Small Successes - Oct 31 - Happy Halloween

It has been a long exhausting week... but I did accomplish some things

1. Visited the In-Laws.  Haven't been to their home in a long time.  Last time we saw them was my husbands birthday.  I was a good visit.   Long drive home but worth it in the end
2. Waterproofed (or sprayed that waterproofing stuff) on my daughters faux suede boots for trick or treating tonight.  
3. returned library books on time for a change!

Time for you to share yours  at Catholic Mom

Small Successes - 10/24

This is a few days late but I was without reliable Internet...

My small success for the past week are (trying not to include this weekend);

1. hired an after school sitter for the kids.  This will be for Wednesday nights only while I teach and my husband is on 2nd shift.  She is a student on the campus I work at.  We found her via care.com
2. had my annual mammogram and they got the joy of going in for a second look.  Everything is fine just some dense tissue with non-cancerous cysts.  
3. signed up to volunteer at the schools Halloween party.  I will be working in the cafeteria - figured that would keep my inside in case of foul-weather
4. convinced my daughter that there are other costumes out there.  She wanted to be Lela from Teen Beach movie and the costume is sold out until February 2014.  Who wants a costume in February. 

Now go to Catholic Mom to post yours!

Small Successes - Oct 6

It's important for moms to recognize that all their small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph!


Here are mine:

1) survived our families first broken bone.  Colleen broke her arm at school on September 28.   She was playing on the monkey bars and fell off at the very end and hit her wrist.  Well she ended up breaking both her radius & ulna.  They had to do outpatient surgery to repair the bones.  They did what they call a reduction of the fracture which realigns the bones without cutting into her arm.  She had to be under anesthesia for this procedure but it went well.  You would never know she broke her wrist if she did not have a splint on it.  Kids are very resilient.

2) received the kids mid-term grades and they are all doing great academically!  The problem we are facing is behavior which is killing my middle son's religion grade. 

3) this one goes out to my hubby & father-in-law -- they installed the new bathroom fan last Friday.  It has a heating element in it - here is to a warm bathroom this winter!!!!

4) took the kids shopping on two different days to beef up their fall wardrobes.

This week I'll: 
1) work on buying new winter boots for the kids (lands end has 30% off)
2) get back to eating healthily.  I have been lazy and that means eating poorly. 
3) visit with local Girl Scout rep to see about re-starting the Brownie troop at our school.  Last years leader quit without notice



It is now your turn to share... visit Sherry at Chocolate for Your Brain to do this

Small Successes - September 22

It's important for moms to recognize that all their small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph!

Here are mine:

1. Had our first Webelos meeting. I did not want to go - wanted to go home and enjoy the beautiful weather.  I went and it was a good time and the boys did great! 
2. Celebrated several extended family members birthdays!  This requires a 4 hour round trip and a couple of hour visit.  It is so worth it but very exhausting.
3. Boys & Hubby got their hair cut.  I have scheduled a cut & color for myself.  Now we need to get the girls hair trimmed

It is now your turn to share... visit Sherry at Chocolate for Your Brain to do this

Thank goodness August is Over Small Successes- September 1

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph.....

Here are mine:

1. I am so glad it is September - August just plain stunk for me (more on this later now that I can talk about it)
2. School started and we have gotten to school on time without a hitch - wish homework was the same.  Same struggles with same children just a new year.
3. Updated my blog for the first time in 5 weeks!  can't believe it has been this long since I have been on the blog.  I really haven't been reading many blogs either during this time.  I real have missed it.  I need to start new!  As I read in Anne of Green Gables - everyday is fresh with no mistakes
4. Signed kids up for soccer and Miss C up for ballet and tap!
5. Today is my dear husbands 44th birthday!  Happy Birthday Sweetie.....



Tony at The Rocks Provincial Park in New Brunswick, CA

 What are your successes.... please visit Sherry @ Chocolate for the Brain to let us know!!!!

Small Successes - July 28

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph.


So here are mine for the past week.....

1. Survived the Altomari family reunion - used the word survived because it was held outdoors at a metro park in Lorain and the heat index was in the low 100s.  It was hot!!! to say the least.  It was a fun reunion
2. Made lists for packing up for our trip which starts this afternoon!  We now just have to pack and that should be a success by 2 today.
3. Went shopping on Friday and we completed school supply shopping - ordered new polospolo's for the kids - bought new shoes for everyone - bought dress clothes for the kids for the cruise.
4. Because of our trip all the laundry is clean and folded (excluding what we wore yesterday)!  We have pretty much nothing in the hampers - what a great feeling however now I am dreading the after vacation laundry duties.
5. Took the dog to my Aunt & Uncles for doggie camp! 

What are your successes --- visit Sherry @ Chocolate for the Brain to let us know!

Small Successes - July 21

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph.

So here are mine for the past week.....

1. Bought a dress for the cruise we will be taking on August 30 for my parents 45th anniversary. My mom told me we needed a dress up outfit for Sunday night dinner.  I found this cute French Twist dress in Periwinkle Blue at Talbots on Sale!!!!  Paid about $53 with tax and shipping saved $100!!!
2. Went to my family reunion on Saturday - what fun that was!  Unfortunately my husband was unable to attend ;( he was missed.
3. Signed the kids up for Upward Soccer for the fall. 
4. Started the planning for Cub Scout camp on August 12!  I am truly dreading this event.  I am not a camper but became Cubmaster this spring so I have to go camping.  Pray for me!

What are your successes --- visit Sherry @ Chocolate for the Brain to let us know!

Small Success - July 14

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine.

1. Today is the last day of my 10 day cleanse I think it went well.  It was very tough this time with Hubby being on 2nd shift.  I had to keep myself in check at the witching hour.
2. Preparing for the Aukerman family reunion this Saturday.  I am to bring side dishes.  Thank goodness for KraftFoods.com! 
3. All three kids passed their 1st level of swim lessons (Otters) - now they are onto Starfish and the deep end of the pool 
4. Because of #3 I took the kids to a local swimming pool this weekend - the success was that I did that alone   - the bad thing was I did a poor job on sunscreen reapplication through the day.

What are your successes!  Please share them at Chocolate for Your Brain....

Small Successes - July 7

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine.

1. Finished Deathly Hallows - now getting ready for Netflix to send Part 1 in the mail.  Can you tell I am excited about this movie :)  Now just need to find someone to watch my kids!  Any takers ;) 
2. Kids have started swimming lesson (they are ending the 2nd of 4 weeks of lessons).  They seem to enjoy them and thank you Hubby for taking them every morning a 1/2 hour away even on days where you get home really late from 2nd shift. 
3. Stayed at home for the holiday.  We took the kids out putt-putting.  They have such a good time at it but sometimes the competitiveness does not make it worth the trip or effort.
4. Hubby and I started the 10 day cleanse!  Wish us luck.

What are your successes!  Please share them at Chocolate for Your Brain....

Small Successes - June 30

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine.

1. Survived the 1st month of my husband on 2nd shift.  We do this every summer so we do not have to worry about childcare issues.  It normally stresses me out because of night-time activities of the kids but this summer we did not have night activities so it has been easier.
2. Cleaned out the pantry and freezer - only bought perishables at the grocery store the last two weeks in order to do this
3. Have kept the house straightened up since the birthday party on the 18th!  Kids have been helping out
4. Gone to the library with the kids 2x
5. Started to read Harry Potter Deathly Hallows to prep for the movie opening.  I normally read all the books from the beginning prior to movie or new book release.  This time figured I would just read 7!  I had to re-read because I can tell from previews there is stuff that is not in the book in the flick (and that bugs me to no end)

What are your successes... visit Chocolate for Your Brain to tell us yours!

Have a great Fourth of July!!!

Small Successes - June 16

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine.


Mine:   had my annual OB/GYN exam on Monday.  Everything is A-OK.  Now I have to schedule my mammogram (which I hate because I ALWAYS have to go back for a second or even third look).  Luckily it is not due until August.

My hubby:  taught our oldest how to use the Shark.  He has been getting his own drinks out of the fridge and seems to spill it every time. So now he can clean it up instead of my hubby. 

My daughter: had her dance recital on June 10. She was wonderful! Here is a preview from dress rehearsal...

The oldest boy: learned to shark! and is reading fiction!

The youngest boy (or middle son):  he has been going to bed at night without fuss - during the school year he would stay up until after 10 now with all the activity of summer vacation he is falling asleep by 9 (goes to bed at 8:30)!

Now it is your turn tell us your successes at Chocolate for Your Brain

Small Successes - June 9

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine.

When re-reading my successes over the last few weeks they all seem to be the same so hopefully I do not repeat myself too much.....

1. My husbands:  made me Pink Lemonade Cake for my birthday!  It was very good.
2. My kids:  with school being out and having them home all day long they are getting along great!  The boys made a big decision (with our help) to pass on playing baseball this summer.  The league is a city league and it is located in a not fabulous part of town and nearly all the people are covered in tattoo's and smoke.  The environment was not something any of us were comfortable with so as a family we decided to forgo ball and the boys were good with this - if they weren't we would have carried on.  Miss C has been going to dance recital practice (her recital is June 10).
3. Mine: switched my office work time to 7:30 AM to 1 PM and I have gotten to work everyday on-time.  I am so not a early morning person and I like to 'fart' around in the morning so this is big for me.

Now it is your turn tell us your successes at Chocolate for Your Brain

Small Successes - May 19

 

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine..

1. Registered both boys for baseball this summer. We are trying a new city league since we did not play with the school this spring.
2. Drove to Cleveland in the pouring rain to celebrate my in-laws 45th wedding anniversary! It was just grown-ups for dinner. We went to Salmon-Dave’s in Rocky River. It was wonderful!
3. This one is for my hubby – he ordered 4 cubic yards of mulch to be delivered last Friday. On Friday and  Saturday he weeded and mulched the front beds, and he started to clean out the side of the house beds. Thank you honey!!!

Now it is your turn tell us your successes at Chocolate for Your Brain

Small Successes - May 12

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine..

1. Drove to Cleveland and celebrated Mother's Day with both grandmothers on Sunday!  I know that they were happy even though we were stressed and exhausted.
2. Finally did a successful bun for my daughter for ballet.  Took me since August to perfect it but I did.  Thank you goody hair products - specifically the spin pin
3. This week it seemed everyone had a different activity at the same time - we survived!  With the help of friends we were able to get everyone to the right activity on time and with all their equipment in place!

Bonus #1: kept to the meal plan again this week!  this is a huge struggle for us because I usually just want to throw in the towel and eat out.

Bonus #2:  bought gift for the exiting Cubmaster (the day of the last meeting) and they LOVED it!!  I also was able to get my introductory letter to the Pack since I am the new Cubmaster of Pack 50 - what have a gotten myself into.

Now it is your turn tell us your successes at Chocolate for Your Brain

Small Successes - May 5

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine..

1. Miss C and I went to Cleveland and back on Monday for her twice-year ENT appointment.  Everything looks great!  We love our ENT doctor - hence the 4-hour round trip twice a year.
2. Helped my mom get Miss C's dance recital costume together - she will be too cute!
3. Have created a weekly menu for dinner for the past month and for 80% of the time we have followed it. 

Now it is your turn tell us your successes at Faith & Family

Small Successes - April 21 - Holy Week Edition

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine..

1. Birthday parties were successful!  The friends party on Friday and the family party on Saturday.  I still can't believe my little one is 10! guess he is not little any more
2. Have kept the house CLEAN since last Friday when we did the big clean-up for family visit.  This is a huge one because usually we go back to our clutter
3. Lost another 2 lbs!  only 5 more to go!

What are your successes... let us all know at Faith & Family

Wrap Up for the past week

I noticed today that it has been over a week since I posted anything anywhere.....

Last week was jam-packed with work, working out, school, birthday, and just hanging out with my hubby and kids.

I will share the highlights of the week - sort of like the small successes mixed with quick takes....

1. had my cholesterol tested and it went down!  it was not high to start with but with a family history of heart problems that is good news. http://advocare24days.blogspot.com/ 
2. had a sick child on Thursday :(  the birthday boy was running a fever with stomach ache.  It lasted all of 24 hours but he got the rest he needed by staying home.
3. made a cake from scratch and it burned.  so I had to make a cake from the box but the frosting was from scratch .  my daughter told me it was the best chocolate cake ever!!!!! "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING
   1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
   2/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
   3 cups powdered sugar
   1/3 cup milk
   1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency.
   Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.
4. went shopping on Friday for birthday parties. hit CostCo, Target, Kroger's, and the Honey Baked Ham store in about 4 hours including drive time which is 45 minutes each way.
5. threw friends birthday party at local bowling lanes.  It was so much fun - they had the cosmic bowling going and the boys loved it!!!
6. threw family birthday party and it rained :(  outside of the rain it was a great time!  Birthday boy (Patrick) had fun.  He got lots of great gifts!  He is truly blessed.
7. watched Megamind movie - hubby kept calling it Mastermind to annoy the kids and it worked!  The movie was cute but just OK in my opinion.  I liked the music - AC/DC, Guns & Roses, KISS and the like
8. watched a special on the history channel about computer artists creating a 3D model of Jesus based on the Shroud of Turin - it was cool.  http://www.history.com/shows/the-real-face-of-jesus
9. went to Mass at 8AM!!! yeah we were up and ready - perhaps we are used to daylight savings!
10. did laundry
11. went to California Pizza Kitchen for Patrick's birthday dinner

I am sure I have missed stuff because I felt like I was running all over the place but I know I accomplished a lot and nothing to major went on.

Small Successes - April 7

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine..

Welcome April!  Now if spring will just show up.....

1. all three kids got new tennis shoes - even though it was a very stressful success and it still is posing drama each day since
2. got my hair cut & colored - about time has been since December
3. new bed frame for hubby & I was ordered and delivered

What are your successes... let us all know at Faith & Family

Small Successes - March 31

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine..

1. started my third quarter as an accounting lab instructor yesterday
2. cleaned out the attic/playroom.  we have lots of stuff to give away but just haven't catalogued it (for its deductible) and sent it on its way (next weeks success???)
3. filed for scholarships for the kids next year.  last year we missed out because I forgot

What are your successes... let us all know at Faith & Family

Small Successes - March 24

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So here are mine..

1. Spring Break was a success!!! We went up North to Traverse City MI and stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge. We ended up telling the kids on that Friday (Hubby could not handle the secrecy).  They  had so much fun!  It makes me happy when we do things like that for the kiddos.
2. I had my first Swedish massage ever and really enjoyed it.  Hubby won a massage, mani and pedi and gave it to me.  I was anxious about the massage but in the end the lady who did it was very respectful of my uncomfortableness with it all and it went well.
3. Cleaned out the garage!  Wednesday was nice weather wise (nearly 60) and hubby decided to clean out the garage.  He started it while I was out running errands and I helped him finish (I had to make the throw away, give away, keep decisions)
4. BONUS:  had my bone density test last Thursday and the results came back great.  My density has increased thanks to exercise, vitamins, and fosamax!

What are your successes... let us all know at Faith & Family.