Busy, busy, busy

Yup, once again I have neglected this little blog.  Don't mean too but we get busy.  Here is a very quick update. 
David - working too much, travelling a bit for work, working a lot.
Me - work, sleep, craft, wash, rinse, repeat. 
Cole-  high school........need I say more?
D.J. - Middle school.  learning to play the French Horn and loving it.
Ally - Once a Diva....always a Diva
Jonny - loving the guitar, such a boy.
Ryan - happy, sweet, serious troublemaker.


Like I said, this is a very brief update.
More to come later....


Today I am grateful for the busy-ness because then I can pretend that I am doing something good.

Wait a sec, it's OCTOBER????

How in heck did October get here all ready?  I have no idea where the last, oh, FOUR months have gone?  I feel very out of touch with people.  I swear that if it wasn't for Facebook, I would have had no idea what is happening with anyone I know. 

The biggest time sucker for me has been a very exciting project at home.  We got new floors in most of our main floor.  We got rid of the awful stained beige carpet and ugly tile and now have a gorgeous wood laminate floor.   I have been taking pictures of the whole process that I need to go through before I post.  And I finish putting everything back, lol! 

Kids are doing well in school.  I like LOVE having them back in the routine of school.  Makes it so much easier for me to sleep during the day.  Fall is officially here and the cooler weather always makes it easier for me to sleep. 

Cole got her learner's permit.  Exciting and Scary.

David has been gone a lot lately.  It is exciting for him and frustrating at the same time.  He has been travelling back and forth to New York city.  He is helping with an install there.  None of these trips has been quick so I am getting a taste of what being a single parent is like.  I hate it.  I truly admire everyone who has to do this all the time.  I think I would lose my mind!  He is there right now.  He left Monday morning and we had hoped for him to come home on Saturday but now it looks like maybe next Friday instead.  Thankfully we can use SKYPE to see him every day. 

So busy is as busy does. 

But today I will be grateful that I have not been bored in 17 years.    Sound like a strange thing to be thankful for?  Maybe, but I am always glad that there is something to do, even if I sometimes miss boredom.

The end is near

Yes, the end is near.   No, not the end of the world, just the end of the summer!  
And yes, I am happy that it is ending.
 I am not a huge fan of summers.
I never really have been.
To me, summers are too hot and I am not a fan of extreme heat,
It is too sunny and I sunburn.... all the time.
And because I am still working nights it is brutal having the kids home all day.

But we did have some fun this summer.
I think the highlight for all of us was our trip to Bear Lake.
It was fabulous!

So as a new school year begins, I am looking forward to the return of the routine.

But there are three things that are will make this summer great...
#1 - I get a new niece this Friday!  Tara is having her baby early (not great, but she is in good hands)
and #2 - My BFF is coming to visit next week!!!!  I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!!
and #3 - we get to get rid of the terribly ugly stained awful carpet and tile that is in my front room, dining room, entry, hallway, and kitchen!   I will try to post pics of it all as it happens.   The before and after will be amazing to see.

So today I will be grateful for endings, beginnings, and good changes!

Four Score and Nine Years Ago......

Well today is the 9th anniversary of the day that my mother and I became American Citizens. 
For any of you who may have forgotten, I mainly grew up in the GREAT white North!  I do miss Canada a lot.  Especially my friends and family up there.  (Yes, Cyndi, I am talking about YOU!!!!!)

The decision to actually become an American was not as easy as you may think.  I was quite content with the knowing that I would have to renew my Green Card (it wasn't actually green.... it was pink!) every 10 years or so.   I was fine with knowing that I had no right to complain about anything here since I was not able to vote to help change anything.  I chose to stand only when the Pledge of Allegiance was recited out of respect, but I never once said the pledge until my swearing in ceremony.  I thought it was disrespectful and insincere to pledge allegiance to country that was not really mine. 

Then 9-11 happened. 

I did not know anyone who was directly impacted by this tragedy and I don't personally know anyone who lost their life, but.....
I felt like my home was attacked.  I had never really thought about the US as being my home before.
Since I married an American and all of my children are born here I know that it is highly unlikely that I will ever move back to Canada but I do still think of it as my first home.  There is nowhere more beautiful to me.

When I first moved to Utah, I cried.  For a long time.  I was so angry at my parents for making me move, especially since I was 15 and had just started high school.  It took me a long time to like it here.
And now I love it here in Utah. 

Less than one month after the tragedy, my mother and I applied for citizenship.  We anticipated this process taking a long time.   Especially with all the national security measures that have come about since 9-11. 
There were no glitches, no hiccups, no problems along the way.  We were sworn in 9 months later. 

So my gratitude attitude thought for today is hard for me to express myself.  I get very emotional when I think of all I have because I am here.  So I will instead use two thought from President George W. Bush.
"... we're not afraid. Our cause is just, and worthy of sacrifice. Our nation is strong of heart, firm of purpose. Inspired by all the courage that has come before, we will meet our moment and we will prevail."
“We will not tire, We will not falter, We will not fail.”

My dilemma

Everyday I am faced with a frustrating dilemma.

How much sleep does a person really need and does when a person sleep make a difference?

I have been working overnights for a little over 2 years now.  I am not complaining (very much) but summer is a tough season for me.  I am not one who has ever really liked the heat or the sun.  The last 2 summers have been especially hard because when the kids are home, mama don't get no sleep!

And I am so pleasant and fun to be around when I am tired!  

N O T !!!!!!!!!!!!

I work from 11:30 pm to 3:30 am.  Yes, only a 4 hour shift.  Currently I am working 5 - 6 nights a week.  So only a 20-24 hour work week.   So this is where my dilemma starts to be a problem.  I could sleep when I get home until the kids get up, that is a up to 4 hours some days.  But it is soooo hard to walk in the door and immediately go to bed and go to sleep.  Do you seriously know anyone who can do that?  Most days it is not even worth trying. 

When the kids are in school - yay!- I would sleep while they were gone all day.  It works pretty well.  But it is summer break.  They are home all day.  I don't like sleeping while they (read this as Ryan especially) are home and getting into trouble.  Makes me feel like I am neglecting my family.  And that makes me feel beyond guilty.

If I try to stay awake until David comes home I am usually grumpy, usually have gotten very little accomplished, and end up sleeping during the only time I get to see that hottie I married. 

So when do I sleep?  Any suggestions?


Today I will be grateful for what little sleep I get, whenever I can get it.

I say Hey! What's going on?

So what have these Krazy Kissell's been up to this summer?

Nothing and everything!

Since a picture is worth a thousand words...  here you go.

Basically it has been fun, birthdays, family,  cousins, creativity, holidays, and more!

So today I will be grateful for the pace of summer.  Lazy, active, relaxed, busy, and so many things all at once.

Here's Your Sign

As I was messing around with my iGoogle homepage and changing up the theme and rearranging elements on the page, I found the always tempting horoscope button.
Now I am not one who puts a lot stock into daily horoscope readings or predictions, but I have always found the definitions of the characteristics of each astrological sign fascinating.  And a little scarily accurate. 
Not every person will fit every characteristic of their astrological sign, but often times the personalities described are astonishingly accurate. 
Take my sign for instance.  I have a July birthday (the 19th - send presents to my home address) so that makes me a Cancer.  Here are the defining characteristics of a Cancer:

Cancer Strength Keywords:

- Loyalty
- Dependable
- Caring
- Adaptable
- Responsive

Well, that sounds right to me.  I am fiercely loyal, mostly dependable, pretty caring, fairly adaptable, and somewhat responsive.  

Cancer Weakness Keywords:

- Moody
- Clingy
- Self-pitying
- Oversensitive
- Self-absorbed

Sounds about right.   I am definitely moody, clingy, and oversensitive.  And have been know to self-pitying and self-absorbed.  BTW, I got this info from http://zodiac-signs-astrology.com/zodiac-signs/cancer.htm

I like how this site summed up the Cancer personality.

Cancer is a mysterious sign, filled with contradictions. They want security and comfort yet seek new adventure. They are very helpful to others yet sometimes can be cranky and indifferent. Cancer has a driving, forceful personality that can be easily hidden beneath a calm, and cool exterior. The crab is Cancer's ruling animal and it suits them well, they can come out of their shell and fight but they can also hide in their shell of skitter away back into the depths of the ocean. They are very unpredictable. With cancer, there is always something more that meets the eye, for they are always partially hidden behind the shell. They are a have a deep psyche and intuitive mind that is hidden from the world. Cancer is deeply sensitive and easily hurt, this might be why they have their defense shell in place, to avoids being hurt by others. They are nurturers so they surround themselves with people, whom after a while can offend or hurt a cancer without even knowing they did so, therefore Cancer's protective shell keeps them safe from hurt. They are complex, fragile, unpredictable and temperamental and need constant support and encouragement, more then any other astrology signs, Cancer needs to be needed. When cancer gets the support it needs, it has a tremendous amount to offer in return. When cancer gets offended, they tend to sulk instead of confronting the persons face to face. This needlessly prolongs the pain and suffering. Cancer is very possessive, not just with material possessions but with people as well. Cancer will always want to stay in touch with old friends and anyone who has ever been close to them, because it is easier to maintain a friendship then attempt to learn to trust a new person. It is easier this way for them emotionally. If you befriend a Cancer, you will stay friends for a long time. Cancer makes the perfect mother, this is the sign that represents motherhood. They have unconditional love and caring more so then any other astrology sign. Cancer are very intuitive. Most of the psychics of the world are Cancer astrology signs. They have an excellent memory and are very observant and can read people very well. They can usually tell of other people's intentions are good or not. Never dupe a Cancer, they can see your motives. Cancer has a lot of emotional issues to deal with but once they overcome this large hump of shyness and insecurity, there is practically nothing they can't do. With their strong intuition, sensitivity, powers of observation and intelligence, they will have great success in anything they undertake. 

Okay then,  The part about cancer's retreating into their shells, especially as an emotional defense is so very true!

Look up your sign and tell me if it is accurate at all.

Today I will be grateful for my astrological sign, yes, I realize that sounds silly but I am glad for any insight into myself that I can get.

Feeling crafty

So I have been feeling really, really crafty lately.  I am hoping to actually take some pics of what I have been doing soon.  I have been making a lot of jewelry (surprised?  yeah, didn't think so!)  I learned how to wrap wire into simple Celtic Knots yesterday and added a knot to a pendant that I love and didn't quite know what to do with.  Here is the after pic. 

I love this yellow pendant.  It is a delicious clear icy yellow.  And it is pretty big.  It is about the length of a standard house key.

I have been enjoying the creative process and find it very relaxing and fulfilling. 

so the obvious thing to be grateful for today is creativity........and google - where else can you find a plethora of ideas and instructions to aid the creative process?

In Good Company

Mixed emotions for me today.  I went to a dinner party for Citrine.  It was a farewell dinner.  Anne-Marie and Family are moving away......far away.    To New York.  I am so excited for her because this will be a good thing for her family but I am also sad that Citrine is over.  I have truly loved every single minute of it.  We did get to sing some tonight. 

So today I will be grateful for an amazing year filled with amazing music!

More student teaching fun........

One of the sad parts of student teaching for me was the end!  I knew it was coming.  The kids knew it was coming.  It was not fun for me to leave because I REALLY loved being there. 
One cutie pie who happens to have the same birthday as me wrote me a poem on my last day.
I am going to copy it just how she wrote it but I will add "translations" as needed.  I love it!

Mrs. Kissell your hair is such and orange  life without you in the

classroom is such a borage.  Life without you is satenly (certainly)

gray I hope all (I'll) see you another day.  I wish you could

stay and play with our class all

day.

I miss you alot but all (I'll) always keep you in my thoughts

Is that cute or what?  I have more to share later.  One cutie wrote me an awesome good bye letter and had the entire class sign it without me or their teaching noticing.  Pretty sneaky!

So today I am grateful for the simple things like thank you notes.  I am touched deeply by sweet and simple things like a thrid grader's effort to let me know how she felt. 

More from school

One of the things I got to do a lot during my student teaching were art lessons.  My amazing cooperating teacher Mrs. Redd (Katie) had art for rotations while the other two teachers did PE and extra math.  So I was able to do a lot of art lessons.  One of my favorites was creating three dimensional sunflower pictures based loosely on Van Gogh's sunflower paintings.  Here are the results:

We used chalk, pencils, glue, construction paper, tissue paper, black beans, and every one turned out to be different and unique!  I love how they look!

Another project I did with my class combined using warm or cool colors, mosaic, their names, and a stained glass window effect.  Each student did their name and mounted it on either matching or contrasting paper.  I love how these turned out as well.



My example



It was so much fun to watch them make these.  We also did one more art project with our names.  I only have a picture of my example but the kids really got into this project as well. 

I can hardly wait to do things like this ALL THE TIME!!!!

So today I will be grateful for art in general.  Such a great way to let out all the creativity we have inside.

Ode to food

I had a lot of fun during my student teaching experience.  One of my favorite assignments that we did was poetry writing.  We used food as a topic and wrote odes to food.  We started with a class ode.  Here it is:

Ode to Bacon

Oh Bacon,

How we love you so!

Your taste, your smell

Make us want to go

Down to the lunchroom

Where we will eat

This crispy, crunchy,

Mouthwatering meat.

Bacon sure does look like steak.

It also looks very, very great.

Bacon looks crispy, crunchy, and gold,

It stands out from veggies, very bold.

Bacon looks bubbly on the grill,

Eat it to avoid a chill.

Bacon looks very good from its juicy fat

And all the kids eat it, just like that!

 

Bacon reminds me of a juicy steak

Every time I think about it my stomach starts to ache.

It’s so good!

I want to hide in my hood.

Bacon is crunchy

It feels munchy

When bacon cooks the kids will swarm

Especially if it’s crisp and warm.

Bacon, oh bacon, we do love you so!

Some people hate the smell and want to go.

I would die if bacon fell from the sky

Then I would go outside to try

To start rakin’

For delicious bacon!

It smells so divine

It sends chills up my spine!

Bacon is so amazing! I hope you like it too.

Everybody should say, “I love it too!”

I Love it!  The kids did an awesome job.


So today I will be grateful for bacon.  Seriously - is there anything better?

Chicken Fried Rice

Tried a new recipe last night.  I liked it.  Here it is:


Chicken Fried Rice


Recipe courtesy Robert Irvine
Total Time: 25 min.

Prep10 min.

Cook15 min.

Yield:6 to 8 servings .


Ingredients

3 large eggs

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Vegetable oil, for frying

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into thin strips

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

4 cups cold, cooked rice

6 green (spring) onions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish, optional

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions

Beat eggs with a whisk in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Heat very little oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat and make an omelette using half the beaten eggs. Turn out onto a plate to cool (do not fold omelette). Repeat process with remaining beaten eggs. Place 1 omelette on top of the other, fold and coarsely chop. Set aside.



In a medium bowl, toss chicken strips with the sesame oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil over high heat in large frying pan or wok and stir-fry the prepared chicken strips until lightly golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes or until onion has softened. Add 2 tablespoons more vegetable oil and when hot, stir in the cooked rice and green onions, tossing and mixing thoroughly until very hot. Sprinkle with soy sauce and mix evenly. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cooked egg. If desired, garnish with additional sliced green onions

 
 
 
I added some celery and didn't have green onions so I used dries chives.  Still turned out well.  Enjoy!
 
 
 
Today I will be grateful for internet recipe searches.  Saves me a lot of time!

Life in Limbo

So I have been a little unmotivated lately.  I finished ALL my coursework at the end of January and have been waiting patiently for my student teaching placement.  I finally got my first placement today. I will get to spend 6 weeks at Lone Peak Elementary school in a third grade classroom.  Lone Peak is pretty dang close to my house.  I may even walk there some days.  But it is up the hill from me so probably not.  Don't want to get there all sweaty and stinky.
I am only a little bit nervous because I don't know any of the teachers there but talking to people I don't know has never really been a big problem for me, lol!
I am very very excited to get started.   I expect to learn a lot in the 6 weeks I will spend there. 

So today I am grateful that the limbo is over.  I don't have to wait anymore.   I just get to figure out how to keep my job while student teaching.  I may just not sleep at all for 6 weeks,  but who needs sleep anyway?

phew....... what a life

So I have once again been neglecting this little bog.  Not really on purpose but I have been very busy.  The most exciting part of all this business is that I have officially finished all my coursework for my master's degree!  Yahoo!  Only 8 credits of student teaching left.  Then I am done.....finished......it will be over!  Phew.....  I can hardly believe it.


So today I will be grateful for my education.  and even more grateful that it is almost done.