4 years in the BLINK of an eye

At this time four years ago I was waiting patiently anxiously for Dr. Atwood to get to the hospital...not really prepared for what was about to happen to me, but bubbling over with excitement to meet our little girl.  Boy, oh boy...how our lives have changed since that day... 

I truly can NOT believe that it has been 4 years since Alyssa was born.  As cliche as it sounds, it really does seem like we blinked...and now we have a little lady.  I will update you on what she can do these days and how much she has grown, next month after her well check with Dr. Heiny.

Today was a fun day!  I woke her up this morning because I knew she would want to open her presents before Dan left for school.  When I woke her up, she smile at me and gave me a huge hug...then she remembered what today was and said, "Oh!  Can I open my presents????"  I told her she could so she jumped out of bed and asked, "Are you sure you wrapped them?"  When I told her I did, she said she was 'just making sure'.  That girl...

Early morning present opening...

Zooming around on her new scooter!!!

She got a few games, a Leap Frog Tag (which is my favorite...I will explain it later), a Princesses Beach towel and a Princesses Scooter.  She loved it all!  Then I went to school with her to be a classroom helper and we took the sugar cookies we made last night.   She was attached to me during the entire class and was so proud to be the birthday girl.  After school, we met Dan for lunch and then went to get Hannah...and more presents!!  We had her favorite meal for dinner, tacos - and topped off the night with a very special pink, princess birthday cake.

She just schooled Mommy and Daddy in a game of Pretty, Pretty Princess...

Unfortunately, we did have to go to the doctors this afternoon...her belly has been 'tickling' when she pees and it turns out the birthday girl has a UTI.  Now she is on some unpleasant antibiotics for the next 10 days.  Not fun.  It didn't ruin her day though...in fact, on the way home from the doctor's she said, "Oh Mommy, it sure does feel good to be 4!"  That pretty much sums up the day!  

Happy Birthday, Princess! We hope your birthday was everything you hoped it would be!!

Serve Columbus

Twice a year our church, The Vineyard, does an out reach for the local community.  There are tons of projects that take place the same morning around the city to meet practical needs and beautify the area.  We have never been able to be a part of it in the past, but this year Keith and Sarah signed up to help with a garden project and asked the rest of our small group to help out.  We decided it would be a fun way to get involved and let the girls come along.

The project was to weed and plant vegetables on the Fruit of the Vine's community garden plot at a city elementary.  FOTV is Vineyard's food pantry and with these gardens they are able to supply those in need with fresh vegetables throughout the season...which goes along great with my "Food Revolution" rampage I am on right now :) 

The weather was absolutely perfect and the girls had a good time helping.  After only about an hour, they got bored.  Thank God for our DVD player in the van....it was a life saver.  All three girls had a 'party' in the back seat watching Planet 51 while we continued to work.  They had such a great time.  Aly and Hannah both adore Adalyn!

The morning was a great way to serve the city with something practical, that was easy and fun to do.  I may actually continue to help with the ministry through the summer when they harvest and pass out the vegetables.  It is such a worthy cause and is a blessing to so many.  I am glad we had the chance to participate and bring the girls along with us! 

As a side note, I was wearing an old 'Young Life' t-shirt.  A little old man, who was also working in the garden with his wife and grand-daughter, asked me if I was involved in YL.  So, I told him Dan and I have been a part of that ministry since high school in some capacity.  We talked about it for a few minutes and he went on to tell me that he came to Christ as a junior in Texas in 1953!!  He went on staff with The Navigators and has been involved with the Vineyard since he moved to Columbus.  It gave me chills...what a reminder of how important it is to share the gospel and how far God can use that act can reach!!

{Diaper} Fashionista

If you haven't been able to figure out yet, Hannah is seriously into fashion.  From shoes to shirts, she has always been very particular about what she wears.  The teen years will be fun.  Now, her diapers are no different.

I use Luvs.  I love them.  They are fairly inexpensive, absorbent and sport the cute Blue's Clues characters on the front panel.  The girls have always liked Blue, so if was an easy sell.  Lately Hannah has been proactive in choosing which character she wants to grace the front of her 'biper', as she calls it.  No joke.  When she needs a new diaper, she will run to the basket and dig through to find just the right animal to suit the occasion and lay down on the floor waiting for us to do the exchange.  

It's cute and let's her have a little control over her world, but what happens when we run out of the 'right' character? I found out this morning.  She wanted 'lellow' (which is actually 'Orange Kitten')...there was not an 'lellow' in the basket.  She started throwing a fit over it!  Ok, seriously!  I am NOT going to spend that much money on diapers so we can always have the particular one she wants and let the rest go to waste.    I had to draw the line...She is going to have to deal with it.  It took some coaxing, but I finally talked her into a cute, green puppy and all was right in the world. 

I think it is time to try out the 'big girl' potty...

Spring Photo Previews

A friend of ours from Young Life in college is a very talented photographer in Toledo.  She was down here a few weeks ago doing some mini-photo sessions and I thought it would be a great time to get some Spring pictures.  The weather all week was perfect and unseasonably warm, but of course it was storming the morning our session was scheduled.  Thankfully, the rain cleared just long enough to get a few shots in.  We were prepared for rain anyway so the girls had a blast with their rain boots, bubbles and princess umbrellas.  

She posted the preview of our shots on her blog tonight and they are so sweet!  She did such a great job capturing our personalities (and getting smiles) - now that is talent!!  Check out her work at http://sarabethphoto.com/blog/!!  Here are the images from our preview:

 

Thanks Sarah!!  I can't wait to see the rest!!

P.S.  Notice the headband on Alyssa?!?!?! Hannah wouldn't leave her's on...go figure!!

Law Abiding Citizen

Despite the ridiculous weather, we had to run out an get a few things this afternoon.  Alyssa and Hannah were so busy fighting with each other in the cart at Meijer, that Aly didn't realize I paid for our stuff. As we were walking out of the store she looked all around and cried, "Mommy, you didn't pay! I don't want you to go to jail!!" 

Awesome...I just love getting the 'what in the heck is wrong with you' look from strangers.  Finally, I reassured her that I did, indeed, have a receipt.  At least I know we don't have to worry about her shoplifting!

Going {garden} Green

I love, love, love cooking and eating fresh ingredients.  I always thought it would be a great way to get the girls involved and teach them about where vegetables come from  to get them excited about eating them, but I never really considered having a garden for a variety of reasons.  Then, Dan found these really cool raised garden beds at Home Depot this year so the girls and I decided to give it a shot.  

We planted as much as we could in the little 4x4 bed, including: cucumbers, three varieties of peppers (red, yellow and banana), two varieties of lettuce (romaine and butter crisp), green beans, broccoli, and some of my favorite fresh herbs (cilantro, sage, rosemary, thyme and basil).  Then, we also have a strawberry planter hanging on a shepherd's hook nearby. 

I most definitely do NOT have a green thumb...in fact, is is almost black.  You can see that from the pictures.  The green beans may not make it, but the cucumbers seem to be doing really well.  I don't know how much - if anything - it will yield, but it has been a fun experience so far!  

Here's hoping we have lots of wonderful, fresh produce on the way!! :)

A Quick Lesson on School Funding in OHIO

In less than an hour I have gotten emails from 5 different people about the last post...I told you I was offending people.  The overwhelming response I was getting is that school funding is simply not understood and that as educators, we are doing a terrible job of educating people on why schools are always asking for more money.  The majority of the problem stems from inflation.  So, here is a quick lesson as I had it explained to me earlier this year.

When a community approves a school levy, they agree to pay a certain amount (mil) of their property taxes towards the school district.  This is amount is set until another levy is brought before the community and is approved.  Just like a fixed income.

The problem is that costs go up.  Just like running household, it cost more and more to maintain.   Think about your own budget...doesn't it cost more now to simply live, than it did 4 years ago??  Of course.  Utilities go up, groceries goes up, gas goes up, etc.  But, unlike a household were salaries will increase at a rate similar to inflation, the schools revenue does not.  So even though expenses have gone up, we still get funded for what it cost to educate students 4 years ago...or when ever the last levy has passed.  

I know what you are thinking, 'Why not cut back like a household would have to do if they don't have the money?'  Well, if a school 'cuts back' it negatively affects their performance rating.  By law, schools (unlike the government) can not operate on a deficit.  And, in order to get more money, they must go to the voters and request more than what they had before....to accomplish the same thing!  The more mils you request, the longer it will last...and the more extreme the tax increase.  Less mils seems like a deal because taxes go up minimally, but they will be asking for a 'raise' again much sooner which frustrates and confuses the voters.  

THAT is why Ohio school funding was ruled unconstitutional.  If the mils adjusted at a rate similar to inflation, this issue would be resolved.  That is, of course, baring growth and the need for new buildings or major repairs.  That all goes into a 'bond' issue, which is completely different than an operating levy.     

There are a lot of schools that do not manage their money wisely.  That is a legitimate problem some communities have to deal with.  Gahanna is not one of them.  That has never been the reason given by voters to deny the new proposal.  People say they simply can't afford it.  That is what I am saying is frustrating and that is the slippery slope.  Once schools make a cut, it is almost impossible to bring it back because the voters would never approve that much on an increase.  

It is wrong.  Don't blame the schools.  Don't make students suffer.  Blame the government officials and write your congressman.

I hope that made sense and now, I'm done!  Love you all!   

**P.S. This is only for Ohio...I don't know about other states!** 

A Failed Attempt

The levy failed last night...by about 500 votes.  As you can imagine, today was not a good day at school.  It wasn't that anyone was angry, but there was a sense of disbelief and a overwhelming  feeling of concern.  The last time the community didn't support a levy was  15 years ago, in 1995!!  I am a little frustrated so excuse me while I step on my soap box.

The economy is bad, home values are sinking, people are out of work...I have heard all the excuses and it doesn't make it any easier to swallow.  I know the issues we are facing as a community and a nation. I am not living in a bubble.  You can give me all the excuses you want, but it all boils down to what we value.  Apparently, that is not education.

I am not just saying this because I am a teacher.  I am saying this as a worried mom and a community member.  A school is not like any other business.  You can't just produce less or skimp on quality.  We are expected to provide the exact same a better service, to a growing population.  You can't do that when the funding is continually being reduced.  It is a domino effect:  You cut funding, school performance drops.  Parents get angry and refuse to support the schools, so the school has to make more cuts resulting in even lower performance.  The real victims are the students.  They miss out on education, experiences and opportunities that prepare them for success in the future.  And so the cycle repeats itself.  That is the slippery slope we are teetering on the edge of.  

Gahanna has played their cards right and been very fiscally responsible.  Our last levy was supposed to last us 3 years...that was 4 years ago.  Rather than build a new high school, which is desperately needed, we have come up with an innovative solution that costs a fraction of the cost.  Not to mention we have consistently maintained an 'excellent' rating for as long as I can remember.  But, the school is not exempt from inflation and with home values down, that means less revenue coming in to start with.  We had no choice but to ask for another levy.

As a result of the failing levy, our district will have to cut $2.5 million from our budget for next year.  My job is safe for the fall, but I don't know if it will survive the next cut.  If it fails again in the fall, we will have to eliminate another $16 million.  That is more than just 'cutting back' or eliminating 'fluff'.  That will cut right to the essence of what make our school, and community, great - the people.  The real problem is that once you start cutting and reducing it is virtually impossible to recover.  This is scary.  Not just for my job, but also for the girls.  It makes me sad to think they may not be able to have the same opportunities that I did at school because of a few hundred dollars a year.  Is it really worth it?!?!?   

No. 

If you can't afford it, skip one 'out-to-eat' meal a month [it's better for you anyway :)] .  Hold off on upgrading your cell phone.  Buy less alcohol or stop smoking [this is definitely better for you!!].  Do whatever it takes, but don't put our childrens' future in jeopardy.  I know the additional taxes would have put a strain on us, but I am more than willing to make those sacrifices. 

*Sigh*

Now that I have probably offended at least half of my readers, I will get off my soapbox...don't be mad at me :) 

PLEASE-PLEASE-PLEASE support your local schools! 

By the way, these are my opinions and not necessarily that of the school district's! :)

A Fond Farewell

Like most of her wardrobe, these were passed down to Hannah from Alyssa.  Aly only wore them twice: for her 18 month pictures and Christmas.  They just so happened to match Hannah's Christmas dress this year so I pulled them back out.  I thought it would be a one time deal again and off the consignment shoppe they would go.

Not so.

Hannah has always been a 'shoe girl' and for whatever reason, she absolutely adored these shoes.  In fact, the first few days she had they did not come off her feet...not even for bedtime.  She wouldn't let them out of her sight when we were changing her diaper and she cried if something got on them.  They were the only shoes she would wear for weeks months.  It didn't matter that they completely clashed with her outfit or that she was wearing sweats with ruby red dress shoes.  Her feet barely fit into them now, but this morning she wore them to church for the last time.  She had on a pink shirt, capris, white socks and her ruby red shoes.  I'm sure other moms were probably looking at her wondering what  exactly I was thinking...but when she looks down at her shoes, smiles and giggles, it doesn't really matter.   How can you say no?? Not to mention the HUGE tantrum would ensue!  I wish she would fit in them forever...     

Unfortunately, she won't.  So tonight, as sad as it is, they are going to 'accidentally be lost'.  Hidden away from her until she has a daughter of her own who can love them as much as she did.  I love you Hannah baby and your passion for shoes!

The Home Stretch

You know, there really hasn't been a lot to blog about lately.  Dan and I have been super busy with school stuff.  The good news is that it's Spring so we are in the home stretch...26 days to be exact!!  Thank God for summers off!  Summer is looking soooooo good right now: no major plans, lots of fun time together, connecting with friends and maybe even a little relaxing.

Hannah is most definitely experiencing the 'terrible two's'!  She is more stubborn than I thought possible and passionate about everything she does.  This is not a good combination when you can't express yourself.  Her vocabulary is really big, but she just can't always seem to get out what she wants to say.  I can't even tell you how many times this has ended badly in the aisles of Target.  She also is cutting her last two molars, so that isn't helping the situation!  Her diet still consists of mainly red bell peppers and milk...there may be an occasional spoon of peanut butter or package of fruit snacks mixed in.  She won't seem to budge on the meat issue - with the exception of turkey bacon, she doesn't want anything to do with it.  With all that said, she is incredibly sweet.  My favorite thing is when she come and crawls in my lap to snuggle...perfection.

Aly is also going though a new stage too.  Literally, over the last 2-3 weeks she has developed this sassy attitude...as if she is getting ready to turn 13, not 4.  She is rolling her eyes, talking back and testing the waters more than we would like...  We are still trying to figure out how to deal with it.  Here is a funny little story from the other day though:

• Last Tuesday I took a half a day at school to take her to the doctor.  All afternoon all I heard was how much she wanted to be a mom and have a 'real' baby.  She kept saying she can't wait to have one and told me she had to get big and strong so she could have a baby in her belly.  She is going to make an excellent mommy someday, but I told her - jokingly - she needed to learn to write her name first.  She has been working on it ever since..

Yep, that face pretty much says it all.  More fun stories (and pictures) to come.  I just can't concentrate right now :/