We quit violin lessons! I was feeling okay about this until I just saw my last post.... a bit of a pang in the heart seeing that.
But music lives on. There are so many opportunities for Will and I want him to enjoy the exploration of it all. The violins are still out, he has actually picked it up more this week than usual. We both have a sense of relief I believe. All I can say is that a week goes by really fast with a 5 year old and 3 year old and we were never practicing enough. Now its at our pace. Or maybe not at all. I'm glad I don't have to drive to lessons anymore.
I've been working very hard at keeping a routine around here. We stay home almost every morning now (except Wednesday they are at Grandma's but that is homey too!), adventure time is in the afternoon. Our schedule has lightened a bit since the pottery class Will wanted to take was cancelled on Wednesdays, and now with quitting violin we have no Friday morning lesson. So our week goes:
Mondays:
I watch my sister's little almost 3 year old boy on Mondays. Usually this is a good thing if everyone is in a cooperative mood.
We take a short morning walk.
I declare Mondays my cleaning day. The three boys usually follow me around the house most the morning.
We have a craft time mid morning (play doh, coloring, easy stuff).
Lunch and then rest time.
Afternoons we go to a gymnastics class - all three boys participate and really enjoy it. Its cute to watch.
Will goes to his NAET appointment after class.
Tuesdays:
Home all morning.
Walk or bike ride.
This is wet-on-wet painting day. I will post some of the creations soon.
Lunch, and rest time.
In the late afternoon I take the boys to grandma's and they spend the night there so Mark and I can attend the Discipline Without Damage parenting class. We have 4 more weeks of this arrangement and everyone is loving it!
Wednesday morning:
I pick boys up at grandma's around 10:30 am. So this means I get the morning to get the house cleaned up a bit, and plan out lunch and dinner for the day. Peacefully. Shower. Peacefully.
Next week the boys will be going to tour a Fire Station with the South KC homeschooling group and I will meet them there and then bring them home in time for lunch/naps.
Thursday.
Home in the morning.
This is baking day once I get a stove again. We need to have quick snacks for the weekend prepared.
I'm trying to plan most play dates or "adventures" on this day (Paradise Park, Library, etc) for afternoon. Today we went to The Children's Peace Pavillion in Independence.
Friday.
Home now in the morning!
I do have use of my sister on this day for babysitting as needed. Its a swap since I watch her ds on Mondays.
Tomorrow she is walking over and will take Jack for a walk in the stroller so Will and I can spend some time at home.
There is a homeschooling "recess" day in Lee's Summit I would like to take Will to but the timing is bad. I don't think we'll be doing it. My rest time, I mean, the boys rest time is too important to mess with. If I just stay committed to being home at rest time, life is so much better. Why don't I get that?
I think I will use Fridays for our more complex craft time. For example, we are making Kites for Michelmas so we would do that on this day. Will is also currently really interested in space and is working on a Space Mobile. He is painting the planets now, but we have run into a problem because he is insistent on giving Jupiter to Grandma. I really want Jupiter in our solar system.
Will has requested this week, however, we go to this little stream we found in the "woods" at a park a few miles away so we'll do that in the afternoon.
Saturday:
Every other week is Lake Farm School. We also have festivals thru the seasons to enjoy. Our weekends stay busy.
Sundays:
Either we go to Unity or we go watch Mark play hockey in the morning.
Other things the boys get to enjoy:
Fishing with grandpa.
Going down the street to see Amy (my 17 year old sister).
Making projects with Papa Scot. A treasure chest has been requested to I need to get Papa Scot on that. After he finishes all the work he is doing for us around this house. lol.
So this sounds pretty good to me except for a few problems:
I have GOT to get a routine down for meal purchasing and preparation. Of course, a stove would help.
But I also want a recipe list. I was thinking of making a calendar of meals just like a school does so all I have to do is look at the calendar and know what to make. And just make the same stuff on the same day each week. Or rotate out a schedule every few weeks. I'm sure there is something on the Internet I could use. Must get this organized.
I also have GOT to figure out how to get more exercise. Walking and bike riding doesn't cut it.
Now its time to go to bed.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Oh what fun...
This week was great. I wish I had it in pictures, it would be so much more interesting.
Monday was all day play with their cousin Reed here at home, and the Will's NAET appt.
Tuesday we spent up at a lake in Lawson, MO with other homeschoolers celebrating the summer. Will thought it was so cool to have all those homeschoolers in one place. He is now even answering on his own when the "Oh, will you start Kindergaren this year?" question comes his way. "Actually, I'm homeschooling." Mama is thrilled. Though the other day he did ask why can't he homeschool AND go to school. I told him next year - when he goes to Lake Farm School two days a week (hoping that works out the way I envision).
Wednesday we hung out in the morning and played and visited Grandpa and Na-na's house in the afternoon (a short walk down the street).
Thursday morning we got to see a friend of mine from high school - went swimming at the Harrisonville community center for her dd's birthday. Josie is the same age as Will. I also realized Harrisonville's community center is almost as close to me as Lee's Summits! Shows how freaking far south we are. The afternoon was spent making and playing with the cardboard swords and shields my True Knights in Shining Armor begged to make. Jackie is so much trying to say "SHHHHield" instead of "FFField." He's working on it.
Friday was violin lessons. We take lessons with another 5 year old girl and her father. They are fabulous violinists (he was a Suzuki kid himself growing up). I am working very hard to stay inspired and not intimidated. Will is really enjoying playing with them. He took to heart the father's suggestion that he "practices ONLY on the days he sleeps. Or eats." : ) Of course, all of Will's practice time is um, free flowing you could say. He has no interest in formal instruction from me.
After we hung out at Grandma's for awhile and then came home. Ate dinner out at La Fuentes.
Saturday - another hanging out kind of day! Oh, and picking ticks off of everyone from being at grandma's the day before... I think the ticks came from good old dog Bluey, who had to hang out in the backyard all day
.
Tomorrow we go to Liberty Memorial and meet friends of Mark's from work ---- taking all the dogs to the dog park. Should be.... interesting. First thing in the morning Will goes fishing with Grandpa down at our lake.
I'm currently downloading a bunch of pics on the other computer and plan to compile a "summer of pics" for here.
The entire week Will was just amazing. I mean there were still 5 year old moments and all but it was all more manageable -- his frustrations, his disapointments. Yes, he got mad over things, talked back about things but didn't completely fall apart over and over and over again. Its so much easier to handle the rough times when they don't come at you every 15 seconds.
This week he:
Created many great art pieces. He rarely sits and colors. This week he drew about 5 pictures. He made a picture for his friend's birthday and asked me how to spell her name. Actually he asked me to spell it in the air --- and then he copied down what I wrote in the air.
Created his own "albums" with paper and tape. He made the album cover, and then the album to slip inside it.
Created -I don't even know what but its a huge mess of strings and boxes and papers and clips in my living room.
Made paper airplanes with Daddy
Played a board game - Auntie Ruth's Apples.
Played his violin! Mississipi Hot Dog, and Cabbage, Cabbage.... (boil that cabbage down!).
And here's a biggie - he helped clean up tonight. He went nuts cleaning and organizing. Mark and I looked at each other like, "who IS this kid?" : )
And Jack?
He was right there with Will. Making messes, being a knight, or a pirate, or a cowboy or a doctor. Saving us all week long. Giving us his big sweet smile.
Yes, this week deserved pictures.
Monday was all day play with their cousin Reed here at home, and the Will's NAET appt.
Tuesday we spent up at a lake in Lawson, MO with other homeschoolers celebrating the summer. Will thought it was so cool to have all those homeschoolers in one place. He is now even answering on his own when the "Oh, will you start Kindergaren this year?" question comes his way. "Actually, I'm homeschooling." Mama is thrilled. Though the other day he did ask why can't he homeschool AND go to school. I told him next year - when he goes to Lake Farm School two days a week (hoping that works out the way I envision).
Wednesday we hung out in the morning and played and visited Grandpa and Na-na's house in the afternoon (a short walk down the street).
Thursday morning we got to see a friend of mine from high school - went swimming at the Harrisonville community center for her dd's birthday. Josie is the same age as Will. I also realized Harrisonville's community center is almost as close to me as Lee's Summits! Shows how freaking far south we are. The afternoon was spent making and playing with the cardboard swords and shields my True Knights in Shining Armor begged to make. Jackie is so much trying to say "SHHHHield" instead of "FFField." He's working on it.
Friday was violin lessons. We take lessons with another 5 year old girl and her father. They are fabulous violinists (he was a Suzuki kid himself growing up). I am working very hard to stay inspired and not intimidated. Will is really enjoying playing with them. He took to heart the father's suggestion that he "practices ONLY on the days he sleeps. Or eats." : ) Of course, all of Will's practice time is um, free flowing you could say. He has no interest in formal instruction from me.
After we hung out at Grandma's for awhile and then came home. Ate dinner out at La Fuentes.
Saturday - another hanging out kind of day! Oh, and picking ticks off of everyone from being at grandma's the day before... I think the ticks came from good old dog Bluey, who had to hang out in the backyard all day
.
Tomorrow we go to Liberty Memorial and meet friends of Mark's from work ---- taking all the dogs to the dog park. Should be.... interesting. First thing in the morning Will goes fishing with Grandpa down at our lake.
I'm currently downloading a bunch of pics on the other computer and plan to compile a "summer of pics" for here.
The entire week Will was just amazing. I mean there were still 5 year old moments and all but it was all more manageable -- his frustrations, his disapointments. Yes, he got mad over things, talked back about things but didn't completely fall apart over and over and over again. Its so much easier to handle the rough times when they don't come at you every 15 seconds.
This week he:
Created many great art pieces. He rarely sits and colors. This week he drew about 5 pictures. He made a picture for his friend's birthday and asked me how to spell her name. Actually he asked me to spell it in the air --- and then he copied down what I wrote in the air.
Created his own "albums" with paper and tape. He made the album cover, and then the album to slip inside it.
Created -I don't even know what but its a huge mess of strings and boxes and papers and clips in my living room.
Made paper airplanes with Daddy
Played a board game - Auntie Ruth's Apples.
Played his violin! Mississipi Hot Dog, and Cabbage, Cabbage.... (boil that cabbage down!).
And here's a biggie - he helped clean up tonight. He went nuts cleaning and organizing. Mark and I looked at each other like, "who IS this kid?" : )
And Jack?
He was right there with Will. Making messes, being a knight, or a pirate, or a cowboy or a doctor. Saving us all week long. Giving us his big sweet smile.
Yes, this week deserved pictures.
Monday, August 13, 2007
NAET updates.
Will has now been to 3 NAET appointments. He has been treated for Body Balance, Egg Mix, and Vitamin C. The past couple of weeks have been hell - screaming fits, rage, attitude. Exemplified. Today he was treated for Vitamin C. Tonight for the first time (he's 5) ever we played a board game. Other than quick games of Animal Lotto (a year ago) I've never been able to have him sit thru a game and play. But he also had a really grand day playing with his cousin all day. Very few outbursts. They had a blast (here at home) playing dress up and tons of imaginative play. Maybe he was just at ease for a change because of that. ???
At his appointment he was also treated for emotions - panic and irritation. Last week he was treated for fear. I think I could be treated for all the same things!
I'm going to start documenting all of this. I've given up on Feingold for now just because ELIMINATION DIETS SUCK! I'm tired living with so many questions. Or maybe there is nothing to question.
A few months ago during the Weird Breathing Thing, x-rays from the pulmonologist showed he had "mild asthma" (i.e. mild fluid in the lungs). The pulmonologist basically said The Weird Breathing Thing was not related to that, but hey, come back in Septmember for more x-rays and we'll talk meds. Okay he wasn't SO blatant about the meds but he did look me solemnly in the eye and asked me, "do I have your commitment that you will return in the Fall for more testing?" It just freaked me out. I squirmed - I felt like it would be Noted In A File if I said no. I just said I would see. Nope, no meds thank you. Not yet. I need to fing out the issue not just cover it up.
At his appointment he was also treated for emotions - panic and irritation. Last week he was treated for fear. I think I could be treated for all the same things!
I'm going to start documenting all of this. I've given up on Feingold for now just because ELIMINATION DIETS SUCK! I'm tired living with so many questions. Or maybe there is nothing to question.
A few months ago during the Weird Breathing Thing, x-rays from the pulmonologist showed he had "mild asthma" (i.e. mild fluid in the lungs). The pulmonologist basically said The Weird Breathing Thing was not related to that, but hey, come back in Septmember for more x-rays and we'll talk meds. Okay he wasn't SO blatant about the meds but he did look me solemnly in the eye and asked me, "do I have your commitment that you will return in the Fall for more testing?" It just freaked me out. I squirmed - I felt like it would be Noted In A File if I said no. I just said I would see. Nope, no meds thank you. Not yet. I need to fing out the issue not just cover it up.
Friday, August 03, 2007
All We Really Need Is...
a tree.
"The Buddist scriptures tells us there are 8 objections to living in a house:
it is a lot of trouble to build;
it must be kept in repair;
some nobleman might seize it;
too many people may want to live in or visit it;
it makes the body tender;
it provides concealment for committing evil deeds;
it causes pride of ownership;
and it harbors lice and bugs.
"There are ten advantages, on the other hand, in residing under a tree:
it can be found with ease;
in can be found in any locality;
the sight of falling leaves is a reminder of the impermanence of life;
a tree arouses no covetous thoughts;
it affords no opportunity for evil deeds;
it is not received from any person;
it is inhabitated by good spirits;
it needs no fence;
it promotes health;
it does not involve worldly attachments."
--Pujimaliya
"The Buddist scriptures tells us there are 8 objections to living in a house:
it is a lot of trouble to build;
it must be kept in repair;
some nobleman might seize it;
too many people may want to live in or visit it;
it makes the body tender;
it provides concealment for committing evil deeds;
it causes pride of ownership;
and it harbors lice and bugs.
"There are ten advantages, on the other hand, in residing under a tree:
it can be found with ease;
in can be found in any locality;
the sight of falling leaves is a reminder of the impermanence of life;
a tree arouses no covetous thoughts;
it affords no opportunity for evil deeds;
it is not received from any person;
it is inhabitated by good spirits;
it needs no fence;
it promotes health;
it does not involve worldly attachments."
--Pujimaliya
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Seven Random Things about Me.
Oh yea, I just discovered that Sarah at www.naptimemusings.blogspotlcom tagged me.I don't think I've ever been tagged and feel quite special!
Seven Random Things About Me"
1. This is harder than I thought. Sarah's seven things reminded me that I absolutely can't stand going to sleep with one of my closet doors opened. Just can't sleep.
2. I had a tattoo laser removed. I have nothing aganst tattoos, just the dumb ass one I had on my ankle that reminded me of a very wild and dark time in my past. It cost $1,500 and was worth every penny and cancerous cell in my body. I would actually get another one as long as it wasn't a dumb ass one.
3. I also had a hard time deciding on a major in college and ended up with a freaking degree before I ever decided what I wanted to do with my life. My degree was fancifully called Business Communications but really meant Marketing.
4. My most inspirational song was sung by Kermit the Frog, "The Rainbow Connection."
5. My kids seriously freak me out on a daily basis.
6. Some Day. Poof. I will be Free.
7. No More Kids. (Think Tears For Fears.) None. Nada. Zilch. Although I can say my body is begging for one. I can tell. Never noticed this before, but these days. I can tell.
Seven Random Things About Me"
1. This is harder than I thought. Sarah's seven things reminded me that I absolutely can't stand going to sleep with one of my closet doors opened. Just can't sleep.
2. I had a tattoo laser removed. I have nothing aganst tattoos, just the dumb ass one I had on my ankle that reminded me of a very wild and dark time in my past. It cost $1,500 and was worth every penny and cancerous cell in my body. I would actually get another one as long as it wasn't a dumb ass one.
3. I also had a hard time deciding on a major in college and ended up with a freaking degree before I ever decided what I wanted to do with my life. My degree was fancifully called Business Communications but really meant Marketing.
4. My most inspirational song was sung by Kermit the Frog, "The Rainbow Connection."
5. My kids seriously freak me out on a daily basis.
6. Some Day. Poof. I will be Free.
7. No More Kids. (Think Tears For Fears.) None. Nada. Zilch. Although I can say my body is begging for one. I can tell. Never noticed this before, but these days. I can tell.
Maybe I should post this.
Today Will told me:
"Mommy, I feel like my whole body is spinning, spiniing, spinning, all the time."
I can tell.
Oh, the pain a mother feels when she knows she is failing her child.
"Mommy, I feel like my whole body is spinning, spiniing, spinning, all the time."
I can tell.
Oh, the pain a mother feels when she knows she is failing her child.
I'm worn out.
I've been thinking about posting and complaining all day. I am drained. I seriously never knew how much I needed to work on my CHARACTER until I had kids. Mostly after Jack. Escpecially after Jack. Damn, I was a good mom to Will the first two years. What the hell.
Pause.
Just about to go into a rant, looked at the computer and saw My Number. I'm an 11:11 person. Let me pause.
Stay in THIS moment.
And start again tomorrow.
Pause.
Just about to go into a rant, looked at the computer and saw My Number. I'm an 11:11 person. Let me pause.
Stay in THIS moment.
And start again tomorrow.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
One goal this week
To get my camera cable thingy hooked up to the computer so I can upload new pics. Just that one goal. That is all. To do this though, I need to:
Find the cable thingy.
Find the cable thingy.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
What is that wiggly thing at the back of your throat?
That was the question googled today and this is the answer we found:
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060629055746AAjEp5O
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060629055746AAjEp5O
Monday, July 02, 2007
And today...
the boys filled up their little tent with water, and then naked, took turns running and sliding and colliding into the tent. They were having a grand time and I was getting the kitchen floor cleaned. A few minutes later I look out and Jack is naked squatting over his knight in shining armor plastic helmet and about to take a poop. No worries I caught him in time. He just thought it would be SO fun, and his big brother was totally encouraging he do it.
I'm involved in a tribe of mothers with 2 or more boys on MDC. Thank goodness because reading their crazy stories gives me comfort that I am not alone.
We are doing lots of dreaming around here. That is good. It always gets me encouraged when we dream.
We are also planning our somewhat dull and recently cut in half vacation to Indiana this summer for Mark's parents 60th wedding anniversary. I love Mark's family (mostly) but man, does there have to be so MANY of them?????? I'm tired of all our vacations being around family. Next year: our goal is to attend the Enki homeschool conference out east and go to one of the fairy islands in Maine. We ban any nieces or nephews from getting married next year. Next year is for us, dammit! : )
I'm involved in a tribe of mothers with 2 or more boys on MDC. Thank goodness because reading their crazy stories gives me comfort that I am not alone.
We are doing lots of dreaming around here. That is good. It always gets me encouraged when we dream.
We are also planning our somewhat dull and recently cut in half vacation to Indiana this summer for Mark's parents 60th wedding anniversary. I love Mark's family (mostly) but man, does there have to be so MANY of them?????? I'm tired of all our vacations being around family. Next year: our goal is to attend the Enki homeschool conference out east and go to one of the fairy islands in Maine. We ban any nieces or nephews from getting married next year. Next year is for us, dammit! : )
Monday, June 25, 2007
Travelin' Julie
I just spend a weekend away (okay, well a night) at The Elms all by myself. First time in 5 years. Probably more.
My niece from Michigan and her clan of her partner and 3 kids visited this weekend and we decided that the boys and I are going to go to St. Louis to the Arch today. We'll be back tomorrow sometime. I'm feeling so reckless these days and it feels great! : )
My niece from Michigan and her clan of her partner and 3 kids visited this weekend and we decided that the boys and I are going to go to St. Louis to the Arch today. We'll be back tomorrow sometime. I'm feeling so reckless these days and it feels great! : )
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Eleanor Roosevelt
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
More Eleanor for your soul:
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/eleanor_roosevelt.html
More Eleanor for your soul:
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/eleanor_roosevelt.html
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Violin Tragedy.
Gulp. Cry. Sigh. Broken neck (on the itty bitty 1/16 violin that is). Devastated little boy. Heartbroken mother.
Beautiful violin. We were lucky to find it and at a good price. Teacher even said he wanted to buy it from us when we were done with it - or that we would probably even be able to sell it for more as it is a somewhat rare violin (Made in Japan vs. China).
I'll make some phone calls tomorrow to see what attempt of repair can be made, but it will never be the same. : (
Beautiful violin. We were lucky to find it and at a good price. Teacher even said he wanted to buy it from us when we were done with it - or that we would probably even be able to sell it for more as it is a somewhat rare violin (Made in Japan vs. China).
I'll make some phone calls tomorrow to see what attempt of repair can be made, but it will never be the same. : (
Summer Solstice is approaching...Celebrate it.
Calendar of the Soul
[June 17, 2007 - June 23, 2007]
Eleventh Week
In this the sun's high hour it rests
With you to understand these words of wisdom:
Surrender to the beauty of the world,
Be stirred with new-enlivened feeling;
The human I can lose itself
And find itself within the cosmic I.
________________________
[June 17, 2007 - June 23, 2007]
Eleventh Week
In this the sun's high hour it rests
With you to understand these words of wisdom:
Surrender to the beauty of the world,
Be stirred with new-enlivened feeling;
The human I can lose itself
And find itself within the cosmic I.
________________________
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
These are the days.
I have Natalie Merchant in my mind. Alot. Love her.
Anyway... Will is growing by leaps and bounds. I can't keep up with all the milestones that have occured over the last few months. He seems to have grown developmentally so much in the past 6 months. He is most certainly out of BabyLand and into the Childhood Years. His most recent milestone - he's taking swim lessons and is now putting his head under water and swimming like a fish. This - from the child who HATED even getting his hair washed and we always had to make CERTAIN no water would come near his eyes. He is dunking himself under the water, and learning his strokes. Its just wild to see.
He's also learning the fine art of QUIET TIME. I'm determined to have it these days. I'm approaching it judgement free (which seems to work on every discipline level so far for me if I would just stick to it) and just as a way it is to be. I nurse Jack down to sleep, and if Will hasn't fallen asleep then I tell him he can either stay in the playroom and play quietly, or come snuggle with me in my bedroom. But I am resting. He's actually cool with it - he often stays in the playroom and hangs out by himself. I think this is so very healthy for him to finally start learning the good that can come from alone time. Though, too, there are times that Jack doesn't want to sleep and they like to have quiet time together. They are actually staying in the room and letting me rest in my own bedroom. I'm taking this time to either meditate a bit, or do some reading, or cat nap. I work hard to keep us at home between 1 pm and 3 pm these days. Gosh, I hope I am not jinxing myself writing this out.
On ME front - I go next Saturday to The Elms for an overnight spa retreat. Alone! For the first time in 6 years (at least). These days the boys both sleep thru the night, and Jack can easily skip nursing without upset. He pretty much forgets about nursies unless I am around. I'm excited. I signed up for a Mud Bath De-tox, and Rain Therapy Massage.
Days fly by and I try not to wish it all away. I am missing old friends, wanting to do more fun activities, wanting to get the house cleaner and more organized, wanting to stay home more, wanting to go out more though too. Basically wanting it all and trying to not beat myself up that things slide and I can't/don't/won't do it all and it is what it is. Let go of the guilt.
Anyway... Will is growing by leaps and bounds. I can't keep up with all the milestones that have occured over the last few months. He seems to have grown developmentally so much in the past 6 months. He is most certainly out of BabyLand and into the Childhood Years. His most recent milestone - he's taking swim lessons and is now putting his head under water and swimming like a fish. This - from the child who HATED even getting his hair washed and we always had to make CERTAIN no water would come near his eyes. He is dunking himself under the water, and learning his strokes. Its just wild to see.
He's also learning the fine art of QUIET TIME. I'm determined to have it these days. I'm approaching it judgement free (which seems to work on every discipline level so far for me if I would just stick to it) and just as a way it is to be. I nurse Jack down to sleep, and if Will hasn't fallen asleep then I tell him he can either stay in the playroom and play quietly, or come snuggle with me in my bedroom. But I am resting. He's actually cool with it - he often stays in the playroom and hangs out by himself. I think this is so very healthy for him to finally start learning the good that can come from alone time. Though, too, there are times that Jack doesn't want to sleep and they like to have quiet time together. They are actually staying in the room and letting me rest in my own bedroom. I'm taking this time to either meditate a bit, or do some reading, or cat nap. I work hard to keep us at home between 1 pm and 3 pm these days. Gosh, I hope I am not jinxing myself writing this out.
On ME front - I go next Saturday to The Elms for an overnight spa retreat. Alone! For the first time in 6 years (at least). These days the boys both sleep thru the night, and Jack can easily skip nursing without upset. He pretty much forgets about nursies unless I am around. I'm excited. I signed up for a Mud Bath De-tox, and Rain Therapy Massage.
Days fly by and I try not to wish it all away. I am missing old friends, wanting to do more fun activities, wanting to get the house cleaner and more organized, wanting to stay home more, wanting to go out more though too. Basically wanting it all and trying to not beat myself up that things slide and I can't/don't/won't do it all and it is what it is. Let go of the guilt.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
The prom queen from Sixteen Candles...
remember the drunk prom queen... who got her hair stuck in a door and her girlfriends helped her out by cutting off the back of her hair?
I got that hair cut today.
I got that hair cut today.
Friday, May 25, 2007
The right kind of Suzuki mom
Today I told our violin teacher I was not being a good Suzuki mom. I've felt guilty about how fast time flies and that I don't ever get in the practice time every day. I mean, good grief, he's just asking us to spend 4 minutes a day playing games with the violin. He, as he always does, said just the right thing to get me back on track and let go of the guilt. After our lesson, I chatted a bit with the next mother, who has been taking lessons with her 12 year old son for a year and a half. I really want to get to know her better. She has great energy about her. I told her we really enjoyed her recital last week and found it very inspring (she has great stage presence and kind of reminds me of Natalie Merchant). After a bit more talk she told me her son had started Suzuki lessons at age 5 but dropped after 6 months and that the teacher they were with at the time just wasn't the right fit. She told me they are unschoolers and Mr. Cook has been really understanding and flexible with their style and that has made all the difference. I see that as our opportunity as well. I hope to get to know her better.
So I relaxed on myself because I know that I want Will to find his own love of the violin (or not) and for music. I want to expose him to it, not force it. I know that. So what if he doesn't want to practice every day. I will play the Twinkle CD, and practice myself. He will absorb it. He is.
Tonight he showed Grandma and Grandpa Voss his violin, and stood, rest position, bowed, zipped and stepped and placed the violin to jaw, with A PERFECT BOW HOLD (we were not seeing this) and played Mississipi Hot Dog on strings A and E. I could not believe it. He did not learn this because I had been telling him over and over how to hold the bow (he kept holding it wrong and it was a bit maddening to me). He just absorbs it. He's been feeling pressure from me, even though I jump to my defense and say I am not pressuring him (but there is that nagging in my head saying he NEEDS to learn the importance of practice and feels this I am sure.)
I am not doing this to teach my child violin.
"I just want to create loving, sensitive human beings with beautiful hearts." ----Shinichi Suzuki
So I relaxed on myself because I know that I want Will to find his own love of the violin (or not) and for music. I want to expose him to it, not force it. I know that. So what if he doesn't want to practice every day. I will play the Twinkle CD, and practice myself. He will absorb it. He is.
Tonight he showed Grandma and Grandpa Voss his violin, and stood, rest position, bowed, zipped and stepped and placed the violin to jaw, with A PERFECT BOW HOLD (we were not seeing this) and played Mississipi Hot Dog on strings A and E. I could not believe it. He did not learn this because I had been telling him over and over how to hold the bow (he kept holding it wrong and it was a bit maddening to me). He just absorbs it. He's been feeling pressure from me, even though I jump to my defense and say I am not pressuring him (but there is that nagging in my head saying he NEEDS to learn the importance of practice and feels this I am sure.)
I am not doing this to teach my child violin.
"I just want to create loving, sensitive human beings with beautiful hearts." ----Shinichi Suzuki
Today I Shall..
Continue to get ready for the boys' birthday party tomorrow. We'll have 20 people here in the afternoon for dinner.
Get the house somewhat organized for Mark's parents arrival tonight.
Get turkey meat cooked for tacos tomorrow.
Cook mexican rice tonight.
Get tonight's dinner in oven.
Wash windows.
Fold a zillion loads of laundry.
Not stress over my unorganized house and the fact my super organized MIL will be here in 4 hours.
Not stress over the fact that Mark is sick as a dog.
Get the house somewhat organized for Mark's parents arrival tonight.
Get turkey meat cooked for tacos tomorrow.
Cook mexican rice tonight.
Get tonight's dinner in oven.
Wash windows.
Fold a zillion loads of laundry.
Not stress over my unorganized house and the fact my super organized MIL will be here in 4 hours.
Not stress over the fact that Mark is sick as a dog.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Memories I'll never forget...
Watching Will ride his 2 wheel bike down the cul-de-sac with Daddy and Grandpa running behind him and cheering him on. Classic.
Watching Jack carry his own potty down the sidewalk and to the car after spending the day at Grandma's house.
Watching my naked little boys in the backyard chase their new big Bluey dog at evening twilight.
Watching Will perform his VERY FIRST violin recital and seeing the huge smile on his face. He is not actually playing yet, but performed his bow hold excercise and his violin hold excercise. (Up Like A Rocket, and then holding the violin to his jaw for the entire Twinkle Twinkle song. He said he sang really loud "in his head" but the people couldn't hear him.
Watching Will announce that Tonight he is sleeping with his cousins (who stayed the night) in the guest room and that He Doesn't Even Need To Touch Daddy's Back to get to sleep. He did it!
Watching Will be so brave while in the ER room getting two stitches in his chin.
Hearing Jack say he wants to Wear His Tighty Whiteys!
So many milestones lately.
Watching Jack carry his own potty down the sidewalk and to the car after spending the day at Grandma's house.
Watching my naked little boys in the backyard chase their new big Bluey dog at evening twilight.
Watching Will perform his VERY FIRST violin recital and seeing the huge smile on his face. He is not actually playing yet, but performed his bow hold excercise and his violin hold excercise. (Up Like A Rocket, and then holding the violin to his jaw for the entire Twinkle Twinkle song. He said he sang really loud "in his head" but the people couldn't hear him.
Watching Will announce that Tonight he is sleeping with his cousins (who stayed the night) in the guest room and that He Doesn't Even Need To Touch Daddy's Back to get to sleep. He did it!
Watching Will be so brave while in the ER room getting two stitches in his chin.
Hearing Jack say he wants to Wear His Tighty Whiteys!
So many milestones lately.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
A Quote for Now, For Me
Calendar of the Soul
[May 13, 2007 - May 19, 2007]
Sixth Week
There has arisen from its narrow limits
My self and finds itself
As revelation of all worlds
Within the sway of time and space;
The world, as archetype divine,
Displays to me at every turn
The truth of my own likeness.
[May 13, 2007 - May 19, 2007]
Sixth Week
There has arisen from its narrow limits
My self and finds itself
As revelation of all worlds
Within the sway of time and space;
The world, as archetype divine,
Displays to me at every turn
The truth of my own likeness.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
...and tomorrow I will work on....
keeping this quote in mind:
"FORGIVE THE NEGATIVITY FROM THE PAINS OF YOUR PAST"
For me this means the negativity I felt minutes ago over whatever or negativity I feel when thinking years back over painful memories.
"FORGIVE THE NEGATIVITY FROM THE PAINS OF YOUR PAST"
For me this means the negativity I felt minutes ago over whatever or negativity I feel when thinking years back over painful memories.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Family Milestones
This weekend we brought home a dog from Wayside Waifs. Her name is Bluey and she is a lab/pointer/cattle dog mix something something. She is black with white hari peppered throughout and is between 1 and 2 years old and is BIG! She fits us and already feels like family. The kids are thrilled.
In addition, earlier this week Will's training wheels broke on his bike and he decided he wanted to try riding with only 2 whieels. With a lot of help from Daddy he did fantastic and I bet sometime this summer he'll be officially a 2-wheel bike rider.
Will is telling everybody, "We got a dog this weekend and I am riding on 2 wheels now!"
Now that is good stuff.
In addition, earlier this week Will's training wheels broke on his bike and he decided he wanted to try riding with only 2 whieels. With a lot of help from Daddy he did fantastic and I bet sometime this summer he'll be officially a 2-wheel bike rider.
Will is telling everybody, "We got a dog this weekend and I am riding on 2 wheels now!"
Now that is good stuff.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Food.
This year:
We are growing a few veggies in our garden this year, including:
Carrots
Lettuce
Radishes
Onions
Beets (lots of them so I can make my friend's most amazing Beet Soup).
Tomatoes (a small crop as we're trying to keep tomatoe eating at a rational level around here).
Basil
Potatoes
Pole Beans
Zuchinni
More stuff too.
A new herb/flower garden is in the process:
Chives
Echinacea
Calendula
Lots of sunflowers
A butterfly graden mix!
We have 2 raspberry bushes, not looking so great. I need to learn about these.
I think that is it. Half is planted.
We are signing up again for the CSA - organic local produce delivered 2 minutes from our house. I will also pick up our eggs at the same placee (the chiropractors office), and I've ordered 5 chickens.
Goat milk. I was really looking forward to getting this but we visited the farm last week and learned the farmer had a rough year and lost a couple goats and will have less milk than anticipated. We are on a waiting list.
Food co-op. Bulk food purchases here, but will probably mainly get my dairy from here - cheese, yogurt. Darn, I was gung ho on making all that with my goat milk!
I grocery shop mostly at Nature's Pantry and take advantage of my member discount and the fact that they have really excellent coupons/specials. Also, I can often buy some stuff organic there (like potatoes, or carrots) that are actually cheaper than regular Price Chopper stuff!
Occassional trips to WHole Foods for their produce or ground turkey, and their 365 Rice Milk. I buy it in a case and love having it always on hand. We drink everything at this point - rice, cow or goat milk. We are not picky. Its used mainly for baking, smoothies or occassional cold cereal. However, I have to say ice cold rice milk and a brownie make me happy.
THIS MONTH"S GOAL FOR BLOGGER:
Track my grocery spending. This will include non-food grocery items. This could be scary.
May 5: $278, Nature's Pantry.
We are growing a few veggies in our garden this year, including:
Carrots
Lettuce
Radishes
Onions
Beets (lots of them so I can make my friend's most amazing Beet Soup).
Tomatoes (a small crop as we're trying to keep tomatoe eating at a rational level around here).
Basil
Potatoes
Pole Beans
Zuchinni
More stuff too.
A new herb/flower garden is in the process:
Chives
Echinacea
Calendula
Lots of sunflowers
A butterfly graden mix!
We have 2 raspberry bushes, not looking so great. I need to learn about these.
I think that is it. Half is planted.
We are signing up again for the CSA - organic local produce delivered 2 minutes from our house. I will also pick up our eggs at the same placee (the chiropractors office), and I've ordered 5 chickens.
Goat milk. I was really looking forward to getting this but we visited the farm last week and learned the farmer had a rough year and lost a couple goats and will have less milk than anticipated. We are on a waiting list.
Food co-op. Bulk food purchases here, but will probably mainly get my dairy from here - cheese, yogurt. Darn, I was gung ho on making all that with my goat milk!
I grocery shop mostly at Nature's Pantry and take advantage of my member discount and the fact that they have really excellent coupons/specials. Also, I can often buy some stuff organic there (like potatoes, or carrots) that are actually cheaper than regular Price Chopper stuff!
Occassional trips to WHole Foods for their produce or ground turkey, and their 365 Rice Milk. I buy it in a case and love having it always on hand. We drink everything at this point - rice, cow or goat milk. We are not picky. Its used mainly for baking, smoothies or occassional cold cereal. However, I have to say ice cold rice milk and a brownie make me happy.
THIS MONTH"S GOAL FOR BLOGGER:
Track my grocery spending. This will include non-food grocery items. This could be scary.
May 5: $278, Nature's Pantry.
Monday, April 30, 2007
I have a problem.
I love books. I want them all. All those beautiful covers. And the peace and comfort I get from STOPPING the busyness and just reading a good book. Or seeing how it calms or excites the boys.
I want all of these books:
http://www.threesisterstoys.com/c-12-books-music.aspx
And I want that Come Follow Me CD. Want, want, want.
I want all of these books:
http://www.threesisterstoys.com/c-12-books-music.aspx
And I want that Come Follow Me CD. Want, want, want.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Honey Brownies
We've enjoyed this recipe. We're makig it tonight for Na-na's birthday. And as my mom can always do with any recipe, she made this even more decadent by topping with some chocolate chips after the brownies came out of the oven. The chocolate chips melted and then we were able to spread it like frosting over the brownies. Notice that gone are the days of sugar free cooking this home? I hide under the fact that I'm using honey instead of sugar.... whatever.
http://www.beemaid.com/BeeMaid/Recipes/Brownies.htm
BROWNIES
INGREDIENTS
¼ cup butter
¾ cup honey
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
½ cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
4 tbsp. Cocoa
½ cup chopped nuts
INSTRUCTIONS
Cream together butter and honey. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt. Stir in nuts. Pour batter into greased 9"x9" pan. Bake at 325 F for 20-25 minutes.
http://www.beemaid.com/BeeMaid/Recipes/Brownies.htm
BROWNIES
INGREDIENTS
¼ cup butter
¾ cup honey
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
½ cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
4 tbsp. Cocoa
½ cup chopped nuts
INSTRUCTIONS
Cream together butter and honey. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt. Stir in nuts. Pour batter into greased 9"x9" pan. Bake at 325 F for 20-25 minutes.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Bizzy, bizzy.
We're finally getting all the ($*&%($& done around this house that has been put off for years. Re-hab "master" bath (a closet), kitchen update - new pain on cabinets, new counters, can lights. Drywall basement walls that were knocked out. Landscape. Can you say home equity line? Sucks!
We all got our hair cut last night. Jack's first cut. Will wanted his SHORT. I am traumatized but he absolutely loves it. Now he looks like every other kid on the block. lol.
Leaving this morning for Michigan - 11 hour drive - and will be back late Monday night, we thinks. I'll come back to a new kitchen! Now that is a good deal! Thank goodness for Mom's who marry contractors....
We all got our hair cut last night. Jack's first cut. Will wanted his SHORT. I am traumatized but he absolutely loves it. Now he looks like every other kid on the block. lol.
Leaving this morning for Michigan - 11 hour drive - and will be back late Monday night, we thinks. I'll come back to a new kitchen! Now that is a good deal! Thank goodness for Mom's who marry contractors....
Thursday, March 15, 2007
My Grommets.
Yesterday Will:
Took a hammer to one of Daddy's paint cans, hammered a few gaping holes in it to opened it up and then painted a few landscaping stones.
Decided to build a car using one of our decorative shelves (an antique given to us by Grandma Voss) that was in the garage, waiting to be fixed. Its is now and forever will be a car.
Was pretending to be a hairdresser and cut Jack's hair (I caught this in time for little damage to be done).
Since I took the scissors away, he then moved to duck tape. He was about to duck tape construction paper to Jack's head. Jack was so happy to oblige and was just sitting there.
Gathered up all the cereal boxes in his Aunt's house and, along with his partner-cousin in crime, hid in the closet and had a Food Festival.
And can I just add the night before he got into my tie dye stuff and "was making the driveway all pretty."
I"m sure there's more....but Jack is hollering for me and I am curious to what is happening downstairs.... Jack's list to come....
Back now. No problems downstairs.
Yesterday Jack:
Smeared yogurt all over the kitchen table.
Tracked in sand and I swear had a cup of sand still in his diaper when I changed him.
Plays this game where he takes a drink and then pushes his cheeks so it squirts out his mouth. He thinks this is hilarious and I've at least convinced him to only do it outside.
His FAVORITE words are "Dammit" and "Poopy Butt."
Puked four times in bed last night.
There's probably more.
The only word for these kids is Grommets. : )
Took a hammer to one of Daddy's paint cans, hammered a few gaping holes in it to opened it up and then painted a few landscaping stones.
Decided to build a car using one of our decorative shelves (an antique given to us by Grandma Voss) that was in the garage, waiting to be fixed. Its is now and forever will be a car.
Was pretending to be a hairdresser and cut Jack's hair (I caught this in time for little damage to be done).
Since I took the scissors away, he then moved to duck tape. He was about to duck tape construction paper to Jack's head. Jack was so happy to oblige and was just sitting there.
Gathered up all the cereal boxes in his Aunt's house and, along with his partner-cousin in crime, hid in the closet and had a Food Festival.
And can I just add the night before he got into my tie dye stuff and "was making the driveway all pretty."
I"m sure there's more....but Jack is hollering for me and I am curious to what is happening downstairs.... Jack's list to come....
Back now. No problems downstairs.
Yesterday Jack:
Smeared yogurt all over the kitchen table.
Tracked in sand and I swear had a cup of sand still in his diaper when I changed him.
Plays this game where he takes a drink and then pushes his cheeks so it squirts out his mouth. He thinks this is hilarious and I've at least convinced him to only do it outside.
His FAVORITE words are "Dammit" and "Poopy Butt."
Puked four times in bed last night.
There's probably more.
The only word for these kids is Grommets. : )
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
And tonight:
more family.
Tomorrow morning: more family.
This weekend: more family. But.... that family is Mark's side and so less stressful for me. Well, at least this particular group of family.
Geesh. The ones you love the most....
Tomorrow morning: more family.
This weekend: more family. But.... that family is Mark's side and so less stressful for me. Well, at least this particular group of family.
Geesh. The ones you love the most....
Monday, March 12, 2007
Work a day Work a day
Today was a productive day. I cleaned out the garage, swept, mopped and scrubbed the dirty concrete floor. Its cleaner but really doesn't *look* much better. Mopped the kitchen floor, swept and dusted the living room (wow it was bad) and continued in my de-cluttering efforts. I also dealt with having my mother AND my grandma here for a couple hours. I love them but damn the women in my family are hard headed.
We had a GREAT violin "session." tonight There has been an ongoing issue that I have struggled with that seemed to get corrected today. Will, of course, wants to actually PLAY the violin. But there are steps to be taken and its been overly stressed to me the importance of NOT allowing him to put the violin to his shoulder and actually play. All kinds of problems arise with this. Improper holding of the violin, improper holding of the bow. Incorrect stances. Once such habits are formed they are extremely detrimental and hard to break. MYLINEATION as I have been reading in Enki... Or those little peptide things as in What The Bleep Do You Know. It was all coming together to me how important it was not to let him do this (which I had been allowing, struggling with how to get him not to do it). See, I'm kind of slow going at things. All things it seems. But once it all clicks for me I really see the path to take and go with it. Tonight was like that and I got thru to Will about how we do not want that cool violin of his to learn the wrong way to sit on his shoulder or it will never learn to play beautiful music. I can't describe it. It just came together and we did our routine. I was determined to break the cycle, and really knew it to be true that we continue forth in correct Suzuki fashion...
Bow as we say HIPPOPATAMUS!
Stance - Sing "Feet together, zip, and step!"
MOMMY places violin on shoulder ("Its coming in for a landing!")
He holds it with his chin for a bit...
We listen to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (Suzuki Violin 1) while bouncing on our excercise ball.
He plays the violin - like a cello, resting in on the floor. Not on his shoulder!
Bow hold:
I do this, he's not so into it but imitation is everything.
I hold my bow and sing:
UP like a rocket
DOWN like the rain
BACK AND FORTH like a choo choo train
ROUND AND ROUND like the great big sun
ROUND AND ROUND like a kettle drum
IN TO the station
Check your pinky, BUMP your thumb!
Last week we made a violin using foam core, tape, and cardboard. He worked the whole afternoon on it and really enjoyed doing it. He drew the strings on it, painted it and everything. Sometimes the boys turn it into a guitar and rock out. lol.
I made the promise to our violin teacher to simply make sure *I* place the violin on Will's shoulder four times each day. Well... we didn't do it over the weekend but today went so well I'm inspired to make sure to do it the rest of the week.
Other than that, the boys literally played outside all day. I love these kind of days.
We had a GREAT violin "session." tonight There has been an ongoing issue that I have struggled with that seemed to get corrected today. Will, of course, wants to actually PLAY the violin. But there are steps to be taken and its been overly stressed to me the importance of NOT allowing him to put the violin to his shoulder and actually play. All kinds of problems arise with this. Improper holding of the violin, improper holding of the bow. Incorrect stances. Once such habits are formed they are extremely detrimental and hard to break. MYLINEATION as I have been reading in Enki... Or those little peptide things as in What The Bleep Do You Know. It was all coming together to me how important it was not to let him do this (which I had been allowing, struggling with how to get him not to do it). See, I'm kind of slow going at things. All things it seems. But once it all clicks for me I really see the path to take and go with it. Tonight was like that and I got thru to Will about how we do not want that cool violin of his to learn the wrong way to sit on his shoulder or it will never learn to play beautiful music. I can't describe it. It just came together and we did our routine. I was determined to break the cycle, and really knew it to be true that we continue forth in correct Suzuki fashion...
Bow as we say HIPPOPATAMUS!
Stance - Sing "Feet together, zip, and step!"
MOMMY places violin on shoulder ("Its coming in for a landing!")
He holds it with his chin for a bit...
We listen to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (Suzuki Violin 1) while bouncing on our excercise ball.
He plays the violin - like a cello, resting in on the floor. Not on his shoulder!
Bow hold:
I do this, he's not so into it but imitation is everything.
I hold my bow and sing:
UP like a rocket
DOWN like the rain
BACK AND FORTH like a choo choo train
ROUND AND ROUND like the great big sun
ROUND AND ROUND like a kettle drum
IN TO the station
Check your pinky, BUMP your thumb!
Last week we made a violin using foam core, tape, and cardboard. He worked the whole afternoon on it and really enjoyed doing it. He drew the strings on it, painted it and everything. Sometimes the boys turn it into a guitar and rock out. lol.
I made the promise to our violin teacher to simply make sure *I* place the violin on Will's shoulder four times each day. Well... we didn't do it over the weekend but today went so well I'm inspired to make sure to do it the rest of the week.
Other than that, the boys literally played outside all day. I love these kind of days.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
We are all back to well!
We didn't quite have the weekend we expected but it turned out good nonetheless. In fact, I'm feeling really good. Sickness vanished.
I've been thinking about The Secret again lately and its got me all pumped up again. Its a good thing.
And now a little Steiner....
Calendar of the Soul
[March 10, 2007 - March 17, 2007]
Forty-eighth Week
(March 2-8)
Within the light that out of world-wide heights
Would stream with power toward the soul,
May certainty of cosmic thinking
Arise to solve the soul's enigmas --
And focusing its mighty rays,
Awaken love in human hearts.
I've been thinking about The Secret again lately and its got me all pumped up again. Its a good thing.
And now a little Steiner....
Calendar of the Soul
[March 10, 2007 - March 17, 2007]
Forty-eighth Week
(March 2-8)
Within the light that out of world-wide heights
Would stream with power toward the soul,
May certainty of cosmic thinking
Arise to solve the soul's enigmas --
And focusing its mighty rays,
Awaken love in human hearts.
Friday, March 09, 2007
weird rough day.
today has been hard. Violin lessons did not go well - it was just OFF. I puked on the way home from there, went to mom's to pick up Jack and rested for awhile. On the way home my car mileage dial thing turned to 666. I'm sorry, its just weird. Will puked this afternoon. Jack has diahharia AGAIN and Mark is out of town for four more days. Wah!
Well that post did me no good!
Well that post did me no good!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Spring. Ah.
I am in a major Spring cleaning mode. Declutter. Its all I can think about right now. Not that you could tell by looking at my house.
But yesterday I went thru our file cabinet and cleared out all old paperwork. Relief! The rest is organized and labeled in file folders.
Today I am packing away all glasses except for four. Seriously. Well, and a coffee cup for me. I am so done with collecting glasses around this house. So we are going to do an experiment.
Mark is off to California for a conference. We actually have a busy weekend ahead so that will be good.
Off to clean my Stuff. Sigh.
But yesterday I went thru our file cabinet and cleared out all old paperwork. Relief! The rest is organized and labeled in file folders.
Today I am packing away all glasses except for four. Seriously. Well, and a coffee cup for me. I am so done with collecting glasses around this house. So we are going to do an experiment.
Mark is off to California for a conference. We actually have a busy weekend ahead so that will be good.
Off to clean my Stuff. Sigh.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Worm Memories
Sometimes I miss my little garbage eating worms. I relinquished them to the garden late last Spring after having too much stink and mess in the indoor compost bin (a rubbermaid container). They did well for about 6 months, until I overloaded them with too much food, and there got to be too much moisture in the bin. I could have used them this winter as I quit saving scraps for the bin - too cold and I was too lazy to go outside.
Anyway I was just reading a tip that probably would have saved the worms (though I am sure they are loving our garden soil right now too!). Next time (cause someday there will be a next time) I will poke holes not only on the lid and sides of the containter, but on the bottom as well. This will let the moisture seep thru, making a yummy compost tea for my plants and also keep the container more dry. I'll capture the tea by placing another rubber maid lid under the container, and prop it up with rocks or bricks or something. Such a simple thing that probablly would have saved our project.
This will also help when it becomes time to separate the worms from the compost.... last time it was a glumpy mess and not a whole lot of fun. It wasn't as easy as THE BOOK SAID IT WOULD BE. : )
Anyway I was just reading a tip that probably would have saved the worms (though I am sure they are loving our garden soil right now too!). Next time (cause someday there will be a next time) I will poke holes not only on the lid and sides of the containter, but on the bottom as well. This will let the moisture seep thru, making a yummy compost tea for my plants and also keep the container more dry. I'll capture the tea by placing another rubber maid lid under the container, and prop it up with rocks or bricks or something. Such a simple thing that probablly would have saved our project.
This will also help when it becomes time to separate the worms from the compost.... last time it was a glumpy mess and not a whole lot of fun. It wasn't as easy as THE BOOK SAID IT WOULD BE. : )
Friday, March 02, 2007
Suzuki Love
Shinichi Suzuki, famed violin teacher that brought the love of music to millions of preschoolers, was preparing to enter a class full of his young students. Upon entering, he meditated.... another teacher asked what he was doing. He said...
“I am mentally preparing myself for the five-year-old mind. I want to come down to their physical limitations and up to their sense of wonder and awe."
It is this belief that pulls together my interest of Waldorf/Enki method and Suzuki.
A great parenting book that everyone should read:
Nurtured By Love
More Suzuki quotes here.
“I am mentally preparing myself for the five-year-old mind. I want to come down to their physical limitations and up to their sense of wonder and awe."
It is this belief that pulls together my interest of Waldorf/Enki method and Suzuki.
A great parenting book that everyone should read:
Nurtured By Love
More Suzuki quotes here.
Monday, February 26, 2007
An Eternal Perspective
By Edgar Allan Poe.
Annabel Lee
It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of Annabel Lee;
And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me.
I was a child and she was a child,
In this kingdom by the sea:
But we loved with a love that was more than love -
I and my Annabel Lee;
With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven
Coveted her and me.
And this was the reason that, long ago,
In this kingdom by the sea,
A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling
My beautiful Annabel Lee;
So that her high-born kinsmen came
And bore her away from me,
To shut her up in a sepulchre
In this kingdom by the sea.
The angels, not half so happy in heaven,
Went envying her and me -
Yes! that was the reason (as all men know,
In this kingdom by the sea)
That the wind came out of the cloud one night,
Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.
But our love it was stronger by far than the love
Of those who were older than we -
Of many far wiser than we -
And neither the angels in heaven above,
Nor the demons down under the sea,
Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling -my darling -my life and my bride,
In the sepulchre there by the sea -
In her tomb by the sounding sea.
Annabel Lee
It was many and many a year ago,
In a kingdom by the sea,
That a maiden there lived whom you may know
By the name of Annabel Lee;
And this maiden she lived with no other thought
Than to love and be loved by me.
I was a child and she was a child,
In this kingdom by the sea:
But we loved with a love that was more than love -
I and my Annabel Lee;
With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven
Coveted her and me.
And this was the reason that, long ago,
In this kingdom by the sea,
A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling
My beautiful Annabel Lee;
So that her high-born kinsmen came
And bore her away from me,
To shut her up in a sepulchre
In this kingdom by the sea.
The angels, not half so happy in heaven,
Went envying her and me -
Yes! that was the reason (as all men know,
In this kingdom by the sea)
That the wind came out of the cloud one night,
Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.
But our love it was stronger by far than the love
Of those who were older than we -
Of many far wiser than we -
And neither the angels in heaven above,
Nor the demons down under the sea,
Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling -my darling -my life and my bride,
In the sepulchre there by the sea -
In her tomb by the sounding sea.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Clutter out, Clutter in.
We went to the thrift store today in search of rain boots for Will. I found no rain boots but we did find:
A skirt for me $3.00
A Winnie the Pooh game for Will: $2.00 (after much negotiation away from plastic crap and beanie babies).
A backpack for Will. $1.50
A wooden iron, to replace the toy metal one in the play room. This was a score, its so cute! .50 cents.
Two awesomeist books for me which of course now I can't even remember the titles: .30 cents each.
We also dropped off a couple bags at the donation box.
But I came home with all this stuff but didn't get the boots! Every time I come home with stuff I get *stressed* (that's kind of a strong word really) because I keep trying to keep things simple.
So tomorrow its time to go thru closets again. I am so wanting to simplify. More, more, more every day!
Oh, and to add to the bill for the day: $8.00 in library fines! Ouch! I've probably had $50 in fines in the past year. Kids will do that to ya.
A skirt for me $3.00
A Winnie the Pooh game for Will: $2.00 (after much negotiation away from plastic crap and beanie babies).
A backpack for Will. $1.50
A wooden iron, to replace the toy metal one in the play room. This was a score, its so cute! .50 cents.
Two awesomeist books for me which of course now I can't even remember the titles: .30 cents each.
We also dropped off a couple bags at the donation box.
But I came home with all this stuff but didn't get the boots! Every time I come home with stuff I get *stressed* (that's kind of a strong word really) because I keep trying to keep things simple.
So tomorrow its time to go thru closets again. I am so wanting to simplify. More, more, more every day!
Oh, and to add to the bill for the day: $8.00 in library fines! Ouch! I've probably had $50 in fines in the past year. Kids will do that to ya.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Its 12:51 and I'm trying to decide it its even worth going to bed. Jack will wake... but when? 1 am? or 2 am? Its PAINFUL to fall asleep for 20 minutes and then wake to him wanting to nurse. Yes. That is right. Nightweaning was a fleeting dream. He got sick, then Daddy left for California, then yada, yada, yada....
So... guess I'll crawl in bed for a bit.
But which one? Will peed in the bed so one side is wet. Daddy is in the twin (next to the king) so he doesn't have to sleep in the wet spot. He put Jack to bed tonight.... for some reason in the other bedroom on the totally uncomfortable bed. Crap.
Somebody slap me because this is seriously the biggest issue in my life right now.
So... guess I'll crawl in bed for a bit.
But which one? Will peed in the bed so one side is wet. Daddy is in the twin (next to the king) so he doesn't have to sleep in the wet spot. He put Jack to bed tonight.... for some reason in the other bedroom on the totally uncomfortable bed. Crap.
Somebody slap me because this is seriously the biggest issue in my life right now.
The results of your analysis say:
You tend to pursue many different activities simultaneously. When misfortune does happen, it doesn't actually dishearten you all that much.
You are a thoughtful and cautious person. You like to think about your method, seeking to pursue your goal in the most effective way.
You like daydreaming and seeking out adventure.
You have a sunny, cheerful disposition.
What does your drawing say about YOU?
You tend to pursue many different activities simultaneously. When misfortune does happen, it doesn't actually dishearten you all that much.
You are a thoughtful and cautious person. You like to think about your method, seeking to pursue your goal in the most effective way.
You like daydreaming and seeking out adventure.
You have a sunny, cheerful disposition.
What does your drawing say about YOU?
Friday, February 09, 2007
Its been busy here just living day to day. Boys are getting over another bout of sickness - Jack was pukey and diarrhea. Will - flu like symptoms. So its been a lot of laundry and baths here. They are better now though.
We leave tomorrow for Beaver Lake for Marianne's service. It will be a long day - Jack will be with us and Will with Grandpa. They are going to great grandma's to fix her door bell. He should love that. And I cannot believe that this day is actually happening. Its so surreal. I want to understand. Anyway.
Books we are reading and loving:
Homeschooling: A Patchwork of Days (in the lives of homeschooling families)
Man on the Moon
(At first I was a bit unenthused about this book but the boys LOVE it and its grown on me. Its cute. Its funny. Its good to laugh).
Tonight I made a delicious dessert. We are most into pears around here (since we are restricting apples and all berries for now):
Maple Baked Pears and Chocolate
1 can bartlett pears in pear juice (WF has their 365 brand that is good).
Oatmeal (about a cup)
A bit of cream (or milk)
Maple syrup
A handful of chopped choclate chips
Plain yogurt.
Drain pear juice in oatmeal, add pears on top and add a bit of cream over all. Top with maple syrup and bake until warmed. Sprinkle chopped chocolate chips on top (they will melt). Serve in individual dishes. Top with plain yogurt. The kids loved me. : )
I have so much I want to do:
Plan garden! Buy seeds! Start seeds!
Next week, its rhythm time around here. Incorporate our violin "lessons" into EVERY day. And exercise for me.
Clear out this office. I am claiming this room as MINE. I am so excited.
Thin out boys' toys. They have taken over the house.
Finish the ($&%^(*$&^&$ basement, bathroom, and kitchen.
Do a real elimination diet for Will and stick to it.
Read more Enki.
Read my "Body by God" workbook that I have lamely completly ignored.
Finish my UFO knitting projects - actually I can take these in the car tomorrow and do.
Become better at PEACE MANAGEMENT.
We leave tomorrow for Beaver Lake for Marianne's service. It will be a long day - Jack will be with us and Will with Grandpa. They are going to great grandma's to fix her door bell. He should love that. And I cannot believe that this day is actually happening. Its so surreal. I want to understand. Anyway.
Books we are reading and loving:
Homeschooling: A Patchwork of Days (in the lives of homeschooling families)
Man on the Moon
(At first I was a bit unenthused about this book but the boys LOVE it and its grown on me. Its cute. Its funny. Its good to laugh).
Tonight I made a delicious dessert. We are most into pears around here (since we are restricting apples and all berries for now):
Maple Baked Pears and Chocolate
1 can bartlett pears in pear juice (WF has their 365 brand that is good).
Oatmeal (about a cup)
A bit of cream (or milk)
Maple syrup
A handful of chopped choclate chips
Plain yogurt.
Drain pear juice in oatmeal, add pears on top and add a bit of cream over all. Top with maple syrup and bake until warmed. Sprinkle chopped chocolate chips on top (they will melt). Serve in individual dishes. Top with plain yogurt. The kids loved me. : )
I have so much I want to do:
Plan garden! Buy seeds! Start seeds!
Next week, its rhythm time around here. Incorporate our violin "lessons" into EVERY day. And exercise for me.
Clear out this office. I am claiming this room as MINE. I am so excited.
Thin out boys' toys. They have taken over the house.
Finish the ($&%^(*$&^&$ basement, bathroom, and kitchen.
Do a real elimination diet for Will and stick to it.
Read more Enki.
Read my "Body by God" workbook that I have lamely completly ignored.
Finish my UFO knitting projects - actually I can take these in the car tomorrow and do.
Become better at PEACE MANAGEMENT.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Oh Boy.
The boys are pretending to be pirates and are cooking one of my dear Heavy Baby dolls in the grill. They are even seasoning her. Sigh. So much for all of my idealism of raising pacifist boys. I mean, they can be totally sweet and loving don't get me wrong. But there is the other side, that quite frankly, I never had as a little girl. They seek POWER in a physical way, that is for sure.
I'm working on my Motivation today. We have been hanging out alot, reading tons and listening to books on tape. I'm weaning the boys (again) off TV after a Christmas holiday of too much PIxar. But anyway, its been so pleasant that I have just gone with all the reading. Today I am cleaning.
I made Millet Coconut PUdding today and I thought it was good. The boys were very willing to try it, but quite quickly changed their tune and left their bowls full. So know I have a pot of fattening delicious pudding that only I will eat. Nice.
I have a lot of things I want to do. I've been reading too much and not doing. I want to finish my two first knitting projects - I knitted a little doll for Jack and am done knitting but now have to sew it and make the head. My potholder. I am going to felt it. AFTER those are complete, I am going to go to the yarn shop and buy yarn for a chunky scarf for Mark. My Stitch and Bitch book says it can be knitted up quickly in a few evenings. She doesn't know how long it took me to do a potholder.
I am going to do Yoga today - not Yoga Kids like we had been doing because our VCR broke but a DVD I've had stuffed in the closet for years.
I don't know what is for dinner tonight.
SO:
Clean the upstairs, finish up laundry.
Pull something out of the freezer for dinner
Yoga
Do a little violin "lesson" (which means playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on the CD, and clapping.
Do a LITTLE reading
Think about sewing up the doll.
I'm working on my Motivation today. We have been hanging out alot, reading tons and listening to books on tape. I'm weaning the boys (again) off TV after a Christmas holiday of too much PIxar. But anyway, its been so pleasant that I have just gone with all the reading. Today I am cleaning.
I made Millet Coconut PUdding today and I thought it was good. The boys were very willing to try it, but quite quickly changed their tune and left their bowls full. So know I have a pot of fattening delicious pudding that only I will eat. Nice.
I have a lot of things I want to do. I've been reading too much and not doing. I want to finish my two first knitting projects - I knitted a little doll for Jack and am done knitting but now have to sew it and make the head. My potholder. I am going to felt it. AFTER those are complete, I am going to go to the yarn shop and buy yarn for a chunky scarf for Mark. My Stitch and Bitch book says it can be knitted up quickly in a few evenings. She doesn't know how long it took me to do a potholder.
I am going to do Yoga today - not Yoga Kids like we had been doing because our VCR broke but a DVD I've had stuffed in the closet for years.
I don't know what is for dinner tonight.
SO:
Clean the upstairs, finish up laundry.
Pull something out of the freezer for dinner
Yoga
Do a little violin "lesson" (which means playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on the CD, and clapping.
Do a LITTLE reading
Think about sewing up the doll.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Recipes
Sweet and Sour Chicken
http://www.recipezaar.com/162120
1 lb chicken tenders
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained and juice reserved
1 cup uncooked rice
2 carrots, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Not the one? See other Sweet & Sour Chicken and Rice Recipes
Preheat oven to 350.
Spray 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Combine chicken, pineapple, rice, carrots, bell pepper, onion and garlic in prepared dish.
Place broth, reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil and ginger in small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat and pour over chicken mixture.
Cover tightly with foil and bake 45 to 50 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in centers and rice is tender.
Sprinkle with peanuts and cilantro, if desired.
and
Slow Cook Garlic Smashed Potatoes
This is easy. Half or quarter new red potatoes, add to crock pot. Add half cup water, 4 garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 2 TB of olive oil. Mix well to coat potatoes pieces.
Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Mash potatoes with fork.
Add a package of cream cheese and chopped scallions. Add 1/4 to one-half a cup of milk (I omitted milk and it was fine).
Mix. Salt and pepper to taste.
Serve or let cook for one more hour.
The boys went bezerk over the potatoes. What's not to love? The mixed them up with their green beans and ate it up.
http://www.recipezaar.com/162120
1 lb chicken tenders
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained and juice reserved
1 cup uncooked rice
2 carrots, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Not the one? See other Sweet & Sour Chicken and Rice Recipes
Preheat oven to 350.
Spray 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Combine chicken, pineapple, rice, carrots, bell pepper, onion and garlic in prepared dish.
Place broth, reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil and ginger in small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat and pour over chicken mixture.
Cover tightly with foil and bake 45 to 50 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in centers and rice is tender.
Sprinkle with peanuts and cilantro, if desired.
and
Slow Cook Garlic Smashed Potatoes
This is easy. Half or quarter new red potatoes, add to crock pot. Add half cup water, 4 garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 2 TB of olive oil. Mix well to coat potatoes pieces.
Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Mash potatoes with fork.
Add a package of cream cheese and chopped scallions. Add 1/4 to one-half a cup of milk (I omitted milk and it was fine).
Mix. Salt and pepper to taste.
Serve or let cook for one more hour.
The boys went bezerk over the potatoes. What's not to love? The mixed them up with their green beans and ate it up.
Monday, January 29, 2007
I don't understand death. I don't understand the acceptance of the finality of it. Even when you know it is eminent, once it comes into your reality, it hits so deeply. I don't understand why it has to hurt, truly physically hurt, to die. I've been reading about the concept of "dynamic tension," and how basically we all grow and become more than what we are thru the struggle of uncertainty and difficulty. I like to think that those who struggle and hurt the most here in this realm go on to be our greatest Angels. There has to be a reason for so much suffering.
My mom's best friend of over 35 years is dying, painfully, of cancer. She will leave a man that it took most of her life to find (and who has supported her thru over 10 years of battling one cancer or another), and a newly married son who was hoping to give her a grandbaby before she died but at least gave her the satisfaction of knowing he married a good German girl.
She is still, barely with us. I don't know what I hope for her. I hope her well and that she can go back to the good life that took her over 40 years to finally get. I can't hope that she goes peacefully because she isn't. I can't hope she goes quickly because she hasn't. I don't want her to have any more pain. I don't want her loved ones to have any more pain. But once the pain is gone, what does that mean? What is left? What is left for Sam? My heart aches for him.
All I do know is that Marianne will be one knock out, tough, German frau of an Angel. I hope she can be an Angel soon.
My mom's best friend of over 35 years is dying, painfully, of cancer. She will leave a man that it took most of her life to find (and who has supported her thru over 10 years of battling one cancer or another), and a newly married son who was hoping to give her a grandbaby before she died but at least gave her the satisfaction of knowing he married a good German girl.
She is still, barely with us. I don't know what I hope for her. I hope her well and that she can go back to the good life that took her over 40 years to finally get. I can't hope that she goes peacefully because she isn't. I can't hope she goes quickly because she hasn't. I don't want her to have any more pain. I don't want her loved ones to have any more pain. But once the pain is gone, what does that mean? What is left? What is left for Sam? My heart aches for him.
All I do know is that Marianne will be one knock out, tough, German frau of an Angel. I hope she can be an Angel soon.
I can't believe how better our days are around here. Today I got Jack down for a nap and now Will is writing me stories, but he says I have to read them since he can't read. : )
I made another chiro appt. with Dr. Crow for Will for this Wednesday. He now says he is having a "Cah" problem along with his laughing problem. I find this interesting because I have noticed the past couple days the breathing issue has changed... he does seem more to being doing this purposefully rather than it happening on its own. For two nights now I have not noticed any breathing issue while he sleeps.
I am just going to keep logging these changes so I can keep track of what is happening. Hopefully soon it will all go away on its own, aided by the fabulous Dr. Crow and his adjustments.
We have an appt. for Feb 16 with a pulmonary doctor but that sounds so excessive and extreme.... and at the same time I'm kind of afraid the dr. would look at me like an idiot for bringing in my son who was faking a breathing problem.
It feels weird to be happy that we are having such wonderful days but at the same time be worrying and wondering what the heck is going on with Will.
I made another chiro appt. with Dr. Crow for Will for this Wednesday. He now says he is having a "Cah" problem along with his laughing problem. I find this interesting because I have noticed the past couple days the breathing issue has changed... he does seem more to being doing this purposefully rather than it happening on its own. For two nights now I have not noticed any breathing issue while he sleeps.
I am just going to keep logging these changes so I can keep track of what is happening. Hopefully soon it will all go away on its own, aided by the fabulous Dr. Crow and his adjustments.
We have an appt. for Feb 16 with a pulmonary doctor but that sounds so excessive and extreme.... and at the same time I'm kind of afraid the dr. would look at me like an idiot for bringing in my son who was faking a breathing problem.
It feels weird to be happy that we are having such wonderful days but at the same time be worrying and wondering what the heck is going on with Will.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Fun, fun, fun
and now zzzzzzz. Keeping the boys busy with Daddy gone.
I haven't heard from Mark. Trying not to worry, I'm assuming he can't get thru on his sucky cell phone because of the mountains.
I haven't heard from Mark. Trying not to worry, I'm assuming he can't get thru on his sucky cell phone because of the mountains.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Will....
Its now going on four weeks with his breathing issue... but today was different. It seemed more like he was making the breathing spasm himself rather than it being involuntary as it seemed before. He is asleep and is breathing normally tonight....Is this something that has become habitual for Will now? Weirdness.
Went to see Dr. Crow on Wednesday of this week. Love him. He is wise and grooovy and put me at ease with what is going on with Will. We'll go back next week for another adjustment.
Mark is in California for a long weekend. I am happy that he is there, attending a friend's wedding and enjoying the beauty of the surf but I am envious that I no longer have that kind of freedom. Tonight he is camping on the beach in Mailbu, then to a friend's wedding tomorrow, then a quick trip to Big Sur for more camping and taking in of the salt air. I love that smell and long for it.
People who inspire me. Their love for others is so grand:
Dr. Page Crow
http://www.doccrow.com/bio.html
Carl Cook
Our Suzuki teacher
Ms. Diana
lakefarmschool.com
Went to see Dr. Crow on Wednesday of this week. Love him. He is wise and grooovy and put me at ease with what is going on with Will. We'll go back next week for another adjustment.
Mark is in California for a long weekend. I am happy that he is there, attending a friend's wedding and enjoying the beauty of the surf but I am envious that I no longer have that kind of freedom. Tonight he is camping on the beach in Mailbu, then to a friend's wedding tomorrow, then a quick trip to Big Sur for more camping and taking in of the salt air. I love that smell and long for it.
People who inspire me. Their love for others is so grand:
Dr. Page Crow
http://www.doccrow.com/bio.html
Carl Cook
Our Suzuki teacher
Ms. Diana
lakefarmschool.com
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Meal planning.
I am quite excited about my recent menu planning and shopping trip. On the calendar:
White Turkey Chili (already made this and I had to alter the recipe so much that it was just okay).
Sweet and Sour Chicken and Rice (serious yum, already cooked).
Potato Spinach Quiche (a favorite in this house)
Miso soup with Asian noodles
Honey Baked Lentils (recipe from a MDC thread)
White Bean Rosemary Spread with pita bread (Suzanne Sommers cookbook - she actually has really good recipes!)
Ginger Chicken wontons (SUzanne Sommer's cookbook again)
Arugula/Pear Salad (actually I'm using spinach leaves)
Garlic Smashed potatoes (slow cooked in the crock pot) and green beans (from my mom's Pillsbury slow cook book from the 70s)
Vegetable Rice Pilaf (Pillsbury)
Mozzarella Bites (Using Jay's Signature Pizza Crust recipe from allrecipes.com)
Pumpkin Ravioli (I can't remember where I got this recipe)
Garlic Bread Soup (from recent issue of Vegetarian Times)
White Turkey Chili (already made this and I had to alter the recipe so much that it was just okay).
Sweet and Sour Chicken and Rice (serious yum, already cooked).
Potato Spinach Quiche (a favorite in this house)
Miso soup with Asian noodles
Honey Baked Lentils (recipe from a MDC thread)
White Bean Rosemary Spread with pita bread (Suzanne Sommers cookbook - she actually has really good recipes!)
Ginger Chicken wontons (SUzanne Sommer's cookbook again)
Arugula/Pear Salad (actually I'm using spinach leaves)
Garlic Smashed potatoes (slow cooked in the crock pot) and green beans (from my mom's Pillsbury slow cook book from the 70s)
Vegetable Rice Pilaf (Pillsbury)
Mozzarella Bites (Using Jay's Signature Pizza Crust recipe from allrecipes.com)
Pumpkin Ravioli (I can't remember where I got this recipe)
Garlic Bread Soup (from recent issue of Vegetarian Times)
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
Burt's Bee's Lip Balm...
SUCKS! The peppermint is totally stinging my lips.
Anyway.
I feel like I am in a time warp here. Cleaning, cooking, knitting on my um, pot holder, and playing with the kids. Drinking lots of coffee and listening to music. A friend gave me some nice tea for Christmas... I've yet to be motivated to drink it. Maybe tomorrow.
I need to grocery shop, make Christmas returns, go to the library, post office... I just don't have the motivation. Actually, we are enjoying life so much AT HOME that I don't ever want to leave! Amazing!
Tomorrow afternoon cousin and baby Rowan will be here to play.
Still waiting for CHildren's MErcy appt.... spoke with the nurse in Neurology and she's not convinced they are the ones to help us.... I don't know who is...
Anyway.
I feel like I am in a time warp here. Cleaning, cooking, knitting on my um, pot holder, and playing with the kids. Drinking lots of coffee and listening to music. A friend gave me some nice tea for Christmas... I've yet to be motivated to drink it. Maybe tomorrow.
I need to grocery shop, make Christmas returns, go to the library, post office... I just don't have the motivation. Actually, we are enjoying life so much AT HOME that I don't ever want to leave! Amazing!
Tomorrow afternoon cousin and baby Rowan will be here to play.
Still waiting for CHildren's MErcy appt.... spoke with the nurse in Neurology and she's not convinced they are the ones to help us.... I don't know who is...
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Calendar of the Soul
[January 21, 2007 - January 27, 2007]
Forty-first Week
(January 12-18)
The soul's creative might
Strives outward from the heart's own core
To kindle and inflame god-given powers
In human life to right activity;
The soul thus shapes itself
In human loving and in human working.
________________________
[January 21, 2007 - January 27, 2007]
Forty-first Week
(January 12-18)
The soul's creative might
Strives outward from the heart's own core
To kindle and inflame god-given powers
In human life to right activity;
The soul thus shapes itself
In human loving and in human working.
________________________
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Stomach spasms are still around. I had a very neurotic post on here last night but went back and deleted it this morning. I don't want to bring that into my reality.
Met with Dr. Greenwood on Friday and we are now going to see a respiratory specialist at Children's Mercy next week.
Today was Beauty.
Ice hockey, skating and sledding on a new friend's pond. Hot chocolate and fires. Cozy woolen long johns and cuddly little boys that smell like sheep. Yum!
Met with Dr. Greenwood on Friday and we are now going to see a respiratory specialist at Children's Mercy next week.
Today was Beauty.
Ice hockey, skating and sledding on a new friend's pond. Hot chocolate and fires. Cozy woolen long johns and cuddly little boys that smell like sheep. Yum!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
A Change Has Occurred...
At this point, I will let go of analyzing the why and just go with where we are heading...
Salicylate stuff:
Salicylates are chemicals found naturally in some plants, stored in the bark, leaves, roots, skin and seeds, where they protect the plants against insect damage and disease. In the human body, salicylate has been shown to have an effect on certain neuron receptors, to suppress some enzymes including the enzyme phenol sulfotransferase (PST), to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, etc.
Most people have no problem with salicylate-containing foods or salicylate-containing drugs except at high doses, but some people can be extremely sensitive to these chemicals.
http://www.feingold.org/sas.html
I purchased The Salicylate Handbook here:
http://www.foodcanmakeyouill.co.uk/sali/articles.htm
I heard Karen DeFelice speak over a year ago... I have her book "Enzymes for Digestive Health and Nutrional Wealth." and immediately put it down. Too Much Information. I need to pick it up again. I know it is full of great information!
Her web site is very helpful:
http://www.enzymestuff.com/
I wish I had a doctor (or some V.I.P) holding my hand and telling me exactly what I need to do. Sorry. But I do.
Salicylate stuff:
Salicylates are chemicals found naturally in some plants, stored in the bark, leaves, roots, skin and seeds, where they protect the plants against insect damage and disease. In the human body, salicylate has been shown to have an effect on certain neuron receptors, to suppress some enzymes including the enzyme phenol sulfotransferase (PST), to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, etc.
Most people have no problem with salicylate-containing foods or salicylate-containing drugs except at high doses, but some people can be extremely sensitive to these chemicals.
http://www.feingold.org/sas.html
I purchased The Salicylate Handbook here:
http://www.foodcanmakeyouill.co.uk/sali/articles.htm
I heard Karen DeFelice speak over a year ago... I have her book "Enzymes for Digestive Health and Nutrional Wealth." and immediately put it down. Too Much Information. I need to pick it up again. I know it is full of great information!
Her web site is very helpful:
http://www.enzymestuff.com/
I wish I had a doctor (or some V.I.P) holding my hand and telling me exactly what I need to do. Sorry. But I do.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Hugely Pleasant Days
around here for the past couple days. The neighbor kids have Snow Days so Will has had playmates and pretty much ignoring us. lol. He's at his cousins house now and later we are off to Eden Alley for more friends and a good meal. Jack is sleeping.
We are working on a low salicylate diet - eating lots of chicken and rice. I need to get to the store to stock up in this house. I purchased The Salicylate Handbook and look forward to getting it. http://www.foodcanmakeyouill.co.uk/bookshop/sali.htm
Two weeks ago WIll was complaining about a "laughing problem" that he had. We didn't understand. A week later we notice his breathing is irregular and he is having stomach spasms when he breathes about every other minute. Then it got a little worse so I made an appt. to see the Worthless Doctor. Will said he was so excited to get his laughing problem fixed. Worthless Doctor told me he was faking it. I wanted to make sure it didn't have anything to do with his heart and Worthless Doctor said no. I asked about food allergies and Worthless Doctor said allergies would show up as a rash and rarely related to breathing difficulties.
Will had been eating lots of apples and pickles. I learned cucumbers are quite high in salicylates.
So that was last... Wednesday. We went low salicylate that day. He is no longer have the stomach spasms. I need to start a food diary for him and will get that together soon. I want to do this right.
We are working on a low salicylate diet - eating lots of chicken and rice. I need to get to the store to stock up in this house. I purchased The Salicylate Handbook and look forward to getting it. http://www.foodcanmakeyouill.co.uk/bookshop/sali.htm
Two weeks ago WIll was complaining about a "laughing problem" that he had. We didn't understand. A week later we notice his breathing is irregular and he is having stomach spasms when he breathes about every other minute. Then it got a little worse so I made an appt. to see the Worthless Doctor. Will said he was so excited to get his laughing problem fixed. Worthless Doctor told me he was faking it. I wanted to make sure it didn't have anything to do with his heart and Worthless Doctor said no. I asked about food allergies and Worthless Doctor said allergies would show up as a rash and rarely related to breathing difficulties.
Will had been eating lots of apples and pickles. I learned cucumbers are quite high in salicylates.
So that was last... Wednesday. We went low salicylate that day. He is no longer have the stomach spasms. I need to start a food diary for him and will get that together soon. I want to do this right.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
There is always a reason.
Its quite exhausting taking care of these boys. Sometimes, okay often, I think Mark and I just make it too hard. Its all about outlook. We both acknowledged that today and are trying to improve our daily attitudes.
Okay, so we stayed positive during the long, drawn out bedtime routine. Tonight it was wee Mr. Jack who was being ornery and not settling down. Finally, I took him out of the room and we played downstairs for awhile. Well, he took a nice little poop, I cleaned him up and he was ready to nurse down to sleep. I mean, who can blame the kid for not wanting to go to sleep until he took care of business? It helped remind me to really look past the current behavior and find the deeper meaning to the situation. I think of my sister (who is often the blunt of my judgemental comparisons), who would have stuck her 2 year old in the crib and let him CIO, only to discover in the morning a little boy with a poopy diaper and a bad diaper rash.
Sometimes we feel like total suckers the way these boys play us... that is our upbringing talking to us (and our family around us)... but if we stay true to what counts - our family - and ignore the comments and the little voices in our head, and stay focused on the moment and the needs of the moment I know we will raise healthy, happy and responsible little beings.
Okay, so we stayed positive during the long, drawn out bedtime routine. Tonight it was wee Mr. Jack who was being ornery and not settling down. Finally, I took him out of the room and we played downstairs for awhile. Well, he took a nice little poop, I cleaned him up and he was ready to nurse down to sleep. I mean, who can blame the kid for not wanting to go to sleep until he took care of business? It helped remind me to really look past the current behavior and find the deeper meaning to the situation. I think of my sister (who is often the blunt of my judgemental comparisons), who would have stuck her 2 year old in the crib and let him CIO, only to discover in the morning a little boy with a poopy diaper and a bad diaper rash.
Sometimes we feel like total suckers the way these boys play us... that is our upbringing talking to us (and our family around us)... but if we stay true to what counts - our family - and ignore the comments and the little voices in our head, and stay focused on the moment and the needs of the moment I know we will raise healthy, happy and responsible little beings.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Harmonic Resonance
So I've had my Enki materials for a few months, and I have been delving into it all. I've gone thru periods of pure excitement and pure overwhelmness and fear.
But here I am, at the end of an astonishingly delightful day, feeling pretty good about were I am in the process of "learning Enki." There is much that I have been working on over the past couple years, since learning about Waldorf, that is helping the family. We have some good rhythms in place; I am very aware of where we need more focus. I've taken the time to really analyze our days. I know what works for us and what doesn't (for the most part). My new buzz word these days is INTEGRATING.
I'm also beginning to feel more secure about beginning the more official blocks and not being so overwhelmed and thinking, oh crap I have to have a craft project, a folk talk, a fairy tale, movement circle, and songs every day. HELP! Where's the Play-doh? Really, once its broken down into the week its not so overwhelming:
Monday: Painting Day
Tuesday: Baking, Cooking, Home crafts day (knitting, or fixing buttons or broke toys or whatever).
Wednesday: Adventure Day (Park, play dates, nature walks)
Thursday: Craft Day (from the Enki Craft Book)
Friday: Adventure Day )Park, play dates, whatever)
So really. One day of painting - and all I have to do is read a story to help bring the energy of the colors to them, set up paints, let them paint, and clean up.
That just leaves me needing to prepare one craft a week.
Circle time songs - we practically have them all memorized and we don't do an official circle time. We sing them around the house or on walks. I burned a CD with about 9 songs and we'll use that for the season... and then I'll only change out the seasonal songs and keep the other songs for the entire year. This is flexible... as Will is only 4.5 years old right now.
I'm continuing to aim at building on our daily rhythms and establishing a solid ground.... really that is what Kindergarten is all about anyway...
And to end this - I have to laugh at the juxtaposition of our days sometimes. This morning we were all in the living room; I was knitting, Jack was "playing" the violin, and Will was playing the harp while we listened to our Suzuki Violin Lesson 1 CD (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star). I felt very homeschooley.
The afternoon included Will and Jack playing Hot Wheels on the computer and screaming "Hot Wheels, Big Bad!" like they do on the computer game.
The evening ended with Will playing dress-up and pretending to be a preganant mama getting ready to have a baby and Jack walking around with my wedding veil on.
Suddenly this post seems quite corny to me. I sometimes wish I could have protected posts...
Hey, I just figured out how to label posts. Cool!
But here I am, at the end of an astonishingly delightful day, feeling pretty good about were I am in the process of "learning Enki." There is much that I have been working on over the past couple years, since learning about Waldorf, that is helping the family. We have some good rhythms in place; I am very aware of where we need more focus. I've taken the time to really analyze our days. I know what works for us and what doesn't (for the most part). My new buzz word these days is INTEGRATING.
I'm also beginning to feel more secure about beginning the more official blocks and not being so overwhelmed and thinking, oh crap I have to have a craft project, a folk talk, a fairy tale, movement circle, and songs every day. HELP! Where's the Play-doh? Really, once its broken down into the week its not so overwhelming:
Monday: Painting Day
Tuesday: Baking, Cooking, Home crafts day (knitting, or fixing buttons or broke toys or whatever).
Wednesday: Adventure Day (Park, play dates, nature walks)
Thursday: Craft Day (from the Enki Craft Book)
Friday: Adventure Day )Park, play dates, whatever)
So really. One day of painting - and all I have to do is read a story to help bring the energy of the colors to them, set up paints, let them paint, and clean up.
That just leaves me needing to prepare one craft a week.
Circle time songs - we practically have them all memorized and we don't do an official circle time. We sing them around the house or on walks. I burned a CD with about 9 songs and we'll use that for the season... and then I'll only change out the seasonal songs and keep the other songs for the entire year. This is flexible... as Will is only 4.5 years old right now.
I'm continuing to aim at building on our daily rhythms and establishing a solid ground.... really that is what Kindergarten is all about anyway...
And to end this - I have to laugh at the juxtaposition of our days sometimes. This morning we were all in the living room; I was knitting, Jack was "playing" the violin, and Will was playing the harp while we listened to our Suzuki Violin Lesson 1 CD (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star). I felt very homeschooley.
The afternoon included Will and Jack playing Hot Wheels on the computer and screaming "Hot Wheels, Big Bad!" like they do on the computer game.
The evening ended with Will playing dress-up and pretending to be a preganant mama getting ready to have a baby and Jack walking around with my wedding veil on.
Suddenly this post seems quite corny to me. I sometimes wish I could have protected posts...
Hey, I just figured out how to label posts. Cool!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Back on the Low Salicylates Wagon...
I know without a doubt that Will has a sensitivity to foods high in salicylates.
I slacked. How can a mother deny their kid APPLES, and GRAPES, and CAULIFLOWER, and CINNAMON and KETCHUP? Or tomatoes in general for that matter? Or about 20 other fruits that are on the list? Do you know how SICK of bananas my kids are? And the fact that Will is an eating machine and loves all fruit. And lets not discuss the spices. Cumin is a standard in this house. Was.
Will has had 3 asthmatic related incidents that have required breathing treatments, and once again tonight he is labored in his breathing. He also has complained that his foot is hurting. I feared it was the foot he broke a couple years ago but now I believe its because its probably a little swollen, from the salicylates.
Now lets think about this. Each of these breathing problems have occured around Christmas. We aren't eating our regular diet around Christmas - lots of travel, more preservatives eaten then we normally would if at home. Also, I end up buying more apples this time of year because they are one of the cheaper fruits. More internet research and all the pieces of the mystery puzzle fit together...
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/61/67475
Allergies:
Salicylate Allergy
Salicylates are chemicals found naturally in plants and are a major ingredient of aspirin and other pain-relieving medications. They are also found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as many common health and beauty products.
What Are the Symptoms?
Some people have a low level of tolerance to salicylates and may have reactions if more than a small amount is consumed at one time. Symptoms of salicylate sensitivity vary but may include:
Asthma-like symptoms, such as trouble breathing and wheezing
Headaches
Nasal congestion
Changes in skin color
Itching, skin rash or hives
Swelling of the hands, feet and face
Stomach pain
I slacked. How can a mother deny their kid APPLES, and GRAPES, and CAULIFLOWER, and CINNAMON and KETCHUP? Or tomatoes in general for that matter? Or about 20 other fruits that are on the list? Do you know how SICK of bananas my kids are? And the fact that Will is an eating machine and loves all fruit. And lets not discuss the spices. Cumin is a standard in this house. Was.
Will has had 3 asthmatic related incidents that have required breathing treatments, and once again tonight he is labored in his breathing. He also has complained that his foot is hurting. I feared it was the foot he broke a couple years ago but now I believe its because its probably a little swollen, from the salicylates.
Now lets think about this. Each of these breathing problems have occured around Christmas. We aren't eating our regular diet around Christmas - lots of travel, more preservatives eaten then we normally would if at home. Also, I end up buying more apples this time of year because they are one of the cheaper fruits. More internet research and all the pieces of the mystery puzzle fit together...
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/61/67475
Allergies:
Salicylate Allergy
Salicylates are chemicals found naturally in plants and are a major ingredient of aspirin and other pain-relieving medications. They are also found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as many common health and beauty products.
What Are the Symptoms?
Some people have a low level of tolerance to salicylates and may have reactions if more than a small amount is consumed at one time. Symptoms of salicylate sensitivity vary but may include:
Asthma-like symptoms, such as trouble breathing and wheezing
Headaches
Nasal congestion
Changes in skin color
Itching, skin rash or hives
Swelling of the hands, feet and face
Stomach pain
Friday, January 05, 2007
Letting Go.
DON'T get me started on my obsession over rhythmic days and our a-rhythmic lives.
I let go tonight, turned on the TV for Will, went with the very long flow at bedtime, laughed, pulled fingers while the boys (all three of them) farted and we all fell asleep with no tears. Well, then I woke up.
I drank wine and have progressed to beer. If we were rich I would become one of *those* housewives. lol. But wine is out and typically not in the budget albeit for Grandma Reed's yearly Christmas present of a basket with 3 bottles of wine in it.
I have nightweaned Jack (age 2.5). Starting last Saturday. Cold turkey, until 5 am and it has been amazingly grand. He was a bit pissed the first few nights, but actually even then accepted the situation (eventually) with snuggles and soothing words. We had to sleep together on the floor a couple nights because he was too sad to sleep in the bed - where he gets his nursies. But now - less than a week later - he is a total pro. The timing was right for both of us.
I hung a star lamp in our bedroom, set a timer on it for 5 am and told him he could have nursies when the star came on. Last night, after 6 nights, he woke only at 4 am, let me rock him in the chair for awhile and then back to bed until 6 am when he woke to nurse. SUCCESS! We are all so much better for it, and although there were tears in the beginning - less than there were with the all day mommy resentment, whineys and so forth that went with all night nursing sessions. I'm thrilled and happy with how we did it. We still co-sleep, nurse to sleep in bed at night, and nurse and snuggle all morning. I still wake several times at night as my body is use to that, but I am getting a solid 4-5 hours of sleep. I wake around 3 am and can't go back to sleep - my body is not use to so much sleep! ITS A GOOD THING!!!!!!!!
Will and I have starting taking Suzuki violin lessons. I am new to all this - I took violin for a short time in college (and had a fleeting crush on my teacher but chose Mark instead) and am so excited to see where this will lead us. Today, Will was THRILLED to go to violin lessons and play with the choo-choo train but the teacher observed him and said ------
"He's a willful kid." (I've heard this before).
"He knows what he wants." (Yep.)
"He's totally ready to do this. (Hooray!)
It will take 1-2 years, but we will learn the "Twinkles." Which, apparently, is Twinkle Twinkle LIttle Star in four variations.
: )
Fun. Right?
Its all happening. : ) (Name that movie.)
Yes, I'm feeling happy. And maybe a little tipsy. : )
I let go tonight, turned on the TV for Will, went with the very long flow at bedtime, laughed, pulled fingers while the boys (all three of them) farted and we all fell asleep with no tears. Well, then I woke up.
I drank wine and have progressed to beer. If we were rich I would become one of *those* housewives. lol. But wine is out and typically not in the budget albeit for Grandma Reed's yearly Christmas present of a basket with 3 bottles of wine in it.
I have nightweaned Jack (age 2.5). Starting last Saturday. Cold turkey, until 5 am and it has been amazingly grand. He was a bit pissed the first few nights, but actually even then accepted the situation (eventually) with snuggles and soothing words. We had to sleep together on the floor a couple nights because he was too sad to sleep in the bed - where he gets his nursies. But now - less than a week later - he is a total pro. The timing was right for both of us.
I hung a star lamp in our bedroom, set a timer on it for 5 am and told him he could have nursies when the star came on. Last night, after 6 nights, he woke only at 4 am, let me rock him in the chair for awhile and then back to bed until 6 am when he woke to nurse. SUCCESS! We are all so much better for it, and although there were tears in the beginning - less than there were with the all day mommy resentment, whineys and so forth that went with all night nursing sessions. I'm thrilled and happy with how we did it. We still co-sleep, nurse to sleep in bed at night, and nurse and snuggle all morning. I still wake several times at night as my body is use to that, but I am getting a solid 4-5 hours of sleep. I wake around 3 am and can't go back to sleep - my body is not use to so much sleep! ITS A GOOD THING!!!!!!!!
Will and I have starting taking Suzuki violin lessons. I am new to all this - I took violin for a short time in college (and had a fleeting crush on my teacher but chose Mark instead) and am so excited to see where this will lead us. Today, Will was THRILLED to go to violin lessons and play with the choo-choo train but the teacher observed him and said ------
"He's a willful kid." (I've heard this before).
"He knows what he wants." (Yep.)
"He's totally ready to do this. (Hooray!)
It will take 1-2 years, but we will learn the "Twinkles." Which, apparently, is Twinkle Twinkle LIttle Star in four variations.
: )
Fun. Right?
Its all happening. : ) (Name that movie.)
Yes, I'm feeling happy. And maybe a little tipsy. : )
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