Finishing out the 4th day with no radio on. Yesterday was hard! The kids left for school and I was ready to flip the "on" switch. It's such a mindless habit for me and I rarely even pay attention to it. I find myself walking to the radio without much thought. I have the same difficulty with my laptop-- I'm not really even engaged with it or focusing on it, but I use it anyways. I'm trying to work on becoming more "engaged" in reality and more aware of the choices I make. I didn't think the radio thing would be that hard! Habits are hard to break!
Next week will be the laptop/email/Facebook break. The whole week. It'll be tough.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Piranha Hour
I call the hours between 4 pm and 6 pm every day the "Piranha Hour." It's the time of day when everyone wants a piece of the mom and everything has to be done and there's not enough time or energy to do it and dinner is hanging heavily over the house and there are lessons and lessons and lessons to drive kids to and I'm hungry and tired and it feels like being pecked to death by ducks.
The "Piranha" hour.
Two weeks ago Belle joined our family and I've had to spend more time in the backyard with her getting her used to being potty trained again. And guess when one of her favorite times to go outside is? Yep, between 4 and 6. The thing is she never runs out, does her business, and then comes back in. She loves the backyard and spends at least 5 minutes exploring it. I won't trust that she's gone potty unless I actually see her do it so I end up standing out there waiting.
At first it was too much. It was one more thing I had to do when everything else had to be done. GAWK! But one day, shortly after getting her, I had an idea. Since I had to be outside, why not swing?
Rain, sun, snow. It's become a ritual for me. In the intensity of the piranha hour, I take a break outside (by myself) and swing. I listen to the birds, watch the clouds, do some breathing, wonder if my neighbors will think I'm a freak.. Plus it's a great leg strengthening exercise. The best part is that my kids haven't discovered me doing it. I can swing for 5 minutes in peace without shouts of "push me! push me!" or "let me sit on your lap!" I will admit my daughter has looked out the window and arched an eyebrow at me twice, but otherwise she leaves me in peace.
Instead of adding to my chaos, I've found it breaks up the cycle and gets me out of the afterschool/dinner drama long enough to clear my head and regain some perspective. I am really looking forward to swinging when the lilac bushes are in bloom or the peach blossoms are on or when it's not snowy/slushy/rainy/cold.
(p.s. Sorry if the video makes you feel sick! ;oD )
The "Piranha" hour.
Two weeks ago Belle joined our family and I've had to spend more time in the backyard with her getting her used to being potty trained again. And guess when one of her favorite times to go outside is? Yep, between 4 and 6. The thing is she never runs out, does her business, and then comes back in. She loves the backyard and spends at least 5 minutes exploring it. I won't trust that she's gone potty unless I actually see her do it so I end up standing out there waiting.
At first it was too much. It was one more thing I had to do when everything else had to be done. GAWK! But one day, shortly after getting her, I had an idea. Since I had to be outside, why not swing?
Rain, sun, snow. It's become a ritual for me. In the intensity of the piranha hour, I take a break outside (by myself) and swing. I listen to the birds, watch the clouds, do some breathing, wonder if my neighbors will think I'm a freak.. Plus it's a great leg strengthening exercise. The best part is that my kids haven't discovered me doing it. I can swing for 5 minutes in peace without shouts of "push me! push me!" or "let me sit on your lap!" I will admit my daughter has looked out the window and arched an eyebrow at me twice, but otherwise she leaves me in peace.
Instead of adding to my chaos, I've found it breaks up the cycle and gets me out of the afterschool/dinner drama long enough to clear my head and regain some perspective. I am really looking forward to swinging when the lilac bushes are in bloom or the peach blossoms are on or when it's not snowy/slushy/rainy/cold.
(p.s. Sorry if the video makes you feel sick! ;oD )
Giving up the Radio (and other hard things)
This is my week to go without listening to the radio! I've realized how "mindless" I am when it comes to turning on the radio and having the noise of talk radio going in the background. It's such a habit to turn on the radio, even when I'm reading or in another room or not even listening. I want to push myself to take a break from it this week.
I actually started on Saturday so today is the 3rd day of giving it up. It was easy at first since I rarely turn on the radio over the weekend. This morning the exercise got more challenging because I wanted to know what the weather was doing. Then after the kids were at school, the house seemed too quiet and it's such a reflex to turn on talk radio the moments after they walk out the door.
I knew it would be harder for me today so I made sure to tell my kids last night what I was doing. They'll keep me in line!
CDs, iPods, and podcasts are okay. Just no radio.
And next week, I'm giving up Facebook for a week. It's my way of proving to myself I am still in control of my media habits and not the other way around!
I actually started on Saturday so today is the 3rd day of giving it up. It was easy at first since I rarely turn on the radio over the weekend. This morning the exercise got more challenging because I wanted to know what the weather was doing. Then after the kids were at school, the house seemed too quiet and it's such a reflex to turn on talk radio the moments after they walk out the door.
I knew it would be harder for me today so I made sure to tell my kids last night what I was doing. They'll keep me in line!
CDs, iPods, and podcasts are okay. Just no radio.
And next week, I'm giving up Facebook for a week. It's my way of proving to myself I am still in control of my media habits and not the other way around!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Parenting Proverb
On Sunday night, my hubby and I were reading a conference talk on the family when we came across this scripture:
'a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.' (Proverbs 29:15).
Now you tell me! Of course, I will admit I learned this through my own parenting experience over the years. I can think of a few experiences when my children brought me to 'shame' (though really I laughed about it later when they weren't around! So it was more of a head shaking).
-the toddler who found a box of "feminine hygiene" products and launched them over the stair railing like rockets.
-the son who pleadingly looked at his great-great-aunt and asked if there wasn't something she wanted to give him.
-the noise of a chair being scraped over the kitchen floor as it gets pushed toward the cupboard with the candy while I'm in the shower
-returning from the bathroom to find all the wooden toys from the 3 year old's room piled into the middle of the living room floor so it can be lit on fire
And to prove it's not only my kids, I will admit that as a 13 year old, I decided I wanted to shave my legs for the first time even though my mom had said no. While she was at work, I took her disposable razor out of her shower and shaved my legs. Dry. Ouch. When my mom told my dad later, he walked out of the room. I realize now, as a parent, it was because he needed a moment to laugh his head off.
Ah, children. Without them, how would we even laugh at life?
'a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.' (Proverbs 29:15).
Now you tell me! Of course, I will admit I learned this through my own parenting experience over the years. I can think of a few experiences when my children brought me to 'shame' (though really I laughed about it later when they weren't around! So it was more of a head shaking).
-the toddler who found a box of "feminine hygiene" products and launched them over the stair railing like rockets.
-the son who pleadingly looked at his great-great-aunt and asked if there wasn't something she wanted to give him.
-the noise of a chair being scraped over the kitchen floor as it gets pushed toward the cupboard with the candy while I'm in the shower
-returning from the bathroom to find all the wooden toys from the 3 year old's room piled into the middle of the living room floor so it can be lit on fire
And to prove it's not only my kids, I will admit that as a 13 year old, I decided I wanted to shave my legs for the first time even though my mom had said no. While she was at work, I took her disposable razor out of her shower and shaved my legs. Dry. Ouch. When my mom told my dad later, he walked out of the room. I realize now, as a parent, it was because he needed a moment to laugh his head off.
Ah, children. Without them, how would we even laugh at life?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
One Day this will All be Funny
This morning was a bit of a nightmare. It all started about 2:30 am when my 3 year old came into my room soaking wet. His diaper had a major blowout and his pjs were soaked through. While getting him changed, the dogs woke up and Belle decided she needed to go outside. I put the boy back to bed and took the dogs outside. When I got back in, the boy decided something in his room was scary so I got him a sippy cup and tried to coax him back to sleep. When I made it back into my room, I found that Belle had tinkled on my rug and I had to clean that up. I laid back down (around 3:30 am) and was just settling back in bed when the 3 year old got back out of bed and sat by my door crying. So I got up again. About an hour later I tagged my husband to take a turn with the boy who would not sleep and complained the glitter on the ceiling in his room was scary. I laid down again only to have my dog Kip throw up on my feet. I got up to clean that up. By this time my neck and head were throbbing and I could not find a comfortable position on my bed and pillow. At 5:30 am, my hubby's alarm went off and I got up to get him up since he had fallen asleep on the floor in the 3 year old's room. Then I crawled back into bed only to discover a small flock of noisy birds was playing outside my window, singing and chirping and chasing each other (loudly!). And the sun wasn't even up! It's possible that I dozed sometime before 7 am when the 3 year old climbed into bed with me. My other son, the 7 year old, woke up early (just after 7) and decided to lay on his bed and whistle before he got up to go potty.
Today will not be a day when I do much (anything) because I am exhausted. Luckily, my 3 year old is exhausted too so maybe in a couple hours we can take a nap. The idea of going to Costco has been scratched and I think my only accomplishment today will be showering and doing the laundry. Beyond that, my ability to function well ended around 2:45 this morning!
Today will not be a day when I do much (anything) because I am exhausted. Luckily, my 3 year old is exhausted too so maybe in a couple hours we can take a nap. The idea of going to Costco has been scratched and I think my only accomplishment today will be showering and doing the laundry. Beyond that, my ability to function well ended around 2:45 this morning!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
O & A Writing Blog
I finally posted on the blog I've created for the teens in my juvenile detention writing class. Whenever the teens have their last class, I ask them to write one thing they will do differently when they leave O&A. They write their answers on a "monkey" form and then I add them to a poster on the wall where they can read the answers of former "residents."
I recently redid the poster and took down over 135 monkeys. I've posted their answers on the blog.
I recently redid the poster and took down over 135 monkeys. I've posted their answers on the blog.
Bedside Books
I piled up all the books that have migrated to my bedside in the last while and realized I had quite an eclectic mix.
-"Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" by Amy Chua (LOVED it!)
-"Losing Joe's Place" by Gordon Korman
-"Freakonomics" by Steven Leavitt & Stephen Dubner
-"Adoptable Dog" by John Ross and Barbara McKinney
-"Quirky, Yes-- Hopeless, No" by Cynthia La Brie Norall
-"The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan
-"I Don't Have to Make Everything All Better" by Gary & Joy Saunders Lundberg
-"Double Your Energy and Live Without Fatigue" by Margery Wilson
-"Leadership and Self-Deception" by the Arbinger Institute
-"Power of a Positive Mom" by Karol Ladd
-"What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Premenopause" by John lee
-current Reader's Digest
-couple copies of the Ensign magazine
-"Preach My Gospel" manual
Some of the books are ongoing (I read them a couple nights a week). Others I pick up when I'm in that kind of mood. Some of them I've actually finished and haven't collected them to take back to the library (or friends). I try to keep my bedside clean and book-free, but it never stays that way. The books migrate to the bedroom with me every day.
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-"Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" by Amy Chua (LOVED it!)
-"Losing Joe's Place" by Gordon Korman
-"Freakonomics" by Steven Leavitt & Stephen Dubner
-"Adoptable Dog" by John Ross and Barbara McKinney
-"Quirky, Yes-- Hopeless, No" by Cynthia La Brie Norall
-"The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan
-"I Don't Have to Make Everything All Better" by Gary & Joy Saunders Lundberg
-"Double Your Energy and Live Without Fatigue" by Margery Wilson
-"Leadership and Self-Deception" by the Arbinger Institute
-"Power of a Positive Mom" by Karol Ladd
-"What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Premenopause" by John lee
-current Reader's Digest
-couple copies of the Ensign magazine
-"Preach My Gospel" manual
Some of the books are ongoing (I read them a couple nights a week). Others I pick up when I'm in that kind of mood. Some of them I've actually finished and haven't collected them to take back to the library (or friends). I try to keep my bedside clean and book-free, but it never stays that way. The books migrate to the bedroom with me every day.
-
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Reasons why I love the Biggest Loser
I haven't faithfully watched a TV series since I was hooked on "Saved by the Bell" and "Full House" as a teen (watched all the shows at least twice!). A couple years ago, my daughter and I mostly watched a few seasons of "American Idol," but grew tired of the major time commitment. This January I started watching the "Biggest Loser" and since then I've watched every episode (usually online). Sometimes I think it's rather strange that it's become one of my favorite shows PLUS one of the highlights of my week, but it has.
I think the biggest reason I love it is the "You Can Do Hard Things" message it sends. Who doesn't need that? We all have our difficulties and challenges in life, and we all need to be reminded that we can not only survive, but excel. I've grown to love the contestants on the show. They are brave in opening themselves up so much and sharing their struggles. How hard would it be to go on national TV in spandex bike shorts and a sports bra (for the girls)? I can't imagine.
Every Wednesday morning I watch the latest show online while I keep my laundry running. I laugh, I cry, I look forward to the next episode. All I can say is that "the Biggest Loser" is far more educational, entertaining, and motivational than any episode of "Saved by the Bell" or "Full House!"
I think the biggest reason I love it is the "You Can Do Hard Things" message it sends. Who doesn't need that? We all have our difficulties and challenges in life, and we all need to be reminded that we can not only survive, but excel. I've grown to love the contestants on the show. They are brave in opening themselves up so much and sharing their struggles. How hard would it be to go on national TV in spandex bike shorts and a sports bra (for the girls)? I can't imagine.
Every Wednesday morning I watch the latest show online while I keep my laundry running. I laugh, I cry, I look forward to the next episode. All I can say is that "the Biggest Loser" is far more educational, entertaining, and motivational than any episode of "Saved by the Bell" or "Full House!"
Rescue Role
A funny thing happens when you are known for being an animal lover and a "rescue" person-- you get "invitations" to help your friends. One such invitation came last week and Belle came on Monday. Belle is a 3 year old Maltese dog who is a sweetheart. She had a tough "puppyhood" and we're working on trust and some potty training. So far our other dog, Kip, doesn't mind her and she's adjusting to life in our house. Kip was a rescue for us, but Belle definitely comes with her own personality! It's totally a learning process for me. I need to head over to the library to pick up some dog training materials so I feel like I have a better idea on what to do.
Just in case you think I'm crazy, I'm not. We have 6 animals currently: 2 dogs, 2 reptiles (1 still hibernating), and 2 birds. Remember, you have your craziness; I have mine! ;o)
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| Belle & Kip |
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| Belle |
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| Kip |
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| Picture taking is now over, huh? |
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Another "Friendly" Update
I've been asked if my "Spider Desensitization" program really made me not afraid of spiders. Yes and no. I don't jump when I see spiders outside, but sometimes old reactions die hard.
On Saturday, my son ran upstairs yelling there was a spider in the basement on the green thing. He put his hand into a circle and told me "it is this big." Then he mentioned his 3 year old brother was crying about it. Cue fear flashback.
"Oh," I tried to choke out nonchalantly, "what are you going to do about it?" (see how good I am about fostering independence and creativity with my kids?)
My son stared at me blankly. "You need to get it."
fine.
I got a cup out of the drawer and rummaged around for a sturdy piece of paper. These would be my capturing supplies.
"Can't we just squish it?" my son asked.
"No. We will take it outside."
I was trembling a bit as I walked downstairs. Every year we tend to get these big, furry-legged spiders that streak through our basement. They are big (bigger than a walnut) and furry (I really don't care for furry legs) and fast! They creep me out still. I was afraid as I descended those stairs that it might be a fast, furry-legged one.
I got to the basement to find my 3 year old crouched on top of the back of the couch sobbing. I guess my modeling of good behavior hasn't totally caught on. I reassured him the spider was fine. I told my son again we were not going to squish it. I told myself I could handle catching a spider.
Well, good news! It was a brother/sister/cousin to "Friendly," our kitchen spider. It was a wee bit bigger and a bit darker. I caught him in the cup and took him outside. See: Catch and Release!
I was a wee bit creeped out when I got back in the house. It would have been easier to have someone else capture the spider, but the hubby wasn't at home at the time and apparently my sons don't realize it is in their boy code of conduct to capture spiders and release them into the wild.
Time for the training to begin again.
And, regarding "Friendly"-- I saw him crawling around the kitchen window the other night. I said "hi." He quite possibly could have waved one of his 8 legs, but it was hard to say. I'm guessing he said "hi" back because I've never gotten the sense that he was a rude spider.
On Saturday, my son ran upstairs yelling there was a spider in the basement on the green thing. He put his hand into a circle and told me "it is this big." Then he mentioned his 3 year old brother was crying about it. Cue fear flashback.
"Oh," I tried to choke out nonchalantly, "what are you going to do about it?" (see how good I am about fostering independence and creativity with my kids?)
My son stared at me blankly. "You need to get it."
fine.
I got a cup out of the drawer and rummaged around for a sturdy piece of paper. These would be my capturing supplies.
"Can't we just squish it?" my son asked.
"No. We will take it outside."
I was trembling a bit as I walked downstairs. Every year we tend to get these big, furry-legged spiders that streak through our basement. They are big (bigger than a walnut) and furry (I really don't care for furry legs) and fast! They creep me out still. I was afraid as I descended those stairs that it might be a fast, furry-legged one.
I got to the basement to find my 3 year old crouched on top of the back of the couch sobbing. I guess my modeling of good behavior hasn't totally caught on. I reassured him the spider was fine. I told my son again we were not going to squish it. I told myself I could handle catching a spider.
Well, good news! It was a brother/sister/cousin to "Friendly," our kitchen spider. It was a wee bit bigger and a bit darker. I caught him in the cup and took him outside. See: Catch and Release!
I was a wee bit creeped out when I got back in the house. It would have been easier to have someone else capture the spider, but the hubby wasn't at home at the time and apparently my sons don't realize it is in their boy code of conduct to capture spiders and release them into the wild.
Time for the training to begin again.
And, regarding "Friendly"-- I saw him crawling around the kitchen window the other night. I said "hi." He quite possibly could have waved one of his 8 legs, but it was hard to say. I'm guessing he said "hi" back because I've never gotten the sense that he was a rude spider.
Life's Work
This past school year I've finally gotten into the habit of kneeling down with my kids for a morning prayer before I send them out the door to school. We each take a turn, including the 3 year old, at offering a prayer for protection, safety, guidance, happiness, etc. We usually ask specifically for help in what we will be doing for the day. This is when the question of "What does Mom do anyways?" comes up (again and again).
A prayer will usually go something like this:
"And bless us at school (kids) and work (hubby) and... [obvious pause here] ________"
The family has narrowed it down to three answers: "running errands" or "staying home" or "whatever it is that Mom does."
Perhaps this is the reason that I have felt lately my entire waking life is devoted to the infernal/eternal pursuit of "errand running." Or why I have spent more time at home. It is perhaps time to offer a "prayer training" class for my children (and hubby) on how to best pray for mom. I think I'd have it go something like this:
"And please bless Mom that she will find time, ability, and patience to take care of all the thousands of things we require from her and that she'll be happy and have plenty of sleep each night so she won't be grumpy and that she'll have time and energy left to pursue a few of her own dreams and passions and help us to be super grateful and loving and kind to each other."
That would be a better prayer to have answered on my head.
But until then, it is morning and I do need to get ready to go so I can "run those errands" for the day after I'm done "staying home" and then I can get down the business of "whatever is I do."
Toodles!
A prayer will usually go something like this:
"And bless us at school (kids) and work (hubby) and... [obvious pause here] ________"
The family has narrowed it down to three answers: "running errands" or "staying home" or "whatever it is that Mom does."
Perhaps this is the reason that I have felt lately my entire waking life is devoted to the infernal/eternal pursuit of "errand running." Or why I have spent more time at home. It is perhaps time to offer a "prayer training" class for my children (and hubby) on how to best pray for mom. I think I'd have it go something like this:
"And please bless Mom that she will find time, ability, and patience to take care of all the thousands of things we require from her and that she'll be happy and have plenty of sleep each night so she won't be grumpy and that she'll have time and energy left to pursue a few of her own dreams and passions and help us to be super grateful and loving and kind to each other."
That would be a better prayer to have answered on my head.
But until then, it is morning and I do need to get ready to go so I can "run those errands" for the day after I'm done "staying home" and then I can get down the business of "whatever is I do."
Toodles!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Dream Come True
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| Before.... |
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| After.... |
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| After... |
Golly Thanks, IKEA
Last week I got a super cool pull-out mirror for my wall from IKEA. I've always wanted one for my bathroom and finally got one.
Those instructions sure were helpful on how to put up. Plus, the reminder not to let the sun shine through my window, strike the mirror, and light my curtains on fire was especially helpful. I might have forgotten.
Thanks, IKEA!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Tropical No-Bake Cookies-- Fabulous Recipe
These cookies come with a warning: they are addicting!
Tropical No-Bake Cookies
MELT in saucepan over medium heat:
1 cup white chocolate chips
5 T butter
16 large marshmallows
1 T lime juice
Cool 5 minutes
STIR in
2 tsp lime zest
1 tsp ginger
2 cups quick oats
1 cup coconut flakes
MIX well. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax-paper; cover loosely with plastic wrap; refrigerate 2 to 3 hours.
Tropical No-Bake Cookies
MELT in saucepan over medium heat:
1 cup white chocolate chips
5 T butter
16 large marshmallows
1 T lime juice
Cool 5 minutes
STIR in
2 tsp lime zest
1 tsp ginger
2 cups quick oats
1 cup coconut flakes
MIX well. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax-paper; cover loosely with plastic wrap; refrigerate 2 to 3 hours.
Brilliance!
I had the most brilliant idea the other day. Instead of struggling to think of something to make/eat for dinner, I could actually go through my recipe box, with its dozens of dozens of recipes, and PICK out dinners ahead of time and then buy the ingredients for them so I have them on hand. Then I can choose one of my recipe cards and make that for dinner instead of the same ol' tacos, burritos, spaghetti, hamburgers, etc.
It's revolutionary! I think I'll call it a "menu!"
whoa. I amaze myself.
Do you think I could market it???
(yes, I am kidding)
It's revolutionary! I think I'll call it a "menu!"
whoa. I amaze myself.
Do you think I could market it???
(yes, I am kidding)
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Fantastic Website for Art Projects for Kids
This is geared mostly for preschoolers, but I think the projects can be adapted to all elementary school ages. The website is a lot of fun! Dani is a friend of my good friend; that's a good enough recommendation for me.
http://www.pineapplepaintbrush.com/
http://www.pineapplepaintbrush.com/
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