School is underway! It is safe to say that we are having a fantastic year so far. :) Granted, it's only been two weeks for my oldest 3 and one for Hannah, but we're still on a roll.

Hannah is doing fantastic in pre-K. I thought we'd have separation issues when she went to school, but she is loving everything about it. She even needs reminded to give me a kiss when I drop her off! That's a far cry from "I'll miss you one...I'll miss you two...I'll miss you one hundred ninty two thousand four hundred infinity!" Life is as it should be...I've become an afterthought. lol.

Ariana, Gill & Sarah are doing great as well. They are performing at the top of their classes and are enjoying the social aspect of school as well as the academic.

In addition to school, sports and dance are back in session. That's making our evening schedules a bit of a challenge, especially with me working some evenings. But it's worth it in the long run. The kids are getting the exercise they need and they are really beginning to appreciate time-management. They are masters of the concept already...it's that or they wouldn't have time to play with the kids in the neighborhood most nights.

Well, I think I have about an hour before I need to be somewhere so I'm going to chill a bit...maybe even catch a nap. :)

~N

posted by Noelle 4:27 PM

. . .

Pediatrics as a Big Business should be outlawed!

I don't get irritated too often. Truly. But one thing that has been getting on my nerves for the past year is our Pediatrician's office. We had been going to our original pediatrician, even after we moved across town and we LOVED her. The 45 minute drive one way got to be too much for us though, especially if the girls were sick, so we decided to move to a closer pediatrician. We chose one that was recommended to us, and since day one, have not been terribly impressed. The people who work in the office are rude more often than not, and although our PCP is nice, the other doctors in her practice are short on bedside manner. Also, if you need anything from them regarding records or billing info, you have to call corporate offices or wait 2-3 weeks! Who ever heard of a doctor's office having "Corporate Headquarters"?

I think it is very important to mention at this point that the nurses in the practice are all VERY nice and seem quite competent. However it's not enough to put up with the rest. Twice I've had doctors talk rudely to my kids. Once, my 9 year old (then 8) was asking a question about one of the treatment options for removing the wart on her foot and the doctor told her that if she'd shut up, he'd get to that. Now, I realize that he may have said that jokingly, but this was the first time we'd seen this doctor, so we didn't know his particular personality quirks, and secondly, most 8 year olds don't always have a keen grasp on sarcasm. She was shocked speechless as was I. Frankly, I don't think it's a good idea for a doctor to give the impression you can't ask questions or talk about whatever you think is important!

So, we have scheduled appointments with a new pediatrition who will hopefully meet our needs and what I consider reasonable requirements. :) We just want to be able to feel welcome, safe and respected. Not too much to ask is it?

~N

posted by Noelle 2:28 PM

. . .

It's that time of year again. School is almost back in session. I think the public schools in Pataskala start tomorrow, but my girls don't start until next Monday. We're pretty much ready I think. At least I hope so. :)

I've gotten gym uniforms ready. I'd like to get a couple more pairs of shorts for sarah, but the store was out of the XS in navy. I'll get by with what we have and wait until Target restocks. As far as dress uniforms go, I just need to break out the sewing machine and sthrengthen the seams on one of Gillian's jumpers. For some reason, she is constantly pulling down on her skirt and ends up breaking the thread that holds the plackard in place.

With the start of school we should see a little lightening up in sports schedules. Last week, Gill had 5 soccer games in a 7 day period! Insane. Also, volleyball practices will go from 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, to 1 1/2 hours each practice (2-3 times a week). Of course with that being said, dance will start once school starts so thats just more to add to the schedule. :)

I shouldn't complain though, it's keeping the kids fit. We manage to keep the kids just shy of overscheduled. Dance and sports have done a lot to teach Ariana about time management and planning ahead. The girls know that if there is stuff going on after dinner, then they need to get their homework done as soon as they get home. I almost never have to hound them about getting their work done...they just do it.

It's hard to believe that Hannah is going to start pre-school this year. Her program is 5 mornings a week. She'll be in class with her friend Trinity. She's looking forward to it big time. She has her Dora backpack and her school supplies all ready. She's very excited. She doesn't start until after Labor Day though. It's going to be a rough week once her sisters go back to school, and she still has to wait. :)

Well, how was that for Random Thoughts. More like rambling thoughts. Oh well. Life is like that for me some times. Have a great day and for all the kids out there...have a great year - study hard, but have fun too.

~Noelle

Labels: back to school

posted by Noelle 8:47 AM

. . .

I'm nearly back to normal! It was a rough few days. From Friday afternoon, to Monday evening, I was feeling the effects of my Friday morning workout. Actually, there is still some residual pain, but at least it's not something I notice right away. Those lunges killed my quads. :)

I was able to do 30 minutes on the elliptical and 15 on the bike yesterday though as well as an upper body workout and some stretching. Speaking of upper body, my arms are really starting to firm up nicely. I can do 15 push ups (girl-type) without too much effort. I'm working up to being able to do 10 boy-type push ups by the end of the summer. Right now, I can only do 5 and that's not using my best form. I'm working on it though. I went and picked up some hand weights (I have no idea where my old ones went) and have been adding an upper body workout with those at home. It's easier to do the upper body stuff here at home instead of at the Y. When I'm at the Y, I want to focus mostly on my cardio workout or legs. My upper body strength has always been pretty non existant, so as my strength increases, I'll probably add more in the way of machines at the Y. For now, the hand weights work fine.

~N

posted by Noelle 8:22 AM

. . .

Still on the workout wagon. I picked up a book the other day that had a fat-burning/muscle-building weight-training circuit in it. Among the usual of push-ups, squats, and the like, it called for 5 minutes of walking lunges. (Something I usually have the older kids do in gym class when I sub and they complain about whatever else it is that the gym teacher left for them to do.) Anyway, I managed to do only 1 minute of lunges before my legs petered out on me. The rest of the morning, and all afternoon I felt like I had noodles for legs. I went to the Y anyway and because my legs still felt fatigued, I only did 20 minutes on the elliptical. Strangely enough, it was the easiest workout I've had in a while. Probably because I worked down a level and for only 20 minutes. I still was dripping and tired when I got off, but I was surprised my legs tolerated it. The rest of the day I felt pretty good. The next morning, I could barely walk. Today it was even hard to get around. The stairs are not my friend. :)

I took yesterday off from working out, and was hoping to go today. By the time we got back home from church, I figured I was still sore enough that I couldn't go from standing to sitting or vise versa without significant pain - I probably should skip any workout involving my legs for one more day. I did grab the hand weights and do a light upper body workout though.

I hope I can get back on either the elliptical or bike tomorrow. I don't want to loose any momentum. My weight loss has been going very well.

~N

posted by Noelle 12:44 AM

. . .

I'm feeling fit and loving it!

We've been working hard to be a fit family (as you may have read in previous posts). Trying to make time to exercise every day can be tough - and eating healthy even tougher, but we're doing pretty good!

As a family we have joined the President's Fitness Challenge and we've been making sure to stay active and LOG what we do. Self monotoring for food and exercise is probably the single most important thing researchers have identified that best predicts long term success.

I've been focusing on eating healthy meals with proper portion sizes and yet allowing myself to enjoy snacks in moderation. I've also been trying to get some sort of physical activity that works up a good sweat for at least an hour. I've read that if you can learn to love to sweat, you'll be successful. Well, I think I've learned to love sweating! Woo Hoo!

Well, time to de-stink. Just got done working out so I'm all gross.

Later,
Noelle

posted by Noelle 3:24 PM

. . .

Ariana's birthday is coming up in a few weeks. I doubt she'll read this...I'm not sure she even knows it exists, so I feel pretty confident that I wont be giving away any secrets. :)

She wants to have a slumber party on the Friday after her birthday which just so happens to be the same day that of the H.S. Musical 2 premiere. Consequently, that will be the "theme"...not that 12 year olds really have "theme" parties anymore.

We ordered her gift and had it delivered via FedEx. I was concerned about what kind of packaging it would come in so I wanted to be the one to receive it. I called the company for confirmation and a tracking number which indicated it would be delivered today (Monday). Of course it came early...on Friday and Ariana answered the door. Now all would have been well, the box was unmarked and the return address was ambiguous...not giving away the sender at all. Cool huh? Of course that was all shot down the tubes when the FedEx delivery man said "Here's your phone"....duh!!! I have to admit that I lied to my daughter...sort of. I told her the phone was mine because my phone doesn't hold a charge very well any more and I needed a new one. She seems to have bought the story...but it's hard to tell.

Sigh...I realize that we don't ask FedEx delivery personnel to be rocket scientists, but I'd figure they should at least posses some common sense!

Geesh!

~Noelle

posted by Noelle 1:18 PM

. . .

Well, I've been trying to live the good life. That is, trying to eat healthy and exercise every day. So far, for the past two and a half months anyway, I've been doing pretty good. We joined the local YMCA and Jim, the kids and I have been trying to stay active. It's easy to slip into a senentary life when summer hits...it's hot outside, sports have ended, the running around town for this function and that has stopped.

We started out the summer walking 3-4 mornings a week, and then decided to join the Y so Jim and I could use the elipticals and bikes. It's been fun. I've been going nearly every day. On the rare occasion that I don't make it to the gym, I at least walk in the evenings for 40 minutes or an hour.

My mom and dad have been working on being healthier too. Walking in the evenings or riding the stationary bike they have in their livingroom if the weather is too hot. I'm proud of them.

Some days it's easier to motivate myself than others....the past couple days I've had to rely on Jim to suggest the workouts. I need to get back into working out in the mornings and then again in the afternoon with him. When I was doing that I had all kinds of energy! I'm sure that everyone has ups and downs. I'm not going to sweat it. If I manage to at least work out once every day, I'll feel pretty good about my efforts.

It sets a good example for the kids at the very least.

~Noelle

posted by Noelle 9:12 PM

. . .

Hi there. Just a quick note to see if things are working properly. It's been a long while since I've posted. I'll try to take some time to catch you all up on the happenings in my life shortly. For now, I just need to make sure all my blogger ducks are in a row.

~N

posted by Noelle 11:11 PM

. . .

It's been a tough day. We had to put Stormy down. Stormy has been with me for 15 years. He was a gray cat with a white tummy, a white tip on his tail and little white toes. We used to always joke that he was color coded. He was fine with being petted - just don't pet the white parts or he'd swat at you.

He was diagnosed with cancer at the end of the school year and lived about a month. He was just so weak and was having a hard time getting around. He had stopped eating and was having difficulty using his litter box.

He will be missed. This is the first time I ever had to make the decision to put down a pet. Before, it was always my mom or dad. Sometimes being an adult has it's drawbacks.

Bye Stormy.

posted by Noelle 6:18 PM

. . .