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Summer 2012 Bucket List
Summer Vacation is soon upon us. A time of year I LOVE! The lack of routine is so refreshing but amazingly enough becomes a little old after only a few weeks (and depending on the moment, sometimes only after a few days). So this summer my boys and I have created a ‘Bucket List’. Things we all want to do in the course of our lazy-days of summer. Somethings are things I want to do as a family. Some things are dreams. Others are already being planned. This is our list of plans, ideas and joys for the summer: Ride our Bike to Tasty Freeze Have a backyard game of kickball Catch fireflies…
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Leif Landed First Day
I love today. The calendar has it marked as Columbus Day. Oh the memories of childhood elementary school drawings and the smell of crayons are still carried in my mind. There were the stories and songs of the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria sailing the ocean. Somehow these brave crews found the West Indies and are credited for laying claim on the Western Hemisphere. I always pictured a career group of sailors from Genoa working together, sharing food and chores: organized and cordial. And then I had humor thrown into the vision. In my Dad’s hometown in upstate New York live a cluster of Norwegian octogenarians. They love…
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A Minute Out of the Norm: Dance Party!
Do you have a case of the winter doldrums? – Feeling a little low? – Kids a little on edge? Turn the music UP. – Put on your dancing feet. – Have a Dance Party! Either find your favorite CD or find a good dancing song [CC Music Factory is an old favorite :)] on Pandora and turn up the computer! Even 5 minutes of pumped energy is good for the heart and soul! Get ready for some smiles! (And not a bad workout either!) – Leanne from MilitaryAvenue.combyLeanne KocsisonMonday, January 24, 2011Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to PinterestMilitary Life:Leanne,Minute out of the Norm
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Words of Affirmation
A simple Facebook status. One of those ‘Repost this if you agree…’ because clearly if you don’t repost it, you must not agree’…! I really don’t like these because usually it is a matter of actions speaking louder than words but I digress. This one just got me to thinking … A teacher has to wear many hats. They must be the teacher, nurse, referee and countless other things. They simply cannot do it all on their own. They need the support of the parents. Something as simple as practicing the song for the upcoming program or practicing their spelling can make all the difference in the world. Children need…
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Definition of Family
Family … it can have a lot of meanings. Moms, Dads, Children, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins. All are family… and over the past couple weeks I have seen them. Hugged them. Cherished them. We spent time at my folks’ house, over the river and through the woods. (It is not a road trip of epic miles … but with a family of six it can be a few hours, a bit of “Are we there yet?”, and quite a few “MOM, I have to go to the bathroom!”s. While we were at Mom and Dad’s the grandchildren put on their own nativity scene, we ate /too/ much (always…
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“Remember those who gave their lives there” Korengal Valley, Afghanistan – DoD Roundtable
I spoke to heroes during this Roundtable! They defended us in a remote valley in Afghanistan and in the mountains around it. They fought a battle there on October 25, 2007 that resulted in the death of friends, injuries, moments of fear and terror. The responses of one man to the combat situation he found himself in earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor! Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta is the first person to receive the MOH since the Vietnam War who could receive it in person from the President. There have been others who received our nation’s highest decoration in our wars since Vietnam but unfortunately they were posthumously presented…
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Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression … I’ve lived it, breathed it, been held tightly in its grasp wondering when I’ll be allowed to come up for air. Eight years ago was a very dark period of my life. I did suffer from depression after my first son, Baby *E*. I spoke to my OB/GYN at my 6 week check-up and was put on an antidepressant. I am thankful for the medication but in many ways I wish there was more to it then that. I wish there was some sort of six-week required psychological counseling, not just a “be sure to see a counselor if it gets worse” from my doctor. The medication…
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Super Bowl Party Plans
While Dale is out plowing the driveway… I am pushing all of the ideas that I have together for the Super Bowl Party… Par-tay that will be *Happening* here this Sunday. The invitations have all been phone calls, facebook interaction or emails. Every invitation was met with a responsive YES, followed by a suggestion of something they would like to bring. Wow! How nice is that? So… since it is the Colts vs Saints; blue vs black; IN (Indianapolis Colts) vs NO (New Orleans … Saints) there is room to play with subtle themes! Food: Chili Saint’s Delight made with colt-like meat. Most folks call ground round. Tamed cooked and…
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Birthdays are a Fantastic Excuse for a Party No Matter What the Age.
Who does not like to celebrate? Sometimes we need an excuse for acting a bit out of the normal everyday responsible adult role. A party seems the sure ticket here. Enter at your own risk. Kick your heels up and let down some walls. Take off the uniform, put down the computer, leave the book on the table and turn off the stove. This is party time with the kids – your kids, the neighbor kids, your adult friends who are going to be laughing like kids. We are all kids! Dale and I have lived our lives looking forward to that next party. Loving the responsibilities that were given…
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Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwich
I love carrot cake. It is rich, moist, has great ingredients: it is a party just waiting to happen! Cookies are a great dessert, snack and pick-me-up. Limiting the amount that I happen to pick up is another story.These frosted delights have the icing on the inside! Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwich takes a great idea and makes it simple. Makes 1 dozen cookies. Preheat oven to 375 degrees 1 1/4 c flour1 t cinnamon1/2 t salt1/2 t baking soda1/2 c butter, softened1/2 c brown sugar1/2 c sugar1 egg1/2 t vanilla1 cup grated carrots1 cup chopped walnuts1/2 can WELL DRAINED crushed pineappleFrosting1 (8 oz) package cream cheese1 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar1/2…
