A view of the Town center, including the Oratory
Ave Maria Boulevard
Our neighborhood! We're the second bldg on the left side : )
Ave Maria Town
More AMT
Stephen had a great time!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Stephen's Flight
Through his job, Stephen knows a pilot at a local airport down here who has offered a few times to take Stephen up in his plane and show him how to fly it, etc. Well, after a bit of scheduling, Stephen was finally able to go up a few weeks ago. Here are some pictures he took while in the air over Ave Maria town!
A view of the Town center, including the Oratory
Ave Maria Boulevard
Our neighborhood! We're the second bldg on the left side : )
Ave Maria Town
More AMT
Stephen had a great time!
A view of the Town center, including the Oratory
Ave Maria Boulevard
Our neighborhood! We're the second bldg on the left side : )
Ave Maria Town
More AMT
Stephen had a great time!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Just a thought...
I know that we've been saying forever that we're going to post pictures, however, I cannot seem to find the camera at the moment, nor the usb to put them on the computer, so you'll all have to wait a little bit longer!
I did want to post some reflections I've had recently, which I'm hoping anyone reading this will on some level relate with. The other day I was reading an article in-my latest favorite reading material-Parent's magazine. (Don't laugh-it's nice to have an occasional break from the parent's magazine I seem to live in, entitled Ave Maria.) Flipping past all the "Go Green" suggestions, which as usual I scoff at, I find myself at two quite interesting articles. The first is an interview with Barack and Michelle Obama, the second, an interview with Cindy McCain. Ahhh, here's the good stuff.
Now, I must admit that I am guilty of going into these articles with, shall we say, preconceived understandings, of each parenting style. It's true-just seeing each family's smiling pictures above the articles, I begin thinking of how obviously wrong the Obamas will be and how superior the McCain's parenting style will strike me. However, I move forward, struggling to remind myself to at least be fair when judging each family.
I begin the article entitled, "A Conversation with the Obamas". Let me say: tough questions. "Do you have a lot of rules for them?" I brace myself for the ridiculous answer I am sure is to come. "Not a whole lot, but we believe that kids thrive with a level of structure and stability, so we do have a few." Whew. Okay-not so bad! They have rules and structure, fabulous!! To my dismay, or rather, as originally suspected, the proof of intelligent parenting stops here. Michelle and Barack go on to give descriptions of how they deal with their children not accepting those few rules they put forth.
It involves no such phrase as, "Because I said so," or "I'm the mother/father, and I know better, so do it." Instead of such authoritative one liners, there are long-winded, psycho-babble explanations. "Okay, but your bedtime is still the same, so if you watch more tv, don't pout because you don't have time to read when you get into bed." And the result of watching too much tv at night? "...we'll say, 'Notice how you feel more tired today? Do you know why you feel that way?'"
Are you kidding me? Now, please understand, as the mother of a 5 month old, I do not pretend to possess more parenting experience than Mrs. Obama. However, after having read this article in its entirety, I do feel that I, somehow, have managed to obtain, or rather, retain a great deal more common sense. There seems to be, in the Obama household, a measure of freedom that I do not believe is necessary or right for children, especially children under the age of...well, 18! "Oh, you want to stay up late watching TV on a school night? No. Go to bed. NOW." There-problem solved. I understand the wisdom in letting children make mistakes to learn, however, I do not, AT ALL, understand the idea of having a conversational parenting style. Yes, there are times when you can and must explain things to children. But there is a time and a place. And that place and time is not constant. It doesn't seem that those boundaries exist for this family.
After having my suspicions proved correct in the Obama article, I felt even more sure as I moved on to the McCain article: "18 Questions for Cindy McCain." Sadly, John McCain had been unable to be present for this article, so the answers were all Cindy's.
But her answers were quite satisfying, especially after having read what must be a Democratic approach to parenting. Best question? "What was your approach to discipline?" And the answer? "I was tough-no meant no." Music to my new mother ears. And the flip side to Michelle's conversational approach to her children's mistakes: "They were allowed one mistake, says McCain, But if they made it a second time, there were consequences." Wonderful! I wasn't completely out of my mind in thinking that the Obama's were pushover parents. I read on to find that not only were the McCain children actually punished for misbehavior, but they even had chores! CHORES! Can you believe it?? The McCain's taught their children responsibility! What an amazing concept!!
Again, I hastily point out that I am the mother of a 5 month old. I know that I have not yet encountered any of the major issues I will have to deal with. But...at least I know I have enough common sense to deal when those problems do arise :)
I did want to post some reflections I've had recently, which I'm hoping anyone reading this will on some level relate with. The other day I was reading an article in-my latest favorite reading material-Parent's magazine. (Don't laugh-it's nice to have an occasional break from the parent's magazine I seem to live in, entitled Ave Maria.) Flipping past all the "Go Green" suggestions, which as usual I scoff at, I find myself at two quite interesting articles. The first is an interview with Barack and Michelle Obama, the second, an interview with Cindy McCain. Ahhh, here's the good stuff.
Now, I must admit that I am guilty of going into these articles with, shall we say, preconceived understandings, of each parenting style. It's true-just seeing each family's smiling pictures above the articles, I begin thinking of how obviously wrong the Obamas will be and how superior the McCain's parenting style will strike me. However, I move forward, struggling to remind myself to at least be fair when judging each family.
I begin the article entitled, "A Conversation with the Obamas". Let me say: tough questions. "Do you have a lot of rules for them?" I brace myself for the ridiculous answer I am sure is to come. "Not a whole lot, but we believe that kids thrive with a level of structure and stability, so we do have a few." Whew. Okay-not so bad! They have rules and structure, fabulous!! To my dismay, or rather, as originally suspected, the proof of intelligent parenting stops here. Michelle and Barack go on to give descriptions of how they deal with their children not accepting those few rules they put forth.
It involves no such phrase as, "Because I said so," or "I'm the mother/father, and I know better, so do it." Instead of such authoritative one liners, there are long-winded, psycho-babble explanations. "Okay, but your bedtime is still the same, so if you watch more tv, don't pout because you don't have time to read when you get into bed." And the result of watching too much tv at night? "...we'll say, 'Notice how you feel more tired today? Do you know why you feel that way?'"
Are you kidding me? Now, please understand, as the mother of a 5 month old, I do not pretend to possess more parenting experience than Mrs. Obama. However, after having read this article in its entirety, I do feel that I, somehow, have managed to obtain, or rather, retain a great deal more common sense. There seems to be, in the Obama household, a measure of freedom that I do not believe is necessary or right for children, especially children under the age of...well, 18! "Oh, you want to stay up late watching TV on a school night? No. Go to bed. NOW." There-problem solved. I understand the wisdom in letting children make mistakes to learn, however, I do not, AT ALL, understand the idea of having a conversational parenting style. Yes, there are times when you can and must explain things to children. But there is a time and a place. And that place and time is not constant. It doesn't seem that those boundaries exist for this family.
After having my suspicions proved correct in the Obama article, I felt even more sure as I moved on to the McCain article: "18 Questions for Cindy McCain." Sadly, John McCain had been unable to be present for this article, so the answers were all Cindy's.
But her answers were quite satisfying, especially after having read what must be a Democratic approach to parenting. Best question? "What was your approach to discipline?" And the answer? "I was tough-no meant no." Music to my new mother ears. And the flip side to Michelle's conversational approach to her children's mistakes: "They were allowed one mistake, says McCain, But if they made it a second time, there were consequences." Wonderful! I wasn't completely out of my mind in thinking that the Obama's were pushover parents. I read on to find that not only were the McCain children actually punished for misbehavior, but they even had chores! CHORES! Can you believe it?? The McCain's taught their children responsibility! What an amazing concept!!
Again, I hastily point out that I am the mother of a 5 month old. I know that I have not yet encountered any of the major issues I will have to deal with. But...at least I know I have enough common sense to deal when those problems do arise :)
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Update!
So, it's been a while since we posted anything! And of course, so much has been going on! Ava will be turning five months old next Tuesday, October 7th. Time really flies when you're having fun! And when you haven't been sleeping! And when you're constantly being drooled and spit up on! Yay! :) In all seriousness, Stephen and I are super excited everyday to have Ava in our lives! She was a total surprise, down to the day she came, but everyday, we look at her and are so glad and happy that we have her!
As of the moment, Ava is sleeping. She's been napping a few times a day, but she is much more awake now, doing one of the multiple activities we have for her: playing on her Rainforest Playmat, sitting contentedly (or not so contentedly) in her fun swing or rolling around the kitchen with Mommy in her walker! Ava has been smiling and laughing much more lately and has VERY MUCH found her voice! She coos and giggles and screams, all reflecting her many moods. I've found that she is definitely a girl-her moods go from one to another in seconds! :)
We went to her four month old check-up a few weeks ago and the doctor told us that she can start on rice cereal-the first of the solid foods!! SO exciting! We tried it that very day and she didn't love it, so we've been putting it in her bottles a few times a day and trying it by itself as well. I'm happy to report that she is getting the hang of this whole eating thing and I'm sure that by Thanksgiving, she'll be eating real baby solid foods!
Ava is rolling around and when placed on her stomach, can hold up her head. She's moving towards crawling and absolutely loves to stand up.
Stephen is doing well-he is still the Coordinator of Security Services at Ave Maria, working full time. He is taking two classes this semester and I only have to remind him a few times a week not to worry, that he's almost done! :) We went to Jacksonville a few weeks ago, for Stephen's last drill with that unit. He has transferred to a unit in Hialeah, out near Miami. This transfer will make a huge difference in all of our lives, considering Hialeah is only about an hour and a half away, versus the five hour trek to Jacksonville; which means that when Stephen goes, by himself, to drill each month, he'll be able to arrive home afterwards at 7 or 8 rather than 12 or 1!
I'm doing well also! I'm still working part-time for the Financial Aid Department at Ave Maria and of course being a full-time Mom :) Ava fills up my time, but lately I've also taken to baking and, no surprise, reading all those books I wanted to read during college but didn't have time for! Not that I'm finding too much more time now!!
Stephen and I have been working hard on painting the house. So far, we've done our bedroom and the downstairs bathroom. We're in the middle of painting the kitchen and family room and then we'll be working our way up the stairwell, and the next room to be painted is our bathroom. We're also deciding on colors for the guest room and guest bathroom....any ideas? Let us know-we're open to suggestions!!!
That's all for now-check back, I'll be posting pictures soon and more updates, as the weather cools, we may actually spend some time outside! :) OH-and check back after Halloween-we already have Ava's costume!!
Stephen, Krista and Ava :)
As of the moment, Ava is sleeping. She's been napping a few times a day, but she is much more awake now, doing one of the multiple activities we have for her: playing on her Rainforest Playmat, sitting contentedly (or not so contentedly) in her fun swing or rolling around the kitchen with Mommy in her walker! Ava has been smiling and laughing much more lately and has VERY MUCH found her voice! She coos and giggles and screams, all reflecting her many moods. I've found that she is definitely a girl-her moods go from one to another in seconds! :)
We went to her four month old check-up a few weeks ago and the doctor told us that she can start on rice cereal-the first of the solid foods!! SO exciting! We tried it that very day and she didn't love it, so we've been putting it in her bottles a few times a day and trying it by itself as well. I'm happy to report that she is getting the hang of this whole eating thing and I'm sure that by Thanksgiving, she'll be eating real baby solid foods!
Ava is rolling around and when placed on her stomach, can hold up her head. She's moving towards crawling and absolutely loves to stand up.
Stephen is doing well-he is still the Coordinator of Security Services at Ave Maria, working full time. He is taking two classes this semester and I only have to remind him a few times a week not to worry, that he's almost done! :) We went to Jacksonville a few weeks ago, for Stephen's last drill with that unit. He has transferred to a unit in Hialeah, out near Miami. This transfer will make a huge difference in all of our lives, considering Hialeah is only about an hour and a half away, versus the five hour trek to Jacksonville; which means that when Stephen goes, by himself, to drill each month, he'll be able to arrive home afterwards at 7 or 8 rather than 12 or 1!
I'm doing well also! I'm still working part-time for the Financial Aid Department at Ave Maria and of course being a full-time Mom :) Ava fills up my time, but lately I've also taken to baking and, no surprise, reading all those books I wanted to read during college but didn't have time for! Not that I'm finding too much more time now!!
Stephen and I have been working hard on painting the house. So far, we've done our bedroom and the downstairs bathroom. We're in the middle of painting the kitchen and family room and then we'll be working our way up the stairwell, and the next room to be painted is our bathroom. We're also deciding on colors for the guest room and guest bathroom....any ideas? Let us know-we're open to suggestions!!!
That's all for now-check back, I'll be posting pictures soon and more updates, as the weather cools, we may actually spend some time outside! :) OH-and check back after Halloween-we already have Ava's costume!!
Stephen, Krista and Ava :)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Pat and Emily's Wedding
The Tompkins!
The Ave Crew
The Henleys and the Richardsons!
Krista, Mary and Ava
You should never trust the woman:P
Trip to Aunt D and Uncle Joe's
On the floor at Aunt D's.
Cousin John seeing his new cousin for the first time.
Cousin Owen; it was pretty natural for him!
Aunt D and Ava.
Aunt D introducing Ava to a cat.
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