Sorry, Bathroom Closed!

I'm trying to figure this one out. As we continue, what seems to be a never ending cycle, the backlash of this horrible economy....I can't quite figure out who or how they actually come up with the things that are being cut from budgets. Money for new sidewalks and new condos and offices (which will have a large vacancy)....yet, they do not hesitate to cut spending in schools, county programs and libraries! As our elementary school is now double its size and way WAY over capacity, we still wait for 2 more years until another school is built in the neighborhood to relieve the overcrowding. The overcrowding which has gone on for 5 or 6 years, overcrowding that existed even when the school was renovated, overcrowding that the county knew about long before now....but hey, the new school kept being moved to the back burner while other schools got built and renovated! So how does a school district allow a school with a limit of like 525, reach a capacity of 1,000?? Boggles your mind, doesn't it. What boggles my mind even more is NOW they are trying to close many of our beloved libraries. Who ever heard of such a thing - close a library? It isn't due to a shortage of people or use. Fortunately, there has been a lot of resistance and the closings seem to be on hold for the "moment". However, every summer since son #1 was tiny, I have spent summers at the various libraries in our area attending all the amazing events they offer. In the summer they always have movies based on books, science programs, storytelling....and the list goes on. This summer - well, each library was lucky if they had 5 events going on. Sad. Just sad. AND if that wasn't bad enough - the summer reading program was CANCELED!! How do you cancel a summer reading program? I just thought that was so crazy. No money for extras. Then today, I saw an article that really just said it all in budget cuts....the county rec department is considering REMOVING ALL porta-potties from their parks! Okay, do not I use them, no. Do I let my kids use them....well no. But they must have served a purpose or they never would have put them there in the first place. Most of these parks serve the soccer teams and other events taking place - you need your porta-potties!! So riddle me this Batman...we live in Montgomery County which is rated as one of the best school systems, wealthiest, and top dog in many areas.....yet, we are denied libraries, reading programs, schools and bathrooms? If the economy doesn't take a turn for the better by next summer....I can't imagine what they will take away from us then!

Christmas Corgi Art and Dailiness

Just came across this lovely blog with one of my favorite things, Corgis of course! See all these pics of these adorable animals makes me miss my sweet fuzzy creatures. There are many lovely animals to be had, but until you've had a corgi...there is nothing like it! www.christmascorgi.blogspot.com.

Black Mountain Jewelry

I posted about this wonderful jewelry a year ago but here I go again. Go to www.blackmountainjewelry.com and see the beautiful pieces that can be made to represent a loved one, family - something personal in your life. You can also learn about other wonderful products like this one at www.techsavvymama.com.

We're ready!

I haven't had many complaints lately, nothing worth mentioning. Mentally, I think I'm still trying to recover from all the snow days even though there isn't any snow in our yard now. Having many weeks home and trapped has put us in a continuing mood of laziness. I can't explain it. We come home - put on pjs. Haven't bothered to pick up or clean up much (the house is suffering!). Been behind on laundry (more so than usual) and cleaning the bathroom has taken a backseat (something you can't do with 3 boys using it). Maybe we just have the winter blahs. The weather has been bad so why bother? We use to be motivated so we could get up and out. Not these days. All I can think about is...how many more days until Spring break when we don't have to bother with school or homework or whether there are clean clothes. I'm also thinking of summer....shorts, tshirts and bathing suits. NO COATS! Life takes a turn to simple when summer arrives. The boys live in their bathing suits like they have been living in their fuzzy pjs this winter. My laundry load goes WAY DOWN! Instead of there being a flurry of snow....there is a flurry of activities outside going on in the area. Living in DC, the nations capitol is a wonderful thing in spring and summer. Have metro will travel. There are so many places to explore, discover, and learn about. I can't wait. Last summer we started exploring museums....so many more to cover this summer. Artists to study and recognize at the Art Gallery, learning American History and seeing it first hand at the American History Museum or Archives, a visit to the Capitol. The bottom line is, if you don't want your house to be a mess or want to cook or clean up - keep the kids out of the house! After being snowed in for so long, I'm ready to pack lunches, grab a metro card and head out. Come on spring, we're ready, willing and able!!

Prayers for Haiti

It's hard to believe that once again, right at or after the Christmas season, we are dealing with another horrible tragedy. As if the tsunami wasn't bad enough but now an earthquake in such a poor country. My heart aches for all those that are there. Despite war and terrorists, when a tragedy such a this happens - it is heartwarming to see so many countries come together in a matter of hours. May all our prayers be heard and that those in Haiti will still hold on to hope and their faith.

The moment

Just being in the moment is such a rare thing these days. Just having the time to chill and actually enjoy it. Today was a wonderful day at church with a renewal of our baptism. We came home and the kids quickly stripped and put on their pjs (a clothing favorite since the snow). Hubbie got a fire going in the fireplace and we've spent the rest of the day playing magnetic legos, junior scrabble and hungry hungry hippo in front of the fire. Even ate lunch there. Needless to say, I keep losing. It does my heart good to have all 3 boys actually wanting to hangout together and with me in the living room, by the fire, playing games and building all afternoon. Just getting back to the simple things. What a wonderful way to start the new year. Blessings.

Snow madness

I love snow. I love my children. I love days home. I love all the things I do with my children. But honestly, after having them home now for 10 days because of the blizzard prior to winter break...I think I'm about to break! Every second of every day, they want to do something and continue to ask "what's next"? I don't get it, any other time, they are complaining when I make them go do something. Those extra days home have definitely thrown us all off. Their sleeping and eating schedules are off and my mental well being is OFF! Thankfully, tomorrow sons #2 & #3 are heading off to ice skating camp for the day. All day! Whew! The older one is having a friend over to play hours of Wii....leaving me an entire day of quiet. I'm so excited I don't know if I can contain myself. I know that at the end of the week, I will be moaning about where the time went and I want more time home. No matter how much you love each other, you still need some time apart. Quiet. Peace. Can't wait to snuggle with my boys tomorrow night. I think I'm missing them already!