Extreme Couponing?

I do not know about this... my friend Sonia has explained, and suggested, and encouraged me. So far I have not attempted to go out and "extreme coupon." It seems like alot of work. Maybe because the kids are home for the summer, or maybe I figure I already save by shopping at Aldi's, the Dollar Tree and Kroger.

Maybe just maybe it is the fear of the "unknown."

Happy Life!

Despite efforts to keep up with our blog, I have been not so diligent. Here is the deal...Facebook. Need I say more? Since my last post, which was lets see, Summer of 2009? Yikes! Sorry!

How to catch up on over a year and a half of life?

Well, like this:

we moved again, just down the street. We looked like Gypsies.
I am a Daisy Girl Scout leader.
Lavinia is in first grade. Doing well. Discovered she has ADHD. Life has really opened up for her.
Avin, a 6th grader, tested out of math and is doing 9th grade math, and reading off the charts.
Has continued playing soccer.
Liam, just turned the Big 5!
Devin, will be 20 in March. This summer he took a over the country road trip than lived in California for a few months. Now he is back, ready to crack back down in school.
Brian, work, tattooing again.
We have a new Weimaraner, "Lady Willow Avalon of the Myst" and recently "Dixie LaFoofer" a Lhasa Apso, and Maltese mix.
My sister has blessed us with a nephew, Sam who is 2 1/2, a neice who is 20 months, and our new addition Dean, who came on October 12.
I finished school.
You know life...

Oh my Goodness...Been a long time!

I just suddenly realized that I have not blogged in awhile. However, I did not think it has been almost three months!
There is good reason though. At the end of May I went back to work as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher/Preschool teacher. Plus I was still holding a full time load at school. Must who know me know that I am an ALL or partially nothing girl. When I am passionate for something, as I am when it comes to teaching little adults, I lose myself. So, now I am trying to balance. I took the summer off of school and now have my classroom in order. I do not go back until October 6th. However, Lavinia will be starting Kindergarten, Avin will be starting 5th grade. (His birthday is August 3rd, my baby) Where does time go?

Happy May!

I love this time of year! It always seems that on May 1st it is the most beautiful time. Most of the leaves are out, flowers are peeking their heads out, and the grass is definitely greener. Ahhh...Spring. I cannot wait to plant next weekend. My Gram always said to wait for Mother's Day weekend to plant. Native Americans say wait until the buds on trees are the size of a squirrel's ear. With last weekend being above normal with temperates everything seemed to accelerate. Now I have to decide what I want to plant. The choices! I love flowers that are unique and vibrant. However, since we have mostly shade around our house, Impatiens are must. But what colors? I love the pinks and purples, but this year I may go with a fun mix. I am sure I will change my mind when I go to the nursery. I am like a kid in the candy store when I go there. "I want that, I want that..." Poor Brian, Poor bank account.

Time keeps on slipping.

I sit here in bed with the humming of the furnance going through the house, the warmth of the laptop on my legs and my ever strong husband sleep next to me. The question is where did the day go? It seems that it was just Monday morning and the day was new. My quarter of school is finished in two days. Devin turned 18 this past Saturday. My 37th birthday is around the corner.
Where does the time go?
I long for the days when my children were nestled on my chest, rooting my face with their warm baby breath letting me know it was time to eat. Now they lay in their beds, almost 10, 5 and 4. Where does the time go?
I still can relate to the 20 year old girl, I am her. But the mirror tells me different.
Where does the time go?
I relish the wisdom that I have gained through the years, it flourishes through me. I would not change that. Wisdom is a powerful tool to gain, but...
Where does the time go?
Life keeps me busy. Life keeps us charged. Gratefully, it only has to lived One day at a time.
Tick, tick, tick...there goes time again.

Artsy Fartsy!

It is time! The artistic call has been heard, I need to create. So what to do? Do I stick with what I know? Venture into uncharted waters and try a "new" craft. Blame it on my old pal Daphne, I told her she was my "Muse." Maybe it is her creative energy coming through the web, or maybe it is all those clever fellow Bloggers that I follow, whatever it is I NEED to do something. I bought yarn and needles to knit a blanket for my soon to be niece. However, I do not know how to knit but the will is there. I bought some fudge striped cookies, Reese's mini cups, and frosting to do Ms. Abby's "Hats" (Check out her blog, in my sidebar. She is also a Muse! Thanks Abby!) I have all my scrapbook stuff out from a recent scrapbook weekend. I accomplished 21 layouts. Impressed? I am! I still have a few more layouts to do. Who knows maybe tonight? Regardless of what I do, it has to happen, and happen NOW!

Ballerina and a visit from a friend

It is official, Lavinia is now in Ballet! Yep, following after her good ol' Mom's footsteps. Well, actually I did not start dancing until I was 8. We have talked a lot about it and decided to sign her up. Her face says it all! She went right into her class with Miss Heather (what do ya know!) and was ready to start being a prima ballerina. At the end of her half an hour class, we were getting our coats on when the next group of children were coming in. The class after ours is Tap. Lavinia immediately stopped putting her coat on, stared at their shoes and promptly looked up at me with excited eyes and said "Mom, what are those shoes?" "Tap shoes" I answered. She took another look, got a huge smile on her face and said " I want to do that too, I LOVE them!" So, will she stick it out in Ballet or go for a more energetic approach? Well if you know our daughter, I am sure you can answer this for yourself. However, she may decide to do both. It has begun!

Liam brought home a friend from school. His name is Longneck. Do not fear, a parent did not name their child this, but our friend is a stuffed giraffe. Liam's classroom is named the "Giraffes" and Longneck is their mascot. For an activity, the teachers pick a child to take him home over a weekend. He comes with a digital camera and a binder of instuctions, and past journal entries made by the children (with a some help from us) The goal is to have the children include Longneck in their activities, then on Sunday sum up what they did with him over the weekend. Liam took this "job" very seriously and made sure that Longneck had a busy and fun time here in the Dreier house. We were all sad to see Longneck leave, and we hope to have him visit soon!

Oh where have I been?

Has it been that long? Time certainly does fly by! I realized that I have not posted in some time, so not like me.
Life is good. Busy, but good. School for me is totally crazy. I have had a very hard time getting back into the swing of it. Maybe it is having that long holiday break, or the fact I am taking day classes this quarter rather than night. Who knows. I am finally feeling like I am getting into it and it is midquarter, sigh.
New on the home front...
Brian did not get the job he had hoped for throught Toledo Public Schools. Bummer, but we fully believe there is a reason for everything. So he will continue working hard at his current job.
The kids are always changing, so much I could be on this computer blogging until the my fingers fall off. Lavinia is really advancing in her letter recognition and was able to start sounding out sight words. We have mastered the words, "of" "see" "the"and "your." It probably does not help that Mommy has her first degree in Early Childhood Education. She was so proud of herself the other night. I love when children realize they did something that makes them "more grown up."
Liam, what a hoot! This kid is such a funny little frog. He started branching into the Art area at school. Now I have more artwork to frame and hang up.
Avin, what grown up he is becoming. You know that it is happening when your stinky little boy is no longer smelling like a sweaty boy, but a older, sweaty boy. Is it possible my first born will be 10 soon? Yikes, double digits. I seriously have issues with these kids and them growing up.

Back in the saddle again.

The holiday break is officially over. I started school this week and it is going to be a heavy quarter. Not too hard, just a lot of busy work/reading/organization. (Right up my alley!) I am happy to back and just need to get back into a schedule.The calendar is my best friend! The kids seem to be getting back into routines too. Liam has regressed a tad about going to preschool. Having two weeks off, being sick again and being home with me, has set him into crying jags when I drop him off. My poor baby!
Avin got his grade card, yea! He did great again. They want to test him again for the Horizons program. It is a program for children that are gifted in areas of Math and Reading. He participated last year, and did not want to go this year. But we really think he needs to go to keep him stimulated.
Devin got accepted to University of Toledo for next year. Wahoo! We are pretty dang proud of him. He is still going into Psychology and has looked into other schools for his graduate work. Will this be the Dreier's best year?

What did we do in a snow storm?

Living in Northwest Ohio you never are really sure if you are going to get the snow. Most of the time it hits Lake Erie and goes to Cleveland and Buffalo. However, we definitely got hit. We had a level 2 snow emergency, which left us home bound. I have to admit it was nice to be all cozy. So instead of looking at the downside of this, we joined in the wintry fun!

After my third time shoveling, (that counts as exercise, right?) I finally got smart and "hired" Avin to shovel. We got the kids all bundled up and walked down to our local park and went sledding. It was a blast! Brian pulled Lavinia and Liam on the sled which they loved. After a few times, going down the hill Liam was ready to go. Lavinia on the other hand is a big snow baby. Every time we went down she laughed so hard, jumped up and drudged up the hill for another turn. Avin is always ready for adventures. I did a snow angel, bringing back some more memories. The hardest part was walking back home while wet and cold. Hot chocolate anyone?

The kids also made sock puppets and had a puppet show. They set up Lavinia's dolls as the audience.

After dinner I decided to break out a 750 piece puzzle. I always remember my Papa and Gram doing puzzles during bad weather. I forgot how much I missed doing puzzles. Brian and I stayed up until 2 am doing it and then spent about 3 hours today. Just when I could not take it, and swore "there are pieces missing!" Another one would fit and the will to continue was born again.

Needless to say, Brian just found another one to put together. Hmmm.......

Calm Days

Just when I thought it was never going to come, the kids went back to school. Do you hear the rushing sigh escape from my mouth? I love these little people I call my own, but two weeks cooped up was enough! I think I have fulfilled my duty as a stay at home 24 for 7 parent. Not only am I happy, but the kids seem to enjoy being back into their normal schedules.
Yesterday Liam could not stop talking about the "clean mud" and the Jell-o they made in his classroom. Lavinia is happy at her usual social self. She has a love/hate relationship with a little girl in her room. Ask her who her favorite friend is, she will say Laila. Ask her who makes her day the hardest, you will get the same answer. Actually, they are so cute together. Yesterday, Laila gave her a "friendship ring."
I have two more weeks until I start back, so I hope to have alot accomplished before then. But until then I AM enjoying the sounds of silence.

Another year down!

Despite our ups and downs this year, and boy did we have alot! I want to say that through it all there have been great blessings.
When one door opens, another always opens.

My children have grown and despite our two months of "illness" have been healthy.
Brian is working...even though he hates his job.
The sword business has been a great financial help.
I am rocking in school.
I got a nephew this year, and a niece is due in April. (Maybe my birthday?) hmmm...
We moved out of the "ghetto!"
We have a new, used van.
Old friends have come back and stronger in my life, I love the Bunco Chixs!
My hubby and I are going through a great and wonderful transition in our marriage.
Therapy is awesome! LOL!

The list goes on and on. I am not one to really set New Year's Resolutions. But this year Brian and I have decided to make a "plan" for the next year. If we accomplish all that we want, then that would be awesome. We are being realistic though, habits are hard to break. The will is there.

We hope that for 2009, that all our family and friends have a safe, healthy and happy New Year.

Creepy Crude, Don't Bring Me Down!

Believe it or Not, we all have suffered numerous bouts with the "Crude" for the last three months. It start in October with Liam. Then it shifted to me. Then to Lavinia, then me again. Avin suffered, Liam again, Brian and me, and it is lingering in the very chapped and worn noses of my children. *Sigh* Despite my continuous efforts, doctor trips, chicken soup and saltines, this has been the worst our family has been in a long time. The problem is this, the "Crude" is never the same, Here is how it has manifested itself, beware!


1. Viral throat infection

2. Common cold

3. Bronchitis

4. Common cold

5. Strep Throat

6. Lingering cold

7. Flu Bug (Stomach kind)

8. Sinus infection

9. 24 fever, puke, body aches

10. The forever ever snot fest (I should buy stock in Kleenex!)



Now I have reflected much as to how this is all happening, and have a very proactive stance on the whole bit. I am a "Germaphobe" I clean, therefore I am!

This past Wednesday, I turned off the heat, opened windows for eight hours, bleached every possible surface, washed all bedding and changed the furnace filter. Yes, we are clean, maybe too clean if that is possible. However, the fact that the preschool, and elementary schools are not is most likely the issue here.

Now that Christmas break has arrived, the kids can maybe heal and the creeping crude there can die. And DIE it should! Last night when my beautiful babies walk in the door, but what to my "wondering ears should appear? The sudden sound of "splat" and puke hitting the floor. Thankfully, Lavinia did this only once and knock on wood all is well. Out came the bleach, masks and gloves, and here I am cleaning...again.

So for all of you out there, beware, the creepy crude is everywhere!

Kitty No Name

Hi! I want to introduce myself as the newest member in the Dreier party. However, I have not been named. I try and tell my new people that I have a name, but they just do not listen. I have given them many ideas, however they have not decided on one yet. I have been here now for almost a month. Before this I lived with a nice foster mom who took great care of me. My new Mom and Dad came in a pet store where I was sleeping in a cage with other cats who needed homes. Imagine my surprise when they picked me to be an early Christmas gift for my boy Avin. Last night, my family finally came up with three names I suggested to them. (Tsk and Hiss, it took them long enough!) Anyway, they still can not agree my name! So, I thought I would post it on their blog and my Mom's facebook page, a poll, to let my readers decide on my name.

So, could you please vote on it? I have included a picture of me and the three possible names.

The names that I could live with are:

1. Hobbs

2. Herbert (Herbie for short)

3. Chance

Thanks a bunch! High paw for the one who nails this down for me. I really need a name, "Kitty no name is getting really annoying!

How many more days?

We have all heard it said, we have even said it ourselves. How many more days until Christmas? So this year I thought I would beat my kids to it and make an Advent Calendar of sorts. I got this idea somewhere last year. Using matchboxes from the good ol' food storage shelf, scraps of left over Christmas paper, embellishments, voila! a calendar.

I decided to put magnets on the back of the boxes and use our magnet board from Ikea. Today, I put little messages in the boxes for the kids to do. They vary from singing carols, finding a "goodie". However, to help them truly understand the reason for Christmas, I wrote the verses from the scriptures of Christ's birth. I spilt the verses up so that from the 12th to the 25th, each day will be a verse of the story.

Turkey Day and Black Friday

Thanksgiving for us is not really a top holiday for us. It is not that we are not grateful for what we have, but we do not need just a day to focus on our gratitude. This year we were going to go down to visit Brian's family in Tennessee. However the powers that be decided that we were to stay here in Ohio. Avin got strep throat and a viral infection, and then Brian's Grandma Dreier passed away. I did not cook a huge meal this year, and it was not the traditional fair. I am not a big one for cleaning and touching poultry, (Gag) so I made a boneless Turkey breast, an awesome rice dish, and green beans. A big thanks to Food Network and their magical recipes! To top it off, we had Pumpkin Cupcakes. Yummy. Despite my attempt to make a less than traditional meal, these recipes had real butter, heavy cream and sugar. So good, yet so bad. We all stayed in our pajamas, except for when I went out to search the city for a newspaper.
The Newspaper...what an adventure. Granted I did not go to find one until 11 am, but honestly it took five places to finally nail one down. People in Toledo love those ads! After the fourth place, I wondered if something was telling me that it was not worth the fuss. And what do you know? I found a paper, took it home, and found out that there was really nothing on sale that I wanted. HM... I have never went out in the wee hours of the morning, (isn't that a song?) to shop til I drop. I wondered how it would be and even talked to some friends about doing it together. But the reality is there will be more sales, people are nuts I hear out there, and I really already have my goodies bought. The only reason it is "Black Friday" for me is the fact by now the kids have exhausted all their options and are so bored that they are killing each other. The joys of being a stay at home Mom.

All Good things come to an end.

Coaches Hill and Blakeman with

Avin holding the Trophies.

As with all great and marvelous things there is an end. We however were excited for the end of Avin's soccer year. Mostly due to the fact that through the season they played exceptionally well. As a matter of fact, they ended up being undefeated and became their regions champs! Yea for Arlington Red! Fire, Fire, Fire! These kids played very well and really showed time work. The coaches, hats off. Truly what a coach should be, tough with love.

It seemed that we were at a soccer game every day. When school started for me, I did not get to see some of them. I was really bummed about that. Brian had to be the "soccer mom." Hats off to him, for being the kind of man that can multitask our family.

This experience has not only helped Avin become comfortable in his new school, but has brought out the other kids to want to play soccer like him. So, in the fall, Lavinia has decided to be a soccer player too. Just call me "Soccer Mom!"

Pumpkin Carving 101

Avin very determined to make his pumpkin the coolest. Even at the "ripe ol' age" of nine, he has not gotten over his uneasiness over the pumpkin "guts."

As with most families we carved our pumpkins for our Family Home evening night. Between soccer games, school, parties, and all the wonderful things that come with a family, our FHE nights are often changing. Regardless of how the week is going, we set aside a night for just our family to do something together. The world is fast becoming a horrible place and we have been counseled to spend time with our families. It is a must! The problems in the world I believe would be solved if family came first. One family at a time.

This was Liam's first year getting to "gut" the pumpkin. He was not to keen on it as most kids are not. Lavinia, gave step by step instructions to Brian as to how her pumpkin was going be. Avin of course drew a complicated design that caused poor Brian's hand to ache. But the best part was the kids ALL tried a pumpkin seed, and they all agreed that they are "delicious!" I am always amazed by this little people who occupy my heart and home.

HALLOWEEN!

The Witch is In! Me at our church's Trunk or Treat

Jack O' Lanterns 2008

Today is my favorite day of the whole year! So far I have had two phone calls from my friends wishing me a Happy Halloween. Just like I would have calls if it was my birthday. I start the spooky festivities early, enjoying them as they come. I have watched as many Halloween specials as possible and just bask in the happiness that this day brings to me. every year I stay up on October 30 so I can "welcome" the day. Call me a pagan but I cannot deny my love for this day. Unfortunately, this year I am suffering a really awful headache that just seems to not want to go away. Hopefully, by tonight it will have gone and I can enjoy the night of ghosties, and goblins.

The Birds

Not too far from our house is a great place to feed birds. Primarily there are domestic ducks and a few wild ones. However at this time of the year the Canada Geese and the Mallard ducks seem to be the big residents. Despite my dislike of birds, I do enjoy Canada Geese. I think they are absolutely beautiful. This particular Saturday we picked up Devin from his Mom's house and went to lunch. Then we took our stale bread to the pond. When we arrived, there was another person with the same idea so the group of birds were already gathered feasting. The kids were excited and yet a little apprehensive. Much to my dismay with the beautiful ducks and geese, came the "sky rats." For those of you who do not know what I am referring to, a sky rat is a seagull. Obviously, I do not not hold a high regard for them.

As we proceeded to throw the bread and goodies to the birds, I bent over to toss some to a goose who caught my eye. At that time, I felt something hit my back end. I reached around with my hand, and "Squish!" I had received an aerial attack to my back. Apparently the seagulls sensed my dislike for them and retaliated. Yep, Seagull poop on my butt and hand! Devin of course got a big kick out of that, and took a picture of it:

See Exhibit A------------->

Luck for me I had tissue and hand wash with us. However, I could not wait to get home and scrub my hands. Avian Flu anyone? Once this happened, everyone with hoods put them up or as Liam did raised his shirt over his head. Avin stated "Bombs away!" Cute? He thinks so.

Watch out falling Poop!

Will this stop us from feeding our wildlife? Probably not, the kids loved it. But we knew it was time to go when the little ones started trying to catch the geese.