I have wondered in the past, why it seems there are no blogs out and about written by moms who have lots of little ones. Many of the blogs about big families seem to have teens and older kids, and their advice about getting the big ones to help with the littles is nice, but does not apply to me. At this point I seem to be struggling with everyday existence and just wonder how this is all going to work out. I long for the company of someone else who is walking the same path I am.
I realized something the other day, moms like me just don't have time to do the blogging thing. I certainly don't. I am hoping to get myself back on some sort of schedule soon, in order to free up a bit more time for the blogosphere.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
surrender
I have fully resigned myself to my fate...while that sounds rather dismal in reality it is not. I have been embracing the chaos that is this season of my life. When the baby cries, I simply pick her up and tend to her needs. When the boys need a boo boo kissed, I do so and give them a little extra snuggling as well.
This is the good life.
There was a bit of backsliding in this earlier today, I started worrying about getting the house "done" we wound up skipping outside time. BIG mistake. the boys got all wound up and wouldn't stay in bed at naptime. I finally bribed/rewarded them with an offer of going swimming if they stayed in bed.
It looks like I'll be taking them swimming in just another hour or so.
Here is my plan.
J. in life Jacket, playing by himself at the stairs...he LOVES this.
S. in arms
A. in baby seat in the shade.
When J. wants to be carried, trade out the life jacket.
Set a timer, let the boys know we only have until the "Beep beep" goes off, or until the baby cries too much.
Call grandpa and see if he can come over after work and hang out poolside to hold A.
I will be trying to acquire another life jacket, and possibly a hose so we can use our water sprinkler toy in the common areas...for the next couple of weeks anyway.
This is the good life.
There was a bit of backsliding in this earlier today, I started worrying about getting the house "done" we wound up skipping outside time. BIG mistake. the boys got all wound up and wouldn't stay in bed at naptime. I finally bribed/rewarded them with an offer of going swimming if they stayed in bed.
It looks like I'll be taking them swimming in just another hour or so.
Here is my plan.
J. in life Jacket, playing by himself at the stairs...he LOVES this.
S. in arms
A. in baby seat in the shade.
When J. wants to be carried, trade out the life jacket.
Set a timer, let the boys know we only have until the "Beep beep" goes off, or until the baby cries too much.
Call grandpa and see if he can come over after work and hang out poolside to hold A.
I will be trying to acquire another life jacket, and possibly a hose so we can use our water sprinkler toy in the common areas...for the next couple of weeks anyway.
Friday, August 27, 2010
finding a new routine
The last few days have been an adventure.
Wednesday was frustrating, everything went "wrong"
Thursday was spend in the moment, except for the late evening when cranky boys who hadn't napped wouldn't stay in bed.
Today I thought I had a plan that would work. A. isn't cooperating. She has foregone her usual sleep in an hour later tan everyone else routine and wants to nurse instead. I did get the bathroom cleaned up, and hopefully we will have some breakfast soon.
I am still working on living in the moment. WE had some wonderful success in that yesterday. I read a book about bugs to the boys, then we went outside and found some. I didn't bring a book or my phone, we just wandered around the common area and played in the dirt. A. slept in the sling. Later in the afternoon I was scrubbing down the dining chairs and the kitchen floor and the boys wanted to help. I gave them some plain water and rags, and were they ever helpful!! we even dried the floor together. They also wanted to help with the dishes, which just turned into splashing around in the water while I nursed the baby...again.
we also had some massive failures. We went outside and both the boys melted down initially, J. had an accident. I dragged everybody upstairs in spite of tantrums, feeling quite angry myself, and then realized in our enthusiasm to get outside before the heat, that we forgot to eat breakfast, and use the bathroom! I felt bad then, but we made up a picnic breakfast and went back out for some wonderful play time. Bedtime was a nightmare, I am out of ideas. They just won't stay in bed, and they are totally exhausted. J. has been keeping himself up late and awake during nap time as well, the result is an extremely grumpy and somewhat aggressive toddler. I guess we will just try again today and see what happens.
Wednesday was frustrating, everything went "wrong"
Thursday was spend in the moment, except for the late evening when cranky boys who hadn't napped wouldn't stay in bed.
Today I thought I had a plan that would work. A. isn't cooperating. She has foregone her usual sleep in an hour later tan everyone else routine and wants to nurse instead. I did get the bathroom cleaned up, and hopefully we will have some breakfast soon.
I am still working on living in the moment. WE had some wonderful success in that yesterday. I read a book about bugs to the boys, then we went outside and found some. I didn't bring a book or my phone, we just wandered around the common area and played in the dirt. A. slept in the sling. Later in the afternoon I was scrubbing down the dining chairs and the kitchen floor and the boys wanted to help. I gave them some plain water and rags, and were they ever helpful!! we even dried the floor together. They also wanted to help with the dishes, which just turned into splashing around in the water while I nursed the baby...again.
we also had some massive failures. We went outside and both the boys melted down initially, J. had an accident. I dragged everybody upstairs in spite of tantrums, feeling quite angry myself, and then realized in our enthusiasm to get outside before the heat, that we forgot to eat breakfast, and use the bathroom! I felt bad then, but we made up a picnic breakfast and went back out for some wonderful play time. Bedtime was a nightmare, I am out of ideas. They just won't stay in bed, and they are totally exhausted. J. has been keeping himself up late and awake during nap time as well, the result is an extremely grumpy and somewhat aggressive toddler. I guess we will just try again today and see what happens.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Mixed feelings
The post partum perioud can be a huge emotional roller coaster. As the body adjusts back to normal hormonal levels things can get a bit wonky.
Yesturday was hard.
Today I am changing priorities a bit. I'm going to attempt to keep a closer watch on my emotional state, to remind myself to remain positive. It tends to melt down in the afternoons. The boys just don't want to be in bed at nap, and I am running out of ideas.
So, take care of self, remain positive, live in the moment.
Yesturday was hard.
Today I am changing priorities a bit. I'm going to attempt to keep a closer watch on my emotional state, to remind myself to remain positive. It tends to melt down in the afternoons. The boys just don't want to be in bed at nap, and I am running out of ideas.
So, take care of self, remain positive, live in the moment.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Morning snuggle time
In the spirit of learning to savor the moment, I thought I would post a few moments from the day that I really enjoy.
Morning snuggle time! Pregnancy makes me extra tired, so the boys and I got in the habit of snuggling in the morning...mainly so I could doze off for a few more miunites. They wake up pretty early, between 6:30 and 7:00. they would both climb into my bed and snuggle. Now that we have our little princess, I have been continuing the tradition. S. snuggles uner my left arm, A. is under my right and J. snuggles next to "his baby" and reaches over to play with my hair. All in all, a wonderful way to spend the morning, untill of course they start getting squirmy and silly.
I don't know if I am going to continue returning to bed in the morning after Garrett leaves when I am off my "Restricted duty" then again, I am loving the lazy mornings! I am excited about re-vamping my days. This break has really helped me to learn to relax and re-focus!
Morning snuggle time! Pregnancy makes me extra tired, so the boys and I got in the habit of snuggling in the morning...mainly so I could doze off for a few more miunites. They wake up pretty early, between 6:30 and 7:00. they would both climb into my bed and snuggle. Now that we have our little princess, I have been continuing the tradition. S. snuggles uner my left arm, A. is under my right and J. snuggles next to "his baby" and reaches over to play with my hair. All in all, a wonderful way to spend the morning, untill of course they start getting squirmy and silly.
I don't know if I am going to continue returning to bed in the morning after Garrett leaves when I am off my "Restricted duty" then again, I am loving the lazy mornings! I am excited about re-vamping my days. This break has really helped me to learn to relax and re-focus!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
the art of relaxation
There really is a knack to relaxing guilt free. For quite some time I have struggled with this concept. I was raised by a very high-energy industrious mom, who always seemed to keep everything together...and here I am, very low-energy and, well, just not nearly as efficient. Enter the self-imposed guilt.
But you know what, I'm not my mom. Nor am I Martha Stewart, Julia Child or June Cleaver. I am me.
I want to be me. I am truly starting to enjoy just lazing about the house, bonding with the new baby and playing with my boys. I think I will keep doing this. Hang the housework.
The house has carried on without me, thanks to a few dear friends and family members...everyone does a chore now when they come to visit the baby. It is working quite well. Too bad I only have a week left on my "no housework, no lifting, no going downstairs, no working" ban. I could get used to this.
So, enter reflections on my routines. Here are the new rules. I WILL take coffee/tea breaks when the kids have their snack. at least 15 mins of doing something just for me. At nap time, I will nap if tired, or work on a fun project. NO chores or balancing the checkbook. Fun stuff. One video a day will be used, guilt-free, when I need time to do something...like cook dinner without two toddlers trying to hover about my legs. Outside play time everyday...until the weather gets too bad, and then off to the mall for inside play time! Grocery shopping will be done on Sundays, EARLY so I can leave the boys at home, and Garrett can haul them up. I will stop by Starbucks and enjoy a coffee on the trip. I will actually spend some of my spending money each week. If it is not spent, it will be removed in cash and tucked away for a later date. I will allow myself to pause and enjoy the moment wherever we are at.
now, off I go to snuggle down on the futon and finish toy story 2.
But you know what, I'm not my mom. Nor am I Martha Stewart, Julia Child or June Cleaver. I am me.
I want to be me. I am truly starting to enjoy just lazing about the house, bonding with the new baby and playing with my boys. I think I will keep doing this. Hang the housework.
The house has carried on without me, thanks to a few dear friends and family members...everyone does a chore now when they come to visit the baby. It is working quite well. Too bad I only have a week left on my "no housework, no lifting, no going downstairs, no working" ban. I could get used to this.
So, enter reflections on my routines. Here are the new rules. I WILL take coffee/tea breaks when the kids have their snack. at least 15 mins of doing something just for me. At nap time, I will nap if tired, or work on a fun project. NO chores or balancing the checkbook. Fun stuff. One video a day will be used, guilt-free, when I need time to do something...like cook dinner without two toddlers trying to hover about my legs. Outside play time everyday...until the weather gets too bad, and then off to the mall for inside play time! Grocery shopping will be done on Sundays, EARLY so I can leave the boys at home, and Garrett can haul them up. I will stop by Starbucks and enjoy a coffee on the trip. I will actually spend some of my spending money each week. If it is not spent, it will be removed in cash and tucked away for a later date. I will allow myself to pause and enjoy the moment wherever we are at.
now, off I go to snuggle down on the futon and finish toy story 2.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The birth story
Here it is, if you are a sensitive reader be forewarned.
This was either my longest labor ever or my shortest, it depends on how you count it. The previous week I had a full 20 hours of contractions, following my usual pattern as based on my previous two labors. They were 10 mins apart and somewhat intense. Eventually they got down to 2 mins apart, and stopped. Completely. Verrry frustrating. I had the entire house prepped, snacks for the birth team made, the kiddos at their aunties,and my hubby missing work. I was so totally confident that this was going to be it that I was shattered. I also only progressed 1 cm during that time. On the bright side, we had a nice dinner and I got the best sleep I have had in about 3 1/2 years.
During the following week i had contractions EVERY afternoon until I went to sleep. these were NOT braxton hicks, every day they got more intense and "painful" and every day a bit more of my body got involved, until it felt like the contractions went from my chest to my knees. Not very fun. I stopped letting my midwives know, as they just kept stopping as soon as I was able to sleep.
Tuesday afternoon there were no contractions.
Tuesday evening my sister in law called to announce she was pregnant. I was super excited,and jumped around a bit. Two hours later contractions started again, it was nearly 11 pm.
I ignored them.
I went to bed.
I tried to sleep.
They didn't stop.
At 5 am I got up and made my DH his breakfast and packed his lunch, and sent him to work.
the contractions were STILL 10 minutes apart. Logically, and according to my previous labors, I had plenty of time.
I was afraid.
I tried to do the dishes...neglected from the previous day. I crawled back into bed. S. woke up around 5:45 I pulled him into bed with me and we snuggled. J. woke up not much longer, they were both fussy and I was really REALLY cranky. I put on a movie and called my mom. She stayed on the phone with me and insisted I call dad. He came right over and watched the boys for me. The contractions picked up in intensity, but still 10 mins apart. It was 6:30. I called my midwives to let them know I was in labor and would probably need them sometime that day. My contractions suddenly jumped to 5 mins apart. at 6:45 I called them back and told them to come NOW! I called Garrett's boss, who sent him home...two minutes prior to the work day starting. I made myself eat some toast and drink some powerade, still figuring I had hours and hours to go. I was quite miserable. I started making noise during the peak of each contraction. I was shivering and dizzy in between, I felt like I was riding on waves of sensation. Dad kept poking his head in the door and asking if i was OK EVERY contraction, at the peak. I yelled at him. (Sorry dad)
Finally Garrett got home, a full hour after I called (a pretty good commute time actually) dad whisked the boys away. I told Garrett to get comfy as I was going to need him. He started to take off his boots and overalls.
I stopped him.
I needed to throw up, right NOW!
He half carried me to the bathroom and held my hair back.
I was afraid.
I crawled into the bathtub and put the shower on. My contractions subsided somewhat.
I made him call the midwives and ask where they were.
I demanded he prep the tub.
He did all this still partially in work clothing, I htink he even had one boot on still.
My midwife Claudia arrived.
I hobbled to the couch, sitting on top of a chux pad.
I begged for the tub.
I needed to push.
I declared I didn't want to do this anymore and I was afraid....I still thought I had hours and hours to go.
Nope.
It was time to push.
I did one or two lying on my side. It felt good. I changed position, thinking, logically being upright would help it end sooner, gravity would help.
I stopped pushing.
I tried the birth stool.
Still didn't want to push.
Midwife Jen was still on her way, I overheard Claudia say she might miss it. I was afraid to push.
I refused to push.
I laid down again, Jen arrived.
Tried pushing again, felt some progress.
Breathed through a few more.
Jokes went around about having the baby in time to get to a Midwifery/Medical board meeting scheduled for that morning.
I pushed a little more, wussy pushes.
We discussed the fact that my waters were intact, I was worried the baby wouldn't come out. we agreed to wait a bit and see what happened.
the next contraction I HAD to push. I pushed HARD.
My waters exploded.
seriously.
I couldn't stop pushing at that point.
I remembered what it felt like then, to push a baby out. The sensations were familiar, I knew it was almost there.
Abigail entered the world at 9:11 am on Wednesday.
I didn't believe it was already over.
In fact, I stated that, several times, while clutching my lovely pink newborn.
She was perfect, just enough crying for us to know she was ok, then she snuggled down and rested.
We had nearly two hours of bonding while the midwives cleaned up. We cleaned up and then did the newborn exam all together. Garrett cut the cord. (they do it twice, once after the birth, leaving a long end, then again a neater, closer one.) She was perfect.
Then we called the family at about 11:30. My parents came over, the boys met their sister. Everyone left and we slept.
Overall, it really was a beautiful birth. I am still having a hard time believing I went all the way to the pushing stage on my own, no drugs, no tub, no nothing.
I wonder what the next one will be like.
This was either my longest labor ever or my shortest, it depends on how you count it. The previous week I had a full 20 hours of contractions, following my usual pattern as based on my previous two labors. They were 10 mins apart and somewhat intense. Eventually they got down to 2 mins apart, and stopped. Completely. Verrry frustrating. I had the entire house prepped, snacks for the birth team made, the kiddos at their aunties,and my hubby missing work. I was so totally confident that this was going to be it that I was shattered. I also only progressed 1 cm during that time. On the bright side, we had a nice dinner and I got the best sleep I have had in about 3 1/2 years.
During the following week i had contractions EVERY afternoon until I went to sleep. these were NOT braxton hicks, every day they got more intense and "painful" and every day a bit more of my body got involved, until it felt like the contractions went from my chest to my knees. Not very fun. I stopped letting my midwives know, as they just kept stopping as soon as I was able to sleep.
Tuesday afternoon there were no contractions.
Tuesday evening my sister in law called to announce she was pregnant. I was super excited,and jumped around a bit. Two hours later contractions started again, it was nearly 11 pm.
I ignored them.
I went to bed.
I tried to sleep.
They didn't stop.
At 5 am I got up and made my DH his breakfast and packed his lunch, and sent him to work.
the contractions were STILL 10 minutes apart. Logically, and according to my previous labors, I had plenty of time.
I was afraid.
I tried to do the dishes...neglected from the previous day. I crawled back into bed. S. woke up around 5:45 I pulled him into bed with me and we snuggled. J. woke up not much longer, they were both fussy and I was really REALLY cranky. I put on a movie and called my mom. She stayed on the phone with me and insisted I call dad. He came right over and watched the boys for me. The contractions picked up in intensity, but still 10 mins apart. It was 6:30. I called my midwives to let them know I was in labor and would probably need them sometime that day. My contractions suddenly jumped to 5 mins apart. at 6:45 I called them back and told them to come NOW! I called Garrett's boss, who sent him home...two minutes prior to the work day starting. I made myself eat some toast and drink some powerade, still figuring I had hours and hours to go. I was quite miserable. I started making noise during the peak of each contraction. I was shivering and dizzy in between, I felt like I was riding on waves of sensation. Dad kept poking his head in the door and asking if i was OK EVERY contraction, at the peak. I yelled at him. (Sorry dad)
Finally Garrett got home, a full hour after I called (a pretty good commute time actually) dad whisked the boys away. I told Garrett to get comfy as I was going to need him. He started to take off his boots and overalls.
I stopped him.
I needed to throw up, right NOW!
He half carried me to the bathroom and held my hair back.
I was afraid.
I crawled into the bathtub and put the shower on. My contractions subsided somewhat.
I made him call the midwives and ask where they were.
I demanded he prep the tub.
He did all this still partially in work clothing, I htink he even had one boot on still.
My midwife Claudia arrived.
I hobbled to the couch, sitting on top of a chux pad.
I begged for the tub.
I needed to push.
I declared I didn't want to do this anymore and I was afraid....I still thought I had hours and hours to go.
Nope.
It was time to push.
I did one or two lying on my side. It felt good. I changed position, thinking, logically being upright would help it end sooner, gravity would help.
I stopped pushing.
I tried the birth stool.
Still didn't want to push.
Midwife Jen was still on her way, I overheard Claudia say she might miss it. I was afraid to push.
I refused to push.
I laid down again, Jen arrived.
Tried pushing again, felt some progress.
Breathed through a few more.
Jokes went around about having the baby in time to get to a Midwifery/Medical board meeting scheduled for that morning.
I pushed a little more, wussy pushes.
We discussed the fact that my waters were intact, I was worried the baby wouldn't come out. we agreed to wait a bit and see what happened.
the next contraction I HAD to push. I pushed HARD.
My waters exploded.
seriously.
I couldn't stop pushing at that point.
I remembered what it felt like then, to push a baby out. The sensations were familiar, I knew it was almost there.
Abigail entered the world at 9:11 am on Wednesday.
I didn't believe it was already over.
In fact, I stated that, several times, while clutching my lovely pink newborn.
She was perfect, just enough crying for us to know she was ok, then she snuggled down and rested.
We had nearly two hours of bonding while the midwives cleaned up. We cleaned up and then did the newborn exam all together. Garrett cut the cord. (they do it twice, once after the birth, leaving a long end, then again a neater, closer one.) She was perfect.
Then we called the family at about 11:30. My parents came over, the boys met their sister. Everyone left and we slept.
Overall, it really was a beautiful birth. I am still having a hard time believing I went all the way to the pushing stage on my own, no drugs, no tub, no nothing.
I wonder what the next one will be like.
Resting and recovering
I had a remarkably easy birth this time through. I feel fantastic. I am still supposed to be "resting" allowing my body to heal from the last 9 months of pregnancy. This has proven to be quite difficult at times. But I must say the "permission" to forget about the hosework is certianly easing much of my guilt. Actually at times it is quite nice, in fact I hope to retain this low stress low guilt attitude even when I am able to get up and around. Now, if only I can keep off of the couponing web-sites and just forget about the deals I am missing....they will come again, in a few months, but it would be so nice to hit CVS and pick up FREE items. sigh. But, really, in the long run I might be trading in my health to save a few bucks. Definately not a good bargain.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Introducing Abigail!
I am not entirely sure how to do this, but I am attempting to post some pics of my new baby girl. Alright, s they went in reverse order, and all I see in my box are lines of code, therefore they will stay this way, so view from the bottom up. The botom shows parts of the newborn exam, and up to brother holding her, and finally at 4 days old at the top.
A. made her way into this world at 9:11 am, on August 11. She weighed 6lbs 8oz, and measured 19 inches. It was a beautiful and (mostly) peaceful birth. She is doing very well, as am I. Birth story to follow soon!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
My pantry...
...is in the midst of an identity crisis. Seriously. Several months ago we had gotten rid of pretty much all the junk food in the house and I had moved to making nearly everything from scratch. It was wonderful fun.
Then I got bitten by the coupon bug. Who can resist a 25 cent (large) box of poptarts? or totally free yoplait yogurt?
The problem with that is it perfectly coincided with the exhaustion of late pregnancy and the need to have a bunch of easy to make "food" in the house for the postpartum period.
So here we stand, with half of the shelves overflowing with good, whole foods or "ingredients" as some people know them. The other half is crammed full of "convenience foods" boxed inferior versions of what I was making from scratch. Sigh. Really it wouldn't be so bad, except I keep dipping into these stockpiles and am getting out of the habit of making things myself. I am using the excuse that the baby can come at any moment now, but really it is just laziness.
so, tonight we are starting from scratch again.
Today's lunch will be turkey wrap ups, using fresh veggies, leftover turkey and whole wheat tortillas.
dinner is Guacamole cheeseburgers, using pure natural ingredients and NO mixes!
If the baby stays put, I will be making a batch of my dad's famous chili and cornbread for Wednessday.
woo hoo!
Then I got bitten by the coupon bug. Who can resist a 25 cent (large) box of poptarts? or totally free yoplait yogurt?
The problem with that is it perfectly coincided with the exhaustion of late pregnancy and the need to have a bunch of easy to make "food" in the house for the postpartum period.
So here we stand, with half of the shelves overflowing with good, whole foods or "ingredients" as some people know them. The other half is crammed full of "convenience foods" boxed inferior versions of what I was making from scratch. Sigh. Really it wouldn't be so bad, except I keep dipping into these stockpiles and am getting out of the habit of making things myself. I am using the excuse that the baby can come at any moment now, but really it is just laziness.
so, tonight we are starting from scratch again.
Today's lunch will be turkey wrap ups, using fresh veggies, leftover turkey and whole wheat tortillas.
dinner is Guacamole cheeseburgers, using pure natural ingredients and NO mixes!
If the baby stays put, I will be making a batch of my dad's famous chili and cornbread for Wednessday.
woo hoo!
Monday, August 9, 2010
waiting, and waiting and waiting.
I am learning about paitience.
In my previous two pregnancies, I went into labor about a week before my due date. This time around I have been having contractions for several hours a day for over a week now, and I have officially passed my due date. It has been very very hard to practice peace and try and just be in the moment. I am incredibly anxious at this point to just have labor start "for real" But, as always, God is in controll and I have something to learn from all of this. I am continuing on in my little home projects. Right now I am in the middle of sorting out my sewing box---a giant jumbled mess, and at naptime today I will be quickly mending up a pile of laundry and sewing some cushion covers for some pillows I have laying about.
The de-cluttering process has nearly been completed! I went through every box stashed under my bed, my dresser, and my half of the walk in closet. EVERYTHING fits now! no more jumbled messes! I actually gave away 2 huge trashbags of clothing, most of it I was just not wearing. I have done the same with the children's clothing.
We now all have roughly 8 matched outfits for Summer, 8 for winter and 8 for Spring/Fall. The Spring/fall will always stay in the drawers and the winter/summer will swap places as needed. I am LOVING it! I managed to hang up all of my outfits in the closet, each outfit to a hanger. It is making my mornings soooo easy, as my brain dosn't work upon waking and I have absolutely no decisions to make, just grab a hanger and pull it on. I would like to purchase two or three more nursing tanks in various colors to match up permanently with my outfits so I don't have to hunt for them in the morning.
The boys have matched outfits folded together in their drawers, with the shirts outside and the shorts tucked into them. J. is now able to simply grab the shirt he wants to wear, and, more often then not can actually get dressed all by himself! He is thrilled with the arrangement. we just need to work at keeping the clothing on him now!
I am learning to be grateful for every day I have with just my boys, and I am doing much better at keeping up with our little routine. I am hoping to have everything settled in before she arrives. well, we will see! At this point, labor can begin at any moment.
In my previous two pregnancies, I went into labor about a week before my due date. This time around I have been having contractions for several hours a day for over a week now, and I have officially passed my due date. It has been very very hard to practice peace and try and just be in the moment. I am incredibly anxious at this point to just have labor start "for real" But, as always, God is in controll and I have something to learn from all of this. I am continuing on in my little home projects. Right now I am in the middle of sorting out my sewing box---a giant jumbled mess, and at naptime today I will be quickly mending up a pile of laundry and sewing some cushion covers for some pillows I have laying about.
The de-cluttering process has nearly been completed! I went through every box stashed under my bed, my dresser, and my half of the walk in closet. EVERYTHING fits now! no more jumbled messes! I actually gave away 2 huge trashbags of clothing, most of it I was just not wearing. I have done the same with the children's clothing.
We now all have roughly 8 matched outfits for Summer, 8 for winter and 8 for Spring/Fall. The Spring/fall will always stay in the drawers and the winter/summer will swap places as needed. I am LOVING it! I managed to hang up all of my outfits in the closet, each outfit to a hanger. It is making my mornings soooo easy, as my brain dosn't work upon waking and I have absolutely no decisions to make, just grab a hanger and pull it on. I would like to purchase two or three more nursing tanks in various colors to match up permanently with my outfits so I don't have to hunt for them in the morning.
The boys have matched outfits folded together in their drawers, with the shirts outside and the shorts tucked into them. J. is now able to simply grab the shirt he wants to wear, and, more often then not can actually get dressed all by himself! He is thrilled with the arrangement. we just need to work at keeping the clothing on him now!
I am learning to be grateful for every day I have with just my boys, and I am doing much better at keeping up with our little routine. I am hoping to have everything settled in before she arrives. well, we will see! At this point, labor can begin at any moment.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
restless
Just feeling restless today. My house is clean, food is stocked up, and all I have to do right now is maintain order and wait. I think I am going to go nutty with the waiting.
Friday, July 23, 2010
The birth-tub is here...
and I am so ready for this baby to arrive!
we have caused quite a stir here in the condo complex. In fact, not 10 minutes after the midwives made it upstairs with the tub, I had people knocking on the door wondering if I was in labor yet. I'm planning on putting a do not disturb sign on the door when the time comes.
of course, now that my house is the cleanest it has been in nearly 9 months, and the majority of my little projects are done the baby is going to wait. She'll wait until we have eaten all the groceries I have stocked up and there is a big pile of dirty dishes and laundry everywhere. and on a Monday.
I had two dreams about the baby last night. The first one I had twin girls, but we forgot to call Garrett. He arrived later in a police car.
The second dream was much more pleasant. We were watching tv and the baby decided to arrive right then so we delivered it and then called the midwives.
I would find it more alarming (in real life) to not have Garrett present rather than the midwives. If things did move that fast, then most likely everything is just fine (just think of all those stories of women having babies in cars on the way to the hospital) we have read up on Emergency childbirth, and have midwives on call to give us assistance as they rush over!
There is just so much fear surrounding childbirth in our society. I find that sad. Yes, things can go wrong. Yes, there are some pretty scary complications that can happen, but, the majority of the time things go just fine.
In fact, in reflecting on all of the "I nearly died in childbirth" stories that people are so delighted in telling to an obviously pregnant woman, I have heard only ONE that was a true complication in childbirth...one in which the placenta was separating before the baby. TRUE complication, very scary. The rest have been stories of medically caused complications, for example:
Nearly bleeding to death afterwards because she was left alone in the room for hours still actively bleeding and the nurses didn't answer her calls. (caused by the staff's inattention, in not making sure the bleeding had stopped or re-started as the case may be)
Having previously high blood pressure drop so low they had trouble stabilizing her after the epidural was administered (a rare but noted complication of an epidural)
Dying after anesthesia was administered. (due to a mistake on the part of the anesthesiologist...the person who told this story insisted this is why childbirth is still dangerous)
I have my own complications related to the drugs I chose to take the first time around and some extreme difficulty healing after a vacuum assisted birth. (which was most likely caused by my inability to push effectively in the supine position and my paranoid reaction to the drugs which kept me from squatting, and an allergic reaction to the stitching materials used to mend the tear caused by said assistance)
The thing is, actual un-interfered with natural childbirth is MUCH safer than one where there are lots of interventions and drugs. Most of modern childbirth horror stories I have heard involve at least one intervention.
Natural endorphins and oxytocin produced by your own body during labor have absolutely no negative side effects. Artificial pain medications and Oxytocin introduced into your body's system have documented possible side effects.
I am grateful for modern medicine, and will not hesitate to use it if necessary, but I honestly believe that there is not much to fear in childbirth...IF you are educated on complications and their warning signs and IF you are willing to get the help you need when you need it! so ladies, Educate yourselves, Empower yourselves, speak up for the changes you want! Medical opinion changes, for example a VBAC is now recommended by ACOG rather than a repeat c-section in most cases. make sure you are up on the latest trends, be your own advocate!
I do feel quite strongly about these things. I do not mean to offend, or belittle those who have had bad experiences, or those who are in need of close medical supervision during complex pregnancies. I am simply saying, if you are low-risk and blessed with health, don't be afraid to seek the birth you want.
we have caused quite a stir here in the condo complex. In fact, not 10 minutes after the midwives made it upstairs with the tub, I had people knocking on the door wondering if I was in labor yet. I'm planning on putting a do not disturb sign on the door when the time comes.
of course, now that my house is the cleanest it has been in nearly 9 months, and the majority of my little projects are done the baby is going to wait. She'll wait until we have eaten all the groceries I have stocked up and there is a big pile of dirty dishes and laundry everywhere. and on a Monday.
I had two dreams about the baby last night. The first one I had twin girls, but we forgot to call Garrett. He arrived later in a police car.
The second dream was much more pleasant. We were watching tv and the baby decided to arrive right then so we delivered it and then called the midwives.
I would find it more alarming (in real life) to not have Garrett present rather than the midwives. If things did move that fast, then most likely everything is just fine (just think of all those stories of women having babies in cars on the way to the hospital) we have read up on Emergency childbirth, and have midwives on call to give us assistance as they rush over!
There is just so much fear surrounding childbirth in our society. I find that sad. Yes, things can go wrong. Yes, there are some pretty scary complications that can happen, but, the majority of the time things go just fine.
In fact, in reflecting on all of the "I nearly died in childbirth" stories that people are so delighted in telling to an obviously pregnant woman, I have heard only ONE that was a true complication in childbirth...one in which the placenta was separating before the baby. TRUE complication, very scary. The rest have been stories of medically caused complications, for example:
Nearly bleeding to death afterwards because she was left alone in the room for hours still actively bleeding and the nurses didn't answer her calls. (caused by the staff's inattention, in not making sure the bleeding had stopped or re-started as the case may be)
Having previously high blood pressure drop so low they had trouble stabilizing her after the epidural was administered (a rare but noted complication of an epidural)
Dying after anesthesia was administered. (due to a mistake on the part of the anesthesiologist...the person who told this story insisted this is why childbirth is still dangerous)
I have my own complications related to the drugs I chose to take the first time around and some extreme difficulty healing after a vacuum assisted birth. (which was most likely caused by my inability to push effectively in the supine position and my paranoid reaction to the drugs which kept me from squatting, and an allergic reaction to the stitching materials used to mend the tear caused by said assistance)
The thing is, actual un-interfered with natural childbirth is MUCH safer than one where there are lots of interventions and drugs. Most of modern childbirth horror stories I have heard involve at least one intervention.
Natural endorphins and oxytocin produced by your own body during labor have absolutely no negative side effects. Artificial pain medications and Oxytocin introduced into your body's system have documented possible side effects.
I am grateful for modern medicine, and will not hesitate to use it if necessary, but I honestly believe that there is not much to fear in childbirth...IF you are educated on complications and their warning signs and IF you are willing to get the help you need when you need it! so ladies, Educate yourselves, Empower yourselves, speak up for the changes you want! Medical opinion changes, for example a VBAC is now recommended by ACOG rather than a repeat c-section in most cases. make sure you are up on the latest trends, be your own advocate!
I do feel quite strongly about these things. I do not mean to offend, or belittle those who have had bad experiences, or those who are in need of close medical supervision during complex pregnancies. I am simply saying, if you are low-risk and blessed with health, don't be afraid to seek the birth you want.
Monday, July 19, 2010
housekeeping paradox
The last few weeks have been a time of frantic activity for me. I have been nesting and trying to complete all of my projects before the baby comes. Most of it is done now, and what isn't can wait a bit. I still have to re-paint part of the kitchen and touch up the boys room, but, to be honest, I am so not motivated right now.
Lat week I slowed down...waaaay down. I had a day where I pushed myself way beyond my limits, and actually thought I was in labor, a whole month early! I had to finish my chores that day while sitting down. It was a challenge, but I wanted the house cleaned up in case I did have the baby early. I gained a whole new amount of respect for my husband's grandmother, who has to do everything from her wheelchair.
I have noticed a paradox. The more I slow down and savor the moment, the more I seem to get done. I have truly enjoyed the last week, and I have also managed to keep the house at a reasonable level of cleanliness. Part of it is that I am no longer focused on all the extra projects, but I think that the satisfaction level goes up when I try to make it all a meaningful part of my day, instead of just another list to go through.
I still have a list.
At this point tho, it is just to remind me of what I wanted to do, If I get it done, great! If not, there is always tomorrow.
Lat week I slowed down...waaaay down. I had a day where I pushed myself way beyond my limits, and actually thought I was in labor, a whole month early! I had to finish my chores that day while sitting down. It was a challenge, but I wanted the house cleaned up in case I did have the baby early. I gained a whole new amount of respect for my husband's grandmother, who has to do everything from her wheelchair.
I have noticed a paradox. The more I slow down and savor the moment, the more I seem to get done. I have truly enjoyed the last week, and I have also managed to keep the house at a reasonable level of cleanliness. Part of it is that I am no longer focused on all the extra projects, but I think that the satisfaction level goes up when I try to make it all a meaningful part of my day, instead of just another list to go through.
I still have a list.
At this point tho, it is just to remind me of what I wanted to do, If I get it done, great! If not, there is always tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The Fourth Turning
I am in the middle of the book, "the Fourth Turning" which I mentioned the last post. It is pretty heavy stuff, especially when you are 8 mos pregnant. I actually took a break from it and read some nice fluff by Lynn Austin. I really really like her writing style and her story-telling. She writes teh kind of books I would write, if I had/made the time!
On another note, I am nesting hardcore again. On monday I prepped and froze 6 dinners. today, after my cleaning and prenatal appointment I will be making 3 meatloafs and about 100 meatballs. yum. I think. Garrett isn't too thrilled with the casserole idea, he is used to food not touching =) but most of what he likes can't be prepped ahead and just tossed into the oven and left alone. this is top priority for me when we have a new baby. I try to always prep at least two weeks worth of food....last time I had six weeks worth, but we also didn't have a working oven so it was mostly crock-pot cooking. I have to wait untill friday to assemble my lasagne and ziti, as I am out of freezer space and will be re-locating some food then.
I am also trying to re-arrange and minimize everything in our house, as well as stock up on key items without overwhelming us! Hopefully I can find a place for everything, I might be stockpiling soda and stacking it under whatever furnature has room (it is on sale at Safeway, buy 2 get 4 free) as Garrett goes thru alot of it.
sigh, in reality, I just don't want to be in the kitchen again. I do get tired of always cleaning up the same messes. well, it can't be helped, I'll just have to look for the positives!
On another note, I am nesting hardcore again. On monday I prepped and froze 6 dinners. today, after my cleaning and prenatal appointment I will be making 3 meatloafs and about 100 meatballs. yum. I think. Garrett isn't too thrilled with the casserole idea, he is used to food not touching =) but most of what he likes can't be prepped ahead and just tossed into the oven and left alone. this is top priority for me when we have a new baby. I try to always prep at least two weeks worth of food....last time I had six weeks worth, but we also didn't have a working oven so it was mostly crock-pot cooking. I have to wait untill friday to assemble my lasagne and ziti, as I am out of freezer space and will be re-locating some food then.
I am also trying to re-arrange and minimize everything in our house, as well as stock up on key items without overwhelming us! Hopefully I can find a place for everything, I might be stockpiling soda and stacking it under whatever furnature has room (it is on sale at Safeway, buy 2 get 4 free) as Garrett goes thru alot of it.
sigh, in reality, I just don't want to be in the kitchen again. I do get tired of always cleaning up the same messes. well, it can't be helped, I'll just have to look for the positives!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
overdoing it
Whenever I am doing something I shouldn't be doing, I get stopped. Yesterday it was simply walking to the store with the kiddos, and, well, shopping, losing my coupon organizer (which had coupons, store credits and gift certificates in it) stressing out, finding it, then taking a phone call I should have let go to voice mail, then letting said phone call stress me out, then walking back home with a cranky 3 year old in tow...and all without eating a proper meal first. I almost didn't make it home. We wound up sitting under a tree at the gas station a block form our home, raiding our groceries for a snack. I had to go slooooowly and pause every ten yards or so. It helped that J. was totally enthralled with the dandelion seed flowers and kept stopping to pick and blow them. In retrospect I can see that i was "Setting myself up for failure" but at the time I was just working down my "to-do" list and ignoring my instincts. I had to spend the remainder of the day resting, and coping with lots of annoying (but not painful) braxton-hicks contractions...they seem to be triggered by stress lately.
God gave us instincts for a reason. I firmly believe He speaks to us in that way, allowing us to choose weather or not to listen. I am listening loud and clear.
I will not go out alone like that again. I will allow my hubby to take care of me. I am (slowly) learning not to let others and my own guilt have so much power over me--realizing that I can control how I let things get to me.
Today I feel free. I am happily resting and puttering about. I found an adorable crochet pattern for a little girls poncho and I hope to finish it by the time the baby comes. Just for today, I will forget the outside world exists and do what my mind and body wants to do...relax, focus inwards, and enjoy this little blessing growing inside.
God gave us instincts for a reason. I firmly believe He speaks to us in that way, allowing us to choose weather or not to listen. I am listening loud and clear.
I will not go out alone like that again. I will allow my hubby to take care of me. I am (slowly) learning not to let others and my own guilt have so much power over me--realizing that I can control how I let things get to me.
Today I feel free. I am happily resting and puttering about. I found an adorable crochet pattern for a little girls poncho and I hope to finish it by the time the baby comes. Just for today, I will forget the outside world exists and do what my mind and body wants to do...relax, focus inwards, and enjoy this little blessing growing inside.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Impression without expression...
...leads to depression.
and was I "depressed" yesterday! I was having an off-day and decided to putter about online a bit. I found some radio and video programs by the author of "from boom to bust and beyond" Jerry Tuma. The man is an economist and he uses demographics to predict/explain the current economic and social crisis. It is AMAZING stuff! There was just so much in it, and I had nobody really to share it with, my darling hubby was just too exhausted from the daily grind to listen to the complex details. Poor guy, but I guess that is my privilege in being able to stay at home and manage my own days. I do get to spend quite alot of time learning new things. I really really enjoy listening to lectures and sermons online while I putter about the house doing chores and playing with the boys.
Back to Jerry Tuma. He predicted the housing market bubble, quite easily and used demographics (the study of populations) to explain what may happen next. Here goes..
Most People reach the peak of their "spending" power in their late 40's, this is when they buy the house and all the fancy stuff inside. The baby-boomers have been buying up homes for quite some time now. The last--and biggest wave of boomers hit that critical time in 2005. The market was peaked (also super inflated due to the large demand for homes) builders kept on building, the next generational wave is MUCH smaller than the boomers (thank you birth control and the changing attitudes towards children in society) and therefore we wound up with too many houses and not enough people to buy them. If you pair that with the fact that people took out unsustainable loans and were foreclosed on housing values plummeted. We have NOT bottomed out yet. The ARM loans (the ones where your rate is fixed super low for 5 years then go up) as well as the "liars loans" (those that required absolutely NO income verification and had adjustable rates) are about to come due. Nearly 7 million more homes will be foreclosed on in the coming two years. It looks dire.
BUT there is good news! It will be prime time to invest in real estate in the next 2-3 years! Start saving every penny you can now, and perhaps you may find a real bargain coming up!
History repeats itself, during the great depression when so many lost everything, those who were prepared for the coming crash made MILLIONS. Properties were picked up for pennies on the dollar, good stocks and investments were purchased at all time low prices and when everything recovered, their net worth did too. The same can happen for us if we look at this as an opportunity and not a time to panic.
We are also, living in a time of a generational and a demographic change. Neil Howe has written a book "The fourth turning" using History to describe what is/may happen in the coming years. His book was written in the mid-90's when we were in the middle of the greatest economic upswing in our history and nobody paid attention. He accurately predicted the economic crash...as an event that would change us all starting in about 2005. HMMMM....did you know this has all happened before? Holland and the tulips anyone? His point of view is a generational one. Basically that every 'fourth' generation there is a rebirth or death of society. Every generation in history has connected with and acted like a previous one, and economics and politics have reflected that as well. We (those of us born in 1982 and after) are now emerging onto the political scene, and things are going to be shook up. Basically we all follow the same pattern: Generation 1 experiences a conservative high after a major war, the 2nd gen hits the spiritual revival mode, 3rd Gen has the wild unraveling of all the values that have come before, and the 4th generation experiences the Crisis that will reset or change everything. Generation 1 raised gen 3, Gen 2 raised Gen 4. Gen 4 has little contact with Gen 1 and therefore does not learn from their experiences so society must re-invent the wheel. This could be very very good, or very very bad. During this time of Crisis a political party will set itself up and try their darnedest to patch things up, but it most likely will not work...its the ones that come immediately after that will establish what America will look like for the next FOUR generations.
Once again, there is hope. WE can change things, as long as enough of us wake up and start voting our values and shaking up the political and social systems. Don't be afraid to express your beliefs and values, live the life you want to live and change your corner of the universe!
The third thing is mentioned a bit by both authors (please note, I haven't been able to read the books yet, I am discussing based on their interviews and radio broadcasts) Is the demographic switch. Europe is in the middle of a demographic crisis. The birth rate in many countries are FAR below replacement levels (in fact, the world birthrates are just about there as well) Meaning there are less young workers to support the elderly retired. (china, anyone?) this is BAD for our current economy, and our social programs--all of which are based on an ever-growing economy. America is about 10-15 years behind Europe (I still find it odd that half of Europe is going bankrupt due to unsustainable government funded health care, retirements ect. and yet our politicians keep saying we NEED to be like them, it will save our society!) Basically Europe is dying off, and we are quickly following. Now, there are three things that can be done about this. 1.people can have more babies--many countries now offer tax breaks and outright payments to native-born citizens who are willing to have more children. This has not worked so far. 2. Active immigration. Allow those from developing countries (who have growing populations) to become citizens and start paying taxes. or 3. Change the system. (Yeah right, who wants to give up all their "free" government benefits and start doing things on their own.)
SO, in reflection of all these ramblings here are my thoughts: This has all happened before and it will all happen again, there is nothing new under the sun. History has shown that. We will not repeat it exactly but it will echo the past. WE are in the midst of a great change, and if we stand strong and trust in God there is a chance for a great rebirth of society and even personal economic prosperity.
What will I do? Save every penny I can squeeze out of my budget and get ready for the second wave of real estate foreclosures. I will continue to support politicians who want to radically change government BACK to the values of the constitution and who practice sound fiscal policy, who have strong moral character and a sense of absolute truth. I will keep having babies and not let this crisis mode destroy our dreams.
whew. that was a tiring post, I hope it made sense! I am off to find some more stuff to study!
and was I "depressed" yesterday! I was having an off-day and decided to putter about online a bit. I found some radio and video programs by the author of "from boom to bust and beyond" Jerry Tuma. The man is an economist and he uses demographics to predict/explain the current economic and social crisis. It is AMAZING stuff! There was just so much in it, and I had nobody really to share it with, my darling hubby was just too exhausted from the daily grind to listen to the complex details. Poor guy, but I guess that is my privilege in being able to stay at home and manage my own days. I do get to spend quite alot of time learning new things. I really really enjoy listening to lectures and sermons online while I putter about the house doing chores and playing with the boys.
Back to Jerry Tuma. He predicted the housing market bubble, quite easily and used demographics (the study of populations) to explain what may happen next. Here goes..
Most People reach the peak of their "spending" power in their late 40's, this is when they buy the house and all the fancy stuff inside. The baby-boomers have been buying up homes for quite some time now. The last--and biggest wave of boomers hit that critical time in 2005. The market was peaked (also super inflated due to the large demand for homes) builders kept on building, the next generational wave is MUCH smaller than the boomers (thank you birth control and the changing attitudes towards children in society) and therefore we wound up with too many houses and not enough people to buy them. If you pair that with the fact that people took out unsustainable loans and were foreclosed on housing values plummeted. We have NOT bottomed out yet. The ARM loans (the ones where your rate is fixed super low for 5 years then go up) as well as the "liars loans" (those that required absolutely NO income verification and had adjustable rates) are about to come due. Nearly 7 million more homes will be foreclosed on in the coming two years. It looks dire.
BUT there is good news! It will be prime time to invest in real estate in the next 2-3 years! Start saving every penny you can now, and perhaps you may find a real bargain coming up!
History repeats itself, during the great depression when so many lost everything, those who were prepared for the coming crash made MILLIONS. Properties were picked up for pennies on the dollar, good stocks and investments were purchased at all time low prices and when everything recovered, their net worth did too. The same can happen for us if we look at this as an opportunity and not a time to panic.
We are also, living in a time of a generational and a demographic change. Neil Howe has written a book "The fourth turning" using History to describe what is/may happen in the coming years. His book was written in the mid-90's when we were in the middle of the greatest economic upswing in our history and nobody paid attention. He accurately predicted the economic crash...as an event that would change us all starting in about 2005. HMMMM....did you know this has all happened before? Holland and the tulips anyone? His point of view is a generational one. Basically that every 'fourth' generation there is a rebirth or death of society. Every generation in history has connected with and acted like a previous one, and economics and politics have reflected that as well. We (those of us born in 1982 and after) are now emerging onto the political scene, and things are going to be shook up. Basically we all follow the same pattern: Generation 1 experiences a conservative high after a major war, the 2nd gen hits the spiritual revival mode, 3rd Gen has the wild unraveling of all the values that have come before, and the 4th generation experiences the Crisis that will reset or change everything. Generation 1 raised gen 3, Gen 2 raised Gen 4. Gen 4 has little contact with Gen 1 and therefore does not learn from their experiences so society must re-invent the wheel. This could be very very good, or very very bad. During this time of Crisis a political party will set itself up and try their darnedest to patch things up, but it most likely will not work...its the ones that come immediately after that will establish what America will look like for the next FOUR generations.
Once again, there is hope. WE can change things, as long as enough of us wake up and start voting our values and shaking up the political and social systems. Don't be afraid to express your beliefs and values, live the life you want to live and change your corner of the universe!
The third thing is mentioned a bit by both authors (please note, I haven't been able to read the books yet, I am discussing based on their interviews and radio broadcasts) Is the demographic switch. Europe is in the middle of a demographic crisis. The birth rate in many countries are FAR below replacement levels (in fact, the world birthrates are just about there as well) Meaning there are less young workers to support the elderly retired. (china, anyone?) this is BAD for our current economy, and our social programs--all of which are based on an ever-growing economy. America is about 10-15 years behind Europe (I still find it odd that half of Europe is going bankrupt due to unsustainable government funded health care, retirements ect. and yet our politicians keep saying we NEED to be like them, it will save our society!) Basically Europe is dying off, and we are quickly following. Now, there are three things that can be done about this. 1.people can have more babies--many countries now offer tax breaks and outright payments to native-born citizens who are willing to have more children. This has not worked so far. 2. Active immigration. Allow those from developing countries (who have growing populations) to become citizens and start paying taxes. or 3. Change the system. (Yeah right, who wants to give up all their "free" government benefits and start doing things on their own.)
SO, in reflection of all these ramblings here are my thoughts: This has all happened before and it will all happen again, there is nothing new under the sun. History has shown that. We will not repeat it exactly but it will echo the past. WE are in the midst of a great change, and if we stand strong and trust in God there is a chance for a great rebirth of society and even personal economic prosperity.
What will I do? Save every penny I can squeeze out of my budget and get ready for the second wave of real estate foreclosures. I will continue to support politicians who want to radically change government BACK to the values of the constitution and who practice sound fiscal policy, who have strong moral character and a sense of absolute truth. I will keep having babies and not let this crisis mode destroy our dreams.
whew. that was a tiring post, I hope it made sense! I am off to find some more stuff to study!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Building good habits
I have read before--many many times that in order to build a good habit you need to do the same thing for over 22 days, and viola, you have a new good habit. I could never do that. I always miss a day, or get this streak of rebellion halfway through my "Goal" time. I had to find what worked for my personality...
"Right now, I'm going to choose to (insert whatever habit you want to establish here)"
Here is how it works, In trying to give up soda--simply choose something else to drink when you are thirsty. Don't go cold turkey or wean yourself off, don't make some elaborate plan. The next time thirst strikes, choose something else "just for now" if you have to.
I've been using it on my laundry. When the dryer beeps, I choose to fold and put it away immediately. As my dryer is well, rediculously small, this only takes about five miunites. I peacefully get it done, stacking it on my washer as I fold which keeps the kiddos out. After it is all folded, it goes straight into the drawer or hanger. It WORKS! Laundry dosn't seem like such a daunting chore...I used to always feel I was drowning in it. Now I am not. I used to just toss the clothing on a chair untill It built up to monumentous proportions, then put on a movie and sit down to fold...forever.
This has cut down on the need to iron as well. not that I actually did it, I just needed to.
The next habit to build.... WASHING THE DISHES! not waiting for a "reasonable" sink-full to build up, just quickly doing each dish as it is dirtied. I am a bit behind for now, but I think after I finish this I will choose to quickly catch up...just for right now.
"Right now, I'm going to choose to (insert whatever habit you want to establish here)"
Here is how it works, In trying to give up soda--simply choose something else to drink when you are thirsty. Don't go cold turkey or wean yourself off, don't make some elaborate plan. The next time thirst strikes, choose something else "just for now" if you have to.
I've been using it on my laundry. When the dryer beeps, I choose to fold and put it away immediately. As my dryer is well, rediculously small, this only takes about five miunites. I peacefully get it done, stacking it on my washer as I fold which keeps the kiddos out. After it is all folded, it goes straight into the drawer or hanger. It WORKS! Laundry dosn't seem like such a daunting chore...I used to always feel I was drowning in it. Now I am not. I used to just toss the clothing on a chair untill It built up to monumentous proportions, then put on a movie and sit down to fold...forever.
This has cut down on the need to iron as well. not that I actually did it, I just needed to.
The next habit to build.... WASHING THE DISHES! not waiting for a "reasonable" sink-full to build up, just quickly doing each dish as it is dirtied. I am a bit behind for now, but I think after I finish this I will choose to quickly catch up...just for right now.
Monday, June 14, 2010
The beginning of the end....
Less than 2 months to go...and boy am I feeling it! I have noticed a pattern in my pregnancies. Introversion always follows a long period of frantic nesting. I spent the last 4 months re-organizing and cleaning up my home and now I am done. Not all of the projects are, but I am. Now is the time to slow waaaaay down and focus on the changes to come, and on my little ones who are already here. I must say I love this time. Guilt is almost non-existent. I don't always feel like I should be doing more, I want to do less and I have the perfect "excuse" to get out of almost anything. I am quite sure extended family and friends hate this time, as I quite literally forget that anything else exists. I forget to return phone calls, I forget to make play-dates, I forget birthdays. It really is terrible. But not.
So now, we have a gentle rhythm to our days. I putter about the house and do whatever chores my body and mind will allow, and I don't fret when it doesn't get all done.
If only I could capture this inner peace and attitude permanently, ditch the guilt for not always doing and still remember to call my family.
So now, we have a gentle rhythm to our days. I putter about the house and do whatever chores my body and mind will allow, and I don't fret when it doesn't get all done.
If only I could capture this inner peace and attitude permanently, ditch the guilt for not always doing and still remember to call my family.
Friday, June 4, 2010
finding ways that work
I usually like to rely on tradition to help me figure out how to do things. This makes sense in homemaking, as it is, indeed, a nearly "lost" art. Traditional skills are having to be re-learned and are experiencing a bit of a revival. I like the old ways, but they do not always work for me. Here are two things I do very very differently!
I do my floors first. traditionally you work around the room, from top to bottom but I just can't do it. If my floor is cluttered with toys and littered with crumbs and scraps of paper, I start to loose my focus. So I clean my floors first, and vacuum or mop too! this really makes me feel satisfied and boosts my enthusiasm to clean the rest of the room.
I also work in sections. Usually, when sweeping and mopping one would do all the sweeping first then the mopping. Our kitchen is quite small, and I have too much in it! I find it is more effective to first move everything out that i can (usually the table and chairs) , then sweep, mop and dry the first section. I move the furniture back and then commence on the next portion. The trick is to sweep a bigger section than you plan to mop, so you don't get crumbs in your mop water, or mop water in your crumbs! I do use a rag to scrub my floors, and I often get the walls and baseboards as I go. I dry with a used bath-towel. Drying is important as my little ones often run thru and slip on the puddles!
I think the best way to go about tradition, is to find what still holds wisdom and value and work with that. the rest you can adjust to your own personal needs.
I do my floors first. traditionally you work around the room, from top to bottom but I just can't do it. If my floor is cluttered with toys and littered with crumbs and scraps of paper, I start to loose my focus. So I clean my floors first, and vacuum or mop too! this really makes me feel satisfied and boosts my enthusiasm to clean the rest of the room.
I also work in sections. Usually, when sweeping and mopping one would do all the sweeping first then the mopping. Our kitchen is quite small, and I have too much in it! I find it is more effective to first move everything out that i can (usually the table and chairs) , then sweep, mop and dry the first section. I move the furniture back and then commence on the next portion. The trick is to sweep a bigger section than you plan to mop, so you don't get crumbs in your mop water, or mop water in your crumbs! I do use a rag to scrub my floors, and I often get the walls and baseboards as I go. I dry with a used bath-towel. Drying is important as my little ones often run thru and slip on the puddles!
I think the best way to go about tradition, is to find what still holds wisdom and value and work with that. the rest you can adjust to your own personal needs.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Camping in style!
we just got back from our annual church camp out up in Leoni Meadows, just north of Sommerset. It is one of the more beautiful mountain areas in my humble opinion. This year we were able to obtain a cabin, and I must say it made things so EASY! no tent! we had our own bathroom with shower, and a working stove and refrigerator. In fact, we were quite content to stay and it gave me a better idea as to what we really need to get by.
Garrett drove us home by way of Jackson, so he could show us his new job site. The area is absolutely beautiful! If it weren't for family and financial obligations I would drop everything here and move. I did some playing online and found some pretty reasonable real estate. sigh. someday maybe.
Not much to tell today. going to get going.
Garrett drove us home by way of Jackson, so he could show us his new job site. The area is absolutely beautiful! If it weren't for family and financial obligations I would drop everything here and move. I did some playing online and found some pretty reasonable real estate. sigh. someday maybe.
Not much to tell today. going to get going.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Potty training, camping
well, that was a wash. I had a long, detailed post for you, but then my PC froze up and I lost it all. Here is what I said, in a nutshell
J. is near fully potty trained, after two days of accidents, he has now had two days in the clear! we are going to practice with all his clothing on today (he has just been in undies and a t shirt the last few days) as we are going camping last-minute. we will be in a Cabin (woo hoo) with its own bathroom (even better!) Our church goes up every year this time, and we have missed the last 3 years due to babies/pregnancy. But having access to a cabin is a "game changer" for me! Just have to pack food and clothing and bedding of course! I can't wait!! I will try and take pictures and figure out how to work our new-to-us camera on this PC.
Well, I have a lot to do today, as I fell behind on housework during the potty training. Gotta clean the whole house, catch up on laundry and pack!
J. is near fully potty trained, after two days of accidents, he has now had two days in the clear! we are going to practice with all his clothing on today (he has just been in undies and a t shirt the last few days) as we are going camping last-minute. we will be in a Cabin (woo hoo) with its own bathroom (even better!) Our church goes up every year this time, and we have missed the last 3 years due to babies/pregnancy. But having access to a cabin is a "game changer" for me! Just have to pack food and clothing and bedding of course! I can't wait!! I will try and take pictures and figure out how to work our new-to-us camera on this PC.
Well, I have a lot to do today, as I fell behind on housework during the potty training. Gotta clean the whole house, catch up on laundry and pack!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Potty training disaster
So, I decided to potty train both my boys at once, using the three day method my cousin Sharon recommended...It worked quite well for her daughter. Well, doing two at once was a total disaster. Garrett was back at work and I had quite a few hilarious/annoying potty spills. I did learn some valuable info, however. My boys are on a very similar schedule. When I would catch one and put him on the potty, the other would immediately have an accident. I quickly learned to herd them both into the bathroom and close the door! S. would retreat to the corner and pee while I was helping J. The funniest/most stressful moment came when we were doing dishes. S. was playing in the water and started to go, I quickly snatched him up and ran to the potty, I sat him down and he stopped. we waited a bit, changed him and went back only for him to repeat the performance FOUR more times. Apparently the child cannot pee unless he is standing up. J. my three year old did not fare much better, I was often quite distracted with little brother and missed opportunities with him as well. He did stay dry during nap, but had an accident while climbing out of his bed (right onto the changing table, I might add) we will soon see if he made it through the night.
For the sake of my sanity, the floor, and the boy's ability to go, I have decided to just focus on J. at the moment. S. is back in diapers and will remain so for at least the next two weeks! Furtehr updates will come.
I do have a busy day, my sister in law and her baby and a friend with her newborn will be coming over for lunch and I NEED to get this place cleaned up, QUICK!
For the sake of my sanity, the floor, and the boy's ability to go, I have decided to just focus on J. at the moment. S. is back in diapers and will remain so for at least the next two weeks! Furtehr updates will come.
I do have a busy day, my sister in law and her baby and a friend with her newborn will be coming over for lunch and I NEED to get this place cleaned up, QUICK!
Modest Mom
I was checking up on one of my fave web sites (Ladies against Feminism) , and found they are having a free give-away! Modest Mom is giving away a lovely maternity skirt! I was hoping to post a pic, but I am not sure how to do that right now... These skirts are super-cute and look comfy as well! and we all know that is my top priority-comfort and functionality. But I don't mind a little fashion as well. Check out her stuff at http://themodestmom.com/
Monday, May 24, 2010
Answered prayers
It is funny how impatient I can get at times. For months, I had been praying for my DH's job situation. I knew he had to be working full-time again by mid-May in order for us to get ahead financially and have insurance coverage by the time the baby came. May came, and no work...he finally got a "two week" job and I was happy, but then it turned into 4 days. I got worried, I prayed more, I worried more, I wondered why God wasn't listening. we had a very rough week and I was struggling with depression again.
Well, finally, it happened! In fact, he got the very job I had desired for him...it is two months or more of work, only an hour from home WITH travel pay!! we will only be using about half of it for the gas money, and the rest goes in the bank. I am quite excited about all of this, and am hoping we can continue to live frugally and bank all the extra. In fact, we should be able to have a nice start on our emergency fund and maybe be able to purchase a cheap mini-van before the baby gets here!! I am just so happy I can hardly contain myself. I am going to continue praying that he gets one of the few local jobs after the baby arrives, as this job will be ending around the same time. He might even get a few weeks off in between jobs to help out with the new little one! WOOO HOOOO. God is sooooooo good!
Well, finally, it happened! In fact, he got the very job I had desired for him...it is two months or more of work, only an hour from home WITH travel pay!! we will only be using about half of it for the gas money, and the rest goes in the bank. I am quite excited about all of this, and am hoping we can continue to live frugally and bank all the extra. In fact, we should be able to have a nice start on our emergency fund and maybe be able to purchase a cheap mini-van before the baby gets here!! I am just so happy I can hardly contain myself. I am going to continue praying that he gets one of the few local jobs after the baby arrives, as this job will be ending around the same time. He might even get a few weeks off in between jobs to help out with the new little one! WOOO HOOOO. God is sooooooo good!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Rising early
There is just something about rising early that gets my day off to a good start. I may be a bit slow and groggy for the first few minutes, but things start to click soon after. Garrett has had work these last two days, and it will continue for the next two weeks. Yipee! a huge answer to prayer. We are still praying he will have at least another month's work before the baby comes.
anyhoo, I like to get up with him and pack his breakfast and lunch....and depending on if he has apprenticeship class his dinner as well. After he is sent off with hot coffee and a kiss I get down to my day.
If I can resist the call of the comforter.
What I try to do is drink coffee or tea right away so I am a bit caffinated and then find a nice easy task until my brain wakes up. Usually I stare at a blank pice of paper until I remember what I want to do in the day, then I write it out. Some days I actually do it. This is what I accomplished yesterday:
Mended 3 pairs of work-pants
cut out rags from 2 old shirts
converted 8 shredded socks into cloth baby wipes
washed 3 sink-fulls of dirty dishes
Washed, dried, folded and PUT AWAY 6 loads of laundry (Small machine)
cleaned and vacuumed the living room
swept the kitchen
prepared, dined and cleaned up on 3 meals
researched coupon deals
took a nap
baked blueberry muffins
baked banana bread
played with my kiddos, and met all of their basic child-care needs
Organized half my bill basket (its been neglected for months)
Helped hubby fix recliner chair
Talked with grandmother in law 3 times, visited with mother over lunch, provided pregnancy info to worried sister in law.
My, I did a lot! Technically it doesn't make much mathematical sense either. I gain maybe 1 1/2 hours in the morning, and then I take a 2-3 hour nap in the afternoons as I stay up later to see hubby and I have to get up earlier now. It would seem to make more sense to just crawl back into bed in the morning and stay awake in the afternoon, but nope! my energy levels seriously plummet after lunch. I guess I should get back to the laundry and the bill basket....I am nearly all caught up!
anyhoo, I like to get up with him and pack his breakfast and lunch....and depending on if he has apprenticeship class his dinner as well. After he is sent off with hot coffee and a kiss I get down to my day.
If I can resist the call of the comforter.
What I try to do is drink coffee or tea right away so I am a bit caffinated and then find a nice easy task until my brain wakes up. Usually I stare at a blank pice of paper until I remember what I want to do in the day, then I write it out. Some days I actually do it. This is what I accomplished yesterday:
Mended 3 pairs of work-pants
cut out rags from 2 old shirts
converted 8 shredded socks into cloth baby wipes
washed 3 sink-fulls of dirty dishes
Washed, dried, folded and PUT AWAY 6 loads of laundry (Small machine)
cleaned and vacuumed the living room
swept the kitchen
prepared, dined and cleaned up on 3 meals
researched coupon deals
took a nap
baked blueberry muffins
baked banana bread
played with my kiddos, and met all of their basic child-care needs
Organized half my bill basket (its been neglected for months)
Helped hubby fix recliner chair
Talked with grandmother in law 3 times, visited with mother over lunch, provided pregnancy info to worried sister in law.
My, I did a lot! Technically it doesn't make much mathematical sense either. I gain maybe 1 1/2 hours in the morning, and then I take a 2-3 hour nap in the afternoons as I stay up later to see hubby and I have to get up earlier now. It would seem to make more sense to just crawl back into bed in the morning and stay awake in the afternoon, but nope! my energy levels seriously plummet after lunch. I guess I should get back to the laundry and the bill basket....I am nearly all caught up!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Nesting...Hardcore
So, I usually "Nest" Throughout my second trimester, but this time it was quite busy with other crises. I am just ending it now, and starting my little projects. Perhaps little is an understatement. Garrett has been bitten by the home improvement bug as well and has been a massive help in my de-clutter/organize/re-arranging schemes. We have both finally resigned ourselves to living here for several more years, our original plan was to sell within 5 years of purchase, we have now been her for 4.5 years, so I guess it is time to settle in and make it truly our home.
In the last two weeks we have:
emptied out and re-distributed everything in the front closet
Built and installed 4 shelves for dvd's (housed in the former closet)
Removed everything from the toddlers closet, sorted it and returned it.
sorted, gave away and re-organized all toys after massive birthday haul.
Sorted and re-packed all baby clothing by gender and size
re-arranged living room furniture
gave away several pieces to the good-will
obtained a new chair
built, installed and painted a bathroom cabinet
painted the bathroom
painted the existing bathroom cabinet
re-organized my closet
re-organized under the bed
removed and re-organized everything in the hall closet.
re-organized and sorted crafting supplies and put them in the hall closet
touched up all the paint in the house
Hung two additional shelves in the toddlers room.
all this, while of course, keeping up with the housework, helping out family and staying up way too late watching star trek. the eventual goal is to have everything stored in the room it will be used in. sheets are now under our bed, towels and extra tp will be stored in my new cabinet, and the kitchen needs a total overhaul. I still have a list of about 25 more little tasks and projects I want done before the baby gets here. It looks like we may just finish. or not.
Next month:Potty training, sewing and crochet projects and learning to use coupons more effectively.
In the last two weeks we have:
emptied out and re-distributed everything in the front closet
Built and installed 4 shelves for dvd's (housed in the former closet)
Removed everything from the toddlers closet, sorted it and returned it.
sorted, gave away and re-organized all toys after massive birthday haul.
Sorted and re-packed all baby clothing by gender and size
re-arranged living room furniture
gave away several pieces to the good-will
obtained a new chair
built, installed and painted a bathroom cabinet
painted the bathroom
painted the existing bathroom cabinet
re-organized my closet
re-organized under the bed
removed and re-organized everything in the hall closet.
re-organized and sorted crafting supplies and put them in the hall closet
touched up all the paint in the house
Hung two additional shelves in the toddlers room.
all this, while of course, keeping up with the housework, helping out family and staying up way too late watching star trek. the eventual goal is to have everything stored in the room it will be used in. sheets are now under our bed, towels and extra tp will be stored in my new cabinet, and the kitchen needs a total overhaul. I still have a list of about 25 more little tasks and projects I want done before the baby gets here. It looks like we may just finish. or not.
Next month:Potty training, sewing and crochet projects and learning to use coupons more effectively.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mostly hard times
Reflecting over the last few months, I have come to realize my little family has experienced mostly hard times. We have been put through an emotional ringer, some of it may have been avoided, but for the most part, when those around us are suffering we tend to be sympathetic and try to help. Someone commented to me today that I had to be "The strong one...again" they said so with an air of regret. But to be honest. It's not me. My strength comes from God alone. When I am going through hard times I ask for the Lord to help me thru. and he does. So I don't mind (mostly) being strong, because I am not doing it alone.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
home again
at least for a while. things have been so topsy turvy lately, I just can't wait to get back into our normal routine, whatever that is!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Grandpas gone.
Garrett is holding in strong, helping grandma with the arrangements and paperwork. It is surprising how much you need to do, in her case, Grandpa was in the military for nearly 40 years, and it seems every office there wants forms in triplicate. I am just praying she gets her survivors benefits as promised, otherwise she has nothing--well, the house has been paid off for a couple of decades so that much is a relief.
I am back at home today trying to make a small dent in the chaos that has become our home.
Everything just feels wrong today. I guess that is normal. I am unsure as to what is going to happen over the next few weeks. I just miss things the way they were. It's funny how absolutely everything changes and I seem to always be mourning the past.
Back to the tidy-ing up now.
I am back at home today trying to make a small dent in the chaos that has become our home.
Everything just feels wrong today. I guess that is normal. I am unsure as to what is going to happen over the next few weeks. I just miss things the way they were. It's funny how absolutely everything changes and I seem to always be mourning the past.
Back to the tidy-ing up now.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
I don't know what to write today
Just thought I should update y'all, but there is not much going on. we had a couple of busy days, went to IKEA and bought the computer hutch we've had our eyes on for months. It is beautiful! and so spacious. We also inherited a TV, which is great for Garrett as he has been wanting a hi-def one for his blu-rays. Now all we need is the Blu-ray player.
A car will be our next purchase, as soon as Garrett's work picks up again, then the player.
God has been providing, not only our needs but also our wants lately. I'd like to think that the TV is Garrett's reward for sacrificing so much to be with Grandpa these last few weeks. I also don't object to it, as I LOVE watching my favorite movies while I putter about the house.
Grandpa doesn't have much time left, and it is just so weird thinking about it, it is almost like we are beginning the grieving process now. I wish it were easier emotionally, but its not. All we can do is cope with it as it comes.
A car will be our next purchase, as soon as Garrett's work picks up again, then the player.
God has been providing, not only our needs but also our wants lately. I'd like to think that the TV is Garrett's reward for sacrificing so much to be with Grandpa these last few weeks. I also don't object to it, as I LOVE watching my favorite movies while I putter about the house.
Grandpa doesn't have much time left, and it is just so weird thinking about it, it is almost like we are beginning the grieving process now. I wish it were easier emotionally, but its not. All we can do is cope with it as it comes.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Answered Prayers
Today was my dad's birthday, so after church we headed over to his house for a barbecue. It was a wonderful time of visiting...until about 3pm, when the kids had a meltdown, and so did I. We left in a rush, and I was fighting tears all the way home. I was just missing Garrett so much I could barely stand it.
We pulled into the parking lot and I gave him a jingle, as the kiddos had passed out in the back seat. The next thing I know, he is rounding the corner! His HOA meeting got moved up, and he was a few minuites early. He gave me a big hug (And of course, I finally broke down and got the front of his shirt all wet. He helped me up with the kids, and promised to stay long enough to have dinner after the meeting.
so, I spent the next two hours prepping dinner and looking for the other set of keys, as I wanted to get the mail. they were lost. I looked EVERYWHERE at least twice, praying the entire time.
When Garrett came in he asked for the keys to get the mail and I confessed I had lost them...AGAIN. So he looked, and found them while I was finishing up dinner. (In my diaper bag of all places, which I had checked every pocket in at least 3 times) Another prayer answered. I cried, again. WE had a lovely dinner of Chicken Marsala and Eva's fettuccine. He declared it eh best I had ever made.
I walked him to the car, and he said he had a little something...it was strawberries! Which I was craving and didn't buy in the store yesterday as they looked so depressing. These were absolutely fantastic.
so, my bad afternoon has turned into a pretty good evening. the kids have settled in to watch a cartoon and I am going to look up birthday cake ideas, and catch up on my blog reading.
God is so good!
We pulled into the parking lot and I gave him a jingle, as the kiddos had passed out in the back seat. The next thing I know, he is rounding the corner! His HOA meeting got moved up, and he was a few minuites early. He gave me a big hug (And of course, I finally broke down and got the front of his shirt all wet. He helped me up with the kids, and promised to stay long enough to have dinner after the meeting.
so, I spent the next two hours prepping dinner and looking for the other set of keys, as I wanted to get the mail. they were lost. I looked EVERYWHERE at least twice, praying the entire time.
When Garrett came in he asked for the keys to get the mail and I confessed I had lost them...AGAIN. So he looked, and found them while I was finishing up dinner. (In my diaper bag of all places, which I had checked every pocket in at least 3 times) Another prayer answered. I cried, again. WE had a lovely dinner of Chicken Marsala and Eva's fettuccine. He declared it eh best I had ever made.
I walked him to the car, and he said he had a little something...it was strawberries! Which I was craving and didn't buy in the store yesterday as they looked so depressing. These were absolutely fantastic.
so, my bad afternoon has turned into a pretty good evening. the kids have settled in to watch a cartoon and I am going to look up birthday cake ideas, and catch up on my blog reading.
God is so good!
Friday, March 19, 2010
I don't miss my mop
It broke a few months ago, and I still haven't replaced it. I have been scrubbing my floors on hands and knees with a hot bucket of water, with just a dash of vinegar and some rosemary and lavender essential oil. and I LOVE it. It is easier on my back, and it seems to do a much better job than my old sponge mop. I don't think I'll even bother with a replacement. The vinegar aids the cleaning and cuts the smells, the oils are disinfectant/anti-microbial and also smell yummy! If great-grandma had vinyl floors and access to a health-food store I am sure this is how she would have done it!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Doing things as grandma would have...
Or should I say Great- or even Great-Great grandma, providing of course that she had an electric washing machine, and that, indeed, she allowed it to do its thing without first manually filling it with buckets of water collected the previous day and hand-agitating it every time the cycle changes--like two grandmas i happen to know.
sigh
I want to cultivate in myself the skills attitudes and do-it-yourself tenacity and work ethic our fore mothers had, with, of course just a few modern modifications. I love my washer. I will not give it up. I will however, hang my clothing out to dry and mix up my own laundry detergent.
I feel like I have had a crash course in some of the harder aspects of the past. Garrett's been gone these two weeks and I can now appreciate first-hand the emotional roller-coaster a lone woman went through while her husband went off to war, or elsewhere following the work. Of course, my hunny is only a 20 minute drive away, and me and the boys do get to see him several times a week, but those times without his humor and help just seem so much duller, and more difficult.
Currently we are sleep deprived, and I will be putting the kids down EARLY. I was hoping for 7, but they're pretty wound up due to the time change. Maybe 8. Then I'm crashing. To heck with the housework. I need sleep.
sigh
I want to cultivate in myself the skills attitudes and do-it-yourself tenacity and work ethic our fore mothers had, with, of course just a few modern modifications. I love my washer. I will not give it up. I will however, hang my clothing out to dry and mix up my own laundry detergent.
I feel like I have had a crash course in some of the harder aspects of the past. Garrett's been gone these two weeks and I can now appreciate first-hand the emotional roller-coaster a lone woman went through while her husband went off to war, or elsewhere following the work. Of course, my hunny is only a 20 minute drive away, and me and the boys do get to see him several times a week, but those times without his humor and help just seem so much duller, and more difficult.
Currently we are sleep deprived, and I will be putting the kids down EARLY. I was hoping for 7, but they're pretty wound up due to the time change. Maybe 8. Then I'm crashing. To heck with the housework. I need sleep.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Depression hurts....Purpose can help!
I have spent the last two weeks in an incredible funk. My amazing hubby has been taking care of his dying grandfather and is therefore, not here. I miss him. Alot. I didn't realize how much I depended on him until he was gone. I would up getting "depressed" Meaning, basically, I was tired, irritated, didn't feel like doing anything and wallowing in self pity and self hatred.
Two nights ago I couldn't sleep, and I cried out to the lord in desperation.
Today I feel fantastic. I have a renewed vision for this particular (hopefully short) season as well as some coping ideas.
I had made my marriage/husband my idol, and the Lord has corrected me.
So, today I woke to a nearly clean house, having stayed up later doing a little more cleaning than I would have liked, but I slept well. Today I managed to get the dishes cleaned and went grocery shopping. It was a real treat to wander around Winco again. I did toss in a few extra items that I wanted into the cart, as did J. In fact, he was quite energetic and ran back and forth along the isles while I read labels---don't worry, the store wasn't crowded and I was able to keep an eye on him--but we had a good time overall. I was super excited to find a 50 lb bag of whole wheat flour for $20. I didn't buy it, as I couldn't lift it at this point, nor do I have a way to store all of that in my small condo. Maybe when Garret's back we can get a bag and i can freeze some.
Back to the previous line of thought. Living with purpose helps the moody-blues. I realize now that I need to live a life pleasing to God, not just my Husband. The manner in which I do things is just as important as getting them done. I also have to keep my spirits up to help the children cope...I ant them to handle all of life's bumps with a (somewhat) positive, flexible attitude and therefore I need to model it.
So there you have it, all the deep stuff that has been rolling about my head.
The weather out here is just beautiful! I will be bringing out my drying rack for the laundry tomorrow, and we may even plant some seeds. It is actually a little late to be starting indoor plants, even late to begin our spring planting here in the valley, but I will be growing mostly herbs and some mid-summer/fall harvesting crops. When our tax return comes I want so bad to get some new window-boxes and grow some strawberries in them! Woo hooo! With the big pine-trees gone my little balcony area actually gets some sun. I think I'll head out there and fix up some of my plants before the boys wake up. Afternoons are mine now, I do my own projects and rest. I love it!
Two nights ago I couldn't sleep, and I cried out to the lord in desperation.
Today I feel fantastic. I have a renewed vision for this particular (hopefully short) season as well as some coping ideas.
I had made my marriage/husband my idol, and the Lord has corrected me.
So, today I woke to a nearly clean house, having stayed up later doing a little more cleaning than I would have liked, but I slept well. Today I managed to get the dishes cleaned and went grocery shopping. It was a real treat to wander around Winco again. I did toss in a few extra items that I wanted into the cart, as did J. In fact, he was quite energetic and ran back and forth along the isles while I read labels---don't worry, the store wasn't crowded and I was able to keep an eye on him--but we had a good time overall. I was super excited to find a 50 lb bag of whole wheat flour for $20. I didn't buy it, as I couldn't lift it at this point, nor do I have a way to store all of that in my small condo. Maybe when Garret's back we can get a bag and i can freeze some.
Back to the previous line of thought. Living with purpose helps the moody-blues. I realize now that I need to live a life pleasing to God, not just my Husband. The manner in which I do things is just as important as getting them done. I also have to keep my spirits up to help the children cope...I ant them to handle all of life's bumps with a (somewhat) positive, flexible attitude and therefore I need to model it.
So there you have it, all the deep stuff that has been rolling about my head.
The weather out here is just beautiful! I will be bringing out my drying rack for the laundry tomorrow, and we may even plant some seeds. It is actually a little late to be starting indoor plants, even late to begin our spring planting here in the valley, but I will be growing mostly herbs and some mid-summer/fall harvesting crops. When our tax return comes I want so bad to get some new window-boxes and grow some strawberries in them! Woo hooo! With the big pine-trees gone my little balcony area actually gets some sun. I think I'll head out there and fix up some of my plants before the boys wake up. Afternoons are mine now, I do my own projects and rest. I love it!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Trying week...
It feels soooo good to be back in our routine...sort of.
Two weeks ago Garrett spent Monday and Tuesday at his Grandparents, he was driving them back and forth from the hospital as Grandpa has taken a turn for the worse. His mother also had an accident, she fell out of a truck and broke her kneecap in half, requiring surgery and some screws attached to a metal screen to put it all back together. we then found out Grandpa has less than a month to live.
The rest of the week was spent with his best friend Ron, and his wife Nikki, who were visiting from Wisconsin, so we had a mini-vacation, in between, of course, phone calls from mom and grandma as well as his classes and my La Leche work. It was a wonderful time of visiting, but we all stayed up too late and ate too much junk. sigh.
So this week, Garrett has basically moved in with the grandparents to provide hospice care, and the boys and I have been keeping the home fires burning...and fighting the flu. again. I am starting to think there might be something in our condo or the complex that is aggravating our immune systems. Once again, something out of our control at this point.
We have been visiting back and forth, but couldn't go today (Germs) but Garrett did come and check up on us (while other family was there helping out) So, basically, prayers are needed, for Grandpas salvation, and wisdom and strength for both Garrett and I.
Menu:
Breakfast boiled eggs and toast
Lunch leftover chicken, corn and black-bean soup (yummy!) sourdough toast (impulse buy when I was shopping for grandma)
Dinner Bean and cheese quesadillas with Guacamole.
Tomorrow is a day of running around, I have dr's appointments for the boys, Farmer's market, WIC and maybe the Library. Whew! I'm exhausted just thinking about it!
Two weeks ago Garrett spent Monday and Tuesday at his Grandparents, he was driving them back and forth from the hospital as Grandpa has taken a turn for the worse. His mother also had an accident, she fell out of a truck and broke her kneecap in half, requiring surgery and some screws attached to a metal screen to put it all back together. we then found out Grandpa has less than a month to live.
The rest of the week was spent with his best friend Ron, and his wife Nikki, who were visiting from Wisconsin, so we had a mini-vacation, in between, of course, phone calls from mom and grandma as well as his classes and my La Leche work. It was a wonderful time of visiting, but we all stayed up too late and ate too much junk. sigh.
So this week, Garrett has basically moved in with the grandparents to provide hospice care, and the boys and I have been keeping the home fires burning...and fighting the flu. again. I am starting to think there might be something in our condo or the complex that is aggravating our immune systems. Once again, something out of our control at this point.
We have been visiting back and forth, but couldn't go today (Germs) but Garrett did come and check up on us (while other family was there helping out) So, basically, prayers are needed, for Grandpas salvation, and wisdom and strength for both Garrett and I.
Menu:
Breakfast boiled eggs and toast
Lunch leftover chicken, corn and black-bean soup (yummy!) sourdough toast (impulse buy when I was shopping for grandma)
Dinner Bean and cheese quesadillas with Guacamole.
Tomorrow is a day of running around, I have dr's appointments for the boys, Farmer's market, WIC and maybe the Library. Whew! I'm exhausted just thinking about it!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Best birthday ever...almost!
I had a wonderful, self indulgent day yesterday! Garrett took me and the boys out to Barnes and Nobles and had me pick out a book...then down to the Sees candies store where he had me custom-order a pound of my favorite chocolates. Afterwords we walked over to the other mall (here in Stockton we have two malls right across the street from each other) and went to the indoor play place. The kids had a blast running about, until J. decided to jump off one of the climbing toys, and rolled his ankle. He has been fussing and crawling about on it since then. Sigh. No swelling, he can move it about...last time this happened the DR. just rolled his eyes (seriously) and told me to let him stay off of it. I am thinking we should get it checked out anyway, but I can't, until we get our car fixed. The air conditioning compressor fell out on our way home. At first we thought it may have been the radiator. So, here I am, again, on a Monday morning, trapped in my own house with a fussy toddler...on a sugar hangover and wondering how the house could have gotten so messy as we were gone most of the day!
OOOOH, I almost forgot. I had a wonderful shopping trip to the grocery store. Yes, I realize we have been eating out of the pantry, but we were in dire need of some fresh produce. I swung by Safeway to pick up some sale items and was pleasantly surprised by a few More I found.
I got a 5 lb box of "cuties" mandarin oranges for $2.97 (reg price $6.97)
Oatmeal was on sale, buy 2 get 3 free. $2.19 each -that's $1.50 off the Winco price (reg price $5.48 ea)
Gold medal unbleached flour $1.68 each (reg price $3.48)
wooo hoooo! I also got Mac n cheese for .50 cents a box, and some eggs, buy one get one! overall I saved 41% off of the food bill! It would have been much higher (percentage wise) but I bought a few specialty items for Garrett's lunches that were only a few cents off. Boy it was satisfying! I also got some rain checks for their chicken (fresh at .99 cents a lb).
Right now I am debating going back for more flour or possibly more oatmeal, as it was so cheap! The dates say they are good until the middle of next year, but I am not sure I have room to store them.
Breakfast:
Toast and jelly, banana, yogurt and eggs
Snack not sure
Lunch: grilled cheese and tomato soup
dinner: Pesto
OOOOH, I almost forgot. I had a wonderful shopping trip to the grocery store. Yes, I realize we have been eating out of the pantry, but we were in dire need of some fresh produce. I swung by Safeway to pick up some sale items and was pleasantly surprised by a few More I found.
I got a 5 lb box of "cuties" mandarin oranges for $2.97 (reg price $6.97)
Oatmeal was on sale, buy 2 get 3 free. $2.19 each -that's $1.50 off the Winco price (reg price $5.48 ea)
Gold medal unbleached flour $1.68 each (reg price $3.48)
wooo hoooo! I also got Mac n cheese for .50 cents a box, and some eggs, buy one get one! overall I saved 41% off of the food bill! It would have been much higher (percentage wise) but I bought a few specialty items for Garrett's lunches that were only a few cents off. Boy it was satisfying! I also got some rain checks for their chicken (fresh at .99 cents a lb).
Right now I am debating going back for more flour or possibly more oatmeal, as it was so cheap! The dates say they are good until the middle of next year, but I am not sure I have room to store them.
Breakfast:
Toast and jelly, banana, yogurt and eggs
Snack not sure
Lunch: grilled cheese and tomato soup
dinner: Pesto
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Stepford wives
I just watched the new re-make of the 70's "classic" and it proved to be a thought provoking endeavor....It showed the worst of both worlds! Seriously, at the beginning you see the very intense, high-powered television executive who is producing lots of, well, just bad TV which completely emasculates the male gender....later on you see her in a total nervous breakdown, fighting with her husband, children unhappy....and even later you hear her and her compatriots commiserating about how terrible things hare and the various cocktails of anti-depressants they depend on to get them thru. Then the woman has a breakthrough...she wants to try it the "Stepford way" meaning, basically, to become a mindless, charming, pretty cleaning machine--obsessed with holiday crafts and baking hundreds of cupcakes. All together, a rather depressing view, as it shows the working mother as, well, insane, and the homemaker as, well, insane.
But it doesn't have to be that way! I know many a working mother, who, though circumstances keep her in the workplace they still manage to put their families first. My own mother was an example of that. She taught us how to tend the home, and checked up on us constantly...in fact, we thought she called us too often from work! Dinner was always homemade and around the table. I was actually allowed to take over the kitchen on weeknights from the time I was in junior high...and I loved it! The family, however, was not as thrilled with some of my experimenting at meal planning and new recipes.
I also know many smart, capable and multi-talented women who choose to stay at home. They do all the "mundane" chores, play with and train their children and still manage to keep up with their educations. You can, indeed, be a homemaker and still have your own mind.
But I guess a movie showing the true reality would not be very "interesting"
oh well.
But it doesn't have to be that way! I know many a working mother, who, though circumstances keep her in the workplace they still manage to put their families first. My own mother was an example of that. She taught us how to tend the home, and checked up on us constantly...in fact, we thought she called us too often from work! Dinner was always homemade and around the table. I was actually allowed to take over the kitchen on weeknights from the time I was in junior high...and I loved it! The family, however, was not as thrilled with some of my experimenting at meal planning and new recipes.
I also know many smart, capable and multi-talented women who choose to stay at home. They do all the "mundane" chores, play with and train their children and still manage to keep up with their educations. You can, indeed, be a homemaker and still have your own mind.
But I guess a movie showing the true reality would not be very "interesting"
oh well.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Keeping up...
With the chores! It is really SO much easier when I "keep up" with the housework. I forced myself over the last two days to do the dishes right after eating, and you know what, it was easy! I feel so much more relaxed today as there is no giant pile to contend with while I make lunch. In fact, I almost don't know what to do with myself. Almost. I am doing some research for the book I am writing, and will work on that some more. I also need to "tidy" up the boy's room as they have emptied every shelf, bin and basket in their play. They will be getting chores soon, official ones and a chart even. They are at the age where helping is fun, so I plan to take full advantage of it!
I have been musing over the way we do things lately and have come to this conclusion. Half the food I have in the house I can probably make from scratch! I have the bread recipe down, and I want to do a great deal of canning and preserving this year. I will be on the lookout for a nice food dehydrator...one with actual instructions. My fave thrift store often has them, I will just have to figure out a way to get there!
Here are some things I want to experiment with making myself:
Mustard
Barbecue Sauce
Spaghetti Sauce
sun dried tomatoes
canned tomatoes
Pesto (to be frozen?)
Yogurt (I will succeed, eventually)
cream cheese
cottage cheese
Hot cocoa mix
Pancake Mix
Tortillas
Mom's blackberry jam
Strawberry Jam
Apricot Jam
Canned Peaches
Canned Apricots
Frozen berries, nectarines
Applesauce
Pearsauce
Macaroni and cheese
chicken stock (canned?)
beef stock
Sourdough bread
Sprouting beans/rice ect.
My that is quite a list! I am sure I can handle it tho, as the second trimester of pregnancy for me is always one of great energy. I will be enlisting the help of my mother, and perhaps get my cousin and sister in law in on some of the jam action! Maybe the applesauce too. I have a resource for free peaches, nectarines, plums and apricots. I just need to get ahold of some cheap apples and tomatoes. Guess I have alot of growing to do.
Today's menu
Pancakes and eggs
animal crackers
leftover beans and rice
French onion soup,(or possibly tomato if I get too lazy) toasted cheese sandwich (I broke down and bought bread)
I have been musing over the way we do things lately and have come to this conclusion. Half the food I have in the house I can probably make from scratch! I have the bread recipe down, and I want to do a great deal of canning and preserving this year. I will be on the lookout for a nice food dehydrator...one with actual instructions. My fave thrift store often has them, I will just have to figure out a way to get there!
Here are some things I want to experiment with making myself:
Mustard
Barbecue Sauce
Spaghetti Sauce
sun dried tomatoes
canned tomatoes
Pesto (to be frozen?)
Yogurt (I will succeed, eventually)
cream cheese
cottage cheese
Hot cocoa mix
Pancake Mix
Tortillas
Mom's blackberry jam
Strawberry Jam
Apricot Jam
Canned Peaches
Canned Apricots
Frozen berries, nectarines
Applesauce
Pearsauce
Macaroni and cheese
chicken stock (canned?)
beef stock
Sourdough bread
Sprouting beans/rice ect.
My that is quite a list! I am sure I can handle it tho, as the second trimester of pregnancy for me is always one of great energy. I will be enlisting the help of my mother, and perhaps get my cousin and sister in law in on some of the jam action! Maybe the applesauce too. I have a resource for free peaches, nectarines, plums and apricots. I just need to get ahold of some cheap apples and tomatoes. Guess I have alot of growing to do.
Today's menu
Pancakes and eggs
animal crackers
leftover beans and rice
French onion soup,(or possibly tomato if I get too lazy) toasted cheese sandwich (I broke down and bought bread)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The "best" mom I can be...
My darling hubby has a real problem with the term "best" in his mind there is always room for improvement, which can be a very good thing, never settling for something lest than your whole effort...or at least not calling it your best when it really wasn't. For simplicity's sake I will be using the word "best" but in the context that it means the best at this moment with constant striving to do better.
I realized something yesterday. well, I may have realized it many times before but I seem to be one of those slow-changing stubborn types. I can't look at other women to be my example of the "perfect" mother, housekeeper, cook, wife, ect. God has made me utterly unique. I cannot be as organized and prepared as Kate Gosselyn, nor can I be as peacefully serene as Michelle Duggar. I can be me. I can be the joyful, nutty homemaker who would rather snuggle with her kiddos and watch "toy story 2" for the 15th time this month than go mop the floor for the third time. I am now endeavoring to be the "Best" Wife, mother and homemaker that God wants me to be. I can be inspired by the examples of other impressive women, but I will no longer strive to BE them.
We are out of olive oil and I am truly annoyed. It was one ingredient I didn't stock up on, as it can go rancid if on the shelf too long, but alas, now I can't make lots of my favorite foods! We use Olive oil in place of almost all other oils...with the exception of a rare deep-fry now and then. sigh. I may just break down and buy some as it is on sale at Safeway this week, and we can easily walk down there with the stroller and cart our "haul" back. Chicken is also on an incredible sale $.99 for FRESH cut up chicken.
Today's menu:
Pancakes and fried egg
Not sure what to make for snack
Tomato soup, chicken "nuggets" and french fries (Baked)
Orange chicken, steamed rice, stir fry broccoli and carrots. Yummy! (chicken will be purchased today, but I don't view this as a total compromise as we do have a freezer full at my mom's house, but I have no way to get there...waaaaay too long to walk! will remember to stock up after church this week!)
I realized something yesterday. well, I may have realized it many times before but I seem to be one of those slow-changing stubborn types. I can't look at other women to be my example of the "perfect" mother, housekeeper, cook, wife, ect. God has made me utterly unique. I cannot be as organized and prepared as Kate Gosselyn, nor can I be as peacefully serene as Michelle Duggar. I can be me. I can be the joyful, nutty homemaker who would rather snuggle with her kiddos and watch "toy story 2" for the 15th time this month than go mop the floor for the third time. I am now endeavoring to be the "Best" Wife, mother and homemaker that God wants me to be. I can be inspired by the examples of other impressive women, but I will no longer strive to BE them.
We are out of olive oil and I am truly annoyed. It was one ingredient I didn't stock up on, as it can go rancid if on the shelf too long, but alas, now I can't make lots of my favorite foods! We use Olive oil in place of almost all other oils...with the exception of a rare deep-fry now and then. sigh. I may just break down and buy some as it is on sale at Safeway this week, and we can easily walk down there with the stroller and cart our "haul" back. Chicken is also on an incredible sale $.99 for FRESH cut up chicken.
Today's menu:
Pancakes and fried egg
Not sure what to make for snack
Tomato soup, chicken "nuggets" and french fries (Baked)
Orange chicken, steamed rice, stir fry broccoli and carrots. Yummy! (chicken will be purchased today, but I don't view this as a total compromise as we do have a freezer full at my mom's house, but I have no way to get there...waaaaay too long to walk! will remember to stock up after church this week!)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Reflections on Mothering
So, as I lazed on the couch today, recovering from the flu I browsed through netflix and actually "watched" (well, half paid attention to in addition to entertaining the boys ect.) a few episodes of John & Kate plus 8. I was nearly struck dumb by the vast differences in Mothering styles that are out there! For simplicity's sake I will compare them to the Duggar family. Both couples desired to have children, and now have family of greater than average size. There are marked differences in the spacing of the children of course, the Duggars had one or two at a time, and the Gosselyns had two sets of multiples, 2 then 6. And I do admit that we are seeing John and Kate during the tough years when you have "many littles" they have no "bigger kids" to help, Kate does all the housework/cooking/childcare by herself. Michelle's family spacing has allowed that the older children can set an example for and be buddies to the little ones. In this case, everybody helps mom out with the massive house care tasks.
I love the "peace in the midst of the storm" feeling I get from Michelle Duggar. She lives in constant chaos, and yet, somehow still (genuinely) smiles, and manages her family. This family has decided that the typical "American Dream" is not quite for them. Bargain hunting and saving is the name of the game. The children are used to sharing everything, their life centres around two things, their faith and their home. this family seems to have FUN!
Conversely, it seems poor Kate is often caught in the midst of the storm! Having so many of the same age must be a real challenge, like running a pre-school 24/7. I do not admire the way she treats her husband. I do admire the way she plans ahead, is super-prepared and tries to make life easier for those brave few who try and help her out. Her house is always sparkling clean. It seems to me that they are still trying to live the "perfect" keeping-up-with-the-Joneses life. She is very honest with the camera and freely admits she struggles and has mother guilt.
I called it "Mothering styles" because, quite frankly, most mothers can set the moods of their homes. Both John and Jim-bob are good hardworking men, who also happen to be big goofballs who love to play with their kids, and often create greater chaos for the mothers to handle. here is where you see the greatest difference. Michelle laughs gently and accepts her playful husband always pointing out his best attributes. Kate simply treats him like another one of the kids to be managed. These women have different personalities and goals, and it seems they are trying to choose the best for their families, but the journey to that goal looks so different!
I guess I lean towards wanting to be more like Michelle Duggar. I want to set a peaceful and joyful mood in our home...I don't want to shout (which I find myself doing lately) However, there is much I can learn from Kate too, I would love to be able to plan ahead and keep such a tidy house...even with a bunch of littles running around!
Perhaps I will keep "Watching" the show, perhaps not, there are lots more things I could be doing with my time...like playing with my boys and creating fun memories together!
I love the "peace in the midst of the storm" feeling I get from Michelle Duggar. She lives in constant chaos, and yet, somehow still (genuinely) smiles, and manages her family. This family has decided that the typical "American Dream" is not quite for them. Bargain hunting and saving is the name of the game. The children are used to sharing everything, their life centres around two things, their faith and their home. this family seems to have FUN!
Conversely, it seems poor Kate is often caught in the midst of the storm! Having so many of the same age must be a real challenge, like running a pre-school 24/7. I do not admire the way she treats her husband. I do admire the way she plans ahead, is super-prepared and tries to make life easier for those brave few who try and help her out. Her house is always sparkling clean. It seems to me that they are still trying to live the "perfect" keeping-up-with-the-Joneses life. She is very honest with the camera and freely admits she struggles and has mother guilt.
I called it "Mothering styles" because, quite frankly, most mothers can set the moods of their homes. Both John and Jim-bob are good hardworking men, who also happen to be big goofballs who love to play with their kids, and often create greater chaos for the mothers to handle. here is where you see the greatest difference. Michelle laughs gently and accepts her playful husband always pointing out his best attributes. Kate simply treats him like another one of the kids to be managed. These women have different personalities and goals, and it seems they are trying to choose the best for their families, but the journey to that goal looks so different!
I guess I lean towards wanting to be more like Michelle Duggar. I want to set a peaceful and joyful mood in our home...I don't want to shout (which I find myself doing lately) However, there is much I can learn from Kate too, I would love to be able to plan ahead and keep such a tidy house...even with a bunch of littles running around!
Perhaps I will keep "Watching" the show, perhaps not, there are lots more things I could be doing with my time...like playing with my boys and creating fun memories together!
Too tired..
...to post much today. Apparently I am fighting the flu. I will be spending the day doing minimal work and maximum rest and snuggle time with the boys, as they have been clinging to me the last two days anyway.
no menus, just leftovers. If I can keep it down. My face is now peppered with burst capillaries (from the vomiting, gross, I know, but my body doesn't like to let go of its food) , from my forehead down to my collar bones, with the most centered about my eyes...I look like a raccoon. I don't like being sick. I like it even less when the boys are not feeling well either and Garrett is gone for 16 hours a day (he had work, followed by apprentiship (sp?) class). grrr.
Pardon my whining. Hopefully a more cheerful post tomorrow.
no menus, just leftovers. If I can keep it down. My face is now peppered with burst capillaries (from the vomiting, gross, I know, but my body doesn't like to let go of its food) , from my forehead down to my collar bones, with the most centered about my eyes...I look like a raccoon. I don't like being sick. I like it even less when the boys are not feeling well either and Garrett is gone for 16 hours a day (he had work, followed by apprentiship (sp?) class). grrr.
Pardon my whining. Hopefully a more cheerful post tomorrow.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Asking for help
It is just one thing I struggle with. I can't seem to ask for help when I need it. This flaw causes undue stress, and even arguments. I am not entirely sure what it is that drives me so, this need to do everything all by myself, perfectly too. Garrett really opened my eyes a while back, and reminded me that the housework is mine to DELEGATE. Ha! I forgot that lesson and had to learn it again, this time with more tears, anger and frustration (I am just a teeny bit hormonal this pregnancy) sigh. Sometimes I wonder if I can ever change. So, here is my new goal. I am going to hang up a sign in my kitchen with some sort of saying referring to humility, help or delegate. Hopefully that will help me remember to ASK.
For today's menu:
Breakfast: Cereal and milk
snack: boiled eggs
Lunch: red beans and rice (I'm making a large batch this time as we ate it all up in one day previously!)
Dinner: Leftovers or Irish nachos (a highly unhealthy but delicious dish involving potatoes, bacon and cheese)
I was definitely NOT pleased with my yogurt outcome, it does not even taste as it should and the texture is just icky. I am not sure weather I should toss it, or figure out how to use it up in some sort of baked/soup recipe. sigh. Maybe if I freeze it we can make smoothies? I'll give that a whirl!
The boys are still sleeping (miraculously, as they have been getting up around 6:30 lately) oops! there goes one!
For today's menu:
Breakfast: Cereal and milk
snack: boiled eggs
Lunch: red beans and rice (I'm making a large batch this time as we ate it all up in one day previously!)
Dinner: Leftovers or Irish nachos (a highly unhealthy but delicious dish involving potatoes, bacon and cheese)
I was definitely NOT pleased with my yogurt outcome, it does not even taste as it should and the texture is just icky. I am not sure weather I should toss it, or figure out how to use it up in some sort of baked/soup recipe. sigh. Maybe if I freeze it we can make smoothies? I'll give that a whirl!
The boys are still sleeping (miraculously, as they have been getting up around 6:30 lately) oops! there goes one!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Weekending
I love Sundays. It really seems that this is my true "Rest day" Other than the boys getting up extra early today, we usually sleep in, I do the dishes then make a big brunch. We have leftovers for lunch and once again, I make a big and unusually early, dinner. I only do enough housework to keep Monday from being depressing. Usually, I work on little projects, like crochet, or sewing or just organizing a particularly cluttered area. today is known as "Projects day" in my Home Management Binder. I need to get that thing out and start following it again. I think my depressed/demotivated attitude is stemming from the fact that at the moment, other than the morning movie and frantic cleaning session (which I am foregoing in order to blog today) we really have no routine to our day.
The only problem with my menus this week is that I forgot to grab the meat we had stored in my mothers large chest-freezer. I'm wondering if there is any way we can fit a small one in our condo, but for now I just have to make an extra trip into Lodi, or (gag) violate my buy nothing but fresh produce/WIC foods rule and pick something up. sigh.
Today's Project: Type up the full "Community Garden" proposal for our Home Owner's Association approval. There is a bit of drama going on over the meeting times, so I am going to see if I can push it through by having the board approve it by e-mail instead of waiting several more weeks for them to figure out a meeting date. I also have the lumber ready and waiting, I'll have it laid out on the balcony until I am ready to use it, or perhaps I'll put it in the gardening area. Hmmm, decisions decisions.
I guess I should go do dishes before I have to get brunch started.
Menu:
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, country fried potatoes, fried bologna
Lunch: leftovers
Dinner : Orange chicken, steamed rice and stir fry veggies
The only problem with my menus this week is that I forgot to grab the meat we had stored in my mothers large chest-freezer. I'm wondering if there is any way we can fit a small one in our condo, but for now I just have to make an extra trip into Lodi, or (gag) violate my buy nothing but fresh produce/WIC foods rule and pick something up. sigh.
Today's Project: Type up the full "Community Garden" proposal for our Home Owner's Association approval. There is a bit of drama going on over the meeting times, so I am going to see if I can push it through by having the board approve it by e-mail instead of waiting several more weeks for them to figure out a meeting date. I also have the lumber ready and waiting, I'll have it laid out on the balcony until I am ready to use it, or perhaps I'll put it in the gardening area. Hmmm, decisions decisions.
I guess I should go do dishes before I have to get brunch started.
Menu:
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, country fried potatoes, fried bologna
Lunch: leftovers
Dinner : Orange chicken, steamed rice and stir fry veggies
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Happy Sabbath!
I decided to post today, as I am still researching/praying about/debating what is and is not "work". For me this blog is definitely not work, however it is creative. anyhoo, just wanted to say I woke up grumpy, but after a bit of tea and toast I am perked up and ready to face the day....time to get the kiddos dressed, and then off to church! No menu's today, as that IS work, and we are having lunch at grammy's house anyway. Perhaps I will post my Sabbath musings here as I begin to make decisions.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Springtime in the Valley
February is my favorite month of the year. I am quite sure it can be traced back to the fact that my sister, brother and I were all born this month, so it is chock-full of happy childhood memories. My wonderful mother used to bake us all our very own cake, and decorate it too! We would have one gigantic birthday party with all the friends and relatives. On our actual birthday we would get a small gift and pick out anything we wanted mom to cook for dinner. As we got older we each had a weekend sleepover as well. Such fun things, but now that I am a mother, I wonder about the sanity of the plan! Thankfully all of our birthdays are spaced out a bit. Perhaps we will wind up with a birthday in every month. In that case we will probably graduate to family outings as the party of choice, with a homemade and decorated cake and a special birthday dinner of course!
Then again, everything is in bloom this time of year. The daffodils always make it for Greg's birthday, and the trees are blossoming as well. At night, when it is warmer, the air is heavy with a honeysuckle scent...I love it! It is a good thing I am allergic to molds and not pollens!
I spent the morning working in the boys room, and i have discovered some nice things. The toddler bunk bed that my dad built has just enough space underneath to slide in a third mattress, trundle style! So we don't need to add another bed in until we have another baby. I re-organized the diaper changing area and am considering moving a few of the items there into other rooms. The towels will move to the bathroom eventually (when we get the $ together for Garrett to build our linen cabinet) The sheets and big blankets can move to the hall closet and the co-sleeper bedding can be stored underneath that! I am quite happy with the theoretical reorganization. My goal is to eventually have everything stored in the room which it is used. Its kind of like the trendy "make a coffee station in your kitchen with everything you need in the same place." idea, but with the whole house!
I also have a few project ideas for the room. I want to paint trains on the walls, "Freight Train" style a la Eric Carle. I'd also like to add some "learning" items around their table area. Numbers and alphabets and shapes and such. Will be researching soon!
For the new baby, in order to keep the room uncluttered, will not be getting a dresser. I believe I can fit the tiny clothes into baskets under the changing area. I have these white wire baskets (from when I was a kid!) which are very sturdy and still very useful, but, well, holey and not very attractive. I want to sew some sort of liner for them, maybe a Velcro or elastic type. we will see!
Yesterday's quiche was a flop. The yogurt looks questionable, it has a very thick, kind of stringy texture, gooey, not sour-cream like. sigh. I guess I'll try it out on the boys, and give it another whack later. Next time I will do the half-gallon and use a different culture base, and perhaps leave it much much longer to culture. Maybe I'll make some yogurt-cheese out of this batch.
Breakfast: Cereal and milk, strawberries (W)
Snack: Toast (from homemade white bread) butter, jam
Lunch: Lentils and rice with fried onions, yogurt
Dinner: Mac n cheese, baked potato (Special request from Garrett)
Then again, everything is in bloom this time of year. The daffodils always make it for Greg's birthday, and the trees are blossoming as well. At night, when it is warmer, the air is heavy with a honeysuckle scent...I love it! It is a good thing I am allergic to molds and not pollens!
I spent the morning working in the boys room, and i have discovered some nice things. The toddler bunk bed that my dad built has just enough space underneath to slide in a third mattress, trundle style! So we don't need to add another bed in until we have another baby. I re-organized the diaper changing area and am considering moving a few of the items there into other rooms. The towels will move to the bathroom eventually (when we get the $ together for Garrett to build our linen cabinet) The sheets and big blankets can move to the hall closet and the co-sleeper bedding can be stored underneath that! I am quite happy with the theoretical reorganization. My goal is to eventually have everything stored in the room which it is used. Its kind of like the trendy "make a coffee station in your kitchen with everything you need in the same place." idea, but with the whole house!
I also have a few project ideas for the room. I want to paint trains on the walls, "Freight Train" style a la Eric Carle. I'd also like to add some "learning" items around their table area. Numbers and alphabets and shapes and such. Will be researching soon!
For the new baby, in order to keep the room uncluttered, will not be getting a dresser. I believe I can fit the tiny clothes into baskets under the changing area. I have these white wire baskets (from when I was a kid!) which are very sturdy and still very useful, but, well, holey and not very attractive. I want to sew some sort of liner for them, maybe a Velcro or elastic type. we will see!
Yesterday's quiche was a flop. The yogurt looks questionable, it has a very thick, kind of stringy texture, gooey, not sour-cream like. sigh. I guess I'll try it out on the boys, and give it another whack later. Next time I will do the half-gallon and use a different culture base, and perhaps leave it much much longer to culture. Maybe I'll make some yogurt-cheese out of this batch.
Breakfast: Cereal and milk, strawberries (W)
Snack: Toast (from homemade white bread) butter, jam
Lunch: Lentils and rice with fried onions, yogurt
Dinner: Mac n cheese, baked potato (Special request from Garrett)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Mixed success
Yesterday's beans and rice was a huge hit with the kiddos. I simmered red beans for about 1 1/2 hours, then added an equal amount of brown rice. I seasoned it last-miunite wtih lime juice, cumin, oregeno and a touch of chili powder. I found an avacado in my crisper so I topped it with that and a bit of cheese. We had it for dinner as well as my cottage cheese was no good for the lasagne. So that was good!
We are trying the yogurt again, with a slightly different recipe and we're doing it in a crock pot. I don't know if it will work, as it called for 1/2 gallon of milk, and I wasn't willing to make that much, so I used half the milk and all the yogurt starter....it already looks better than the last batch!
Garrett LOVED the bread I made, in fact he said it was the best sandwich bread he had ever tasted! I am absolutely thrilled, both because this version is just so much healthier (even though it is made from white flour, im planning on phasing in whole wheat slowly) without all of those preservatives, but it is about 1/4 the cost of his favorite brand. So, I love to bake and I'll be making a loaf a week when he is working, maybe more if he starts using it for toast or snacks.
We wandered down to the grocery store this morning, and I was quite pleased to spend my WIC produce coupons, I paid about 71 cents and came out with 2lbs strawberries, 1lb cherry tomatoes, 3 lbs onions, 1lb organic carrots, 2 cucumbers, 2 lbs apples and 2lbs bananas. I could have done better, but Garrett was really wanting the strawberries and tomatoes (Well, so was I) and they can be pricey this time of year.
Today's menu:
Breakfast: scrambled eggs, frozen waffle
Lunch: PB&J, oranges (free from neighbor) 1/2 donut (treat from store)
Dinner: Easy Quiche
basically, fried onions, potatoes, carrots peas and eggs. no crust, and minimal prep!
We are trying the yogurt again, with a slightly different recipe and we're doing it in a crock pot. I don't know if it will work, as it called for 1/2 gallon of milk, and I wasn't willing to make that much, so I used half the milk and all the yogurt starter....it already looks better than the last batch!
Garrett LOVED the bread I made, in fact he said it was the best sandwich bread he had ever tasted! I am absolutely thrilled, both because this version is just so much healthier (even though it is made from white flour, im planning on phasing in whole wheat slowly) without all of those preservatives, but it is about 1/4 the cost of his favorite brand. So, I love to bake and I'll be making a loaf a week when he is working, maybe more if he starts using it for toast or snacks.
We wandered down to the grocery store this morning, and I was quite pleased to spend my WIC produce coupons, I paid about 71 cents and came out with 2lbs strawberries, 1lb cherry tomatoes, 3 lbs onions, 1lb organic carrots, 2 cucumbers, 2 lbs apples and 2lbs bananas. I could have done better, but Garrett was really wanting the strawberries and tomatoes (Well, so was I) and they can be pricey this time of year.
Today's menu:
Breakfast: scrambled eggs, frozen waffle
Lunch: PB&J, oranges (free from neighbor) 1/2 donut (treat from store)
Dinner: Easy Quiche
basically, fried onions, potatoes, carrots peas and eggs. no crust, and minimal prep!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Adventures in eating
I have just sent both the boys to their room with a bowl of popcorn...thereby breaking my new rule and basically asking for popcorn to make it into every corner of the room...but it was the ONLY room I have yet to clean/vacuum and also I wanted some time online. =)
so, Yesterday's menu:
Breakfast: cereal and milk
Snack: animal crackers, chocolate pudding (for me!)
Lunch: PB&J
Dinner: Pesto, leftovers
Today's menu:
Breakfast: Frozen waffles
Snack: popcorn
Lunch: red beans and rice
Dinner: Lasagna (if my cottage cheese is still good) mozzarella cheese is new (W)
We went to our WIC appointment yesterday, and swung by their store where we stocked up on fresh dairy products. Actually, due to the new coupon arrangements, in order to get enough cheese to both make a lasagna, and quesadillas later I wound up with 4 1/2 gallons of milk...and needing to find recipes/reasons to use it! Perhaps a nice, creamy soup? More yogurt? Maybe I'll attempt a cheese!
My yogurt was an utter failure, will have to buy a small container and try again later.
I am baking bread today, using the Challah recipe Garrett really likes and turning it into a loaf, hoping he will enjoy it for his sandwiches. His palette is extremely brand-loyal. I think it came from a lifetime of eating only rainbow white bread, I am happy he had some sort of stability in his childhood, but also sometimes wish Grandma couldn't have afforded the name brands all the time. We are slowly getting healtier and our goal is to move to all home cooked foods...eventually. I'm thinking about getting some cheap bakeware at the thrift store so I can make some meals ahead and freeze them. Also wondering how to make sure baked goods don't take on that fresh-from-the-freezer taste...I love baking breads but want a good dough I can holdover.
More research for me! woo hoo!
so, Yesterday's menu:
Breakfast: cereal and milk
Snack: animal crackers, chocolate pudding (for me!)
Lunch: PB&J
Dinner: Pesto, leftovers
Today's menu:
Breakfast: Frozen waffles
Snack: popcorn
Lunch: red beans and rice
Dinner: Lasagna (if my cottage cheese is still good) mozzarella cheese is new (W)
We went to our WIC appointment yesterday, and swung by their store where we stocked up on fresh dairy products. Actually, due to the new coupon arrangements, in order to get enough cheese to both make a lasagna, and quesadillas later I wound up with 4 1/2 gallons of milk...and needing to find recipes/reasons to use it! Perhaps a nice, creamy soup? More yogurt? Maybe I'll attempt a cheese!
My yogurt was an utter failure, will have to buy a small container and try again later.
I am baking bread today, using the Challah recipe Garrett really likes and turning it into a loaf, hoping he will enjoy it for his sandwiches. His palette is extremely brand-loyal. I think it came from a lifetime of eating only rainbow white bread, I am happy he had some sort of stability in his childhood, but also sometimes wish Grandma couldn't have afforded the name brands all the time. We are slowly getting healtier and our goal is to move to all home cooked foods...eventually. I'm thinking about getting some cheap bakeware at the thrift store so I can make some meals ahead and freeze them. Also wondering how to make sure baked goods don't take on that fresh-from-the-freezer taste...I love baking breads but want a good dough I can holdover.
More research for me! woo hoo!
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