor, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to impale the arch of my foot.
Maddie is refinishing her night stand downstairs, and I am trying to finish some school work.
It will be nearly three hours before Ben is released from the basement at Taylor. We all eagerly await his return each evening. It's just not the same until everyone is together.
I don't have anything shocking (or even interesting) to report, so I'll let you get on with your day.
Take care and enjoy.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Spring Colds
Callie got over her spring cold in less than two days. Reese got hit hard with it yesterday while we were in town. I stationed him on our couch, stripped down to his undies, watching Scooby Doo yesterday afternoon. He looked terrible and ended up developing a fever. The poor kid didn't get much sleep last night for the terrible congestion. We had Vicks on his feet, chest, and under his nose. We had to wake him up to try to clear him out quite a few times. At one AM I finally brought the humidifier out of storage and set it up beside his bed. At long last he was able to sleep more quietly.
The poor kid is still looking and feeling pretty tough.
I started coming down with it last night too. I really hope I have Callie's version over Reese's.
So not much is going on around here right now. The kids and I are laying low, watching the male and female orioles hang out on the feeder here.
I'm off to make some food for all of us.
I hope all of you are feeling well and having a great week.
The poor kid is still looking and feeling pretty tough.
I started coming down with it last night too. I really hope I have Callie's version over Reese's.
So not much is going on around here right now. The kids and I are laying low, watching the male and female orioles hang out on the feeder here.
I'm off to make some food for all of us.
I hope all of you are feeling well and having a great week.
Monday, May 09, 2011
Laptop arrived, 2 exams taken.
My laptop arrived early this morning. I'm happy to have it and be set for school now.
I have been studying since I paid for school this past weekend. My materials are available online in PDF form. This allows me to put them on my nook or read them online.
I got through two exams so far. I got 100% on the first and 90% on the second (2 questions wrong). I can't take the next exam without my books arriving via postal mail. I hope they arrive soon so I can get a move on.
Callie has a cold but the rest of us haven't caught it yet. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and I can get into the garden this week.
It's about time for me to put some supper together and take a break from school work.
I hope everyone had a nice weekend.
I have been studying since I paid for school this past weekend. My materials are available online in PDF form. This allows me to put them on my nook or read them online.
I got through two exams so far. I got 100% on the first and 90% on the second (2 questions wrong). I can't take the next exam without my books arriving via postal mail. I hope they arrive soon so I can get a move on.
Callie has a cold but the rest of us haven't caught it yet. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and I can get into the garden this week.
It's about time for me to put some supper together and take a break from school work.
I hope everyone had a nice weekend.
Friday, May 06, 2011
Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Birthday to Jim!
Happy Birthday to Ian!
Happy Mother's Day!
We are celebrating tonight with brats, hamburgers, and cake. Three celebrations are getting crammed into one fun evening. Jim's birthday, Ian's birthday, and Mother's Day.
I will try to remember to post some photos on here at some point.
As soon as Maddie gets home from school we are heading out to pick up the birthday cake before going to Jim and Jeanne's.
Surgery went well yesterday. I slept most of the day and through the night, but I'm up and moving today.
Take care and have a good weekend.
Happy Birthday to Ian!
Happy Mother's Day!
We are celebrating tonight with brats, hamburgers, and cake. Three celebrations are getting crammed into one fun evening. Jim's birthday, Ian's birthday, and Mother's Day.
I will try to remember to post some photos on here at some point.
As soon as Maddie gets home from school we are heading out to pick up the birthday cake before going to Jim and Jeanne's.
Surgery went well yesterday. I slept most of the day and through the night, but I'm up and moving today.
Take care and have a good weekend.
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
We're back!
I will try, once again, to keep up a family blog.
Right now Reese and Callie are fighting over some Toy Story dominoes. Reese has just announced to Callie that she's fired and retreated to his own bedroom. Callie, in Cinderella shoes, seems unfazed as she clomps after him. And now I just had to tell Callie to stop using her brother's toothbrush.
Ah, a typical morning in my house. I got up and made egg-less pancakes, saw Maddie and Ben off, and decided to revive our blog.
Things are usually pretty dull around here. I rarely have anything to report. Lately our life has spiced up a tad.
Maddie has her driver's permit and is working very hard not to run anyone over. She has her behind the wheel driver's ed in July. Then the dreaded (for the parents anyway) driver's license. Personally, I'd rather she wait until she's 18 to drive. But all of her friends have cars by now so she's itching to join the club.
She will be finishing her Sophomore year in June. This means we need to start seriously considering colleges. She wants to be a horticulturist, so I'm guessing she will want a school with a strong biology program. We have discussed her taking care of her gen. ed portion at MSU so she can live here (for free!) and save some money. We will see what our research reveals.
Reese is starting preschool this fall. He's relishing his last months as a carefree kid who can sleep in and do whatever he wants all day long.
Callie is finally potty-trained! I know, I know, I never thought it would happen. The only thing you can ever count on with Callie is that she is predictably unpredictable. She's always been one to keep me guessing. Just when you think you know how she'll handle something she'll surprise you. She will be starting preschool next year (fall of 2012), and Reese will move on to Kindergarten at the same time.
All three of the kids are growing up at an incredible rate. We are done with diaper days now. The outlet covers aren't such a big deal anymore. The toy pieces are getting tinier and stabby-er. No more cribs, no more onsies. It's hard to see them growing up so fast, but getting past all these baby things is a breath of fresh air.
Ben is working very hard in the Taylor Corporation basement. He plays basketball with his co-workers about twice a week. I think they would like to play more often, but the weather has been a real jerk this spring. Harumph.
He has been going to quite a few get togethers at Microsoft lately as well. This affords him more opportunities to learn new things and exchange information with others in his field. I think he has fun at these events. The drive home gets long for him, but I think it's still worth it.
He has been doing a lot of little projects around the house, but some of those deserve a post of their own (especially my seed starting shelf).
I have decided to go to school for Medical Coding. I will be getting a diploma first, allowing me the opportunity to get a job sooner. Membership in the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is included in the program for the diploma.
This allows me to sit for the Certified Coding Specialist credential exam offered by the AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) as well as the the Certified Professional Coder examination offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders.
Once I have my diploma I want to obtain a CPC certificate immediately. Once I have a job I plan on continuing my education. The credits from the diploma program will transfer so that I can get an Associates degree in Health Information Technology.
Because I am home with Reese and Calista I will be doing all of my studies online. I'm excited beyond words to be going to school. It will be refreshing to do something that doesn't revolve around house work and mommy work.
I won't be starting school just yet. I want to wait until after my surgery. I will have 15 months to complete the course, which is set as a one year course. I don't think it will be a problem, but I rather enroll after I'm up and running again.
I go in early Thursday morning for the surgery. My doctor says I'm a perfect candidate for this procedure, so I hope it takes. I have an 85% chance that it will, which is pretty decent. I'll keep my fingers crossed and remain positive.
Speaking of which, I better get back to my chores.
We will be seeing some of you this weekend when Ian and his grandpa celebrate their birthdays.
Take care everyone. Keep thinking warm weather thoughts.
Right now Reese and Callie are fighting over some Toy Story dominoes. Reese has just announced to Callie that she's fired and retreated to his own bedroom. Callie, in Cinderella shoes, seems unfazed as she clomps after him. And now I just had to tell Callie to stop using her brother's toothbrush.
Ah, a typical morning in my house. I got up and made egg-less pancakes, saw Maddie and Ben off, and decided to revive our blog.
Things are usually pretty dull around here. I rarely have anything to report. Lately our life has spiced up a tad.
Maddie has her driver's permit and is working very hard not to run anyone over. She has her behind the wheel driver's ed in July. Then the dreaded (for the parents anyway) driver's license. Personally, I'd rather she wait until she's 18 to drive. But all of her friends have cars by now so she's itching to join the club.
She will be finishing her Sophomore year in June. This means we need to start seriously considering colleges. She wants to be a horticulturist, so I'm guessing she will want a school with a strong biology program. We have discussed her taking care of her gen. ed portion at MSU so she can live here (for free!) and save some money. We will see what our research reveals.
Reese is starting preschool this fall. He's relishing his last months as a carefree kid who can sleep in and do whatever he wants all day long.
Callie is finally potty-trained! I know, I know, I never thought it would happen. The only thing you can ever count on with Callie is that she is predictably unpredictable. She's always been one to keep me guessing. Just when you think you know how she'll handle something she'll surprise you. She will be starting preschool next year (fall of 2012), and Reese will move on to Kindergarten at the same time.
All three of the kids are growing up at an incredible rate. We are done with diaper days now. The outlet covers aren't such a big deal anymore. The toy pieces are getting tinier and stabby-er. No more cribs, no more onsies. It's hard to see them growing up so fast, but getting past all these baby things is a breath of fresh air.
Ben is working very hard in the Taylor Corporation basement. He plays basketball with his co-workers about twice a week. I think they would like to play more often, but the weather has been a real jerk this spring. Harumph.
He has been going to quite a few get togethers at Microsoft lately as well. This affords him more opportunities to learn new things and exchange information with others in his field. I think he has fun at these events. The drive home gets long for him, but I think it's still worth it.
He has been doing a lot of little projects around the house, but some of those deserve a post of their own (especially my seed starting shelf).
I have decided to go to school for Medical Coding. I will be getting a diploma first, allowing me the opportunity to get a job sooner. Membership in the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is included in the program for the diploma.
This allows me to sit for the Certified Coding Specialist credential exam offered by the AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) as well as the the Certified Professional Coder examination offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders.
Once I have my diploma I want to obtain a CPC certificate immediately. Once I have a job I plan on continuing my education. The credits from the diploma program will transfer so that I can get an Associates degree in Health Information Technology.
Because I am home with Reese and Calista I will be doing all of my studies online. I'm excited beyond words to be going to school. It will be refreshing to do something that doesn't revolve around house work and mommy work.
I won't be starting school just yet. I want to wait until after my surgery. I will have 15 months to complete the course, which is set as a one year course. I don't think it will be a problem, but I rather enroll after I'm up and running again.
I go in early Thursday morning for the surgery. My doctor says I'm a perfect candidate for this procedure, so I hope it takes. I have an 85% chance that it will, which is pretty decent. I'll keep my fingers crossed and remain positive.
Speaking of which, I better get back to my chores.
We will be seeing some of you this weekend when Ian and his grandpa celebrate their birthdays.
Take care everyone. Keep thinking warm weather thoughts.
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