On th menu for tomorrow:
Strawberry smoothies!
Strawberry Almond Shortcake!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Hey Julie Mama
Book Club Night. Way. Too. Late. But always enjoyable.
So Mark and I fought about something stupid tonight before I left for book club. I get home tonight and he has completely cleaned the house. Even the boys' little tea set is set up perfectly on their kid table. What does this mean? Did he do this as a way to say, "I'm sorry?" Or is it a "See, you lazy bum, if you just tried you could make this house look good during the day."
I'm waking up in 5 hours to go strawberry picking. That is if I go to sleep now.
So Mark and I fought about something stupid tonight before I left for book club. I get home tonight and he has completely cleaned the house. Even the boys' little tea set is set up perfectly on their kid table. What does this mean? Did he do this as a way to say, "I'm sorry?" Or is it a "See, you lazy bum, if you just tried you could make this house look good during the day."
I'm waking up in 5 hours to go strawberry picking. That is if I go to sleep now.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Memorial Day
In memory of my grandpas....
WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES
Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times?
I've known how the 21 gun salute was determined (adding the individual digits of 1776), but only recently learned why the flag was folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran.
HERE IT IS: The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust". After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. There are some traditions and ways of doing things which have deep meaning. You will see many flags folded in the coming weeks, and now you will know why.
WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS FOLDED 13 TIMES
Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times?
I've known how the 21 gun salute was determined (adding the individual digits of 1776), but only recently learned why the flag was folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran.
HERE IT IS: The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust". After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. There are some traditions and ways of doing things which have deep meaning. You will see many flags folded in the coming weeks, and now you will know why.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
My Birthday Boys
We had Will and Jack's birthday party today. A Mexican fiesta, American style. Lots of chicken and cheese. Will requested an ice cream cake, which I made for him, and Jack got a lemon cake, which Daddy requested and Grandma made.
The whole family was here, and the boys and their cousins enjoyed playing in the pool. It was a really good day. Mark's mom is a huge help and the house looks good. I love Grandmas. I also realized that I must be close to being as "normal" as I can get as I had very, very little anxiety all day. I could not have done all this last year. I can't even remember their party last year, actually.
Pictures to come soon.
My babies are 4 and 2. I can't believe it!!!!
The whole family was here, and the boys and their cousins enjoyed playing in the pool. It was a really good day. Mark's mom is a huge help and the house looks good. I love Grandmas. I also realized that I must be close to being as "normal" as I can get as I had very, very little anxiety all day. I could not have done all this last year. I can't even remember their party last year, actually.
Pictures to come soon.
My babies are 4 and 2. I can't believe it!!!!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Hey Julie Mama
Hailey is on life support and surgery has not happened yet. However, Jennifer and Keenan will be talking to another couple that daughter had the same condition, and had the surgery and is now a happy, healthy 2 year old. I am praying.
Mark's parents arrive today. They have had a difficult week - the husband of their "best couple" died and the funeral was this week. They were friends for 50 years. 50 years! Now the baby. They don't handle stress well and I worry about them. All that on top of a 9 hour drive to see us.
Oh, and the news that my unmarried nephew and his girlfriend are expecting a baby, Mark's parents must be completely beside themselves. Although I secretely am SO excited for our nephew. He will grow up fast, and he will take the challenge on with dignity. He'll be an amazing daddy.
Mark's parents arrive today. They have had a difficult week - the husband of their "best couple" died and the funeral was this week. They were friends for 50 years. 50 years! Now the baby. They don't handle stress well and I worry about them. All that on top of a 9 hour drive to see us.
Oh, and the news that my unmarried nephew and his girlfriend are expecting a baby, Mark's parents must be completely beside themselves. Although I secretely am SO excited for our nephew. He will grow up fast, and he will take the challenge on with dignity. He'll be an amazing daddy.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
pray for baby Hailey
Hailey, my niece's first baby, was born last night with a hole in her diaphragm, and her intestines exposed. Surgery is today and I have no idea what to expect or how serious this is... nonetheless it does not sound good and not something I would want to experience as a mother. ever.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Mmmm. Soap.
Today a friend and I made a bunch of sweet smelling soap. My favorite is the oatmeal/ylang ylang with beet powder that turned it pink, and the coffee/oatmeal/peppermint. Or the honey/almond with beeswax. I'm hooked. On our way to see Ms. Diana and visit The Dolphin Song, I'm stopping by the beeswax place tomorrow for a look around. I want/need more beeswax and candle molds to make candles for our fireplace, and they also sell soapmaking supplies there! So maybe I'll pick out another soap mold.
Will started the day out being completely WILD. He eventually found a groove and all kids played well. But sometimes I can't believe the stuff he does. For example... the kids were playing in the basement and Will had gone into the garage, climbed up onto Daddy's work bench to get nails and a hammer and went back downstairs and --just as I went to the basement to check on them --- he was getting ready to nail a blanket into the pool table, because "the door to their fort kept falling down."
Eeks. Nice. Sure Daddy would be cool with that and all.
Birthday party for both boys this weekend. I have grand plans of making birthday crowns, log blocks (five are sanded so far), and two cakes. Plus dinner for all the family coming over on Saturday. Mark's parents are visiting from Michigan and will be here Thursday night. I believe we are going to a Paul Mesner puppet show on Friday. Fun times! But can I get this all done?
Will started the day out being completely WILD. He eventually found a groove and all kids played well. But sometimes I can't believe the stuff he does. For example... the kids were playing in the basement and Will had gone into the garage, climbed up onto Daddy's work bench to get nails and a hammer and went back downstairs and --just as I went to the basement to check on them --- he was getting ready to nail a blanket into the pool table, because "the door to their fort kept falling down."
Eeks. Nice. Sure Daddy would be cool with that and all.
Birthday party for both boys this weekend. I have grand plans of making birthday crowns, log blocks (five are sanded so far), and two cakes. Plus dinner for all the family coming over on Saturday. Mark's parents are visiting from Michigan and will be here Thursday night. I believe we are going to a Paul Mesner puppet show on Friday. Fun times! But can I get this all done?
Sunday, May 21, 2006
na-na na na na-na
I have in my freezer:
Chickpea Spinach pasta
High Protein Pasta
Black Bean and Corn Burritos
Red Bean Polenta
Beet Soup
Spinach Lasagna
Asparagus Quiche
Gumbo
Salmon Broccoli Noodle Casserole
Mandarin Chicken
Turkey Meatloaf
Jumbalya
Asian Turkey Burgers
and in the fridge,
Gazpacho!
Wow!!!!!
Chickpea Spinach pasta
High Protein Pasta
Black Bean and Corn Burritos
Red Bean Polenta
Beet Soup
Spinach Lasagna
Asparagus Quiche
Gumbo
Salmon Broccoli Noodle Casserole
Mandarin Chicken
Turkey Meatloaf
Jumbalya
Asian Turkey Burgers
and in the fridge,
Gazpacho!
Wow!!!!!
Friday, May 19, 2006
My Abe
Mark has come thru for me today with the kids and the garage sale (after we had a terrible morning fight)... he took the day off and played with the kids. In fact, they are still playing - out on the boat. I am still cooking.
Jack has not nursed ALL day. Tonight we were trying to convince him to stay with me and not go on the boat and I suggested we sit down and nurse and he said, "No! Da-da! Bo!" So he went on the boat. : )
Jack has not nursed ALL day. Tonight we were trying to convince him to stay with me and not go on the boat and I suggested we sit down and nurse and he said, "No! Da-da! Bo!" So he went on the boat. : )
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Cramps, Garage Sale, Cooking.
That's me right now. I am on a mission to earn enough money to buy me a Vita-Mix. To make that raw milk ice cream! : )
Monday, May 15, 2006
More than $165,000
There's a news article circulating that talks about how much a SAHM is worth, monetarily.
But they are a bit off on calculation. I say double that figure because they need to add into that all the consulting, counciling, nursing, and so on that incurs from being a wife. Gah!
I always tell Mark I am his Mary Lincoln. Where would he be without ME? : )
But they are a bit off on calculation. I say double that figure because they need to add into that all the consulting, counciling, nursing, and so on that incurs from being a wife. Gah!
I always tell Mark I am his Mary Lincoln. Where would he be without ME? : )
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Mama.
This was a family weekend, one of those weekends that we think, oh yeah, that's why we live here.
Saturday the boys and I went with grandpa to great grandmas house to chop some wood for 1) our outdoor fire place that a friend picked up for us while curbing 2) to build the bean pole tee pee in the backyard and 3) to make tree blocks for Will for his birthday (pending that Daddy works it into his schedule to at least get them sanded by the end of this month.) The boys were able to visit with great grandma and hang out with their great Aunt Kathy. Jack even cuddled up with Aunt Kathy and fell asleep on her while watching, ahem, The Grinch. He never falls asleep for anyone like that! I love that they get to spend some time over there. On the way there, Will said, "Mommy, great grandmas house smells funny." : ) I told him that everyone's house has different smells and you just get use to it after awhile. : ) That is better than what he said last time - to grandma - and that was that she smelled funny.
The afternoon was spent at the park with cousins. Evening was a little family bike ride around the lake. Will is riding his own bike now!
This morning my mom, sister and myself went to Unity for a (unfortunately not so inspiring) Mother's Day service. Then hung out at my sister's for awhile with everyone before my family headed, with my mom, to a huge nursery to buy flowers for my newly- installed-by-my-hunky-hubby flower beds.
Somewhere in between all that we stopped by my Dad's and wished my step mom a happy day. I gave all the mother's flowers in some paper baskets that I colored and made, along with a beeswax votive candle that I also made.
And amazingly, there was very little bickering among the Richardson women! A grand feat!
But now Mark is trying to get Will down to sleep and I so wish he would go down so Mark and I can just hang out. But I hear him still chatting away. He will fall asleep just soon enough for Jack to wake up, I am sure.
Saturday the boys and I went with grandpa to great grandmas house to chop some wood for 1) our outdoor fire place that a friend picked up for us while curbing 2) to build the bean pole tee pee in the backyard and 3) to make tree blocks for Will for his birthday (pending that Daddy works it into his schedule to at least get them sanded by the end of this month.) The boys were able to visit with great grandma and hang out with their great Aunt Kathy. Jack even cuddled up with Aunt Kathy and fell asleep on her while watching, ahem, The Grinch. He never falls asleep for anyone like that! I love that they get to spend some time over there. On the way there, Will said, "Mommy, great grandmas house smells funny." : ) I told him that everyone's house has different smells and you just get use to it after awhile. : ) That is better than what he said last time - to grandma - and that was that she smelled funny.
The afternoon was spent at the park with cousins. Evening was a little family bike ride around the lake. Will is riding his own bike now!
This morning my mom, sister and myself went to Unity for a (unfortunately not so inspiring) Mother's Day service. Then hung out at my sister's for awhile with everyone before my family headed, with my mom, to a huge nursery to buy flowers for my newly- installed-by-my-hunky-hubby flower beds.
Somewhere in between all that we stopped by my Dad's and wished my step mom a happy day. I gave all the mother's flowers in some paper baskets that I colored and made, along with a beeswax votive candle that I also made.
And amazingly, there was very little bickering among the Richardson women! A grand feat!
But now Mark is trying to get Will down to sleep and I so wish he would go down so Mark and I can just hang out. But I hear him still chatting away. He will fall asleep just soon enough for Jack to wake up, I am sure.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Here.
I'm feeling disjointed. Perhaps its because I am hurting - neck, arm,shoulder, hand... very annoying. Perhaps because Mark has not been around much. He is busy with Stuff that I know he Has To Do.
Anyway.
The Children's Song Waldorf School.
We enjoyed our visit with the director and the pre-school teacher-- sitting in the screened-in porch sipping tea and munching on fresh baked rolls. Very Waldorfy. Lol. I'm glad to have another Walorf presence in Kansas City - I say the more the merrier. The school will have a parent/toddler program, pre-school, kindergarten (they have broken the pre-school and kindergarten out as I am assuming the pre-school may be more like child care), and homeschooling classes. We got into a bit deep discussion on anthroposophy, which I am studying and okay with but which Mark was like, Steiner said WHAT? Hee-hee. Mark and I, though, have agreed that Lake Farm seems to suit us better. We have a history there already and, if we choose preschool, that is where we will send our Will. : ) I do have to say Lake Farm has a fabulous space, and homemade items from the Meisengers that Children's Song doesn't have. Perhaps down the road we will see what kind of homeschooling classes are offered at The Children's Song.
Anyway.
The Children's Song Waldorf School.
We enjoyed our visit with the director and the pre-school teacher-- sitting in the screened-in porch sipping tea and munching on fresh baked rolls. Very Waldorfy. Lol. I'm glad to have another Walorf presence in Kansas City - I say the more the merrier. The school will have a parent/toddler program, pre-school, kindergarten (they have broken the pre-school and kindergarten out as I am assuming the pre-school may be more like child care), and homeschooling classes. We got into a bit deep discussion on anthroposophy, which I am studying and okay with but which Mark was like, Steiner said WHAT? Hee-hee. Mark and I, though, have agreed that Lake Farm seems to suit us better. We have a history there already and, if we choose preschool, that is where we will send our Will. : ) I do have to say Lake Farm has a fabulous space, and homemade items from the Meisengers that Children's Song doesn't have. Perhaps down the road we will see what kind of homeschooling classes are offered at The Children's Song.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
blech blah
help me here. I can't believe how hard having two kids is. teething sucks. boo-boos suck. chaos reins. my internal voice is on hyperdrive - i know its me causing this but how do i stop the train? ACK!
I just put the kids in the car and we are going to get mommy a cup of coffee.
I just put the kids in the car and we are going to get mommy a cup of coffee.
Monday, May 08, 2006
And what are YOU doing?
I'm making Spanakopita while Jack is in the Ergo, stuffing red grapes down the back of my shirt. Cold grapes. Brrr!
Sunday, May 07, 2006
In Breath
Busy weekend. Mom and I went to a Raw Foods class and loved it. Mom is going to buy a dehydrator - she's totally into it. We hope to take some more classes from the same person, including a soapmaking class and more advanced raw food classes. I found out there is a Raw Foodies group that meets at Wild Oats in Mission once a month. It would be fun to go sometime to get inspired. I love raw food dishes, but I also love the ice cream I just ate. Sigh. I'm thinking I'm going to use the money from our garage sale in a couple weeks and buy a dehydrator. I want a vita-mix too. Damn! For what I spent a few years ago on our stupid microvwave, I could have bought these! I learn EVERYTHING after its too late. Humpffff.
The boys and I walked the labryinth today at Unity Village - seeing as we can't last more than 15 minutes in the service- and the kids loved it.
http://www.lessons4living.com/labyrinth.htm
Tomorrow Mark and I are taking a peek at the new Waldorf school opening up in Kansas City. Then I will be home for laundry, and catching up on this forgotton home. I'm cooking spanakopita again tomorrow! I got a huge bag of spinach at the Farmer's market (River Market) on Saturday and need to use it up. Still have phyllo dough in freezer so there ya go. I have tons of food in this house right now. Lots of fresh food, too. We could hibernate for awhile.
The boys and I walked the labryinth today at Unity Village - seeing as we can't last more than 15 minutes in the service- and the kids loved it.
http://www.lessons4living.com/labyrinth.htm
Tomorrow Mark and I are taking a peek at the new Waldorf school opening up in Kansas City. Then I will be home for laundry, and catching up on this forgotton home. I'm cooking spanakopita again tomorrow! I got a huge bag of spinach at the Farmer's market (River Market) on Saturday and need to use it up. Still have phyllo dough in freezer so there ya go. I have tons of food in this house right now. Lots of fresh food, too. We could hibernate for awhile.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Yang
It cracks me up that any "SAHM bliss" kind of days are so quickly followed by not so blissful days. I mean, it was a nice enough day but definitely no susie homemaker moments.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Good days
I feel... fulfilled. I've been having some of those perfect SAHM days lately. The ones I daydreamed about before kids. Some people may not have had these dreams, but I did. I dreamed of standing in the kitchen cooking while my kids played out in the back yard, in the sandbox Daddy built them. I love watching them from afar - and seeing where their imagination leads them. I love hearing distant conversations between the boys when they are completely involved in their own little world and have no realization of my intruding little ears listening in on their talk.
The beauty in slmplicity astonishes me sometimes. The more mindful I am at keeping our life simple, the better it is.
The beauty in slmplicity astonishes me sometimes. The more mindful I am at keeping our life simple, the better it is.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Clarity, Focus, Grace and Ease
I'd really like to write more about this as this is what the sermon was at church yesterday. But I think instead I am going to walk up the stairs, crawl into bed, close my eyes, and go to sleep with clarity, focus, grace and ease.
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