The Newtown, Connecticut shooting had me glued to information like most others in the United States. I found myself soaking up as much information as I could through news sources on the web. I avoided all television coverage since we are not discussing it in front of our youngest son who is a kindergartener. He has an extreme love for school and I would never want him to be scared to attend.
What I found from watching the internet coverage is that we may not be a better world for being able to get the news the second it happens. Most of the people who read this blog know I work for a newspaper. When we run a story in the newspaper things must be verified sometimes multiple times before we print them. In the case of the online news and at times the television news that covered this particular story we received misinformation and things that were not even close to true.
The police have to have time to do their jobs. However, with the thirst for knowledge that we now have we don't give them that time before the reporting starts. In doing this we do a disservice to those who read the news. When this started it was reported that the killer was the older brother. Television news sites showed the picture of the older brother from his Facebook page. This brother we later learned was not the killer and hadn't spoken to his brother in two years.
Stories circulated about the killer's mother. Saying she was first a kindergarten teacher and it was her class that had been killed. Later it was reported she was a substitute teacher at the school. Finally it has come out that she is not a teacher at all and never has been. Reporting of this type does not help anyone. It hurts people. Not only the people who are falsely accused of crimes they did not commit or were a part of but also the victims families.
I am guilty as many in wanting to know what is happening right away. However, I would prefer to get "we have no new information at this time" than get false reports that fuel the fire of an investigation like this. The police and investigators have a job to do. Their first job is not to report to the media but to find out what occurred. The media has a job to do as well. It is to report factual information to the public.
Social media has had many positive effects on the world today. Twitter let's us feel like we are right in the middle of the action. However, there are cases where we shouldn't be in the middle of the action. When information is not available perhaps being in the middle of the action does more harm than good. Facebook has also not helped with the spread of rumors. The number of pictures that have been posted and continue to be posted with inaccurate information is alarming. There are people who only get their news from Facebook. Think about that for a few moments. They have read quotes attributed to Morgan Freeman that he never said, they have read accounts of heroism that while the person in the photo is certainly a hero the description is something that another did and lived to tell, and I am pretty certain they are sure the world will end on Friday.
While media certainly is important I think it is time to take a step back as a whole and reevaluate how things are reported in cases such as this. If I were a parent of one of the children or adults I would be beside myself over the loss of my loved one and the half truths would not help me feel any more at ease. For the social media crowd may I suggest a wonderful site called www.snopes.com. They are perfect for checking out things before you post them on Facebook so you don't look like a complete idiot later.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012
Christmas time is here...so is finals week!!
Where has this year gone? It was just Halloween a couple weeks ago right? When I stop to look at a calendar I see that Halloween was over a month ago and Thanksgiving is past and here it is almost Christmas.
I hosted Thanksgiving for the first time. In year's past we have gone out to eat but this year I wanted us to be at someone's home around the table as a family. I must say it wasn't as horrible as the nightmares I had leading up to it. I did what I do anytime I have to make something I turned to Pinterest. We started off by making the Dollar Store plates with the Sharpies that is floating all over Pinterest. Let me just say these were an epic FAIL! We made them exactly like the directions said and then ran them through the dishwasher where they lost a small amount of ink. We sit down to dinner and I notice that mashed potatoes on my plate are turning red. The ink bled into the food! Thank God I served cranberry sauce so everyone else just thought the red was from that.
Some things from Pinterest that did work were mini pumpkin and Toll House pies, green bean casserole and sugar cone cornucopias. To see my review on anything I try from Pinterest feel free to follow me on there. My name on Pinterest is Mollie Purcell. I have one board dedicated to things I have tried. Good or bad the review goes there.
So now our tree is decorated and the outside lights are hung. The shopping is done and the presents are wrapped. This weekend is Ben's birthday, his parents and sister are coming to visit and it is the church Christmas play for the boys. Sounds like it is going to be another busy one.
Ben is gearing up for finals week which is next week. He has struggled with some of the classes so far and I know he is worried about his finals. I want nothing more than for him to succeed at this. I know he can do it. I don't look to see much of him over the next two weeks he will be holed up in his office studying like crazy.
I had an interview last Friday for a promotion at work. It was a two hour interview with the publisher at our newspaper and the vice president of the company. What will be will be. It is all in God's hands now but I felt it went fantastic. Best I have felt leaving an interview ever.
One last thing before I close this today. During this time when we spend so much money on people and buy things that are not only not needed but in some cases are not wanted please remember those who are less fortunate than we are. If you are in Salina the Salina Area Food Bank is out of four staple items: tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce and crackers.
I hosted Thanksgiving for the first time. In year's past we have gone out to eat but this year I wanted us to be at someone's home around the table as a family. I must say it wasn't as horrible as the nightmares I had leading up to it. I did what I do anytime I have to make something I turned to Pinterest. We started off by making the Dollar Store plates with the Sharpies that is floating all over Pinterest. Let me just say these were an epic FAIL! We made them exactly like the directions said and then ran them through the dishwasher where they lost a small amount of ink. We sit down to dinner and I notice that mashed potatoes on my plate are turning red. The ink bled into the food! Thank God I served cranberry sauce so everyone else just thought the red was from that.
Some things from Pinterest that did work were mini pumpkin and Toll House pies, green bean casserole and sugar cone cornucopias. To see my review on anything I try from Pinterest feel free to follow me on there. My name on Pinterest is Mollie Purcell. I have one board dedicated to things I have tried. Good or bad the review goes there.
So now our tree is decorated and the outside lights are hung. The shopping is done and the presents are wrapped. This weekend is Ben's birthday, his parents and sister are coming to visit and it is the church Christmas play for the boys. Sounds like it is going to be another busy one.
Ben is gearing up for finals week which is next week. He has struggled with some of the classes so far and I know he is worried about his finals. I want nothing more than for him to succeed at this. I know he can do it. I don't look to see much of him over the next two weeks he will be holed up in his office studying like crazy.
I had an interview last Friday for a promotion at work. It was a two hour interview with the publisher at our newspaper and the vice president of the company. What will be will be. It is all in God's hands now but I felt it went fantastic. Best I have felt leaving an interview ever.
One last thing before I close this today. During this time when we spend so much money on people and buy things that are not only not needed but in some cases are not wanted please remember those who are less fortunate than we are. If you are in Salina the Salina Area Food Bank is out of four staple items: tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce and crackers.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Election Day
I typically would not post political opinions here or on my Facebook. However, this year an issue was on our local ballot that I couldn't let go. The city of Salina passed a revision to an ordinance that would allow the LGBT community the same protections of those who already cannot be discriminated against. A group came in and received enough signatures on a petition to bring it to a vote whether or not the amendment to the ordinance should be repealed or not.
The North Central Kansas Equality Coalition is a group of like minded people who do not believe that discrimination should exist in our society. I joined as soon as I learned of the issue. Through neighborhood canvassing, vote no signs in yards, vote no t-shirts, advertisements and direct mail we battled for the people of Salina to vote no. Throughout the campaign our side took the high road. We held signs at busy intersections and on street corners.
Monday morning I joined a group who were standing on Ohio holding signs in front of Eagle Communications. Eagle Communications has taken to the airwaves to endorse the vote yes campaign. They have handed out vote yes signs from their offices. Standing on the street holding the vote no sign the majority of motorists honked in support, waved and gave thumbs up. There were a few that gave us thumbs down or shook their heads in disgust. We were joined by one gentleman who was holding a vote yes sign. He didn't say long and attempted to engage us in a verbal debate. I was quite proud that no one took the bait and he left shortly after he arrived.
I am so proud of the members of the NCKEC and the people of Salina who have supported this. It is sad that in this day and age we have to fight for equal rights for everyone. The LGBT community is not looking for special rights just equal. When you look at the battles that have been fought over the years you see that of the slaves, women voters and African Americans. We have to start somewhere to progress.
One thing I am disappointed in is the division that this issue has caused in Salina. When you look at the local on-line media you see such hatred being thrown around. Please don't hide behind your religion as you make remarks about how horrible those who are different than you are. Also, don't hide behind your computer. Perhaps if you don't agree with something it is time for you to get involved. No matter what you do please remember that the people you are putting down are people. They have feelings, they have families. In some cases they have children. Think about how you would feel if someone told your mother, father, brother, sister or child that they hope they burn in hell.
I understand that not everyone holds the same opinions as I do. That is what makes America so wonderful. I have heard many people in Salina say they have no reason to vote because in the Republican state it doesn't really matter who you vote for for president. However, your local races matter. The questions on your local ballot are what are going to affect you the most. So no matter your opinion you need to vote. Tonight this election will be over. The yard signs will come down, the advertisements will cease, and the phone calls will stop. People will be happy and people will be disappointed. However, I will know that my voice was heard. Can you say the same?
The North Central Kansas Equality Coalition is a group of like minded people who do not believe that discrimination should exist in our society. I joined as soon as I learned of the issue. Through neighborhood canvassing, vote no signs in yards, vote no t-shirts, advertisements and direct mail we battled for the people of Salina to vote no. Throughout the campaign our side took the high road. We held signs at busy intersections and on street corners.
Monday morning I joined a group who were standing on Ohio holding signs in front of Eagle Communications. Eagle Communications has taken to the airwaves to endorse the vote yes campaign. They have handed out vote yes signs from their offices. Standing on the street holding the vote no sign the majority of motorists honked in support, waved and gave thumbs up. There were a few that gave us thumbs down or shook their heads in disgust. We were joined by one gentleman who was holding a vote yes sign. He didn't say long and attempted to engage us in a verbal debate. I was quite proud that no one took the bait and he left shortly after he arrived.
I am so proud of the members of the NCKEC and the people of Salina who have supported this. It is sad that in this day and age we have to fight for equal rights for everyone. The LGBT community is not looking for special rights just equal. When you look at the battles that have been fought over the years you see that of the slaves, women voters and African Americans. We have to start somewhere to progress.
One thing I am disappointed in is the division that this issue has caused in Salina. When you look at the local on-line media you see such hatred being thrown around. Please don't hide behind your religion as you make remarks about how horrible those who are different than you are. Also, don't hide behind your computer. Perhaps if you don't agree with something it is time for you to get involved. No matter what you do please remember that the people you are putting down are people. They have feelings, they have families. In some cases they have children. Think about how you would feel if someone told your mother, father, brother, sister or child that they hope they burn in hell.
I understand that not everyone holds the same opinions as I do. That is what makes America so wonderful. I have heard many people in Salina say they have no reason to vote because in the Republican state it doesn't really matter who you vote for for president. However, your local races matter. The questions on your local ballot are what are going to affect you the most. So no matter your opinion you need to vote. Tonight this election will be over. The yard signs will come down, the advertisements will cease, and the phone calls will stop. People will be happy and people will be disappointed. However, I will know that my voice was heard. Can you say the same?
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Halloween - DIY costume!
Let me start off by saying there is nothing wrong with store bought Halloween costumes. We have certainly bought our fair share. As I look back through the years costumes I have made Facebook, Chuck, DJ Lance Rock, and even an ant at a picnic. When Carter came to me this year and said he wanted to be a stoplight I was super excited. This costume is so easy to make and turns out super cute!
Supplies:
Box
Yellow felt
Spray Adhesive
3 touch lights and batteries (The Dollar Store had these for a dollar each)
Yellow Duct Tape
Black foam sheet
1 red plastic table cover
1 yellow plastic table cover
1 green plastic table cover
Heavy duty Velcro
Knife
Scissors
1. Take the box and measure it on your child so that you can cut off the bottom of the box at the knees. Any longer and it is harder to walk in. Use the knife to cut the box off. Also, cut the hole for the head and each arm.
2. Use the yellow duct tape to tape around the cut edges on the arm holes, the head hole and along the bottom of the box where you cut off. Also reinforce the edges and the seam in the box.
3. Spray one side of the box with spray adhesive and then apply the felt. Spray the next side and roll the box onto the felt. I kept this in one piece to make it easier. Once done cut an x out in the neck hole and each arm hole and use duct tape to secure the flaps to the inside of the box. I also taped the felt up into the box at the bottom.
4. Cut the black foam to the shape you want it to be on the edges. Use the spray adhesive to attach it to the front of the box.
5. Cover each of the lights with a piece of table cloth. I doubled mine over to make the color shine through. I simply used duct tape to secure the table cloth on the back. Make sure your batteries are fresh and the lights all work before you do this.
6. Put Velcro on the back of the lights and attach them to the black foam.
You are now the coolest mom ever!
Supplies:
Box
Yellow felt
Spray Adhesive
3 touch lights and batteries (The Dollar Store had these for a dollar each)
Yellow Duct Tape
Black foam sheet
1 red plastic table cover
1 yellow plastic table cover
1 green plastic table cover
Heavy duty Velcro
Knife
Scissors
1. Take the box and measure it on your child so that you can cut off the bottom of the box at the knees. Any longer and it is harder to walk in. Use the knife to cut the box off. Also, cut the hole for the head and each arm.
2. Use the yellow duct tape to tape around the cut edges on the arm holes, the head hole and along the bottom of the box where you cut off. Also reinforce the edges and the seam in the box.
3. Spray one side of the box with spray adhesive and then apply the felt. Spray the next side and roll the box onto the felt. I kept this in one piece to make it easier. Once done cut an x out in the neck hole and each arm hole and use duct tape to secure the flaps to the inside of the box. I also taped the felt up into the box at the bottom.
4. Cut the black foam to the shape you want it to be on the edges. Use the spray adhesive to attach it to the front of the box.
5. Cover each of the lights with a piece of table cloth. I doubled mine over to make the color shine through. I simply used duct tape to secure the table cloth on the back. Make sure your batteries are fresh and the lights all work before you do this.
6. Put Velcro on the back of the lights and attach them to the black foam.
You are now the coolest mom ever!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Extravagant Generosity
Sometimes life throws you curves that shake you to your inner core. Lately it feels more like I am on a road in the mountains that twists and turns and runs real close to the edge with no guard rail! October 1 I was hit with perhaps one of the biggest curves so far. My boss was found in his apartment where he had passed away of natural causes. This began a new journey for me. As shaken to my core as I was I knew we had to continue on at work and get the job done. Not only is that necessary when you work for a newspaper it is also what Walt would have wanted.
Here we are 22 days later and I continue to strive to keep things normal at work and get things done. However, there is still that empty hole. When I have the office door open and I walk by I still look to see if Walt is sitting at his desk. I still look for his car in the parking lot. I still think of him when I see something KISS related or see them on television. When I hear a bad joke I always think of him and how he would probably love the joke or had already heard it. However, I didn't think I would think of him when it came to Sunday school and church.
We started a new series at church called "Extravagant Generosity". It involves a daily devotional and a sermon series as well as a Sunday school curriculum. While we are of course at church talking more of giving to the church in my mind extravagant generosity brings to mind Walt. He was very generous to me in what he taught me. He encouraged me to learn and dig for more information on things that didn't look right or problems that needed to be solved. He was generous with me when it came to understanding and knowing that I moved to a position that had me step out of my comfort zone. However, I was just shown the tip of his generosity.
At the memorial service we held for him the number of people from our building and our other newspapers that came to say goodbye showed how generous Walt was of himself. As the stories were told we heard of a man who was very wise in the newspaper world. We also heard from his family of what a kind soul he had been. His father spoke of Walt's generosity to donating funds to the Children's Miracle Network. An employee spoke of Walt helping when times were tough and expecting nothing in return. I am certain that there are many more stories of Walt out there that would play out just as those two did. What was abundantly clear was that everyone was touched by Walt at some point in their time of knowing him.
Sunday I learned of a book called "Under the Overpass". It is a book written by a man who spends five months homeless in five different cities in the United States. He tells the stories of being hungry, having no where to sleep, panhandling and of the people he meets along the way. My journey in Christ has been one of many good intentions. However, I see my journey this time as something much different then it was in the past. I feel so connected and as if I have missed out in the past because my heart wasn't where it needed to be. I am certain that every one of us has walked by a homeless person on the street and looked the other way. My challenge to you is to not look the other way but to offer a smile. Offer the change in your pocket. Take them to dinner. Show them the generosity that Christ would show.
In high school we went on a mission trip as a youth group. I have many memories from this trip but one that stands out in my mind is a church we were in that had a white board. The seniors of the group wrote sayings all over the white board to leave for the church members to find. One was "Live simply so others may simply live". As we head into the Christmas season and the extravagant marketing and the extravagant buying begins please remember that not everyone is as lucky as we are. Perhaps it's time to look at holiday giving and remember to live simply.
Here we are 22 days later and I continue to strive to keep things normal at work and get things done. However, there is still that empty hole. When I have the office door open and I walk by I still look to see if Walt is sitting at his desk. I still look for his car in the parking lot. I still think of him when I see something KISS related or see them on television. When I hear a bad joke I always think of him and how he would probably love the joke or had already heard it. However, I didn't think I would think of him when it came to Sunday school and church.
We started a new series at church called "Extravagant Generosity". It involves a daily devotional and a sermon series as well as a Sunday school curriculum. While we are of course at church talking more of giving to the church in my mind extravagant generosity brings to mind Walt. He was very generous to me in what he taught me. He encouraged me to learn and dig for more information on things that didn't look right or problems that needed to be solved. He was generous with me when it came to understanding and knowing that I moved to a position that had me step out of my comfort zone. However, I was just shown the tip of his generosity.
At the memorial service we held for him the number of people from our building and our other newspapers that came to say goodbye showed how generous Walt was of himself. As the stories were told we heard of a man who was very wise in the newspaper world. We also heard from his family of what a kind soul he had been. His father spoke of Walt's generosity to donating funds to the Children's Miracle Network. An employee spoke of Walt helping when times were tough and expecting nothing in return. I am certain that there are many more stories of Walt out there that would play out just as those two did. What was abundantly clear was that everyone was touched by Walt at some point in their time of knowing him.
Sunday I learned of a book called "Under the Overpass". It is a book written by a man who spends five months homeless in five different cities in the United States. He tells the stories of being hungry, having no where to sleep, panhandling and of the people he meets along the way. My journey in Christ has been one of many good intentions. However, I see my journey this time as something much different then it was in the past. I feel so connected and as if I have missed out in the past because my heart wasn't where it needed to be. I am certain that every one of us has walked by a homeless person on the street and looked the other way. My challenge to you is to not look the other way but to offer a smile. Offer the change in your pocket. Take them to dinner. Show them the generosity that Christ would show.
In high school we went on a mission trip as a youth group. I have many memories from this trip but one that stands out in my mind is a church we were in that had a white board. The seniors of the group wrote sayings all over the white board to leave for the church members to find. One was "Live simply so others may simply live". As we head into the Christmas season and the extravagant marketing and the extravagant buying begins please remember that not everyone is as lucky as we are. Perhaps it's time to look at holiday giving and remember to live simply.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Sometimes the best lessons come from a child
As typically happens I have fallen off from writing here. Ben has settled into his school routine. He has taken his first few tests and I think figured out what he needs to do to succeed in this program. Today was his first day of having Carter home with him in the morning. We gave him a few weeks to get into his routine and then in a cost saving measure decided to keep Carter at home with him instead of sending him to the sitters. Since Carter goes to school at 12:25 each day it gives Ben time then to get work done. He also has time in the mornings after setting Carter up with an activity to keep him busy.
Another reason I am so far behind is Gage's dad, Dennis, has been battling pancreatic cancer since May. Unfortunately, he lost his battle on September 16. Gage would go see him every other weekend and since he was sick about every weekend. As a parent I prepared for the worst and how it would affect Gage and my heart broke as I had to tell him the news. I told him as gently as you can break that news to someone and yes he cried and was upset. However, after a few hours he seemed fine. The viewing wasn't until Thursday after he passed on Sunday. Gage continued to amaze me and greeted each person and took them to see Dennis' body. His strength through this never wavered. The funeral was Friday and again Gage handled everything like he had been to a 1,000 funerals. I am so proud of him.
Sunday after things had quieted down and the family had left to go home. I asked Gage how he has remained so strong through all of this. His response was simple and one that a lot of adults wouldn't have figured out. He told me that he had stayed strong because we had joined our church the year before and having church and God in his life gave him the support he needed. He said without that he wouldn't be doing nearly as good. That he knew his dad was in pain and that he wasn't anymore. As adults how many of us truly would feel this way?
I know there will be hard times and that Gage may have moments when he misses his dad. But I also know our church and God will always be with him. Isaiah 41:10 says: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Sometimes it takes a child to teach a lesson that everyone should know.
Another reason I am so far behind is Gage's dad, Dennis, has been battling pancreatic cancer since May. Unfortunately, he lost his battle on September 16. Gage would go see him every other weekend and since he was sick about every weekend. As a parent I prepared for the worst and how it would affect Gage and my heart broke as I had to tell him the news. I told him as gently as you can break that news to someone and yes he cried and was upset. However, after a few hours he seemed fine. The viewing wasn't until Thursday after he passed on Sunday. Gage continued to amaze me and greeted each person and took them to see Dennis' body. His strength through this never wavered. The funeral was Friday and again Gage handled everything like he had been to a 1,000 funerals. I am so proud of him.
Sunday after things had quieted down and the family had left to go home. I asked Gage how he has remained so strong through all of this. His response was simple and one that a lot of adults wouldn't have figured out. He told me that he had stayed strong because we had joined our church the year before and having church and God in his life gave him the support he needed. He said without that he wouldn't be doing nearly as good. That he knew his dad was in pain and that he wasn't anymore. As adults how many of us truly would feel this way?
I know there will be hard times and that Gage may have moments when he misses his dad. But I also know our church and God will always be with him. Isaiah 41:10 says: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Sometimes it takes a child to teach a lesson that everyone should know.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Back to School and a schedule!!
What a crazy few weeks it has been! We finished up Ben's study room. Granted it is just a corner of our storage/laundry room but it works for him. His classes started on Monday and he seems to be getting into a groove.
In the mean time April came for a visit and we went to Wichita and did the Glow Run which is a 5k that you run at night and wear all kinds of fun funky glow things. We had a great time and ended up with these wonderful medals that glow in the dark.
The boys started school last Monday. Carter in kindergarten and Gage in 6th grade. We made Carter's teacher a school supply cake as a back to school gift. I have pictures of Carter in his classroom but apparently it is frowned upon for mom to walk you into middle school and take your picture and give you a hug and a kiss before your first day! So no pictures of Gage.
April came back this last weekend for another visit and we went to Zoo Brew where Joe's Pet Project was playing. We had a fantastic time and it is always great to see good friends and listen to good music. If you don't know who Joe's Pet Project is you need to look them up on Facebook and Google them and find their website. They are fantastic fun!!
So with back to school came the inevitable mess behind my front door. In that corner the book bags get dropped and jackets and everything else tend to be left there. So tonight I figured out a solution. I hung a bulletin board that the kids can hang anything that needs to be signed or any important notes on. Then under that we put in two hat and coat hooks. This made my whole living room feel so much better!! Here is the finished result.
So as we all fall into our back to school routine I am one happy mama to finally have the schedule back. I have a monthly calendar full of the things we are doing this month and all of our meals. Perhaps when I update the calendar for September I will share my system with everyone else. What are your favorite things about back to school time??
Friday, August 3, 2012
Homeward Journey
Our family finally completely reunites today after almost a month of one of us missing. Gage left for vacation on July 11th and didn't get home until after Ben had left for Omaha. So this morning at 7:30am my mom and Gage left to pick up Ben. After a wrong turn at Salina...(Yes I guess it is possible to make a wrong turn somewhere you have lived for a million years) they made it to Junction City where they headed north.
They made it to Omaha and I received a text that said "We have the package". They went across Omaha and stopped at Cracker Barrel for a late lunch. Then they hit the road. They hadn't gone too far on the highway when it sounded like a helicopter was landing on their roof. Now no one thought that might be strange and worth pulling over for. Finally a truck pulled up next to them and got their attention to pull over. The driver's side back tire had blown. Not just blown but shredded completely. So they unloaded the trunk and Ben put on the spare. Just as he finished the police pulled up and let them know where to go. So they had to stop and have four new tires put on the car before they could continue home.
Here it is 9:40pm and they haven't made it back yet but I know they are somewhere between Concordia and here. Ben of course has to work tomorrow morning so I think it will be a quick hello and hugs and then bed for him.
So while Carter and I waited for them to make it home we did something I used to do as a child. Christy, who I work with, gave me Shrinky Dinks for my birthday. Well Carter and I had a wonderful time coloring them, cutting them out and putting them in the oven. He brought his stool over and sat down in front to watch through the window. He was amazed at how they worked. As they finished flattening out in the oven he turned to me and simply said "Thank you mom". That was such a great moment.
We had terryaki noodles for dinner tonight. I did get my menu done for the month of August. Lots of new recipes on it that I am sure I will share on here. I can't wait to see how they all turn out! What recipes do you like to make for your family?
Perhaps tomorrow night we will get Ben's take on the two weeks he has been gone.
They made it to Omaha and I received a text that said "We have the package". They went across Omaha and stopped at Cracker Barrel for a late lunch. Then they hit the road. They hadn't gone too far on the highway when it sounded like a helicopter was landing on their roof. Now no one thought that might be strange and worth pulling over for. Finally a truck pulled up next to them and got their attention to pull over. The driver's side back tire had blown. Not just blown but shredded completely. So they unloaded the trunk and Ben put on the spare. Just as he finished the police pulled up and let them know where to go. So they had to stop and have four new tires put on the car before they could continue home.
Here it is 9:40pm and they haven't made it back yet but I know they are somewhere between Concordia and here. Ben of course has to work tomorrow morning so I think it will be a quick hello and hugs and then bed for him.
So while Carter and I waited for them to make it home we did something I used to do as a child. Christy, who I work with, gave me Shrinky Dinks for my birthday. Well Carter and I had a wonderful time coloring them, cutting them out and putting them in the oven. He brought his stool over and sat down in front to watch through the window. He was amazed at how they worked. As they finished flattening out in the oven he turned to me and simply said "Thank you mom". That was such a great moment.
We had terryaki noodles for dinner tonight. I did get my menu done for the month of August. Lots of new recipes on it that I am sure I will share on here. I can't wait to see how they all turn out! What recipes do you like to make for your family?
Perhaps tomorrow night we will get Ben's take on the two weeks he has been gone.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Soap, lunch, burritos and school supplies! WHEW!
Oh my goodness what a crazy few days! So glad to have Gage home. I am LOVING the homemade laundry soap I made. It's a box of Borax, a box of Arm and Hammer baking soda, a box of Arm and Hammer washing soda, a container of Oxy Clean, and three bars of FelsNaptha soap. You great the soap bars and mix it all together. Use a tablespoon or two per load and away you go! I have probably enough laundry soap to last 6 months to a year for less than $20.
Yesterday for lunch I made grilled cheese and chicken sandwiches with some of the rotisserie chicken I made last week. Super easy...butter the bread flip it over and put your cheese on then put on the shredded chicken and then top with a piece of bread and butter the top. Grill it on the stove top and you have grilled cheese and chicken. The kids loved it and it was super easy to make.
Yesterday for lunch I made grilled cheese and chicken sandwiches with some of the rotisserie chicken I made last week. Super easy...butter the bread flip it over and put your cheese on then put on the shredded chicken and then top with a piece of bread and butter the top. Grill it on the stove top and you have grilled cheese and chicken. The kids loved it and it was super easy to make.
This Sunday is Mission Trip Sunday at church. Gage went in June to Kansas City and worked with Urban Plunge to help the homeless in Kansas City. It was an amazing learning experience for him. So since the youth have to help at both services they are having breakfast during Sunday school. So I took the opportunity to make breakfast burritos. I had planned on making a batch for the freezer for the boys to have for breakfast. I ended up making two batches and had 64 burritos when it was all said and done.
Two pounds of sausage
Two pounds of bacon
18 eggs
3 cups of shredded cheese
Tortillas
Cook it all up scramble the eggs, chop up the bacon and crumble the sausage. Mix it all together along with green peppers and onion if you so choose. I put about 1/3 cup in each burrito. Then fold them up and if you are going to freeze them wrap them in saran wrap. They will last 2-3 months in the freezer. Just unwrap them and microwave them for 45 seconds and then flip it over and microwave it for another 45 seconds. The boys each had one and thought they were great so I am going to say kid tested, kid approved!
After burrito cooking it was off to Wal-Mart to school supply shop. Both boys are SUPER excited for school to start. Carter was most excited about his book bag and pencil case. Both boys came home and loaded up their backpacks and put them by the door. I snapped a few photos of them with their bags.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Now we are only missing one!
Gage and grandma came home from their vacation today. Thank heavens!!!! I have missed them both a lot so it feels great to have almost everyone back where they belong. They had a fantastic time but were ready to be home.
They also brought the last ingredient that I needed for my homemade laundry detergent. So we mixed it all up tonight and the first load is in the dryer. I am hoping it turned out great. So far so good. If all goes well in a few days I will post more info about it.
Tomorrow I will have a new lunch recipe. I am quite excited about it!! I will share with pictures tomorrow night for sure! It's a small update for tonight but hopefully tomorrow will be a more exciting today. It's hard to write a whole post about how we cleaned Carter's room and went through all of his clothes and bagged up what doesn't fit for Heather and Mel!
They also brought the last ingredient that I needed for my homemade laundry detergent. So we mixed it all up tonight and the first load is in the dryer. I am hoping it turned out great. So far so good. If all goes well in a few days I will post more info about it.
Tomorrow I will have a new lunch recipe. I am quite excited about it!! I will share with pictures tomorrow night for sure! It's a small update for tonight but hopefully tomorrow will be a more exciting today. It's hard to write a whole post about how we cleaned Carter's room and went through all of his clothes and bagged up what doesn't fit for Heather and Mel!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Movie reviews and a new dinner from Pinterest
Before Ben left I rented a bunch of movies. Ben and I watched 21 Jump Street and American Reunion before he left. Then I have watched four more since he left.
American Reunion - It was good. I liked it more than the last couple.
21 Jump Street - LOVED IT! I found this movie really funny with a great script. I can't wait for the sequel that they have left everything wide open for!
One Day - I hadn't heard of this movie. It has Anne Hathaway in it and I love her. It follows two people and where they are each year on July 15th. Starting on their college graduation day and follows to current day. I really enjoyed it.
Jumping the Broom - I LOVED this movie! A couple is getting married and their families meet for the first time and a great movie ensues.
The Vow - How did my friends not tell me about this earlier! Yes I loved this movie. I cried and laughed and I agree to disagree about red velvet cake!
Swinging with the Finkels - I expected more out of this movie. It is about a couple whose relationship has hit the seven year itch and what they try to do to save it. It was good but not great.
So...on to dinner! I had come across a pepperoni and mozzarella cheese stuffed chicken breast recipe on Pinterest at some point in the past few days that sounded good. However, I only had boneless, skinless chicken tenders. So I adapted the recipe and it was FANTASTIC. So here is my adaptation:
First I pounded the chicken tenders flat. Then laid the pepperoni slices on the chicken and sprinkled with mozzarella cheese. I rolled the chicken up and used a toothpick to secure the roll. Then coat in flour, roll in egg and then roll in bread crumbs. On the stove top have a skillet of olive oil heated hot hot hot! Brown the rolls until they are crispy. Then put on a baking sheet and put in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes. This just finishes cooking the rolls. Once they are out remove the toothpicks and serve. Carter ate two and has already called dibs on the leftovers.
Monday, July 23, 2012
When it rains it pours!
What a day! We got up this morning and went to Sunday school and church. It always feels like such a great start to the week after a service at Church of the Cross. Ben and Carter then took me out to lunch at Longhorn for my birthday. We had a great lunch. We then headed home where Ben finished his honey-do list and packed up everything he needed to spend two weeks in Omaha. He left about 4:30 and Carter and I settled in to do a whole bunch of nothing!
About 4:30 my phone rings and it is Ben. He is at the Minneapolis exit and his car is overheating. Now those of you who know us well know my car has been overheating lately. So now both cars are doing it. However, thankfully my mom and Gage are still on vacation so I still have her car. He made it home and loaded up his stuff in my mom's car while Carter and I threw things together to make a trip to Omaha.
We left the house about 6:30 and didn't stop until York, NE. We realized at that point that none of us had eaten anything for dinner. So it's 9:15 and we pull into Runza. Everyone has been telling us how great Runza is. Well I'm sure it is...but we don't know because the doors were locked. So we went off to the KFC/Taco Bell. There were lots of people inside so we parked and went to the door that was...locked. At this point it was funny to us. Perhaps due to the stress of the day. We went to Arby's and were quite pleased to be able to get in.
The rest of the ride to Omaha was uneventful thank heavens. We pulled into the hotel that Carter and I are in tonight. It is beautiful and our room is a suite. Carter thought it was pretty cool that we had a room with a couch, a full size refrigerator and a separate room with our beds in it. We took Ben to the dorms and he got checked in. We helped him take his things up to his room on the 14th floor of the dorm. He walked us downstairs and gave big lovies to both of us. We got in the car and headed back to the hotel. We hadn't gotten more than three blocks away and I hear a wailing cry from the back seat. Carter was sobbing uncontrollably. He missed daddy. So we called Ben and they talked for a bit and now he seems fine. We didn't make it into the room more than 5 minutes and he was sound asleep.
Earlier in the day my mom called to let me know they were taking Gage to Urgent Care in Utah due to both ears draining fluid. He has double ear infection that is not to his ear drum yet. So he is now on ear drops and they are in Salt Lake City. He will be home on Thursday and Carter and I will be home tomorrow.
About 4:30 my phone rings and it is Ben. He is at the Minneapolis exit and his car is overheating. Now those of you who know us well know my car has been overheating lately. So now both cars are doing it. However, thankfully my mom and Gage are still on vacation so I still have her car. He made it home and loaded up his stuff in my mom's car while Carter and I threw things together to make a trip to Omaha.
We left the house about 6:30 and didn't stop until York, NE. We realized at that point that none of us had eaten anything for dinner. So it's 9:15 and we pull into Runza. Everyone has been telling us how great Runza is. Well I'm sure it is...but we don't know because the doors were locked. So we went off to the KFC/Taco Bell. There were lots of people inside so we parked and went to the door that was...locked. At this point it was funny to us. Perhaps due to the stress of the day. We went to Arby's and were quite pleased to be able to get in.
The rest of the ride to Omaha was uneventful thank heavens. We pulled into the hotel that Carter and I are in tonight. It is beautiful and our room is a suite. Carter thought it was pretty cool that we had a room with a couch, a full size refrigerator and a separate room with our beds in it. We took Ben to the dorms and he got checked in. We helped him take his things up to his room on the 14th floor of the dorm. He walked us downstairs and gave big lovies to both of us. We got in the car and headed back to the hotel. We hadn't gotten more than three blocks away and I hear a wailing cry from the back seat. Carter was sobbing uncontrollably. He missed daddy. So we called Ben and they talked for a bit and now he seems fine. We didn't make it into the room more than 5 minutes and he was sound asleep.
Earlier in the day my mom called to let me know they were taking Gage to Urgent Care in Utah due to both ears draining fluid. He has double ear infection that is not to his ear drum yet. So he is now on ear drops and they are in Salt Lake City. He will be home on Thursday and Carter and I will be home tomorrow.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Creighton Pharmacy School Welcome Week 101
Ben has spent the past few days getting all of the paperwork filled out for pharmacy school. Which includes getting his immunization records. At first we couldn't figure out why in the world they would need his immunization records for college that was going to mainly be done on the computer. However, since he will stay in the dorms for two weeks he has to have them. So after a call to his mom and she called the doctors office we learned that your immunizations are registered with the state of Kansas. So he was able to get them all squared away. He will move into the dorms tomorrow evening. So for now he is writing essays still and packing. We will go to church tomorrow morning and he is going to take us out for lunch for my birthday and he will probably hit the road not long after.
Carter and I are all set to be house bums this week. We went to Family Video and rented a LOT of movies to watch. I am really looking forward to spending a lazy week with him. It will be good to have some bonding time with Gage still away and Ben gone.
Tonight for dinner I had some boneless skinless chicken breast tenders. I put them between layers of saran wrap and beat them with my mallet. I'm not gonna lie it always makes me feel better to beat up some meat with the mallet. I heated olive oil in a skillet and then mixed up panko, Mrs. Dash garlic and herb seasoning and shredded cheese. Wet the chicken and dip it in the mixture and then put it right in the pan. It doesn't take long to cook up since it is so thin. I put a piece in and would beat the other one and bread it and put it in and flip the one that was already in the pan. The next time I would take the already flipped one out and flip the one in the pan and add the new one. Carter had two on his bald head face plate. He wanted me to be sure and add a picture of it with it's honey mustard earrings and ketchup mustache. Super easy and great flavor. You can add whatever seasonings you want to to the panko.
Carter and I are all set to be house bums this week. We went to Family Video and rented a LOT of movies to watch. I am really looking forward to spending a lazy week with him. It will be good to have some bonding time with Gage still away and Ben gone.
I hope everyone has a blessed Sunday. Tomorrow I turn 35 which I seriously thought was ancient when my mom was 35. Now I don't feel like it is that old.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Pinterest...
I finally had another email from Pinterest. It showed me the offending pin that I had not pinned to my account.
So they let me reset my password and move on to pinning. So the withdrawals are starting to subside and dinner was courtesy of Pinterest tonight! Tonight I used some of the chicken that I made in the crock pot to make Chicken Rollups.
In the mixer I put:
4 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons butter (very soft but not melted)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 cups of shredded chicken
3/4 cup grated colby jack cheese
1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
2 Tbsp. milk
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can 98% fat free cream of chicken soup, undiluted
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese or swiss cheese (or any cheese of choice)
1/2 cup milk
So they let me reset my password and move on to pinning. So the withdrawals are starting to subside and dinner was courtesy of Pinterest tonight! Tonight I used some of the chicken that I made in the crock pot to make Chicken Rollups.
In the mixer I put:
4 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons butter (very soft but not melted)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 cups of shredded chicken
3/4 cup grated colby jack cheese
1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
2 Tbsp. milk
I mix it all up in the mixer until it is well combined. Then take refrigerated crescent rolls and unroll them. Put a heaping tablespoon of this mixture in each roll and then roll it all up and place it seam side down in a baking dish. Mine made 16 roll ups.
Next mix together:
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese or swiss cheese (or any cheese of choice)
1/2 cup milk
Spread this over the top of the crescent roll ups in the pan and then sprinkle one or two cups of shredded cheese on top. Put it in a preheated 350 degree oven and cook for 30ish minutes and you have an amazing dinner. Carter ate three of these tonight!
I am so glad that tomorrow is Friday!! I'm wearing my tiara to work since it is my last day of work before my birthday. Any day you wear a tiara is a great day! Budgets are almost done which makes it even better. Oh and the fact that I am on vacation all next week.
I am proofreading the first of 6 essays that Ben has to write for this microeconomics class tonight and hopefully he can kick out the others in the next two days.
I hope everyone has an amazing Friday!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Test day
Ben has this microeconomics class he has to pass before he is officially a pharmacy school student. Having to be in Omaha on Monday for two weeks has really shortened the amount of time he has to get it done. So in a two week time period he has taken an entire class. So he took a test on Monday, one on Tuesday and three tests and final today! I have no idea how he has a clue what he is doing. So all of the quizzes are done and the tests have been taken. All that is left is 6 essays. So I will be proofing essays for the next few days.
I am very excited to have my friend Gary and his boyfriend Jeremy coming for a visit on Friday. It is always great to have people over and I love to cook for friends. So we will have dinner and some fun with the Wii. I haven't seen Gary in probably 10 years so it will be great to spend time together.
We are also getting Ben ready to leave Sunday afternoon. Of course he has to leave on my birthday!! He will be gone for two weeks. It will just be Carter and I until Thursday when Gage gets home from his vacation with grandma. I'm going to take vacation next week so I can have some time to relax after weeks of working on budget numbers and stressing over Ben's schooling. It will be wonderful to have that time with Carter and then time with Gage when he gets home.
Pinterest update: Still locked out and still not happy!
I am very excited to have my friend Gary and his boyfriend Jeremy coming for a visit on Friday. It is always great to have people over and I love to cook for friends. So we will have dinner and some fun with the Wii. I haven't seen Gary in probably 10 years so it will be great to spend time together.
We are also getting Ben ready to leave Sunday afternoon. Of course he has to leave on my birthday!! He will be gone for two weeks. It will just be Carter and I until Thursday when Gage gets home from his vacation with grandma. I'm going to take vacation next week so I can have some time to relax after weeks of working on budget numbers and stressing over Ben's schooling. It will be wonderful to have that time with Carter and then time with Gage when he gets home.
Pinterest update: Still locked out and still not happy!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Chicken, chicken and more chicken!
So yesterday we started the crock pot rotisserie chicken. I came home from work today to a house that smelled AMAZING! I opened the lid to the crock pot and had to lift the liner out in order to get the chicken out in one piece due to the tenderness of the chicken.
It fell off the bones. No knife ever touched this chicken. It tasted great and Carter even liked it! When we were finished we picked the bones clean and shredded the meat. I will use this in a dish later on this week that also came from Pinterest. Here is how much meat was left after we ate dinner.
On a total side note my Pinterest account has been locked due to "suspicious activity". I seriously am going through withdrawals!
On the school front, Ben has been studying his tail off to get this last class out of his way. He also has his orientation packet that came in his email yesterday. He has been filling out forms and financial aid papers. He leaves Sunday night for Omaha. Carter's babysitter is also on vacation next week so I am taking a week of vacation myself. It will be great to have a week at home not having to worry about anything really. Sleeping in and relaxing. Who could ask for anything more?
Monday, July 16, 2012
Pinterest Rotisserie Chicken
I love rotisserie chicken. I love to eat it. I love to pick it off of the bones. I love to use it in other recipes. That being said we are working on a budget and part of that is figuring out ways to eat for less. I was able to pick up two fryers at Wal-Mart for about $6. I should probably say before we go any further that I have NEVER done anything with a whole raw chicken.
I did check to make sure all the yuck inside had been cleared out. I washed the chicken and mixed up the
spices:
2 Tbsp Paprika
1 1/2 tsp onion powder
2 Tbsp garlic powder or 3 cloves garlic
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
spices:
2 Tbsp Paprika
1 1/2 tsp onion powder
2 Tbsp garlic powder or 3 cloves garlic
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Add a bit of water at a time after they are mixed until you have a paste.
Then take your raw chicken and slather on the spices. Rub it all over. I personally did not enjoy rubbing the chicken. However, you may find that you love it!
Then pop it in the crock pot. My bird is currently chilling in my fridge Tomorrow morning I will turn it on and let you all know how it goes.
How do you cook a whole chicken? Anyone have any other great recipes that you would like to share?
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Recipes, homework and church
We skipped Sunday school this morning since we had had such a busy few days. However, we did not skip church. This morning the sermon was another one in the series of family Bible stories that Pastor Greg has been doing. This one was on the baptism of Jesus. He compared it to when in Toy Story Buzz Lightyear learns that Andy has put his name on his foot. God chose to put his name on each of us when we were baptized. As I sat in church this morning it all really hit me that I have to let everything going on in life go to God. I felt a tremendous peace as I left the service this morning.
So after I got home I got to work. Our budget is going to have to change. The first start is going to be eating at home pretty much every night and taking lunches to work. I now have a 30 page cookbook of things I can make so far. I have started a monthly menu and have started a budget. I also started reading a book America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money: Your Guide to Living Better, Spending Less, and Cashing in on Your Dreams. I am getting some great ideas.
Ben spent the day doing homework. His dedication to this microeconomics class and how he knows it must be completed to continue this journey is a fantastic sign as to what is coming in the future. He finished 3 chapters today and is now working on notes for his 6 tests he has to take this week. Tomorrow it is back to work for the last week before Ben head's off to Omaha for two weeks.
So after I got home I got to work. Our budget is going to have to change. The first start is going to be eating at home pretty much every night and taking lunches to work. I now have a 30 page cookbook of things I can make so far. I have started a monthly menu and have started a budget. I also started reading a book America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money: Your Guide to Living Better, Spending Less, and Cashing in on Your Dreams. I am getting some great ideas.
Ben spent the day doing homework. His dedication to this microeconomics class and how he knows it must be completed to continue this journey is a fantastic sign as to what is coming in the future. He finished 3 chapters today and is now working on notes for his 6 tests he has to take this week. Tomorrow it is back to work for the last week before Ben head's off to Omaha for two weeks.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
As part of our scale back financially I plan to make monthly menus and cook at home. Pinterest is my go to place for everything! I have made a lot of things and used a lot of the tips. I will share my reviews of the things I find there as we go. So be sure and stay tuned!
In the beginning...
My husband has been going to school since I met him. We have been married for almost 7 years now. He graduated from Kansas Wesleyan University with a degree in chemistry a year ago and applied to Creighton's online Pharmacy school this past year. We waited and waited and waited for a response. Finally the beginning of June he got a letter. Yes we did sing the Blue's Clues "We Just Got A Letter" song when it came. He had me open it and we learned he had been chosen as an alternate.
We figured he would probably not make it into Creighton this year. However, we hoped and prayed and on July 3rd he got an email offering him a pharmacy school interview on July 13th! We loaded up the car and headed to Omaha where he spent 3 hours learning more about the program and going through the interview with two staff members. They told him he would probably receive a call that day as to the status of his application.
Our youngest son is 5 and we took him to the Omaha Children's Museum to kill some time. At 2:45 I noticed my husband was on the phone and sure enough it was Creighton. He was in. The panic set in. My husband was going to become a full time student and a VERY part time employee of the pharmacy he currently works in. Our lives were going to change and they were going to change very very quickly.
This all happened yesterday. Today we are home and he is cramming in every moment he can to finish the microeconomics class he has to finish before August 1st. I am trying to figure out how first I am going to handle him being gone for two weeks the end of this month and how we are going to adjust as a family to the changes before us for the next four years. I plan to chronicle our adventures here. The good, the bad and the ugly. Care to come along for the adventure?
We figured he would probably not make it into Creighton this year. However, we hoped and prayed and on July 3rd he got an email offering him a pharmacy school interview on July 13th! We loaded up the car and headed to Omaha where he spent 3 hours learning more about the program and going through the interview with two staff members. They told him he would probably receive a call that day as to the status of his application.
Our youngest son is 5 and we took him to the Omaha Children's Museum to kill some time. At 2:45 I noticed my husband was on the phone and sure enough it was Creighton. He was in. The panic set in. My husband was going to become a full time student and a VERY part time employee of the pharmacy he currently works in. Our lives were going to change and they were going to change very very quickly.
This all happened yesterday. Today we are home and he is cramming in every moment he can to finish the microeconomics class he has to finish before August 1st. I am trying to figure out how first I am going to handle him being gone for two weeks the end of this month and how we are going to adjust as a family to the changes before us for the next four years. I plan to chronicle our adventures here. The good, the bad and the ugly. Care to come along for the adventure?
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