No No November

Feeling obligated to update but not really inspired; it's been an odd week with much going on yet nothing at all. Sports have finally concluded for the fall season with a final make-up soccer game Tuesday (man, it gets cold when that sun goes down). Halloween was decent, we just went around up in North Branch, the first time we've done that in many years since we used to go to mom's house in Grosse Pointe for the last five. Rob and I worked the Haunted House, he in the parking lot and I taking tickets and psyching people out at the door before they entered. There were about 175 people that came through which was their biggest night of the month. I was interested to learn he runs it as a fundraiser for athletic, community, and church groups; those who come volunteer get to take a decent portion of the night's proceeds. Nice.


Also dealt with a stomach flu which had me down for a few days, the worst of it only lasted 24 hours but it takes several days until you're on solid ground again. Ben stayed home yesterday with it. I did manage to eek in a sub job at the high school on Wednesday for one of the science teachers, Intro Macrobiology classes and an Environmental Science class. Went well, pretty mellow with only one extremely immature bunch right after lunch. Go figure. This is the same group from the nightmare English classes I had last year.


Alex's financial aid finally got straightened out and logged on her account so Fall is now paid for in full and she is released to register for the Winter semester. She is finally getting a clue that she should have thought things out better during her senior year and has been flip flopping in what she really wants to do. Everything she's been bringing up now are things I'd mentioned to her before but she didn't want to deal with it. During our chats I explained that part of the whole college experience is testing out different things to find out what you want to do, and not knowing exactly what your total focus should but is not unusual and it is certainly not to late to get on the right track. Since she registered at the final hour for Fall classes at Mott she got the bottom of the barrel choices and has really been dreading it. For winter she is going to take more art and creative based classes which hopefully will spark her enthusiasm again. But of course you're never going to love every class you're required to take. Serious topics of late include transferring to U of M Flint for next year, she had already been accepted but didn't pursue it fully originally since she kept a primary focus on Grand Valley. She's also mentioned cosmotology school but although I haven't completely condemed it I gently tried to tell her I didn't think it would be satisfying to her long term. Getting back into some music or writing classes will make a world of difference in her outlook as well as being involved in a dramatic production somewhere. If the class schedule works out she's talked about auditioning for 'Mousetrap' at the Pix, that would be cool.


Haven't taken many pictures of late but here's a blast from the past picture. This is me with the Farrah hair, oh yeah '80s baby, and my little brother, with a colleague of my dad's checking out some crazy aparatus in the electronics lab at Henry Ford Community College.

Finally I'll leave with a 3 Things Meme

3 things I love: the smell of lilacs, walking the dog, my kids/hubby

3 things I loathe: doing dishes, doing laundry, stupidity

3 places I'd like to visit: Europe, Australia, South America

3 places I wouldn't want to be: the Middle East, jail, hell

3 items I wish I had: an awesome laptop, blackberry, better stereo

3 accomplishments I strive for: inner peace, income that more than meets our needs, caring & responsible kids

New Year Meme

New Year Meme
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?

Put ALL my kids in public school

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions,

and will you make more for next year?

Didn't really make any last year,

just hoping to keep heathly habits growing

and enjoy the little things more.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

My cousin

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Not real close, but we had two women connected to my husband's side

of the family that died in their sleep from accidental overdoses.

Better living through pharmaceuticals is not advised.

5. What countries did you visit?

I really don't get out much, not even of the state,

let alone the country.

But I did get my Passport so I'm ready!

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

A whole and healthy mom

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory,

and why?

The boys first day at public school and

this whole episode with my mom.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Substitute teaching
9. What was your biggest failure?
Everything happens for a reason, we learn from it and go on

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No

11. What was the best thing you bought?

not sure
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

I'm really proud of how all the kids are doing in school
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

pleading the 5th since this is a public blog and

I don't want to offend any family or friends
14. Where did most of your money go?

the basic essentials: food, gas, utility bills, oh and taxes (blech)
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Working with my Kids Choir at church
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

??
17. Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?

I'll go with happier overall but some bittersweet thrown in

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Hiking, traveling, collaging, singing with an adult choir

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Defending my attempt to stay positive and trust in God
20. How did you spend Christmas?

Gifts with the kids in the morning,

dinner and gifts at the in-laws,

at the hospital with my mom
21. Did you fall in love in 2009?

No.
22. What was your favorite TV program?

24: Watched all the seasons on DVD
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Trying not to
24. What was the best book you read?

Michael J. Fox's .... Incurable Optimist, his newest one
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Actually a re-discovery The Christianaires "Thank You"
26. What did you want and get?

Alex to be accepted to Grand Valley State University
27. What did you want and not get?

a healthy mom and out of debt, but we're getting there
28. What was your favorite film of this year?

Nothing really comes to mind

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Pretty much got blown off by my husband and kids

- Old enough to know better
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Mom not dealing with cancer and

my husband being around more
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

Comfort is key
32. What kept you sane?

Yoga, Music, hugs from my boys
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Keifer Sutherland
34. What political issue stirred you the most?

The whole Pallin presentation and Obama's rise

35. Who did you miss?

some of the moms from the Homeschool Co-Op we belonged to

36. Who was the best new person you met?

the principals and teachers I've been dealing with at North Branch

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

Things can change, and change quickly,

hope for the best but prepare for the worst
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Whatever it is, Let God fix it

You've got to let my God fix it for you!

Final Notes: Mom is getting better everyday, her short term memory is kicking back in and I'm hoping she will hold off on any more invasive treatments for a time and just work on getting back to her normal, independent, routine. But whatever she does decide I'll be here for her and I'm happy that this sorted situation and brought my brother and I closer together as well.

I'm beliveing 2010 to be a year of

NEW BEGINNINGS!

Artwork by Ben

Today's featured artwork is from my middle boy, third child, Benjamin. A marker drawing of a Pokemon, not sure of the name right now, a pencil and marker landscape, and one from Halloween: Frankenstein. The kids have been working on Pokemon at school during art class, they love it!

Things have been pretty quiet around here. Rob had to go to California for a service call. I know, awwwww poor guy. I'm jealous, this is the trip I really would have liked to tag along on. The company must have really been desperate to fly him out there last minute before a major holiday and pay big $ for airline tickets.

Alex has been driving to school so she can get herself home after play rehearsals or go right to work when she needs to. Fox rides in with her so I don't have to go down the driveway for the 7am bus stop run. It's a little unnerving letting her drive them in, especially when the weather is nasty. Praise the Lord they are blessed and protected wherever they go. I do the the bus stop run with Ben and Ethan at 8am, get them on the bus then have moment of quiet to do my Namasta Yoga then some coffee and work on the computer or around the house. I'm thankful I don't really have to go anywhere this week because there is almost no gas in the van and I won't be able to put more in until I get Rob's check on Friday.

THREE Meme

Three names you go by:

Miss Robyn, Robyne, Mom

Three screen names you've had:

Robyne Lee, Robyn Parton, Parton_Mom

Three physical things you like about yourself:

strength, flexibility, good constitution

Three physical things you don't like about yourself:

shortness, soft in the middle, fine hair

Three parts of your heritage:

Polish, Italian, American

Three things you are wearing right now:

leggings, sweats, underwear

Three favorite bands/musical artists:

Billy Joel, David Sandborn, Martha Munizzi

Three favorite songs:

Aretha Franklin “Think”

Christina Aquilera “Ain’t No Other Man”

Patti Austin “I Can Cook”

Three things you want in a relationship:

love, respect, laughter

Three physical things about the preferred sex that appeals you:

eyes, buffness, smile

Three of your favorite hobbies:

collage, making jewelry, backpacking

Three things you want to do really badly right now:

go somewhere warm,

finish my living room project,

be done with Christmas
Three things that scare you:

drowning, really large arachnids,

super blackness in a totally unfamiliar place

Three of your everyday essentials:

hugs, yoga, java

Three careers you have considered/are considering:

location scout, au pair,

recycling educator/advocate

Three places you want to go on vacation:

a rainforest, Europe, Disney World

Three kids' names you like:

Henry James, Jade Rose, that’s all I got

Three things you want to do before you die:

go on a mission trip,

flip a house,

travel around Europe low and high class

Three ways you are stereotypically a boy:

gifted in the art of flatulence,

can go days without showering if optional,

can have a conquering spirit at times

Three ways you are stereotypically a girl:

I love to coordinate,

I believe everything should smell pretty all the time,

fruity drinks rock!

Three celeb crushes:

back in the day Shawn Cassidy,

Sean Penn, Keifer Sutherland

Blog Award

My friend Penny gave me my first Blog Award! Thanks girlie, it takes one to know one!

Here are the stipulations that came with this award:
1. Choose 5 stand out blogs.... or as many as you desire.

2. Thank the blogger who gave you this Award. (check)

3. Answer the questions below with only one word. Or two...or three...OK? Now do it!

--

Where is your phone? My office

Your hair? Short

Your Mother ? Healed

Your Father? Happy Birthday tomorrow!

Favorite food? Fresh

Your dream last night? Nothing memorable

Favorite drinks? Cherry Pepsi

Your dreams? Make Music

What room are you in? My office

Your hobby? Collaging

Your fear? Denied

Where do you want to be in six years? Grosse Pointe

Where were you last night? Home

Something you're not? Tall

Muffins? Yes, please.

Wish List Item? MacBook 13inch

Last thing you did? Alex's GVSU Housing Deposit

What are you wearing? Cothes

Your pets? Dog

Your friends? Priceless

Your life? In transition

Your mood? Good

Missing someone? the skinny me

Your vehicle? Ford Club Van

Something you're not wearing? Federick's of Hollywood

Your favour colour? Red

When was the last time you laughed? This morning (Thanks Ben)

Last time you cried? Yesterday, of gratitude

Your best friend? They're all the Best!

One place you go over and over? the library

One person that e-mails you? Mom

Favorite place to eat? Kyoto's

And my awards go to Lisa @ Cornerstone Home Learning, Sarah @ Teach a Fish, Michelle @ Smile, Wink, Nod, Penny of course, and Jennifer @ Great Commission Air!

Nothin' Much

"Michelle’s Made-up Meme from Monday"

(but I changed one)

What I'm wearing:

Pin striped Chino pants,

maroon long-sleeve thermal top,

white socks, no-back black leather shoes

The last thing I ate:

fresh baked banana walnut muffin

WITH

mini-chocolate chips and raisins
When I look right I see:

my art wall,

Fox’s very messy desk,

some relatively organized shelves
When I look left I see:

my calendar with two barely filled weeks coming up!

my bulletin board with copies of artwork by Anneke Kaai

school schedules

a wall folder of bills to be paid

too many random papers to sort through
My least favorite thing I did today:

laundry
My favorite thing I did today:

move some appliances and furniture around
What I think about Obama's Nobel Peace Prize:

Whaaatttt?? Did I miss something, what did he do?
Favorite joke lately:

last night Ben told me this one

Q: What did the square say to the circle?

A: Your life seems so pointless.
Something I learned today:

French toast doesn’t flip itself

when you’re trying to make lunches at the same time.
Pet peeve:

leaving your shoes/boots right in front of the doorway

so everyone can trip over them and kill themselves

(to coin an ancient motherly phrase)
Favorite Beatles song:

I gotta choose one?!

I'll go with ‘Yesterday’ and ‘Hard Day’s Night’
Something I cannot tolerate:

being barefoot
That said.... it's time to go pick the boys up from school.

Note: picture above is from one of my walks through the Water Tower Park, this stuff is just laying there outside the water plant. Surprised no one's tried to pilfer them.

Humpty meme

My friend Penny had this on her blog and I haven't done a Meme since the first one I did so here I go with a hump day meme:

1. What are your current obsessions? Recycling, getting the house organized/decluttered, and trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up

2. Which item from your wardrobe do you wear most often? The comfy stuff, sweats and t-shirts

3. What was your favorite childhood meal? Tacos with homemade shells & fresh fruit salad on the side

4. Last thing you bought? Besides groceries? – I splurged on some make-up, storage boxes, and my passport.

5. What are you listening to? Bullfrogs, birds, and bugs outside my window

6. If you were a god/goddess who would you be? No one, to much responsibility for me, besides I don’t want to be put on a pedestal high enough for people to see up my dress

7. Favorite holiday spots? I only tolerate holidays and none would fall under the favorite category

8. Reading right now? Love Child by Allegra Huston and various books about recycling and other green efforts

9. Four words to describe you? Creative, Divergent, Explosive, Vertically-Challenged

10. Guilty pleasure? My ‘smut’ magazines: InTouch, People, Us Weekly

11. Who or what makes you laugh until you’re weak? Usually something dorky that the kids or animals do or some off-handed joke

12. Favorite thing to do? Using my artistic wiles and getting kids to sing or dance

13. Planning to travel to next? Nothing planned at the moment but hoping to have a chance to use my passport soon

14. Best thing you ate or drank lately? Had some perfect pasta salad on Monday, noodles cooked just right, good add-ins, and not too much dressing (Shout out to June!)

15. When did you last get tipsy? none-yuz!

16. Favorite ever film? To Kill a Mockingbird



17. Care to share some wisdom? Don’t put metal in the microwave!

18. Song you can’t get out of your head? “I’ve Been Redeemed” & “I Feel Good”

19. What one object would you save from a house fire? I don’t know if there is an object I would really care about, maybe pictures. I’d just want my family safe.

20. What is your aim in life? Live long, live free, keep peace

Ben had a soccer game last night, it had been over a week since the team played and a little longer than that for Ben since he missed because of the Chess Tournament. They won that one 3-1 I think. The sky was relatively sunny when we arrived but got it got gloomier and colder as the game went on. Overall everyone played pretty well, Ben got in for part of the first half. Gramma and Grandpa Parton surprised us and showed up for the game. Silly me, I should have took a picture of them! Our goalie wasn't quite up to snuf and let two in although the defenders were trying to do their job. The Lapeer goalie was pretty good and didn't let much past him, but we managed to sneak in two and end with a tie score. Last game on Saturday and its an early one!

A to Z about Me...meme

A- Age: 43 and my Wii Fit age is even younger, I'm in good condition!
B- Bed size: California King
C- Chore you hate: dishes and laundry
D- Dad's name: Dennis
E- Essential start to my day?: a good stretch
F- Favorite actor (s): Paul Newman, Sean Penn
G- Gold or silver? Silver
H- Height? 5 foot even
I- Instruments I play? some piano and guitar, french horn in middle and high school
J- Job title? I'm still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.
K- Kids? four, Alexandra (16), Fox (11), Ben (8) and Ethan (7)
L- Living arrangements? a shack on 11 acres
M- Mom's name? Judi
N- Nickname? don't really have one
O- Overnight hospital stay other then birth? none
P- Pet peeves? yeah, lots
Q- Quotes you like: "I don't think we're in Kansas any more Toto."
R. Right or left handed? Right
S. Siblings: younger brother, step brother, and half sister
T: Time you woke up today: 7:38 am
U: Ultimate place to live: depends on the day but lately anywhere without a winter!
V: Vegetable you hate: parsnips and rutabagas
W: Water, love it or leave it? don't need to live by it but enjoy as a change of pace
X: X-rays I've had: foot, full body for the chiropractor when I was a teenager getting treated for a slight curve of the spine
Y: Yummy foods I make? zucchini bread and pumpkin bread
Z: Zodiac: Libra