In most things in life there are leaders and there are followers. By leaders, I'm not just talking about leaders of a country or the "big boss". I'm talking about doctors, teachers, pastors, parents ... Now patients and students aren't really "followers" I guess, but they do look up to those in leadership positions.
Here's my rant ... it's such an awesome task to be a leader. I look at "rate your Doctor" online and I hear so many bad things written about doctors. I hear people talk about how bad a teacher is or how someone in leadership could do a better job. I tell you there are some people out there that are doing a pretty crappy job. But you know what else? What an incredible responsibility! I have been in leadership and sometimes I liked it ... a lot. Sometimes I hated it! There is so much accountability and openess to be judged. Because someone is in a public eye they are free range to pass judgement on.
Nothing in particular has set off this little rant ... it's something I've been thinking about for awhile. I tell you, I would not want to be a Dr. Knowing you are making decisions that affect so many lives in such a huge way. Of course, being a Dr was not my calling in life. I think about teachers ... Parents can pass judgement at any time. I remember being a leader of a camp and HATING when I had to call a parent back. It was my responsibility to know what was going on and to answer for myself and everyone else.
Accountability is good .. we should always be striving to do our best, accept constructive critism and be proud of the decisions we make. I guess my heart just reaches out to people who put themselves in a place where they often wear a bull's eye on their chest. I suppose they know what they are getting into when they signed up.
For those who are doing their best to make a difference in other people's lives ... police officers, teachers, medical staff, politcal leaders, principal's, pastors, management teams .... thank you.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Christmas Holidays with the Dickeys
I can hardly believe that Christmas has come and gone. Seems like just yesterday we were making fun of people for decorating so early (sorry if that's you) and now its over. Maybe there is a reason people start celebrating so early ...
We had a wonderful Christmas. Pretty quiet. Just the four of us. JJ was pretty excited. Tee couldn't have cared less. We finally got her to open a gift and she was pretty excited she removed the paper. No interest in seeing what was inside the box! She did get a little penquin that has become her very best friend. It's kind of fun how it's the little things that got them excited. We didn't have a turkey dinner (that's coming on Friday), but I think JJ was in heaven because we let her have a bunwich and cucumber for both lunch and supper. Whoa! That's so cool! he he. She's so easy to please! It was nice to receive phone calls from family ... then a little Christmas bath and the kids were off to bed again. Doesn't take much to make them happy at this age.
It's kind of nice because it feels like Tee is finally acting like herself again. I guess Christmas can be a bit overwhelming. JJ is curled up watching Full House. When did she get so grown up? Wonder if she'll develop a crush on Uncle Jesse like the rest of us did.... So looking forward to our final celebration on Friday. Then the tree goes down and I begin my search for a recumbent bike. Back in the swing of things. Well, sort of. Haven't really shared too much with people, but things are going to be anything, but "back in the swing". Matthew will not be returning to his job. Tomorrow is his last day. Little scary, but we feel God's peace as we begin a new journey. Matthew's sister has also moved in with us. Our basement has been cleaned up (which is a miracle if you know what it looked like) and she has set up camp down there. What a huge blessing to have someone around to help!! It's been the easiest adjustment and we love having her here.
Well, that was our Christmas. Its been nice having the girls home and I think they've really enjoyed having a break. Tee slept until 11 yesterday! Hope you're enjoying your time off and if you're in our area ... hope you're enjoying all this white stuff!
We had a wonderful Christmas. Pretty quiet. Just the four of us. JJ was pretty excited. Tee couldn't have cared less. We finally got her to open a gift and she was pretty excited she removed the paper. No interest in seeing what was inside the box! She did get a little penquin that has become her very best friend. It's kind of fun how it's the little things that got them excited. We didn't have a turkey dinner (that's coming on Friday), but I think JJ was in heaven because we let her have a bunwich and cucumber for both lunch and supper. Whoa! That's so cool! he he. She's so easy to please! It was nice to receive phone calls from family ... then a little Christmas bath and the kids were off to bed again. Doesn't take much to make them happy at this age.
It's kind of nice because it feels like Tee is finally acting like herself again. I guess Christmas can be a bit overwhelming. JJ is curled up watching Full House. When did she get so grown up? Wonder if she'll develop a crush on Uncle Jesse like the rest of us did.... So looking forward to our final celebration on Friday. Then the tree goes down and I begin my search for a recumbent bike. Back in the swing of things. Well, sort of. Haven't really shared too much with people, but things are going to be anything, but "back in the swing". Matthew will not be returning to his job. Tomorrow is his last day. Little scary, but we feel God's peace as we begin a new journey. Matthew's sister has also moved in with us. Our basement has been cleaned up (which is a miracle if you know what it looked like) and she has set up camp down there. What a huge blessing to have someone around to help!! It's been the easiest adjustment and we love having her here.
Well, that was our Christmas. Its been nice having the girls home and I think they've really enjoyed having a break. Tee slept until 11 yesterday! Hope you're enjoying your time off and if you're in our area ... hope you're enjoying all this white stuff!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Merry Christmas from us
Hello everyone!
I know, I know. You're all saying, "what! no Christmas card?" I have gone digital. Partially because it's easier, but mostly because it's one week until Christmas and I am just sitting down now to do this. First of all, we'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
A lot of you have followed me online so there shouldn't be anything overly surprising in this letter. If you're ever wondering, "what are those Dickeys up to?", you can visit our website at www.hopefuljourneyof4.
It's been an interesting and rewarding year! I look back over the year and wonder if we are the same family that started out the year 2011. Our birth certificates say we are the same people so here it is ...
Matthew is doing well. He's about to start an exciting journey in the new year. I won't say too much on here, but I'm sure he'll be sharing in the near future. He's still pretty cute, but there is the odd grey hair coming. Not sure which of us Dickey girls has caused it, but we love him all the same!
I'm doing well. Continuing my workouts and trying to stay as active as possible. I've had some discouragment over the year, but with the encouragement of my Dr and family I am as determined as ever. I've really enjoyed helping in JJ's class this year and pretty much enjoy being the Mama bear of this family.
JJ is the big 0-5 and she is awesomesauce. She's grown up a lot over the year. She's learning to read and write and taken a huge interest in geography ... she's her Mommy's girl. She got the intergrity award at her school and we are super duper proud of her. Must remember this on days she is giving us a run for our money!
Tee is doing so well in her new program. She was diagnosed in March with moderate-severe autism, but has only shown her amazing potential since that day. We are starting to hear a few words now and enjoy seeing how her mind works. She's a very smart 3 year old. Every day is a challenge, but she's still our delight.
Anyways, that's the 2011 Dickeys. Only God knows what's instore for 2012, but we trust he has great plans for us.
Love,
Matthew, Lisa, JJ and Tee
I know, I know. You're all saying, "what! no Christmas card?" I have gone digital. Partially because it's easier, but mostly because it's one week until Christmas and I am just sitting down now to do this. First of all, we'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
A lot of you have followed me online so there shouldn't be anything overly surprising in this letter. If you're ever wondering, "what are those Dickeys up to?", you can visit our website at www.hopefuljourneyof4.
It's been an interesting and rewarding year! I look back over the year and wonder if we are the same family that started out the year 2011. Our birth certificates say we are the same people so here it is ...
Matthew is doing well. He's about to start an exciting journey in the new year. I won't say too much on here, but I'm sure he'll be sharing in the near future. He's still pretty cute, but there is the odd grey hair coming. Not sure which of us Dickey girls has caused it, but we love him all the same!
I'm doing well. Continuing my workouts and trying to stay as active as possible. I've had some discouragment over the year, but with the encouragement of my Dr and family I am as determined as ever. I've really enjoyed helping in JJ's class this year and pretty much enjoy being the Mama bear of this family.
JJ is the big 0-5 and she is awesomesauce. She's grown up a lot over the year. She's learning to read and write and taken a huge interest in geography ... she's her Mommy's girl. She got the intergrity award at her school and we are super duper proud of her. Must remember this on days she is giving us a run for our money!
Tee is doing so well in her new program. She was diagnosed in March with moderate-severe autism, but has only shown her amazing potential since that day. We are starting to hear a few words now and enjoy seeing how her mind works. She's a very smart 3 year old. Every day is a challenge, but she's still our delight.
Anyways, that's the 2011 Dickeys. Only God knows what's instore for 2012, but we trust he has great plans for us.
Love,
Matthew, Lisa, JJ and Tee
 |
| Tee felt it was important for the shark to sing into the microphone for the pageant |
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| JJ did an amazing job singing |
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| Toe tapping Tootie |
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| Performing after the event |
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Every shade of pink
K guys, I am not a poet so please be gracious.
To my little girls
Each flower that you pick
Each butterfly you chase
I feel my heart changing
To every shade of pink
Each kiss you blow my way
Each bubble that you pop
I see my whole world change
To every shade of pink
Each time you grab my hand
You lead me to your heart
And there I let my life
Turn every shade of pink
The tutu on your head
Smudged lipstick on your lips
Make me want to kiss you
'Til you're every shade of pink
~Mama~
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Why do we do this? Christmas edition
Happy Holidays ....
I totally understand why we say happy holidays .... there are so many things being celebrated in the month of December. I can't expect everyone to celebrate the same as me. I can respect that, but I too want the freedom to be able to say Merry Christmas. I have to say though, I'm curious about other cultures. I researched a bit about Hanukkah because I admit that most of what I knew about it came from that one episode of Friends where Ross explains it to Ben. "I understand why superman is here, but why is there a porcupine at the Easter bunnies funeral?" and for you Nan, "But I didn't get to shake my belly like a bowl full of jelly." Anyways, Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of the oil burning in the temple for 8 days instead of 1 when the Temple was attacked.
Now Christmas ... It's pretty simple since the word is right in it .... I love this line from 7th Heaven, "It's, Christmas. I was thinking about ... well, Christ." Seems simple. I think we all know the story of Christ's birth in a manger. I suppose if we're going to celebrate this holiday we should know what it's about. Here is the part that got me thinking ... what about all the traditions we do in celebration of this holiday? Do I even know why we do certain things?
A few years ago I got to thinking about Santa Claus. JJ was at that age and we had to decide, Santa: the way Satan spells his name when he wants to trick us or harmless, jolly guy in a suit? Well, we researched. St. Nicholas dates back to the 4th century. He was a Christian who was known for giving gifts to the poor. In the 16-17th century the gift bringer was changed to Christ Child (called Kris Kringle in English). I know things have been altered over time, but what a wonderful opportunity to teach our children about giving. Part of the spirit of Christmas and being a Christian is looking outside ourselves and giving to others. However, we decided we would never lie to our kids if they ask straight out if Santa goes down the chimney. I believe we are raising smart enough kids that as they get older they will understand the difference between the magic of Christmas and the spirit of Christmas. Most kids figure it out on their own before the age of 8.
What else do we do? A Christmas tree is very important to me. Warm fuzzy feelings from my childhood. In the 15th century the tree was brought out the last night before the holidays for men to dance around with maidens and women. Not exactly what I would call a warm fuzzy tradition. Later that century, nuts and fruit were put on it for the children to collect on Christmas day. Getting a little closer to what we use it for today. By the 18th and 19th Century it had become a Protestant tradition and in 1781 it was brought to Canada by Brunswick soldiers and was used in a more popular way as it is used today. Today, that star on top represents the star of Bethlehem and the Angel represents the host of angels in the nativity. Not sure how I feel about the early origins, but I will still probably put up a tree and focus on the family time spent together and the nativity part.
I also love putting up the Christmas stockings. There is no historical proof of where this origin came from. It's said that St. Nicholas wanted to secretly help some young ladies so he put a bag of gold in their stockings that were hanging to dry. There is no proof of that, but it became a tradition with the children. Of course they put their regular socks out. Some say that Christians adopted it from Odin who would leave candy and gifts for Children who left carrots and sugar in their boots for his flying horse Sleipnir. I don't know. I wasn't there.
I have learned a few things. Everything comes from somewhere and you have to decide why you do something and what your motives are. Personally, my favorite way to celebrate Christmas will always be the carols, the lights and the time spent with family and friends. Wow, I'm sounding old. That's something my Dad would have said. In all truthfulness, I think it's wonderful to celebrate the holidays and enjoy your traditions because none of it would mean anything if your heart wasn't filled with hope. Those things are fun because we have hope and joy. Otherwise, these things are meaningless.
Enjoy preparing for the season.
I totally understand why we say happy holidays .... there are so many things being celebrated in the month of December. I can't expect everyone to celebrate the same as me. I can respect that, but I too want the freedom to be able to say Merry Christmas. I have to say though, I'm curious about other cultures. I researched a bit about Hanukkah because I admit that most of what I knew about it came from that one episode of Friends where Ross explains it to Ben. "I understand why superman is here, but why is there a porcupine at the Easter bunnies funeral?" and for you Nan, "But I didn't get to shake my belly like a bowl full of jelly." Anyways, Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of the oil burning in the temple for 8 days instead of 1 when the Temple was attacked.
Now Christmas ... It's pretty simple since the word is right in it .... I love this line from 7th Heaven, "It's, Christmas. I was thinking about ... well, Christ." Seems simple. I think we all know the story of Christ's birth in a manger. I suppose if we're going to celebrate this holiday we should know what it's about. Here is the part that got me thinking ... what about all the traditions we do in celebration of this holiday? Do I even know why we do certain things?
A few years ago I got to thinking about Santa Claus. JJ was at that age and we had to decide, Santa: the way Satan spells his name when he wants to trick us or harmless, jolly guy in a suit? Well, we researched. St. Nicholas dates back to the 4th century. He was a Christian who was known for giving gifts to the poor. In the 16-17th century the gift bringer was changed to Christ Child (called Kris Kringle in English). I know things have been altered over time, but what a wonderful opportunity to teach our children about giving. Part of the spirit of Christmas and being a Christian is looking outside ourselves and giving to others. However, we decided we would never lie to our kids if they ask straight out if Santa goes down the chimney. I believe we are raising smart enough kids that as they get older they will understand the difference between the magic of Christmas and the spirit of Christmas. Most kids figure it out on their own before the age of 8.
What else do we do? A Christmas tree is very important to me. Warm fuzzy feelings from my childhood. In the 15th century the tree was brought out the last night before the holidays for men to dance around with maidens and women. Not exactly what I would call a warm fuzzy tradition. Later that century, nuts and fruit were put on it for the children to collect on Christmas day. Getting a little closer to what we use it for today. By the 18th and 19th Century it had become a Protestant tradition and in 1781 it was brought to Canada by Brunswick soldiers and was used in a more popular way as it is used today. Today, that star on top represents the star of Bethlehem and the Angel represents the host of angels in the nativity. Not sure how I feel about the early origins, but I will still probably put up a tree and focus on the family time spent together and the nativity part.
I also love putting up the Christmas stockings. There is no historical proof of where this origin came from. It's said that St. Nicholas wanted to secretly help some young ladies so he put a bag of gold in their stockings that were hanging to dry. There is no proof of that, but it became a tradition with the children. Of course they put their regular socks out. Some say that Christians adopted it from Odin who would leave candy and gifts for Children who left carrots and sugar in their boots for his flying horse Sleipnir. I don't know. I wasn't there.
I have learned a few things. Everything comes from somewhere and you have to decide why you do something and what your motives are. Personally, my favorite way to celebrate Christmas will always be the carols, the lights and the time spent with family and friends. Wow, I'm sounding old. That's something my Dad would have said. In all truthfulness, I think it's wonderful to celebrate the holidays and enjoy your traditions because none of it would mean anything if your heart wasn't filled with hope. Those things are fun because we have hope and joy. Otherwise, these things are meaningless.
Enjoy preparing for the season.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Creation Station ... homemade gifts
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! No ... seriously. Even Matthew wants to put the tree up soon. Next week is the start of December ... along with this comes the planning, lists and organizing. For JJ and I, that means crafts! For Matthew that means some vacation time coming up. For Tee that means more things she can touch. Oh blessed little lamb.
We started JJ's teacher's gifts awhile ago. We wanted to make something to avoid the obvious duplicates. It was so fun! Of course, fortune cookies are Chinese which is right up JJ's alley these days. So we started our creation station ....
First, we asked all the students, the principal and a few mom's what they liked about each teacher. This was easy since I get one on one time with each child out in the hall every week..
Second, we typed up each response and cut them into strips.
Third, we made paper fortune cookies and put one thought in each one ....
The finished product ...
We started JJ's teacher's gifts awhile ago. We wanted to make something to avoid the obvious duplicates. It was so fun! Of course, fortune cookies are Chinese which is right up JJ's alley these days. So we started our creation station ....
First, we asked all the students, the principal and a few mom's what they liked about each teacher. This was easy since I get one on one time with each child out in the hall every week..
Second, we typed up each response and cut them into strips.
Third, we made paper fortune cookies and put one thought in each one ....
The finished product ...
I guess it's sort of a teacher's advent calendar filled with reasons why they are loved. Every day they can open one and know that they are making such a difference in so many little lives. Teachers are awesome. If you are a teacher, thank you!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Genius
Have you ever had one of those .... "wow, that's genius ... wish I knew that a long time ago" moments? Sometimes I have those moments ... something hits me and I say, "Genius!" Sometimes people will share something with me and I say, "Genius!"
For example, it wasn't until JJ was 5 and I was in the store with my friend that she pointed out that I could simply pull the front of the cart out and JJ could climb in. Seriously! I NEVER thought of that. All the times I struggled to get her in and it could have been that simple! Genius!
Then there is less obvious stuff like adding cottage cheese to your skeds. The kids don't know it's there and for some reason the sauce doesn't stain their clothes/faces as much ... and added nutrients they don't get in their regular diet. Simple. Or using washed out playdoh containers to put snacks in their lunch. Simple. Or typing the girls "stories" right on the computer instead of writing it in their journal and then typing it out later. Seriously a lot easier and I just thought of this a little while ago. I don't think it's that I'm "unsmart" ... it's just that it never dawned on me before. Or as I would say as a child, "donged on me".
Simple little tricks ... stuff I wish I had known for a long time and can't believe I never thought of before.
Know what you can do when your daughter's pants are too short? Sew lace on the bottom of the legs. Super easy, super cute and super economical. Did you know that if you put a pack of wipes in every room you have a pack of wipes in every room! Genius. Or that if you keep "just in case" clothes and accessories in the car you don't have to carry stuff around and you're always prepared.
Here's my favorite. After weeks of my friend telling me about price matching it finally hit me! I can go through the flyers, write on the top what I want at that sale price and do all my shopping at one place! No more running around to hit the door crashers. Simple. Genius.
If you put soap and water in a spray bottle, your child will clean your entire house and be convinced you are a fun mom. Put some cider vinegar in a cup with a few drops of dish soap and your fruit flies will be gone in one day. You can substitute half your oil in a recipe with unsweetened applesauce. Rinsing with peroxide is safe and really helps when your gums hurt or feel "full". And in my case, if you say something is Chinese, JJ will eat it. "Yes my dear ... shepherd's pie is Chinese food". Don't judge, Chinese people eat shepherd's pie too.
And so I invite you to enlighten me. Tricks to save time, money, energy and sanity. No trick too simple. Make me say, "Wow, you're a Genius!"
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