Please forgive me! I think my problem with blogging is that I make everything SO darn complex I don't know WHICH part to blog about! I feel like I have a zillion roles and it would take me hours each day to get all my thoughts out. And I'm not good at condensing things or taking the time to edit so... Chaos! That's me and oddly chaos is peaceful to me, I'm most comfortable there. ;-)
OK so yesterday I started my new get-back-into-shape routine. I haven't been feeling that great lately, and I'm not getting younger OR thinner and so it's time. I don't want to be in pain or immobile when I'm older and I don't think it has to be that way , if I take care of myself NOW before it's too late. Is it ever too late? So.. thanks to my awesome Christmas gift from my awesome Hubby I now have a Wii Fit to keep me accountable! That tracks my weight and BMI and I'm able to do Yoga, Strength Exercise, Balance, & Aerobics daily. I did 30 minutes yesterday (was harder than I thought!). I'm also eating better and ONLY WHEN I'm hungry. Do you know how HARD that is?!??! It's ridiculous really. Tonight after I took a much needed nap I woke up and wandered to the kitchen. I opened the fridge 2 or 3 times and then talked myself out of eating because when I took the time to pay attention to how I felt, I wasn't HUNGRY! But I thought I should be so I kept going in the kitchen looking. I don't know why even now, I'm thinknig about the salad I will eat when I *am* hungry. It's not going anywhere, it will be there when I am hungry! It's perplexing to me... I have been drinking a LOT of tea lately and had some to emotionally satisfy me until I am hungry.
SO, our family is plagued by illness this Christmas again. DH is down, DS#1 is down, DS#5 is down. DS#3 has a weird rash. My DD's got over it fast though and so did I ('cept for the cough) so let's pray it stays that way. My dad (who is currently living with us) is also down pretty hard by this illness. I thought I'd be more antsy than I am but I'm actually quite content staying in before our weeks go back to their regularly scheduled programming. DH will be back in school, the kids activities will be back in full swing... It's nice to just *relax* for awhile. :-)
So I have some pretty big news that I think is OK for me to blog. My best friend, the one that has been battling cancer, her and her husband asked Geo and I to consider my being a surrogate for them about a year ago. By the Grace of God and some miracles of modern medicine her tumors have been dying and stabilizing and it looks like a very real possibility that we will be able to carry their child for them. I can't imagine a more special gift than to be able to provide them with something they want so badly. I hope to blog regularly on my surrogacy journey. That's another reason I'm trying very hard to get into shape again (if I ever was), the thought of being pregnant again is very motivating! lol
We lost a dear cousin on Christmas morning. Please keep Johns family in your prayers. Johnny and I have corresponded VIA e-mail for years and he really wanted Gods peace. He was a troubled soul but he was a loving, funny, smart, amazing person. His daughter Gabriella was his whole world and it's gut wrenching news to us all that we lost him. DH and Johnny grew up together, just a few years apart, and did a lot together. The news still hasn't hit DH fully yet, he hasn't really gotten to grieve over his loss quite yet. Please pray for DH to process and heal as well.
Well, I guess that's it for now. Great news, terrible news, that's life right? I read soemthing recently that said God NEVER gives us his second best and that's comforting to me. The world is a messed up place yes, and there are consequences to evil all the time (even if we aren't the ones doing evil) but God is there and his love never changes or gets any more or less...
God bless & Hugs,
J
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Happy 11!
When I first brought our oldest child home, I was a nervous wreck. I was young, inexperienced, and scared! Here was this itty bitty person in MY hands. That kind of responsibility was terrifying to me. I was OK when DH was home. But the first day he returned to work I cried my eyes out. I felt inadequate and like there's no possible way I could do this. Be a good mom. I was even afraid to undress and dress him, I felt like he would break!
But, he and I learned together. With a lot of help from DH I grew confident and enjoyed watching this little guy, our son, not only sustain but GROW
And grow...
...and grow...
...and grow...- before our very eyes. I loved watching him walk (at 10 months!). I loved hearing "mama" (although dada came first of course). I loved the way he looked at me and only me in that way. He was completely in love and so was I. I learned to embrace and treasure the bond of motherhood.
Our family grew too!
I've gotten to carry, birth, breastfeed, & enjoy 4 more children after our first. And they've all brought something to my life. But I will always treasure my learning experience with our first. Even the mistakes. ;-)
So now, I'm learning how to raise a pre-teen. And he's learning how to balance becoming a young man and staying a child. Being a big brother and being the oldest child. And he does both Gracefully...
...most of the time. 
When he goes to bed at night with questions or fears he asks me to give him the chapter of the Bible that will help those questions/fears. Then we discuss what he reads, sometimes for hours. He loves football (playing and creating plays), drawing, learning the drums at band, learning guitar with grandpa, singing at church, acting at the community theater, wrestling with his baby brother. But above all he loves God. And that's awesome.
Happy Birthday sweety! We are SO proud of you!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Just 1 out of 5 reasons I haven't been blogging much...
This summer we've been B-U-S-Y... but it's been good. :-)
Friday, June 27, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Realization "quiz" - feel free to post your own!
realization
1. i've come to realize that my behind: Is probably always going to be the last thing to thin out.
2. i've come to realize that when i talk: I need to choose my words more carefully.
3. i've come to realize that if i love someone: They almost always love me back.
4. i've come to realize that i need: My intimacy with God
5. i've come to realize that i lost: My inability to function in the mornings (yay)
6. i've come to realize that i hate it when: I let my emotions rule my actions/words.
7. i've come to realize that, if i'm drunk: I'm drunk on love. ;-)
8. i've come to realize that marriage: Takes 2 to perservere, and it's a LOT of rewarding & consistent work.
9. i've come to realize that i really: Value and enjoy people (most days)
10. i've come to realize that i'll always be: Struggling to become my best self.
11. i've come to realize that i like: Raw food! yay, who'd have thunk it?!
12. i've come to realize that the last time i cried was: Last week at the park with friends talking about DH's dad leaving him so young.
13. i've come to realize that my cell phone is: Probably slowly harming me but pretty impossible to live without.
14. i've come to realize that when i wake up in the morning: I enjoy getting out of bed!
15. i've come to realize that before i go to sleep at night: . I always have to stand in each of the kids bedrooms and pray for their protection.
16. i've come to realize that now i'm thinking about: Getting some much needed sleep and my jam-packed day tomorrrow.
17. i've come to realize that babies: Grow up WAY too fast.
18. i've come to realize that, when i get on Myspace: I look forward to seeing if I have new messages or comments.
19. I've come to realize that today: Was not as chaotic as I expected, there were many blessings throughout it.
20. i've come to realize that tonight i will: Go hold my husband and go to sleep.
21. i've come to realize that tomorrow i will: Go to lunch/library coffee tasting with an old friend, take the kids to the magician, & do my Home & Garden Party.
22. i've come to realize that i really want: For my husband to realize how special he is.
1. i've come to realize that my behind: Is probably always going to be the last thing to thin out.
2. i've come to realize that when i talk: I need to choose my words more carefully.
3. i've come to realize that if i love someone: They almost always love me back.
4. i've come to realize that i need: My intimacy with God
5. i've come to realize that i lost: My inability to function in the mornings (yay)
6. i've come to realize that i hate it when: I let my emotions rule my actions/words.
7. i've come to realize that, if i'm drunk: I'm drunk on love. ;-)
8. i've come to realize that marriage: Takes 2 to perservere, and it's a LOT of rewarding & consistent work.
9. i've come to realize that i really: Value and enjoy people (most days)
10. i've come to realize that i'll always be: Struggling to become my best self.
11. i've come to realize that i like: Raw food! yay, who'd have thunk it?!
12. i've come to realize that the last time i cried was: Last week at the park with friends talking about DH's dad leaving him so young.
13. i've come to realize that my cell phone is: Probably slowly harming me but pretty impossible to live without.
14. i've come to realize that when i wake up in the morning: I enjoy getting out of bed!
15. i've come to realize that before i go to sleep at night: . I always have to stand in each of the kids bedrooms and pray for their protection.
16. i've come to realize that now i'm thinking about: Getting some much needed sleep and my jam-packed day tomorrrow.
17. i've come to realize that babies: Grow up WAY too fast.
18. i've come to realize that, when i get on Myspace: I look forward to seeing if I have new messages or comments.
19. I've come to realize that today: Was not as chaotic as I expected, there were many blessings throughout it.
20. i've come to realize that tonight i will: Go hold my husband and go to sleep.
21. i've come to realize that tomorrow i will: Go to lunch/library coffee tasting with an old friend, take the kids to the magician, & do my Home & Garden Party.
22. i've come to realize that i really want: For my husband to realize how special he is.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
I don't care who you are...
...this is GOOD!
Photo taken at this months raw food class - yum!
***Updated to include name of the recipe book used for ~V~***
They use different books every time. This week was Dining in the Raw by Rita Romano There were tons of recipes and they all looked easy and delicious!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Good news & bad news
Well... the good news is Cocoa is back home now. He's hyper and cuddly and his old self again. What a relief! Vet says NO table scraps at all for him. We're still not sure exactly what happened. I didn't have to sell any of the kids to pay for the bill though so that's good. It was a very reasonable amount. ;-)
The bad news is that Middle Son *did* in fact break his arm. *sigh* Actually he fractured his Humerus bone up by his shoulder. The very good news is that they don't usually cast for this kind of break and since it's just a hairline fracture and not a complete break he'll only have to be in the sling. The fracture is aligned beautifully and the DR thinks he'll heal fine in 2-3 weeks - wow, the body is an amazing thing! Especially the unaged body. LOL I would have snapped my bone in two! ;-)
The even better news for Middle Son is that DR. H said he can go on any ride in the amusement park this Friday when we go. He was so worried he couldn't go on anything. DR. H said he may be a little sore but he won't injure his arm seriously unless he hangs by it, gets is pulled sharply, or falls far on top of it. This is good news since he's my rambuctious one. I wish I could give him Motrin all day long but I find that if I do that, he uses it too much and is sore later. So, the pain serves as kind of a guide for him on how much to use it. And it's not terrible pain, he's pretty much himself so that's good, he's a tough kid. I give him Motrin at night to help him find a good position to sleep in.
Would you believe that Middle Sons total DR bill (X-Rays included) was about HALF of my vet bill? LOL
Thanks for your thoughts & prayers!
J
The bad news is that Middle Son *did* in fact break his arm. *sigh* Actually he fractured his Humerus bone up by his shoulder. The very good news is that they don't usually cast for this kind of break and since it's just a hairline fracture and not a complete break he'll only have to be in the sling. The fracture is aligned beautifully and the DR thinks he'll heal fine in 2-3 weeks - wow, the body is an amazing thing! Especially the unaged body. LOL I would have snapped my bone in two! ;-)
The even better news for Middle Son is that DR. H said he can go on any ride in the amusement park this Friday when we go. He was so worried he couldn't go on anything. DR. H said he may be a little sore but he won't injure his arm seriously unless he hangs by it, gets is pulled sharply, or falls far on top of it. This is good news since he's my rambuctious one. I wish I could give him Motrin all day long but I find that if I do that, he uses it too much and is sore later. So, the pain serves as kind of a guide for him on how much to use it. And it's not terrible pain, he's pretty much himself so that's good, he's a tough kid. I give him Motrin at night to help him find a good position to sleep in.
Would you believe that Middle Sons total DR bill (X-Rays included) was about HALF of my vet bill? LOL
Thanks for your thoughts & prayers!
J
Monday, May 5, 2008
Busy!!!
I've really reprioritized things in my life lately. I feel like I'm becoming more balanced and what I was created to be and less like I'm "treading water". so to speak. I'm focusing on the bigger picture first and the details next instead of the other way around. I'm spending time with people who make me better when I leave them. I'm also working part-time as an independent designer for Home and Garden Party <------- shameless plug
My husband tends to have what I call an "Eeyore" personality. He hates it when I say that so don't tell him but it's true. Most of the time I just feel like everything will be OK. It drives him NUTS. ;-) He mistakes my carefree attitude for not caring when in reality I just feel like I need to trust in God fully. So, I follow His discernment and if I get a red light I feel like it was for a reason. DH on the other hands will try to figure out what he did wrong to make the light red or better yet, bang it with a hammer until it turns green. ;-) Anyway, my whole point here is that DH changed. A couple of weeks ago he told me he felt like all these red lights in our life were there to point us to the direction God wanted us to go in. I got nervous for a minute thinking the next words out of his mouth would be that we needed to move to Alaska so he could be a bush pilot. But no, he simply felt strongly led to go back and finish school. A venture we had long given up on. I was so excited he felt this way and we looked into our life as it was and saw a clear plan. It won't be easy but it will definately be do-able. So, DH is finally leaving his work-all-night job (boy, that was killing me!) and working long weekends. This will only leave us $100-200 less than what we're used to believe it or not and I'll be able to supplement that with my new job. He'll be going to school during the week and I'll be doing my home parties/office work a few nights a week. And Wednesdays will be family night. I'm looking forward to it.
Speaking of my job, I love it. I detest the paperwork part of it but I love going out there and meeting new people and showing people the products. I love finding new dynamics and just having a blast with people I just met. I did my first party last week and we had hail the size of ping pong balls during it. How's that for distraction?! lol But we had a great turnout and lots of fun so I'm encouraged. I need to hire someone for the paperwork part and I'll be good to go. ;-) It's still a struggle balancing homeschooling, just being a mommy, being a supportive wife, doing the house stuff, cooking, shuffling around activities but it's a good thing. It's making me more self motivated and disciplined than I think I've ever been. It's definately refining me and my family, for the better.
So, check out my stuff. ;-) I'm in love with everything in the catalog. That's my direct link up there. If you wanted to do an online or catalog party you can earn FREE & 1/2 price items. Pardon me while I slip into my business suit. LOL
Oh, on other news my little dog, Cocoa, wasn't acting right on Sunday. Then he got worse. Vomiting, becoming rigid, not moving, cloudy eyes, drooling, extended stomach, whining. I called the vet and he met me down at the office (they rock!). They are keeping him a second night. We're not sure what's wrong but he's my lap dog, I have never been a dog person until now. I really miss him and hope he's going to be OK!
Also on Sunday our middle son (6) was playing at church with the older kids and fell off a field goal post onto his back. He was a bit shaken but seemed OK, jsut a little sore. This morning he said he was better and we couldn't see any bruising so we decided to just ice it and called it sore muscles (my husband was a medical tech in the Air Force and a civilian EMT so we're usually pretty good at diagnosing - even our DR says so. lol). But tonight he's not using it at all and he's really sore. So, tomorrow we are making a DR appointment, I'm praying it's not a break or serious sprain. Sometimes as parents you don't always make the right call and then the "mommy guilt" sets in. Why didn't you take him sooner? and all that stuff. But you just do the best you can, follow your instincts, and live and learn. So please say a prayer that he is just having muscle pain and it's not anything worse, we'll know tomorrow.
I guess that's pretty much it for now. We have a family vacation in 2 weeks to my cousins wedding. We're getting excited thinking about that. Life is so full lately but like I mentioned above, I'm trying to fill it with only the important stuff. ;-)
Hugs,
Jess
My husband tends to have what I call an "Eeyore" personality. He hates it when I say that so don't tell him but it's true. Most of the time I just feel like everything will be OK. It drives him NUTS. ;-) He mistakes my carefree attitude for not caring when in reality I just feel like I need to trust in God fully. So, I follow His discernment and if I get a red light I feel like it was for a reason. DH on the other hands will try to figure out what he did wrong to make the light red or better yet, bang it with a hammer until it turns green. ;-) Anyway, my whole point here is that DH changed. A couple of weeks ago he told me he felt like all these red lights in our life were there to point us to the direction God wanted us to go in. I got nervous for a minute thinking the next words out of his mouth would be that we needed to move to Alaska so he could be a bush pilot. But no, he simply felt strongly led to go back and finish school. A venture we had long given up on. I was so excited he felt this way and we looked into our life as it was and saw a clear plan. It won't be easy but it will definately be do-able. So, DH is finally leaving his work-all-night job (boy, that was killing me!) and working long weekends. This will only leave us $100-200 less than what we're used to believe it or not and I'll be able to supplement that with my new job. He'll be going to school during the week and I'll be doing my home parties/office work a few nights a week. And Wednesdays will be family night. I'm looking forward to it.
Speaking of my job, I love it. I detest the paperwork part of it but I love going out there and meeting new people and showing people the products. I love finding new dynamics and just having a blast with people I just met. I did my first party last week and we had hail the size of ping pong balls during it. How's that for distraction?! lol But we had a great turnout and lots of fun so I'm encouraged. I need to hire someone for the paperwork part and I'll be good to go. ;-) It's still a struggle balancing homeschooling, just being a mommy, being a supportive wife, doing the house stuff, cooking, shuffling around activities but it's a good thing. It's making me more self motivated and disciplined than I think I've ever been. It's definately refining me and my family, for the better.
So, check out my stuff. ;-) I'm in love with everything in the catalog. That's my direct link up there. If you wanted to do an online or catalog party you can earn FREE & 1/2 price items. Pardon me while I slip into my business suit. LOL
Oh, on other news my little dog, Cocoa, wasn't acting right on Sunday. Then he got worse. Vomiting, becoming rigid, not moving, cloudy eyes, drooling, extended stomach, whining. I called the vet and he met me down at the office (they rock!). They are keeping him a second night. We're not sure what's wrong but he's my lap dog, I have never been a dog person until now. I really miss him and hope he's going to be OK!
Also on Sunday our middle son (6) was playing at church with the older kids and fell off a field goal post onto his back. He was a bit shaken but seemed OK, jsut a little sore. This morning he said he was better and we couldn't see any bruising so we decided to just ice it and called it sore muscles (my husband was a medical tech in the Air Force and a civilian EMT so we're usually pretty good at diagnosing - even our DR says so. lol). But tonight he's not using it at all and he's really sore. So, tomorrow we are making a DR appointment, I'm praying it's not a break or serious sprain. Sometimes as parents you don't always make the right call and then the "mommy guilt" sets in. Why didn't you take him sooner? and all that stuff. But you just do the best you can, follow your instincts, and live and learn. So please say a prayer that he is just having muscle pain and it's not anything worse, we'll know tomorrow.
I guess that's pretty much it for now. We have a family vacation in 2 weeks to my cousins wedding. We're getting excited thinking about that. Life is so full lately but like I mentioned above, I'm trying to fill it with only the important stuff. ;-)
Hugs,
Jess
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Determination
Another camera bit the dust or I'd have pictures to go along with this post. So just use your imagination until I can convince someone in my family that it's a good investment to buy me another camera and no, I won't lose/break *this* one. ;-)
Anyway, point of this post. Our oldest son. He'll be 11 in the Fall and he has the classic signs of first child syndrome. He's responsible, he's authoritive, he's pretty compliant for the most part. But the thing he lacks that seems odd to me is maturity and self discipline. Or he did lack it. Recently DH took him to Boy Scouts (or as he likes to call it, Man Scouts) through our church. The very next day they were going on a camping trip. For 3 days, hours away. He had never even been away from us before unless it was with family or close friends. But I let him go.
I let him go. I have a feeling there will be a lot more of that these next few years. But by letting him go I've seen a difference.
The Boy Scouts are working on physical fitness. This morning, my thinly built son inspired me to write this post. He asked me to help him count while he did sit-ups. I said sure and we began. 1...2...3...4...5...
.........25....26...27....28...................
........40...41....42..... now the sweat is pouring off his brow.
50... surely he's done...51...52...53......nope! he's struggling but keeps on going.
62...63....64.... I begin to worry if he'll hurt himself but I don't say anything but to remind him he can stop anytime.
74....75....76.... he pushes through with no plans of stopping.
97...98...99... Ah, he wants to get to 100....100! Great job honey!
101...102... he's struggling hard now. "Must...*pant*...get...*gasp*...to....1..2...0... that's my goal mom.............. I bit my tongue and let him reach it.
118......119.......120.
After much water he goes back to the spot and begins his push-ups...
this is the stuff men are made of and it's amazing watching my little boy transform.
BTW, as I was typing he was copy-catting his 4yo sister to annoy her so we do have a long way to go. ;-)
Anyway, point of this post. Our oldest son. He'll be 11 in the Fall and he has the classic signs of first child syndrome. He's responsible, he's authoritive, he's pretty compliant for the most part. But the thing he lacks that seems odd to me is maturity and self discipline. Or he did lack it. Recently DH took him to Boy Scouts (or as he likes to call it, Man Scouts) through our church. The very next day they were going on a camping trip. For 3 days, hours away. He had never even been away from us before unless it was with family or close friends. But I let him go.
I let him go. I have a feeling there will be a lot more of that these next few years. But by letting him go I've seen a difference.
The Boy Scouts are working on physical fitness. This morning, my thinly built son inspired me to write this post. He asked me to help him count while he did sit-ups. I said sure and we began. 1...2...3...4...5...
.........25....26...27....28...................
........40...41....42..... now the sweat is pouring off his brow.
50... surely he's done...51...52...53......nope! he's struggling but keeps on going.
62...63....64.... I begin to worry if he'll hurt himself but I don't say anything but to remind him he can stop anytime.
74....75....76.... he pushes through with no plans of stopping.
97...98...99... Ah, he wants to get to 100....100! Great job honey!
101...102... he's struggling hard now. "Must...*pant*...get...*gasp*...to....1..2...0... that's my goal mom.............. I bit my tongue and let him reach it.
118......119.......120.
After much water he goes back to the spot and begins his push-ups...
this is the stuff men are made of and it's amazing watching my little boy transform.
BTW, as I was typing he was copy-catting his 4yo sister to annoy her so we do have a long way to go. ;-)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Adventures
I just got back from a weekend in Boston to be with my childhood friend, *M*. We were thinking it wasn't possible that were have known each other since we were 4 years old then she found an old picture of us and the date on the back put us at 5 years old in the picture. So, we really have been friends that long, it seems surreal. We spent the weekend meeting new people, getting massages, shopping, and my personal favorite; watching old home movies of ourselves and laughing so hard we should have worn depends. ;-)
There were both great times and tragic times during our trip (our mutual friends father passed away this weekend) but it's a trip I'll keep with me always. I'm going to be posting various stories and pictures from the trip because when you're travelling without children there are LOTS Of things to observe and take pictures of. LOL
So, look for the posts, I can't promise any today but I will post some.
There were both great times and tragic times during our trip (our mutual friends father passed away this weekend) but it's a trip I'll keep with me always. I'm going to be posting various stories and pictures from the trip because when you're travelling without children there are LOTS Of things to observe and take pictures of. LOL
So, look for the posts, I can't promise any today but I will post some.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Happy Easter!
"Spring bursts to-day, For Christ is risen and all the earth's at play."
~ Christina G. Rossetti
Monday, March 17, 2008
Yum!
Take a look at my dinner tonight:
Clockwise from the top: Apricot ball, Sushi, Granola with Cacao nibs,
Fresh fruit (watermelon, mango, pineapple), and Mushroom "steak" (marinated) with
Red peppers, Broccoli, and Onion. :-)
What makes this meal so unique (to me) is that it's all RAW. I went to a raw food class tonight with my friend. Let me tell you folks, I'm a very picky eater, especially when it comes to healthy stuff. But it was GOOD!!! I really started researching and realizing that what I put into my body is supposed to fuel it, not just fill it. I'm trying to keep that in mind lately.
I started with making green smoothies. You know that saying "if everyone was jumping off a bridge would you do it?". Well, everyone around me was drinking green smoothies and I was happy to join in. I've seen drastic changes in weight, attitude, and overall health in my friends. That's one bridge I'm happy to jump off with them. ;-) My kids will try it everytime (I always ask them to try once and recite lines from Dr. Suess' Green Eggs & Ham until they do). But so far only my oldest will drink them regularly, and he's my most picky eater, go figure! I'd like to talk more about them but I'm feeling very uninspired right now so if you have any questions/comments feel free to ask!
Oh and I'm reading Digging your Grave with a Knife & Forkby Mike Huckabee right now. I'm really enjoying it!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
Kitsch Queen
My long-time best friend *M* from back home calls herself the "kitsch queen". But she has always had awesome taste so she's being modest. She does send veyr fun packages though and you just NEVER know what you're going to get when you open them. Todays' box had 5 pez dispensers for the kids for Easter, 2 boxes of Peeps (can't have Easter without them!), a check for G.S. cookies, a St. Patricks Day set of dishtowels complete with a shamrock cookie cutter, a see-through plastic tote bag with ribbon handles with pictures of us on the front, 3 cards, a touching & beautiful "friends" photo frame, a heart birthstone necklace (for me), a Webkinz postal code (for my daughter), and these ADORABLE and unique plates for my children:
And she didn't even know we were running low on kids plates. Man, I'm really spoiled with that one. lol
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
My grandma's da bomb yo!
My grandmother has always been quite the cool cat. The groovy chick. The grandma from... well, you get the idea. Now, don't get it all wrong, she's no Proverbs 31 woman but on a worldly level she's just a fun person. Sometimes she means to be funny and sometimes it's an accident. But we always laugh and she laughs right with us. She's one of my favorite people in this world, definately one of the most colorful characters in my life.
So we're on the phone yesterday and she doesn't quite get the cell phone concept so she always pauses then ignores it when I tell her I'm driving or shopping or whatnot. That's great in itself. We're talking as I'm driving and I hear her yell &*$%!!! <--- enter expletive that begins with "s" here. She tells me to hold on and I hear beeping along with her yelling in the background, *#$&* #*$&(# this stupid (#*$#(* thing!!! You're such a pain in the #$#!!!!!!). She comes back to tell me that the smoke alarms always go off when she cooks. Ummm yelling at them doesn't usually make them stop. ;-) We continue talking and my phone dies. I put it on the charger and call her back and she says in an annoyed voice, "I don't know what happened, would you believe the operator cut in?! The nerve! She said 'the number I was calling was not in service to please try again', WHAT IS SHE NUTS?!?!?!" I try to stifle my laughter as my fondness for her and her grandma'isms grow. I didn't bother to tell her the operator was a recording, she wouldn't have believed me anyway.
Do you guys have a relative like this?
So we're on the phone yesterday and she doesn't quite get the cell phone concept so she always pauses then ignores it when I tell her I'm driving or shopping or whatnot. That's great in itself. We're talking as I'm driving and I hear her yell &*$%!!! <--- enter expletive that begins with "s" here. She tells me to hold on and I hear beeping along with her yelling in the background, *#$&* #*$&(# this stupid (#*$#(* thing!!! You're such a pain in the #$#!!!!!!). She comes back to tell me that the smoke alarms always go off when she cooks. Ummm yelling at them doesn't usually make them stop. ;-) We continue talking and my phone dies. I put it on the charger and call her back and she says in an annoyed voice, "I don't know what happened, would you believe the operator cut in?! The nerve! She said 'the number I was calling was not in service to please try again', WHAT IS SHE NUTS?!?!?!" I try to stifle my laughter as my fondness for her and her grandma'isms grow. I didn't bother to tell her the operator was a recording, she wouldn't have believed me anyway.
Do you guys have a relative like this?
Monday, January 28, 2008
Negatives...
Alright so I'm at.my.wits.end tonight. I had gotten a full day of school in, prepared 3 meals plus snacks. Played with the kids, read to them, did everything that I could possibly have done and I was just plum worn out. Because ya know, kids keep taking because they just don't have empathy yet. Well, my 10yo does and my 8yo is capable of it but the 6, 4, & 2yo - not a trace of it yet. So I'm into full lecture mode in the van as we went to surprise daddy at work with a homemade grilled steak and potato dinner. I'm telling them that I'm grateful for the help they provide but that they cannot continue to take advantage and it's not fair for mom to clean up or have to yell at them to clean up their mess. I'm sure they heard blah...blah...blah... But I was done. I was ranting and raving, bordering on tears and my 10 & 8yo know enough to just shut up and listen. They have the wisdom. When I'm done talking at them my 10yo says, "Mom, you are always telling us how important it is to look at the positives in every situation. Why are you bringing so many negatives up now?". *sigh* How can you argue with that?
Later I'll write about my reflections on bathrooms and kids. LOL
Later I'll write about my reflections on bathrooms and kids. LOL
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The joys of life
Here is baby T (not looking so babyish anymore!) watching his favorite clip in the "Oobie" show we have recorded. He cracks all of us up all the time!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Quote of the day
From my 8yo DD to her brother (10) while they're doing math work at the table. She is reflecting out loud as she does her work:
"One day we might thank mom for this (work).... or not.".
"One day we might thank mom for this (work).... or not.".
Weaning has been rough on me...
I thought I was weaning my son but truth is, I'm weaning myself. It was harder on me than it was on him I think. It still is hard. He's my last baby. Before him I was usually pregnant when I weaned and I knew there would be another sweet baby to come and watch grow. There's something about nursing. When I was young and naive I looked upon it even as a gross thing. Almost a perverse thing. But when I had children of my own I realized how ignorant that was. What a special and unique bond it is. God knew what he was doing. He creates hormones to both make baby happy and content to stay still & mama too. It's a strong bonding experience. On a lighter note, it's almost equivalent to that first buzz you get if you ever had drinking days. Everything is right with the world. On top of all that you get the satisfaction of knowing you are sustaining life. By yourself. I always thought that was a blessing and confidence booster! I can honestly say 75% or more of my nursing days were enjoyable once I got past the social mores of the world and became confident in the beautiful thing is really is.
When I had my first son 10 years ago I was embarrassed by breastfeeding, even resentful of it because it took me away from everyone. I went into the bathroom in public, dressing rooms, I isolated myself in other peoples homes. By the time my daughter was born I was more confident and nowadays I can nurse like MacGyver - just give me a blanket & my teeth - I don't need any stinkin' hands. LOL And you wouldn't even know what was going on. ;-)
So, it's been a journey for me, 5 children, almost 8 years long (I didn't start extended nursing until my 4th child). I've grown so much, I've been pregnant, with newborn, going to school, teaching school, but I've always been nursing. It's been part of who I am, what I'm used to. But, I recognized that for baby T and I it had become a dependency issue. And I didn't enjoy being just his food supply. He was actually rude to me unless I was feeding at times. And then he started gorging himself and making himself sick. So, it was definately time. And it was definately harder on me than it was on him. He's already stopped asking. Which partly makes me want to cry and partly makes me proud. It's bittersweet.
I think while I'm really reflecting here I'm realizing it's the first huge step for me of the process of letting go. I know there are going to be harder steps in the future. I just hope I always can be selfless enough to look past my own emotions and put my children first. When we're not mutually benefitting anymore from something it's time to let it go. Am I on to something older moms? Is it going to be this hard every step of the way?
Is it too late to say I don't think I'm qualified for the job? LOL
So anyway, all this to share a poem I wrote during what I call my grieving process. It's all just so final and I needed a way to express myself. Some of you may be able to relate.
If you fell down all I had to do,
was say one special word to you.
When it was late & sleepiness crept in,
One word and out came that sweet drowsy grin.
On those wee morning hours with just you and I,
That word always made you happily sigh.
Cold afternoons just before you would nap,
One word brought warmth and rest with a snap.
I will always cherish these moments, my beautiful son,
The moments you called on with the word "mum".
This chapter may be over in both of our lives,
But I will always remember & treasure, your sweet nursing eyes.
When I had my first son 10 years ago I was embarrassed by breastfeeding, even resentful of it because it took me away from everyone. I went into the bathroom in public, dressing rooms, I isolated myself in other peoples homes. By the time my daughter was born I was more confident and nowadays I can nurse like MacGyver - just give me a blanket & my teeth - I don't need any stinkin' hands. LOL And you wouldn't even know what was going on. ;-)
So, it's been a journey for me, 5 children, almost 8 years long (I didn't start extended nursing until my 4th child). I've grown so much, I've been pregnant, with newborn, going to school, teaching school, but I've always been nursing. It's been part of who I am, what I'm used to. But, I recognized that for baby T and I it had become a dependency issue. And I didn't enjoy being just his food supply. He was actually rude to me unless I was feeding at times. And then he started gorging himself and making himself sick. So, it was definately time. And it was definately harder on me than it was on him. He's already stopped asking. Which partly makes me want to cry and partly makes me proud. It's bittersweet.
I think while I'm really reflecting here I'm realizing it's the first huge step for me of the process of letting go. I know there are going to be harder steps in the future. I just hope I always can be selfless enough to look past my own emotions and put my children first. When we're not mutually benefitting anymore from something it's time to let it go. Am I on to something older moms? Is it going to be this hard every step of the way?
Is it too late to say I don't think I'm qualified for the job? LOL
So anyway, all this to share a poem I wrote during what I call my grieving process. It's all just so final and I needed a way to express myself. Some of you may be able to relate.
If you fell down all I had to do,
was say one special word to you.
When it was late & sleepiness crept in,
One word and out came that sweet drowsy grin.
On those wee morning hours with just you and I,
That word always made you happily sigh.
Cold afternoons just before you would nap,
One word brought warmth and rest with a snap.
I will always cherish these moments, my beautiful son,
The moments you called on with the word "mum".
This chapter may be over in both of our lives,
But I will always remember & treasure, your sweet nursing eyes.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Great imagination...
My oldest is 10 and he has a quick wit about him. The kind of wit that's fun when other people's kids have it, but not always as amusing when it's your own. Especially when they're still in the stages of figuring out what's taboo and what "good timing" is. For example, when mom has asked you to go to bed 5 times, it's probably NOT a good time to play a practical joke. I try so hard to keep calm and rational so I don't crush his spirits. Lately I've really been trying to appreciate him and his humor and who he is becoming as a person. With 5 it's easy to just clump them together into one herd of children but they really are 5 special & unique people. It's awesome.
So today, when the stick-in-the-mud side of me grew frustrated that he brought humor into his schooling, the gentler softer side of me knew that it was time to loosen up and laugh. He really is a funny kid!
The following is a drawing (using Paint, he much prefers doing things on the computer) my oldest did when prompted to draw the characters of the story of Anansi the spider, a character from West African lore we read about in our Story of the Word curriculum today. The kids were asked to draw a picture of Anansi with a banana, potato, & a few grains of rice. This was my sons interpretation. He thought the potato he tried to draw looked like Elvis and then the rice grain he drew first looked like it had glasses. I thought the banana was especially good and he added the words to a song we used to sing all the time when he was really little.
So today, when the stick-in-the-mud side of me grew frustrated that he brought humor into his schooling, the gentler softer side of me knew that it was time to loosen up and laugh. He really is a funny kid!
The following is a drawing (using Paint, he much prefers doing things on the computer) my oldest did when prompted to draw the characters of the story of Anansi the spider, a character from West African lore we read about in our Story of the Word curriculum today. The kids were asked to draw a picture of Anansi with a banana, potato, & a few grains of rice. This was my sons interpretation. He thought the potato he tried to draw looked like Elvis and then the rice grain he drew first looked like it had glasses. I thought the banana was especially good and he added the words to a song we used to sing all the time when he was really little.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Why I love TiVo...
This may not get me Mother of the Year (go ahead, click on it if you dare), but it gets me 30 minutes of peace and 2 hands which I desperately need in the morning for school. Just for the record, I never thought one of MY children (read that with your nose turned up in the air) would be like this with ANY show, or toy, or blanket, or other pacifying object other than myself. HA! So, unless you have more than 2 children, of have done this already yourself, I don't want to hear it. I could go back to the past and hear myself judge me! lol
I apologize ahead of time for my baby voice, the firewood in front of the TV, the laundry hamper (hey, it's almost empty), and the 1 Christmas item we did put up this year still on top of the TV. Alright, now you may watch, hehe.
I apologize ahead of time for my baby voice, the firewood in front of the TV, the laundry hamper (hey, it's almost empty), and the 1 Christmas item we did put up this year still on top of the TV. Alright, now you may watch, hehe.
And just to show you how much he gets into it:
I'm just glad although he likes that Oobi show, he doesn't like it as much as The Upside Down Show. I can't handle Oobi and it's stupid smacking sounds when it eats. I want to send Oobi to a country that resorts to cutting hands off for stealing. I'd make Oobi steal.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
My mom rocked the 80's
Before you click on this picture please read the "share" post below. It will make more sense to you that way. ;-)
BTW, she didn't have big hair in this particular pic but give me time, I'll find a better one. hehe
Oh and mom? If you're reading this... What in the sam hell is that thing on your finger? Was it gum you were saving for later or what? hehe
BTW, she didn't have big hair in this particular pic but give me time, I'll find a better one. hehe
Oh and mom? If you're reading this... What in the sam hell is that thing on your finger? Was it gum you were saving for later or what? hehe
Share?
My father-in-law once told me I should write a book with all the stories and characters that were part of my life when I first met my husband. I was an only child who listened to adult conversations a lot. Too much in fact. I had a single mother who dated some characters & a dad with a big family and who managed a 7-11. So people were part of my daily life. I always felt lonely so I started being a "fly on a wall" and analyzing people regularly at an early age. That's when I wasn't singing songs about saving the world in my grandmas backyard. I had grand plans. ;-)
So, here's one of my stories:
My mom was shopping by herself in a Home Improvement store when she was probably in her early-to-mid 30's. She had big hair, always wore makeup, and wasn't afraid to be ultra stylish (which makes for great pictures to make fun of her today). She was a fox really, I'm glad I have her genes!
So, here she is mindlessly pushing the cart around browsing the store. After awhile she hears something almost inaudible but she ignores it. "air?". A few more minutes go by and she hears it again:"Share?"
She keeps pushing away and hears it again, a little louder this time, "Share?"
Bewildered, she looks behind her and about 25 feet back there is a small mexican man (read the quoted words above with an accent) behind her slowly wheeling his cart and looking right at her. Perplexed she continues walking, a little faster now*. The man behind her picks up his pace to match hers saying louder, "Share? Now she's really freaked out because she has NO idea what this man is saying but she knows he's saying it to her. They go around the store for a minute or so like this, her speeding up and staring straight ahead and him picking up the pace and yelling, ""SHARE?!". It must have been a sight!
She finally has enough** and she stops dead in her tracks, turns around and says to the guy, "What?! What do you want from me?!" To this he replies meekly and a bit starstruck: "I take picture? You Cher?.
BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! SHe was floating on a cloud singing "If I could turn back time" for weeks. And it was only 5 years ago that she started wearing colors again, she only wore black for years after that. And fringe.
You can thank Melissa for inspiring me to tell this story. She had a similiar float-on-a-cloud moment due to looking like a celebrity. ;-)
* A trait my mom has that I haven't talked about yet is that she was/is addicted to true crime stories/novels so everyone is a suspect and out to get her.
** Despite this trait she's a face-em-head-on kind of woman where I'm more the hide-in-the-closet-and-pray type of woman myself.
So, here's one of my stories:
My mom was shopping by herself in a Home Improvement store when she was probably in her early-to-mid 30's. She had big hair, always wore makeup, and wasn't afraid to be ultra stylish (which makes for great pictures to make fun of her today). She was a fox really, I'm glad I have her genes!
So, here she is mindlessly pushing the cart around browsing the store. After awhile she hears something almost inaudible but she ignores it. "air?". A few more minutes go by and she hears it again:"Share?"
She keeps pushing away and hears it again, a little louder this time, "Share?"
Bewildered, she looks behind her and about 25 feet back there is a small mexican man (read the quoted words above with an accent) behind her slowly wheeling his cart and looking right at her. Perplexed she continues walking, a little faster now*. The man behind her picks up his pace to match hers saying louder, "Share? Now she's really freaked out because she has NO idea what this man is saying but she knows he's saying it to her. They go around the store for a minute or so like this, her speeding up and staring straight ahead and him picking up the pace and yelling, ""SHARE?!". It must have been a sight!
She finally has enough** and she stops dead in her tracks, turns around and says to the guy, "What?! What do you want from me?!" To this he replies meekly and a bit starstruck: "I take picture? You Cher?.
BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! SHe was floating on a cloud singing "If I could turn back time" for weeks. And it was only 5 years ago that she started wearing colors again, she only wore black for years after that. And fringe.
You can thank Melissa for inspiring me to tell this story. She had a similiar float-on-a-cloud moment due to looking like a celebrity. ;-)
* A trait my mom has that I haven't talked about yet is that she was/is addicted to true crime stories/novels so everyone is a suspect and out to get her.
** Despite this trait she's a face-em-head-on kind of woman where I'm more the hide-in-the-closet-and-pray type of woman myself.
Snoopy's in the genes!
When I was in elementary school I wanted the part of Snoopy in the school play SOOO bad I could taste it! Almost as bad as when I wanted the part of Wendy in Peter Pan. But, my low voice didn't cost me the part of Snoopy because he didn't speak, just held up signs. I LOVED being the comic relief! I remember my mom putting my hair into pig tails dog ears. I even remember calling my grandmother and excitingly telling her I got the part! To have that excitement again over something so small!
A couple of weeks ago I read a 4-H e-mail that there was going to be a show in town for our county. In our 4-H group they were casting a Peanuts play. I asked my oldest if he wanted to be in it (the rest are Cloverbuds or younger) & he said he did. I asked which part he'd want and he immediately said "Snoopy!". Later on I told him I was Snoopy too, pretty cool. Well, he got the part because we're probably the only family up as late as the time that the e-mail came.
So, I had less than 2 weeks to get creative and make a Snoopy costume. I have a lot of creativity in my head folks but executing is a very different story for me. But, I'm proud of the end result:
A couple of weeks ago I read a 4-H e-mail that there was going to be a show in town for our county. In our 4-H group they were casting a Peanuts play. I asked my oldest if he wanted to be in it (the rest are Cloverbuds or younger) & he said he did. I asked which part he'd want and he immediately said "Snoopy!". Later on I told him I was Snoopy too, pretty cool. Well, he got the part because we're probably the only family up as late as the time that the e-mail came.
So, I had less than 2 weeks to get creative and make a Snoopy costume. I have a lot of creativity in my head folks but executing is a very different story for me. But, I'm proud of the end result:
It was cute and all but it was L---O----N-----G. And apparently the teenagers in officer positions thought a good way to entertain us all was to drink soda and belch into the microphone for laughs. I'm.dead.serious. Yeah.
I think this picture illustrates best how dad, the kids, & I felt by the time it was over:
So, being the corny folk we are (it really rubs off on the youngin's which is quite fun to watch!), I had to take this shot right before we left. He had gotten his tail stuck in the door and we all thought this was hilarious. Maybe we were just so happy to be outside again! ;-)
*No fictional dogs or real children were harmed in these photos*
**Please ignore how filthy my van is**
Have a great weekend!!!
Friday, January 11, 2008
A lake I'd never swim in...
I love burning candles. I especially love the tart burners. I take great pride in my home smelling like pine or cranberries or lavender. White cotton, Cucumber-Melon, Vanilla sugar, Mmmmmmmm. Sometimes I think about if it's really healthy but especially when we have guests coming by, or it's a lazy weekend in, I just love having a wonderful smelling home.
But there's one scent I wouldn't buy. Sewage. And yet, that's what my home has smelled like lately. Lovely eh? No matter how many White Lily & Rose tarts or Citrus blend candles I burn it's always a la sewage. Doesn't cover it up at all. Just makes the first whiff a bit tolerable which is great for say the UPS guy but friends, relatives, and US - no. Doesn't help.
We've also been plagued with odd stomach viruses. So once we identified a possible sewage problem my brave dad went to the great down under and found something we were afraid of. A lake of sewage. *sigh*
So, we begged our plumber to come out ASAP and he did, today. He was 3 hours late and acted like he was 3 hours early but he's still a welcoming sight at this point. He's a very matter-of-fact, laid back, thoughtful (in action, not in words due to the matter-of-fact trait) guy. He walks into the house and asks, "Sewage problem?" I tell him we think so and he says, "Is that what I'm smelling?". I could think of a dozen wise ass answers at this point but the man is our only hope so I said we thought so. So, he goes down into the abyss with my father who's already down there. You really have to picture this next scenario so I'm giving it it's own paragraph.
My dad is germaphobic & a neat freak. It comes in handy at times but being under the house is not appealing to him, even without sewage. He's armed with lights, plastic, and a Lysol bottle in lieu of bug spray. He's wearing full body coveralls (thanks *L*, he LOVES those), socks over his jeans, boots, a long sleeve shirt over the coveralls, gloves, and a mask. And he's still freaked out. So he brings the plumber to the area where the lovely lake is. The plumber, bare handed, jeans, short sleeved shirt, casual as can be says it looks like sewage. As they ponder that the guy takes his BARE hand, puts it in the water waving it underneath. THen he scoops up some of the water, watches it run off and says, "yeah, there's definately some sewage in there".
YUCK! I think my dad wanted to hurl right then. But to him it's no big deal. That's kind of cool that the human species can adapt that well to their profession.
The good news is the leak is from our SINK in the kitchen, NOT sewage. A few months ago we had a sewage pipe repaired and the leftovers didn't dry up properly so when the new leak started a lake it stirred everything up. Lovely. I'm sure you all wanted to know this right? hehe
So, it was a-quittin' time for Mr. Laid Back but he's coming back bright and early. After some lime and replacing the cast iron old piping we should be good as new.
At least we found out why our heating bill was so high these past few months. Apparently the hot air was going through an unfinished vent and into the crawlspace. No wonder the cat liked being under the house so much!
I'm thinking about marketing a sewage scent tart candle, maybe plumbers would buy 'em. ;-)
But there's one scent I wouldn't buy. Sewage. And yet, that's what my home has smelled like lately. Lovely eh? No matter how many White Lily & Rose tarts or Citrus blend candles I burn it's always a la sewage. Doesn't cover it up at all. Just makes the first whiff a bit tolerable which is great for say the UPS guy but friends, relatives, and US - no. Doesn't help.
We've also been plagued with odd stomach viruses. So once we identified a possible sewage problem my brave dad went to the great down under and found something we were afraid of. A lake of sewage. *sigh*
So, we begged our plumber to come out ASAP and he did, today. He was 3 hours late and acted like he was 3 hours early but he's still a welcoming sight at this point. He's a very matter-of-fact, laid back, thoughtful (in action, not in words due to the matter-of-fact trait) guy. He walks into the house and asks, "Sewage problem?" I tell him we think so and he says, "Is that what I'm smelling?". I could think of a dozen wise ass answers at this point but the man is our only hope so I said we thought so. So, he goes down into the abyss with my father who's already down there. You really have to picture this next scenario so I'm giving it it's own paragraph.
My dad is germaphobic & a neat freak. It comes in handy at times but being under the house is not appealing to him, even without sewage. He's armed with lights, plastic, and a Lysol bottle in lieu of bug spray. He's wearing full body coveralls (thanks *L*, he LOVES those), socks over his jeans, boots, a long sleeve shirt over the coveralls, gloves, and a mask. And he's still freaked out. So he brings the plumber to the area where the lovely lake is. The plumber, bare handed, jeans, short sleeved shirt, casual as can be says it looks like sewage. As they ponder that the guy takes his BARE hand, puts it in the water waving it underneath. THen he scoops up some of the water, watches it run off and says, "yeah, there's definately some sewage in there".
YUCK! I think my dad wanted to hurl right then. But to him it's no big deal. That's kind of cool that the human species can adapt that well to their profession.
The good news is the leak is from our SINK in the kitchen, NOT sewage. A few months ago we had a sewage pipe repaired and the leftovers didn't dry up properly so when the new leak started a lake it stirred everything up. Lovely. I'm sure you all wanted to know this right? hehe
So, it was a-quittin' time for Mr. Laid Back but he's coming back bright and early. After some lime and replacing the cast iron old piping we should be good as new.
At least we found out why our heating bill was so high these past few months. Apparently the hot air was going through an unfinished vent and into the crawlspace. No wonder the cat liked being under the house so much!
I'm thinking about marketing a sewage scent tart candle, maybe plumbers would buy 'em. ;-)
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Painting with children
OK so I took Dys' advice and decided to take on more household projects with my kids. Our 2yo is just not ready to paint (although he thinks he is) so while the others were helping I gave baby *T* a clean paint brush with a bowl of water and a clean wall to "paint". All good, right? Would I be blogging about it if it was? LOL!
So, I'm deep in paint-land thinking to myself, "Wow, this isn't so bad after all. Everyone is doing a great job!". Then I turn around. Somehow little Mr. Sneaks-a-lot got his little brush into the rolling pan. And so he painted a wall we didn't have any intentions on painting.
But, it wasn't that bad.
And he was SO happy.
And it was my risk.
So, we just laughed and took lots of pictures. Looking at that wall makes me smile.
Enjoy!
So, I'm deep in paint-land thinking to myself, "Wow, this isn't so bad after all. Everyone is doing a great job!". Then I turn around. Somehow little Mr. Sneaks-a-lot got his little brush into the rolling pan. And so he painted a wall we didn't have any intentions on painting.
But, it wasn't that bad.
And he was SO happy.
And it was my risk.
So, we just laughed and took lots of pictures. Looking at that wall makes me smile.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Vote by Issue
Try voting by the issues, not by the candidates personalities. It was an educational experience that solidified my vote! :-)
Monday, January 7, 2008
Yoga with children
OK so I'm really, really trying hard to get into my best shape. Partly because I really want to be around for a long time and well, to be honest, partly because 2 of my in-great-shape friends want to take me to Europe next Fall. It's an awesome opportunity I'm thrilled about but not as thrilled lying on the beach in between those too. LOL Of course, I don't NEED to look my best for anyone since my husband has never stopped thinking I was beautiful but I really want to for myself and for my health.
SO... one of the new routines I'm adding to my day is morning Yoga. My original plan was to get up before the darling little ones and have my morning coffee & breakfast bar, do a Bible study peacefully at the table watching the sunrise and then do my Yoga routine before cheerfully greeting my children as they wake with a hot breakfast awaiting. Yeah, I watched WAY too much Nick-at-Nite growing up. Damn Donna Reed and the delusions she's caused me. *sniff*
So into my world of color, my reality. I wake up with the kids and drink my coffee as they enjoy their instant oatmeal and I read through e-mail instead of being productive. Then I remember the Yoga tape and pop it in. My older daughter wants to try it too so I give her the spare mat and away we go. For the first 20mins the kids played in and out of the room and left us alone pretty much. Then my daughter got tired and gave up. I was the sole yoga survivor.
So, I'm attempting the Downward Facing Dog pose and all of a sudden I peer down my shirt from the collar (you are supossed to hang your head) and I see my 2yo peering in from the waist side and he says cheerfully, "Mum?!??". Mum is our word for nursing. *sigh* Yeah, weaning is going well.
So... onto the mediatation series. HA! I've learned 2 things. #1 I am EXTREMELY good at ignoring the rest of the world and focusing inward. & #2 My oldest son (10) finally has developed EMPATHY! WooHoo I didn't think it would ever happen folks! I didn't think they EVER developed that trait! But, as my 4yo DD was screaming in my ear that the 6yo hurt her (this is commonplace and I promise you it's almost always not as bad as she says and no, I do not normally ignore it), my 10yo came to my rescue. He reassured her and told her to "leave mommy alone, she's exercising". At this point I'm lying flat with my eyes closed deep in focus and I hear my 4yo, "Is she dead?" Then comes the Peoples' Elbow (not normally involved in Yoga). My 2yo was the elbow culprit but doggonit, I kept focus!
So, that's Yoga for ya, mommy style. I think when I'm 100 and I'm doing Yoga peacefully I will miss the chaos of today. Or maybe it will be my husband peering down my shirt unexpectantly when I do Yoga in those days. LOL
SO... one of the new routines I'm adding to my day is morning Yoga. My original plan was to get up before the darling little ones and have my morning coffee & breakfast bar, do a Bible study peacefully at the table watching the sunrise and then do my Yoga routine before cheerfully greeting my children as they wake with a hot breakfast awaiting. Yeah, I watched WAY too much Nick-at-Nite growing up. Damn Donna Reed and the delusions she's caused me. *sniff*
So into my world of color, my reality. I wake up with the kids and drink my coffee as they enjoy their instant oatmeal and I read through e-mail instead of being productive. Then I remember the Yoga tape and pop it in. My older daughter wants to try it too so I give her the spare mat and away we go. For the first 20mins the kids played in and out of the room and left us alone pretty much. Then my daughter got tired and gave up. I was the sole yoga survivor.
So, I'm attempting the Downward Facing Dog pose and all of a sudden I peer down my shirt from the collar (you are supossed to hang your head) and I see my 2yo peering in from the waist side and he says cheerfully, "Mum?!??". Mum is our word for nursing. *sigh* Yeah, weaning is going well.
So... onto the mediatation series. HA! I've learned 2 things. #1 I am EXTREMELY good at ignoring the rest of the world and focusing inward. & #2 My oldest son (10) finally has developed EMPATHY! WooHoo I didn't think it would ever happen folks! I didn't think they EVER developed that trait! But, as my 4yo DD was screaming in my ear that the 6yo hurt her (this is commonplace and I promise you it's almost always not as bad as she says and no, I do not normally ignore it), my 10yo came to my rescue. He reassured her and told her to "leave mommy alone, she's exercising". At this point I'm lying flat with my eyes closed deep in focus and I hear my 4yo, "Is she dead?" Then comes the Peoples' Elbow (not normally involved in Yoga). My 2yo was the elbow culprit but doggonit, I kept focus!
So, that's Yoga for ya, mommy style. I think when I'm 100 and I'm doing Yoga peacefully I will miss the chaos of today. Or maybe it will be my husband peering down my shirt unexpectantly when I do Yoga in those days. LOL
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