Living in the Moment

Horsing Around

2009-12-10T23:07:00.004-05:00

Since we are in the middle of this crazy winter storm, Natalie has not been able to ride or go to the horse barn because its too cold! I have to admit it, I miss it too. We are in such a routine with lessons, and 4H that I feel all out of whack and my days are messed up because we haven't been there. I miss my 4 legged, 1200lb friends. I guess I've totally transformed into a Horse mom.

Check out the new blog dedicated to barn life, horse riding, tactical issues. Drama queens, 4H projects and later next year....County Fair!
***Reflections of a Horse Mom****

www.horsereflections.blogspot.com

Winter is here

2009-12-09T22:45:00.002-05:00

Well, its December and the first winter storm is here. Winds are at 50 mph and the waves on Lake Michigan are huge! Its snowing/sleeting/raining. Its plain yucky out. Natalie did the snow day dance and ritual. Which includes: flushing ice cubes down the toilet, wearing pj inside out, and something about a spoon. Anyway, we will see if the ritual works in the morning.

"When I no longer thrill to the first snow of the season, I'll know I'm growing old."
Author: - Claudia "Lady Bird" Johnson

Bucket List

2009-10-20T15:49:00.002-04:00

Last night, I took a horse riding lesson with Natalie. Today, my bum is sore! I guess I can check this off the bucket list as things to do before I leave this earth.
I have to say that I liked the ride however I'm not ready to saddle up again. I was really nervous mounting the horse, and I had some issues steering her. It was a crazy but fun evening. What I did enjoy was grooming the horse. I got more from that, then the whole lesson. Horses are amazing animals and they deserve so much respect from us. Its amazing that they even allow us to mount them and ride them.
On the other hand, Natalie was trying to canter on "Sugar" and she bucked so high. I was so proud of her, because she stayed on and she didn't cry or complain about it. I think we may have taken another baby step....
Speaking of, my baby turns 10 years old in 2 weeks and her birthday present arrived today via UPS. Can't wait to see her face.......I'll post pictures..

October Pumpkin fun show

2009-10-13T19:17:00.003-04:00

Nat placed 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 8th. Way to go Nat! Nat's the one in pink riding the black/white paint horse..

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

It's a School Night!

2009-09-07T21:26:00.004-04:00

It's finally here! School starts tomorrow and I couldn't be happier! It is the most wonderful time of the year. Not that I didn't enjoy our summer time together, but I look forward to the routine again. This labor day weekend, we spent mostly at the beach. The weather was absolutely perfect. High 70's low 80's all weekend long. Whoo hoo. St. Joseph dedicated their water fountain on Saturday morning. It runs every evening from 5 - 10pm thru mid October. Natalie had so much fun running in the fountain and water spouts. What a nice thing to build for the kids. Well, now its to bed early, its a school night and I finally will have some time to myself in the evenings again.....ahhhhhhh

Back to School

2009-08-29T18:49:00.004-04:00

Fair week is over, and I've had a week to recover. The first part of the week, was so hot and sticky, almost unbearable. On Wednesday, Natalie and her friend went to their first concert to see "The Naked Brothers Band." First they rode the rides till it was time for the show. Then Anthony took them back stage to do a meet and greet. Natalie did not want to wash her hands at all!

During the fair, we talked to many people about 4-H and leasing a horse for Natalie etc. I got some vital information and been spending this week of recovery, researching stables and horses for new opportunities for Natalie's horseback riding lessons.
Also this week, we did the dreaded back to school shopping. Michigan schools don't begin until after labor day, so we always have at least 2 weeks after fair to get last minute supplies. I always wait until the last moment to buy shoes. Here's why. I bought Natalie a pair of shoes right before school let out for summer and she wore a size 3. Back to school shoes were size 5. How does one jump 2 sizes in 3 months. She did this last year too. So, hopefully the bigger size will last us at least until winter I hope. No tears this year with shoes. She knew what she wanted and it was a matter of talking me into paying for them! Have to admit they are cute!

Well we are headed into our last week of summer and summer break. 4th grade here we come! I'm praying for no drama already!

My Champion

2009-08-17T19:59:00.003-04:00

I am such a proud Mama right now! My girl got Champion and Grand Champion for her photo in our county fair today. She enter 3 items; dish garden, drawing and 8 x 10 color photo. She received "A's" for the dish garden and drawing but got the highest award for her photograph. She is just thrilled and beside herself. It's been a long day and I'm ready for bed, because we have another long day at the fair tomorrow. Way to go, Nat!

Here is the pic....

Blowing off some steam

2009-08-12T15:35:00.003-04:00

“I will deal with them according to their conduct, and by their own standards I will judge them”

I've had a horrible last few days. I'm struggling with what I want to do and what I should do.
My adventure at Michigan Adventure yesterday was both eye opening and exhausting. This was my third outing with mother's of my daughter's "circle of friends." And just like the other 2 outings, these Christian women were extremely rude. If I compared Natalie's "public school" moms vs. her "private school" moms. I would have to say despite the fact that the public school moms were snobby, at least they faked being nice. These "Christian" women don't even care they are rude.

On the way to the beach this afternoon, Natalie told me that this "mom" wouldn't let her use the restroom because it would take time away from her agenda. I think I almost had a stroke. After a relaxing 2 hours at the beach tonight, and watching the gulls fight for food and territory, it occured to me the answer. It's time to step up. I will deal with them when I have to, but I think I will make myself as unavailable to them as I most possibly can be. Books and Mp3 players will be very handy. I'm so pissed.....

Michigan Adventure

2009-08-10T21:38:00.003-04:00

We are off to Michigan Adventure tomorrow. This is the last Brownie trip of the season before school starts up. Michigan Adventure is a water/amusement park all in one. The weather is supposed to be a perfect 83 degrees with no rain in the forecast.

Bathing suit. Check
Towels. Check
Lunch packed. Check
Sunscreen. Check

What else is needed? Oh, maybe some ear plugs from girls screaming......Mp3 will do.
Post pics later....if I survive that is.

Fair Game

2009-08-04T19:29:00.003-04:00

It's getting to be that time again. Yes, school starting is right around the corner, but its not that. Its Fair time again! Natalie is putting 3 items this year in the fair. She drew a picture, a photo collage, and of course the dish garden. We are currently trying to come up with a "theme" for the dish garden. I suggested patriotic, but she wasn't to excited about that.
It seems the summer gets shorter and shorter every year. I can't believe I have a fourth grader. I need to get my butt in gear for some school shopping. We got the supplies bought, but it's time for some shoes, backpack, and some jeans. I've also learned that starting in 4th grade, you begin "band" if you so choose. Natalie has expressed interest in playing the flute. I have a feeling this is going to be an expensive school year.....
Here are some of Natalie's finest art work. Vince Vangogh...?

This one is my favorite

I also learned a good tip for turning art work to digital. You can upload them to snapfish or Kodak, anyplace to make scrapbooks, and you can have their art forever!

A New Chapter

2009-07-30T20:07:00.003-04:00

Natalie had her horse lesson today. We have been talking about going down the lease road for a few months now, and I think we finally have to come to some decision. It cannot be shoved under that table or forgotten any longer. Hmmm.
Natalie has told us quite a few times that her "goal" is to show a horse. Well, you kinda need a horse to do that. So, fast forward to today's lesson. The horse that Natalie rides is a 26 year of mare. She's seen better days and way past her prime. Her coach mentioned today that Natalie is now asking the mare to do things that the mare can no longer do. In English, Nat's outgrown her. So, we were presented with the option of leasing 2 horses. Warrior or Szanghi?
Natalie is attracted to Warrior because he is a paint. He's young and has some "pep in his step." Way opposite of the current riding situation she is used to. Then there is Szanghi. He's an Arabian, slightly older, and very good with kids. Natalie has rode Szanghi before, but has not rode Warrior yet. Test drives begin next week.
It's an exciting opportunity thats coming, however bittersweet. We will surely miss Ghalli with all she has taught us. But its time to begin this chapter of starting a new, lasting relationship with a new horse.
So what's it going to be Warrior or Szanghi? To be continued......

Facebook

2009-07-23T21:13:00.002-04:00

Did you know they have a facebook for kids? I did not know that. Natalie has been begging me for a facebook account (I think just to play the different games) but I feel she's a bit too young. So I google facebook for kids and wha la...there it is. I think its more like a myspace, but we shall see. My social butterfly is spreading her wings again......

Where's Gretchen?

2009-07-21T20:58:00.004-04:00

Wow, it's been almost a month since my last post. It's not that I haven't had news to tell, just haven't really had a moment to think about it. But I'm vowing to have more frequent posts.
The biggest news is probably the fact I lost my job. Or is it my position was eliminated? Still unsure what really happened. I just don't understand the office politics and how people can just blindside you, but I just have to accept that God has chosen this for a reason and it has yet to be reveled.
Grandma P. has celebrated her 80th Birthday on July 3. It was a fun evening! And she was totally shocked (it was a surprise party). Of course, we all got to dress up, something that rarely happens, so I took the opportunity to take some photos of us all gussied up. It will probably be another few years before you see us all together dressed up!

Nat has started back to horse back riding. It seems she has picked up right where she left off this winter. She's riding Ghalli again and seems to have a great bond with her. She's learning to get her to trot by asking and keeping up the trot while weaving in and out of cones (serpentine) It's fun to see her enjoy herself and having the confidence of controlling a 1000 lb animal.
Natalie has also been swimming alot this summer. That's part of the reason why my posts have been more infrequent. Swim team is alot of commitment with practices and meets. I'm relieved that she has these wonderful opportunities available to her.
Now I'm thinking about back to school. Wow, where has the summer gone? Now I'm consumed with thoughts of backpacks and pencils and most of all DRAMA. I hope that the girls have grown and matured a bit. No, I hope ALOT. I'm praying for no drama from Natalie when it comes to shoe shopping. Last year, in attempting to purchase shoes for school, we both ended up in tears and I swore I would never step foot in a store with her again (no pun intended). This year we know what we want and we both agree, so it should be tear free. I hope. What's the new high top sketchers all about anyway?
Hopefully, my next post won't be about our trip to the shoe store, I'm vowing also to take more pictures. Thats something I love to do, but just have let go this summer. I need a good kick in the pants I suppose.
Until next time.....

Relay for Life

2009-06-29T21:27:00.003-04:00

Our area has a "Event" every year at our county fair grounds for Relay for Life. This is when people join "teams" and team members sign up to walk continuously for 24 hours. Usually we are on vacation the weekend that this occurs, but since this year we moved our vacation a week before, I went ahead and signed up Nat & I to walk for a few hours (on and off).
The weather was in the 90's and humid. I think it was 85 by 10 a.m. So Natalie and I began to walk around and a man from the Red Cross was saying "donate blood at the fair office building!" I have never donated blood before and I was thinking this was something I could tick off my list of things to do before I get old and die.
So, I was going to do it while I still had the nerve....
I was doing very well, until Natalie started to describe every detail in the process of it all. OMG, Mom the blood is so dark. Mom, the tube thing is filling up.....
When I was finally done, I sat up and thought, wow that wasn't so bad. Until I got to the snack table. Let's just say I had to lay back down 2 more times before they would release me to go. UGH!
I hope my experience has taught Natalie about how important donating blood can be to save a life and that events like Relay for Life Event can make a difference in finding cures for cancer......

Ford Lake Vacation

2009-06-22T21:12:00.004-04:00

We are back from our week summer vacation from Ford Lake. We go every summer to Fountain, MI and rent a cabin on the lake. This year, Anthony borrowed a bass fishing boat from a buddy and he fished about 90% of the time. I even enjoyed the boat as I layed out in the sunshine while Anthony fished away.
Our lazy days were mostly spent on the lake, as we had unusually nice weather. One day we made a trip "into town." Natalie and I walked on the river front in Manistee Michigan. Its a cute little town, it reminds me very much like St. Joe.

It was a great week, and I'm glad to be home. It's time to start planning for next year!

Class Trip

2009-06-04T20:21:00.007-04:00

For Natalie's class trip this year, we drove 2 hours to Fair Oaks Dairy Farm, in Fair Oaks, IN. Mrs. Williams drove, and I and Mrs. Virsik rode along. The girls were really good on the road and seemed to keep themselves entertained.
Once we arrived, our group was checked in and we watched a 3D/4D movie about dairy farms and what they fed the cows and such. There were special surprises in this film, but I won't say to spoil the surprise. Next, we went on a bus tour to the barns where the cows were kept for milking. This farm has over 30,000 cows. These cows are spread over 10 individual farms that make up the Fair Oaks dairy. The cows stay inside the barns and are milked 3 times everyday.

Here we go round the merry go round

We were told that the cows enjoy riding on the merry go round. I guess it breaks up the day?

Yes, there was quite an odor in the air, Mrs. Virsik thought

After the tour, we had some lunch and they served there own brand of milk. It was the best milk I have EVER tasted. It was very creamy. Would love to buy some more.
After lunch the kids were set free in the play area. They had a trampoline, a train, a wall climber (Nat's favorite). It was a really great day. I was so surprised I had a great time.

Smile for the Camera....Way to go Mr. Steffens class! It's been a great year.

School's Out, An Official 4th Grader

2009-06-04T19:56:00.007-04:00

School is officially done, and my baby is a 4th grader. How time flies, I remember her starting kindergarten.
To celebrate the last day of school, her brownie group decided to celebrate in style. School was dismissed at 11:30, and off to Chuck E. Cheese we went. The closet restaurant is in South Bend, IN, which is about a 40 minute ride. After we all arrived, we made our food order and the girls started to play! Then when all the tokens were gone, they were given their last badges and then it was off to Build a Bear!

Each girl got to choose their own "friend" and do all the "stuffing" that goes along with the process. Then they got to choose either a brownie sash or a brownie vest to go with their friend. It was a really good time, but a long afternoon.

Natalie called her friend, Scruffie. Its a tan/brown dog. Scruffie will be there to hear all her secrets this summer, and get her ready to start the 4th grade. I can't believe it!!! Let the summer begin.....

A sweet lullaby to My Girl

2009-05-09T20:12:00.001-04:00

Slow down, you crazy child
you're so ambitious for a juvenile
But then if you're so smart, tell me
Why are you still so afraid?

Where's the fire, what's the hurry about?
You'd better cool it off before you burn it out
You've got so much to do and
Only so many hours in a day

But you know that when the truth is told..
That you can get what you want or you get old
You're gonna kick off before you even
Get halfway through
When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?

Slow down, you're doing fine
You can't be everything you want to be
Before your time
Although it's so romantic on the borderline tonight
Tonight,...
Too bad but it's the life you lead
you're so ahead of yourself that you forgot what you need
Though you can see when you're wrong, you know
You can't always see when you're right. you're right

You've got your passion, you've got your pride
but don't you know that only fools are satisfied?
Dream on, but don't imagine they'll all come true
When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?

Slow down, you crazy child
and take the phone off the hook and disappear for awhile
it's all right, you can afford to lose a day or two
When will you realize,..Vienna waits for you?
And you know that when the truth is told
that you can get what you want or you can just get old
You're gonna kick off before you even get half through
Why don't you realize,. Vienna waits for you
When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?

--Billy Joel

Nat's weird revelation.....

2009-04-26T18:23:00.003-04:00

Its weird, every part of my body feels like its burning, even though I'm under water.
My lungs are on fire, my shoulders ache, my hearts pouding my legs cry out "NO MORE!"
And you know whats even weirder?
I love every second of it, this is my time.....I Swim!

Go Nat!

Fine Arts Festival

2009-04-26T18:08:00.003-04:00

Natalie wanted to sing in this year's Fine Arts Festival at school. Since this was her first time singing in public, she decided it may be better to sing a "duet" with a friend. So Nat & Sarah have been practicing for 3 weeks and finally the day arrived. Nat was full of nervous butterflies but I think she did great! Once she was done and had the experience under her belt, she felt great about it too.

I can't believe how my little girl is growing up before my eyes! Way to go Nat on a great job of facing your fear and accomplishing your goals. Speaking of goals, Nat is back in the pool swimming her heart out. We switched "teams" and Natalie fought me the whole way. Two weeks later, she told me this is way better and I think her having a male coach has made all the difference in the world. Natalie is definately focusing on her goals and I feel like I've reached a goal getting her to reach for her goals! Crazy.....

Girl Universe

2009-04-05T15:19:00.003-04:00

Well, we both survived the sleep over, although I'm not sure it was a total success either. There was no ambushing, no real wars. But when you've done all you can do to be nice and still keep your cool when all you get is attitude and lip service, I think the sleep over was a successful in Natalie's eyes. She won the war of holding it together no matter how strong the urge was to just haul off and let her have it.
Are they best friends come next Monday? I'd say not. Will the line be more clear and definite regarding their co existing? Definately. I think the true colors were shown.....
The best lesson learned was that life has all kinds of people, and no matter what you do, and how nice you are, sometimes you just learn to co-exist and leave them alone. It's a hard lesson to learn and accept, but once you get it, you never forget it.

Summer's Coming

2009-04-02T21:08:00.001-04:00

First sunset of 2009.........

Nervous Wreck

2009-04-02T20:33:00.002-04:00

Natalie is spending the night tonight at a "friends" house for her birthday party. Normally, I'm a pretty relaxed parent when it comes to this. Natalie will stay anywhere, with anyone as long as a good time is involved. But in this case it is different.....
Natalie met this girl when she started her new school in January and lets just say, they didn't hit it off. Until this week, they pretty much avoided each other, and if they did speak to each other, it wasn't pleasant. After hearing day after day, the drama between them, I decided to bring it to their teachers attention. Natalie informed me that her and the girl had a sit down talk and "its all good now, we have an understanding." Wow, was I relieved, maybe we can put this is all behind us! Then, out of the blue, yesterday an invite to her birthday party and its an over night.
My motherly instinct kicked in immediately. I've been in this situation before. The human in me is saying that this could be a really good opportunity to change their relationship. But the GIRL in me is screaming, is this an opportunity for an ambush? We are talking 9 year old girls here. I want to give the benefit of the doubt here, these girls go to a private school, where Christian values are taught and enforced. However, I know how girls can be, I am one.

In the car on the way to her house, Nat & I developed a plan. I think it made me feel better knowing I supplied her with an out, in case my "girl" instincts were spot on. I went through the normal lecture about using your manners, help clean up etc. Then I said, I know you know right from wrong and if there is something wrong I packed your cell phone in your bag so call me and I will come get you. Comprende?

Tonight, I pray for peace in the "girl" universe.........

Traverse City

2009-03-14T11:02:00.004-04:00

Well, we're here in the big City. It was a rough start to this adventure I'm sorry to say. We left Wednesday afternoon around 4 and we were moving to get up here. About 10 miles from the hotel the car starts sputtering and the engine light is flashing. OMG, we are 4 hours from home and I'm going to have to have my car fixed. Needless to say, I couldn't eat or sleep because I was worried about the stupid car! So bright and early Thursday morning I ask the front desk where the nearest Autozone is so they could read the engine code from my car. After I get the directions, Natalie and I begin our journey to Autozone. Hmmm, car seems to be running fine, no engine light is flashing. ??? The nice kid comes to our rescue with the thing ma gig to read the code. "No Codes Failed" The car passed all tests. Well what the heck? Water in the line? Who knows, I guess I just needed to have something to worry about. Next, Nat and I get to the hotel, its time for business. Swim time. We change and I'm packing a bag to take with me to the pool area book, phone, earphones, and yes a soda. Well the soda I put in the bag (along with my new blackbery phone) Natalie opened and didn't close the lid all the way. I noticed it as I was walking with a stream of pop dripping down. At this point I was crying. We got back into the car, drove across the street to Kmart I bought some rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs. An hour with the hair dryer and it was good as new! Now, I finally get to relax....... We went for dinner last night at a place called Slenders. Its known to be one of the oldest bars in Northern Michigan. It think it started in 1875? Anyway, I think I had the best burger in my whole life there. And you have to smooch the moose! They have a bunch of "stuffed" animals along the walls, like deer, squirls, buffalo and a moose named Randolph. Well you have to smooch Randolph and you get a special surprise. Natalie was quite shy when it came to smoochin, but she finally did it!

As for now, I'm back at the pool, relaxing and enjoying the day! I'll post some pics in my next post, stay tuned for more Adventures from Traverse City!

Traverse City here we come!

2009-03-09T20:20:00.003-04:00

Our annual trip to Traverse City is in 2 days! We are so ready to have this needed break. Natalie and I will be hot tubbin, and swimming and most of all relaxing. Anthony will be working. Poor guy, all in a days work I soppose. I'm sure he will be having his own fun in all the conferences he will be attending. He needs to learn more I suppose. It's going to be rough, but we will suffer through.
It's a four hour drive, and I'm wondering what to do keep Natalie busy. Let's see, we have her mp3, Ninetendo DS, portable dvd player, and book 1 to Harry Potter she just now started to read. That should cover it, I hope. I will of course bring some snacks along the way, probably some crackers and naturally, red licorice. I think we're ready!

Now on a different, more complicated note, I feel that I should clear this up for some of my readers, there is always the question of how this is all possible. and far be it to ASK. Well let me explain, even though I shouldn't have to. These conferences are a REQUIREMENT for his job. I hope that you are smart enough to realize what that means and it will clear up any questions that arise. Yes, I'm still being a bitch about this and it is still my prerogative. See post below.....
I am growing up, and with a little therapy I grew a spine. I think its really a sad thing when you have to explain every move you make to the people who are supposed to love you unconditionally. Sometimes life is just jacked up I suppose. Now, I must just "Let It Go"

See you all in Traverse City, will post some pictures of our mini-vacation/work.