Today we cleaned out the playroom.
We have a small room upstairs. It's hidden away. It holds a massive amount of toys, my old play kitchen, and the easel my brother made for her.
This room holds every toy she's ever received. True story. I have never thrown one thing away because, well, we have the room for it, right? Plus, I throw toys in there and never think about them again. They are very much out of sight, out of mind. So, after many weeks of telling her I would go up and clean her playroom, I finally did it. While I was cleaning, she "cooked" me a meal of toast and peanut-butter-and-jelly-and-carrot-juice in her tiny play blender. Then when I pretended to eat all of it, she told me I didn't finish. Then when I finally finished to her satisfaction, she asked if she could make me more. "Of course, Emma Kay, you can make me more."
She used a pizza cutter to peel the carrot before she put it in the blender. She kept telling me she was "almost dun peewing the cowwot for the juice." I like when I catch little moments like that. Where I see her doing something the same way I do, where I realize that she is learning from me, even when I'm not teaching. It fills me with a sense of pride.
I must be doing something right.
The playroom was clean for about 5 minutes. Deaners tore some stuff down already, and I'm pretty sure he ate something he wasn't supposed to. Emma kept saying "Mama, look at this!" "Mama, look what I found!" After picking up the first layer of princess clothes and wands, we found some stuff we all forgot we had. It was a big task and I'm glad it's over.
Now to take a nap.
Yeh, right.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
up high. to the sky.
Raise your hand if you feel like all the time in the world has gone away, and us moms are left to pick up the pieces/clothes/diapers/trash/dishes/toys/socks/bibs/shoes/pacifiers/sippycups/dogpee/hairties.
And we need to do it as fast as we can.
Because before we know it, it's 9:47 pm and the laundry you folded is still on your bed. But you can't put it away because the kids are finally asleep and the last thing you are going to do is wake them up to put away some stupid folded jammas. So then maybe they go back in the laundry basket. And maybe they just sit there for 2 days while you go to work, pick the kids up, make dinner, give baths, read stories, clean up dinner, brush teeth, and put two little munchkins to bed. Then, maybe the kids really need some clean underwear/socks/jammas and the only place they are is in that damn laundry basket. And when you're digging through the clean, once-folded-but-now-wrinkly clothes to find your daughter her princess undies, maybe you curse. Just a little. Because you're so sick and tired of having something almost done, but just not finished. And you're tired of digging through that basket for clean clothes because they really should just be in the kids' dressers by now. But then you think back on how much time in the last 3 days you've had to put said clothes away, and you realize that the only time you really had was when you were sleeping. Eh, priorities, schmriorities.
If you haven't noticed, I've been m.i.a. To be more accurate, I've been at work. I picked up muchos hours in April and am feeling the effects. More money, yes please. Less time to do what I need at home, no thank you. It's definitely a juggling act, and it's a hard one. I'm pretty sure I've got more than 3 things in the air any given minute.
On a brighter note, the hubs & I just celebrated FIVE YEARS married. Isn't that insane? I can't really say that I feel like we got married yesterday. I mean, we've been through 2 houses & 2 kids in that time. I'm pretty sure it's felt like 5 years. But in a good way. :) I've got myself a good guy. We celebrated by going to dinner sans kids & stuffing our faces until we couldn't move. It was awesome.
So for now, that's what I got. Totally worth the wait right? Right?
Now to go find some extra time. Any ideas?
And we need to do it as fast as we can.
Because before we know it, it's 9:47 pm and the laundry you folded is still on your bed. But you can't put it away because the kids are finally asleep and the last thing you are going to do is wake them up to put away some stupid folded jammas. So then maybe they go back in the laundry basket. And maybe they just sit there for 2 days while you go to work, pick the kids up, make dinner, give baths, read stories, clean up dinner, brush teeth, and put two little munchkins to bed. Then, maybe the kids really need some clean underwear/socks/jammas and the only place they are is in that damn laundry basket. And when you're digging through the clean, once-folded-but-now-wrinkly clothes to find your daughter her princess undies, maybe you curse. Just a little. Because you're so sick and tired of having something almost done, but just not finished. And you're tired of digging through that basket for clean clothes because they really should just be in the kids' dressers by now. But then you think back on how much time in the last 3 days you've had to put said clothes away, and you realize that the only time you really had was when you were sleeping. Eh, priorities, schmriorities.
If you haven't noticed, I've been m.i.a. To be more accurate, I've been at work. I picked up muchos hours in April and am feeling the effects. More money, yes please. Less time to do what I need at home, no thank you. It's definitely a juggling act, and it's a hard one. I'm pretty sure I've got more than 3 things in the air any given minute.
On a brighter note, the hubs & I just celebrated FIVE YEARS married. Isn't that insane? I can't really say that I feel like we got married yesterday. I mean, we've been through 2 houses & 2 kids in that time. I'm pretty sure it's felt like 5 years. But in a good way. :) I've got myself a good guy. We celebrated by going to dinner sans kids & stuffing our faces until we couldn't move. It was awesome.
So for now, that's what I got. Totally worth the wait right? Right?
Now to go find some extra time. Any ideas?
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I used to think about this question all the time when I was younger. Except it wasn't so much about what I was going to be, but how I would handle the position.
"If I'm a teacher, I'm going to be relaxed. I'll let kids sleep. I'll be that cool teacher that all the kids like." or "If I'm a teacher, I'm going to be strict but for good reason. I'll never let kids sleep. They'll have to answer to me. Nobody will like me but the parents because their kids will get good grades." Basically, it was a mix of the teachers I liked for different reasons.
Turns out, I think of motherhood the same way.
"I want to be that mom that all my kids' friends love. They want to come over to our house for the cookies I make or the yard we have to run around in. Emma & Dean are content with the fact that I get along with their friends. And hopefully they will trust themselves more to let me in on their plans and resist the urge to hide secrets or lie to me."
But, I don't think I get to make the call on this one. It just happens. I'm learning that I'm just going to be the type of mom my kids need that day.
Most days, I'm more strict than I thought I'd be. I try hard to not make "empty threats". If I say "Don't climb on that or I'll take away your cartoons.", I mean it. If you climb on that, I'll take away your cartoons. The last thing I want my little ones to learn is that I don't really mean anything I say - threat or not.
Some days, I'm full of fun ideas, crafts, foods, and energy. On these days, there are no tears and no fits. We are relaxed. We have fun. We create together. We laugh & shop & play.
I'm discovering things about who I am. Being a mother has brought a change to the way I approach life. I find less of a need to impress others (why did I ever care in the first place?), and more of a desire to create the most comfortable HOME I can for my family.
And for now, we're doing well.
Let's see what today brings.
"If I'm a teacher, I'm going to be relaxed. I'll let kids sleep. I'll be that cool teacher that all the kids like." or "If I'm a teacher, I'm going to be strict but for good reason. I'll never let kids sleep. They'll have to answer to me. Nobody will like me but the parents because their kids will get good grades." Basically, it was a mix of the teachers I liked for different reasons.
Turns out, I think of motherhood the same way.
"I want to be that mom that all my kids' friends love. They want to come over to our house for the cookies I make or the yard we have to run around in. Emma & Dean are content with the fact that I get along with their friends. And hopefully they will trust themselves more to let me in on their plans and resist the urge to hide secrets or lie to me."
But, I don't think I get to make the call on this one. It just happens. I'm learning that I'm just going to be the type of mom my kids need that day.
Most days, I'm more strict than I thought I'd be. I try hard to not make "empty threats". If I say "Don't climb on that or I'll take away your cartoons.", I mean it. If you climb on that, I'll take away your cartoons. The last thing I want my little ones to learn is that I don't really mean anything I say - threat or not.
Some days, I'm full of fun ideas, crafts, foods, and energy. On these days, there are no tears and no fits. We are relaxed. We have fun. We create together. We laugh & shop & play.
I'm discovering things about who I am. Being a mother has brought a change to the way I approach life. I find less of a need to impress others (why did I ever care in the first place?), and more of a desire to create the most comfortable HOME I can for my family.
And for now, we're doing well.
Let's see what today brings.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Been there. Done that.
I just haven't been feeling it lately.
I honestly feel I don't have a thing to say that might interest any one.
I've given up "the popular social networking site known as Bookface" for Lent. (Name that show.)
Ever since Ash Wednesday, I've not felt the urge to be on the computer. I've been doing things instead. I know, weird right?
I've been cleaning. My 40 bags plan is not going to equal 40, but I'm up to about 3-4 so far with more than half the rooms to go. It's been a gratifying experience. I recently read a quote from a blog I follow that said "Am I really going to miss that thing/shirt/sock/toy/book? What's the worst that could happen? I have to go spend $3 on it again?" And it got me thinking. I keep things "just in case". But when I need it, I can never find it because I have so much "just in case" crap around the house. So, I've been plastic-bagging it. I'm even going to try to make money off it in my garage sale. Take that, crap.
I've been cooking. Lots. Homemade oregano french bread, homemade corn bread, turkey chili, baby food, peanut butter cookies, and chocolate oatmeal cookies. Yum & yum & yum. Let's just say David has not gone hungry.
I've been couponing. Like a crazy person. That you could make fun of. Because of my coupon binder. That comes in the store with me. And rides around in my cart. Laugh all you want. Because I am saving LOADS of money. I usually see my total go down at least 40% with my coupons, and that's a low number. I've saved up to 97% on a bill once, and I bought 30 boxes of pasta that day. I will never pay a penny for toothpaste, deodorant, or dish soap again in my life. It's been awesome because the money we save has made it easier to buy the more expensive organic food I want to feed my family. I get the last laugh.
I've been yoga-ing. A co-worker talked me into taking a yoga class after work on an especially stressful day. I've never done yoga. I would not consider myself a flexible person. But I was very open-minded because of the wonderful things I have heard about it. I've always been curious and this was the perfect opportunity to try it out. I loved it. I really loved it. It's a beginners course that was relaxing and introduced basic poses and stretches. It was the most relaxing hour I have had to myself in a long, long time. I walked out immediately looking forward to the next weeks class. Once I learn the basics, I am strongly considering taking the next (less relaxing) level.
I've been sleeping. Last week, I was alseep before 9 pm two nights in a row. Every time I do that, I wake up and think "Why don't I do that more often?" Sleep is too important to put off for the internet, or tv, or the crossword. I consistently do all of the above. And I bet I'm not the only one. Go to bed at 9 tonight. You'll thank me in the morning. Promise.
I've been planning. We planted seeds in starter pots. It's our first time using the starters, and we're hopeful. We started a compost bin (great big checkmark on my to-do list) and are going to mix it with our garden soil. We don't have much yet, but it's nice to know it's started. Peppers, green beans, tomatoes, and herbs. I can't wait to pick all the fixins for a salad and eat it for dinner. These are the moments I'm the most proud of being a mama - when I have the chance to teach a 3-year old how plants start as seeds and grow into food for our bodies.
I've been happy. Things are going well. I'm noticing a change in the way I am. And I like it.
I honestly feel I don't have a thing to say that might interest any one.
I've given up "the popular social networking site known as Bookface" for Lent. (Name that show.)
Ever since Ash Wednesday, I've not felt the urge to be on the computer. I've been doing things instead. I know, weird right?
I've been cleaning. My 40 bags plan is not going to equal 40, but I'm up to about 3-4 so far with more than half the rooms to go. It's been a gratifying experience. I recently read a quote from a blog I follow that said "Am I really going to miss that thing/shirt/sock/toy/book? What's the worst that could happen? I have to go spend $3 on it again?" And it got me thinking. I keep things "just in case". But when I need it, I can never find it because I have so much "just in case" crap around the house. So, I've been plastic-bagging it. I'm even going to try to make money off it in my garage sale. Take that, crap.
I've been cooking. Lots. Homemade oregano french bread, homemade corn bread, turkey chili, baby food, peanut butter cookies, and chocolate oatmeal cookies. Yum & yum & yum. Let's just say David has not gone hungry.
I've been couponing. Like a crazy person. That you could make fun of. Because of my coupon binder. That comes in the store with me. And rides around in my cart. Laugh all you want. Because I am saving LOADS of money. I usually see my total go down at least 40% with my coupons, and that's a low number. I've saved up to 97% on a bill once, and I bought 30 boxes of pasta that day. I will never pay a penny for toothpaste, deodorant, or dish soap again in my life. It's been awesome because the money we save has made it easier to buy the more expensive organic food I want to feed my family. I get the last laugh.
I've been yoga-ing. A co-worker talked me into taking a yoga class after work on an especially stressful day. I've never done yoga. I would not consider myself a flexible person. But I was very open-minded because of the wonderful things I have heard about it. I've always been curious and this was the perfect opportunity to try it out. I loved it. I really loved it. It's a beginners course that was relaxing and introduced basic poses and stretches. It was the most relaxing hour I have had to myself in a long, long time. I walked out immediately looking forward to the next weeks class. Once I learn the basics, I am strongly considering taking the next (less relaxing) level.
I've been sleeping. Last week, I was alseep before 9 pm two nights in a row. Every time I do that, I wake up and think "Why don't I do that more often?" Sleep is too important to put off for the internet, or tv, or the crossword. I consistently do all of the above. And I bet I'm not the only one. Go to bed at 9 tonight. You'll thank me in the morning. Promise.
I've been planning. We planted seeds in starter pots. It's our first time using the starters, and we're hopeful. We started a compost bin (great big checkmark on my to-do list) and are going to mix it with our garden soil. We don't have much yet, but it's nice to know it's started. Peppers, green beans, tomatoes, and herbs. I can't wait to pick all the fixins for a salad and eat it for dinner. These are the moments I'm the most proud of being a mama - when I have the chance to teach a 3-year old how plants start as seeds and grow into food for our bodies.
I've been happy. Things are going well. I'm noticing a change in the way I am. And I like it.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
'Tis the Season
To be completely fair, I am absolutely stealing this idea from another blog. (Clover Lane)
But it's such a great idea.
It's exactly what I've been searching for.
It's what this house needs.
It's what this mama's brain needs.
It's...
40 Bags in 40 Days.
During Lent (40 days) rid your house of 40 bags of stuff. Things you don't love, don't use, junk, accumulated stuff, clutter, garbage, toys, makeup, clothes, towels, rugs, lamps, etc, etc, etc, forever and ever and ever.
Make a list of the rooms/closets in your house.
Rid those rooms of junk, day by day.
As you dispose of the junk, also clean.
(Yep, I'm sneaking in some spring cleaning.)
By Easter, I'm hoping to have a clean, simplified, organized house.
I'm going to need some gloves for this one.
boy, oh (crazy) boy.
Emma: Easy. Great sleeper. Good eater. Easy-going. Smiley. Good learner. Good teacher. Good manners. (for the most part) Sometimes throws fits, but learns very quickly that it doesn't work. (except with softie Daddy.)
Dean: Moderate. Bad sleeper. Great eater. Easy-going until he's hungry. Cries. Does not create habits. Easily falls out of any routine in one day's time. Loud. Mischievous. Has dimples. Defiant. Selective hearing. Handsome.
Dean crawls EVERYWHERE he shouldn't. He already does the whole "I'm-gonna-crawl-away-from-you-faster-because-you're-coming-after-me" thing. You know, when he's crawling towards the trash can, and you stand up and start chasing after him so he won't eat, well, trash...so he see's you coming, and crawls faster than you've ever seen him crawl to get to that darn can. That sneaky little guy. He crawls over to my silk curtains, sits his little body upright, and grabs/pulls/eats them. Then when I firmly & loudly say "No!", he looks at me like "Whah?" and then continues to pull down the metal rod above his tiny little head.
He also is re-lent-less. As in, I will steer him away from the computer cord 5,239 times in 3 minutes, and he'll still go after it. Not the greatest at listening, that boy. When I'm changing his diaper is also a challenging 10 minutes. I say 10 minutes, because that's how long it takes for me to properly change a diaper on a wiggly, busy, would-rather-be-crawling, little munchkin. And the cloth diapers are even more difficult.
On a positive note, I am happy he's crawling and not just a lump of baby laying on his boppy.
(He was a cute baby lump, though.)
Lord help me when he learns to walk.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Home, home on the range.
I'm a regular ol' frontier woman.
Sure, as I type, my tv is on, I just answered my cell phone, and I'm bloggin' away, but that still doesn't mean I haven't done some little-house-on-the-prairie-type things today.
I currently have homemade whole wheat dinner rolls rising to bake for dinner.
Deaners is struttin' the cloth diapers. Oh, and crawling....everywhere he shouldn't.
I cut his hair today too. I didn't want to pay some stranger $15 + tip to cut his tiny baby hairs, so I figured I'd give it a go. And I did alright. Not great, but decent enough with the resources I was given. Those resources being a squirmy EIGHT-MONTH old baby who would rather grab the scissors then let me snip his hair. A high chair that wasn't quite high enough for me to get a great view, but still a good seat. And banana-flavored puffs - the ultimate for him. He tries to eat all the puffs at once. Too cute, that kid.
I fed him homemade baby food! So far, he's only eaten it 2 days...but he gobbles.it.up.
Recipes include:
Bananas & Avocado
Apples & Bananas (Neeners as we like to call 'em)
Peas & Formula
Mixed Veggies
Sweet Potatoes & Organic Vanilla Yogurt
Feeding your baby organic, made-from-scratch, baby food is insanely gratifying to say the least. Yesterday, I blended the Neeners & Avocado and let him try it right off the spoon. Just, awesome.
And for the work of about an hour each, on two seperate nights, I have 4 BAGS full of baby food in the freezer. Besides cloth diapers, this is the second most economically sound decision a parent could make. (in my opinion) We will see the results immediately.
As for now, I think I'll go use my indoor plumbing and drink my filtered water. Yes, technology is convenient sometimes.
Sure, as I type, my tv is on, I just answered my cell phone, and I'm bloggin' away, but that still doesn't mean I haven't done some little-house-on-the-prairie-type things today.
I currently have homemade whole wheat dinner rolls rising to bake for dinner.
Deaners is struttin' the cloth diapers. Oh, and crawling....everywhere he shouldn't.
I cut his hair today too. I didn't want to pay some stranger $15 + tip to cut his tiny baby hairs, so I figured I'd give it a go. And I did alright. Not great, but decent enough with the resources I was given. Those resources being a squirmy EIGHT-MONTH old baby who would rather grab the scissors then let me snip his hair. A high chair that wasn't quite high enough for me to get a great view, but still a good seat. And banana-flavored puffs - the ultimate for him. He tries to eat all the puffs at once. Too cute, that kid.
I fed him homemade baby food! So far, he's only eaten it 2 days...but he gobbles.it.up.
Recipes include:
Bananas & Avocado
Apples & Bananas (Neeners as we like to call 'em)
Peas & Formula
Mixed Veggies
Sweet Potatoes & Organic Vanilla Yogurt
Feeding your baby organic, made-from-scratch, baby food is insanely gratifying to say the least. Yesterday, I blended the Neeners & Avocado and let him try it right off the spoon. Just, awesome.
And for the work of about an hour each, on two seperate nights, I have 4 BAGS full of baby food in the freezer. Besides cloth diapers, this is the second most economically sound decision a parent could make. (in my opinion) We will see the results immediately.
As for now, I think I'll go use my indoor plumbing and drink my filtered water. Yes, technology is convenient sometimes.
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