This is a short clip taken at Garrett's school program last night. Sorry the video isn't very good but it was quite dark in the building. Garrett is on the floor playing the drums for this song. He looks completely thrilled (NOT) to be participating. There were approximately 150 4th graders in this program. The theme was Indiana A-Z. They went through different aspects of Indiana history and did some really neat things including playing drums, percussion and even some square dancing (not sure Garrett was really thrilled with that piece either). Their music teacher did a great job putting the program together and it was definitely one of the best school programs I've seen in awhile. Hope you enjoy the clip.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Internet wonders
I am amazed at the convenience of the internet and still wonder how we used to get things done without it. I was talking with a friend the other day about how our kids have it so much easier when it comes to doing reports for school. We used to go to the library, look through all the refernce books, hopefully find one or two that are useful, check them out, take them home and search through them to simply find the place of birth of a famous person. Now, want to know place of birth, date of birth, etc....simply type it into your search engine and wham...50 matches pop up. Makes life so much easier.
Another aspect of the internet I've come to love is blogging. Many of my family members and friends maintain their own blogs. After reading theirs and seeing how much fun they have, I decided this past year to start mine. Now, I must admit mine seems very boring compared to others but I think it's such a great way to keep in touch (especially with family all over the U.S.) without having to send emails and then getting yelled at for not copying a certain family member on the communication. If you want to know about us, it's now up to you to keep up. I love it.
Facebook is my new favorite. Not only do I keep in touch with family and local friends and co-workers, but I've been able to reconnect with friends from high school (in Brazil). It has been so much fun seeing the changes in people's lives over the past 16 years. People have gotten married, had kids, moved all over the world...and still we can keep in touch by the click of a button. Very different from when I lived in Brazil. The fastest mode of communication was the telephone (with calls costing about $1-2 per minute). If you were long winded, you had to mail a letter...do you remember the last time you sat down and WROTE a letter (not typed one)? I'm not sure I'd know how :) Actually, I know how, it would just take forever.
With all these technological advances, I must note that noone has an exuse now to not keep in touch. So, keep in touch :)
Another aspect of the internet I've come to love is blogging. Many of my family members and friends maintain their own blogs. After reading theirs and seeing how much fun they have, I decided this past year to start mine. Now, I must admit mine seems very boring compared to others but I think it's such a great way to keep in touch (especially with family all over the U.S.) without having to send emails and then getting yelled at for not copying a certain family member on the communication. If you want to know about us, it's now up to you to keep up. I love it.
Facebook is my new favorite. Not only do I keep in touch with family and local friends and co-workers, but I've been able to reconnect with friends from high school (in Brazil). It has been so much fun seeing the changes in people's lives over the past 16 years. People have gotten married, had kids, moved all over the world...and still we can keep in touch by the click of a button. Very different from when I lived in Brazil. The fastest mode of communication was the telephone (with calls costing about $1-2 per minute). If you were long winded, you had to mail a letter...do you remember the last time you sat down and WROTE a letter (not typed one)? I'm not sure I'd know how :) Actually, I know how, it would just take forever.
With all these technological advances, I must note that noone has an exuse now to not keep in touch. So, keep in touch :)
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Happy Birthday Brad!
Today is my husband's 36th birthday so I just wanted to take a minute to wish him a very happy day (eventhough he has to work). Happy birthday honey. I love you!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Amazing people
A friend of mine shared this with me and I wanted to share with you. What an amazing story.
Something that happened last week at the Indianapolis airport
Take the time to read this albeit-long email and share it with someone else; most heartwarming and impressive. Not me, someone else."Last Friday I was going through the Indianapolis Airport . People in the Security Checkline were grumbling about what nonsense the process was, blah, blah, blah. An elderly lady (in a different line) was struggling with her luggage, pocketbook, etc. She was also confused about what to do, how to do it, couldn't get her shoes off (and a host of other things). The Security Officials weren't helping the situation either (they can be mighty callous at times). I started to move her direction, but before I could get out of the line I was in, a gentleman (close by) sat down all of his stuff, and began to help the lady.I thought he looked familiar, but it didn't register; it was fascinating to see him come to her aid (nobody else was making a move to help!). He was talking to her, making conversation, helping her untie her shoes, putting her things in one of those bins, and making sure she was AT EASE. He helped her through the screening gate, then calmly put his things on the belt, went through and immediately began to help the lady put her shoes back on, gather her belongings, etc. In the meantime she had reached in her purse to show him pictures of her family. He made a big fuss over the photos, then asked for a wheelchair so he could get her to her gate. Honestly, it was a Hallmark script. They disappeared down the concourse together...he was pushing the wheelchair and she was jabbering with him. It made me smile...a lot. NOW HERE'S THE KICKER: I got through security and went to get something to drink. Just beyond the little restaurant was a group of people gathered, all excited, shaking hands, etc., and in the center of them was THE KIND GENTLEMAN. Guess who it was? TONY DUNGY, the recently retired coach of the Indianapolis Colts! I looked at his hand and, SURE 'NUFF there was the HUGE diamond Super Bowl ring. The point: The elderly lady didn't know who he was, or care WHO HE IS, of would even have known had she been told. HE DID THE RIGHT THING FOR THE RIGHT REASON. Important people serve others with a sense of purpose. These kinds of things are still THE BEST LESSONS EVER. Thanks for letting me share it. "
I have always been a HUGE fan of Tony Dungy, not only as a coach but as a human being. If you have not read his books, please take the time to do so. They are well worth reading and this story gives you an idea of how great a man he is and what a kind and loving heart he possesses.
Something that happened last week at the Indianapolis airport
Take the time to read this albeit-long email and share it with someone else; most heartwarming and impressive. Not me, someone else."Last Friday I was going through the Indianapolis Airport . People in the Security Checkline were grumbling about what nonsense the process was, blah, blah, blah. An elderly lady (in a different line) was struggling with her luggage, pocketbook, etc. She was also confused about what to do, how to do it, couldn't get her shoes off (and a host of other things). The Security Officials weren't helping the situation either (they can be mighty callous at times). I started to move her direction, but before I could get out of the line I was in, a gentleman (close by) sat down all of his stuff, and began to help the lady.I thought he looked familiar, but it didn't register; it was fascinating to see him come to her aid (nobody else was making a move to help!). He was talking to her, making conversation, helping her untie her shoes, putting her things in one of those bins, and making sure she was AT EASE. He helped her through the screening gate, then calmly put his things on the belt, went through and immediately began to help the lady put her shoes back on, gather her belongings, etc. In the meantime she had reached in her purse to show him pictures of her family. He made a big fuss over the photos, then asked for a wheelchair so he could get her to her gate. Honestly, it was a Hallmark script. They disappeared down the concourse together...he was pushing the wheelchair and she was jabbering with him. It made me smile...a lot. NOW HERE'S THE KICKER: I got through security and went to get something to drink. Just beyond the little restaurant was a group of people gathered, all excited, shaking hands, etc., and in the center of them was THE KIND GENTLEMAN. Guess who it was? TONY DUNGY, the recently retired coach of the Indianapolis Colts! I looked at his hand and, SURE 'NUFF there was the HUGE diamond Super Bowl ring. The point: The elderly lady didn't know who he was, or care WHO HE IS, of would even have known had she been told. HE DID THE RIGHT THING FOR THE RIGHT REASON. Important people serve others with a sense of purpose. These kinds of things are still THE BEST LESSONS EVER. Thanks for letting me share it. "
I have always been a HUGE fan of Tony Dungy, not only as a coach but as a human being. If you have not read his books, please take the time to do so. They are well worth reading and this story gives you an idea of how great a man he is and what a kind and loving heart he possesses.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Um....it's just stuff
Happy Presidents Day! To me, doesn't really mean much...I mean, I still have to work, no presents are given or received, no special holiday meals...etc. So really, today is just Monday. However, if you still are in school or work for the government or work at a bank, it's a holiday. For those lucky folks, happy holiday.
This past week has been somewhat eventful. Maryna passed a milestone on Thursday. She suffered her first sprained ankle (don't you remember your first....it seemed aweful) and has been on crutches (yes, it's her first pair of crutches). She has been hobling around all weekend and we've been icing and wrapping faithfully. Yesterday for the first time the ankle looked relatively normal so we've been encouraging her to start putting weight on it and getting some movement. Since this is the first sprain, she's very hesitant to want to do much with it. For those who have experienced it...you know what I'm talking about.
Brad left Thursday afternoon (did I mention Maryna's incident happened Thursday afternoon...of course) for a youth ski retreat for our church. No, he doesn't qualify as a youth (well, not based on his birthday) so he was one of the leaders. Seemed to have a good time and got back home late Friday night.
Garrett had a pretty calm week...no major catastrophies, injuries, issues, etc. He spent as much time as possible outside playing with friends. He was happy just to be living life.
Since Saturday was Valentine's Day, I made a nice, but simple dinner. The best part was the dessert and since I was making it, I of course chose my favorite...brownie fudge sundaes. I mean, really, is there anything better than a warm brownie topped with vanilla ice cream and smothered in warm hot fudge? It truely is the best comfort food. That was the highlight of my day.
Switching gears....I made a new kind of chili on Thursday (since Brad was gone, I can make chili...he doesn't eat chili or any kind of soup). It was awesome. Here's the recipe for those that would like to try. It's great on a cold evening.
Mexican Chili
Brown 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey) and drain
Add 1 package taco seasoning and stir.
Add:
1 can corn, undrained
1 can Rotel, undrained
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can kidney beans, undrained
Bring to a boil and then add 1 lb Velveeta (diced into cubes). Heat and stir until cheese is melted.
This was awesome and even better the 2nd day (which is typical of chili).
Hope everyone has a great week.
This past week has been somewhat eventful. Maryna passed a milestone on Thursday. She suffered her first sprained ankle (don't you remember your first....it seemed aweful) and has been on crutches (yes, it's her first pair of crutches). She has been hobling around all weekend and we've been icing and wrapping faithfully. Yesterday for the first time the ankle looked relatively normal so we've been encouraging her to start putting weight on it and getting some movement. Since this is the first sprain, she's very hesitant to want to do much with it. For those who have experienced it...you know what I'm talking about.
Brad left Thursday afternoon (did I mention Maryna's incident happened Thursday afternoon...of course) for a youth ski retreat for our church. No, he doesn't qualify as a youth (well, not based on his birthday) so he was one of the leaders. Seemed to have a good time and got back home late Friday night.
Garrett had a pretty calm week...no major catastrophies, injuries, issues, etc. He spent as much time as possible outside playing with friends. He was happy just to be living life.
Since Saturday was Valentine's Day, I made a nice, but simple dinner. The best part was the dessert and since I was making it, I of course chose my favorite...brownie fudge sundaes. I mean, really, is there anything better than a warm brownie topped with vanilla ice cream and smothered in warm hot fudge? It truely is the best comfort food. That was the highlight of my day.
Switching gears....I made a new kind of chili on Thursday (since Brad was gone, I can make chili...he doesn't eat chili or any kind of soup). It was awesome. Here's the recipe for those that would like to try. It's great on a cold evening.
Mexican Chili
Brown 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey) and drain
Add 1 package taco seasoning and stir.
Add:
1 can corn, undrained
1 can Rotel, undrained
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can kidney beans, undrained
Bring to a boil and then add 1 lb Velveeta (diced into cubes). Heat and stir until cheese is melted.
This was awesome and even better the 2nd day (which is typical of chili).
Hope everyone has a great week.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
I love sunshine!
I love days like today. After several weeks of snow (over 1 foot in accumulation) and many weeks of bitterly cold temperatures, yesterday was 65 degrees and today they are predicting at least that with sunshine. I understand why most cases of depression are diagnosed in the winter time as it is just miserable outside. You can't go out without feeling like your toes are going to fall off, the grass (if you can see it) is a horrible shade of brown and the sun seems to be nonexistent. Yesterday (and today) was sunny and beautiful. I had Brad wash my car on Sunday and it was so nice to not have the snow remnants stuck to various parts of my car. I live for sunshine. I was even tempted to bust out the sandals to wear to work today but after looking at my jacked up toes (I've lost 4 toesnails from running and playing soccer) and lack of pedicure, I decided to wear closed toe shoes (I am going bare-legged though). I hope each of you has a sunshiney day. Go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather today, cause I heard it's going to change tomorrow.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Have/Have not
My cousin Stephanie sent me this "game" so I figured I'd do my duty and participate.
Instructions and explanation from Stephanie:
Did you ever play that game with the Sweet 'n Low packets at a restaurant? "I have gone skydiving. Have you?"For everyone that had, they threw a sugar packet into the center. The first person out of packets won the game.Why am I telling you this?Ummmm.....Oh yes!I've been tagged by my amazing friend and fellow Angel, Renee to play the virtual game of Have/Have not. In hers she bolded the things that she had done with no explanations. I'm just too much of a loud mouth to not explain at least a few of them! I'll be putting asterisks next to the things I've done.So bear with me.
Here we go!
*1. Started your own blog-OBVIOUSLY
*2. Slept under the stars - in Brazil, on the beach while laying in a hammock
*3. Played in a band- in 6th grade
4. Visited Hawaii-a place I would love to visit some day
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
*7. Been to Disneyworld-many times, however, didn't go for the first time until I was in my late 20's
*8. Climbed a mountain-Pikes Peak during a school trip
9. Held a praying mantis-didn't hold one, but killed one.
*10. Sang a solo-many times in church
11. Bungee jumped - would love to try
12. Visited Paris
*13. Watched a lightning storm-not by choice. I hate storms.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child-no, but if I ever want more children, this is the way I'll have to do it
*16. Had food poisoning - yes, and it's miserable
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
*18. Grown your own vegetables-herbs.... - love doing this.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
*21. Had a pillow fight - hasn't everyone?
22. Hitch hiked-Never. People are not trustworthy.
*23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill-hasn't everyone?
24. Built a snow fort - not me, but my son just did this week.
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping-always afraid I'd get caught.
27. Run a Marathon (or HALF!)-Not yet. My first half is going to be on May 16.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
*29. Seen a total eclipse-yes, we saw one while in Brazil
*30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run-nope, don't like baseball.
32. Been on a cruise-Not yet, but my family has talked about taking one
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person - not Niagara but Iguasu falls in Brazil
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors-Don't know.
*35. Seen an Amish community - Yes. We live near many.
*36. Taught yourself a new language - didn't teach myself per say, but was bilingual at age 2.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied-We are getting there. Although, we always want more, don't we?
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing-No, but would love to.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
*41. Sung karaoke-while in college
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa-No, but my sister lived there for a couple of years.
*45. Walked on a beach by moonlight - many times.
*46. Been transported in an ambulance-twice
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
*52. Kissed in the rain
*53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class-not officially.
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen-No, but have thought many times that I'd like to do this.
*61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies-when I was in elementary school
*62. Gone whale watching - watched a whale be hauled in after being captured. I've also eaten whale so I guess I watched it.
63. Got flowers for no reason - are you serious???? My husband isn't that creative
*64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma-Yes several times.
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
*67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter-would love to.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial-No, but want to go to DC some time.
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt-nope. That would require sewing.
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job - NEVER
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
*77. Broken a bone-first time when I was 30 after a car accident.
*78. Been on a speeding motorcycle-yes, my husband doesn't know what speed limit signs are for
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person-One of the many places I want to visit
80. Published a book-no, but would love to do a cookbook some day
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car-all my cars have been used, but Brad bought one.
83. Walked in Jerusalem
*84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year's Eve
86. Visited the White House-One thing I want to do when visiting DC
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating-No, that job is for other people. I'll cook it, but won't kill it.
*88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury-not yet
*91. Met someone famous - several including Payton Manning, Dallas Clark, and several other Indainapolis Colts players; several Pacer players; many Indiana Fever players; Robin Roberts from Good Morning America
92. Joined a book club
*93. Lost a loved one-too many
*94. Had a baby-2
*95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
*97. Been involved in a law suit
*98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee - and hope never to experience it.
*100-Gotten married-almost 13 years ago
Ok, I've answered my questions. How many can you answer?
Instructions and explanation from Stephanie:
Did you ever play that game with the Sweet 'n Low packets at a restaurant? "I have gone skydiving. Have you?"For everyone that had, they threw a sugar packet into the center. The first person out of packets won the game.Why am I telling you this?Ummmm.....Oh yes!I've been tagged by my amazing friend and fellow Angel, Renee to play the virtual game of Have/Have not. In hers she bolded the things that she had done with no explanations. I'm just too much of a loud mouth to not explain at least a few of them! I'll be putting asterisks next to the things I've done.So bear with me.
Here we go!
*1. Started your own blog-OBVIOUSLY
*2. Slept under the stars - in Brazil, on the beach while laying in a hammock
*3. Played in a band- in 6th grade
4. Visited Hawaii-a place I would love to visit some day
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
*7. Been to Disneyworld-many times, however, didn't go for the first time until I was in my late 20's
*8. Climbed a mountain-Pikes Peak during a school trip
9. Held a praying mantis-didn't hold one, but killed one.
*10. Sang a solo-many times in church
11. Bungee jumped - would love to try
12. Visited Paris
*13. Watched a lightning storm-not by choice. I hate storms.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child-no, but if I ever want more children, this is the way I'll have to do it
*16. Had food poisoning - yes, and it's miserable
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
*18. Grown your own vegetables-herbs.... - love doing this.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
*21. Had a pillow fight - hasn't everyone?
22. Hitch hiked-Never. People are not trustworthy.
*23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill-hasn't everyone?
24. Built a snow fort - not me, but my son just did this week.
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping-always afraid I'd get caught.
27. Run a Marathon (or HALF!)-Not yet. My first half is going to be on May 16.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
*29. Seen a total eclipse-yes, we saw one while in Brazil
*30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run-nope, don't like baseball.
32. Been on a cruise-Not yet, but my family has talked about taking one
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person - not Niagara but Iguasu falls in Brazil
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors-Don't know.
*35. Seen an Amish community - Yes. We live near many.
*36. Taught yourself a new language - didn't teach myself per say, but was bilingual at age 2.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied-We are getting there. Although, we always want more, don't we?
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing-No, but would love to.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
*41. Sung karaoke-while in college
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa-No, but my sister lived there for a couple of years.
*45. Walked on a beach by moonlight - many times.
*46. Been transported in an ambulance-twice
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
*52. Kissed in the rain
*53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class-not officially.
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen-No, but have thought many times that I'd like to do this.
*61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies-when I was in elementary school
*62. Gone whale watching - watched a whale be hauled in after being captured. I've also eaten whale so I guess I watched it.
63. Got flowers for no reason - are you serious???? My husband isn't that creative
*64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma-Yes several times.
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
*67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter-would love to.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial-No, but want to go to DC some time.
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt-nope. That would require sewing.
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job - NEVER
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
*77. Broken a bone-first time when I was 30 after a car accident.
*78. Been on a speeding motorcycle-yes, my husband doesn't know what speed limit signs are for
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person-One of the many places I want to visit
80. Published a book-no, but would love to do a cookbook some day
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car-all my cars have been used, but Brad bought one.
83. Walked in Jerusalem
*84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year's Eve
86. Visited the White House-One thing I want to do when visiting DC
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating-No, that job is for other people. I'll cook it, but won't kill it.
*88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury-not yet
*91. Met someone famous - several including Payton Manning, Dallas Clark, and several other Indainapolis Colts players; several Pacer players; many Indiana Fever players; Robin Roberts from Good Morning America
92. Joined a book club
*93. Lost a loved one-too many
*94. Had a baby-2
*95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
*97. Been involved in a law suit
*98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee - and hope never to experience it.
*100-Gotten married-almost 13 years ago
Ok, I've answered my questions. How many can you answer?
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Happy Birthday Ben!
So yesterday my baby brother turned 28! I can't believe it. I feel so old. Anyways, as is tradition in my family, the birthday boy or girl gets to choose what they want for birthday dinner. Ben decided he wanted beef and noodles and then hot fudge cake for dessert. His final meal consisted of homemade beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, rolls, broccoli, applesauce and then hot fudge cake with ice cream for dessert. I must say, it was quite good and perfect for a cold evening.
Just wanted to say how thankful I am for my brother and what a great friend he has been.
Ben, we love you and happy birthday!
Just wanted to say how thankful I am for my brother and what a great friend he has been.
Ben, we love you and happy birthday!
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