| Getting ready to fly
Tow line connected and waiting for take off as another glider comes in overhead for a landing - remember the size of that line. This facility has a nice covered patio where you can watch out of the direct heat of the sun. So most of the parents are waiting there.
We have liftoff! I had liftoff also about this point, but it was liftoff of my stomach. It was a mix of excitement when I saw my son in the front seat of the glider, followed by that mild nausea when you see the size of the rope that is holding my son in the air. That passes quickly, and he was in excellent hands.
Up in the air
Gaining altitude
Still Climbing
Brandon at the controls
Look Mom! No tow plane
the view out the vent window. I am standing just outside of the building right there watching the approach.
Turning and getting ready to land
He took an awesome video. Since the instructors takeoff and land he was able to document both. I will see if I can post it separately since it isnt loading.
Brandon was able to do this due to being a member of the Civil Air Patrol Cadets. If you have a kid interested in avaiation, I was just told by one of the other parents about the Young Eagles, On their website, their objective is listed as follows "Our mission is to provide a meaningful flight experience – free of charge – in a general aviation aircraft for young people primarily between the ages of 8 and 17." I hope to look into that very soon.
 I received an email from CSN Stores asking if I would be interested in reviewing an item I would be able to keep or hosting a giveaway for my readers. If you are not aware of CSN STORES, you are missing out they are a great website with a collection of over 200 stores with products like LeCreuset in kitchenwares to just so many other beautiful items and it was really difficult to pass that up, but I decided it was WAY more fun to host a contest for everyone! from Schlemmertopft Clay Bakers Collection and she is a great cook, so I tend to listen to what she says. It comes with a recipe booklet as well.
So as you peruse CSN Stores you will see there are some wonderful items and one lucky reader will receive a 40.00 gift card to spend there.
How to enter: There are five chances to win listed below. For each method you use please include the method in each entry. For example: Bonnie - I tweeted about it - include the link.
- Just leave a comment on this blog with the item you would most like by Friday August 6th pm at midnight. Don't forget to include your email address. This is good for one entry.
- Follow my blog - for one more entry- dont forget to leave a comment if you do. " hey, I followed" is fine.
- Post about this giveaway and link back to it- one entry -leave a comment with the link to your blog.
- Facebook or Tweet about this contest- worth one entry each - hey if you do both you get 2 additional entries - leave a comment after doing so for the additional entry into the contest.
That is an opportunity to enter up to five times! Dont forget to include your email in your entry- if I can contact you through your blog that is fine. This contest is open until August 6th, 2010 and for the residents of the US and Canada.
I added the share button below to make it easier for everyone- good luck everyone !
No where really, guess I took a hiatus from blogging, and * gasp* reading blogs also... the boy is keeping me busy. So stay tuned for a fantastic giveaway. it will be my first... so it will be super cool!
With it being summer and all, I had serious plans about some day trips but with some recent car issues I havent been able to venture out.
I had a spectacular outing 2 weeks ago, to traffic court. Yep, I have to sit through defensive driving in the near future. Don't be jealous.
 trying to keep this bone safe enough to heal. see, it was broken in August and it required a 4 inch piece of metal and six screws to mend it. Sadly after several months, it has to be removed, ending my sons fantasies of a wolverine like existance. It also required a really cool orthopedic that took a picture during surgery and emailed it to me from his i-phone while he was giving me the update on how everything went. so they also autoclaved the hardware they removed and my son can display it proudly. *boys* After the surgery he was in a surgi strip bandage and also a splint. I know this because I havespent way too much time yelling PUT THAT BACK ON! geez, kid. So now we had the follow up friday and have prgressed to a removable brace and the fight is still on. He can play sports and will be able to swim in another 10 days, but he can NOT lift anything more than 5 lbs. He is still so enamored with his height, he grabs ahold of anything that can remotely resemble a pull up bar... and my heart stops... then he lets go and it starts again.
If he ever makes it to adultood he should make a pretty fun dad.
Happy Father's Day.
been up for awhile. the son gets the 4 in metal plate and 6 screws removed from his arm today. *sigh* he will be just mere mortal again. I have threatened him within an inch of his life if he doesn't e.x.a.c.t.l.y. follow the Dr's orders - no push /pull for 3 months.
Umm, he's 14. "All boy."
you sure you won't put this kid in a brace? cast, anything for the first 6 weeks? *tap, tap * Hello, this thing on? This Dr clearly doesn't have a teenager. especially one that thinks metal in the arm = cool in a crazy wolverine sort of way.
I am glad they didn't remake the 6 million dollar man yet. By the way, I saw his ad recently for a hearing aid. That was just all wrong.
I definitely cant let him watch Edward Scissorhands... i wouldn't be able to find anything in my house to cut a coupon or a stray thread to save my life.
boys.
it's what they do.
Okay, so things are a little busy. Updating my blog has been one of the last things on my mind.
Just returned from the Dr with my 14 year old, and he may or may not be having surgery next Wednesday to remove the 4 inch place and the 6 screws from his arm that he broke in August. ( Keep in mind he broke that wrist in May before that and the other arm my daughters prom weekend the April before that. That weekend I learned my mom radar is good, but may or may not be honed on the right kid...)
So he may or may not have to take his finals early. I am fairly sure the Jr high is rejoicing this is his last year.
He may or may not have to reschedule surgery from 6/2 to 6/7.
This is depending on whether or not we can have the preliminary test done before surgery. He has taken to passing out after his drill and PT( physical training) When you are 6'3 and stand up in your 11x10 bedroom, and pass out, you are going to hit something. Bed, walls, furniture, door frames... so this weekend or sooner I will be removing the captain's bed for his own safety.
So, due to his lack of enthusiasm for curricular activities there may or may not be summer school... to which he cannot attend with a freshly Swiss cheesed arm.
*sigh*
edited to add: things are working out, I wrote this last week and saved it instead of posting. heart tests this week as ordered by pediatrician. Then surgery, next week. then, there may or may not be summer school the next week.
A 2 for 1 post Not Me Monday and Tuesdays Truth
Here is a picture at Christmas of the partial crowd that was in and around a neighbor's driveway waiting on Santa Claus to arrive by firetruck. I think the procession was just rounding the corner.
I love my neighborhood, for the most part. If I have to live in a neighborhood, and not on a few acres, at least we picked a good one (with a little assistance-thank you Cheryl with Coldwell Banker) Our neighborhood is older with a mix on our street of infants to retirees and we know more of our neighbor's names than not...
It 's really awesome when you are the mother of teenagers and VOT's ( very old teens ) to be able to see toddlers in action. We see the wonder of discovering something new and the agony of defeat when things don't go their way - meltdowns? Yep, I have seen a few, toddlers and their parents meltdowns too. I usually am reminded of something my own children did at a similar age and laugh or get lost in a quick trip down memory lane.
Last week I was struggling ( yes, sometimes it becomes a physical struggle) to get my 14 yr old son out of the house in time for school. The Giant. All 6'3 size 15 shoe wearing boy. I don't even remember what he did, said, broke, provoked, etc, but some frustrated mother managed to loose it on my driveway and have a meltdown of her own...
Yea, umm, Not me.
Apparently the two neighbors ( of the toddlers I find entertaining) found that highly entertaining and told me the next day they couldn't stop laughing. I'll pass that along if I see her again, which, regretfully, I am sure will be in the near future.
My new motto courtesy of a bumper sticker: Grandchildren are the reward for not strangling your teenagers.
Philippians 4:4-9
Peace Out.
Alright, please join the fun and post below. Time for Tuesdays Truths.
Not posting today - my hand is in a heating pad, but please go ahead....
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.
Notorious for sliding in at the deadline, I was very proud I made a post early Monday am while the house was still. I post it only to discover that due to some unkind comments the regularly scheduled post of Not Me Mondays never appeared... oops... Surely I immediately corrected it as I would never get busy and forget to correct an assumption I made.... Not me!
I have been anxiously awaiting dewberry season!
Pail ( check)
Stick ( check)
Boots/tennis shoes ( check)
Awesome recipe to try once I get back? ( check - see below)
Dewberry cobbler is your reward
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My Pastor is on my Facebook.
I really appreciate the little church I attend even if I have missed the last 3 weeks, lol.
so y'all, he he posts these little gems of truth.
One from this week:
How do you know if you're out of God’s will? You planned to be out of God’s will! We don't accidentally slip out of the will of God Each and every one of us knows the basics of God's will for our life God directs us to specific people places and actions These things are where God’s blessings await us Yet, we insist in... going the wrong direction because of some insignificant inconvenience or some self-indulgent desire
Yesterday at 9:29pm · Comment ·Like Unlike
Humm, so as i am redirecting myself toward the right path and making the right decisions, the obstacles I have to overcome were firmly placed there by me as a result of my bad decisions... I got there all by myself... However, if I gave them to God instead of trying to stubbornly trying to fix them my self my load would be a little lighter. For me that is difficult, I think I am going to have to physically write them and leave them ... or burn them in the barbeque pit...
:D
C'mon, don't be bashful... post a truth. Me and Cookie are the only ones in the pool right now. Come on in, the waters fine!
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.
The new job is 40 hours a week, so in the rest of the time, I am usually hurrying to get places, get things done but still... what was up with that woman walking into the Walmart with her shirt inside out the other day??? She quickly realized it at the entrance as she was reaching for her cart. She stopped , embarassed and the kindly greeter looked at me her and said : I am so glad I am not the only one that does that ..."
Whew people, "me either"
edited to add: Okay, so the one day I actually get my entry posted so I can *gasp* be on time for something, it changes on me.... due to some not so kind comments, Mck Mama posted about that here.
I added pages to my blog recently, as this is an important item in my household in heling to accomplish two things, getting my clothes clean and saving "loads" of money. This detergent has the endorsement of the VOT or the Very old teen... that is saying something, as she has some really high standards. She actually said when were test drove this detergent that she liked it better than the commercial ones we bought at the Wal-mart. You can find the link and instructions here for Homemade Laundry Detergent.
I created a new page for keeper recipes... you can find it at see-how-she-cooks. Since I have made a few things in the last year that I have lost recipes for, that the VOT (Very Old Teen) missed while she was out with friends- this seemed like a great idea. Thinking back, ther have been some pretty good dishes come out of my kitchen in the last few months with accolades from OT's ( other teens) even some that dont't belong to me! I was monitoring for mannered responses, however they asked for additional portions and quickly finished those off as well...
Ha! Take that (VOT)! She had walked by briefly on the way out the door, with the nose turned up at this particular dish. CAN YOU SMELL WHAT "THA" MOM IS COOKIN'?
My VOT( very old teen) said the other day: "Why are you making that tonight?" to which my reply was that it used ingredients that I had on hand. (VOT): "Why not go buy a mix instead of making something?" Me: "That is wasteful, besides you don't like hamburger/tuna h**p*r or anything like it, so what do you propose that I purchase? ( Seriously, what mix is left, a can of manw*ich or pancake mix? To which the reply would most certainly be ... well, yea! )
*sigh*
Today, on the menu is: Laundry Detergent.... sorry kids. And a visit to the dentist I have named Atila. Hope she doesn't take my little nickname personal. then workthe evening shift for 8 hours. Never fear, VOT, sandwiches are in your future.
RecipeZaar.com totally gets the credit for this one. I made this the other night and it was easy and tasty. My dd was saying she didn't want any of the sauce, as I scooped out a portion on her plate... I said it is really good, I am sure you will want some... but this is the child who ate ketchup with her whole cooked carrots when she was a kid...so her pickyness confuzzels me. A few minutes later. she returns to the kitchen... "Man, I gotta get some sauce!".... so there is your picky kid/now very old teen ( VOT) endorsement. Enjoy!
Simmered Chinese Chicken Recipe #101777
SIMMERED CHINESE CHICKEN RECIPE
This is a super easy to make "all in one-pot" dinner. The flavors are wonderful. The recipe calls for a whole chicken but I have also made it with boneless breasts and thighs.
by Pvt Amys Mom
1¼ hours
20 min prep
SERVES 4 -6
1 (4 lb) whole chickens
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon catsup
1/4 cup dry sherry or apple juice
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 clove garlic (crushed)
1 green onion (sliced diagonally, small pieces)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Rinse the chicken and remove"the goodies" from the inside, pat dry with papertowels.
Heat the oil in a large dutch oven or soup pan.
Brown the chicken on all sides.
Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, 1/2 c water, catsup, sherry, red pepper, garlic and green onion together.
Pour mixture over chicken.
Cover and simmer 45 minutes.
Remove the chicken to a serving platter.
Dissolve the 2 T of cornstarch in 1 T of water.
Add to the sauce in the pan, over low heat, to thicken.
Pour sauce over chicken.
We serve this with rice and pour the sauce over the rice as well.
© 2009 Recipezaar. All Rights Reserved. http://www.recipezaar.com
In the interest of time, I will have to add my truth later today... but I am ready for you , so dont hold back....Ready... Set... GO...
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.
see? Not me.
Okay, I googled and didn't find anything similary titled. Here goes nothing. This is my first linky attempt, so be kind people. I thought if other bloggers have cool theme days like Fabulous Fridays, Wordless Wednesdays where you link to your post about something that contains the idea, why couldn't there be a Tuesdays's Truth?
Not like "What were you thinking with that haircolor? ( which btw happens to be totally appropriate currently) or "Your perfume is really nice." which is just actually just really strong smelling shampoo... or the like.
What I had in mind, was about something that we know as a truth. Or maybe needed to be reminded of. Or if you are like me the lightbulb moments that occur when you are in the shower or alone in the car. That we may or may not need reminding of. Like: You could say in my life recently I may have had occasion to worry. Worry. - Why waste the energy? according to Mathew 6 25-33 NIV. Or whatever else you would like to share/ I am keeping this example short as my presence has been requested at a school conference in an hour...so I will not subect those that might stumble across this blog to read a entirely seperate post. I cannot do this alone. Well, I could, but it would be really short. So I am stepping out in faith that I will have some company. You are more than welcome to join in. Disclaimer: That last sentance may or may not have contained a little begging in it as well.
Just post your link below in the linky section below. please.
Yep. I didn't write about my kids last Thursday... and I definitely didn't include lyrics to a song reminding him
.... "Instead of being angry, I'm gonna throw my arms around them and I'll say: In the sunlight or the rain, brightest nights or darkest days, I'll always - feel the same way. Whatever road you may be on, know you're never too far gone. My love is there, whatever you may be"
.... only to be tested the v.e.r.y. next day by him trying to play the timeless laxative/chocolate trick while I was in virtual training for my new job aka chained to a computer) and on the same day we had just received some really serious news for our family (like "in this economy" type of news. big stuff. that this kid was TOTALLY unaware of. And I sure didn't forget how to laugh at that instead of being aggravated....Nope. Not me.
Postscript ( Tuesday's Truth: A day later it became slightly funnier as he apparently got his piles of chocolate mixed up and found his little plan "backfired" on him... He was late to school that morning as he was doubled over with stomach cramps and when I called his coach to let him know what happened, I thought he was going to fall over laughing. He said that was the funniest thing he has ever heard in all of his years of working with kids. I owe him for being able to see the humor in that situation. Thank God for placing these people in our lives. One more thing, if you would kindly consider today’s post - there is a new category or theme I wanted tot start, but it needs your participation, I know this is a big step considering I don’t have any followers of my blog, but I have faith in the people that may cross this page, from wherever they may come. If you are enjoying the music, I recommend popping out the player (see the buttons right under it) and opening it in a separate window, this way you can mute each page as you browse.
 The blog and me. yep, both. And just like real life, I don't always know what I am doing... or how to do everything right. I didn't have any fear when I clicked that HTML button, not like real life. I added a music player at the bottom, so if it isn't playing already, scroll down and check it out- cause I thing there are some really great songs on it. I took this picture of Brandon in the bluebonnets this past Easter Resurrection Sunday. He turned 14 in February.
There he is... my "little" man. I'm sure he'll get in trouble every chance he can... I pray to God, that when he does, I can be just as understanding as my Father was. Cause the last thing that I want to do is let Him down, so instead of being angry, I'm gonna throw my arms around them and I'll say: In the sunlight or the rain, brightest nights or  darkest days, I'll always - feel the same way. Whatever road you may be on, know you're never too far gone. My love is there, whatever you may be.
Just remember , that you'll always be my babies. ( Hey - Bubba -Yes I am aware that I just come up to your armpit now, but you're still my baby.and you're still grounded. Love, Mom) .
I got a job! I was out of work for almost 4 weeks - which is a very short time in this economy... I am training for currently...a customer service position. Best of all it was just what I wanted. Full time, with some benefits. BUT - The best benefit is that I do my job from the comfort of my home. There are real jobs out there that you can find! You don't have to pay someone for a virtual book or a tip sheet. I have always helped people trying to find at home work in any way I could. I think I will be posting more regularly about working form home and where to find information. The company I work for now ( I worked for them for 2.5 years ) is currently looking for people that live in Wyoming. You have to have a computer that meets their requirements...among other things. If you know anyone feel free to comment or contact me via email seehowsheruns at GMail dot com. If you are hired, I am eligible for a small referral bonus which would make me happy, but my true happiness is when I run across someone and they tell me I helped them find work that they enjoy!
after my startling discovery. If by any chance you are in need of an espresso and are too many miles away from your favorite barrista Folders decaf instant crystals will do n a pinch. Just follow this to the "t". 1. be distracted. (nothing specific - kids, thoughts, husbands, pets, anything will do) 2. totally forget how many spoon-fulls are required while mixing. Stir. then while you are peering over the rim of that cup and think - Does that need another spoon-full? then add it, maybe 1 and a half. 3. stir. 4. take a sip. *blink* *blink* Of course, it probably helps that the jar of coffee was in the pantry for awhile....
you have to check this out http://www.theprovidentwoman.com/?p=1958. I am loving the knife giveway she is sponsoring, but what I truly relate too is http://www.theprovidentwoman.com/?p=2034 Yep. been there. A two year old that painted every part of his body with Balmex when he was supposed to be napping. Leaving only eye holes and the flesh under his diaper that was flesh toned. He is thirteen now about to be fourteen - and for the life of me I cant remember how many baths it took to get it off of him....
Well, I must say I am shocked... I really had my doubts.... I mean serious doubts... but, it's still there, hanging by a wire. I really liked what it turned into as I was twisting and tucking - and now I can't seem to take it down though... I think it might have to stay up a few days longer. My record for leaving the decorations up was Superbowl weekend. That was a long time ago... but it may get challended this year.
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Just saw this vanilla posted on The Pioneer Woman and it comes highly reccomended. I was just looking on One Kings Lane today and they have this set for 22.00 plus shipping. The Good news is that if you signed up a month or so ago with someones link, like I did, they were offering a $15.00 credit, which makes this awesome set $14.95 shipped. 
I decided to host a giveaway for my birthday week so make sure you enter - 
I received an email from CSN Stores asking if I would be interested in reviewing an item I would be able to keep or hosting a giveaway for my readers. If you are not aware of CSN STORES, you are missing out they are a great website with a collection of over 200 stores with products like LeCreuset in kitchenwares to just so many other beautiful items and it was really difficult to pass that up, but I decided it was WAY more fun to host a contest for everyone! 
The blog and me. yep, both. And just like real life, I don't always know what I am doing... or how to do everything right. I didn't have any fear when I clicked that HTML button, not like real life. I added a music player at the bottom, so if it isn't playing already, scroll down and check it out- cause I thing there are some really great songs on it. I took this picture of Brandon in the bluebonnets this past Easter Resurrection Sunday. He turned 14 in February.
darkest days, I'll always - feel the same way. Whatever road you may be on, know you're never too far gone. My love is there, whatever you may be. 
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