Contest!
MckMama's giving away some awesome gifts to go along with that new camera under your tree: http://www.mycharmingkids.net/2009/12/power-of-two.html
Italian snowball cookies
My great grandmother used to make these heart-attack inducing cookies. So easy, so delicious, but watch out if you don't want a gallbladder attack, don't eat too many =)
4 cups flour
2 cups butter (I used margarine just fine)
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1-2 cups chopped walnuts
Mix first 5 ingredients, and add walnuts last. Roll into balls (we used ice cream scoop sized balls) bake 10 mins at 350, or until just beginning to turn golden on the bottom. (It's very easy to over-bake these and then they get very hard and you can't eat them!) Immediately toss them into a bowl of powdered sugar to coat. Then let cool. Sometimes you need two or three separate tosses in the sugar. It's a delicious blend of buttery, nutty, just-right sized cookie with a hint of sweet on the outside. I seriously could eat them all in one sitting, but would probably need some new arteries after that... enjoy!
Confessions of a dairy free cow: I don't really miss it
So, I have been officially off dairy for 2.5 months now. Yes, there is the occasional slip up when eating out or like at holidays when everyone else was cooking. It's hard for me to say no when it's in front of me, so I'd have a few bites here and there. But, overall cow's milk has been replaced by rice milk (soy was attempted but Karter reacted to that as well, and Kian broke out in a rash all over his face with it) butter by margerine, olive oil, etc.
It's stretched my cooking creativities to replace things or make them another way. By and large, most recipes that call for mlik can use water. If not, then I just try things another way. It hasn't been too bad. And it has caused us to eat a lot more fruits and vegetables. Most processed foods have milk, whey or casein in them to add protein or calories, so it's limited processed foods, which is a good thing! Gone are the days when I'd chomp on granola bars on the fly, crackers and cheese are out the window (most crackers have whey in them!) I'm much more conscious of what I eat now. And I thought I was good at it before! Reading labels and such...
I always made healthier choices, but not it's a necessity. And, I feel better for it. Yesterday my mom brought a crackers and cheese plate, and Savannah and Kiara made chocolate truffles with heavy cream...temptation! I tried the truffles-delish! And while cleaning up there was 2 lonely pieces of cheese left. I should have thrown them out. But, my impulsiveness overtook me and before I knew it those 2 pieces were in my mouth, after all I haven't had cheese since mid-September. Bad choice. Poor Karter's been up all night reflux, rumbly tummy and projectile vomiting across the couch. And has a little rash. That's fun. (Makes me wonder what would happen if I was the kind of mom who ignored the signs of the milk allergy and kept eating/drinking dairy or if I was a formula mom--he'd be the most miserable baby and have tons of problems!) So, it's just not worth it! Plus last night after those few dairy things I noticed myself clearing my throat a lot and having some extra mucous in there-haha sorry to share!
Overall, I do not miss it. I was never a milk drinker, just splashed some in my cereal. Rice milk takes care of that. I've figured out lots of ways to make things dairy free. Casseroles are a bit of a stretch because they all call for cheese or cream soups. I'm still working on that one! I did make a spaghetti/chicken/spinach casserole thing using broth. Not quite the same, but hey, they ate it! I do not miss milk at all, I don't really miss cheese, ice cream? not so much, there's plenty of great sorbets and fruit pops. Spinach artichoke dip would put me over the edge if I saw it, but I'll just keep that out of my mind. Mashed potatoes can be made with plain rice milk and margarine and I don't notice a difference--I'm sure hardcore dairy loves might, but not me. Cheese on tacos and other Mexican foods is replaced with olives and avocado chunks; this gives that fat that cheese used to put on there (but the good fats!) and adds better flavor too. I haven't really had a craving for any dairy products at all. Kevin is the only one who continues to want cow's milk, but will use margarine and all my other substitutes. The farther away I get from it, the better I feel. Sometimes I consider going vegetarian, since we're almost there with our barely eating meat ways. Shopping and creating these foods is harder task than not eating or not wanting it! I'm just over dairy I guess. =)
It's stretched my cooking creativities to replace things or make them another way. By and large, most recipes that call for mlik can use water. If not, then I just try things another way. It hasn't been too bad. And it has caused us to eat a lot more fruits and vegetables. Most processed foods have milk, whey or casein in them to add protein or calories, so it's limited processed foods, which is a good thing! Gone are the days when I'd chomp on granola bars on the fly, crackers and cheese are out the window (most crackers have whey in them!) I'm much more conscious of what I eat now. And I thought I was good at it before! Reading labels and such...
I always made healthier choices, but not it's a necessity. And, I feel better for it. Yesterday my mom brought a crackers and cheese plate, and Savannah and Kiara made chocolate truffles with heavy cream...temptation! I tried the truffles-delish! And while cleaning up there was 2 lonely pieces of cheese left. I should have thrown them out. But, my impulsiveness overtook me and before I knew it those 2 pieces were in my mouth, after all I haven't had cheese since mid-September. Bad choice. Poor Karter's been up all night reflux, rumbly tummy and projectile vomiting across the couch. And has a little rash. That's fun. (Makes me wonder what would happen if I was the kind of mom who ignored the signs of the milk allergy and kept eating/drinking dairy or if I was a formula mom--he'd be the most miserable baby and have tons of problems!) So, it's just not worth it! Plus last night after those few dairy things I noticed myself clearing my throat a lot and having some extra mucous in there-haha sorry to share!
Overall, I do not miss it. I was never a milk drinker, just splashed some in my cereal. Rice milk takes care of that. I've figured out lots of ways to make things dairy free. Casseroles are a bit of a stretch because they all call for cheese or cream soups. I'm still working on that one! I did make a spaghetti/chicken/spinach casserole thing using broth. Not quite the same, but hey, they ate it! I do not miss milk at all, I don't really miss cheese, ice cream? not so much, there's plenty of great sorbets and fruit pops. Spinach artichoke dip would put me over the edge if I saw it, but I'll just keep that out of my mind. Mashed potatoes can be made with plain rice milk and margarine and I don't notice a difference--I'm sure hardcore dairy loves might, but not me. Cheese on tacos and other Mexican foods is replaced with olives and avocado chunks; this gives that fat that cheese used to put on there (but the good fats!) and adds better flavor too. I haven't really had a craving for any dairy products at all. Kevin is the only one who continues to want cow's milk, but will use margarine and all my other substitutes. The farther away I get from it, the better I feel. Sometimes I consider going vegetarian, since we're almost there with our barely eating meat ways. Shopping and creating these foods is harder task than not eating or not wanting it! I'm just over dairy I guess. =)
Pitfalls of unrealistic expectations
In my big revelation day yesterday (aka things I already knew but finally realized again) I thought a lot about unrealistic expectations. I have to admit that I have a tendency to place unrealistic expectations on people, not all the time, but often enough that I recognize it and they do too at times. I don't mean to, it just happens. It comes from me knowing that they know better or should know things or do things but due to circumstances may not be able to.
In regards to Kian, I recognized this in Kevin much earlier than I did in myself. Kevin would become frustrated and say things like "why is he doing...?" or "why is he acting like...?" or on and on. My answer was always "because he's too!" Then, I realized I too was expecting too much of him.
Now, I'm not giving Kian a free pass using the terrible twos excuse or anything, but I know it's rough being two and trying to adjust to all the changes and to try to be so independent. It was like, suddenly when Karter came along we expected him to know certain things, do certain things, do things for himself, listen better, behave a certain way, etc. just because he was the older child. I was seeing Kian as such a "big boy" that I forgot he was still little. Sure, we expect him to help out, pick up his toys, use his fork, and certain behavior is accepted. But, suddenly we were thinking he should be acting 5 instead of 2 just because there was a baby in the house.
Another thing is that I was totally encouraging his independence in the last year, which Kevin was never fully on-board with. There weren't a lot of "rules" because he behaved well and there wasn't much he couldn't do. However, this created a problem when Karter arrived. Kian still wants to do everything for himself, by himself; including getting his own snacks and drinks, getting out movies, using electronics, among many other things. It was okay before because one of us was there to assist. Now, with me being unable to just jump up and help because of feeding Karter or something like that, he still tries to do it himself with messy results, broken pieces, or him getting hurt. It's not easy to undo the independence thing. Trying to explain to him that now he has to ask before getting something or eating something, or he has to wait for help (to do it by himself) is not something easy to undo and unlearn.
So, we're trying to scale back our expectations of a two and a half year old. We're praising the helpful, polite and nice things he does. We're remembering he's still learning his world and trying so hard to be in control of it. This works to a point, but we realized we had let him get the run of the house because he was so easygoing before, and now we're reorganizing to have the household run best for 4 people and meet all their needs equally and in the best way possible. I give Kian control of his things: which toys to play with, which activities to do next, which clothes to wear (if we're staying home, who cares what he wears and picks out?) what foods to eat (from a choice of healthy things) etc. And the things that are not choices, we stop saying "how about...?" or "let's do..." or even putting "...okay?" on the end of it. That signals a choice and if it's not a choice then we can't let him think it is. We will see how that works...
I also know I've been putting a lot of expectations on other people, adults, lately. I'm trying not too but sometimes you think one should know better and do better and just act accordingly. Or even driving, you think another driver should just know to use their turning signal or not cut you off, right?! Or that 10 items or less, really does mean ten or less? We hurt ourselves more by expecting grander things than others can attain, and are more disappointed if we expect too much. Not to say we shouldn't hold people to standards, but just being aware of limitations and their world in not expecting too much. I guess in today's world you can't expect or assume anything. That everyone is fighting their own battles and that not everyone can be as smart as me I guess =) I shall be kinder to those less fortunate (and less brilliant) I suppose...
*please no comments about how horribly mean I am,
that's a bit of sarcasm at the end there people!*
In regards to Kian, I recognized this in Kevin much earlier than I did in myself. Kevin would become frustrated and say things like "why is he doing...?" or "why is he acting like...?" or on and on. My answer was always "because he's too!" Then, I realized I too was expecting too much of him.
Now, I'm not giving Kian a free pass using the terrible twos excuse or anything, but I know it's rough being two and trying to adjust to all the changes and to try to be so independent. It was like, suddenly when Karter came along we expected him to know certain things, do certain things, do things for himself, listen better, behave a certain way, etc. just because he was the older child. I was seeing Kian as such a "big boy" that I forgot he was still little. Sure, we expect him to help out, pick up his toys, use his fork, and certain behavior is accepted. But, suddenly we were thinking he should be acting 5 instead of 2 just because there was a baby in the house.
Another thing is that I was totally encouraging his independence in the last year, which Kevin was never fully on-board with. There weren't a lot of "rules" because he behaved well and there wasn't much he couldn't do. However, this created a problem when Karter arrived. Kian still wants to do everything for himself, by himself; including getting his own snacks and drinks, getting out movies, using electronics, among many other things. It was okay before because one of us was there to assist. Now, with me being unable to just jump up and help because of feeding Karter or something like that, he still tries to do it himself with messy results, broken pieces, or him getting hurt. It's not easy to undo the independence thing. Trying to explain to him that now he has to ask before getting something or eating something, or he has to wait for help (to do it by himself) is not something easy to undo and unlearn.
So, we're trying to scale back our expectations of a two and a half year old. We're praising the helpful, polite and nice things he does. We're remembering he's still learning his world and trying so hard to be in control of it. This works to a point, but we realized we had let him get the run of the house because he was so easygoing before, and now we're reorganizing to have the household run best for 4 people and meet all their needs equally and in the best way possible. I give Kian control of his things: which toys to play with, which activities to do next, which clothes to wear (if we're staying home, who cares what he wears and picks out?) what foods to eat (from a choice of healthy things) etc. And the things that are not choices, we stop saying "how about...?" or "let's do..." or even putting "...okay?" on the end of it. That signals a choice and if it's not a choice then we can't let him think it is. We will see how that works...
I also know I've been putting a lot of expectations on other people, adults, lately. I'm trying not too but sometimes you think one should know better and do better and just act accordingly. Or even driving, you think another driver should just know to use their turning signal or not cut you off, right?! Or that 10 items or less, really does mean ten or less? We hurt ourselves more by expecting grander things than others can attain, and are more disappointed if we expect too much. Not to say we shouldn't hold people to standards, but just being aware of limitations and their world in not expecting too much. I guess in today's world you can't expect or assume anything. That everyone is fighting their own battles and that not everyone can be as smart as me I guess =) I shall be kinder to those less fortunate (and less brilliant) I suppose...
*please no comments about how horribly mean I am,
that's a bit of sarcasm at the end there people!*
Check this baby out!
Who wouldn't love this? hp-touchsmart-giveaway @ MckMama
not having to go in a separate room and sit at a huge desk? that would be awesome! go enter!
not having to go in a separate room and sit at a huge desk? that would be awesome! go enter!
I am...
I am that mom who:
lets my babies sleep on their stomach sometimes during naps
puts blankets on my babies and in their cribs
has stuffed animals in my babies cribs
co-sleeps with my newborns and infants, and lets my toddler come in when he wants to
won't give my baby a bottle "just so he can learn to take it"
skips pureed baby foods and goes straight to solids (or makes my own mashed foods)
won't vaccinate my babies
slings them, and totes them around in carriers instead of car seats and strollers
lets fevers break rather than give tons of tylenol
doesn't give antibiotics for ear infections or chemical gels for teething
I am... a pediatrician's worst nightmare. =D
lets my babies sleep on their stomach sometimes during naps
puts blankets on my babies and in their cribs
has stuffed animals in my babies cribs
co-sleeps with my newborns and infants, and lets my toddler come in when he wants to
won't give my baby a bottle "just so he can learn to take it"
skips pureed baby foods and goes straight to solids (or makes my own mashed foods)
won't vaccinate my babies
slings them, and totes them around in carriers instead of car seats and strollers
lets fevers break rather than give tons of tylenol
doesn't give antibiotics for ear infections or chemical gels for teething
I am... a pediatrician's worst nightmare. =D
Confessions of a bad parent
This is not an easy post. But, I have come to a lot of realizations lately and it hasn't been comforting. Funny when things finally make sense you feel so stupid and it hits you like a ton of bricks...duh! And then the guilt sets in.
I have been exasperated, utterly and completely frustrated with Kian lately. I react, I yell, I even spanked him a couple times this week, then I feel so guilty but try to not swing radically back to the other side and baby him after and confuse him even more. But, it's not easy. These two's are killing me here. Or were. Until I realized several things today.
The napping and bedtimes have been almost unbearable, agonizing at times. Part of it is that I just want him to sleep so I can have five minutes to check email and go to the bathroom and maybe throw some makeup on before Kevin walks in the door. I can do the loads of laundry and that stuff while he plays. He helps clean up sometimes and is occupied so that housework can get done. But if its anything to do with me and me alone it doesn't happen. Karter's napping routine is so-so. He's pretty much awake for 2 hours then sleeps for 10-1, then awake for til 3ish, then takes like 2 catnaps until bedtime. I haven't really cared to put him on a schedule yet, he's working his own out. Although today I think it's time I start getting things on a more predictable pattern. (I won't force him to a minute by minute schedule.)
Kian's sleeping went from the easiest, read a book, sing a song and he falls asleep on his own in a few minutes to this drawn out screaming, crying, jumping around ridiculousness. I have been having to sit on his bed until he falls asleep. Sometimes he gets up and is crazy and it's a battle. He fights off everything he knows will put him to sleep-music, back rubs, etc. And if Kevin tries to do it he freaks out even more until I come up. I know he's two, I know there's been lots of changes, and I know my attitude has been a big factor in it.
He just fell asleep finally at 2:45 after over an hour of trying. I really haven't even tried a nap in over 2 weeks because it's just easier to let him stay up and then put him to bed at 7:30 and he will sleep until 7 am. I implemented quiet/rest time with a book or a story on tape, or sometimes a show on the couch for an hour. But tonight we are going to be out and having to do dinner at 6 pm, so I knew he needed to sleep for just a bit. I don't even want to think about what drama would have happened had he not fallen asleep. If he naps then he won't even think of falling asleep until 9 or 9:30 pm and then wakes by 6:30. I will take the 7-7 with no nap, thank you very much!
I can deal with the roughness of his "love" towards Karter. I can deal with the no nap so that he goes to bed earlier and I have some quiet time with Kevin or myself at night. I can even deal with the potty training accidents. But lately, it was an accumulation of everything putting me over the edge. I am not a fan of spanking, but I have never said I wouldn't ever do it. This week I did it out of exasperation and anger, which I always said I wouldn't do. Although, I did blurt out "If you do that again I will spank you" and felt that I had to follow through. And being called an idiot by your two year old will cause you to react in ways like that. Yeah. And spanking does not work for him. He either laughs it off and continues on or he breaks down and talks about it and it's a big drama. With Kian being so verbal, I don't want a huge spanking conversation with someone who will end up thinking i"m beating him to death because of his theatrics.
As I sat there, next to him fighting sleep and trying to engage me in conversation I thought a lot about how our days have been going. Obviously holidays always put a wrench in things but that's okay. I had tried to put a routine in place similar to one they had at daycare so that we would do outside/playtime and an art time, etc. then lunch and nap. I have been frustrated at why this isn't working and constantly blaming Kian, saying he's being naughty or he's not listening and he's in the terrible twos, etc.
Upon thinking more, I began viewing things from his little perspective. Not only did I pull him out of daycare, where it was very routine and predictable, as well as social and fun and tiring, but I stayed home and brought with me a new baby that takes up all my time and attention or has to be held, etc. Routine and predictability went out the window. Mommy's irritability increased, mood swings ensued due to lack of sleep. He never knows what he's going to get, depending on how my day/night went, will I be a pushover and sweet or snap at him and put him in time out? And upon further review-it's the beginning of the day that is the most monumental-I was always awake before him and he'd wake up and I would greet him with a smile and breakfast. Now, it's grumpy, in bed with Karter and "stop touching him" and "shh, quiet! baby's sleeping".
It's not him-it's me! Well, it's both. But, I have been putting it off on him, and I am a big contributor to his behaviors. I mean, I know this stuff, but I didn't see it and think it was happening here. It is. So...what's that mean? I need to stick to the routine I wrote out for him, especially since he will be going back to daycare in a month. I need to get myself out of bed before or at the same time he does and get everyone up and going. And tv. Oh yes, how can we forget how I ranted and raved and then finally caved and found myself almost becoming what I loathed? Just like everyone told me, I began putting a show on in the morning while I nursed Karter, then for rest time, then daddy would be conned into turning it on when Kian asked and pretty soon I realized it was enough and too much. We put a stop to all the night time tv except for special movies like before, where it was a treat. If I have phone calls to make or something like that I will let him turn on one half hour show. It's been off more because his behavior is absolutely horrible when he watches too much tv, as in more than 30 mins. And he doesn't get enough activity to be tired for nap times.
We will no longer be staying in pajamas until whenever. Instead of letting Karter sleep til whenever in the morning I think it would behoove me to get him up and going as well to start to get the daycare routine implemented. And I need to get myself to bed. On time. I know, I'm a grown woman, right? But I need to be in bed same time every night so I can get up and we can all begin preparing for the back to work thing. As well as to keep the crankies at bay. I have also been doing a lot of 'giving' to so many people my time, my energy, my ear on the phone til all hours of the night, and during the day. It's leaving me depleted, leaving me focused on other things outside my house and family. I need to cut out calls during the day and resume my hobbies at least weekly to keep myself up and feeling good and refreshed.
I kept focusing on getting vegetables in there and learning letters and teaching "educational" things and house cleaning and eating healthy that I lost sight of my boy and just being a kid and consistency I tell Kevin about daily. Perhaps it was the poem I read again today, that my mom sent to me when I went to college about parents wishing there were still little hand prints on the doors and toys to step over and more time spent playing and less time spent cleaning... Because he won't remember if he learned to read at 2 or 7, he won't remember if the floor was full of crumbs or not. But he will remember if mommy spent time taking him outside or reading that annoying book over and over because he asked, not yelling at him for 'playing' with baby brother, but snuggling all together eating forbidden snacks, not if he matched and Karter matched him and shoes were shined, but if we laughed and sang silly songs... That's my goal from here forward--again!
I have been exasperated, utterly and completely frustrated with Kian lately. I react, I yell, I even spanked him a couple times this week, then I feel so guilty but try to not swing radically back to the other side and baby him after and confuse him even more. But, it's not easy. These two's are killing me here. Or were. Until I realized several things today.
The napping and bedtimes have been almost unbearable, agonizing at times. Part of it is that I just want him to sleep so I can have five minutes to check email and go to the bathroom and maybe throw some makeup on before Kevin walks in the door. I can do the loads of laundry and that stuff while he plays. He helps clean up sometimes and is occupied so that housework can get done. But if its anything to do with me and me alone it doesn't happen. Karter's napping routine is so-so. He's pretty much awake for 2 hours then sleeps for 10-1, then awake for til 3ish, then takes like 2 catnaps until bedtime. I haven't really cared to put him on a schedule yet, he's working his own out. Although today I think it's time I start getting things on a more predictable pattern. (I won't force him to a minute by minute schedule.)
Kian's sleeping went from the easiest, read a book, sing a song and he falls asleep on his own in a few minutes to this drawn out screaming, crying, jumping around ridiculousness. I have been having to sit on his bed until he falls asleep. Sometimes he gets up and is crazy and it's a battle. He fights off everything he knows will put him to sleep-music, back rubs, etc. And if Kevin tries to do it he freaks out even more until I come up. I know he's two, I know there's been lots of changes, and I know my attitude has been a big factor in it.
He just fell asleep finally at 2:45 after over an hour of trying. I really haven't even tried a nap in over 2 weeks because it's just easier to let him stay up and then put him to bed at 7:30 and he will sleep until 7 am. I implemented quiet/rest time with a book or a story on tape, or sometimes a show on the couch for an hour. But tonight we are going to be out and having to do dinner at 6 pm, so I knew he needed to sleep for just a bit. I don't even want to think about what drama would have happened had he not fallen asleep. If he naps then he won't even think of falling asleep until 9 or 9:30 pm and then wakes by 6:30. I will take the 7-7 with no nap, thank you very much!
I can deal with the roughness of his "love" towards Karter. I can deal with the no nap so that he goes to bed earlier and I have some quiet time with Kevin or myself at night. I can even deal with the potty training accidents. But lately, it was an accumulation of everything putting me over the edge. I am not a fan of spanking, but I have never said I wouldn't ever do it. This week I did it out of exasperation and anger, which I always said I wouldn't do. Although, I did blurt out "If you do that again I will spank you" and felt that I had to follow through. And being called an idiot by your two year old will cause you to react in ways like that. Yeah. And spanking does not work for him. He either laughs it off and continues on or he breaks down and talks about it and it's a big drama. With Kian being so verbal, I don't want a huge spanking conversation with someone who will end up thinking i"m beating him to death because of his theatrics.
As I sat there, next to him fighting sleep and trying to engage me in conversation I thought a lot about how our days have been going. Obviously holidays always put a wrench in things but that's okay. I had tried to put a routine in place similar to one they had at daycare so that we would do outside/playtime and an art time, etc. then lunch and nap. I have been frustrated at why this isn't working and constantly blaming Kian, saying he's being naughty or he's not listening and he's in the terrible twos, etc.
Upon thinking more, I began viewing things from his little perspective. Not only did I pull him out of daycare, where it was very routine and predictable, as well as social and fun and tiring, but I stayed home and brought with me a new baby that takes up all my time and attention or has to be held, etc. Routine and predictability went out the window. Mommy's irritability increased, mood swings ensued due to lack of sleep. He never knows what he's going to get, depending on how my day/night went, will I be a pushover and sweet or snap at him and put him in time out? And upon further review-it's the beginning of the day that is the most monumental-I was always awake before him and he'd wake up and I would greet him with a smile and breakfast. Now, it's grumpy, in bed with Karter and "stop touching him" and "shh, quiet! baby's sleeping".
It's not him-it's me! Well, it's both. But, I have been putting it off on him, and I am a big contributor to his behaviors. I mean, I know this stuff, but I didn't see it and think it was happening here. It is. So...what's that mean? I need to stick to the routine I wrote out for him, especially since he will be going back to daycare in a month. I need to get myself out of bed before or at the same time he does and get everyone up and going. And tv. Oh yes, how can we forget how I ranted and raved and then finally caved and found myself almost becoming what I loathed? Just like everyone told me, I began putting a show on in the morning while I nursed Karter, then for rest time, then daddy would be conned into turning it on when Kian asked and pretty soon I realized it was enough and too much. We put a stop to all the night time tv except for special movies like before, where it was a treat. If I have phone calls to make or something like that I will let him turn on one half hour show. It's been off more because his behavior is absolutely horrible when he watches too much tv, as in more than 30 mins. And he doesn't get enough activity to be tired for nap times.
We will no longer be staying in pajamas until whenever. Instead of letting Karter sleep til whenever in the morning I think it would behoove me to get him up and going as well to start to get the daycare routine implemented. And I need to get myself to bed. On time. I know, I'm a grown woman, right? But I need to be in bed same time every night so I can get up and we can all begin preparing for the back to work thing. As well as to keep the crankies at bay. I have also been doing a lot of 'giving' to so many people my time, my energy, my ear on the phone til all hours of the night, and during the day. It's leaving me depleted, leaving me focused on other things outside my house and family. I need to cut out calls during the day and resume my hobbies at least weekly to keep myself up and feeling good and refreshed.
I kept focusing on getting vegetables in there and learning letters and teaching "educational" things and house cleaning and eating healthy that I lost sight of my boy and just being a kid and consistency I tell Kevin about daily. Perhaps it was the poem I read again today, that my mom sent to me when I went to college about parents wishing there were still little hand prints on the doors and toys to step over and more time spent playing and less time spent cleaning... Because he won't remember if he learned to read at 2 or 7, he won't remember if the floor was full of crumbs or not. But he will remember if mommy spent time taking him outside or reading that annoying book over and over because he asked, not yelling at him for 'playing' with baby brother, but snuggling all together eating forbidden snacks, not if he matched and Karter matched him and shoes were shined, but if we laughed and sang silly songs... That's my goal from here forward--again!
Finish it out
Okay this whole blog every. single. day. for a month thing was a little rough. The first couple weeks were easy as I just pre-posted a lot and posted a lot of pictures. Then posted cheesy things, then ran out of ideas and real life just kept getting in the way. ha.
But, I consider it a minor success that I only missed one day, out of 30. Part of me likes to give up once I fail a bit and I had to say just do the stupid thing you said you were going to do. It's not like anyone really cares how often I blog or what about.
The busy-ness of the holiday last week and the upcoming holidays and the sleeping patterns of these children of late is enough to keep me away from the computer for months. I give up. If I have time tomorrow I think I'll blog about the sleeping issues and see if I can get some ideas! I feel like I've tried a lot of things and still, it's not going well. I suppose there is always more to try.
The stupid work thing is creeping up on me...that I have one month left and then I have to return there at least 3 days per week. I registered Kian and Karter back at Pearce where we had Kian up through September. So glad they had a spot for him right away! Karter is on a waiting list but I'm okay with him not going right into a center since he's so little...we'll work that one out soon. I don't want to do it, it's causing me much anxiety, but we'll see how it goes I guess. What's the worst that can happen? It stresses me and the kids out so much that I quit? boo hoo.
So, I guess I have some things to blog about (or vent about) soon...when I find the time to get to my computer. You know while deciding which shelving unit to move to make more room to crap I don't want in my house and where the tree will go and when to get it and how to get children to sleep... Ahhh life.
But, I consider it a minor success that I only missed one day, out of 30. Part of me likes to give up once I fail a bit and I had to say just do the stupid thing you said you were going to do. It's not like anyone really cares how often I blog or what about.
The busy-ness of the holiday last week and the upcoming holidays and the sleeping patterns of these children of late is enough to keep me away from the computer for months. I give up. If I have time tomorrow I think I'll blog about the sleeping issues and see if I can get some ideas! I feel like I've tried a lot of things and still, it's not going well. I suppose there is always more to try.
The stupid work thing is creeping up on me...that I have one month left and then I have to return there at least 3 days per week. I registered Kian and Karter back at Pearce where we had Kian up through September. So glad they had a spot for him right away! Karter is on a waiting list but I'm okay with him not going right into a center since he's so little...we'll work that one out soon. I don't want to do it, it's causing me much anxiety, but we'll see how it goes I guess. What's the worst that can happen? It stresses me and the kids out so much that I quit? boo hoo.
So, I guess I have some things to blog about (or vent about) soon...when I find the time to get to my computer. You know while deciding which shelving unit to move to make more room to crap I don't want in my house and where the tree will go and when to get it and how to get children to sleep... Ahhh life.
Tuckered Turkey Out
Plain ol' tired out from turkey the four days, and twice on Thursday!
Turkey leftovers with squash and potatoes.
Turkey leftovers with stuffing and green beans.
Turkey salad with onions and celery on wheat.
Turkey salad with cranberries on Italian bread.
Turkey cold. Turkey hot.
Turkey for lunch.
Turkey for dinner.
Turkey for fly-by snack.
And finally: Turkey pot pie tonight.
Whew! That is enough turkey for quite awhile!
The pie on the other hand? I'm sad it's all gone... Maybe I should go make more of that!
Turkey leftovers with squash and potatoes.
Turkey leftovers with stuffing and green beans.
Turkey salad with onions and celery on wheat.
Turkey salad with cranberries on Italian bread.
Turkey cold. Turkey hot.
Turkey for lunch.
Turkey for dinner.
Turkey for fly-by snack.
And finally: Turkey pot pie tonight.
Whew! That is enough turkey for quite awhile!
The pie on the other hand? I'm sad it's all gone... Maybe I should go make more of that!
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