So I'm enjoying the whole Menu Monday thang but to be honest with you my life is a bit out of whack right now to keep up with preparing meals for my family. With having the whole house thang shot down last week and being sick and moving at lighting speed shuffling every one to and fro for the holidays I'm a bit tired. My ear is acting strange still and I'm fighting some sort of other sinusy infection...god damn it! But I'm alive and kickin! Anyways...yes Menu Monday not gonna happen this week. I'm going to try to crawl to the grocery store and grab some cheese or stomething and toss it ontop of some sort of casserole or something made out of ingredients I have on hand. We'll see. I know I got some chix in the freezer I could thaw that and bake it. I think baked chix was on the menu last week, yes that's what I'll do!
Now that dinners out of the way...I was thinking that you guys that read this are going to get tired of my melancholy mood right now and bail on me. Listen don't do that. I'm very resourceful and will hunt you down. Just hang on with me as I go through this learning experience (shitty time) and try to hang on for dear life and not slip into a permanent funk and allow my kids to subside on goldfish crackers and eggnog for breakfast (Aye I know there are some vitamins in there somewhere!)
We're still hoping the potential buyer comes through and allows us to move on, although I tired of waiting for someone who doesn't appreciate my abode. Did I mention I hate this whole stupid process?
What's going on this week? Well it's almost New Year's..yay! Time to pull out the new budget software...boo...i mean yay! And the huz is gonna make some fancy alcoholic beverages this week for our celebration on the 31st. We're having a party and it's gonna be in front of the xbox 360-me and the huz drinking alcoholic beverages...that's how we roll. We're such an exciting couple!
Happy New Year!
Oh yeah the huz is turning old on saturday, it's his birthday! We're gonna go fancy and eat at a fine dining establishment. Hopefully the folks will watch the babes and it'll be an enjoyable birthday for him. I'm trying to think of something else fun for us to do that he would feel loved by. It occurred to me to take him to play Laser Tag but I'm kind of scared. I'm thinking we'll injure ourselves and how much does something like that cost anyways? I'm such a wet blanket sometimes. I should just schedule it and we should just go...I'm still kind of scared. I'll let you know if we (I) chicken out and take him to the movies instead.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
So it Seems
So it seems that we could possibly, maybe, perhaps seal this whole house deal after all. The sellers of the house we want to buy got wind of the whole dealio (drama) with the ex potential buyer of our house and now they're offering to pay for the fixes that may need to happen in order for the ex potential buyer to buy our house. Wow crazy! I'll let ya'll know if anything come from this.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
I'm not sure what to title this post so for now I've left it blank. I'm just so disappointed at the buyer pulling out of her contract to buy our house. I'm also very frustrated b/c from all appearance she had no idea what she was getting herself into. And also this whole experience thus far reassures me that there needs to be some sort of regulation by the government on Appraisers and Inspectors in the area of real estate.
The reason the buyer pulled out of her contract, well what was communicated to us, is b/c she was overwhelmed by the amount of repairs that had to be done according to the inspector (who is often viewed as God in these situations). We're frustrated though because in the Request To Remedy paperwork she submitted to us she only listed three things she wanted us to perfom-and I got those done the very next day. But she pulled out anyway. It seems she was just really overwhelmed or something I'm not really sure, but nonetheless she committed and refused to be honest (from our perspective) and then didn't follow through with her committment to us. Her pulling out of the contract was legal because she had until the 25th to respond. It really sucks! We just feel like she led us on and it was so rude! What a frickin waste of time! And we were ready to close next week!
What do we do now? Well the contract on the new house is now void b/c we won't be closing on our house (someone pinch me this is not happening.) So at this point we lost our other house...the house. I don't think I can communicate how sad and angry we feel (I'm about to cut a bitch!) We're trying desperately to get perspective though b/c we know there are worse things in this world happening to people. And we are grateful for so much (but this bites the big one!) And whose to say the house we want won't be on the market for a while longer. And maybe someone else will actually like our house and we can still sell and move into the house. At any rate, we're gonna keep on keepin on and relist our house and have showings (ugg truly the worst part with 3 little babes!)
My mom and dad have been so encouraging through this process. I've gotten phone calls and emails over the last few days from the both of them. They keep telling me to keep going or actually mom says, "pull your big girl panties up and keep fightin, your a fighter girl!" She cracks me up more these days as we're learning to understand oneanother better.
So I guess saying this is a waste of time is not actually true. Since I wrote that up there in the second paragraph it's not sitting well with me. We have learned some things about what we will and won't do if we get a second offer. We've also learned how many people care! Our friends and family have been so thoughtful over the last day as we got the news yesterday morning. We really appreciate it! We've also been pretty sick these last few day, my eardrum almost ruptured on monday so I was in a lot of pain with a "raging ear infection" that's what the nurse practitioner called it. The Huz and I both are pretty sure we have sinus infections too. And Super N has pink eye in both eyes and Baby Jin one eye. I thought W had pink eye too but he has managed to escape all of our sicknesses and got to enjoy a day with extended family while we tried to rest at home in our sickness with two sick babes.
Today we're going to go to our Great Grandparents home and celebrate with family (uh more like try to breathe since there will likely be 35 people crammed into a not so large space...ugg.) It should be fun (perhaps I should bring my inhaler?) Or hopefully it will be somewhat relaxing (Oh how I hope it will.) At about 5ish we'll leave the G Rents and go to my parents home and open gifts with them and my sister's family-should be a Merry Ho Time...or something like that.
The reason the buyer pulled out of her contract, well what was communicated to us, is b/c she was overwhelmed by the amount of repairs that had to be done according to the inspector (who is often viewed as God in these situations). We're frustrated though because in the Request To Remedy paperwork she submitted to us she only listed three things she wanted us to perfom-and I got those done the very next day. But she pulled out anyway. It seems she was just really overwhelmed or something I'm not really sure, but nonetheless she committed and refused to be honest (from our perspective) and then didn't follow through with her committment to us. Her pulling out of the contract was legal because she had until the 25th to respond. It really sucks! We just feel like she led us on and it was so rude! What a frickin waste of time! And we were ready to close next week!
What do we do now? Well the contract on the new house is now void b/c we won't be closing on our house (someone pinch me this is not happening.) So at this point we lost our other house...the house. I don't think I can communicate how sad and angry we feel (I'm about to cut a bitch!) We're trying desperately to get perspective though b/c we know there are worse things in this world happening to people. And we are grateful for so much (but this bites the big one!) And whose to say the house we want won't be on the market for a while longer. And maybe someone else will actually like our house and we can still sell and move into the house. At any rate, we're gonna keep on keepin on and relist our house and have showings (ugg truly the worst part with 3 little babes!)
My mom and dad have been so encouraging through this process. I've gotten phone calls and emails over the last few days from the both of them. They keep telling me to keep going or actually mom says, "pull your big girl panties up and keep fightin, your a fighter girl!" She cracks me up more these days as we're learning to understand oneanother better.
So I guess saying this is a waste of time is not actually true. Since I wrote that up there in the second paragraph it's not sitting well with me. We have learned some things about what we will and won't do if we get a second offer. We've also learned how many people care! Our friends and family have been so thoughtful over the last day as we got the news yesterday morning. We really appreciate it! We've also been pretty sick these last few day, my eardrum almost ruptured on monday so I was in a lot of pain with a "raging ear infection" that's what the nurse practitioner called it. The Huz and I both are pretty sure we have sinus infections too. And Super N has pink eye in both eyes and Baby Jin one eye. I thought W had pink eye too but he has managed to escape all of our sicknesses and got to enjoy a day with extended family while we tried to rest at home in our sickness with two sick babes.
Today we're going to go to our Great Grandparents home and celebrate with family (uh more like try to breathe since there will likely be 35 people crammed into a not so large space...ugg.) It should be fun (perhaps I should bring my inhaler?) Or hopefully it will be somewhat relaxing (Oh how I hope it will.) At about 5ish we'll leave the G Rents and go to my parents home and open gifts with them and my sister's family-should be a Merry Ho Time...or something like that.
Merry Christmas
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Mi Vida Loco
I have 3 babes with Pink Eye. The Huz (formerly Hub) and I have raging sore throats with a side of green funk, aka phlegm. If I recall correctly I was sick last Christmas. Sheesh this is not what I had in mind for a Christmas tradition. (Perhaps next year a week before Christmas I'm going to load up on Coldeez to thwart this unwanted tradition.) Hopefully I'll ring in the new year phlegm free. Speaking of the new year I was hoping that the Huz and I could go party it up with friends and have a yummy dinner somewhere but not this year. We've concluded that our gift this year to one another is a house. Oh yeah we're buying a house!
What's up with the house?!
Well let's see. Both houses had inspections last week. We received a request to repair report on ours Thursday evening. Apparently some of the roofing tiles were damaged and some of the seals were broken (ice storm of 05' or hail storm of 06' or wind storm of 08'???) Some of the flashing was not where it should be as well. We also had a piece of soffit that was rotted. Apparently the painters we hired to paint our house for 4k 2 months ago neglected to tell us that we had some rotted woodness going on up there. However they had no problem painting right on over it...MOFOS! At any rate, we also had a small hole in a front gable and some minor electrical issues that will be solved tomorrow by our trusty electrician. All in all pretty easy and now we can breathe a bit. The report on the house that we are in contract with came back pretty clean. It did have 3 small gas leaks (eek!) and a cracked joist in the basement that we asked the owner to support with a piece of wood, we were informed this morning that she has obliged.
In regards to the inspection on the house, we shadowed the inspector and got to hang out in the house for 3 hours. It was really reassuring to walk through and find out that the house was in pretty good shape for being built around 1920. The house also has had some renovations done in the last 10 years that the inspector said were done well. (I actually have a cool story about the guy who actually did those renovations.)
There is a small room with a french door off of the family room (the pic above). It currently doesn't have a heat duct running to it. When I first walked through the home at the end of August I envisioned that room being a bathroom. The Huz agreed over time that this was a good idea. I inquired on whether or not that was a possibility and the inspector thought it was totally doable and would be rather easy since the plumbing for the toilet was directly below the room and the plumbuing was about 3 feet away! How exciting a downstairs pot woohoo! We plan to jump on that right after we move into the house. My dad is disabled and can't do stairs very well at all so having a bathroom on the bottom level will be awesome in many ways for everyone (including Mommabear who doesn't have to run two small butts up the stairs all the time when potty training happens or when she has to go to the pot.)
This last week has been retardedly ridiculous. Momma almost cut a bitch! Naw I'm just kiddin. But I did feel like that cause this mortgage industry is a crock of sh$*t. Let's just say I'm not surprised that so many mortgage companies and banks have went bankrupt...mofos. At any rate, we pushed our closing back to January 13th. Now we can enjoy Christmas a bit and pack in a slower fashion and breathe a little bit. Crazy fool what was I thinking to try to close on Dec 30th...sheesh!
MERRY CHRISTMAS lovely Monkeys!
What's up with the house?!
Well let's see. Both houses had inspections last week. We received a request to repair report on ours Thursday evening. Apparently some of the roofing tiles were damaged and some of the seals were broken (ice storm of 05' or hail storm of 06' or wind storm of 08'???) Some of the flashing was not where it should be as well. We also had a piece of soffit that was rotted. Apparently the painters we hired to paint our house for 4k 2 months ago neglected to tell us that we had some rotted woodness going on up there. However they had no problem painting right on over it...MOFOS! At any rate, we also had a small hole in a front gable and some minor electrical issues that will be solved tomorrow by our trusty electrician. All in all pretty easy and now we can breathe a bit. The report on the house that we are in contract with came back pretty clean. It did have 3 small gas leaks (eek!) and a cracked joist in the basement that we asked the owner to support with a piece of wood, we were informed this morning that she has obliged.
In regards to the inspection on the house, we shadowed the inspector and got to hang out in the house for 3 hours. It was really reassuring to walk through and find out that the house was in pretty good shape for being built around 1920. The house also has had some renovations done in the last 10 years that the inspector said were done well. (I actually have a cool story about the guy who actually did those renovations.)
There is a small room with a french door off of the family room (the pic above). It currently doesn't have a heat duct running to it. When I first walked through the home at the end of August I envisioned that room being a bathroom. The Huz agreed over time that this was a good idea. I inquired on whether or not that was a possibility and the inspector thought it was totally doable and would be rather easy since the plumbing for the toilet was directly below the room and the plumbuing was about 3 feet away! How exciting a downstairs pot woohoo! We plan to jump on that right after we move into the house. My dad is disabled and can't do stairs very well at all so having a bathroom on the bottom level will be awesome in many ways for everyone (including Mommabear who doesn't have to run two small butts up the stairs all the time when potty training happens or when she has to go to the pot.)
This last week has been retardedly ridiculous. Momma almost cut a bitch! Naw I'm just kiddin. But I did feel like that cause this mortgage industry is a crock of sh$*t. Let's just say I'm not surprised that so many mortgage companies and banks have went bankrupt...mofos. At any rate, we pushed our closing back to January 13th. Now we can enjoy Christmas a bit and pack in a slower fashion and breathe a little bit. Crazy fool what was I thinking to try to close on Dec 30th...sheesh!
MERRY CHRISTMAS lovely Monkeys!
Monday: Black Bean Soup w/ Turkey and corn thrown in
Tuesday: Bkfst: Dutch Eggs Lunch: PB&J and/or Leftover Marzetti, Dinner: Baked Chix with peas & mashed swt potatoes
Wednesday: Breakfast: Pancakes w/ syrup & Turkey bacon, Late lunch/Dinner: Christmas Eve at G & G's & my mom and dad's
Thursday: Christmas celebration food included (bkfst, lunch & dinner) at Mom & Dad's.
Friday: Bkfst: Oatmeal, Lunch: PB&J, Dinner: Marinated Chix Breasts, oven roasted pot's w/ evoo & garlic, & spinach
Saturday: Brunch: French Toast Souffle Dinner: Stuffed Peppers & Roasted Green Beans
Sunday: Brunch: Baked Oatmeal Dinner: BBQ Chix on English Muffins & Honey Glazed Carrots
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Man life is rough right now! You'd think with selling the house and getting a contract on the house we want life would be roses (or happy crap like that...). But I tell you getting through a house inspection and then waiting the alotted 10 days is murder on the nerves! I'm dying here! Waiting sucks!
Anyways, because we've been running around like nuts trying to get all the necessary paperwork, inspections, insurance papers, appraisels, etc, etc we are pooped. I forgot to mention that we are closing (or trying to) on Dec 30th, yeah I've been upfront about my addiction to chaos. At any rate, can't wait for this sh#$ to be done!
So here's Menu Plan Monday delivered on Tuesday evening, give me some slack it's my birthday already! Oh and I'm STILL doing the Aldi Queen's Menu Plan, it's awesome, so convenient and I love it!
Monday: Leftover Macaroni Casserole
Tuesday: Roasted Turkey Breast with noodles
Wednesday: Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops and Noodles Romanoff (It didn't get made last week.)
Thursday: Scalloped Potatos and Ham (but I'm using leftover Roasted Turkey Breast) & green beans
Friday: Poor Mans Chix Parmesan w/ veggies of some kind
Saturday: Brunch: Pancakes & Turkey Bacon & leftovers for dinner
Sunday: Brunch: Scrambled Eggs or french toast & Veggie Chili (from a box) for dinner
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Do you hear that gurgling noise?
Yep it's my stomach. I think I'm going to barf! We just sold our house!! Yay!! Details later when it's all said and done.
A Day In The Life of Our House..Currently...(Continued)
I quickly grab my 2 year old and carry her to the bathroom, tell her to "wait right there" while I grab a handtowel off of the towel bar and run back to the room. I throw the towel over the pee that has now soaked into the carpet and stand on it with my bare feet to absorb as much as I can. I pick up the towel and head back to the bathroom tossing the towel in the bathtub for my husband to discover tomorrow morning as he gets in to take a shower. I simultaneously grab the training seat from beside the toilet and my still naked 2 year old. I do some sort of juggling act but manage to shove the both of them on the seat in the correct order.
I run downstairs to grab a diaper, the baby sees me fly past him and his screams quiet and then increase in sound as he realizes I'm not there to pick him up. I grab the diaper from the laundry room and run back through the house and back up the stairs to the bathroom. I silently commend myself for not tripping over the large blue rocking dog parked smack dab in the middle of the living room. Grabbing my 2 year old I throw a diaper on her, ninja style, and then take a moment to just collect myself as I fill my heart pounding. Heading around the corner I find the 3 year old, grab his hand then lead them both down the stairs. We head to the kitchen and I turn the under-the-cabinet tv on and plop them on the floor to watch Curious George.
At this point the baby has seen us and has quieted his screams into whimpers. I walk across the dining room, reach down into the pack and play and grab him his whimpers turning into coos. I clutch him to me taking in his warmth at the same time realizing his sleeper has been soaked completely through and up to his neck in urine. I quickly draw him back from me and carry him to the rug in the living room, lay him down and run to get another diaper from the laundry room. The baby starts screaming when he realizes I've left him there alone. I return and try to manuever the urine soaked, cold, sleeper off of my crying baby. I then change his diaper, pick him up and take him to the laundry room to search for dry clothes. While there I grab some tights and a dress for my 2 year old and some underwear, pants, and a shirt for my 3 year old. I trip over the dirty laundry pile on my way out and note in my head that I need to wash clothes. While sitting in the living room changing the baby I take in the mess that has accumulated in the room over the last few days. I immediately feel overwhelmed by it. It's been 15 minutes since I woke up.
I run downstairs to grab a diaper, the baby sees me fly past him and his screams quiet and then increase in sound as he realizes I'm not there to pick him up. I grab the diaper from the laundry room and run back through the house and back up the stairs to the bathroom. I silently commend myself for not tripping over the large blue rocking dog parked smack dab in the middle of the living room. Grabbing my 2 year old I throw a diaper on her, ninja style, and then take a moment to just collect myself as I fill my heart pounding. Heading around the corner I find the 3 year old, grab his hand then lead them both down the stairs. We head to the kitchen and I turn the under-the-cabinet tv on and plop them on the floor to watch Curious George.
At this point the baby has seen us and has quieted his screams into whimpers. I walk across the dining room, reach down into the pack and play and grab him his whimpers turning into coos. I clutch him to me taking in his warmth at the same time realizing his sleeper has been soaked completely through and up to his neck in urine. I quickly draw him back from me and carry him to the rug in the living room, lay him down and run to get another diaper from the laundry room. The baby starts screaming when he realizes I've left him there alone. I return and try to manuever the urine soaked, cold, sleeper off of my crying baby. I then change his diaper, pick him up and take him to the laundry room to search for dry clothes. While there I grab some tights and a dress for my 2 year old and some underwear, pants, and a shirt for my 3 year old. I trip over the dirty laundry pile on my way out and note in my head that I need to wash clothes. While sitting in the living room changing the baby I take in the mess that has accumulated in the room over the last few days. I immediately feel overwhelmed by it. It's been 15 minutes since I woke up.
Monday, December 08, 2008
I'm currently still using The Aldi Queen's Fall/Winter Menu Planner. Monday: Turkey Meatloaf w/ Cheesy Mashed Potatoes & Sauteed Spinach
Tuesday: Salmon Packets and Rice Noodle Pilaf (from last week; we were looking at houses and went to a pizzaria for dinner)
Wednesday: Roast Turkey Sandwiches w/ chips and apple slices (from last week; hub and i had a big lunch so we didn't eat dinner, the kids had pb&j for dinner)
Thursday: Ham & Macaroni Casserole w/ Broccoli
Friday: Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops and Noodles Romanoff w/ a veggie
Saturday: B: pancakes, D: quiche
Sunday: B: french toast D:Scalloped Pot's w/ Ham and a veggie
Saturday, December 06, 2008
$5 Starbucks Gift Cards Giveaway Winners
Thank you guys so much for all the great ideas that you have for keeping busy in the winter while indoors with your babes! You've given me some great ideas to keep my own kids busy. I plan to write up all the ideas and post them in a few days so come back and take advantage of this great resource.
A Day In The Life of Our House..Currently
Even though I have ear plugs in my ears I can hear a faint muffle. I barely open one eye and kind of peek out of it to see where the noise is coming from. My 2 year old is standing at the side of my bed in front of me buck naked, with a huge grin, patting my cheek and saying, "hi mommy!" Of course I'm hearing "mamaamam." I grit my teeth send up a short yet pleading prayer of, "please God help me," take my ear plugs out and get ready to face another day. I grab my naked 2 year olds hand and lead her to find her brother who I presume is naked as well. I hear the baby downstairs faintly whining and gooing at the same time. I turn the corner out of my room and see my naked 3 year old bouncing on his box springs, his mattress on the floor, the sheet lying next to it in a heap. I feel my heart rate increase a little as I quickly scan the room and notice that the window is open...again. I let go of my 2 year old's hand and walk across the room to the window. I peer outside and see 2 toys stuck in the gutter. Even though I can't see beyond the roof, experience tells me there is a pile of toys in the driveway just under the roof. I close the window, try to compose myself and turn to speak. At the same time I notice a stream of pee running down my 2 year olds leg as she says, "uh oh potty!" The baby's faint whines have now turned into hungry screams. And we haven't even gotten downstairs yet.
To be continued.
To be continued.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Daydreaming (Is that one word or two?)
So I've been daydreaming about something over the last couple of weeks. This is different from my daydreaming about being a regular on SNL -like I'm that funny. Or when I was convinced I could be a rapper when I was 17 and actually started writing and practicing my rhymes-in my head of course. I also bought some beeswax and dreaded my hair. After a little while I realized that a rapping, white girl with dreadlocks may not fly so well in our culture (or any culture for that matter, except of course Japan cause their f$#&ing crazy...) Some of you don't know this about me. But I have large dreams of doing some wacky shit.
What I've been daydreaming about as of late is being a professional B Boxer (beatboxer). In my head I fantasize about meeting a really good beatboxer who could take me under his wing and critique me and help me achieve my b boxing potential. I then picture joining up with a group of street b boxers and traveling with them and showcasing our talents at some large event (like we're the Cirque Du Soleil or something...which I did want to join at some point. I thought with the right diet and exercise routine, the Hub didn't think it was a good idea.)
The art of B Boxing has totally crowded my thoughts and so I've been practicing a lot. My kids really seem to dig it and it makes them crack up in laughter (of course they're probably laughing at me as my husband was internally but was doing a very nice job at containing it as I told him this secret desire last night before bed.)
Don't be surprised if you see my ass on a street sign or you actually see me with a group of people on a corner somewhere. Just say "hey" and feel free to stop and listen. Of course currently I'm too scared to actually do it in front of people except my kids so don't expect to see me or the signs soon of course. But keep your eyes open in the next 5 years or so.
If you are interested in trying your hand (mouth) at b boxing click Here.
What I've been daydreaming about as of late is being a professional B Boxer (beatboxer). In my head I fantasize about meeting a really good beatboxer who could take me under his wing and critique me and help me achieve my b boxing potential. I then picture joining up with a group of street b boxers and traveling with them and showcasing our talents at some large event (like we're the Cirque Du Soleil or something...which I did want to join at some point. I thought with the right diet and exercise routine, the Hub didn't think it was a good idea.)
The art of B Boxing has totally crowded my thoughts and so I've been practicing a lot. My kids really seem to dig it and it makes them crack up in laughter (of course they're probably laughing at me as my husband was internally but was doing a very nice job at containing it as I told him this secret desire last night before bed.)
Don't be surprised if you see my ass on a street sign or you actually see me with a group of people on a corner somewhere. Just say "hey" and feel free to stop and listen. Of course currently I'm too scared to actually do it in front of people except my kids so don't expect to see me or the signs soon of course. But keep your eyes open in the next 5 years or so.
If you are interested in trying your hand (mouth) at b boxing click Here.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
$5 Starbucks Gift Card Giveaway
I have two $5 Starbucks Gift Cards to give away.
In order to be entered to win please leave a comment letting me know of a way you keep your kids busy during the winter months indoors. Don't forget to leave your email addy as well!
I will pick 2 winners out of a bowl on friday night and let you know on Saturday morning.
Happy Holidays!
With being a stay-at-home momma with small children my mind is often consumed with meeting their needs and what I must get done in the day. Since having babes it seems Thanksgiving and Christmas just go by without me being able to fully enjoy them. A couple Christmas's ago while out shopping I bought a cd of Christmas music. I think it was Alvin and The Chipmunks Do Christmas or something. At any rate I bought this cd and listened to it and it was if my shoulders relaxed and I exhaled and all the stress of life just lessened. I was able to go about preparing for Christmas and the season in just a better mood with a better outlook. It was so nice!
So what "works-for-me" is Christmas music. Listening to it everyday from November until Christmas Day. We have it on almost every dinner playing lightly in the background and while we're just hanging out at home. My kids and hubby seem to really enjoy it as well. And it helps me to slow down and enjoy Christmas.
Just kidding about the cd being Alvin and The Chipmunks...I'm much too sophisticated for that...HA!
Just kidding about the cd being Alvin and The Chipmunks...I'm much too sophisticated for that...HA!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Montgomery Bus Boycott
On December 1, 1955 Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama to a caucasian individual, thus starting the 381 days of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. She and a handful of others including Jo Ann Robinson, an Alabama State Law Professor and civil rights activist who was waiting for an opportunity to institute a bus boycott, changed history forever because of their courageous actions.
Take a minute and check out this awesome website dedicated to this significant event in history.
Take a minute and check out this awesome website dedicated to this significant event in history.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Currently I'm using The Aldi Queen's food plan so all my recipes can be found there.
Monday: Dinner with parents
Tuesday: Potato Soup w/ toppings: bacon & cheese
Wednesday: Chicken Delicious, salad & crescent rolls
Thursday: Salmon Packets w/ Rice and noodle pilaf
Friday: Leftover Salsa Chix (from the freezer)
Saturday: Bfst: Pumpkin Pancakes Dinner:Roasted Turkey Sandwiches w/ Blue Chips & apple slices
Sunday: Quiche , Turkey Bacon & fruit
Pretty Things for Girls
I cannot believe it's December already. I was able to do some Christmas shopping this weekend but usually I have it all done by December. I was not one of the many who braved the cold and the crowds on Black Friday to do my Christmas shopping (...those crazy fools..I'll probably do it next year). Instead I sat in a comfortable chair with my cup of coffee and my laptop and preceded to order gifts for my nieces online (and in my jammies I might add). It was awesome! Here are some of the cute items I managed to snag.
Jealous Huh? Where did I get these little lovelies you're wondering?Etsy! You must head over there and check out all of the many handmade items they've got for sale over there. If you are truly looking for something unique to give this holiday season go there!
I got the barrettes, ponytail holders and the birdy ring from ButtonBoutique. I snagged the other ring from katieskreations. It's for my 9 year old niece, Emma, I think she'll love it.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Creativity Through Limitations
I love what Jennifer from Life From the Roof says in her guest post at Money Saving Mom.
She says, "It’s easy at times to feel like we’re limited or lacking in our ability to “live” because we have less money, but I’ve observed over time, in my own life as well as in the lives of others, that often we are at our most creative when we are provided with limitations and boundaries. As T.S. Eliot once wrote:
“When forced to work within a strict framework the imagination is taxed to its utmost – and will produce its richest ideas. Given total freedom the work is likely to sprawl.”"
This resonates so much with me! I am at my most creative when I have limitations. And I feel like even though our country appears to be having a financial crisis, maybe it's a blessing. For those whose homes are in foreclosure or have lost their jobs, I feel great compassion and I'm saddened by their situations. But I do wonder if this time of "crisis" could lead us to a much needed perspective shift on money and on material items as a whole. I guess getting us to really evaluate our "needs" versus our "wants". And forcing us to be creative with our money, resources and our material items. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there that already do this, but I'm not one of them.
She says, "It’s easy at times to feel like we’re limited or lacking in our ability to “live” because we have less money, but I’ve observed over time, in my own life as well as in the lives of others, that often we are at our most creative when we are provided with limitations and boundaries. As T.S. Eliot once wrote:
“When forced to work within a strict framework the imagination is taxed to its utmost – and will produce its richest ideas. Given total freedom the work is likely to sprawl.”"
This resonates so much with me! I am at my most creative when I have limitations. And I feel like even though our country appears to be having a financial crisis, maybe it's a blessing. For those whose homes are in foreclosure or have lost their jobs, I feel great compassion and I'm saddened by their situations. But I do wonder if this time of "crisis" could lead us to a much needed perspective shift on money and on material items as a whole. I guess getting us to really evaluate our "needs" versus our "wants". And forcing us to be creative with our money, resources and our material items. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there that already do this, but I'm not one of them.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving Friends and Family!
I love you all!
I hope everyone's holiday is enjoyable. I thought I'd go ahead and get my mind aligned around gratitude and thankfulness since afterall it is Thanksgiving. Now if I could learn to do this every other day of the year- with time.
A few things I'm grateful for:
My husband who although we butt heads a lot- I love you so much and couldn't bear to think how sad and lonely I'd be if you weren't in my life. I look forward to these next years of raising our kids together. Also learning how to grow closer by spending time together (albeit we don't have a lot right now) by playing games together, talking, watching movies, going to concerts and our favorite way to spend time together, eating at fun restaurants and enjoying creative cuisines. I love you man!
W- My first born. You're turning into an empathetic and intelligent little guy who can hold his own in conversation. I hope this coming year we can start to have little mom and son dates. I'm grateful you're in my life.
Super N- Such a loving little girl. So tender yet very tough. You've been making me laugh since you arrived. I love you.
Baby J- You've learned to speak your mind already. I just love hearing you chatter in your bed in the mornings. I can't wait to get to know you better.
My family- I've really been blessed with my family. The Hub's parents are incredibly supportive and loving. And my parents care so much about their grand kids. As painful as the past has been I'm still grateful they're my parents. I hope I can continue to show them love.
Friends- Not sure what I'd do without my friends to make me laugh, bring me back to reality when I'm too emotional or angry or sad to get there on my own; or to just accept me and enjoy a cool conversation.
God- That He is good and loving and faithful, although I don't understand it all the time.
Again, have a GREAT Thanksgiving friends and slow down and take it all in.
With love!
I hope everyone's holiday is enjoyable. I thought I'd go ahead and get my mind aligned around gratitude and thankfulness since afterall it is Thanksgiving. Now if I could learn to do this every other day of the year- with time.
A few things I'm grateful for:
My husband who although we butt heads a lot- I love you so much and couldn't bear to think how sad and lonely I'd be if you weren't in my life. I look forward to these next years of raising our kids together. Also learning how to grow closer by spending time together (albeit we don't have a lot right now) by playing games together, talking, watching movies, going to concerts and our favorite way to spend time together, eating at fun restaurants and enjoying creative cuisines. I love you man!
W- My first born. You're turning into an empathetic and intelligent little guy who can hold his own in conversation. I hope this coming year we can start to have little mom and son dates. I'm grateful you're in my life.
Super N- Such a loving little girl. So tender yet very tough. You've been making me laugh since you arrived. I love you.
Baby J- You've learned to speak your mind already. I just love hearing you chatter in your bed in the mornings. I can't wait to get to know you better.
My family- I've really been blessed with my family. The Hub's parents are incredibly supportive and loving. And my parents care so much about their grand kids. As painful as the past has been I'm still grateful they're my parents. I hope I can continue to show them love.
Friends- Not sure what I'd do without my friends to make me laugh, bring me back to reality when I'm too emotional or angry or sad to get there on my own; or to just accept me and enjoy a cool conversation.
God- That He is good and loving and faithful, although I don't understand it all the time.
Again, have a GREAT Thanksgiving friends and slow down and take it all in.
With love!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Trying to Get Back Into The Swing of Things
At the beginning of the year I started budgeting, planning menus and shopping the CVS deals. Everything in that arena was going well until baby #3 came along. It seems that everything in my life got off kilter for a while as I learned to adjust to the chaos of having 3 little ones.
Baby J is now almost 8 months old and has been sleeping through the night for a while, not crying all the time and just generally happier. I'm dealing with my PPD with meds and I'm taking meds for pain that I've been experiencing. I overall feel a lot better. Things still get stressful with having 3 babes but it's gotten a bit easier.
So now that days are a little better I decided to try to menu plan again and stay within a budget again. Our gastrointestinal systems are a bit out of whack and we've gained some weight b/c of eating out, mostly pizza carry out. I also really enjoy making dinner but often I'm so tired by 5 o'clock and that seems to be the witching hour for the kids as well so often a homemade dinner doesn't happen. Some things I've thought of to try to head off the typical 5 o'clock pattern is thinking ahead about dinner and prepping it either the night before or a little at a time throughout the day. Setting out all the ingredients for the meal I plan to prepare the day of the planned meal, the unrefrigerated ones. And last but definitely my favorite, throw a bunch of crap into the crockpot in the morning and let it go all day until dinner time.
Upon realizing the blessing of a crockpot I searched online for crockpot recipes and found a really helpful site A Year of Crockpotting. The blogger's intent was to use their crockpot everyday for a year- I urge you to check it out and take advantage of some of the recipes to make dinner time a little less hectic. Another website that has been helpful too when it comes to making economical dinners that are easy, $5 Dinners. This blogger has made it a goal to make frugal meals, $5 for her particular family, and urges others to pick a dollar amount that allows you to make frugal and healthy meals for your own families. And one more website that I find helpful is The Aldi Queen. Amy Clark provides a few different menus using items exclusively from Aldi's. Recently I've made a decision to shop at Aldi's more so her menu plan and shopping list is very helpful and is just what I needed. I'm so grateful for all the mom bloggers out there who use their powers for good-to help other moms.
I went shopping today for two weeks worth of meals, diapers and wipes. I won't be doing that again with the kids in tow, it was like Bebe's Kids running around the store, momma yelling, etc. etc. But even though it was stressful I'm excited to have a menu plan and all the fixins needed to make some yummy dinners. I'm starting to feel like I can breathe again.
Baby J is now almost 8 months old and has been sleeping through the night for a while, not crying all the time and just generally happier. I'm dealing with my PPD with meds and I'm taking meds for pain that I've been experiencing. I overall feel a lot better. Things still get stressful with having 3 babes but it's gotten a bit easier.
So now that days are a little better I decided to try to menu plan again and stay within a budget again. Our gastrointestinal systems are a bit out of whack and we've gained some weight b/c of eating out, mostly pizza carry out. I also really enjoy making dinner but often I'm so tired by 5 o'clock and that seems to be the witching hour for the kids as well so often a homemade dinner doesn't happen. Some things I've thought of to try to head off the typical 5 o'clock pattern is thinking ahead about dinner and prepping it either the night before or a little at a time throughout the day. Setting out all the ingredients for the meal I plan to prepare the day of the planned meal, the unrefrigerated ones. And last but definitely my favorite, throw a bunch of crap into the crockpot in the morning and let it go all day until dinner time.
Upon realizing the blessing of a crockpot I searched online for crockpot recipes and found a really helpful site A Year of Crockpotting. The blogger's intent was to use their crockpot everyday for a year- I urge you to check it out and take advantage of some of the recipes to make dinner time a little less hectic. Another website that has been helpful too when it comes to making economical dinners that are easy, $5 Dinners. This blogger has made it a goal to make frugal meals, $5 for her particular family, and urges others to pick a dollar amount that allows you to make frugal and healthy meals for your own families. And one more website that I find helpful is The Aldi Queen. Amy Clark provides a few different menus using items exclusively from Aldi's. Recently I've made a decision to shop at Aldi's more so her menu plan and shopping list is very helpful and is just what I needed. I'm so grateful for all the mom bloggers out there who use their powers for good-to help other moms.
I went shopping today for two weeks worth of meals, diapers and wipes. I won't be doing that again with the kids in tow, it was like Bebe's Kids running around the store, momma yelling, etc. etc. But even though it was stressful I'm excited to have a menu plan and all the fixins needed to make some yummy dinners. I'm starting to feel like I can breathe again.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
8 Afghan Girls attacked with Acid b/c they were attending School
Believed to be by the Taliban who believe women shouldn't be educated.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=p2MkoTZZ0Ns&feature=related
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=p2MkoTZZ0Ns&feature=related
Monday, November 24, 2008
Menu Plan Monday
Monday: Curry Chicken with Coconut and Peanuts over Quinoa
Tuesday: Pasta w/ Sauce and Broccoli
Wednesday: Asian Stirfry w/ Rice and Tofu
Thursday: Happy Thanksgiving (eating with family)
Friday: Leftovers!
Saturday: Stuffed French Toast & Turkey Bacon
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
3rd Showing
So perhaps the furniture offer helped. We have a 3rd showing tomorrow with the same potential buyer. I hope she makes up her mind soon; this is starting to drive me nuts. Next I'm going to offer my children...wait that's the whole reason we're moving to a bigger house. Okay so I'll offer the swing in the backyard and the patio furniture instead.
Just kidding! I love my kiddos and couldn't give them away!
Just kidding! I love my kiddos and couldn't give them away!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Potential Buyer
The potential buyer I mentioned before, apparently is interested in another house as well as ours and she can't decide. We offered to include the furniture we bought to stage our home to try to sweeten the deal...will it help?? We shall see. Oh boy I hope it helps!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Psalm 77
I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In my day of trouble I sought the Lord. My hands were lifted up all night long; I refused to be comforted. I think of God; I groan; I meditate; my spirit becomes weak. You have kept me from closing my eyes; I am troubled and cannot speak. I consider days of old, years long past. At night I remember my music; I meditate in my heart, and my spirit ponders. "Will the Lord reject forever and never again show favor? Has his faithful love ceased forever? Is [His] promise at end for all generations? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger withheld His compassion?" So I say, "It is my sorrow that the right hand of the Most High has changed." I will remember the Lords works; yes, I will remember Your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all You have done and meditate on Your actions. God, Your way is holy. What god is great like God? You are the God that works wonders; You revealed Your strength among peoples. With power you redeemed Your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. The waters saw you, God. The waters saw you; they trembled. Even the depths shook. The clouds poured down water. The storm clouds thundered; Your arrows flashed back and forth. The sound of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; lighting lit up the world. The earth shook and quaked. Your way went through the sea, Your path through the great waters, but your footprints were unseen. You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Speech to the Young: Speech to the Progress-Toward by Gwendolyn Brooks
Say to them,
say to the down-keepers,
the sun-slappers,
the self-soilers,
the harmony-hushers,
"even if you are not ready for day
it cannot always be night.
"You will be right.
For that is the hard home-run.
Live not for battles won.
Live not for the-end-of-the-song.
Live in the along.
Metaphors by Sylvia Plath
I'm a riddle in nine syllables,
An elephant, a ponderous house,
A melon strolling on two tendrils.
O red fruit, ivory, fine timbers!
This loaf's big with its yeasty rising.
Money's new-minted in this fat purse.
I'm a means, a stage, a cow in calf.
I've eaten a bag of green apples,
Boarded the train there's no getting off.
More Poop
What's up with kids and poop? Why do they think it's so cool??
I awoke this morning to find (yet again) a naked 2 & 3 year old running amuck in poop! They pulled off a doorknob, that wasn't fully attached, and stuck it in poop and then used it as a stamp to make circular stamp patterns all over the carpet. Yeah okay so they're creative and perhaps we have the making of a couple of future scrapbookers with their stamping talents but I wasn't too thrilled. Off to clean up poop and more poop.
I awoke this morning to find (yet again) a naked 2 & 3 year old running amuck in poop! They pulled off a doorknob, that wasn't fully attached, and stuck it in poop and then used it as a stamp to make circular stamp patterns all over the carpet. Yeah okay so they're creative and perhaps we have the making of a couple of future scrapbookers with their stamping talents but I wasn't too thrilled. Off to clean up poop and more poop.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Will Our House Really Sell?
So we put our house on the market on November 5th. Thus far we've had 1 showing by a perspective buyer and then we had a sort of open house for realtors in the area. We are told we will have 2 showings this week as of today. This is a slow time of the year for house sales but fortunately our area remains as one of the areas doing above average for house sales...thank God!
But anyhoo...something really cool that's happening is that after the perspective buyer saw our house last week we received a report indicating that she's interested in our house. The report also stated she wanted to take a few days to consider it. Tonight we received word from our realtor that she is coming to see our house for the second time this Tuesday. She also requested the dimensions of our living and dining room spaces. To say we are a bit excited would be an understatement. I guess our house could really sell this week! Of course if not we'll deal with that but it could...wow!
Thought I'd share where things are at at this point in time.
But anyhoo...something really cool that's happening is that after the perspective buyer saw our house last week we received a report indicating that she's interested in our house. The report also stated she wanted to take a few days to consider it. Tonight we received word from our realtor that she is coming to see our house for the second time this Tuesday. She also requested the dimensions of our living and dining room spaces. To say we are a bit excited would be an understatement. I guess our house could really sell this week! Of course if not we'll deal with that but it could...wow!
Thought I'd share where things are at at this point in time.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Obama is our 44th President
I'm really happy Obama won! It's very exciting for our nation. To have an African-American as President really shows how far we've actually come in terms of acceptance and respect. Although I know his campaign is all about how there will be change, I don't expect much honestly (I feel as though I'm being realistic, not pessimistic). I am glad though we have someone representing us that is very diplomatic, thoughtful and intelligent. I'll be honest with you and tell you one of the main reasons I voted for Obama was b/c of his wife. She is a tough cookie! She graduated from Harvard, is a successful & proven lawyer and she's a momma. Also, from all appearances she loves and respects her hubby. My thinking was well with a woman like that on his arm supporting him he will do great things.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
The House is on the Market
Preparing to sell a house is difficult. It's even more difficult when you have kids, as my friends Susan and Amanda can attest to (and countless others I'm sure). In my mind I didn't expect the process of getting the house ready to go on the market to take so many days and nights of pure exhaustion. Throw in some sickness, a week power outage, delayed house painters and a few nights stay in the hospital and the time frame gets extended even more! This whole process is so stressful that at this point all we can do is chuckle and shake our heads muttering something like, "what did we get ourselves into this time..." Fortunately we see light at the end of the tunnel and we can honestly say that we are truly almost finished. Good thing since the house is now on the market..hah! We still need to finish up some trim work, painting and install the closet screens/doors.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Starbucks Gift Card Giveaway Winner
And the winner of the $10 Starbucks gift card is ... Cheapsk8mom!
Thanks for playing that was fun!
I'll plan to do another drawing for another gift card soon.
Thanks for playing that was fun!
I'll plan to do another drawing for another gift card soon.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Starbucks Gift Card Giveaway
I'm going to give away a $10 Starbucks gift card...All you have to do is leave a comment letting me know your fave Starbucks drink. Please also leave your email address so I can contact the winner. The winner will be randomly selected on October 31st!
yummmm coffeeeee...
yummmm coffeeeee...
Monday, October 27, 2008
Coming Soon
There is now a realtors sign in our front lawn that says, "Coming Soon"...I'm so relieved. Although our house needs some touch up painting done, the backyard needs some grooming and the house needs a major cleaning we will have it done this week. The house will then be put on the market next Monday. I feel like I can start to relax a little.
In regards to the house we want, once our house is on the market we can make a contingent offer on the house we really want. Who knows if we'll get it but we'll see.
Here's what the outside looks like of the house we'd like.
In regards to the house we want, once our house is on the market we can make a contingent offer on the house we really want. Who knows if we'll get it but we'll see.
Here's what the outside looks like of the house we'd like.
Update: The Seller of the house we want (the one above) rejected our contingent offer...sad but true.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Postpartum Depression
I realized this week that I have Postpartum Depression. Some of the things I've been experiencing are
- Intense anxiety- This seems to come in the form of nightmares and panic attacks. I get so overwhelmed and anxious b/c of the constant screaming and demands on me day to day that I feel like my heart is going to burst b/c it's beating so fast. What accompanies this reaction is an immediate and intense sense of dread or hopelessness.
- Insomnia- Being alert from 9pm until midnight and then waking back up again at/around 4am. This of course leaves me exhausted in the mornings and afternoons.
- Weight gain- I feel so overwhelmed by my emotions and/or circumstances that I'm eating a lot of junky food. It seems at times that tasting the food is the only thing that is enjoyable in life.
- Inability to function- I can function where absolutely necessary- my kids, bills, shopping...but clothes washing, dinner, cleaning house are all done if there is no clean underwear or things are starting to smell (and then sometimes I don't really care-the Hub takes care of it).
- Not enjoying my kids and loving them through play- This is the most painful to admit but it's as if I've had a wall that is preventing me from giving to them in this way.
- Intense anger and sadness
- Morbid thoughts- like giving Baby J up for adoption as one example.
- Withdrawal from relationships
Also, weds night a friend initiated a chat over tea and she just totally enveloped me with support and love. She asked me questions to try to figure out where I was at and how she could support me. She then came over again last night and we talked some more. I noticed yesterday and even now my interactions with my babes have changed. I'm more relaxed and loving and my anger has dissipated tremendously. Friendship, a supporting heart and ear are a tremendous resource to the depressed person, I see now. I'm grateful.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Baby J 6 Months Old
Don't judge him to harshly but the Hub just informed me recently that he was smitten with Baby J-he wasn't very fond of him before. They had somewhat of a tumultuous relationship until recently, this past weekend, so I'm happy about the new change. I think me nursing Baby J didn't allow the Hub much opportunity to hold Baby J. And when I wasn't nursing Baby J didn't really seem interested in others holding him. But now things are different! Baby J has turned into a more content baby who smiles, chews on his feet and giggles a lot! He loves being held and snuggled by daddy and overall more pleasant babe.
On Sunday we had him on all fours and he moved his back legs forward. We were really surprised! We're assuming he's going to crawl pretty soon...kind of crazy if it comes to fruition. W started crawling a week before he turned 1 and Super N started crawling at 1o or 11 months, I need to look it up.
Life in regards to Baby J is a bit easier and I'm very grateful!
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Halloween
In light of Halloween I thought I'd decorate my blog in the appropriate colors!
Speaking of Halloween, I bought W and Super N their costumes last night while at Once Upon a Child. I was going to buy Baby J a cute little cow number but I needed to save a little money I'll just wait until next year. I'll have plenty of time to decorate him! I'll leave you wondering what I picked up for them. I'll post pics later!
The playgroup I'm apart of is going to a Farm tomorrow to celebrate the Fall Harvest. We did this last year and it was so enjoyable for all of us moms and our kids. One downer I do recall is that with the admission price you were to receive a donut and a hot cup of apple cider. I remember we were all looking forward to the cider b/c nothing says fall like apple cider. Well apparently they ran out and substituted in it's place a little cup of apple juice. You know the kind you used to get in school with the foil lid that you peel back! Needless to say we were all disappointed by that one! It's kind of funny thinking about it in retrospect though!
I'm so excited and I hope that it's cool outside so we can wear sweaters and that there is apple cider there! I also hope the kids love it like they did last year. One drawback is that Amanda and V won't be there this year since they moved to another state. I miss them but I know they are enjoying their new home in Indy.
Speaking of Halloween, I bought W and Super N their costumes last night while at Once Upon a Child. I was going to buy Baby J a cute little cow number but I needed to save a little money I'll just wait until next year. I'll have plenty of time to decorate him! I'll leave you wondering what I picked up for them. I'll post pics later!
The playgroup I'm apart of is going to a Farm tomorrow to celebrate the Fall Harvest. We did this last year and it was so enjoyable for all of us moms and our kids. One downer I do recall is that with the admission price you were to receive a donut and a hot cup of apple cider. I remember we were all looking forward to the cider b/c nothing says fall like apple cider. Well apparently they ran out and substituted in it's place a little cup of apple juice. You know the kind you used to get in school with the foil lid that you peel back! Needless to say we were all disappointed by that one! It's kind of funny thinking about it in retrospect though!
I'm so excited and I hope that it's cool outside so we can wear sweaters and that there is apple cider there! I also hope the kids love it like they did last year. One drawback is that Amanda and V won't be there this year since they moved to another state. I miss them but I know they are enjoying their new home in Indy.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Apologizing for Our Kids Behavior
Why do we moms apologize for our kids behavior? I've been paying attention lately as to how often moms apologize for their kids choices. Let me tell you moms it's a lot of the time!
I am not void from this I do it too! Is it because we feel responsible? Why?? Should we be able to control every little thing they do? Doesn't that sound ludicrous?! Like we can control a two year old! Do we think that if we apologize for our kids behavior it will make the other person think we aren't a bad parent? I'm very curious about this whole thing. I just find it fascinating b/c honestly I don't know a mommy in my realm of moms who doesn't apologize for their childs unwise (unwise= subjective; it's dependent on the context) choices.
Is it ever necessary to apologize for our kids choices though? I know I have been in situations where my kid has spilled a drink on someone else's couch or floor and I felt the need to apologize because I should've suggested they move into a more drink friendly environment or assisted them or something. But other then when others property is dirtied or damaged, is it necessary to apologize for our kids choices?
What if we don't apologize for their behavior? Do we risk the possibility of others thinking we are a bad parent? Does it matter if others think we are a bad parent?
What are we teaching our kid(s) if we apologize for all their "unwise" choices? What would we teach our kid(s) if we don't apologize for their "unwise" choices?
I'm really interested in what others think on this topic.
I am not void from this I do it too! Is it because we feel responsible? Why?? Should we be able to control every little thing they do? Doesn't that sound ludicrous?! Like we can control a two year old! Do we think that if we apologize for our kids behavior it will make the other person think we aren't a bad parent? I'm very curious about this whole thing. I just find it fascinating b/c honestly I don't know a mommy in my realm of moms who doesn't apologize for their childs unwise (unwise= subjective; it's dependent on the context) choices.
Is it ever necessary to apologize for our kids choices though? I know I have been in situations where my kid has spilled a drink on someone else's couch or floor and I felt the need to apologize because I should've suggested they move into a more drink friendly environment or assisted them or something. But other then when others property is dirtied or damaged, is it necessary to apologize for our kids choices?
What if we don't apologize for their behavior? Do we risk the possibility of others thinking we are a bad parent? Does it matter if others think we are a bad parent?
What are we teaching our kid(s) if we apologize for all their "unwise" choices? What would we teach our kid(s) if we don't apologize for their "unwise" choices?
I'm really interested in what others think on this topic.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Baby J 5.5 months
Baby J escaped out of his Boppy yesterday while playing. I ran into the kitchen to do something and when I came back I discovered him army crawling backwards on the rug. Apparently he wants to move! The other kids were not like this. Super N was pretty much a lump for 11 months and W just didn't seem interested until around 9 months or so. If I were to guess I think he probably is itching to play with his siblings.
Also, Baby J has decided to finally like his daddy again. He now smiles at daddy and he also will cuddle with daddy and allow him to hold him for an extended period of time. Mommy is thrilled about this turn of events! Oh yes the colic is all gone! And the last few days Baby J has barely spit up-which is wonderful! He's also still nursing and has started eating bananas within the last 3 days, he really loves them.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Chicken and Fries
I can't recall how many times my children ate McDonalds this summer. I'm pretty sure chicken and fries were consumed at least 2 times aweek the whole summer starting in May. A few weeks in there I'm sure we had it at least 4 times. Also, my babes are quite familiar with Donatos pizza, Papa Johns whole wheat pizza (at least it has fiber right?!) and Subway. Let me not forget the large amount of macaroni and cheese that was consumed, sometimes whole wheat and sometimes not. I've become the momma I didn't want to be.
I yell at my kids-loudly and obnoxiously sometimes (I like to call her Ghetto momma). The yelling seems to come when stress increases. I discipline my kids as well and sadly I've disciplined them in anger a lot more as of late. I've become the momma I didn't want to be.
I sing to and with my kids most days. I smile at them often and laugh with them. I enjoy hugging them and holding them daily. I pray for their character and their future a couple times a week. I also pray for the ability to love them unselfishly. I've become the momma I did want to be.
I just read something online that struck me. Mom-101 says, "The best advice I ever got about parenting was from my own mother. She told me that every decision you will make as a parent is right, and every decision you will make as a parent is wrong. Once you learn that, you're golden.And boy, she nailed it.There is no one right way to do anything. Hell, we could find out in fifty years that the levels of mercury and lead in our own bodies is so high that breastfeeding is actually far worse than formula. Science changes, parenting theories evolve, new experts spring up with ideas that we never considered before.
I realize that in general I'm very judgemental, I don't like this about myself. I realize too that the person I'm most judgemental about is myself. I have a feeling I'm not the only one that feels this way about themself. With all the parenting theories/suggestions/commands out there I'm often left feeling exhausted, anxious and overwhelmed about the "right way" to raise my babes. I read something or hear something and immediately evaluate my ability to mother well. I'm so done with feeling this way. Something I've realized in my journey as a mom with 3 babes 3 and under is that some things are really not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things. Dirty faces, clothes,house, losing your shit sometimes in anger, yelling, tv watching, unhealthy food at times, mommas at home, mommas at work, etc, etc.
What I've also learned is that communicating love to my babes through hugs, snuggling, smiles, kind and patient words, singing to and with them, praying with them and for them and providing them with food, clothes and shelter and having a humble heart towards my kids as well as continually working on my marriage to keep in healthy are all incredibly valuable.
I've also taken a liking to the adage, "It takes a village to raise a child.". Love and correction from family & friends to our babes has been such a blessing for the Hub and I. During times of intense stress and difficulty over the last 3.5 years others loving our babes has been such a blessing. This is true as well when things are "normal" and others just spend time with the babes and engage them in play, conversation, singing, etc. They learn so much from others and they also learn to be self reliant (versus having momma and daddy around all the time).
It is truly challenging being a parent. At times I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to have met these babes and to have learned so much from them and to have the privilege to raise them. But other times I'm overwhelmed by the task and question what I got myself into. I guess it's probably a mixed bag of these emotions from here on out. I'm just really happy I'm not the only one out there raising kids and that there is a whole lot of others that are in the same spot as I.
I yell at my kids-loudly and obnoxiously sometimes (I like to call her Ghetto momma). The yelling seems to come when stress increases. I discipline my kids as well and sadly I've disciplined them in anger a lot more as of late. I've become the momma I didn't want to be.
I sing to and with my kids most days. I smile at them often and laugh with them. I enjoy hugging them and holding them daily. I pray for their character and their future a couple times a week. I also pray for the ability to love them unselfishly. I've become the momma I did want to be.
I just read something online that struck me. Mom-101 says, "The best advice I ever got about parenting was from my own mother. She told me that every decision you will make as a parent is right, and every decision you will make as a parent is wrong. Once you learn that, you're golden.And boy, she nailed it.There is no one right way to do anything. Hell, we could find out in fifty years that the levels of mercury and lead in our own bodies is so high that breastfeeding is actually far worse than formula. Science changes, parenting theories evolve, new experts spring up with ideas that we never considered before.
I realize that in general I'm very judgemental, I don't like this about myself. I realize too that the person I'm most judgemental about is myself. I have a feeling I'm not the only one that feels this way about themself. With all the parenting theories/suggestions/commands out there I'm often left feeling exhausted, anxious and overwhelmed about the "right way" to raise my babes. I read something or hear something and immediately evaluate my ability to mother well. I'm so done with feeling this way. Something I've realized in my journey as a mom with 3 babes 3 and under is that some things are really not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things. Dirty faces, clothes,house, losing your shit sometimes in anger, yelling, tv watching, unhealthy food at times, mommas at home, mommas at work, etc, etc.
What I've also learned is that communicating love to my babes through hugs, snuggling, smiles, kind and patient words, singing to and with them, praying with them and for them and providing them with food, clothes and shelter and having a humble heart towards my kids as well as continually working on my marriage to keep in healthy are all incredibly valuable.
I've also taken a liking to the adage, "It takes a village to raise a child.". Love and correction from family & friends to our babes has been such a blessing for the Hub and I. During times of intense stress and difficulty over the last 3.5 years others loving our babes has been such a blessing. This is true as well when things are "normal" and others just spend time with the babes and engage them in play, conversation, singing, etc. They learn so much from others and they also learn to be self reliant (versus having momma and daddy around all the time).
It is truly challenging being a parent. At times I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to have met these babes and to have learned so much from them and to have the privilege to raise them. But other times I'm overwhelmed by the task and question what I got myself into. I guess it's probably a mixed bag of these emotions from here on out. I'm just really happy I'm not the only one out there raising kids and that there is a whole lot of others that are in the same spot as I.
The Eldest Little Monty
I love my oldest dearly. I can recall everything about his birth even though I've birthed 3 babes in about 3 years. I remember when I was in labor his heart rate kept dropping so they broke my water to put a monitor on his head. Upon breaking my water they discovered there wasn't much and the little bit that was there had meconium in it. There seemed to be a bit of worry and panic in the room at that point. The nurses called NICU and decided to fast forward my delivery to get him out. After he made his entrance, I wasn't able to hold him right away b/c the NICU nurses swooped him up and had to check him out thoroughly for fear that he had meconium in his lungs. This as you can imagine was all a bit frightening but he ended up being okay and I got to hold him about 2.5 hours later.
I remember being asked if I wanted him in the room that first night and all I could think was if he leaves my sight he would be stolen or swapped with someone else's babe! When they left him with me I recall standing over his little crib and just crying b/c I couldn't believe he came from my body and that such a miracle could occur. I also recall about 2 hours later being scared awake out of my exhaustion by a screaming infant! The Hub and I at that point desparately fought for the nurse call button to get him shuttled to the nursery.
I cried so much during the next few days, weeks, and months. I cried b/c I was so in awe of this little miracle. I cried b/c I was grieved that breast feeding was so painful and that I had to quit so soon b/c of infection. I cried b/c of lack of sleep and post partum depression. I cried b/c my nether region had changed and I couldn't believe that it would ever be functional again!
Things did get better when he started to sleep through the night and I got used to having a baby. I remember that first summer I would sit in a chair in the living room and watch Gilmore Girls and feed W. To this day he recognizes the show's theme song! I also would walk him around the block often-just he and I.
When W was 1 week shy of his 1st birthday he started crawling. We ended up in the ER that same week b/c he pulled a lamp down onto his head resulting in a large knot and a cut on his forehead. It was so swollen I couldn't tell if the cut needed stitches so I took him to the ER.
When he turned 1 he got really stubborn and he seemed frustrated a lot of the time. That year was a bit of a trial for me b/c I was pregnant with Super N, we had our bathroom remodeled and W seemed to throw a lot of tantrums. I could tell he was frustrated b/c of the inability to communicate, I felt sorry for him (and for myself at times!)
He started to walk at 18 months. I remember before Super N was born I would pray that W would be walking before I gave birth. But that wasn't the case. I can remember carrying both babes down the stairs in the morning, I did that for 3 months! That was a challenging period of time for many reasons.
When W turned 2 it was if he had a pocket full of words he was saving to use for when he turned 2. He had always communicated jibber jabber and said a few words (1st word was vacuum-no kidding!) but it just took off at that point. W's second year, if I had to sum it up, was all about him talking and trying to keep him from taking his sister out.
Fast forward to the here and now...Here is a pic of my three year old ready to burst into tears b/c Super N gets to hold Baby J.
The age of three is really enjoyable for us most of the time. There are some qualities that well...are a little more difficult to enjoy at times. But nonetheless W is 3 and we love him regardless! The little Turkey!
To list a few of his milestones/quirks:
- Our 3 year old can talk in mostly complete sentences making it easier for him to communicate his needs and wants.
- He's more patient.
- His tantrums are less frequent and they're more controlled it seems.
- When he gets an ouchy he can tell us what exactly hurts.
- He seems more interested in others.
- He tells his 2 year old sister, "It's okay."
- He likes to have conversations.
- He asks "why" all the time!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Spending Money To Make Money.
If I never see another paint can or cardboard box again it will be too soon!
Let's get this house on the market and sold already. I'm so on edge and convinced it's going to take years for my house to sell and my kids will be going to college when it finally does sell and then it will be pointless!
Alright, alright call me a pessimist.
The house we want is having an open house today. I've thought about using the kids binoculars and scoping it out from across the street just to see how many people I must compete with. The Hub suggested I go in and point out all the flaws REAL loud and obnoxiously....I'm considering this option.
But a good friend said to me Wednesday that God will meet my needs and WILL give me this house if it's meant for us. I'm trying to buy that line. God is good. But I've been so burned as of late with relationships that it's so painful for me to not put up a wall between me and God. Why is that? Does that even make sense? How can I accept the good things from God but when I suffer I put up a wall? In general though I've been pretty cynical about all things spiritual. I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing b/c I need to figure out things for myself so I can live honestly but with having babes over the last 3 years and going through so many life, physical and emotional changes-let's just say I don't feel like myself anymore.
Wow I really digress. My post title, Spending Money to Make Money, is expressing currently what is happening in our "journey" to put our house on the market. We have spent roughly 10k getting this house up to par. It's very stressful. But I will tell you it's hard to believe our house won't sell, but I bet everyone in this position thinks this.
Wouldn't be cool if in a month from today I wrote a blog post expressing my excitement over selling my house?
The exterior painter comes Wednesday to power wash the house. He will then begin the process of scraping old paint, filling cracks and holes, replacing trim pieces and then painting our house. We will then place our house on the market. So as of today we have about 1o days to finish everything inside the house so we can put our house on the market.
Let's get this house on the market and sold already. I'm so on edge and convinced it's going to take years for my house to sell and my kids will be going to college when it finally does sell and then it will be pointless!
Alright, alright call me a pessimist.
The house we want is having an open house today. I've thought about using the kids binoculars and scoping it out from across the street just to see how many people I must compete with. The Hub suggested I go in and point out all the flaws REAL loud and obnoxiously....I'm considering this option.
But a good friend said to me Wednesday that God will meet my needs and WILL give me this house if it's meant for us. I'm trying to buy that line. God is good. But I've been so burned as of late with relationships that it's so painful for me to not put up a wall between me and God. Why is that? Does that even make sense? How can I accept the good things from God but when I suffer I put up a wall? In general though I've been pretty cynical about all things spiritual. I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing b/c I need to figure out things for myself so I can live honestly but with having babes over the last 3 years and going through so many life, physical and emotional changes-let's just say I don't feel like myself anymore.
Wow I really digress. My post title, Spending Money to Make Money, is expressing currently what is happening in our "journey" to put our house on the market. We have spent roughly 10k getting this house up to par. It's very stressful. But I will tell you it's hard to believe our house won't sell, but I bet everyone in this position thinks this.
Wouldn't be cool if in a month from today I wrote a blog post expressing my excitement over selling my house?
The exterior painter comes Wednesday to power wash the house. He will then begin the process of scraping old paint, filling cracks and holes, replacing trim pieces and then painting our house. We will then place our house on the market. So as of today we have about 1o days to finish everything inside the house so we can put our house on the market.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Thanks Erin!
My friend Erin sent me this "FW:" email. And although she nor I entertain emails like this usually-this one is an exception. And it put a smile on my face b/c it was encouraging to me.
'Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.' So - if you give her crap, you will receive more shit than any one human being can handle Love and appreciate all the women in your life.
'Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.' So - if you give her crap, you will receive more shit than any one human being can handle Love and appreciate all the women in your life.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
S. Palin
This is not about who I'm going to vote for or to push my agenda or whatever. It's merely a way for me to vent my frustration. So my intention is to not necessarily get into a debate but others are totally welcomed to comment and let me know if you have any opinions on the matter.
So John Mccain picked a lady to run with him...pretty cool I think. I heard snippets of her speech last night and have heard people on the news refer to it as legendary, unforgettable, etc.
I think it's pretty cool that she was picked not b/c I'm a Republican and plan to vote for MCcain & Palin, which I'm not anymore and I won't be voting for him (oooh should I have shared that?!), but b/c she's the first woman picked to be in such a high position. How awesome is that?!
The whole reason I'm even writing this post is b/c on the way home from taking W to school this morning I heard on NPR that leading feminists are not supporting Palin (in any way, shape or form) b/c she's Pro Life and against Gay Rights. Now that just infuriates me! Honestly I don't care what she supports or doesn't support at this point in the race. I'm instead infuriated at the fact that they are not supporting the first woman to be picked to run as Vice President!!! Come On!!! This is so huge for women in general!
I thought Feminism was about women having freedom of choice and women having equality??
Now that's a damn shame! ...excuse my language...
So John Mccain picked a lady to run with him...pretty cool I think. I heard snippets of her speech last night and have heard people on the news refer to it as legendary, unforgettable, etc.
I think it's pretty cool that she was picked not b/c I'm a Republican and plan to vote for MCcain & Palin, which I'm not anymore and I won't be voting for him (oooh should I have shared that?!), but b/c she's the first woman picked to be in such a high position. How awesome is that?!
The whole reason I'm even writing this post is b/c on the way home from taking W to school this morning I heard on NPR that leading feminists are not supporting Palin (in any way, shape or form) b/c she's Pro Life and against Gay Rights. Now that just infuriates me! Honestly I don't care what she supports or doesn't support at this point in the race. I'm instead infuriated at the fact that they are not supporting the first woman to be picked to run as Vice President!!! Come On!!! This is so huge for women in general!
I thought Feminism was about women having freedom of choice and women having equality??
Now that's a damn shame! ...excuse my language...
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
6 Days Shy of 5 Months
What a squirrelly little monkey!
He's not against others holding him anymore. His sweet smile and laugh remind me to be grateful for my babes. I lub um...they drive me crazy but I lub em.
W's First Day of Preschool
W's first day of preschool was yesterday. He was so excited! When I took him to the classroom I stuck around for about a half an hour b/c he was very apprehensive and scared. But his teacher Mrs. F swooped in and let him sit with her, that was all it took and he was fine with out mom for a few hours.
I didn't cry. I was a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing mostly b/c there is no ramp into the school and so I couldn't take the stroller in. We were running late and so I quickly grabbed Baby J and herded the other two into the school. I of course didn't anticipate holding Baby J for over a half an hour or debating with Super N about why she couldn't stay, her time will be next year.
When I picked W up he was so excited! He was quick to tell me that he went down the red slide and that he got a sticker and then showed me by shoving it under my nose. He was so cute!
When I picked W up he was so excited! He was quick to tell me that he went down the red slide and that he got a sticker and then showed me by shoving it under my nose. He was so cute!
I did waant to find out how Potty Time went so I asked Mrs. D his other teacher. She sais she really didn't know b/c she doesn't go into the bathroom with the boys. I assumed he would be too scared to go and I was affirmed soon after as we got out of the van at home, he peed on one of the seats in the van. Another reason why I searched my butt off to get a used van w/ leather upholstery! He returns tomorrow and must brave preschool w/ 19 other kids. Fun. fun!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Diaper Happy
I am so thrilled I listened to my mommy friends and bought BumGenius dipes! They are so convenient compared to any other cloth dipe I have used. I use to be a loyal Fuzzi Bunz fan, they're still awesome dipes, but since I have 3 that still wear dipes (one only at night) these size adaptable dipes are just what I needed.
Yesterday for example we had to attend two different birthday celebrations which meant we were gone all day long. I stuffed our dipe bag full of cloth and as each child needed changed I just adjusted the already stuffed dipe and put it on Super N or Baby J. W eventually needed a dipe after he would get distracted while playing and peed through all the extra undies I had.
They are awesome, awesome dipes and knowing I don't have to leave my house to purchase dipes but instead just do a load of laundry is so huge in my chaotic life!
Thanks mommy Heather and Kristin for your recommendation!
Yesterday for example we had to attend two different birthday celebrations which meant we were gone all day long. I stuffed our dipe bag full of cloth and as each child needed changed I just adjusted the already stuffed dipe and put it on Super N or Baby J. W eventually needed a dipe after he would get distracted while playing and peed through all the extra undies I had.
They are awesome, awesome dipes and knowing I don't have to leave my house to purchase dipes but instead just do a load of laundry is so huge in my chaotic life!
Thanks mommy Heather and Kristin for your recommendation!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Garden Update II
Swiss Chard still going strong!
My one squash is about 8" long!
Sweet Pepps doing well.
My Cauli is growing!
Potager Gardening Update
Eggplants are now growing!
Beets are still going strong
Turnips are huge!
All the tomato varieties are growing. We enjoyed some fried green tomatoes two days ago!
Kitchen Redo II
These cupboards need feet still. We're planning on putting them on casters to make them moveable. This will allow larger items to be easily carried in and out of the basement for our move as well as for the new owners. All the cupboards still need hardware and baseboards. Some need their doors and the sink hole has yet to be cut allowing the sink to be installed. But it seems the kitchen is coming along rather nicely.
Poop
I stepped on poop with my bare foot. My darling daughter decided to take her dipe off for the second time this morning and fling it in the laundry room. As I was looking for it I put my foot down onto some flung poop. I then caught her as I was stepping in her sh$% jumping on the couch with her naked & poop smeared bottom! Why I oughtta...
This might I add was only 15 minutes after "The Flour Incident".
Grrrrrrr
This might I add was only 15 minutes after "The Flour Incident".
Grrrrrrr
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
My Little Preschooler
W starts Preschool next Tuesday. He was supposed to start tomorrow morning but the teacher asked if I would mind he instead start next Tuesday b/c their class has 20 kids and she's afraid if they all come the first day it will be too overwhelming. So W and 9 other students will show up next Tuesday and the other 10 will show up tomorrow.Then his preschool class will officially start with all of his classmates in attendance next Thursday.
I started off the summer unsure if he'd be able to attend school since we were just in the beginning stages of potty training but he's done really well. It wasn't until two weeks ago that I felt confident that he could attend, I'm very grateful. I know he'll love it and I'm very excited for him. I do wonder if I'll cry after I walk him to class and process through what's happening- my baby is starting school and will be there for the next 15 or so years! Life is changing every day and my babes are growing. Super N is talking a lot more now, W is starting school, Baby J is cooing and smiling and kicking and just generally more content. Time moves so fast even though a day feels very long in this season of life.
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