It's Sunday night and everyone is down for the count. Or at least they've been told to go to bed! lol I still have another week with the kids home from school. They are enjoying their time off. I can tell that Aleena is nearly 13. She used to be up early every day, but she's been taking advantage of the opportunity to sleep in. Not Trey! This morning at 7 he was ready to play Wii. I sent him downstairs to the basement for a while. I just wanted to sit in peace for a little while.
I thought maybe I'd knit or something but it was COLD in here. Someone had turned the heat completely off yesterday sometime. It was 55 when I got up. We aren't heat freaks by any means, but I'm used to it being about 65 when I wake up. So I sat under my blanket and just watched the news.
It is supposed to be a lot warmer this week. The past couple weeks have been in the teens and 20's. It's supposed to be almost 60 tomorrow. Too bad it's all so wet or I would take the kids to the park. It would be good for the little ones to run off some energy. Maybe Jack E can ride his new big wheel around the cul de sac at least.
I have been knitting a lot the past month. Most of it has been the same basic hat pattern, but I am getting so much more comfortable with it. I have been able to actually pick up dropped stitches and even rip back a little and not make a mess of the whole thing. I really want to make a pair of these, but they scare me. I may end up making these instead. I still feel more comfortable as a crocheter than as a knitter. If only Kathy were really my neighbor. *sigh*
Just wanted to chcek in here again this week. I've missed so many of my favorite bloggers since we all seem to be taking a bit of a hiatus during the holiday season.
More soon....
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
12 days' of Christmas wrap up
Sorry I didn't post on the 23rd or 24th. I think the only reader who was even checking in at that point was my mom. I know I haven't opened my google reader in days...and I usually check it every few hours!
The night of the 23rd we were invited to a home for dinner. It was cold and I had a feeling our big white German shepherd (who is about 9 and has bad hips) would decide he wanted a better place to lay down. I was right. He had pushed open the back gate (the latch is ineffective against a 125 pound dog) and was lying on the front porch when we got home after 10. Apparently he had also been there we our surprise arrived because it was on top of Duane's car that was parked in the driveway. We received 11 churros. They were huge and looked so yummy! (The kids had them for breakfast the next morning.) There was also a note that said "churro" is another word for pipe. Again we were thrilled to have an edible treat! There was also a clue that our admirer would be coming by the next night to reveal their identity.
So Christmas eve we kept waiting and waiting for what Emma was calling our "carolers". Finally we heard a knock on the door and singing. Outside was a family from the church Duane will be working with beginning in January. The woman is on the search committee and hoped this would be a great way to welcome us. We were glad to be able to thank them in person and talk a little about how much fun we had all had with this.
They gave us a black tin that had been decorated to look like a drum. It held some homemade treats and crackers and a cheese ball and summer sausage and goldfish crackers for the kids. It was great!
So our 12 days of Christmas is over and it was a little disappointing sitting at Christmas dinner last night and realizing that we wouldn't be getting another package in the evening. For any of you that want to do this next year, it is really great to be on the receiving end. And I have a feeling our family will be doing this next year for someone else!
The night of the 23rd we were invited to a home for dinner. It was cold and I had a feeling our big white German shepherd (who is about 9 and has bad hips) would decide he wanted a better place to lay down. I was right. He had pushed open the back gate (the latch is ineffective against a 125 pound dog) and was lying on the front porch when we got home after 10. Apparently he had also been there we our surprise arrived because it was on top of Duane's car that was parked in the driveway. We received 11 churros. They were huge and looked so yummy! (The kids had them for breakfast the next morning.) There was also a note that said "churro" is another word for pipe. Again we were thrilled to have an edible treat! There was also a clue that our admirer would be coming by the next night to reveal their identity.
So Christmas eve we kept waiting and waiting for what Emma was calling our "carolers". Finally we heard a knock on the door and singing. Outside was a family from the church Duane will be working with beginning in January. The woman is on the search committee and hoped this would be a great way to welcome us. We were glad to be able to thank them in person and talk a little about how much fun we had all had with this.
They gave us a black tin that had been decorated to look like a drum. It held some homemade treats and crackers and a cheese ball and summer sausage and goldfish crackers for the kids. It was great!
So our 12 days of Christmas is over and it was a little disappointing sitting at Christmas dinner last night and realizing that we wouldn't be getting another package in the evening. For any of you that want to do this next year, it is really great to be on the receiving end. And I have a feeling our family will be doing this next year for someone else!
Monday, December 22, 2008
On the tenth day of Christmas
I knew this would be a hard one. Especially if our true love stuck to the edible trend. Tonight on our doorstep we found
"Lords-a-Leaping Libation" (4 Breckenridge brewery Christmas ales) and
"Lords-a-Leaping Root Beer" (6 Stewart's Root Beer)
The kids were excited but we convinced them to save their sodas for Christmas eve. That will be great. Hopped up on soda and waiting for Santa!
What will the pipers bring tomorrow I wonder?
"Lords-a-Leaping Libation" (4 Breckenridge brewery Christmas ales) and
"Lords-a-Leaping Root Beer" (6 Stewart's Root Beer)
The kids were excited but we convinced them to save their sodas for Christmas eve. That will be great. Hopped up on soda and waiting for Santa!
What will the pipers bring tomorrow I wonder?
On the ninth day of Christmas
Sorry I didn't post last night. It was a crazy weekend trying to prepare for the holiday. The stress of it all is hitting I think.
We found a pretty little tray with 9 angel cookies on it on the front step last night. Emma kept saying she didn't see how they were dancing, but they were decorated beautifully. Some were blonde, some were brunette. Some had long hair, some had shorter hair. They were really beautiful.
And tasty!
We found a pretty little tray with 9 angel cookies on it on the front step last night. Emma kept saying she didn't see how they were dancing, but they were decorated beautifully. Some were blonde, some were brunette. Some had long hair, some had shorter hair. They were really beautiful.
And tasty!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
On the eighth day of Christmas...
I didn't post last night since I was trying to get out the door with my friends' 3 littles to get them home while mama is at the hospital laboring (or not, really).
At nearly 9 we had a a knock on the door. Trey opened quickly and saw 3 teens (he thinks) dressed all in black making a hasty escape. They left a box on the front step that said "All Maid with Milk". The contents?
2 gallons of milk
2 cartons of ice cream
1 half gallon of chocolate milk
1 carton of whoppers
1 carton of milk duds
1 can of whipped cream
Can't wait to see the 9 ladies dancing!
At nearly 9 we had a a knock on the door. Trey opened quickly and saw 3 teens (he thinks) dressed all in black making a hasty escape. They left a box on the front step that said "All Maid with Milk". The contents?
2 gallons of milk
2 cartons of ice cream
1 half gallon of chocolate milk
1 carton of whoppers
1 carton of milk duds
1 can of whipped cream
Can't wait to see the 9 ladies dancing!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
expecting
My friend called earlier tonight. Wife's water just broke, bringing their older kids over. So happy and excited for them. Just talked with the mama earlier this week. She said she'd really love to have this baby by the weekend so she could be home by Monday and have their Christmas week at home without having to wonder when the baby would come. I love how God knows even those little desires of our hearts and grants them.
Peaceful labor thoughts, my friend.
Oh, we're still waiting for the eight maids a milking as well. I'll keep you posted on that, too!
Peaceful labor thoughts, my friend.
Oh, we're still waiting for the eight maids a milking as well. I'll keep you posted on that, too!
Friday, December 19, 2008
On the seventh day of Christmas...
These folks are good! I got home from work this morning about 6:30. I came inside and made Duane his coffee. Since we just got our basket last night, I wasn't expecting anything this morning.
When Duane walked outside to get in his truck at 6:45 (and I was going upstairs to go to bed!), he saw 7 "geese a laying" on the walk up to the house. They were made of foil like you would have leftovers in from a nice restaurant. One of the geese was sitting on a pizza box. I peeked inside one of the geese and saw a single serving pizza. There was white tissue paper on top to help fluff it up, too.
Still in the realm of food. And a nice treat for the kids on their first day home for school for winter break. I shoved all 7 geese in the freezer. They got a little bent up but the kids will be able to unwrap their goose to get their own pizza out. I'll let you know later if there were any clues in there.
Then I went to sleep....
When Duane walked outside to get in his truck at 6:45 (and I was going upstairs to go to bed!), he saw 7 "geese a laying" on the walk up to the house. They were made of foil like you would have leftovers in from a nice restaurant. One of the geese was sitting on a pizza box. I peeked inside one of the geese and saw a single serving pizza. There was white tissue paper on top to help fluff it up, too.
Still in the realm of food. And a nice treat for the kids on their first day home for school for winter break. I shoved all 7 geese in the freezer. They got a little bent up but the kids will be able to unwrap their goose to get their own pizza out. I'll let you know later if there were any clues in there.
Then I went to sleep....
Thursday, December 18, 2008
On the sixth day of Christmas
Just heard the knock on the door. Trey and Emma about fell over Kelli racing to the door. Emma had been checking the front step about every 5 minutes, but she had finally given up.
Tonight we found a basket filled with 6 oragami geese, Easter eggs filled with chocolates and a little music box that plays "The Twelve Days of Christmas". There was also a note tied on the ribbon on the basket.
You've got to wondering
Who we might be!
The time will come to tell,
Just wait and see.
We're having loads of fun,
When else can you knock on a door and then run?
So sit back and relax--enjoy this little caper,
We'll give you some clues...but that will be later!
Tonight we found a basket filled with 6 oragami geese, Easter eggs filled with chocolates and a little music box that plays "The Twelve Days of Christmas". There was also a note tied on the ribbon on the basket.
You've got to wondering
Who we might be!
The time will come to tell,
Just wait and see.
We're having loads of fun,
When else can you knock on a door and then run?
So sit back and relax--enjoy this little caper,
We'll give you some clues...but that will be later!
the sixth day of Christmas
I was making Duane's coffee this morning and told him to look on the front step. After all, the sixth day is geese a laying (not maids a milking like I thought yesterday in my sleepless stupor). I thought for sure we'd have a bunch of eggs on our front step.
NUTTIN'!!!
That doesn't mean it won't be later, so we'll just have to wait.
NUTTIN'!!!
That doesn't mean it won't be later, so we'll just have to wait.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
On the fifth day of Christmas
I came home from work this morning around 6:15. There was a plain brown box tied with some ribbons on the front step. I was really expecting to receive pineapple rings for today's "5 golden rings", but this box did not have pineapple.
I brought it in and started making Duane's coffee so he could head out to work. He opened the box to reveal 5 fresh bagels nestled around a tub of cream cheese. Five golden rings. Five bagels. There were also cranberry bagels and cinnamon raisin bagels underneath since 5 bagels wouldn't be enough for us all. And there was an extra tub of schmear, too.
As we have told people about this, they always suggest hiding out and waiting to see who it's all from. But it hasn't been the same time each day.
Day 1 7pm
Day 2 7:45 pm
Day 3 6 pm
Day 4 between 6 and 7:30 am
Day 5 before 6:15 am
I wonder what 6 maids a milking will look like tomorrow. There are a few different places on the web that give suggestions on how to do this. It really is a fun idea. It's like being booed at Halloween or the old May baskets I did as a kid, but this is a much larger scale since it's for 12 days. We are all wondering who our "true love" is. We have our suspicions, but not totally sure.
Aleena spent the day on the couch yesterday interspersed with some vomiting. She had a fever last night too. Today I think she is better. She's hungry and hasn't thrown up since sometime in the middle of the night. Oh, and she's a little bossy with Kelli and Jack, too so she must be feeling better!
I am just tired today. The job I'm working right now is a hard one. I think it's because I am in the guest room and not in the room with the babies but I just don't sleep there. I did get one big nap of about an hour and fifteen minutes last week one night. I spend the night in that half awake half asleep state. Then I come home and try to sleep on the couch for a good hour before I have to make sure kids are going to school. This morning I didn't sleep. Trey was downstairs early fighting with Clay. Then Kelli came down and she is just cranked up. Then Jack was down. And Aleena was down. Emma finally appeared too. Everyone was crabby and arguing. No sleep for mama. If I go to my bed I have the WORST time trying to get up at 7:40 so I try to stay on the couch. Thankfully I don't work again until Thursday night and the kids don't have school on Friday so I will just come home and get into bed. YAY!
I brought it in and started making Duane's coffee so he could head out to work. He opened the box to reveal 5 fresh bagels nestled around a tub of cream cheese. Five golden rings. Five bagels. There were also cranberry bagels and cinnamon raisin bagels underneath since 5 bagels wouldn't be enough for us all. And there was an extra tub of schmear, too.
As we have told people about this, they always suggest hiding out and waiting to see who it's all from. But it hasn't been the same time each day.
Day 1 7pm
Day 2 7:45 pm
Day 3 6 pm
Day 4 between 6 and 7:30 am
Day 5 before 6:15 am
I wonder what 6 maids a milking will look like tomorrow. There are a few different places on the web that give suggestions on how to do this. It really is a fun idea. It's like being booed at Halloween or the old May baskets I did as a kid, but this is a much larger scale since it's for 12 days. We are all wondering who our "true love" is. We have our suspicions, but not totally sure.
Aleena spent the day on the couch yesterday interspersed with some vomiting. She had a fever last night too. Today I think she is better. She's hungry and hasn't thrown up since sometime in the middle of the night. Oh, and she's a little bossy with Kelli and Jack, too so she must be feeling better!
I am just tired today. The job I'm working right now is a hard one. I think it's because I am in the guest room and not in the room with the babies but I just don't sleep there. I did get one big nap of about an hour and fifteen minutes last week one night. I spend the night in that half awake half asleep state. Then I come home and try to sleep on the couch for a good hour before I have to make sure kids are going to school. This morning I didn't sleep. Trey was downstairs early fighting with Clay. Then Kelli came down and she is just cranked up. Then Jack was down. And Aleena was down. Emma finally appeared too. Everyone was crabby and arguing. No sleep for mama. If I go to my bed I have the WORST time trying to get up at 7:40 so I try to stay on the couch. Thankfully I don't work again until Thursday night and the kids don't have school on Friday so I will just come home and get into bed. YAY!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
On the fourth day of Christmas...
We found a bag on the front porch. In it was a turkey and an old phone.
So far everything has been edible. LOVE that part!
So far everything has been edible. LOVE that part!
Monday, December 15, 2008
On the third day of Christmas...
Duane got a call on his cell phone. "It's the third day of Christmas. There are 3 bags in front of your garage. Merry Christmas." The number was withheld so we have nothing to go on there.
But in the bags, were rotisserie chickens. Michele, Daniele, and Jaqueline. With a note on top of one that said, "Joyeux Noel"
Three French Hens
But in the bags, were rotisserie chickens. Michele, Daniele, and Jaqueline. With a note on top of one that said, "Joyeux Noel"
Three French Hens
we have an admirer
Well, I think there may be more than one!
Saturday night Duane and I were out and Trey called me to tell me someone just left a "platter of pears". This is Trey we are talking about so who knows what it could really mean. I told him I'd check it out when I got home.
Apparently, someone left a pretty Christmas plate filled with pears and a little cut out of a partridge. On the back of the partridge was written, "On the first day of Christmas..."
We speculated about who that might be. Aleena suggested my secret boyfriend. We had been at a function that night with our church so we knew it was no one from there. They all had an alibi.
Last night, we wondered if we would get 2 turtle doves. Almost. About 7:45 I was getting up to get a snack and heard our screen door open. I just waited, heard the knock and gave them a second to make their retreat. After all, if they are trying to be anonymous, we should just enjoy it, right? I opened the door to find 2 packages. Each had 2 boxes of turtles candy and a box of Dove ice cream bars. And a note that said, "On the second day of Christmas..."
This one had different handwriting. Different author and originator I'm sure. This is so much FUN! So we are wondering what our 3 French hens will look like tonight!
BTW, it was after she had eaten her ice cream bar and had time to process it all that Aleena said, "Hey, they started this so that the twelfth day of Christmas will actually be at Christmas!" Yes, her blonde goes all the way through!!!
Saturday night Duane and I were out and Trey called me to tell me someone just left a "platter of pears". This is Trey we are talking about so who knows what it could really mean. I told him I'd check it out when I got home.
Apparently, someone left a pretty Christmas plate filled with pears and a little cut out of a partridge. On the back of the partridge was written, "On the first day of Christmas..."
We speculated about who that might be. Aleena suggested my secret boyfriend. We had been at a function that night with our church so we knew it was no one from there. They all had an alibi.
Last night, we wondered if we would get 2 turtle doves. Almost. About 7:45 I was getting up to get a snack and heard our screen door open. I just waited, heard the knock and gave them a second to make their retreat. After all, if they are trying to be anonymous, we should just enjoy it, right? I opened the door to find 2 packages. Each had 2 boxes of turtles candy and a box of Dove ice cream bars. And a note that said, "On the second day of Christmas..."
This one had different handwriting. Different author and originator I'm sure. This is so much FUN! So we are wondering what our 3 French hens will look like tonight!
BTW, it was after she had eaten her ice cream bar and had time to process it all that Aleena said, "Hey, they started this so that the twelfth day of Christmas will actually be at Christmas!" Yes, her blonde goes all the way through!!!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
should have gotten a picture
I made my first amigurumi bunny yesterday. I didn't take a picture since I was frantically trying to do about five other things too. I spent most of the day just sitting and crocheting. I wish I could do that today, but the laundry is waiting. And we need fruit from the market. I have a couple of things to do this afternoon, too.
It's really cold here today which is never good for the motivation. It's like 4 or 5. Seriously. That's super cold for Denver. I may have to bake something today to have an excuse to turn the oven on! lol
It's really cold here today which is never good for the motivation. It's like 4 or 5. Seriously. That's super cold for Denver. I may have to bake something today to have an excuse to turn the oven on! lol
Saturday, December 13, 2008
I got a package...
...and now I MUST learn to knit socks. My very favorite cyber friendKathy sent me a box yesterday. There were some socks and a couple of hats and some mittens. I put on a pair of socks and fell in LOVE. I have been wanting to learn to knit socks for a while now and now I MUST!!!
These are awesome! And they are so pretty too.
Thanks Kathy. You are the best!! If only you lived closer...I would be at your house all the time learning to knit socks from you!
These are awesome! And they are so pretty too.
Thanks Kathy. You are the best!! If only you lived closer...I would be at your house all the time learning to knit socks from you!
Friday, December 12, 2008
quote
I just read this on another blog.
After raising 3 girls and 3 boys I've decided boys give you gray hair and then girls make you want to make you pull it out.
Dorothy
mom to 3 boys, 27, 24, 18 and 3 girls 26, 23, 16
Is this what I have to look forward to?
After raising 3 girls and 3 boys I've decided boys give you gray hair and then girls make you want to make you pull it out.
Dorothy
mom to 3 boys, 27, 24, 18 and 3 girls 26, 23, 16
Is this what I have to look forward to?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
knitting fool
That's what I am. Well, kind of. I didn't knit much on Monday or Tuesday, but I just finished a hat this afternoon. It feels so good to have a plan for the holidays and be getting stuff together. There are some people on my list that I want to craft for that have been harder to think of ideas for. I did find something I really like though. However in the spirit of "my mom is a total peeker and can't keep a secret at Christmas" I am not posting my idea until AFTER the holiday.
As wives, you know how easy it is to complain about our husbands. They start projects and just don't finish them? Well, I have lost all my rights to complain. On Saturday morning I picked up the second mitten of a pair I started nearly 4 years ago. At the time I was making them for Aleena (who will be 13 next month). Well, they have been sitting in my yarn stash untouched for the longest time. Emma (who is 7) saw them a month or so ago and wanted me to finish them for her. So I finally picked them up Saturday morning and had the second mitt completed in about 20 minutes. I let them sit all that time and it took such a short time to finish them! ARGH!!! Why did I do that? Anyway, I just finished a matching hat and am debating on a matching scarf. Emma isn't a big scarf person, but maybe if it all matches?
Anyway. Just wanted to say that I am still here. Working nights last week, this week and next week. I spend most of my down time half asleep trying to conserve energy. Today I did realize that I could read blogs, check Facebook and have an online chat while knitting!
As wives, you know how easy it is to complain about our husbands. They start projects and just don't finish them? Well, I have lost all my rights to complain. On Saturday morning I picked up the second mitten of a pair I started nearly 4 years ago. At the time I was making them for Aleena (who will be 13 next month). Well, they have been sitting in my yarn stash untouched for the longest time. Emma (who is 7) saw them a month or so ago and wanted me to finish them for her. So I finally picked them up Saturday morning and had the second mitt completed in about 20 minutes. I let them sit all that time and it took such a short time to finish them! ARGH!!! Why did I do that? Anyway, I just finished a matching hat and am debating on a matching scarf. Emma isn't a big scarf person, but maybe if it all matches?
Anyway. Just wanted to say that I am still here. Working nights last week, this week and next week. I spend most of my down time half asleep trying to conserve energy. Today I did realize that I could read blogs, check Facebook and have an online chat while knitting!
Monday, December 01, 2008
3 down
I finally finished another Christmas gift yesterday on the way home from church. (I love doing small projects while I am riding in the car. I feel like I'm being so productive!) Then I started and finished another yesterday afternoon. I chickened out and didn't do the wristers patten I was thinking of but did a simple scarf instead.
I started a hat last night. UGH!!! I realized that trying to do a hat (that will be 22" around) on 29" circular needles is just not going to work. While I really like the idea of being able to do it in the round, I think I will have to do it as a flat panel and then sew it up. I don't want to crochet it since I have NO idea how big this person's head really is and need the stretch that comes with knitting.
Enough craft talk? That's where my head is this morning. I have lots of "stuff" to do today and need to figure out what to do first. Now it's time to go wrestle my 2nd grader out of her warm bed and convince her that she really does love school.
Have a great day.
I started a hat last night. UGH!!! I realized that trying to do a hat (that will be 22" around) on 29" circular needles is just not going to work. While I really like the idea of being able to do it in the round, I think I will have to do it as a flat panel and then sew it up. I don't want to crochet it since I have NO idea how big this person's head really is and need the stretch that comes with knitting.
Enough craft talk? That's where my head is this morning. I have lots of "stuff" to do today and need to figure out what to do first. Now it's time to go wrestle my 2nd grader out of her warm bed and convince her that she really does love school.
Have a great day.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
where did they come from?
I was awakened by Jack and Kelli this morning. They wake up between 6 and 6:30 every day. They play together in their room for quite a while if they don't hear anyone else up. I thought I would take advantage and get up to finish knitting a secret thing.
But Jack E saw snow out the window. He pulled open the blind and the two of them were on a mission. By 6:40 they were both dressed and Jack was in my room asking for help with his mittens. Then he was back asking where his boots were. Then back for help with the boots.
The snow is pretty, sure, but I was even less motivated to get out of bed knowing that there was 3 inches of snow on everything. But not my Colorado born babies! They were making snow angels by 7 o'clock this morning.
Which meant I was making hot cocoa and pancakes by 7:20.
Now we are getting the house ready for a brew party this afternoon. And since there won't be much playing outside, we really have to make sure the house is clean and ready to played in by all the little friends.
Off to pick up!
But Jack E saw snow out the window. He pulled open the blind and the two of them were on a mission. By 6:40 they were both dressed and Jack was in my room asking for help with his mittens. Then he was back asking where his boots were. Then back for help with the boots.
The snow is pretty, sure, but I was even less motivated to get out of bed knowing that there was 3 inches of snow on everything. But not my Colorado born babies! They were making snow angels by 7 o'clock this morning.
Which meant I was making hot cocoa and pancakes by 7:20.
Now we are getting the house ready for a brew party this afternoon. And since there won't be much playing outside, we really have to make sure the house is clean and ready to played in by all the little friends.
Off to pick up!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Your bladder is very near your eye...
That is one of my favorite lines from Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt and it describes me very well these days.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
I've been trying to make better use of my time lately. And I've had more errands to tend to. So I've been here less. I have been really stressed about holidays too. I married into a family that goes over the moon for Christmas gifts every year. It seems that we have cut back every year, but with 8 people in a household, it is still a lot. I am busy crafting my way through holiday gifts and searching for means of help for our family. In the midst of all of that, I am trying to remember that this is a season to celebrate and give thanks for all that we already have. And trying to instill that in the kids as they see endless ads for the new toys on TV.
Why is it that at this season we suddenly forget the values that rule us the rest of the year? Maybe this is my personal battle.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of us. We have been blessed with plenty in our lives. I plan to take a moment and reflect on that.
Why is it that at this season we suddenly forget the values that rule us the rest of the year? Maybe this is my personal battle.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of us. We have been blessed with plenty in our lives. I plan to take a moment and reflect on that.
Monday, November 17, 2008
I think I did it to myself
I'm feeling really overwhelmed this morning with what needs to be done this week. I have errands that are more important than the usual return a library book or pick up more milk.
And I have found myself obsessed with getting holiday gifts completed. I guess that's a good thing. Our budget for holiday shopping will be more minimal than ever before. In fact I'm hoping to get some help with the kids' stuff this year. And I typically start to think of holiday gifts around the second week of December. But I feel like all I want to do is work on my knitting and crocheting.
So I have a big pile of laundry that didn't get touched this weekend. I have places to be outside of my home. I feel really stressed. So I'm blogging. That makes lots of sense, huh? I'm going to the laundry room now.
And I have found myself obsessed with getting holiday gifts completed. I guess that's a good thing. Our budget for holiday shopping will be more minimal than ever before. In fact I'm hoping to get some help with the kids' stuff this year. And I typically start to think of holiday gifts around the second week of December. But I feel like all I want to do is work on my knitting and crocheting.
So I have a big pile of laundry that didn't get touched this weekend. I have places to be outside of my home. I feel really stressed. So I'm blogging. That makes lots of sense, huh? I'm going to the laundry room now.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
bliss
I had about 10 minutes today of absolute peace. Kelli wasn't home from school yet (I drop off and the neighbor picks up) and Jack E was napping. It was beautiful.
Monday, November 10, 2008
proof texting
Maybe that's not quite accurate, since I tend to think of proof texting in a negative light. But I was thinking this morning that it's quite indicative of the modern church when women across the country and across generations think of themselves as Titus 2 women, when it's just a few verses.
Here's Titus 2:3-5 from The Message
Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's Message because of their behavior.
Those are great words. I don't disagree with them at all. But if you google "Titus 2" you will find entire groups based on these verses. As I read further in my Bible this morning I really like the next chapter of the book.
Titus 3:1-11
1-2Remind the people to respect the government and be law-abiding, always ready to lend a helping hand. No insults, no fights. God's people should be bighearted and courteous.
3-8It wasn't so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.
8-11I want you to put your foot down. Take a firm stand on these matters so that those who have put their trust in God will concentrate on the essentials that are good for everyone. Stay away from mindless, pointless quarreling over genealogies and fine print in the law code. That gets you nowhere. Warn a quarrelsome person once or twice, but then be done with him. It's obvious that such a person is out of line, rebellious against God. By persisting in divisiveness he cuts himself off.
That is much broader. It's not just about women, it's about the church as a whole, people who call themselves followers of Jesus. Maybe my problem with the Titus 2 thing is for women who don't feel that staying home with their kids, homeschooling the kids, cooking all from scratch, sewing and knitting handmade gifts...well what if that's not something you feel good about? Are you less spiritual? Do you love God less? Is it OK that we feel sending our kids to public school links us to our community in a bigger way? And I LOVE to cook and bake, but what if a woman is just really not good at it? I have a few friends where the husband does the cooking. Is that bad? Then again, in those families the mom is working, so maybe that's the root of the evil there?
I'm probably opening myself up to tons of criticism for what I don't fully understand, but I really struggle with putting people of faith in a box based on a few verses in the Bible. What happens when we don't all fit into the same box?
Here's Titus 2:3-5 from The Message
Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's Message because of their behavior.
Those are great words. I don't disagree with them at all. But if you google "Titus 2" you will find entire groups based on these verses. As I read further in my Bible this morning I really like the next chapter of the book.
Titus 3:1-11
1-2Remind the people to respect the government and be law-abiding, always ready to lend a helping hand. No insults, no fights. God's people should be bighearted and courteous.
3-8It wasn't so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.
8-11I want you to put your foot down. Take a firm stand on these matters so that those who have put their trust in God will concentrate on the essentials that are good for everyone. Stay away from mindless, pointless quarreling over genealogies and fine print in the law code. That gets you nowhere. Warn a quarrelsome person once or twice, but then be done with him. It's obvious that such a person is out of line, rebellious against God. By persisting in divisiveness he cuts himself off.
That is much broader. It's not just about women, it's about the church as a whole, people who call themselves followers of Jesus. Maybe my problem with the Titus 2 thing is for women who don't feel that staying home with their kids, homeschooling the kids, cooking all from scratch, sewing and knitting handmade gifts...well what if that's not something you feel good about? Are you less spiritual? Do you love God less? Is it OK that we feel sending our kids to public school links us to our community in a bigger way? And I LOVE to cook and bake, but what if a woman is just really not good at it? I have a few friends where the husband does the cooking. Is that bad? Then again, in those families the mom is working, so maybe that's the root of the evil there?
I'm probably opening myself up to tons of criticism for what I don't fully understand, but I really struggle with putting people of faith in a box based on a few verses in the Bible. What happens when we don't all fit into the same box?
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
resurfacing
I started posting on my kitchen blog again this week and thought I'd make an appearance here as well.
I started back to working a few nights a week this month and it is throwing me for a bit of a loop. Some days I feel fine a pretty functional, and others....not so much. I try to just keep plugging away at life no matter what. I had a big mommy meltdown last week that I am trying to avoid recreating. I got to meet up with an old friend last Saturday for a girls lunch. I don't know when the last time that kind of thing happened.
So I just wanted to say that I am still here and hanging in. I'll try to get back a little more often. Promise.
I started back to working a few nights a week this month and it is throwing me for a bit of a loop. Some days I feel fine a pretty functional, and others....not so much. I try to just keep plugging away at life no matter what. I had a big mommy meltdown last week that I am trying to avoid recreating. I got to meet up with an old friend last Saturday for a girls lunch. I don't know when the last time that kind of thing happened.
So I just wanted to say that I am still here and hanging in. I'll try to get back a little more often. Promise.
Monday, September 22, 2008
hmmmm
I don't even know what to title this post. Life has just been happening. I have been canning and freezing as much as I can. I have been knitting. I have been with my kids. I have been having really awful headaches, too. I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon to deal with that.
Today I feel like all I can do is just try to muddle through the best I can. Honestly, the past few weeks have been about just getting through the day or the hour.
Today I feel like all I can do is just try to muddle through the best I can. Honestly, the past few weeks have been about just getting through the day or the hour.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
my day so far
-came downstairs to find that Jack E had been in my purse and has LOST my birth control pills. Not good
-maybe it's not so bad since I have cramps that make me want to lie in the fetal postition
-Aleena overslept so I drove her to school...she thought she was late and needed me to sign her in so I begrudgingly walked into the office in my t-shirt and shorts (and barefoot) only to be told that she still had 2 minutes
I'm thinking maybe I should go back to bed
-maybe it's not so bad since I have cramps that make me want to lie in the fetal postition
-Aleena overslept so I drove her to school...she thought she was late and needed me to sign her in so I begrudgingly walked into the office in my t-shirt and shorts (and barefoot) only to be told that she still had 2 minutes
I'm thinking maybe I should go back to bed
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
up early
to get D out the door with coffee, breakfast and lunch. SInce the kids have a late start day today (for teachers' planning), I have a relaxed morning so
I finished my book! Now I just have to wait until next Thursday to start a new one.
BTW, for you Kathy, the book was Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky. My mom left it here last week when she was visiting.
I finished my book! Now I just have to wait until next Thursday to start a new one.
BTW, for you Kathy, the book was Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky. My mom left it here last week when she was visiting.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
the problem with reading...
...is that I want to do it all the time.
I remember a friend telling me a long time ago that she had to pace herself. She could only start a book on Thursdays and she had to wait a couple weeks between books. I thought that was really weird. Then she went on to say, that once she started reading, she was consumed. She did little else...like laundry or cooking or caring for the kids.
I now totally understand. I love to read. A lot. I would rather read than do just about anything. With knitting or crocheting, I get tired and need a break. I have a hard time just sitting and watching TV without knitting or crocheting or playing solitaire or eating. But reading? I could do it all day I think.
Read any good books lately?
I remember a friend telling me a long time ago that she had to pace herself. She could only start a book on Thursdays and she had to wait a couple weeks between books. I thought that was really weird. Then she went on to say, that once she started reading, she was consumed. She did little else...like laundry or cooking or caring for the kids.
I now totally understand. I love to read. A lot. I would rather read than do just about anything. With knitting or crocheting, I get tired and need a break. I have a hard time just sitting and watching TV without knitting or crocheting or playing solitaire or eating. But reading? I could do it all day I think.
Read any good books lately?
Monday, August 25, 2008
Monday morning
This is my first Monday morning of unemployment. Honestly, I'm between jobs at the moment, but I do get to be a SAHM for this week and maybe next before I start going on interviews again and get back to work. It's so nice to be home this morning. We had an invitation to the park, but I just didn't want to go. I get to stay home for a while. Well, other than the errands I need to do before too much longer. So I am taking a sec to update my other blogs before I get to work around the house.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
back to school
Today is the first day that I get to really enjoy this. The kids went back to school on Tuesday. But between a staggered start for the middle schoolers (6th grader Trey started on time while 7th grader Aleena had a 2 hour late start) and the elementary kids, Clay (4th) and Emma (2nd), having a half day and coming home at noon and then working my last day at that job yesterday, I have been running around all week.
It's nice to have a day home with just the 2 youngest kids. I almost don't know what to do with myself!!! lol I said ALMOST!
It's nice to have a day home with just the 2 youngest kids. I almost don't know what to do with myself!!! lol I said ALMOST!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
at least they get along
Me today at the grocery store....my kids were the ones yelling and playing and imagining and hanging out of their little car on the front of my cart. Most of the other patrons there were NOT with children, especially not with children as wild as mine.
But they were having a great time together. It was their first taste of freedom after the "big kids" all went to school. And even though they were CRAZY, it really didn't bother me a whole lot. I mean, after all, they were having a good time and not fighting or anything.
Maybe I'm just immune to the ruckus of them.
But they were having a great time together. It was their first taste of freedom after the "big kids" all went to school. And even though they were CRAZY, it really didn't bother me a whole lot. I mean, after all, they were having a good time and not fighting or anything.
Maybe I'm just immune to the ruckus of them.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
another trip to trauma
Last night I was waiting for Clay at his drum lesson when my cell phone rang. Aleena told me that Jack E had fallen off the trampoline. I told her to apply pressure. Everyone was really calm, especially Jack who wasn't even crying. I got Clay and headed home. A neighbor came by to check on it. She thought it looked pretty deep so I decided I would pick him up and head straight to after hours care.
I got to see my favorite trauma PA (it's a little alarming that I have one, don't you think?) and he was able to just glue Jack E's little cut. It's below the eyebrow right on his brow bone of his left eye. The cut is about a half inch long, horizontally. Jack was a total trouper during the whole thing. He literally said, "ow" twice I think while the PA cleaned the wound, assessed it and glued it back together.
This morning, he's pretty swollen, but doing just fine. I just had to scold him for trying to do cannon balls from the coffee table to the couch. The boy isn't even 3 and he's already had stitches once before! I think I see a lot of trips to the trauma PA in our future!
I got to see my favorite trauma PA (it's a little alarming that I have one, don't you think?) and he was able to just glue Jack E's little cut. It's below the eyebrow right on his brow bone of his left eye. The cut is about a half inch long, horizontally. Jack was a total trouper during the whole thing. He literally said, "ow" twice I think while the PA cleaned the wound, assessed it and glued it back together.
This morning, he's pretty swollen, but doing just fine. I just had to scold him for trying to do cannon balls from the coffee table to the couch. The boy isn't even 3 and he's already had stitches once before! I think I see a lot of trips to the trauma PA in our future!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
school supplies
Yesterday I got most of the kids' school supplies. I wimped out and went without them. It's just a lot easier that way. Plus, it's not like we get the cute folders or notebooks or anything. I'm all about the big plain multi-packs and 10¢ plain folders.
The kids were so excited to put their names on everything and get it all ready. They still have one more week before school. I'm realizing that this back to school time is causing me a lot of anxiety. Summer isn't even really done, but I haven't canned a single thing. We have really relied on that in the past, Will I get enough put up for winter? Tomatoes aren't even on at the farm yet so I know I still have time for that.
Then it seems like once school starts, it will be Halloween soon. Money for costumes. Then Christmas with it's excess and need for extra cash.
I am really trying to just enjoy the day at hand and not stress about the future too much. That's part of being present for me, I guess.
The kids were so excited to put their names on everything and get it all ready. They still have one more week before school. I'm realizing that this back to school time is causing me a lot of anxiety. Summer isn't even really done, but I haven't canned a single thing. We have really relied on that in the past, Will I get enough put up for winter? Tomatoes aren't even on at the farm yet so I know I still have time for that.
Then it seems like once school starts, it will be Halloween soon. Money for costumes. Then Christmas with it's excess and need for extra cash.
I am really trying to just enjoy the day at hand and not stress about the future too much. That's part of being present for me, I guess.
Friday, August 08, 2008
lots of thoughts
It's not that I don't have anything to blog about, it's just that I can't put enough thoughts together about one subject for it to make sense.
Things I'm thinking about?
lack of vision and abundance of pettiness...how when we forget that our lives are supposed to be part of a bigger picture, we get absolutely consumed with the false sense of self importance.
being present...can I really be in an experience wholeheartedly? without knitting or crocheting or jumping up to do laundry or playing a game on my phone or browsing a magazine? Last night I did it...my mind only wandered a little. But there was something really distracting me. I just really forced myself to put it out of my mind. Who am I kidding? It was someone I wanted to avoid, so I did just that.
computers and the life of a lonely mama...this one is really a big one right now. I can't even get my head around it all. I read a post here about how computers open up our lives. then I read another post here about how a mama who is NEVER alone can feel lonely and disconnected. This is obviously right where I am these days. And where I've been for quite a long time.
But like always, life is calling me to do something else right now. I want to be alone in my thoughts, but it's not to be today.
Things I'm thinking about?
lack of vision and abundance of pettiness...how when we forget that our lives are supposed to be part of a bigger picture, we get absolutely consumed with the false sense of self importance.
being present...can I really be in an experience wholeheartedly? without knitting or crocheting or jumping up to do laundry or playing a game on my phone or browsing a magazine? Last night I did it...my mind only wandered a little. But there was something really distracting me. I just really forced myself to put it out of my mind. Who am I kidding? It was someone I wanted to avoid, so I did just that.
computers and the life of a lonely mama...this one is really a big one right now. I can't even get my head around it all. I read a post here about how computers open up our lives. then I read another post here about how a mama who is NEVER alone can feel lonely and disconnected. This is obviously right where I am these days. And where I've been for quite a long time.
But like always, life is calling me to do something else right now. I want to be alone in my thoughts, but it's not to be today.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
will it ever be clean?
Now that my little guy is creeping up on being 3, I am finding that I have a little more time to get some things done. It's really easy to just hang out online, but I am really trying to do more than that.
Last Saturday I spent a good chunk of the day cleaning up one neglected side of our family room. Yesterday I went into Jack and Kelli's room and moved nearly everything (but beds, the dresser and the desk) and reorganized all the toys. It looked great...for about an hour. *sigh* They did pick it back up before bed last night. I know I just need to spend that kind of time in all of the kids rooms and the basement, too.
I also spent time yesterday cleaning up the living room. That went from the room that barely ever saw any traffic to the room where the littles love to play little people and art and house and....It's never picked up anymore I swear. I know I will have a tidy house again someday. I am trying to find the happy medium between letting the kids live in their house and keeping it company ready all the time. I don't know how well I am doing.
Last Saturday I spent a good chunk of the day cleaning up one neglected side of our family room. Yesterday I went into Jack and Kelli's room and moved nearly everything (but beds, the dresser and the desk) and reorganized all the toys. It looked great...for about an hour. *sigh* They did pick it back up before bed last night. I know I just need to spend that kind of time in all of the kids rooms and the basement, too.
I also spent time yesterday cleaning up the living room. That went from the room that barely ever saw any traffic to the room where the littles love to play little people and art and house and....It's never picked up anymore I swear. I know I will have a tidy house again someday. I am trying to find the happy medium between letting the kids live in their house and keeping it company ready all the time. I don't know how well I am doing.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
the problem with baking...
...is eating. YUM! I'm loving baking more. Maybe too much. Then again, maybe if I just got more exercise then I wouldn't have to worry about it. Then again I like my sleep too much to give it up for movement.
hmmmmmm
hmmmmmm
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
so ADD
I started the day by cleaning out my "stash"' I was thinking last night before bed about how I could fit it all on this shelf thing we have that is basically empty. So this morning I set out to organize my yarn by weights and project. That's when I realized how ADD I am. I have at least 6 things started and in process. And I have ideas for 3 or 4 more things I want to do that I have yarn and patterns for. I'm not sure why I get started and then move on. Maybe it's because my craft time is limited and I totally get bored with a project before I finish.
Anyway. I totally want to try my hand at knitting socks. But before I will let myself go there, I HAVE to finish at least 2 of my crochet projects. One of my knitting projects is different colored 6x6 inch blocks in different stitches. I've decided that will be Jack E's big blanket, so I really don't need to work on it. But it's so easy to work on that I WANT to do more squares. I HAVE to finish Trey's afghan. I started it when I was pregnant with Jack E...over 3 years ago. It's about 2/3 finished, but I get so tired of working on it. It really is my goal to get that one done this summer. And I have another baby blanket that I started for a little girl who will be 2 in the fall. Maybe I can find another little girl to give that one to now? LOL
Speaking of works in progress...the dryer just summoned me!
Anyway. I totally want to try my hand at knitting socks. But before I will let myself go there, I HAVE to finish at least 2 of my crochet projects. One of my knitting projects is different colored 6x6 inch blocks in different stitches. I've decided that will be Jack E's big blanket, so I really don't need to work on it. But it's so easy to work on that I WANT to do more squares. I HAVE to finish Trey's afghan. I started it when I was pregnant with Jack E...over 3 years ago. It's about 2/3 finished, but I get so tired of working on it. It really is my goal to get that one done this summer. And I have another baby blanket that I started for a little girl who will be 2 in the fall. Maybe I can find another little girl to give that one to now? LOL
Speaking of works in progress...the dryer just summoned me!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
not a good way to start the day!
This morning I went out bright and early (like 5:20) to put stuff in the Suburban for our trek to the farm. It wasn't until I opened the passenger door to look for my book that I realized the driver's window had been busted out and the GPS was stolen. Totally a bummer. We called the sheriff and he came out and did a report. Then D cleaned it all up and headed out to the farm with 3 of the kids in his car. Now I am home waiting for the mobile glass replacement people to come out...between 8 and 12.
I guess I have NO excuse for not getting some laundry done this morning now, huh?
I guess I have NO excuse for not getting some laundry done this morning now, huh?
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
I never would have found it!
This summer, I have been passing around the chore of unloading the dishwasher. It's usually a chore that I ask to be done by the time I get home from work. Different kids have been doing it lately. I'm not sure who put it there, but today I opened a random cupboard and there was my 9x13 baking dish! I use that thing all the time and I NEVER would have looked for it there.
On a totally different topic, this is a great article about my Grandma Joy, the one who's husband, my second grandpa, just passed away last month. I think she is just adorable!
On a totally different topic, this is a great article about my Grandma Joy, the one who's husband, my second grandpa, just passed away last month. I think she is just adorable!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
I needed that!
My weight has been an issue for me lately. Don't get me wrong, I'm not gaining, but I haven't lost my couple of pounds from vacation either. I'm just not motivated. And I think it's because I still see myself as that size 18, nearly 200 pound mama. Just a few minutes ago I was looking for a new profile picture for my beloved facebook profile. I found this one
I decided on this one instead
I decided on this one instead
Sunday, July 13, 2008
weekend wrap up
What I've done since Saturday morning:
shredded and frozen 30 cups of zucchini and 10 cups of yellow squash
baked whole wheat zucchini bread (4 loaves), whole wheat sandwich bread (2 loaves), summer squash bread (1 1/2 loaves), zucchini oatmeal cookies (double batch)
dinner for the family on Saturday night of chicken in BBQ sauce sandwiches, turnip puff, broccoli salad and wilted lettuce
washed, dried and folded 4 loads of laundry (all Sunday morning so it IS impressive)...still have clothes in the washer and dryer and 3 loads of darks to do. Plus towels and sheets *sigh*
baked zucchini brownies
got chips and dip and salsa and brownies to a party then drove an hour to pick up a dozen free range chickens all dressed and frozen...then back to the party till after 9
what I didn't do since Saturday morning:
haul my butt out of bed this morning to get me and the family to church (which was a gathering at the park anyway)
clean my house...that kitchen floor needs to be SCRUBBED
guess I know what I can do tomorrow...laundry! and the floors...after work of course!
what did you do this weekend?
shredded and frozen 30 cups of zucchini and 10 cups of yellow squash
baked whole wheat zucchini bread (4 loaves), whole wheat sandwich bread (2 loaves), summer squash bread (1 1/2 loaves), zucchini oatmeal cookies (double batch)
dinner for the family on Saturday night of chicken in BBQ sauce sandwiches, turnip puff, broccoli salad and wilted lettuce
washed, dried and folded 4 loads of laundry (all Sunday morning so it IS impressive)...still have clothes in the washer and dryer and 3 loads of darks to do. Plus towels and sheets *sigh*
baked zucchini brownies
got chips and dip and salsa and brownies to a party then drove an hour to pick up a dozen free range chickens all dressed and frozen...then back to the party till after 9
what I didn't do since Saturday morning:
haul my butt out of bed this morning to get me and the family to church (which was a gathering at the park anyway)
clean my house...that kitchen floor needs to be SCRUBBED
guess I know what I can do tomorrow...laundry! and the floors...after work of course!
what did you do this weekend?
Friday, July 11, 2008
a new creation!
Yesterday at the farm (our CSA) the talk was about what to do with the multitude of zucchini we were all getting. I love zucchini, it's like native tofu to me. I can throw it into anything and the family will eat it. And I bake A LOT with it. A couple of my friends were asking for my zucchini recipes. I said I'd email them later, but then I decided last night that I would just put them all on a blog so they are easier to get to. I didn't put them here because I didn't think you all wanted to learn 5 things to bake with zucchini this afternoon. But if you do, go visit my new blog!!!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
milestone
This is one I can't believe is really here. Jack E just pooped in the potty. He has been doing great at wearing underwear and keeping it dry day and most nights. The poo thing has been hard. He stands to pee and he's been so afraid of sitting on the potty. Or the potty seat. Or the potty chair. So I've washed it out of the undies. Or put him in a diaper for a little while. Neither of those is terribly fun for any of us.
But today he was running around with no underwear on and he had the urge. We were headed upstairs to get a diaper but I put him on my potty backwards. He was yelling he wanted off then got strangely quiet. I looked down to see the little guy was doing it right into the potty. WHOO-HOO!!!!!!
He just watched the process himself. I think we were both in shock a little that it just happened. I'm really hoping he remembers how easy that was next time he gets the urge. Of course we had to call Daddy at work. Thankfully he was very complimentary.
The really big deal in all of this? We have had at least 1 child in diapers (and sometimes 2) since January 28, 1996. I bought my last jumbo pack of diapers in April 2008. That is a freaking LONG time to be buying diapers. Like 12 years and 2 months.
And it seems to be over!!!
But today he was running around with no underwear on and he had the urge. We were headed upstairs to get a diaper but I put him on my potty backwards. He was yelling he wanted off then got strangely quiet. I looked down to see the little guy was doing it right into the potty. WHOO-HOO!!!!!!
He just watched the process himself. I think we were both in shock a little that it just happened. I'm really hoping he remembers how easy that was next time he gets the urge. Of course we had to call Daddy at work. Thankfully he was very complimentary.
The really big deal in all of this? We have had at least 1 child in diapers (and sometimes 2) since January 28, 1996. I bought my last jumbo pack of diapers in April 2008. That is a freaking LONG time to be buying diapers. Like 12 years and 2 months.
And it seems to be over!!!
Friday, April 11, 2008
April showers?
I thought April meant rain not snow! Then again I should know better since April is Colorado's third snowiest month. First is March and second is November. So even though we have had some beautiful sunny and warm days this spring already, today is WINTER again. I am cold and unmotivated to do much of anything.
I have been a busy little crafter this week. I made this the other night and started on this one. I love just hanging out and "yarning" like Emma used to call it.
I took the 2 littles to the grocery store the other day for their big re-grand opening party. That was our excitement for the day. Free food in the form of little tiny samples. Kelli enjoyed everything. Jack was in a 2 year old mood and didn't want anything until after Kelli had eaten his sample. She even got her picture taken by the artichoke guy. He was serving chili with artichoke leaves for dipping. She was really enjoying hers so the man asked to take her picture for his promo department. It will probably be on their website soon. I'll let you know about it then.
Kelli also had cake and sushi and bread and meringue cookies and oatmeal and waffles and cut up fruit and brie and crackers. I think that's it. Pretty funny since the girl could eat mac and cheese every single day of her life for lunch. Who'd a thought she liked anything else?!
Tonight we are going to an open house for our friends that have just finished a house to flip. They were hoping to do kind of an outdoor thing, but the snow is really coming down now. We'll have to see how that turns out.
And the snow has really put a damper on Jack E's potty training! LOL I guess once it warms up he'll be back to peeing in the grass. But for today, he's just using those pull ups!
I have been a busy little crafter this week. I made this the other night and started on this one. I love just hanging out and "yarning" like Emma used to call it.
I took the 2 littles to the grocery store the other day for their big re-grand opening party. That was our excitement for the day. Free food in the form of little tiny samples. Kelli enjoyed everything. Jack was in a 2 year old mood and didn't want anything until after Kelli had eaten his sample. She even got her picture taken by the artichoke guy. He was serving chili with artichoke leaves for dipping. She was really enjoying hers so the man asked to take her picture for his promo department. It will probably be on their website soon. I'll let you know about it then.
Kelli also had cake and sushi and bread and meringue cookies and oatmeal and waffles and cut up fruit and brie and crackers. I think that's it. Pretty funny since the girl could eat mac and cheese every single day of her life for lunch. Who'd a thought she liked anything else?!
Tonight we are going to an open house for our friends that have just finished a house to flip. They were hoping to do kind of an outdoor thing, but the snow is really coming down now. We'll have to see how that turns out.
And the snow has really put a damper on Jack E's potty training! LOL I guess once it warms up he'll be back to peeing in the grass. But for today, he's just using those pull ups!
Saturday, April 05, 2008
peep show for the neighbors once again!
Kelli used to be known in our neighborhood as 'naked Kelli' since she would disrobe way too often in the backyard. D was quite concerned about her love of jumping on the trampoline in the nude.
Well today was Jack E's turn. When I had my friend's kids here yesterday, one of the little boys had to go so just stopped his outside play and peed in the grass. I know they do this all the time at home or hiking or whatever so I didn't say anything. But Jack E saw him. He thought it was so funny that his friend would pee outside. He's been wanting to do it ever since.
Today after lunch he had his chance! The top half of him was still in superman jammies complete with a little red cape. He pulled his pull-up down to his ankles and let it go right there. The part of me that just wants to be finished with diapers was really proud of him. Got that pull-up back up and ran off to play.
Then he thought he might have to go a little more. So he wandered around the back yard with the pull-up around his ankles till he finally kicked it off. True to his Y chromosome, he never took his hand off his "handle". He didn't have to go anymore so we finally got him to put his pull-up back on.
But it was quite a site seeing our little superman peeing in the grass with his cape waving in the breeze. Trey got a picture but I don't think it's G rated so we'll skip it for now! LOL
Well today was Jack E's turn. When I had my friend's kids here yesterday, one of the little boys had to go so just stopped his outside play and peed in the grass. I know they do this all the time at home or hiking or whatever so I didn't say anything. But Jack E saw him. He thought it was so funny that his friend would pee outside. He's been wanting to do it ever since.
Today after lunch he had his chance! The top half of him was still in superman jammies complete with a little red cape. He pulled his pull-up down to his ankles and let it go right there. The part of me that just wants to be finished with diapers was really proud of him. Got that pull-up back up and ran off to play.
Then he thought he might have to go a little more. So he wandered around the back yard with the pull-up around his ankles till he finally kicked it off. True to his Y chromosome, he never took his hand off his "handle". He didn't have to go anymore so we finally got him to put his pull-up back on.
But it was quite a site seeing our little superman peeing in the grass with his cape waving in the breeze. Trey got a picture but I don't think it's G rated so we'll skip it for now! LOL
Friday, April 04, 2008
what do you eat?
I was listening to the radio this morning and they were discussing a study done in the UK where families say they really only eat the same 6 dishes at home. I don't mean that a cut of meat or type of dish made up the list of the 6 dishes, but actually the exact same 6 recipes. Their reasons were things like fast and family likes it, don't want to look up new recipes, don't know how to cook anything else and always have the same ingredients on hand.
I admit that I tend to have many of the same ingredients on hand all the time. But give me a pound of ground beef and I could make a dozen different things with it. Maybe it's because we buy our meat as a quarter of beef or a huge batch of mixed pieces of pork. I grew up like that, too. My mom had to get creative with some of that stuff. And in the summer since we get our veggies from the farm and don't pick what's in the basket at all, we have learned to try new veggies. And find yet another thing to do with zucchini.
I am really blessed that my kids like a lot of different foods, too. And they don't always expect their food to look the same. If they know there is stuff on the table they like, they are happy. And my big boys are the kind that think their mom is THE best cook ever.
I must say that we do have some old standby's here, though. We do have eggs about once a week. They are fast and cheap. And I don't have to do any preplanning. I serve waffles or muffins with them and whatever fruit is in season. And for a while we were having homemade pizza every Friday night. But now it's a little complicated with Trey's guitar lesson when I need to be shaping pizza dough. I think there is some comfort in having the old standby's. I know that meatloaf will always be a winner. And my tangy porkchops in the crock pot is a great way to deal with bone in random cuts of pork. But I can't imagine having them all the time.
I admit that I tend to have many of the same ingredients on hand all the time. But give me a pound of ground beef and I could make a dozen different things with it. Maybe it's because we buy our meat as a quarter of beef or a huge batch of mixed pieces of pork. I grew up like that, too. My mom had to get creative with some of that stuff. And in the summer since we get our veggies from the farm and don't pick what's in the basket at all, we have learned to try new veggies. And find yet another thing to do with zucchini.
I am really blessed that my kids like a lot of different foods, too. And they don't always expect their food to look the same. If they know there is stuff on the table they like, they are happy. And my big boys are the kind that think their mom is THE best cook ever.
I must say that we do have some old standby's here, though. We do have eggs about once a week. They are fast and cheap. And I don't have to do any preplanning. I serve waffles or muffins with them and whatever fruit is in season. And for a while we were having homemade pizza every Friday night. But now it's a little complicated with Trey's guitar lesson when I need to be shaping pizza dough. I think there is some comfort in having the old standby's. I know that meatloaf will always be a winner. And my tangy porkchops in the crock pot is a great way to deal with bone in random cuts of pork. But I can't imagine having them all the time.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
she did so great!
I was so proud of Emma at the dentist the other day. She has had such a hard time even getting in the chair and opening her mouth before, but this time she did awesome! She had her valium beforehand that worked great. Then they gave her the "goofy air". She did well with all of it. And our dentist was awesome at hiding that big ol' needle full of novacaine! He got the bad tooth out and we'll go back in a few weeks to get a couple more out.
I also made an appointment for the older kids to get their teeth cleaned in June once they are out of school. And Jack E and Kelli have a cleaning appointment in May. This will be Jack E first time. I'm hoping he'll just let them look. Then he can back in the fall for more of a look.
Trey and Clay were both home sick yesterday. And Aleena came home in the morning saying she felt dizzy. Thankfully D was still home to go pick her up since I was up the mountain at work. Both the big boys are back today. Trey's been out of school for almost 2 weeks after spring break and his virus. But Aleena is still home today. She did throw up last night so I don't blame her for being pretty cautious this morning.
Now it's time to get Kelli ready for preschool. It's raining and snowing here today. I'd really like to just get back into bed and read. Do you think anyone would notice?
I also made an appointment for the older kids to get their teeth cleaned in June once they are out of school. And Jack E and Kelli have a cleaning appointment in May. This will be Jack E first time. I'm hoping he'll just let them look. Then he can back in the fall for more of a look.
Trey and Clay were both home sick yesterday. And Aleena came home in the morning saying she felt dizzy. Thankfully D was still home to go pick her up since I was up the mountain at work. Both the big boys are back today. Trey's been out of school for almost 2 weeks after spring break and his virus. But Aleena is still home today. She did throw up last night so I don't blame her for being pretty cautious this morning.
Now it's time to get Kelli ready for preschool. It's raining and snowing here today. I'd really like to just get back into bed and read. Do you think anyone would notice?
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
just a bruise
That's what the ENT had to say yesterday about Kelli's ear. He was great. He looked at it and said, "that's what I was hoping it would look like". Only the skin is bruised but the cartilage underneath is still healthy. It will take a while to heal but it will all be fine.
The drama for today is taking Emma to the dentist to see about her cracked/broken premolar. Not sure what she did to it on Sunday. I think it probably had a cavity that left it weak. We'll see. Her appointment isn't until after lunch so I am sending her to school this morning to keep her mind off of it. She seriously HATES going to the dentist. I will be picking up a prescription for valium for her before we go. And even then I'm hoping that she will let the dentist look in there. My friend is coming over after lunch to watch Jack E and Kelli so I can give Emma my undivided attention.
Wish me luck!
The drama for today is taking Emma to the dentist to see about her cracked/broken premolar. Not sure what she did to it on Sunday. I think it probably had a cavity that left it weak. We'll see. Her appointment isn't until after lunch so I am sending her to school this morning to keep her mind off of it. She seriously HATES going to the dentist. I will be picking up a prescription for valium for her before we go. And even then I'm hoping that she will let the dentist look in there. My friend is coming over after lunch to watch Jack E and Kelli so I can give Emma my undivided attention.
Wish me luck!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
our spring break extravaganza!!!
Yeah, right. We've had a tummy bug going around. First Aleena felt icky on Wednesday. I felt icky on Thursday. Emma had to take it to the next level though and actually throw up a couple of times on Friday.
But Friday night is where it got interesting. Kelli was hitting Jack E so he kicked her and she fell off the couch, hitting her head on the side of the coffee table. Her ear lobe started to swell right away so we put ice on it. We also applied a little topical arnica to help with the swelling and pain but we didn't want her taking any pain meds orally so we held off on that.
At 7:45 I told Emma she could try to keep down a few more crackers. So Jack E and Kelli had a couple too. By 8:30 Kelli had thrown up twice so I called in to urgent care to see what they thought.
It was such a toss up as to whether the vomiting was from the head injury or the virus. But better safe than sorry, D and I took Kelli to urgent care at 9 that night. The pediatrician said her motor skills and all that looked fine, but she wanted to drain the bulging ear lobe. It is just as fun as it sounds!!! Then the doctor and nurse wrapped her head in gauze with a padding over the ear to try to keep pressure on it so it didn't fill with blood again. That dressing was supposed to stay on for 24 hours.
We were home after 11. Kelli slept for a while in our bed, but from 1-2 kept getting up every few minutes complaining that she might throw up. I finally got to sleep after that.
On Saturday morning I took our suburban in because the brakes were making that noise they make just before you spend more money on them that you'd like to. It was ugly. It was expensive.
Since Kelli's bandage thing fell off while she was sleeping, I called urgent care again while I was waiting for the truck to be fixed. They wanted me to bring her back in. (Thankfully, poverty brings really great state subsidized insurance so our copay is only $3 for these urgent visits. Otherwise, she may have wound up with cauliflower ear and long hair for the rest of her life!!!) So I took her back so they could check her ear. The pediatrician from the night before was my least favorite there. On Saturday morning we had a great doctor I love. Both the pediatrician and the PA decided to call the ENT on call to talk to him about it. The ped from the night before had also talked to him so he was well acquainted with the situation.
They all 3 decided to not do anything with the ear until Monday morning. I have an appointment with the ENT downtown at 8:30. Hopefully it will all be fine. She does still have a bulge on her earlobe that is a nice purple color, but it's firm not soft so they don't think it's blood but just the injured tissue.
It really is a good thing that Kelli started throwing up since if the ear hadn't been drained it could have led to deformity of the earlobe. We're just such wait and see kind of parents that we wouldn't have taken her in for a bruise to her ear like that. It's like when Emma broke her arm. Good thing I could actually see where it was broken or I probably would have given her an ice pack and put her on the couch with a movie.
So, after Kelli and the truck...we just wanted to have a quiet evening at home last night. D was doing some beer stuff with the neighbor down the street. They were kegging what they brewed last weekend and turning a turkey frying pot into a beer pot with the magic of solder and some inexpensive parts. And of course tasting what they brewed last weekend!!!
While he was gone, Jack E started throwing up. We were supposed to go to some friends' house this morning so D could help a couple of guys brew some beer. (which is why he needed to transform the turkey pot) I made a sour cherry cake to take. I made muffins for the kids' breakfast. I was getting ready to make a tossed salad when Jack E came running into the kitchen. I picked him up and he threw up in my face and all down the front of me.
So I am staying home today with Jack E and Emma who still has a little tummy ache.
And just a bit of advice: When a 2 year old has a tummy virus that very well may lead to diarrhea, it's important that the child has pants on over the diaper. Especially if that child is standing on a previously unstained section of the white living room carpet.
Yes, my day really is that exciting!!!
But Friday night is where it got interesting. Kelli was hitting Jack E so he kicked her and she fell off the couch, hitting her head on the side of the coffee table. Her ear lobe started to swell right away so we put ice on it. We also applied a little topical arnica to help with the swelling and pain but we didn't want her taking any pain meds orally so we held off on that.
At 7:45 I told Emma she could try to keep down a few more crackers. So Jack E and Kelli had a couple too. By 8:30 Kelli had thrown up twice so I called in to urgent care to see what they thought.
It was such a toss up as to whether the vomiting was from the head injury or the virus. But better safe than sorry, D and I took Kelli to urgent care at 9 that night. The pediatrician said her motor skills and all that looked fine, but she wanted to drain the bulging ear lobe. It is just as fun as it sounds!!! Then the doctor and nurse wrapped her head in gauze with a padding over the ear to try to keep pressure on it so it didn't fill with blood again. That dressing was supposed to stay on for 24 hours.
We were home after 11. Kelli slept for a while in our bed, but from 1-2 kept getting up every few minutes complaining that she might throw up. I finally got to sleep after that.
On Saturday morning I took our suburban in because the brakes were making that noise they make just before you spend more money on them that you'd like to. It was ugly. It was expensive.
Since Kelli's bandage thing fell off while she was sleeping, I called urgent care again while I was waiting for the truck to be fixed. They wanted me to bring her back in. (Thankfully, poverty brings really great state subsidized insurance so our copay is only $3 for these urgent visits. Otherwise, she may have wound up with cauliflower ear and long hair for the rest of her life!!!) So I took her back so they could check her ear. The pediatrician from the night before was my least favorite there. On Saturday morning we had a great doctor I love. Both the pediatrician and the PA decided to call the ENT on call to talk to him about it. The ped from the night before had also talked to him so he was well acquainted with the situation.
They all 3 decided to not do anything with the ear until Monday morning. I have an appointment with the ENT downtown at 8:30. Hopefully it will all be fine. She does still have a bulge on her earlobe that is a nice purple color, but it's firm not soft so they don't think it's blood but just the injured tissue.
It really is a good thing that Kelli started throwing up since if the ear hadn't been drained it could have led to deformity of the earlobe. We're just such wait and see kind of parents that we wouldn't have taken her in for a bruise to her ear like that. It's like when Emma broke her arm. Good thing I could actually see where it was broken or I probably would have given her an ice pack and put her on the couch with a movie.
So, after Kelli and the truck...we just wanted to have a quiet evening at home last night. D was doing some beer stuff with the neighbor down the street. They were kegging what they brewed last weekend and turning a turkey frying pot into a beer pot with the magic of solder and some inexpensive parts. And of course tasting what they brewed last weekend!!!
While he was gone, Jack E started throwing up. We were supposed to go to some friends' house this morning so D could help a couple of guys brew some beer. (which is why he needed to transform the turkey pot) I made a sour cherry cake to take. I made muffins for the kids' breakfast. I was getting ready to make a tossed salad when Jack E came running into the kitchen. I picked him up and he threw up in my face and all down the front of me.
So I am staying home today with Jack E and Emma who still has a little tummy ache.
And just a bit of advice: When a 2 year old has a tummy virus that very well may lead to diarrhea, it's important that the child has pants on over the diaper. Especially if that child is standing on a previously unstained section of the white living room carpet.
Yes, my day really is that exciting!!!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
my name
I totally swiped this from another blog. It's pretty accurate on some things, but the traveling part? Yeah, D will tell you there is no place I would rather be than on my own couch!
What Noelle Kersten Means |
 You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. |
Friday, March 21, 2008
avoiding the laundry...
...that seems to be how I get blog time. I haven't been reading as many or visiting mine much either because of that laundry pile. I think I have finally figured out that if I am out for an hour in the morning then run in the door, I can actually go down and fold a load and throw the next one in to be worked on in another few hours. I've always like to just do it all at once, but that is becoming less and less feasible as time goes on. The kids clothes are bigger...there are more of them (kids AND clothes)...and my time is crazy between working and mama stuff.
I really love to read about all my cyber folks, but then I get distracted and spend too much time online and not enough time doing my "work".
Last week I had sooo much running around. This week I have tried to slow down a little, but Easter is coming so I've had to go visit with the Easter Bunny. And then trying to find the right size clothes for everyone. Money is still really tight, but we haven't had new Easter clothes here for a few years so I thought this year was time. I still can't find something I like for me. And I need to find a shirt for D to match the 3 other boys. Maybe I'll get a pic of all the kids this weekend and get a current one posted.
Off to face the laundry. There are piles and piles of folded laundry to put in each of the kids' baskets so they can put them away, too. Plus the mountain that needs to be washed still!
I really love to read about all my cyber folks, but then I get distracted and spend too much time online and not enough time doing my "work".
Last week I had sooo much running around. This week I have tried to slow down a little, but Easter is coming so I've had to go visit with the Easter Bunny. And then trying to find the right size clothes for everyone. Money is still really tight, but we haven't had new Easter clothes here for a few years so I thought this year was time. I still can't find something I like for me. And I need to find a shirt for D to match the 3 other boys. Maybe I'll get a pic of all the kids this weekend and get a current one posted.
Off to face the laundry. There are piles and piles of folded laundry to put in each of the kids' baskets so they can put them away, too. Plus the mountain that needs to be washed still!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
I hate my dog
seriously. She was barking to go out at 4:15 this morning. So I let her out and then stumbled back upstairs to my cosy bed. Then at 5:30 she was barking like CRAZY to get back in. Yeah, the snow is cold DOG!
Then at 6:15 she wanted back out. I hate her.
Then at 6:15 she wanted back out. I hate her.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
making friends
I went to the park last Friday with my new friend. And this Friday I am going to hang out with another new friend.
How exciting! Mama has someone to play with. Amazing what companionship can do for your soul, huh?
I told D last week that I have made a new friend who likes to be in her kitchen as much as I do. Sometimes I feel like such a shallow person because so much of my life seems to revolve around my kitchen. Who am I kidding? I feel like a shallow person because I think I really am. Not that I'm super vain or anything like that. I'm only moderately vain! :~)
I just don't find it easy to think deep thoughts. Or maybe I have just allowed that part of my brain to atrophy. Maybe I just find it easier to cook and do laundry and bake and run to lessons and plan meals and pick up toys and unload the dishwasher and change diapers incessantly than to be profound.
Anyway. I have a play date for the second Friday in a row and I am so excited!
How exciting! Mama has someone to play with. Amazing what companionship can do for your soul, huh?
I told D last week that I have made a new friend who likes to be in her kitchen as much as I do. Sometimes I feel like such a shallow person because so much of my life seems to revolve around my kitchen. Who am I kidding? I feel like a shallow person because I think I really am. Not that I'm super vain or anything like that. I'm only moderately vain! :~)
I just don't find it easy to think deep thoughts. Or maybe I have just allowed that part of my brain to atrophy. Maybe I just find it easier to cook and do laundry and bake and run to lessons and plan meals and pick up toys and unload the dishwasher and change diapers incessantly than to be profound.
Anyway. I have a play date for the second Friday in a row and I am so excited!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
word cloud
OMG this proves I suck as a mama. 5 kids names are huge. 1 is tiny. He's right...it sucks to be the middle child!!!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
catchin up
This week has seemed really crazy. I think because D threw his back out on Sunday and then we had some friends over that afternoon to brew beer. I don't know. It just seems like there wasn't enough down time this weekend.
The big news of the week? Kelli started preschool yesterday! So very exciting for all of us. It's nice to go back to our homey little school when Emma went for 2 years and Clay went for just a few months. I really love the school and their program and the teachers, too. And Kelli was sooooo very ready to go. She's so different from Emma going. Emma had the same teacher for 2 years and she still acted so shy and quiet when I dropped her off. Kelli got out of the car yesterday and started running. Then she stopped and asked where the door was. She didn't know where she was going, but she was READY to go!
And Jack E did pretty well without his best friend/playmate/boss around for the morning too. He and I ran an errand, then he played on his own and then he watched a movie with D. Kelli had a birthday party in the afternoon too yesterday so she had quite the day.
Now I am just trying to get on top of stuff here. Yeah, right. Mt. Washmore will never be a hill again, I swear!
Better go before the kids start trickling in from school.
The big news of the week? Kelli started preschool yesterday! So very exciting for all of us. It's nice to go back to our homey little school when Emma went for 2 years and Clay went for just a few months. I really love the school and their program and the teachers, too. And Kelli was sooooo very ready to go. She's so different from Emma going. Emma had the same teacher for 2 years and she still acted so shy and quiet when I dropped her off. Kelli got out of the car yesterday and started running. Then she stopped and asked where the door was. She didn't know where she was going, but she was READY to go!
And Jack E did pretty well without his best friend/playmate/boss around for the morning too. He and I ran an errand, then he played on his own and then he watched a movie with D. Kelli had a birthday party in the afternoon too yesterday so she had quite the day.
Now I am just trying to get on top of stuff here. Yeah, right. Mt. Washmore will never be a hill again, I swear!
Better go before the kids start trickling in from school.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Valentine's Day ain't what it used to be!
I always give D a hard time when Valentine's Day falls a little short because on our first one together he gave me a CAR!
We were recently engaged and I didn't have a car. Our wedding was just a few months away and I'd need a car then. I honestly don't know if he planned to do it all on Feb 14 or if it just turned out that way, but every Valentine's since then just kind of falls short!
Yesterday for example. Jack E was up coughing like crazy just after D left for St.Arbucks at 4. Since Jack E was in Kelli's bed, he woke her up too. They played dollhouse for a while, and kept trying to convince me it was morning. Still dark out means it's nighttime, kiddos!
Finally, I relented around 6:15. By then Trey was up complaining that they were having a late start because of the snow. Remember he had a "special" valentine to give someone! I was trying to get my pink chocolate chip pancakes going. (Yes I really did that to my poor children!) And I had to cut rice krispies treats into cute little heart shapes for them to give to their teachers. And cut up 2 pineapples for the 5th grade chocolate fondue party this morning.
I got to the elementary school a little before the party was supposed to start. It was delayed too. Now I'm worrying about Jack E coughing on everything in sight...and trying to keep him and Kelli out of the chocolate and fruits and treats.
We did last through the whole party, though. And they really only had 1 plate of chocolatey stuff to snack on. Then we had to run to the market to pick up wheat berries. I grabbed some sushi for my special lunch too. On the way home, I drove through KFC and got some little chickens for the kiddos. Two small kiddos can be cheap to feed.
As soon as we finished lunch and I got Jack E down, Trey was calling to tell me he's sick. After all that chocolate, it's no wonder!!! I tried to talk him into feeling better. I really needed the baby to sleep and to get some stuff done. It worked. I picked up and started dinner. While I was picking Trey and his friend up from band after school, Aleena's math teacher called. There are "some concerns" we need to get together to discuss. Great!
I got back home, and talked to D about our lovely daughter. She was awesome at elementary school, but the freedom that middle school has brought has been a lot for her to handle. We just keep taking privileges away and she just hasn't seemed to get it. I think the phone call home...and the 2 D progress reports helped her get a better picture.
So I spent over an hour and a half doing math with her. D and the other kiddos made cheese. D and I were going to try to go out for a little ice cream treat, but after both being up since around 4 and then dealing with the kiddos and their stuff, we were just not in the mood. He watched Lost while I fell asleep on the couch.
Just another day in paradise!
We were recently engaged and I didn't have a car. Our wedding was just a few months away and I'd need a car then. I honestly don't know if he planned to do it all on Feb 14 or if it just turned out that way, but every Valentine's since then just kind of falls short!
Yesterday for example. Jack E was up coughing like crazy just after D left for St.Arbucks at 4. Since Jack E was in Kelli's bed, he woke her up too. They played dollhouse for a while, and kept trying to convince me it was morning. Still dark out means it's nighttime, kiddos!
Finally, I relented around 6:15. By then Trey was up complaining that they were having a late start because of the snow. Remember he had a "special" valentine to give someone! I was trying to get my pink chocolate chip pancakes going. (Yes I really did that to my poor children!) And I had to cut rice krispies treats into cute little heart shapes for them to give to their teachers. And cut up 2 pineapples for the 5th grade chocolate fondue party this morning.
I got to the elementary school a little before the party was supposed to start. It was delayed too. Now I'm worrying about Jack E coughing on everything in sight...and trying to keep him and Kelli out of the chocolate and fruits and treats.
We did last through the whole party, though. And they really only had 1 plate of chocolatey stuff to snack on. Then we had to run to the market to pick up wheat berries. I grabbed some sushi for my special lunch too. On the way home, I drove through KFC and got some little chickens for the kiddos. Two small kiddos can be cheap to feed.
As soon as we finished lunch and I got Jack E down, Trey was calling to tell me he's sick. After all that chocolate, it's no wonder!!! I tried to talk him into feeling better. I really needed the baby to sleep and to get some stuff done. It worked. I picked up and started dinner. While I was picking Trey and his friend up from band after school, Aleena's math teacher called. There are "some concerns" we need to get together to discuss. Great!
I got back home, and talked to D about our lovely daughter. She was awesome at elementary school, but the freedom that middle school has brought has been a lot for her to handle. We just keep taking privileges away and she just hasn't seemed to get it. I think the phone call home...and the 2 D progress reports helped her get a better picture.
So I spent over an hour and a half doing math with her. D and the other kiddos made cheese. D and I were going to try to go out for a little ice cream treat, but after both being up since around 4 and then dealing with the kiddos and their stuff, we were just not in the mood. He watched Lost while I fell asleep on the couch.
Just another day in paradise!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
maybe girls are a good thing
This morning we had one of those crazy Colorado storms come through. We were literally wearing flip-flops all week and now it's been snowing all day. Because of that, the elementary kids had a 30 minute delay.
You would have thought the world was ending by Trey's reaction. He was up by 6:20 dressed in a button down shirt and smelling VERY good. He was looking for a hairbrush and the detangling spray. He even sprayed on some hairspray to make it stay nice. Then he brushed his teeth and used mouthwash.
This is usually the boy that I have to remind to brush his hair and teeth each morning. He usually complains about it, but still gets it done.
But today is Valentine's Day and he had a special chocolate rose to give to a special girl.
Maybe if he keeps this up he'll even shower without a fight!
You would have thought the world was ending by Trey's reaction. He was up by 6:20 dressed in a button down shirt and smelling VERY good. He was looking for a hairbrush and the detangling spray. He even sprayed on some hairspray to make it stay nice. Then he brushed his teeth and used mouthwash.
This is usually the boy that I have to remind to brush his hair and teeth each morning. He usually complains about it, but still gets it done.
But today is Valentine's Day and he had a special chocolate rose to give to a special girl.
Maybe if he keeps this up he'll even shower without a fight!
Monday, February 11, 2008
maybe I'm jumping the gun a little
This morning I ran out the door to take Aleena to school BAREFOOT. Then I met D at the gas station with some stuff he forgot he needed today. I was wearing flip-flops!!! I love being barefoot and flip flops. Literally my foot wear of choice as long as it's 60ยบ or more.
But it's still February. And there is still ice on the streets. I gotta go paint my toenails!
But it's still February. And there is still ice on the streets. I gotta go paint my toenails!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
pop tarts
The other day my kiddos showed me how much our family has changed in the last decade. Pop tarts used to be quite common around our house when Aleena and Trey and even Clay were little. They were easy to eat and the kiddos liked them. I bought the cheaper store brand ones so I felt better about it all.
But I've changed my views a lot about nutriton and food additives and avoiding artificial and processed foods. So Jack E and Kelli have never actually had pop tarts before. Maybe Kelli has once but we can't really remember. I got them one the other day at a gas station for a "special" treat. Kelli ate about half of hers. Jack E took 4 or 5 bites then wanted a clementine. He said "Jack no like it. Jack want a clementine." Yes he often refers to himself in the 3rd person. Aleena was so surprised that I had actually bought them pop tarts and only mildly surprised that Jack E didn't like it. She reminded me that he grew up on farm food. We made all of his baby food from fresh organic produce. He grew up only eating mama's homemade bread (until about the last year he's had store bought.) He has just been raised in a different way than the older ones. And he seems to be doing just fine. Even if he would rather have a clementine than a pop tart!
But I've changed my views a lot about nutriton and food additives and avoiding artificial and processed foods. So Jack E and Kelli have never actually had pop tarts before. Maybe Kelli has once but we can't really remember. I got them one the other day at a gas station for a "special" treat. Kelli ate about half of hers. Jack E took 4 or 5 bites then wanted a clementine. He said "Jack no like it. Jack want a clementine." Yes he often refers to himself in the 3rd person. Aleena was so surprised that I had actually bought them pop tarts and only mildly surprised that Jack E didn't like it. She reminded me that he grew up on farm food. We made all of his baby food from fresh organic produce. He grew up only eating mama's homemade bread (until about the last year he's had store bought.) He has just been raised in a different way than the older ones. And he seems to be doing just fine. Even if he would rather have a clementine than a pop tart!
Saturday, February 09, 2008
tingling on my nose
I woke up this morning with that familiar tingle on the end of my nose. I've only had a cold sore 2 or 3 times before, but I always get it in the same spot. At the base of my nose in between my nostrils...icky!
I ran out to the drugstore quickly and got some abreva. Hope it's gone soon.
Emma and D went to the Father Daughter Dance at the elementary school last night. They were there about an hour. I don't think Emma talked to anyone. Or danced either. She ate a cookie, had her picture taken with Daddy and then they were done. He'll have 1 more sedate dance with her, then Kelli will be able to go to the dance. I'm sure she'll be a little more lively than Emma!
Kelli is starting preschool in just over a week. She is just so much Kelli all the time. I'm looking forward to someone else getting to enjoy her for a few hours each week. I know that will help me to enjoy my time with her more, too. On the downside, I will finally have just one toddler at home with me. That hasn't happened since 1997 and she was still napping twice a day then. I have never had to entertain a 2 year old by myself. Am I up to the task?
We'll see!
I ran out to the drugstore quickly and got some abreva. Hope it's gone soon.
Emma and D went to the Father Daughter Dance at the elementary school last night. They were there about an hour. I don't think Emma talked to anyone. Or danced either. She ate a cookie, had her picture taken with Daddy and then they were done. He'll have 1 more sedate dance with her, then Kelli will be able to go to the dance. I'm sure she'll be a little more lively than Emma!
Kelli is starting preschool in just over a week. She is just so much Kelli all the time. I'm looking forward to someone else getting to enjoy her for a few hours each week. I know that will help me to enjoy my time with her more, too. On the downside, I will finally have just one toddler at home with me. That hasn't happened since 1997 and she was still napping twice a day then. I have never had to entertain a 2 year old by myself. Am I up to the task?
We'll see!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
passing of the boogers
Last week Kelli told me she was sick. Her symptoms?
the cough-es
a sore "neck"
boogers
and the "bless you's"
Not quite medical terminology but descriptive nonetheless.
Now Jack E has snot running down his face. And a fever. And he just hid behind the couch to poop. Like the green cloud isn't giving THAT away!!! LOL
the cough-es
a sore "neck"
boogers
and the "bless you's"
Not quite medical terminology but descriptive nonetheless.
Now Jack E has snot running down his face. And a fever. And he just hid behind the couch to poop. Like the green cloud isn't giving THAT away!!! LOL
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
how things have changed!
Twelve years ago yesterday, I became a mama for the first time. It was the first time I nursed a baby. The first time I held a little being that had just moments before been inside of me. The first time I felt such incredible love for a person I had just met. The first time I had that feeling of "I am so strong...I am a mama who just gave birth to a wonderful baby!" The day I joined the club of mamas everywhere.
Nine years ago today I became a mama for the 3rd time. D and I were suddenly outnubered by our children. We had 2 kids in diapers again after about a 2 month stint of only having one in diapers. It was the beginning of a kind of chaos I had never known. And I began to love.
Happy day to Aleena who is now a beautiful 12 year old girl. Yesterday a boy hurt her feelings by saying he didn't know why a boy would like her. D failed in trying to explain to her that he was probably freaked out by how much there is to like about her.
And happy day to Clay-Clay. My sweet guy. I think he is finally getting the fact that school work is not a suggestion but really an expectation. And he hasn't cried since like Saturday!!! Actually.
Something else that has changed. This has nothing to do with our family, but with the area of food that is so important to me these days. For Clay's birthday, he wanted banana chocolate chip muffins to take to school. I have a recipe that I use that is from a scholastic cookbook from when I was a kid. It was published in 1977 in fact. When I compare this recipe to ones from today, one of the huge differences is the amount of sugar. Only 2 T of white sugar and 2 T of brown sugar. And it is supposed to make 24 muffins. Notice I say "supposed to" because I make this batch into 12 muffins. And they are just regular sized muffins then. It would 24 small muffins.
So what does that say about the way we have changed how we eat in the past 30 years? We add a lot more sugar...and our portions are much bigger. No big secrets there, but still just surprising when I see it in print like that.
Nine years ago today I became a mama for the 3rd time. D and I were suddenly outnubered by our children. We had 2 kids in diapers again after about a 2 month stint of only having one in diapers. It was the beginning of a kind of chaos I had never known. And I began to love.
Happy day to Aleena who is now a beautiful 12 year old girl. Yesterday a boy hurt her feelings by saying he didn't know why a boy would like her. D failed in trying to explain to her that he was probably freaked out by how much there is to like about her.
And happy day to Clay-Clay. My sweet guy. I think he is finally getting the fact that school work is not a suggestion but really an expectation. And he hasn't cried since like Saturday!!! Actually.
Something else that has changed. This has nothing to do with our family, but with the area of food that is so important to me these days. For Clay's birthday, he wanted banana chocolate chip muffins to take to school. I have a recipe that I use that is from a scholastic cookbook from when I was a kid. It was published in 1977 in fact. When I compare this recipe to ones from today, one of the huge differences is the amount of sugar. Only 2 T of white sugar and 2 T of brown sugar. And it is supposed to make 24 muffins. Notice I say "supposed to" because I make this batch into 12 muffins. And they are just regular sized muffins then. It would 24 small muffins.
So what does that say about the way we have changed how we eat in the past 30 years? We add a lot more sugar...and our portions are much bigger. No big secrets there, but still just surprising when I see it in print like that.
Monday, January 28, 2008
can I tell you what a dork I am?
Wait...I think I already made that confession here before.
Anyway. This morning I was pulling off my jammy top (man, can you tell I'm a mama?!) and my necklace went UP MY NOSE. And it hurt a lot. And it even bled.
How do I explain that one?
Guess it's a blonde thing!
Anyway. This morning I was pulling off my jammy top (man, can you tell I'm a mama?!) and my necklace went UP MY NOSE. And it hurt a lot. And it even bled.
How do I explain that one?
Guess it's a blonde thing!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Jumping back in here!!!
Yesterday afternoon I just felt like it had been the best day ever. I had cooked some really amazing foods. Chicken and barley and vegetable soup. Roasted root vegetables. I ground some more wheat and had yeast bread rising and another loaf of quick bread to go with dinner in the oven.
I felt so on top of it. The wheat germ bread we had with dinner was so AMAZING. The yeast bread wasn't so great. I used the recipe for basice whole wheat bread from Laurel's Kitchen. The dough seemed really soft. The recipe says it will be, but I think that mine was TOO soft. It did great on the first and second proof, but it just didn't rise anymore once it was in the oven. Aleena had 4 pieces of it for toast this morning so it can't be all that bad, huh?
That has been my concern with getting into milling my own flours. What if it's not good? But then I realized that it's BREAD. How bad can it be honestly? It's flour and yeast and water and a little fat and a little sweet. How bad can that be really?
So I've been jumping in and just trying to figure it out as I go along. I realized today as I was reading Flour Power that I have used all my soft white wheat in really the wrong way. I guess that's best for cookies and quick breads and the like. I have just used it in hte mix with my hard red wheat which should have been the base for my flours for my breads.
So I am off to look for more grains today. I'm kind of excited. It's really fun...and it's not like the kids don't devour bread around here! And now that D is doing more construction type work, he's eating more carbs. Not a ton, but he's taking sandwhiches in his lunch. And a loaf of bread with dinner sure does make the meat and veggies go farther! Plus it's still good bribery to get Kelli to eat her dinner.
I felt so on top of it. The wheat germ bread we had with dinner was so AMAZING. The yeast bread wasn't so great. I used the recipe for basice whole wheat bread from Laurel's Kitchen. The dough seemed really soft. The recipe says it will be, but I think that mine was TOO soft. It did great on the first and second proof, but it just didn't rise anymore once it was in the oven. Aleena had 4 pieces of it for toast this morning so it can't be all that bad, huh?
That has been my concern with getting into milling my own flours. What if it's not good? But then I realized that it's BREAD. How bad can it be honestly? It's flour and yeast and water and a little fat and a little sweet. How bad can that be really?
So I've been jumping in and just trying to figure it out as I go along. I realized today as I was reading Flour Power that I have used all my soft white wheat in really the wrong way. I guess that's best for cookies and quick breads and the like. I have just used it in hte mix with my hard red wheat which should have been the base for my flours for my breads.
So I am off to look for more grains today. I'm kind of excited. It's really fun...and it's not like the kids don't devour bread around here! And now that D is doing more construction type work, he's eating more carbs. Not a ton, but he's taking sandwhiches in his lunch. And a loaf of bread with dinner sure does make the meat and veggies go farther! Plus it's still good bribery to get Kelli to eat her dinner.
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