So if you're on Facebook, you know that I signed up for a "Parenting Workshop" at church. Natalie immediately implied that I didn't need it because I was "a great parent!" (her words). Sarah, on the other hand, said I had done a "good job" signing up for the class.
Ironically, it's Natalie who demonstrates why it might be a good idea for me to take the class.
Wednesday I dropped the girls off in the child care and went off to my classroom. I know all the child care workers; they're a lovely bunch. No worries at all.
After class, I returned to the kids' area to retrieve my children (Nelson is taking a "Faith and Politics" class, and it always tends to run long; I end up being the one to get the girls since I get finished first. Go figure). Sarah was hanging out in the nursery. She claims the "big kids" room is too loud, and she says she likes helping "make the babies smile." So upon fetching her from the baby room, I headed to "big kid land" for Natalie.
Only she wasn't there.
The child care workers had taken the kids outside for part of the time and had apparently just gotten back in. In the shuffle of coming in from outdoors and other parents arriving to get their children, Natalie had managed to slip away.
A friend of mine immediately offered to walk around the building to see if Natalie was still outside. I began looking around inside.
Where was she? With the food, of course.
We have a brief time for everyone to hang out, chat, and eat dessert once the classes are done. Natalie was at the dessert table, declaring to anyone who would listen that she was hungry and could someone please get her a snack. I guess I should be glad she wasn't just diving right in and eating straight from the dessert table.
Of course, all's well that ends well. Natalie was safe and sound, and we have talked (and will continue to talk) about the importance of staying with the child care workers until Mommy or Daddy comes to get you!!! But looking back on it, it's kind of funny now, even though it wasn't so much at the time.
See why I need a parenting class? I have an imp for a child! :-p
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
if at first you don't succeed....
...just give up and make something else! :)
I can't make tortillas. I'm in good company as far as not making them from scratch goes, but the fact remains that I can't. Make. Tortillas.
It's kind of sad, really. Sandwich bread and buns and rolls and pizza dough? No problem. I can do all those. But I can't. Make. Tortillas.
So my fabulous SIL recommended once that I try fry bread instead.
Yay! I can make fry bread!
Actually, I remember Nelson's aunt making fry bread tacos once several years back. Everyone liked them. So I gave it a whirl.
Sarah is crazy about fry bread, let me just say. She loves it. After we have our fry bread tacos, she likes to butter a piece and top with honey and cinnamon for dessert (kind of like a sopapilla).
The recipe says the fry bread is also good with stew or chili, if you prefer that to tacos.
This very silly, pointless post has been brought to you by my rather insane need to soothe my battered ego after failure. :) We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog.
I can't make tortillas. I'm in good company as far as not making them from scratch goes, but the fact remains that I can't. Make. Tortillas.
It's kind of sad, really. Sandwich bread and buns and rolls and pizza dough? No problem. I can do all those. But I can't. Make. Tortillas.
So my fabulous SIL recommended once that I try fry bread instead.
Yay! I can make fry bread!
Actually, I remember Nelson's aunt making fry bread tacos once several years back. Everyone liked them. So I gave it a whirl.
Sarah is crazy about fry bread, let me just say. She loves it. After we have our fry bread tacos, she likes to butter a piece and top with honey and cinnamon for dessert (kind of like a sopapilla).
The recipe says the fry bread is also good with stew or chili, if you prefer that to tacos.
This very silly, pointless post has been brought to you by my rather insane need to soothe my battered ego after failure. :) We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
DIY and frugal flop
Making your own and doing it yourself are mainstays of any frugal lifestyle. Money Saving Mom frequently posts DIY projects she has attempted and their results. I already make several cleaners and do a lot of cooking from scratch. Still, there's always room for growth and improvement, for trying new things.
So...being the list-making nerd that I am, I have a list of things I want to try to do/make myself. Sourdough bread was on that list, and I have to say I'm very proud of my efforts in this department. We gone through multiple batches of bread in the last few months. Within the next couple of weeks, I want to try making yogurt (I've put this off waaaaay too long). And on and on goes the list.
Today I decided to try something that wasn't on the list. Maybe the spontaneity of it was my first mistake; I don't know. Maybe it was just a stupid project to start with; I'll let you decide.
You know those disinfectant wipes they sell in stores? Sort of wet wipes for cleaning. They're overpriced, they're wasteful, they create too much garbage...but they're awfully darn convenient. Sometimes when you just want to do a quick wipe down of the bathroom sink or the toilet, they come in handy. I rarely buy them (because let's face it, a cloth and spray bottle work just as well, without all the drawbacks).
But I do like them. I had an empty container lying around from the last time I had bought them and I thought, "Why not make my own..."
Paper towels are another things I rarely purchase. I read somewhere that the average family goes through two rolls of paper towels a week. Even back in my heavy paper towel usage days, I never went through more than a roll in a month. But several months ago, I just quit buying paper towels altogether and started just using cloths. Other than when microwaving bacon, I found that I didn't miss them.
I can't remember what prompted me to buy a roll of paper towels a few weeks ago. I'm so out of the habit of using them though, that almost the full roll is still on the holder. Still, they're nice paper towels--the thick Viva ones. They would make good cleaning wipes, right?
Um...maybe not.
Everything went wrong with this little experiment. The towels are so wonderfully think that they won't go through the opening of the wipes container. I didn't make the solution right. It's too soapy, so when I try to wipe down the counter or whatever, I end up having to follow up with a cloth anyway to clear off the soapy mess. That sort of defeat the purpose. And the towels themselves are kind of falling into tatters. Gross--and not helpful at all.
I know there is a way to make your own cleaning wipes--I've seen blog posts reference it. But at this point, I'm so frustrated with the whole thing that I doubt I'll bother. A cloth and a spray bottle are looking pretty good at the moment. :-p
So...being the list-making nerd that I am, I have a list of things I want to try to do/make myself. Sourdough bread was on that list, and I have to say I'm very proud of my efforts in this department. We gone through multiple batches of bread in the last few months. Within the next couple of weeks, I want to try making yogurt (I've put this off waaaaay too long). And on and on goes the list.
Today I decided to try something that wasn't on the list. Maybe the spontaneity of it was my first mistake; I don't know. Maybe it was just a stupid project to start with; I'll let you decide.
You know those disinfectant wipes they sell in stores? Sort of wet wipes for cleaning. They're overpriced, they're wasteful, they create too much garbage...but they're awfully darn convenient. Sometimes when you just want to do a quick wipe down of the bathroom sink or the toilet, they come in handy. I rarely buy them (because let's face it, a cloth and spray bottle work just as well, without all the drawbacks).
But I do like them. I had an empty container lying around from the last time I had bought them and I thought, "Why not make my own..."
Paper towels are another things I rarely purchase. I read somewhere that the average family goes through two rolls of paper towels a week. Even back in my heavy paper towel usage days, I never went through more than a roll in a month. But several months ago, I just quit buying paper towels altogether and started just using cloths. Other than when microwaving bacon, I found that I didn't miss them.
I can't remember what prompted me to buy a roll of paper towels a few weeks ago. I'm so out of the habit of using them though, that almost the full roll is still on the holder. Still, they're nice paper towels--the thick Viva ones. They would make good cleaning wipes, right?
Um...maybe not.
Everything went wrong with this little experiment. The towels are so wonderfully think that they won't go through the opening of the wipes container. I didn't make the solution right. It's too soapy, so when I try to wipe down the counter or whatever, I end up having to follow up with a cloth anyway to clear off the soapy mess. That sort of defeat the purpose. And the towels themselves are kind of falling into tatters. Gross--and not helpful at all.
I know there is a way to make your own cleaning wipes--I've seen blog posts reference it. But at this point, I'm so frustrated with the whole thing that I doubt I'll bother. A cloth and a spray bottle are looking pretty good at the moment. :-p
Thursday, May 3, 2012
ramblings
First of all, I wish a very happy birthday to my dear husband! We are trying to make him feel special and loved. Sarah spent a good chunk of time yesterday creating homemade decorations and plastering them all over the living room. She also made a homemade card for him--complete with the name of the "corporation" on the back. :) Natalie has been saying "Happy birthday" over and over again.
Me, I express affection through baking. So we started the day with homemade waffles. Tonight's supper will be steak, salad, and homemade bread, followed by cherry pie and ice cream. There is some sort of shindig taking place downtown this evening (some friends of ours are the musical entertainment) which we may attend as well. Hopefully that all adds up to a good birthday!
I would be remiss if I did not also wish a happy birthday to my father-in-law. Yes, Nelson and his dad share a birthday. What are the odds, huh? Anyway, I hope he too has a terrific day!
On a completely unrelated topic, I recently restructured our school day a bit to add a few extra things. During our Bible time, in addition to the Bible story and the questions and stories from Big Truths for Little Kids, we also sing a hymn and work on a memory verse. Sarah talked today about how much she was enjoying the hymns and how they "helped her learn about God." But what really warmed my heart was watching her patiently trying to teach Natalie the memory verses...and watching her praise Natalie to the skies when she got it right. It was definitely one of the most precious things I've seen take place between the two.
Me, I express affection through baking. So we started the day with homemade waffles. Tonight's supper will be steak, salad, and homemade bread, followed by cherry pie and ice cream. There is some sort of shindig taking place downtown this evening (some friends of ours are the musical entertainment) which we may attend as well. Hopefully that all adds up to a good birthday!
I would be remiss if I did not also wish a happy birthday to my father-in-law. Yes, Nelson and his dad share a birthday. What are the odds, huh? Anyway, I hope he too has a terrific day!
On a completely unrelated topic, I recently restructured our school day a bit to add a few extra things. During our Bible time, in addition to the Bible story and the questions and stories from Big Truths for Little Kids, we also sing a hymn and work on a memory verse. Sarah talked today about how much she was enjoying the hymns and how they "helped her learn about God." But what really warmed my heart was watching her patiently trying to teach Natalie the memory verses...and watching her praise Natalie to the skies when she got it right. It was definitely one of the most precious things I've seen take place between the two.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
hope springs eternal
Wow, it's been awhile since I posted here. Sorry about that. However, this entry will answer a bit of the "why," so hopefully all will be forgiven by the time you're done reading. :)
Hope is a funny thing. I don't think we always realize how much we need it until we don't have it. Alternately, we may realize how utterly vital it is when we have it again after a long time without it. I don't mean hope as in wishing ("Gee, I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow"); I mean hope as in firm expectation of something good. A young girl who fills a hope chest expects to need it one day when she marries. As Christians, our hope is in Christ, and God help us all if that is just wishful thinking.
It's been a long road for me personally, feeling both helpless and hopeless, but I am pleased (ecstatic, jubilant, elated, etc.) to say that I now am hoping again. It feels good. I find myself humming and giggling at odd moments, just because it is such a relief to once again be hopeful.
So now for the back story. I haven't actually revealed too much of it to anybody. My husband, my mother, and my sister-in-law were really the only ones privy to the whole scoop. The short version is that health issues were encroaching upon my life. Between frequent migraines, digestive issues, and some severe problems with my menstrual cycle (I definitely won't share details here), I felt lousy much of the time. There were days when I felt "not bad", but I never actually reached the point of feeling good. I missed a lot of activities. I got behind on housework. We got the basics of school done, but not the fun "extras" I wanted to do. For reasons I won't go into, seeing a doctor wasn't an option. As time went on, I not only continued to feel bad physically, but I was also emotionally frustrated, overwhelmed, and depressed.
Life was rough. For a long time. I know other people have far more serious issues, but I definitely was unable to cope with what I had going on.
However, after a fair amount of research and talking with people I trust, I came up with a plan. I will go ahead and give an official disclaimer now: I am not a doctor. I am not a nurse. I am not a medical expert of any description. Do not take the following as any sort of advice or recommendation; it isn't. It is simply my story.
Okay, moving along now. I began taking a battery of supplements recommended for the specific issues I was facing. Obviously, when using supplements rather than conventional medicines, results are not instantaneous. However, I kept up the regimen, and one day last week it happened. God answered the many long months of prayers. I woke up one morning and realized, I feel good! Not just "not bad," not just "okay," but good!
Holy cow. I cannot even put into words how wonderful it was after so long, just to feel good. Overwhelming relief and excitement doesn't even come close to conveying it. It's truly amazing.
I am getting caught up on things that I've fallen behind on. I am tackling that list of goals I made back at the beginning of the year, then ignored because I felt crappy. I am smiling and humming under my breath.
Never take hope for granted. I can testify that it is a powerful thing. I am loving having hope again.
Hope is a funny thing. I don't think we always realize how much we need it until we don't have it. Alternately, we may realize how utterly vital it is when we have it again after a long time without it. I don't mean hope as in wishing ("Gee, I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow"); I mean hope as in firm expectation of something good. A young girl who fills a hope chest expects to need it one day when she marries. As Christians, our hope is in Christ, and God help us all if that is just wishful thinking.
It's been a long road for me personally, feeling both helpless and hopeless, but I am pleased (ecstatic, jubilant, elated, etc.) to say that I now am hoping again. It feels good. I find myself humming and giggling at odd moments, just because it is such a relief to once again be hopeful.
So now for the back story. I haven't actually revealed too much of it to anybody. My husband, my mother, and my sister-in-law were really the only ones privy to the whole scoop. The short version is that health issues were encroaching upon my life. Between frequent migraines, digestive issues, and some severe problems with my menstrual cycle (I definitely won't share details here), I felt lousy much of the time. There were days when I felt "not bad", but I never actually reached the point of feeling good. I missed a lot of activities. I got behind on housework. We got the basics of school done, but not the fun "extras" I wanted to do. For reasons I won't go into, seeing a doctor wasn't an option. As time went on, I not only continued to feel bad physically, but I was also emotionally frustrated, overwhelmed, and depressed.
Life was rough. For a long time. I know other people have far more serious issues, but I definitely was unable to cope with what I had going on.
However, after a fair amount of research and talking with people I trust, I came up with a plan. I will go ahead and give an official disclaimer now: I am not a doctor. I am not a nurse. I am not a medical expert of any description. Do not take the following as any sort of advice or recommendation; it isn't. It is simply my story.
Okay, moving along now. I began taking a battery of supplements recommended for the specific issues I was facing. Obviously, when using supplements rather than conventional medicines, results are not instantaneous. However, I kept up the regimen, and one day last week it happened. God answered the many long months of prayers. I woke up one morning and realized, I feel good! Not just "not bad," not just "okay," but good!
Holy cow. I cannot even put into words how wonderful it was after so long, just to feel good. Overwhelming relief and excitement doesn't even come close to conveying it. It's truly amazing.
I am getting caught up on things that I've fallen behind on. I am tackling that list of goals I made back at the beginning of the year, then ignored because I felt crappy. I am smiling and humming under my breath.
Never take hope for granted. I can testify that it is a powerful thing. I am loving having hope again.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Natalie has two mommies...
As we drove to church this morning, the following conversation took place between Sarah and Natalie:
Natalie: Sarah! Give me my coat. NOW.
Sarah: You're demanding. What should you say?
Natalie: Please.
Sarah: Please what?
Natalie: Please may I?
Sarah. Please may you what?
Natalie: Coat!
Sarah: No, say the whole thing.
Natalie (She didn't actually roll her eyes, but I think she must have been doing so internally. Her voice was starting to sound like she was): Please may I have my coat?
Sarah: That's better. Yes, you may.
She does such a good job of mommying, doesn't she?
Natalie: Sarah! Give me my coat. NOW.
Sarah: You're demanding. What should you say?
Natalie: Please.
Sarah: Please what?
Natalie: Please may I?
Sarah. Please may you what?
Natalie: Coat!
Sarah: No, say the whole thing.
Natalie (She didn't actually roll her eyes, but I think she must have been doing so internally. Her voice was starting to sound like she was): Please may I have my coat?
Sarah: That's better. Yes, you may.
She does such a good job of mommying, doesn't she?
Saturday, February 11, 2012
my kids are weird...
...really, really weird.
What? You want examples? Fine.
A couple of days ago, we finished the last of the pickles we had. Sarah and Natalie immediately wanted two straws. Yes, they wanted to drink the pickle juice. This isn't the first time they've drained the pickle jar after all the pickles were gone. It is the first time they used straws. It was like an old-fashioned soda shoppe, only they were sharing pickle juice instead of ice cream soda. I'd rather have the soda, personally.
Natalie prefers things cold. She will drain a cup of cold coffee in approximately 2.2 seconds. She loves the baked oatmeal recipe I make, and she usually eats about half the batch. She likes it cold though (can I just say right now that cold oatmeal just freaks me out a bit? Even more than pickle juice!).
Natalie also named one of her wounds the other day. I wish I'd thought to take a picture so I could properly introduce you to "Mark the Scratch." That one actually makes sense. A scratch is a mark on the body. Perfectly logical.
I still think gulping pickle juice and eating cold oatmeal is weird though.
Nelson says I can't blame his genes.
My grandfather liked cold eggs.
What? You want examples? Fine.
A couple of days ago, we finished the last of the pickles we had. Sarah and Natalie immediately wanted two straws. Yes, they wanted to drink the pickle juice. This isn't the first time they've drained the pickle jar after all the pickles were gone. It is the first time they used straws. It was like an old-fashioned soda shoppe, only they were sharing pickle juice instead of ice cream soda. I'd rather have the soda, personally.
Natalie prefers things cold. She will drain a cup of cold coffee in approximately 2.2 seconds. She loves the baked oatmeal recipe I make, and she usually eats about half the batch. She likes it cold though (can I just say right now that cold oatmeal just freaks me out a bit? Even more than pickle juice!).
Natalie also named one of her wounds the other day. I wish I'd thought to take a picture so I could properly introduce you to "Mark the Scratch." That one actually makes sense. A scratch is a mark on the body. Perfectly logical.
I still think gulping pickle juice and eating cold oatmeal is weird though.
Nelson says I can't blame his genes.
My grandfather liked cold eggs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)