Pros vs. Cons
Catholic School Cons
1. I don't believe in organized relgion
2. I am pro choice
3. I am pro gay marriage
4. I believe everyone should live and let live
5. I believe everyone has a right to their opinion
6. I believe Jesus was a man
7. I believe the bible is a load of ancient crap
8. I believe in evolution
Catholic School Pros (not many but they're biggies)
1. Good solid education (the schools here are failing).
2. Rhythm and discipline
3. Safer
Public School Cons
1. Failing the kids
2. Unsafe
3. Bad teachers (locally)
4. No funding
5. Testing (all the time)
6. No sense of community
Public School Pros
1. Secular (but maybe not depending on the teacher)
Homeschool Pros
1. Open discussion and freedom to create opinion
2. Intelligent child learning at a rate that is appropriate
3. Kindness and integrity
4. No one knows or cares about my kids like I do
5.
Homeschool Cons
1. Transitioning them to see me as a "teacher"
2. Discipline and structure
3. Time constraints
Friday, July 13, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Old Fashioned Values
Having kids really makes me think about the old fashioned values I learned from my parents and extended family as a child.
Don't interrupt
Always give up your seat for someone older, less able bodied or pregnant
Hold the door to make sure no one is behind you
Say excuse me
Use rules pertaining to right of way
Eat at the table
Don't use foul language
Use proper grammar
Invite everyone to play
If you have something for one you should have it for all
The guest gets the toy
If you don't have something nice to say don't say anything at all
Respect adults and address them properly
And on and on...
Where did all of these values go? Were they terrible in some way that I don't know about? Why aren't we still practicing these things? I hope my children will see these things in me and put them in practice. For the sake of humankind I hope other mamas do the same.
Don't interrupt
Always give up your seat for someone older, less able bodied or pregnant
Hold the door to make sure no one is behind you
Say excuse me
Use rules pertaining to right of way
Eat at the table
Don't use foul language
Use proper grammar
Invite everyone to play
If you have something for one you should have it for all
The guest gets the toy
If you don't have something nice to say don't say anything at all
Respect adults and address them properly
And on and on...
Where did all of these values go? Were they terrible in some way that I don't know about? Why aren't we still practicing these things? I hope my children will see these things in me and put them in practice. For the sake of humankind I hope other mamas do the same.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Everything Changes
Life is fluid, things can change at an alarming rate.
I have been holding onto a friendship that was dead long ago. I tried to make this friendship work. My daughter and her daughter are best friends. I love her family and her kids. She has definitely been there for me in times of trouble. She has probably created more trouble than she has kept me out of. She and I had a history, we were friends shortly before I was married. She became invaluable during wedding planning.
When I was ready to get pregnant and struggled she suddenly popped up pregnant (despite the fact that she had repeatedly told me she was never having any children). When I finally became pregnant a few months after her we were pregnant together. We both had daughters and the girls love each other very much.
Later she told me that she never wanted her daughter. The poor girl was healthy but grossly underweight. She didn't want to keep buying formula so at 8 months she put the girl on milk (2%). She scoffed at my newbie parenting practices of family sleeping, holding my child while she cried, feeding my daughter formula until 15 months, making food for my daughter and so much more. She laughed knowing that if I had more children I would through experience know that all of these things were stupid.
Yet she was always there, every time I called, every time I needed her she showed up.
As her daughter got older she started scolding her, spanking her, being (IMHO) demeaning. Children do not have a voice in her home and their needs do not come before her own. I don't spank, demean or scold my daughter. Of course she said I would raise a brat. I would pay for being so soft.
And yet she was there when my husband acted stupid or I needed someone to drink with or the kids were making me nuts and I had no one else to be around.
Her daughter is sick all of the time and so my daughter gets sick almost every time they play together. Her daughter didn't want mommy to bring her to gymnastics (possibly because she smacked her in the face the first night of class). Her "bad" daughter was so well behaved when she was with me. She drank milk at my house, sometimes 4 glasses a visit. I could never deny her because her mother had stopped buying more than one gallon a week (it was too expensive). She of course spared no expense on Coach purses and shoes.
She wanted us over all of the time. She made herself available no matter what. In the middle of the night when a child had to go to the ER. When I was sick...whenever.
I talked to other friends and posed the question: Can you be friends with someone who is so different than you? Can you be friends if you have no values in common? If you're different parents? No matter what?
And the more I parented and learned (about parenting) and grew, the more I questioned our friendship. How could I dump someone who was always there? Loyal to me to a fault.
She stole money from her mother (recently diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease). Her husband told my daughter she was "a brat", told her to "stop being bad" and believe it or not, called her a "poop stain".
I took notice, this could not be allowed. No one would speak to my children this way. Could they be forgiven? I mean they just don't know any better, right? Right??????
Toxicity. I spent 8 years in a terribly toxic love relationship. I learned from that what I would never again put up with in a partner. What the hell was I thinking? How did I let myself stay in this toxic relationship? I did it again but this time with a friend.
So today I told her that our friendship was ending. It's been ending for quite a while. I knew her reaction would be horrific. She lost it, her temper flared, she cried, she told me I had broken our daughters hearts.
And I felt...nothing. I felt so little that I almost feel badly that I feel nothing. There were moments of relief. I realized that our paths should have parted sooner. We no longer brought anything to the table for each other. She has no integrity or values. I don't respect her parenting or decision making.
I want to be around people who are headed in a similar direction. People who want to do new fun things and learn and grow. I want my children to be around those people too.
Your friends should make you want to be a better person.
Your friends should have at least similar values.
Most of all, you should want to be with your friend and if you don't, you should let her go.
I have been holding onto a friendship that was dead long ago. I tried to make this friendship work. My daughter and her daughter are best friends. I love her family and her kids. She has definitely been there for me in times of trouble. She has probably created more trouble than she has kept me out of. She and I had a history, we were friends shortly before I was married. She became invaluable during wedding planning.
When I was ready to get pregnant and struggled she suddenly popped up pregnant (despite the fact that she had repeatedly told me she was never having any children). When I finally became pregnant a few months after her we were pregnant together. We both had daughters and the girls love each other very much.
Later she told me that she never wanted her daughter. The poor girl was healthy but grossly underweight. She didn't want to keep buying formula so at 8 months she put the girl on milk (2%). She scoffed at my newbie parenting practices of family sleeping, holding my child while she cried, feeding my daughter formula until 15 months, making food for my daughter and so much more. She laughed knowing that if I had more children I would through experience know that all of these things were stupid.
Yet she was always there, every time I called, every time I needed her she showed up.
As her daughter got older she started scolding her, spanking her, being (IMHO) demeaning. Children do not have a voice in her home and their needs do not come before her own. I don't spank, demean or scold my daughter. Of course she said I would raise a brat. I would pay for being so soft.
And yet she was there when my husband acted stupid or I needed someone to drink with or the kids were making me nuts and I had no one else to be around.
Her daughter is sick all of the time and so my daughter gets sick almost every time they play together. Her daughter didn't want mommy to bring her to gymnastics (possibly because she smacked her in the face the first night of class). Her "bad" daughter was so well behaved when she was with me. She drank milk at my house, sometimes 4 glasses a visit. I could never deny her because her mother had stopped buying more than one gallon a week (it was too expensive). She of course spared no expense on Coach purses and shoes.
She wanted us over all of the time. She made herself available no matter what. In the middle of the night when a child had to go to the ER. When I was sick...whenever.
I talked to other friends and posed the question: Can you be friends with someone who is so different than you? Can you be friends if you have no values in common? If you're different parents? No matter what?
And the more I parented and learned (about parenting) and grew, the more I questioned our friendship. How could I dump someone who was always there? Loyal to me to a fault.
She stole money from her mother (recently diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease). Her husband told my daughter she was "a brat", told her to "stop being bad" and believe it or not, called her a "poop stain".
I took notice, this could not be allowed. No one would speak to my children this way. Could they be forgiven? I mean they just don't know any better, right? Right??????
Toxicity. I spent 8 years in a terribly toxic love relationship. I learned from that what I would never again put up with in a partner. What the hell was I thinking? How did I let myself stay in this toxic relationship? I did it again but this time with a friend.
So today I told her that our friendship was ending. It's been ending for quite a while. I knew her reaction would be horrific. She lost it, her temper flared, she cried, she told me I had broken our daughters hearts.
And I felt...nothing. I felt so little that I almost feel badly that I feel nothing. There were moments of relief. I realized that our paths should have parted sooner. We no longer brought anything to the table for each other. She has no integrity or values. I don't respect her parenting or decision making.
I want to be around people who are headed in a similar direction. People who want to do new fun things and learn and grow. I want my children to be around those people too.
Your friends should make you want to be a better person.
Your friends should have at least similar values.
Most of all, you should want to be with your friend and if you don't, you should let her go.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
A List of Things I love and or find important
Teaching my children naturally
never squashing their curiosity
forming a close family bond
spending as much time as a family as we can
having great adventures with our family
loving each other
being respectful of each other
learning about animals
making the planet a healthier place
learning empathy
learning self-respect
reading
fitness
fun
gardening
learning about nature
being as self-sufficient as possible
crafting
making home remedies
using natural products
having outside time daily
learning about a lot of things
keep a simple home
learn the lost arts of homemaking
Teach our children to take control of their lives
let the kids choose religion (if they do)
Do not make sheep of our family
keep our lives small so we can enjoy more
teach our children that people are more important than traditions
Our future
1. I am not a religious person, I would say I am a humanist
2. I love my country and my freedom
3. I believe all people are equal, period.
4. I love my family
5. I love traditions
6. I love experiencing new things
7. I love cooking and homemaking
8. I no longer feel the need to retain friendships that do not lift me up but instead keep me "in the trenches"
9. I don't have to please anyone but myself
10. My opinions are as important as the options of others.
11. I am still a kind person even if I assert my rights
12. I don't have to have things to be happy
13. I need to be healthy and fit.
14. My marriage is lasting and important
15. I make healthy home cooked food for my family
16. We no longer eat processed food
17. We love our life!!!
never squashing their curiosity
forming a close family bond
spending as much time as a family as we can
having great adventures with our family
loving each other
being respectful of each other
learning about animals
making the planet a healthier place
learning empathy
learning self-respect
reading
fitness
fun
gardening
learning about nature
being as self-sufficient as possible
crafting
making home remedies
using natural products
having outside time daily
learning about a lot of things
keep a simple home
learn the lost arts of homemaking
Teach our children to take control of their lives
let the kids choose religion (if they do)
Do not make sheep of our family
keep our lives small so we can enjoy more
teach our children that people are more important than traditions
Our future
1. I am not a religious person, I would say I am a humanist
2. I love my country and my freedom
3. I believe all people are equal, period.
4. I love my family
5. I love traditions
6. I love experiencing new things
7. I love cooking and homemaking
8. I no longer feel the need to retain friendships that do not lift me up but instead keep me "in the trenches"
9. I don't have to please anyone but myself
10. My opinions are as important as the options of others.
11. I am still a kind person even if I assert my rights
12. I don't have to have things to be happy
13. I need to be healthy and fit.
14. My marriage is lasting and important
15. I make healthy home cooked food for my family
16. We no longer eat processed food
17. We love our life!!!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Reflections
This weekend was very busy with family events and even some time out for Mama. After reflecting on the weekend I've come to some realizations that I feel I must share.
Saturday night my husband had a great handle on the kids and suggested I go out to see friends. I met up with some old friends and spent time at a local bar with them. It was like they were frozen in time. They were still the same old people, doing the same things over and over again. Frozen in some kind of drunken cycle with no real direction or goal in mind. These women are now in their 40's and they have not made any changes for the better. They have the same problems, same addictions and same stand still lives. They didn't have anything new to tell me and they didn't really want to hear about what I've been up to. This was a kick in the butt moment, will I be like them? Will I still be sitting in the same spot 5 years from now having not made a single change? When I look back 5 years ago I still had the same goals I have now...because I haven't acheived any of them. I haven't made any of the changes I've desired for years. So if I don't get moving I will be those women. I will be frozen in time with no real direction. The twenties disappeared, my thirties are flying by and time is flying away from me.
Another fun tidbit about the weekend, a close friend confided in me some things that pretty much make me think she is about as awful a person as she can be. I shouldn't be surprised, this woman has shown me who she is time and again. She is broken and insecure and a lifelong addict (one thing or another). We were friends before I had children, spending our time in bars or hopping from one party to the next. When I had my children everything (EVERYTHING) changed. I see this person in a whole new light, the light that eminates from my children. She is a bad influence, she is a terrible mother and she is married to a bully.
It's time for me to clean house. It's hard to take out the trash when you don't really have anyone new to rely on. But I suppose new people (who support me and have similar views about life) can't come into my life if I don't make room for them right?
Peace.Love.Freedom.Happiness.
Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live.
~Oscar Wilde, The Soul of Man Under Socialism
Saturday night my husband had a great handle on the kids and suggested I go out to see friends. I met up with some old friends and spent time at a local bar with them. It was like they were frozen in time. They were still the same old people, doing the same things over and over again. Frozen in some kind of drunken cycle with no real direction or goal in mind. These women are now in their 40's and they have not made any changes for the better. They have the same problems, same addictions and same stand still lives. They didn't have anything new to tell me and they didn't really want to hear about what I've been up to. This was a kick in the butt moment, will I be like them? Will I still be sitting in the same spot 5 years from now having not made a single change? When I look back 5 years ago I still had the same goals I have now...because I haven't acheived any of them. I haven't made any of the changes I've desired for years. So if I don't get moving I will be those women. I will be frozen in time with no real direction. The twenties disappeared, my thirties are flying by and time is flying away from me.
Another fun tidbit about the weekend, a close friend confided in me some things that pretty much make me think she is about as awful a person as she can be. I shouldn't be surprised, this woman has shown me who she is time and again. She is broken and insecure and a lifelong addict (one thing or another). We were friends before I had children, spending our time in bars or hopping from one party to the next. When I had my children everything (EVERYTHING) changed. I see this person in a whole new light, the light that eminates from my children. She is a bad influence, she is a terrible mother and she is married to a bully.
It's time for me to clean house. It's hard to take out the trash when you don't really have anyone new to rely on. But I suppose new people (who support me and have similar views about life) can't come into my life if I don't make room for them right?
Peace.Love.Freedom.Happiness.
Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live.
~Oscar Wilde, The Soul of Man Under Socialism
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Is it me???
Some days I just don't know...yesterday I had a lively discussion with a friend about schooling and the value of standardized testing. I could not believe that an intelligent mother in this day and age doesn't understand the problems with standardized testing. She blabbed on and on about how important the testing is to find out if the kids are learning or not. We discussed other things about school and how kids are often times either way ahead or behind their peers and the additional stress this causes (boredom for the advanced kids and frustration for the kids who are a little "behind"). She didn't get the idea that schooling is not child or family friendly. She also did not understand why someone would homeschool when schools are provided and spewed out a lot of untrue things about homeschooling in our area. I let her blab on and corrected her a couple of times when I could get a word in edge wise. She is a very overbearing person as a whole so I didn't bother getting into detail with her.
How do people not know these things? Why don't they think about these things? Why don't people question the system?
How do people not know these things? Why don't they think about these things? Why don't people question the system?
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Tonight I managed to finish a pair of Big Butt Baby Pants for Little Chief. Can I tell you how much I love the Big Butt Baby Pants pattern from Made by Rae? Suffice it to say, I love it! Little Chief has three pair of pants now and I have already cut out pieces for more!!! He loves them too, they are so comfy.
I also made by first pillowcase dress for Little Miss, it was so fun that I'm sure it won't be the last.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Tonight I have decided to answer 20 Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection as written by Tsh Oxenreider
1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
I gave birth to the Little Chief in May
2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
The most challenging was adapting to having two children, each with their own set of
needs and wants.
3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
I found joy in my home, I really came into my own as far as homemaking and accomplishing
goals for our nest.
4. What was an unexpected obstacle?
There are always unexpected obstacles, this year I found that caring for two children and
letting go of my expectations for things was probably the biggest. Also, my husband was laid
off right before Christmas (with no timeline on returning to work).
5. Pick three words to describe 2011.
accomplishment, growth, change
6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2011 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).
change, learning, crafty
7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2011 (again, without asking).
unlucky, parenting, work
8. What were the best books you read this year?
With two little ones it's hard to read. I managed to work through a lot of Feeding the Whole
Family and The Rhythm of Family
9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?
I consider all of my relationships valuable.
10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?
My biggest personal change was moving into adulthood for good and realizing that what I want and need for my family is the most important thing.
11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
I'll have to think about this one.
12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
I came to terms with my adult version of spirituality and let go of expectations that friends
and family have. It's okay that I don't believe what everyone else believes.
13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?
Unfortunately I grew in weight.
14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
I have learned to communicate with other people on their emotional level and to let them
know that I may not understand their current emotion but that I will stand right beside them while they work through it (as opposed to trying to "fix").
15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
Honestly, the most enjoyable part of my work is that when times are slow I get to surf the net and check my fave blogs (don't tell).
16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
The most challenging work was at home (where I take my work seriously). Trying to be the best mama and wife possible and sometimes forgetting what is most important.
17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
Computer time (by far)
18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
Crafting, canning and spending time with family
19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?
Our little family is perfect for us and we have everything we need.
20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you.
The Year of Family Adjustments
1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
I gave birth to the Little Chief in May
2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
The most challenging was adapting to having two children, each with their own set of
needs and wants.
3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
I found joy in my home, I really came into my own as far as homemaking and accomplishing
goals for our nest.
4. What was an unexpected obstacle?
There are always unexpected obstacles, this year I found that caring for two children and
letting go of my expectations for things was probably the biggest. Also, my husband was laid
off right before Christmas (with no timeline on returning to work).
5. Pick three words to describe 2011.
accomplishment, growth, change
6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2011 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).
change, learning, crafty
7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2011 (again, without asking).
unlucky, parenting, work
8. What were the best books you read this year?
With two little ones it's hard to read. I managed to work through a lot of Feeding the Whole
Family and The Rhythm of Family
9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?
I consider all of my relationships valuable.
10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?
My biggest personal change was moving into adulthood for good and realizing that what I want and need for my family is the most important thing.
11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
I'll have to think about this one.
12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
I came to terms with my adult version of spirituality and let go of expectations that friends
and family have. It's okay that I don't believe what everyone else believes.
13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?
Unfortunately I grew in weight.
14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
I have learned to communicate with other people on their emotional level and to let them
know that I may not understand their current emotion but that I will stand right beside them while they work through it (as opposed to trying to "fix").
15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
Honestly, the most enjoyable part of my work is that when times are slow I get to surf the net and check my fave blogs (don't tell).
16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
The most challenging work was at home (where I take my work seriously). Trying to be the best mama and wife possible and sometimes forgetting what is most important.
17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
Computer time (by far)
18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
Crafting, canning and spending time with family
19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?
Our little family is perfect for us and we have everything we need.
20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you.
The Year of Family Adjustments
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Moods
Ahhh, moods...often uncontrollable and usually undesireable (at least if anyone is taking the time to notice). I started in a funk on New Years Eve and have been somewhere between grumpy and angry ever since. I've taken more vitamins and I've been drinking more water which seems to help but not quite enough. I have snapped at my children, flipped off other drivers and just generally been unkind. What does one do when it feels as if the moods have taken over her will. I want to be peaceful and happy. I want to be an uber-understanding super mama who doesn't care that it takes 3 hours to get ready to leave the house (with a 3 year old and a 7 mo old). My patience is thin and time seems so short. I don't want to miss one moment with my children and now I find myself rushing them, telling them to move along and hurrying them through every moment that should have been enjoyed.
I need to take back these moments and find something inside to help.
I'm planning to participate in the 10 day family re-charge. If you're reading this I hope you consider it too!
I need to take back these moments and find something inside to help.
I'm planning to participate in the 10 day family re-charge. If you're reading this I hope you consider it too!
Friday, September 9, 2011
First Year of Canning
So as I wrap up my first year of canning I want to remember a few things.
*can more salsa (and when you think you're done, can more)
*can more tomato sauce (and more)
*make more strawberry freezer jam at the peak of the season
*you cannot make too much salsa
*Farmers Market!
*plan to can
*need another big stock pot
*need jar lifter
*dehydrate some
*plan for gifting too!
The food tastes so much better, it's so worth the effort.
This year I made 7 pints of salsa, 4 peach salsa, 1 pint & 2 1/2 pints peach freezer jam, 8 1/2 pints strawberry freezer jam, zucchini pickles, cucumber pickles, 6 pints apple pie filling, 4 1/2 pints raspberry freezer jam, 4 pints tomato basil sauce.
Still need to freeze basil and cilantro.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Fall, Please Come Soon
Yum! I can taste and see the sights of fall already. My husband and I were just talking with Little Miss about autumn. Autumn is our favorite season. We love the warm drinks, baked goods, hearty meals, family times and warm fires. I will be in pure bliss right up until the world becomes red and green with Christmas (my most dreaded time). Give me your browns, your oranges and your goldenrods…my eyes will drink them up. I love nature walks in the fall. Little Miss loves gathering pinecones, seed pods and all things natural in the fall. Please come quickly fall!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
The Fuzzy Caterpillar
Once upon a time, mommy (who is a new gardener) went to the garden and found a big fat caterpillar. Now, Mommy was never afraid of bugs and Little Miss loves bugs so, Mommy introduced Little Miss to said caterpillar. He was named and he was allowed to live. Then he ate and ate and ate, not unlike the good old Eric Carle book. Mr. Caterpillar was a hungry little buggar. Maw Maw and Paw Paw came for a visit and we 
shared a look at Mr. Caterpillar.
shared a look at Mr. Caterpillar. Oh, wait...did I say caterpillar? I should have said "Jerk Face Horn Worm".
Get off of my plant JFHW. When I thought you were a fuzzy caterpillar I liked you but now I fear that I will have nightmares about you. P.S. I hope you choke on all of my tomato leaves that you ate.
Friday, August 26, 2011
We're Jammin'
Little Miss and I spent the evening making Strawberry Freezer Jam. She was so proud of the work she did. At three years old she is a whiz in the kitchen.
Here is our simple recipe:
1 2/3 c strawberries (smushed with a potato smasher)
2/3 c sugar
2 TBSP instant pectin
-stir together gently (she got really good at that)
-ladel into jars (all by herself)
-let sit for 30 minutes so the pectin can set (this was very hard)
-freeze or fridge
Lasts a year in the freezer and about a month once it's opened in the fridge
Delish!
Here is our simple recipe:
1 2/3 c strawberries (smushed with a potato smasher)
2/3 c sugar
2 TBSP instant pectin
-stir together gently (she got really good at that)
-ladel into jars (all by herself)
-let sit for 30 minutes so the pectin can set (this was very hard)
-freeze or fridge
Lasts a year in the freezer and about a month once it's opened in the fridge
Delish!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Mom...
Mom, come with me!
Mom, watch me jump in the trampoline!
Mom, watch me run through the sprinkler!
Mom, come on...run through the sprinkler with me!
Mom, there is a sea monster by the mailbox.
Mom, walk me to the mailbox to get the sea monster. It is red with a black tongue.
Mom, play with me!!!
Yes, Yes and Yes! I got to spend a fabulous evening with my little girl doing everything summer. Bubbles, sprinkler, sandbox and more! I loved every minute of it.
Crunchy Betty Honey Challenge
I am on day 3 of the Crunchy Betty Honey Challenge and I am in love! I have been washing my face with raw organic honey (I get mine at TJ's, so good and cheap). My skin has never felt better. I already loved Crunchy Betty but I have to admit that I haven't actually tried any of her recipes, well I'll be trying tons now. I saw old friends yesterday (on day 2) and they were already commenting on how great my skin looks.
Here's the deal, I take a scoop of honey (not much) and rub it all over my face. When I'm in a hurry I splash water and take it off right away, when I'm not I leave it for a minute or two. You will never believe how quickly and easily honey washes right off of your skin. I have a newborn and a 3 year old so mostly I'm in a hurry.
Note: Do not get this stuff in your hair, skin and hair are very different worlds when you're talking about honey.
On another note, I have finally learned how to use a Moby Wrap! Now we'll just see if the Little Chief enjoys it.
Here's the deal, I take a scoop of honey (not much) and rub it all over my face. When I'm in a hurry I splash water and take it off right away, when I'm not I leave it for a minute or two. You will never believe how quickly and easily honey washes right off of your skin. I have a newborn and a 3 year old so mostly I'm in a hurry.
Note: Do not get this stuff in your hair, skin and hair are very different worlds when you're talking about honey.
On another note, I have finally learned how to use a Moby Wrap! Now we'll just see if the Little Chief enjoys it.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
What of it?
Mother, authentic parent, attachment parent, organic parent, self improver, lover, friend, non-violent, ever simplifying, teacher, student, humanist, American, global thinker....and so much more.
Ahhh Love
I am in love. I am totally in love and stressed to the max. I am so happy and exhausted and stressed (did I mention that?). My new son is here, my daughter is feeling extremely lost and I am stressed, oh and exhausted. It's a good stress and a good exhaustion (that's what I'm supposed to say right?). It is a wonderful thing. Late at night when it's just me and LC (Little Chief) I stare into his eyes and feel all that love. I caress his little fingers and smile. It's amazing that we made this life and that we will never do it again.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Starting Over
It has been a lifetime since I've posted to this blog. I am now expecting Chief Jr. who is due to make his appearance any day. We are insanely excited and I am insanely exhausted. I have been putting all of my energy into making special times with Little Miss before Chief Jr. arrives. Today we went to her Little Sprouts class, spent lunch with Maw & Paw, scrounged around the thrift store for anything white and then made it home to tie dye. This was our first time tie dying together and needless to say that tie dying with a toddler is...interesting. after we sprayed and splashed the whole drive way with color Little Miss covered herself in wet sand and played with the hose. Things had become very messy when she announced she was itchy (a mosquito bit her) and she was "going in to take a bath". Thank goodness for small favors. My swollen feet are covered in dye and my fingers are blueish green, if fate has it I will go into labor looking like a smurf.
Great thrift store finds today: white pillowcases and cloth napkins (for tie dying of course), two Winnie the Pooh books (.60/ea) and a Curious George book (.80), a book titled "The Princess and the Potty" which LM loved, an orange child's construction hat and a lovely jewelry box for LM that I neglected to take a real before shot of but I will take a mid-way and post. Total $13.00
Thursday, July 15, 2010
UgghhhhhArrrrggghhhh Really?
I have a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. My husband was laid off in May and now my part-time job (10-15 hours per week) that sustained us has reorganized. They would like me to work 30 hours a week. I can't I just can't. When asked if I would like to pick up "a few" hours I thought maybe so but now I want to barf.
I don't want to lose the few hours I do work but I have a picture of the most beautiful girl in the world on my desk and I just can't let her grow up with other people. I love our days at the zoo when all of the other kids are in school, our interesting nature walks and our days with no plans at all.
I am feeling an extreme amount of pressure with Chief out of work. I also feel sick that I will alienate people in a place that I intend to return to work full-time someday. So trust me folks, I know how hard it can be to stay home as much as possible.
I would like to thank Clover Lane for reminding me "What Not to Regret". I have referred to that post time and time again. I can only hope that it will not cause any difficulties for me in the future. If it does, I'm sure I'll survive...after all, no one gets out of life alive.
I don't want to lose the few hours I do work but I have a picture of the most beautiful girl in the world on my desk and I just can't let her grow up with other people. I love our days at the zoo when all of the other kids are in school, our interesting nature walks and our days with no plans at all.
I am feeling an extreme amount of pressure with Chief out of work. I also feel sick that I will alienate people in a place that I intend to return to work full-time someday. So trust me folks, I know how hard it can be to stay home as much as possible.
I would like to thank Clover Lane for reminding me "What Not to Regret". I have referred to that post time and time again. I can only hope that it will not cause any difficulties for me in the future. If it does, I'm sure I'll survive...after all, no one gets out of life alive.
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