September is almost over; we are now in the final week of this season-changing month. Lots of things change in September, or so it seems, other than the season and its weather patterns. Its a time for reflection, remembering, preparing. Today, I resign myself to doing just that.
Over the weekend, a friend and somewhat of a co-worker passed away. I've not seen this person in over five years. I had received a friends request from his wife awhile back on FB, and only accepted that request about a couple of weeks ago. Did I wait too long? Perhaps I could have answered earlier. I could sit here and beat myself up while writing this post, but I also know that with my train of thought, nothing happens by chance. I responded when I was supposed to. I'm not one focused on luck, chance, or coincidence. I've always believed there is purpose and reason why things happen in the time that they do.
Over that last couple of weeks, I've been tired. Zachary is teething, which I think is starting to calm down a little bit. Thankfully. Nights have been patchy with sleep, soothing a little one to sleep for himself, let alone try to catch a few winks for myself. That tired feeling has followed me throughout some of my days, and there's a list of things for me to tackle to catch up with. It feels almost like most days are catch up days lately.
We have been handed a diagnosis of Autism for Tristan. Paperwork, appointments, and phone calls have commenced over the last couple of weeks. He will be attending preschool as soon as we have everything in place that he needs; this should be in the next couple of weeks, provided I keep pushing for what he needs. I will continue to homeschool, as a supplement. I will say no more today for this piece of information; it would encompass a post in itself.
Today is my day to do what is needed, making the most of the time set aside for fun with my boys, and to go with the flow. Time to empty my churning mind and be ok with non-perfection. With that said, I will sign off early to move ahead with my day to spend more time with my children. So, remember, take time to stop, breathe, and refocus. Be ok with taking a moment to feel the warmth of the sun on your face, smell the scents of the season, listen to the laughter of small children, and embrace life for every moment it presents. ~Momma
Showing posts with label Mommy Mondays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mommy Mondays. Show all posts
Monday, September 26, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Four Days Before The Equinox
Another Monday in September here. Four days before the Autumnal Equinox, and lots to do. Good thing today is a catch up/relaxed type of day for the boys and I. I try to keep Mondays and Fridays as days where we can make plans but go with the flow and not worry if we didn't follow the day to the letter. Not every day should be so regimented that you can't have changes that you can't deal with. My guys are good about routines and in the swing of going with the flow; a change here and there is not bad and they bounce along with it. If its a complete disaster of a day, there's crying and tantrums. Right now, they're playing with trains, dabbling with breakfast.
Its another list day. Make a running list of things to do but with the intention of spreading it out over the week so as not to feel overwhelmed by it all. I'm also starting a mental list of writing topics, as I notice my posts here are starting to look like "Dear Diary......" Schedule, darling, schedule. Its ok for me to set a schedule for myself and keep myself in check with my day; just keep it fun for the boys. And remember, have fun with them while they're having fun, Momma. Its so important.
Even though I'm early with my post, I'm keeping it short so I can keep up with my day today. I love to sit and empty my head in the mornings, its a relief from thinking all day and half the night. Just as much as I love to sit and write, as I've learned to work it into my day, I love to get moving and get things done to be able to go do the things we love to do best: have fun. My boys will not be little forever, and there will come a day when they may shy away from me hugging and kissing them in public. They will grow and one day not want me to kiss the boo-boo's and reassure them that it's all good. Ahhh.....being a parent is a committment. Sometimes, it feels like a thankless job you're not getting paid for. Yet, I would never take it back. I would never change my mind about being a mom. I love my boys.
So, here's to today and the smiles with laughter. The endless possibilities of what and where, how and why. Make each day count, live today like its your last day. ~Momma
Its another list day. Make a running list of things to do but with the intention of spreading it out over the week so as not to feel overwhelmed by it all. I'm also starting a mental list of writing topics, as I notice my posts here are starting to look like "Dear Diary......" Schedule, darling, schedule. Its ok for me to set a schedule for myself and keep myself in check with my day; just keep it fun for the boys. And remember, have fun with them while they're having fun, Momma. Its so important.
Even though I'm early with my post, I'm keeping it short so I can keep up with my day today. I love to sit and empty my head in the mornings, its a relief from thinking all day and half the night. Just as much as I love to sit and write, as I've learned to work it into my day, I love to get moving and get things done to be able to go do the things we love to do best: have fun. My boys will not be little forever, and there will come a day when they may shy away from me hugging and kissing them in public. They will grow and one day not want me to kiss the boo-boo's and reassure them that it's all good. Ahhh.....being a parent is a committment. Sometimes, it feels like a thankless job you're not getting paid for. Yet, I would never take it back. I would never change my mind about being a mom. I love my boys.
So, here's to today and the smiles with laughter. The endless possibilities of what and where, how and why. Make each day count, live today like its your last day. ~Momma
Monday, September 12, 2011
At It Again
Sometimes, I think Monday comes too quickly. Here we are, another week started and already in the midst of catch up and diving in headfirst for the busy week ahead. Errands, appointments, places to go....sometimes, it seems like it never ends. Today is a catch up day, along with prepping for the rest of the week. Household tasks, a soap order to fill, and best of all, to make sure my boys have fun today. If anything counts the most, its how I make use of the day for them. Everything else is peanuts.
My youngest sister's dad placed a soap order late last week, and its today to put it together and send him the details per email. Once I get his payment, then I can send it to him. Not a bad way to get back into business. I've been thinking how to get going again, and the order I fill today just may be the ticket. When nights of teething and days of high energy cloud your brain with hyperactive fuzz, you have a tendency to run on auto-pilot.
I'm back on my reading list again. I say "list", even though its actually "lists." Research & writing list, spiritually inspiring, and leisure. Add one more? No. Oh, wait. I do have another to add. Hereditary craft. Baby on one hip, nose in a book, stirring a pot on the stove, schooling a preschooler....picturesque. My new crafting list is starting with sewing, one of my favorite past times. I'm actually getting into learning to pattern, something I never really got into. Good a time as any, I suppose. I will be photographing this new "poker in the fire," so stay tuned. I'm excited.
I went to AC MOORE last night for their moonlight madness sale and won a $15 gift card while there. Set me up to pick up a few things, even though I was only there to pick up yarn that someone else bought before I got there. Poo, I thought. Then, I realized that it was ok to miss out on that opportunity and create space and an open mind for what I did pick up while there. Tracing paper and a set of pencils just for pattern making, knitting needles and a crochet hook that light up-yes, I said light up-clearance yarn to make a pillow for the sofa, and a Paula Deen recipe journal (make your own cookbook?). Not a bad shopping experience. And of course, coupons for the next week to two weeks.
My mind is swirling with ideas and thoughts, almost like a traffic jam in NYC. Horns beeping, drivers shouting out windows. Everyone wants to be heard....no, my name is not Cybil. Just the typical thinking woman; always thinking. My surface cleaning is done for the morning, my boys eating breakfast, coffee in one hand while checking my post for errors. I'm itching to get started on new things, finish the unfinished, and somehow find the time to breathe and keep me going to keep everyone and everything else going; if I don't take care of me, how do I take care of everyone else? Self care is so important.
So, with that in mind, let's get this party started for the week. We're off and running like a shot out of a gun. And if I play my cards right, I might get a couple of little ones to relax this afternoon. There's always hope. ~Momma
My youngest sister's dad placed a soap order late last week, and its today to put it together and send him the details per email. Once I get his payment, then I can send it to him. Not a bad way to get back into business. I've been thinking how to get going again, and the order I fill today just may be the ticket. When nights of teething and days of high energy cloud your brain with hyperactive fuzz, you have a tendency to run on auto-pilot.
I'm back on my reading list again. I say "list", even though its actually "lists." Research & writing list, spiritually inspiring, and leisure. Add one more? No. Oh, wait. I do have another to add. Hereditary craft. Baby on one hip, nose in a book, stirring a pot on the stove, schooling a preschooler....picturesque. My new crafting list is starting with sewing, one of my favorite past times. I'm actually getting into learning to pattern, something I never really got into. Good a time as any, I suppose. I will be photographing this new "poker in the fire," so stay tuned. I'm excited.
I went to AC MOORE last night for their moonlight madness sale and won a $15 gift card while there. Set me up to pick up a few things, even though I was only there to pick up yarn that someone else bought before I got there. Poo, I thought. Then, I realized that it was ok to miss out on that opportunity and create space and an open mind for what I did pick up while there. Tracing paper and a set of pencils just for pattern making, knitting needles and a crochet hook that light up-yes, I said light up-clearance yarn to make a pillow for the sofa, and a Paula Deen recipe journal (make your own cookbook?). Not a bad shopping experience. And of course, coupons for the next week to two weeks.
My mind is swirling with ideas and thoughts, almost like a traffic jam in NYC. Horns beeping, drivers shouting out windows. Everyone wants to be heard....no, my name is not Cybil. Just the typical thinking woman; always thinking. My surface cleaning is done for the morning, my boys eating breakfast, coffee in one hand while checking my post for errors. I'm itching to get started on new things, finish the unfinished, and somehow find the time to breathe and keep me going to keep everyone and everything else going; if I don't take care of me, how do I take care of everyone else? Self care is so important.
So, with that in mind, let's get this party started for the week. We're off and running like a shot out of a gun. And if I play my cards right, I might get a couple of little ones to relax this afternoon. There's always hope. ~Momma
Monday, August 22, 2011
Tid Bits
Monday here again, not a bad idea. I'm sitting to crank out a quickie here, and then off and running for the day. Actually, I'll be off for about a week, possibly. After two weeks of cleaning, gardening on the heavy duty scale, and organizing by way of purging in the garage, I'm taking the week off to spend with my boys. I'll still be working on school things with my preschooler but having more fun. I'll outline more of the details after our week of fun-stay tuned.
The weekend wasn't too bad. I finally got the garage set up the way I need it for now, that way I can take a little piece at a time to purge further. The Facebook page for a book exchange is really heavy on my mind, and I think I just might do it. I think it would be best to put the feelers out there with my friends list if anyone would be interested and want to participate. It could be a worthy adventure.
The meal menu for the week is ready to go into Word today, and then posted on the fridge for the week. The new sales flyer for the market sits on the table, items highlighted and ready to go for pickup. I also have some birthday shopping to consider for my oldest, who will be four yrs old soon. Time flies, and it waits for no one.
I'm still plugging away at reading for my first topic of writing. Its going well, and I've highlighted and taken notes on things that stand out. I still have until the first full week of September to compile my info, and then to sit and write about my findings. A week of a break between the final writing of the first installment, with fiction to clear the mind. Then, back to work and onto the next subject of conversation. I will give the link where to find my work once I've posted.
My boys are playing, picking over what's left of breakfast, and I'm ready to sign off here to move onto my next leg of my day-shower, pick up, get ready to move and groove. Its all good, and every day is never boring. Always interesting. ~Momma
The weekend wasn't too bad. I finally got the garage set up the way I need it for now, that way I can take a little piece at a time to purge further. The Facebook page for a book exchange is really heavy on my mind, and I think I just might do it. I think it would be best to put the feelers out there with my friends list if anyone would be interested and want to participate. It could be a worthy adventure.
The meal menu for the week is ready to go into Word today, and then posted on the fridge for the week. The new sales flyer for the market sits on the table, items highlighted and ready to go for pickup. I also have some birthday shopping to consider for my oldest, who will be four yrs old soon. Time flies, and it waits for no one.
I'm still plugging away at reading for my first topic of writing. Its going well, and I've highlighted and taken notes on things that stand out. I still have until the first full week of September to compile my info, and then to sit and write about my findings. A week of a break between the final writing of the first installment, with fiction to clear the mind. Then, back to work and onto the next subject of conversation. I will give the link where to find my work once I've posted.
My boys are playing, picking over what's left of breakfast, and I'm ready to sign off here to move onto my next leg of my day-shower, pick up, get ready to move and groove. Its all good, and every day is never boring. Always interesting. ~Momma
Monday, August 15, 2011
Rainy Day Monday
Unlike the Carpenters verse of being let down by rainy days and Mondays, I'm enjoying the rain. Its very much needed at this time. Its been dry for a few weeks, so its a welcome peace today. Plans for today? Rainy day activities with the boys, a movie with popcorn while lounging on the air mattress, menu planning, daily housework, and a spotlight in the garage while they rest. Sounds like quite a bit, but its the average day here on the urban homestead.
Our rainy day activities range from art, playing cow bowling and free play. Music with "hop like a frog" fun. Snacks, tea, a light lunch....relaxing. Its warm enough we can be outside on the back porch for some of this fun time, too.
New menu this week, and just like last week, I'm not ready as of this morning. Grab some cookbooks, flip through and tab pages, sit later or tomorrow to plug into Word and print off. It is so much easier to see that menu with the little shopping list hanging on the fridge; no more guess work for meals. I was watching Extreme Couponing on TLC yesterday afternoon, and it still blows me away how these people can do this. Its a full time job just to do the research, find the deals, and get all the coupons they take to the store! Yet, I have to say, we are moving in that direction. I still don't believe we'll ever be as extreme but it helps everywhere possible when you can pick things up that usually cost more on a regular basis. Like this week, two stores we shop at have some good deals. One place, for example, has a 24 pack of toilet paper on sale for $4.99 and a 50 oz. bottle of laundry detergent for $1.99. We all know that laundry soap can be so much more expensive than that, so is it worth stocking up on when its at that kind of price? Yes, ma'am. We already have four bottles of laundry detergent-name brands that are low on the ingredient index-stocked up and we are still using the soap we've had for six months; we used to buy the great big containers to make it through but with these deals, we're actually saving more money. And every mom knows there is never enough tp in the house, so this other deal is appealing. My other store is offering double coupons, so there's a trip there, too. We don't have a huge list to work off of, so we won't be spending tons of money. With stocking up on certain things, the extra money goes where its needed: other items, bills, savings, etc...it just takes a little time getting settled in with; nothing worth it happens overnight.
I started working in the garage yesterday while my boys were resting. I had a pile of bags and boxes to sort through, stuff I always say "It can wait." Well, it waited no longer as of yesterday. I now have one bag and one box of books, magazines, and misc. that can be sorted into separate places and used. I found a gardening magazine from when we moved into our home the first summer and I had only flipped through it at the checkout line! I can still use that magazine for the gardens I'm putting in here. Once I'm done, I can recycle it and move on. Who knows, maybe I'll have a Kindle or Nook Color one day that I can put magazines on and not have the pile of recycles to haul out of here. One never knows what tomorrow brings.
There it is. My thoughts for this morning that have been piling up all weekend long. I've also been thinking, as I'll be busy with the garage organizing this week, I'm going to consolidate my writing for the week; I'll post again on Wednesday and then again on Friday and tell you all about my adventures for those days and the days in between. I also believe it will make my posts longer, more interesting than just the daily report of what's happening. A little change up is always good. Will I stick with this method? I don't know, haven't seen how it maps out yet. We'll see how it works out this week. Anything's possible. ~Momma
The Courage to Create August 14
"No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.
No surprise for the writer, no surprise for the reader."
-Robert Frost
Our rainy day activities range from art, playing cow bowling and free play. Music with "hop like a frog" fun. Snacks, tea, a light lunch....relaxing. Its warm enough we can be outside on the back porch for some of this fun time, too.
New menu this week, and just like last week, I'm not ready as of this morning. Grab some cookbooks, flip through and tab pages, sit later or tomorrow to plug into Word and print off. It is so much easier to see that menu with the little shopping list hanging on the fridge; no more guess work for meals. I was watching Extreme Couponing on TLC yesterday afternoon, and it still blows me away how these people can do this. Its a full time job just to do the research, find the deals, and get all the coupons they take to the store! Yet, I have to say, we are moving in that direction. I still don't believe we'll ever be as extreme but it helps everywhere possible when you can pick things up that usually cost more on a regular basis. Like this week, two stores we shop at have some good deals. One place, for example, has a 24 pack of toilet paper on sale for $4.99 and a 50 oz. bottle of laundry detergent for $1.99. We all know that laundry soap can be so much more expensive than that, so is it worth stocking up on when its at that kind of price? Yes, ma'am. We already have four bottles of laundry detergent-name brands that are low on the ingredient index-stocked up and we are still using the soap we've had for six months; we used to buy the great big containers to make it through but with these deals, we're actually saving more money. And every mom knows there is never enough tp in the house, so this other deal is appealing. My other store is offering double coupons, so there's a trip there, too. We don't have a huge list to work off of, so we won't be spending tons of money. With stocking up on certain things, the extra money goes where its needed: other items, bills, savings, etc...it just takes a little time getting settled in with; nothing worth it happens overnight.
I started working in the garage yesterday while my boys were resting. I had a pile of bags and boxes to sort through, stuff I always say "It can wait." Well, it waited no longer as of yesterday. I now have one bag and one box of books, magazines, and misc. that can be sorted into separate places and used. I found a gardening magazine from when we moved into our home the first summer and I had only flipped through it at the checkout line! I can still use that magazine for the gardens I'm putting in here. Once I'm done, I can recycle it and move on. Who knows, maybe I'll have a Kindle or Nook Color one day that I can put magazines on and not have the pile of recycles to haul out of here. One never knows what tomorrow brings.
There it is. My thoughts for this morning that have been piling up all weekend long. I've also been thinking, as I'll be busy with the garage organizing this week, I'm going to consolidate my writing for the week; I'll post again on Wednesday and then again on Friday and tell you all about my adventures for those days and the days in between. I also believe it will make my posts longer, more interesting than just the daily report of what's happening. A little change up is always good. Will I stick with this method? I don't know, haven't seen how it maps out yet. We'll see how it works out this week. Anything's possible. ~Momma
The Courage to Create August 14
"No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.
No surprise for the writer, no surprise for the reader."
-Robert Frost
Monday, August 8, 2011
Menus, Gardens, and Such
Rain. Finally. I've been waiting for this since sometime last week, and we finally get some. Not raining at the moment but waking up to wet ground, means watered plants. If it dries out a bit today, I can work in the gardens, as this is my planned week to do so. Otherwise, I can rough sketch my plans for the gardens, and focus elsewhere.
Today, I start working on a new weekly menu format. Type it up in Word, and then print off to post on the fridge. It will also have any grocery needs posted on the same paper, thus eliminating excess paper postings on the fridge. More space, less waste. Sounds like this fits in with my organizing bit? Yeah, I guess it does. Another tidbit of organizing ideas.
Speaking of organizing, I've mapped out the next three weeks to work on areas in need of attention. Gardens, finishing things and late crops starts. I'm a woman who likes to sew, and my sewing is in desparate need of work. And last but not least, that damn garage. That's all I'm going to say about that. August is a busy one.
Today is our Mellow Monday when it comes to school stuff. Weather pending, we would be at the park today but I think today may have to be a rainy day special. We have a bowling set, among some other things we can do for indoor activities. We haven't had a rainy day play day in a while now.
My mind is already working on the reading I've started. Parenting, homeschooling, all while encompassing the rest of my life. Its always busy here. Hardly a day goes by without feeling overwhelmed or wondering how more stuff gets added to the seemingly never ending "To Do List." I suppose, with more organization and time, it will all come together.
My boys are finishing breakfast, which is the signal for me to sign off and grab a quick shower before diving into the day with them. So, here's to menu planning, organizing, more planning, fun and play, ideas and tasks.....~Momma
Today, I start working on a new weekly menu format. Type it up in Word, and then print off to post on the fridge. It will also have any grocery needs posted on the same paper, thus eliminating excess paper postings on the fridge. More space, less waste. Sounds like this fits in with my organizing bit? Yeah, I guess it does. Another tidbit of organizing ideas.
Speaking of organizing, I've mapped out the next three weeks to work on areas in need of attention. Gardens, finishing things and late crops starts. I'm a woman who likes to sew, and my sewing is in desparate need of work. And last but not least, that damn garage. That's all I'm going to say about that. August is a busy one.
Today is our Mellow Monday when it comes to school stuff. Weather pending, we would be at the park today but I think today may have to be a rainy day special. We have a bowling set, among some other things we can do for indoor activities. We haven't had a rainy day play day in a while now.
My mind is already working on the reading I've started. Parenting, homeschooling, all while encompassing the rest of my life. Its always busy here. Hardly a day goes by without feeling overwhelmed or wondering how more stuff gets added to the seemingly never ending "To Do List." I suppose, with more organization and time, it will all come together.
My boys are finishing breakfast, which is the signal for me to sign off and grab a quick shower before diving into the day with them. So, here's to menu planning, organizing, more planning, fun and play, ideas and tasks.....~Momma
Monday, August 1, 2011
Is It Really Monday Again?
Monday comes again; the sun is peaking through the overcast, the promise of a good day laced with the potential for storms. Ok, we'll take what we can get out of it today. Lots happening here, and the mental list is going into sketch mode immediately. August homeschool schedule-yeah, I'm a day behind already, the final week of my online study, two books on my spiritually inspired list finished, my research & writing mode coming back into my life-a little lighter this time, as opposed to diving in without a life jacket, and researching tantrums in the preschooler. And yes, my house in need of a good clean; I have to wonder how it is that Monday comes with a chore list that adds to the one I already have set up. Sometimes, I feel Monday is an unwanted houseguest but today I'm seeing that it will help me process what I need to, mentally. A good sort of meditation, I guess.
Kitchen Table Wisdom is finally complete. A great read, even with the heaviness of the contents. I needed to read this at this time in my life. With the passing of my grandmother, which I mentioned in a previous post, this book and its stories have helped put a perspective on what happened for my grandmother. I could use the word closure, but I feel that with the passing of loved ones, closure doesn't come for quite some time. We need to mourn, to grieve. Its a normal part of the process of living; just like dying is a part of living. The life cycle needs to be honored, to see the sacredness in life. In the midst of mourning on my part, I'm seeing the importance of family, how to rise above age old quarrels, and working on a better tomorrow to let things go that cannot be changed. Why hang onto all that baggage?
August is here, bringing with it the change in the air. I love this time of the year, and as it goes into the months of September, October, and November. The air is different; not quite the thick humidity of July, and not quite ready to become iceberg cold. Perfect. Our second round of gardening is already underway, and lots of landscaping is happening in the front yard. This is also a perfect time to spend at least half the day at the parks, drinking in what Nature has to offer as she changes from blasting heat to a bit more forgiving sunshine and blue skies.
My mind is not quite a fog at this point, making it a good opportunity for an exit. I'm looking forward to finishing my third spiritually inspired book, one on meditation, and then taking a small break with a piece of fiction. Contemplate, meditate, live each day without beating myself over the head about what didn't get done or how imperfect things are. Its a work in progress. The birds are calling, a shower needed, and a jump into this new month. Cheers! ~Momma
Kitchen Table Wisdom is finally complete. A great read, even with the heaviness of the contents. I needed to read this at this time in my life. With the passing of my grandmother, which I mentioned in a previous post, this book and its stories have helped put a perspective on what happened for my grandmother. I could use the word closure, but I feel that with the passing of loved ones, closure doesn't come for quite some time. We need to mourn, to grieve. Its a normal part of the process of living; just like dying is a part of living. The life cycle needs to be honored, to see the sacredness in life. In the midst of mourning on my part, I'm seeing the importance of family, how to rise above age old quarrels, and working on a better tomorrow to let things go that cannot be changed. Why hang onto all that baggage?
August is here, bringing with it the change in the air. I love this time of the year, and as it goes into the months of September, October, and November. The air is different; not quite the thick humidity of July, and not quite ready to become iceberg cold. Perfect. Our second round of gardening is already underway, and lots of landscaping is happening in the front yard. This is also a perfect time to spend at least half the day at the parks, drinking in what Nature has to offer as she changes from blasting heat to a bit more forgiving sunshine and blue skies.
My mind is not quite a fog at this point, making it a good opportunity for an exit. I'm looking forward to finishing my third spiritually inspired book, one on meditation, and then taking a small break with a piece of fiction. Contemplate, meditate, live each day without beating myself over the head about what didn't get done or how imperfect things are. Its a work in progress. The birds are calling, a shower needed, and a jump into this new month. Cheers! ~Momma
Monday, July 25, 2011
Monday Morning Catch Up Lists
Its Monday again. Recovering from the weekend today, with lists of things to catch up on, ideas to do with the boys, and taking each moment as we can. Some days, it seems like it never ends.
A good weekend to be had. Sun, trying to stay cool. Went to mass with just my preschooler; I think my one year old is in a nap cycle that will of course, change when he's ready to try something new. New things happening with the church, thoughts of maybe getting involved. I've got the once a week cleaning thing down that I've yet to share with everyone as to how it works and what applies to us here on our homestead. Taking notes to get caught up with my online study that I've embarked on for almost ten weeks now; should be good to finish next week. Its been worth the time. Brainstorming how I will tackle my next venture, which is to organize the garage and get back into the business of soap making and other products I've started a couple of years back. If there's a will, there's a way.
So, as this post will be a short one for today, you've read my rattle off of mental check lists, I leave you with this thought: when events and such pile up and seem to resemble a corner of a hoarder's house, how do you tackle what needs attention? Food for thought. ~Momma
A good weekend to be had. Sun, trying to stay cool. Went to mass with just my preschooler; I think my one year old is in a nap cycle that will of course, change when he's ready to try something new. New things happening with the church, thoughts of maybe getting involved. I've got the once a week cleaning thing down that I've yet to share with everyone as to how it works and what applies to us here on our homestead. Taking notes to get caught up with my online study that I've embarked on for almost ten weeks now; should be good to finish next week. Its been worth the time. Brainstorming how I will tackle my next venture, which is to organize the garage and get back into the business of soap making and other products I've started a couple of years back. If there's a will, there's a way.
So, as this post will be a short one for today, you've read my rattle off of mental check lists, I leave you with this thought: when events and such pile up and seem to resemble a corner of a hoarder's house, how do you tackle what needs attention? Food for thought. ~Momma
Monday, July 18, 2011
Having a Heat Wave.....?
Monday comes with the potential of rain but high temps. I'd be ok with high temps, as I lived out in the upper mid-west years ago but its the humidity that will knock you flat here in New England. Of course, the south and deeper into Texas has a heat index I don't care for; no reason for me to leave the comforts of the green mountain state. I love mountains, green grass meadows, the lake....I do have a passion for the ocean but can get that from going to the Cape, part of Rhode Island, New Hampshire coastline. Maybe someday to visit the coastline of the Carolinas but only on vacation, not to live there. Guess I'm settled on where I am. I love to travel, to see new places but when it comes to returning somewhere, I know where home is. That being said, let's move on.
My mind is turning with tasks to jump on, dreams swirling in my memory from the last couple of nights, my desire to be creative, and my new niche of organizing are all sitting at the breakfast table this morning. Who invited everybody? Oh yeah, that was me. My mind is sketching a list of things, as usual. I spend time thinking while awake, dreaming while asleep; one of my sisters coined this comment a few days ago, and I agree with her. It is like that most of the time. That's why I love posting in the mornings. Clears my mind. Oh, here's my list....the mind list.
1. Start organizing garage
2. Gardening (transplanting & pulling bulbs)
3. Organize travel easel to work on creative moments (side by side with my preschooler's easel)
4. Pick up materials to continue organizing addiction
I finally figured out why organizing is finding a way into my life. I'm not embarking on this quest to impress anyone, not doing it because of expectations. I'm doing it because I have time to do so. Its about time for me; my boys are growing, showing fierce independence for what they can do at this time in their lives (four [almost] and one years old), which frees me up at times to tackle tasks I've left behind to give them my time. Now, I can hit those tasks, getting into stuff long put aside, which in the long run, especially being a mom whose intentions are to homeschool as long as I can, affords me more time with my boys; and in the end, more time for myself. All women need a time to recharge their internal batteries. I'm all for it, and a good night's sleep one of these days.
So, here's to today, its ever changing weather, my singing birds, my precious boys, and to the endless possibilities waiting to unfold. ~Momma
My mind is turning with tasks to jump on, dreams swirling in my memory from the last couple of nights, my desire to be creative, and my new niche of organizing are all sitting at the breakfast table this morning. Who invited everybody? Oh yeah, that was me. My mind is sketching a list of things, as usual. I spend time thinking while awake, dreaming while asleep; one of my sisters coined this comment a few days ago, and I agree with her. It is like that most of the time. That's why I love posting in the mornings. Clears my mind. Oh, here's my list....the mind list.
1. Start organizing garage
2. Gardening (transplanting & pulling bulbs)
3. Organize travel easel to work on creative moments (side by side with my preschooler's easel)
4. Pick up materials to continue organizing addiction
I finally figured out why organizing is finding a way into my life. I'm not embarking on this quest to impress anyone, not doing it because of expectations. I'm doing it because I have time to do so. Its about time for me; my boys are growing, showing fierce independence for what they can do at this time in their lives (four [almost] and one years old), which frees me up at times to tackle tasks I've left behind to give them my time. Now, I can hit those tasks, getting into stuff long put aside, which in the long run, especially being a mom whose intentions are to homeschool as long as I can, affords me more time with my boys; and in the end, more time for myself. All women need a time to recharge their internal batteries. I'm all for it, and a good night's sleep one of these days.
So, here's to today, its ever changing weather, my singing birds, my precious boys, and to the endless possibilities waiting to unfold. ~Momma
Monday, July 11, 2011
Mucha Do About Nothing
Monday returns with vigor and hot weather. At 72 degrees around 7:30 this morning, it was not a pleasant discovery. The only thing that means to me is exactly what my sinus headache indicates upon awakening-gonna be a scorcher. Kids in the pool for the morning, lay low around the lunch hour, then maybe some time @ the park for the afternoon towards evening. We are keeping our Mondays for the summer months easy ones; with the weekends varying in degree as to what we do, it makes it easier to make Monday the comeback day. Come back into routine and learning. Therefore, my post is a short one today. I need to come back into routine today, too. So ladies, when Monday arrives, meet it with the stance you would take when having to confront something challenging: an open mind to discover its about working smarter, not harder. Let Monday be your comeback day.
~Momma
~Momma
Monday, June 27, 2011
Changes on the Horizon
There is always change taking place here on the (sub)urbran homestead. Changes in plans, changes in how daily functions flow along, you name it. I believe it to be the norm for any household but especially one with small kids in it. Afterall, if every day were the same, wouldn't we be bored by now? The change I speak of today started a couple of months ago.
We've lived here in our home for three years now. This spring, we experienced ground water seeping into our basement. Something we thought we would only experience for a few days went into weeks. We took turns making time to pump water out to keep ahead of any mold issues. Everything that was stored in the basement had to come out, including walls, a cedar storage closet, and a workbench. Suddenly, I found myself staring at everything I own, of which I wasn't heavily using, piled in the garage and on our back porch. I felt disheveled, misplaced. As time was spent to keep ahead of the water and sorting through boxes and piles to account for water damage and what needed to be thrown away, it ate away at me. It made me question my level of possession. Why did I have all this stuff? What was I going to do with it all? My time was so chopped up during the day, my kids picked up on my stress level. Suddenly, we were all stressed to the max. My boys wouldn't sleep on their own; one bed gets pretty crowded real quick. Tantrums, clinginess and crying, lack of sleep; we were spent.
It is almost July, and we are now dry basement status. We've put in a sump pump, which has helped immensely. For the past month, the focus has been the gardens, being outside to enjoy the weather as each nice day graces us with its presence. Things have calmed down considerably. Yet, the basement incident looms in the back on my mind. And that's why and what I write about today. I'm at a point right now where I could care less about using the basement. I go down there to do laundry, which is about all I can do down there right now. I dread going down there at times. Yet, the incident itself has brought change for us.
I had used a portion of the basement as a pantry. Convenient, cool in temperature and easy to access. With the water, it changed how we shop. We have gone from shopping in bulk for the larger portion of our trip to borderline extreme couponing. Now, for those of you who've watched the show on TLC, we are not there. OMG....I can't imagine shopping like that. Yes, we do stock up on what we do use but within reason. So far, yes it has saved us money. Saving money is important yet, I keep in mind: Life isn't about money. I keep to the simple life, even when I have my doubts about how to take care of those things that require that green stuff. This has prompted a double diet. A doubt diet and a 28 day detox; I'll post more about these later on. So, stay tuned.
Monday is beautiful. The sun is shining, the day calls for 80's and we have the day to play with. Gardening, schedules for July, August, & September for homeschool projects (yes, I school year round but not with the rigidity of public school), time in the pool, if naps happen (I can get caught up with some stuff), and just going with the flow of the day. Ladies, change is a double edged sword. It is good and it is revealing to the bone. It will test you and it will temper you to become what you are meant to be.
~Momma
We've lived here in our home for three years now. This spring, we experienced ground water seeping into our basement. Something we thought we would only experience for a few days went into weeks. We took turns making time to pump water out to keep ahead of any mold issues. Everything that was stored in the basement had to come out, including walls, a cedar storage closet, and a workbench. Suddenly, I found myself staring at everything I own, of which I wasn't heavily using, piled in the garage and on our back porch. I felt disheveled, misplaced. As time was spent to keep ahead of the water and sorting through boxes and piles to account for water damage and what needed to be thrown away, it ate away at me. It made me question my level of possession. Why did I have all this stuff? What was I going to do with it all? My time was so chopped up during the day, my kids picked up on my stress level. Suddenly, we were all stressed to the max. My boys wouldn't sleep on their own; one bed gets pretty crowded real quick. Tantrums, clinginess and crying, lack of sleep; we were spent.
It is almost July, and we are now dry basement status. We've put in a sump pump, which has helped immensely. For the past month, the focus has been the gardens, being outside to enjoy the weather as each nice day graces us with its presence. Things have calmed down considerably. Yet, the basement incident looms in the back on my mind. And that's why and what I write about today. I'm at a point right now where I could care less about using the basement. I go down there to do laundry, which is about all I can do down there right now. I dread going down there at times. Yet, the incident itself has brought change for us.
I had used a portion of the basement as a pantry. Convenient, cool in temperature and easy to access. With the water, it changed how we shop. We have gone from shopping in bulk for the larger portion of our trip to borderline extreme couponing. Now, for those of you who've watched the show on TLC, we are not there. OMG....I can't imagine shopping like that. Yes, we do stock up on what we do use but within reason. So far, yes it has saved us money. Saving money is important yet, I keep in mind: Life isn't about money. I keep to the simple life, even when I have my doubts about how to take care of those things that require that green stuff. This has prompted a double diet. A doubt diet and a 28 day detox; I'll post more about these later on. So, stay tuned.
Monday is beautiful. The sun is shining, the day calls for 80's and we have the day to play with. Gardening, schedules for July, August, & September for homeschool projects (yes, I school year round but not with the rigidity of public school), time in the pool, if naps happen (I can get caught up with some stuff), and just going with the flow of the day. Ladies, change is a double edged sword. It is good and it is revealing to the bone. It will test you and it will temper you to become what you are meant to be.
~Momma
Monday, June 20, 2011
Grilled Pizza Thoughts in the AM
Monday has graced us again, and its beautiful outside! Forecast-and we all know how reliable those predictions are at times. Don't fool with Mother Nature. Its a half hour before 8 AM, I'm sitting to write this post and then get hopping into my day. Plans, plans, plans. Best part? Fun, fun, fun with my boys. Moms, always leave room for sudden changes; this will help keep you sane and not drive you into madness from your perfect routine having a pothole in it. Not a mom or your kids have grown and gone? You can benefit from this way of living, too. Remember, we all need to make time to stop and smell the roses.
Mondays are my days to make my weekly lists and plan ahead for what I need to get done; or at least for what I'm ambitious to get done. Looking at the calendar this morning, I have three more weeks before my boys are baptised, of which we are having a small get together for family afterward. Three weeks of deep cleaning, organizing, rearranging, massive landscaping and gardening, meal plan, who's coming, etc....seems like so much to take on but worth it all. My landscaping and gardening really aren't that big of a part of it, I just want to get it done before that day. Plus, plants and seeds need to go in to ensure sufficient crop at harvest time. My front yard looks empty, so I want to fill it with color. And by the way, I made my list last night while my kids were winding down to get ready for bed; I had a feeling it should be done before the week started and be ready to hit the floor running.
For the last couple of years, I've subscribed to Yoga Journal magazine. Love it. Only downfall is finding time to sit to read from cover to cover. Ok, no problem. So, I've kept every issue feeling I just might find the time to read them. I'm still ambitious about it; its when I'll find myself a couple of years from now, with a stack of magazines I've still not read from a few years back that I'll officially call myself a pack rat. Yes, I practice yoga. I've been lax in my practice over the last few months, as the demands of motherhood have taken its toll. Yet, with the amount of reading I've been doing, yoga helps with the fatigue and lack of enthusiasm. Ok, I really could benefit from it, then. Could two kids in this house sleep so I can make more of my practice? Pssst! Hey, Mom! The secret to getting those ambitious boys to rest fully at night? Run them ragged all day; let them play til they drop. No, I'm not a drill sergeant. I just happen to have boys. And I'm still learning how to be their mom.
Are you looking for that pizza recipe for the grill? Yeah, I was, too. I found the following recipe in Yoga Journal. Today, I will give you the recipe. Tomorrow, with Task Master Tuesday, I'll give you the grill tips to ensure you don't burn your meal. Until then, have a fabulous day and enjoy every moment you have! ~Momma
New York-Style Pizza Dough
*Keep your hands well dusted with flour so that they won't stick to the dough. If the dough springs back as you press and stretch it out, stop and let it rest for a few mins before continuing (I like to let my dough raise a bit @ room temp to work with-10 mins should do).
Makes 3 12-in pizza crusts
1 pkg (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 c lukewarm water (90-100 degrees F)
1 1/4 c ice-cold water
1 tsp sugar
1 Tbsp kosher salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
5 1/4 to 5 1/2 c unbleached flour, plus more for dusting (all purpose, whole wheat, whatever you choose)
In a small bowl, using a fork, sture the yeast into the lukewarm water. Set aside until the yeast dissolves, about 5 mins.
In another small bowl, combine the cold water, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Stir to dissolve the sugar and salt.
Place 5 1/4 c of the flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour and stir in the yeast mixture along with the cold water mixture. Using a wooden spoon, mix the dough, incorporating as much of the flour as possible. Turn the dough out on a lightly floured work surface and knead until soft and elastic, 10-12 mins. It will still be a little sticky but shouldn't stick to your hands. Add only a minimum amount of flour to the work surface to keep the dough from sticking.
Cut the dough into 3 equal portions. With floured hands, pick up 1 portion of dough and pull the opposite edges together, wrapping them underneath toward the center to form a tight, smooth ball. Pinch to seal. Repeat with the other 2 portions. Place each portion in a 1 gallon lock-top plastic bag. Squeeze out all the air and seal the bag, allowing enough room for the dough to double in size.
Refrigerate for at least 10 mins or up to 2 days. Remove from the refrigerator 1 hr before using to allow the dough to come to room temp.
Mondays are my days to make my weekly lists and plan ahead for what I need to get done; or at least for what I'm ambitious to get done. Looking at the calendar this morning, I have three more weeks before my boys are baptised, of which we are having a small get together for family afterward. Three weeks of deep cleaning, organizing, rearranging, massive landscaping and gardening, meal plan, who's coming, etc....seems like so much to take on but worth it all. My landscaping and gardening really aren't that big of a part of it, I just want to get it done before that day. Plus, plants and seeds need to go in to ensure sufficient crop at harvest time. My front yard looks empty, so I want to fill it with color. And by the way, I made my list last night while my kids were winding down to get ready for bed; I had a feeling it should be done before the week started and be ready to hit the floor running.
For the last couple of years, I've subscribed to Yoga Journal magazine. Love it. Only downfall is finding time to sit to read from cover to cover. Ok, no problem. So, I've kept every issue feeling I just might find the time to read them. I'm still ambitious about it; its when I'll find myself a couple of years from now, with a stack of magazines I've still not read from a few years back that I'll officially call myself a pack rat. Yes, I practice yoga. I've been lax in my practice over the last few months, as the demands of motherhood have taken its toll. Yet, with the amount of reading I've been doing, yoga helps with the fatigue and lack of enthusiasm. Ok, I really could benefit from it, then. Could two kids in this house sleep so I can make more of my practice? Pssst! Hey, Mom! The secret to getting those ambitious boys to rest fully at night? Run them ragged all day; let them play til they drop. No, I'm not a drill sergeant. I just happen to have boys. And I'm still learning how to be their mom.
Are you looking for that pizza recipe for the grill? Yeah, I was, too. I found the following recipe in Yoga Journal. Today, I will give you the recipe. Tomorrow, with Task Master Tuesday, I'll give you the grill tips to ensure you don't burn your meal. Until then, have a fabulous day and enjoy every moment you have! ~Momma
New York-Style Pizza Dough
*Keep your hands well dusted with flour so that they won't stick to the dough. If the dough springs back as you press and stretch it out, stop and let it rest for a few mins before continuing (I like to let my dough raise a bit @ room temp to work with-10 mins should do).
Makes 3 12-in pizza crusts
1 pkg (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 c lukewarm water (90-100 degrees F)
1 1/4 c ice-cold water
1 tsp sugar
1 Tbsp kosher salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
5 1/4 to 5 1/2 c unbleached flour, plus more for dusting (all purpose, whole wheat, whatever you choose)
In a small bowl, using a fork, sture the yeast into the lukewarm water. Set aside until the yeast dissolves, about 5 mins.
In another small bowl, combine the cold water, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Stir to dissolve the sugar and salt.
Place 5 1/4 c of the flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour and stir in the yeast mixture along with the cold water mixture. Using a wooden spoon, mix the dough, incorporating as much of the flour as possible. Turn the dough out on a lightly floured work surface and knead until soft and elastic, 10-12 mins. It will still be a little sticky but shouldn't stick to your hands. Add only a minimum amount of flour to the work surface to keep the dough from sticking.
Cut the dough into 3 equal portions. With floured hands, pick up 1 portion of dough and pull the opposite edges together, wrapping them underneath toward the center to form a tight, smooth ball. Pinch to seal. Repeat with the other 2 portions. Place each portion in a 1 gallon lock-top plastic bag. Squeeze out all the air and seal the bag, allowing enough room for the dough to double in size.
Refrigerate for at least 10 mins or up to 2 days. Remove from the refrigerator 1 hr before using to allow the dough to come to room temp.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Slow Cooker Monday
Rain again today. Ok, good for the gardens, so long as it doesn't create mold, fungus, or rust. I'm on a mission to get my gardens all in by the second week of July. After that, I just want to maintain, harvest, and enjoy.
Being a busy SAHM (stay-at-home mom), I've put into practice meal planning and a sort of cooking schedule. Mondays & Fridays are slow cooker days; most of us know this piece of equipment as a crock pot. Whatever name you want to give it, I recommend it highly, regardless of what hat you wear. The convience of throwing food into a pot, selecting a cook time and temp, and after turning it on, you can walk away. Wow, that's almost like having a chef you don't need to pay; it pays for itself. So, what am I cooking today? Take a look.
Chicken-Mini Penne Stew
2 1/2 c. chopped cooked chicken
2 medium carrots, bias-sliced 1/4 thick
2 Tbsp Dry Sherry
2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1/2 tsp grated gingerroot
1/4 tsp pepper
6 c. chicken broth
2 oz mini penne
1 6 oz package frozen pea pods, thawed
Combine all ingredients, except the pasta and peas. Cover & cook on low-heat setting for 6-7 hrs.
Stir in penne. Cover & cook on low-heat for 1 hr more. Before serving, stir in thawed pea pods. Makes 6 servings. (modified from a recipe found in Better Homes & Gardens New Crockery Cooker Cookbook)
*I like to use about half of the required cups of chicken broth; I find that the usual protocol makes it more like a soup instead of a thicker stew consistency. Today, I'm substituting chickpeas for the pea pods; I cook my beans, peas, legumes, etc ahead of time from dried; I then bag and freeze for convience.
My list for the week is in process; I've much to do just this week, let alone for a month to come. Today is my Mommy Monday; time with my boys to get started for the week. Places to go, things to do, people to leave in amazement of being able to handle two little ones under 5 & not totally losing my mind or closet drinking. To all the mothers in the world, these are the days to remember; children don't stay little forever.
~Momma
"For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control."
-2 Timothy 1:7
Being a busy SAHM (stay-at-home mom), I've put into practice meal planning and a sort of cooking schedule. Mondays & Fridays are slow cooker days; most of us know this piece of equipment as a crock pot. Whatever name you want to give it, I recommend it highly, regardless of what hat you wear. The convience of throwing food into a pot, selecting a cook time and temp, and after turning it on, you can walk away. Wow, that's almost like having a chef you don't need to pay; it pays for itself. So, what am I cooking today? Take a look.
Chicken-Mini Penne Stew
2 1/2 c. chopped cooked chicken
2 medium carrots, bias-sliced 1/4 thick
2 Tbsp Dry Sherry
2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1/2 tsp grated gingerroot
1/4 tsp pepper
6 c. chicken broth
2 oz mini penne
1 6 oz package frozen pea pods, thawed
Combine all ingredients, except the pasta and peas. Cover & cook on low-heat setting for 6-7 hrs.
Stir in penne. Cover & cook on low-heat for 1 hr more. Before serving, stir in thawed pea pods. Makes 6 servings. (modified from a recipe found in Better Homes & Gardens New Crockery Cooker Cookbook)
*I like to use about half of the required cups of chicken broth; I find that the usual protocol makes it more like a soup instead of a thicker stew consistency. Today, I'm substituting chickpeas for the pea pods; I cook my beans, peas, legumes, etc ahead of time from dried; I then bag and freeze for convience.
My list for the week is in process; I've much to do just this week, let alone for a month to come. Today is my Mommy Monday; time with my boys to get started for the week. Places to go, things to do, people to leave in amazement of being able to handle two little ones under 5 & not totally losing my mind or closet drinking. To all the mothers in the world, these are the days to remember; children don't stay little forever.
~Momma
"For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control."
-2 Timothy 1:7
Monday, May 23, 2011
Momma on a Mission
A title to this post escapes me but of no matter; perhaps it will come along while I'm emptying my thoughts onto the screen. What is important to me is the content of what I'm writing about this morning, or at least what I have in mind to write about this morning.
What kind of mom am I? I ask myself this more than once, and the answer to that question becomes more and more clear as I grow into my skin as a mother. As I watch my boys grow from newborns to infants to toddlers to preschoolers, I become more acquainted with the woman I am becoming. And it still amazes me how I could love two people as much as I do, unfailing, unconditional, unstoppable.
I want the best for my children, without compromise of the priceless moments to remember, the importance of teaching that not everything we do has a price tag on it, and that what I give them by way of example is something of value when they are adults and going out into the world. I believe most mothers can attest to this feeling. Above and beyond to give. What we forget to keep in mind, is that we are human, and not everything is going to go off as planned.
Each day is a lesson for a mother, and as I can only truly speak for myself, I'm learning all the time with my two boys. As a parent, it is a responsibility to teach life skills, to foster the love of learning, to be patient with yourself and your children as they learn. First thoughts are teach, teach, teach. Lasting thoughts are learn, learn, learn. I teach my boys what they need to learn, and in turn, they teach me what I didn't know was possible.
I'm a stay-at-home mom (domestic executive officer), one who is teaching sustainable living as I myself am learning to be more in touch with it, and I believe in homeschooling. Parents are a child's first teachers, so how can any parent feel like it is the public school system's job to educate our children? If you don't start at home, what happens when a child goes to school? I'm not opposed to public education but for a system badly in need of repair, I can't imagine sending my boys off to be educated by a system that is currently failing so many. I grew up in the public school system, and it is not now what it once was. I worked in the system for a time, and I am disappointed in what I've seen. Teachers are underpaid, non-teaching staff are unheard when it comes to issues they've seen develop, and administration acts as though they have no time to address concerns from staff or parents. Students are catergorized by age, social status, and popularity, with little time between classes, under pressure to perform both academically and socially, and discipline is virtually non-existent. This is not an environment I want to put my boys in.
I've ranted. Perhaps only really scratching the surface of a current issue but its my voice expressing my concern as a mother. And as I've stated before, I want what's best for my children. They eat home cooked meals, nothing processed or loaded with chemicals & additives. They don't wear the most expensive clothes on the market or all the top labels but they are clothed and warm. I make the soap I bathe them with, knowing what went into making the product. I educate them through play, fun, reading books, baking, creative endeavors, gardening, mini field trips, and most importantly: love.
I'm helping to shape men who will influence tomorrow. I'm a mom on a mission.
~Momma
"Train a boy in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not swerve from it."
-Proverbs 22:6
What kind of mom am I? I ask myself this more than once, and the answer to that question becomes more and more clear as I grow into my skin as a mother. As I watch my boys grow from newborns to infants to toddlers to preschoolers, I become more acquainted with the woman I am becoming. And it still amazes me how I could love two people as much as I do, unfailing, unconditional, unstoppable.
I want the best for my children, without compromise of the priceless moments to remember, the importance of teaching that not everything we do has a price tag on it, and that what I give them by way of example is something of value when they are adults and going out into the world. I believe most mothers can attest to this feeling. Above and beyond to give. What we forget to keep in mind, is that we are human, and not everything is going to go off as planned.
Each day is a lesson for a mother, and as I can only truly speak for myself, I'm learning all the time with my two boys. As a parent, it is a responsibility to teach life skills, to foster the love of learning, to be patient with yourself and your children as they learn. First thoughts are teach, teach, teach. Lasting thoughts are learn, learn, learn. I teach my boys what they need to learn, and in turn, they teach me what I didn't know was possible.
I'm a stay-at-home mom (domestic executive officer), one who is teaching sustainable living as I myself am learning to be more in touch with it, and I believe in homeschooling. Parents are a child's first teachers, so how can any parent feel like it is the public school system's job to educate our children? If you don't start at home, what happens when a child goes to school? I'm not opposed to public education but for a system badly in need of repair, I can't imagine sending my boys off to be educated by a system that is currently failing so many. I grew up in the public school system, and it is not now what it once was. I worked in the system for a time, and I am disappointed in what I've seen. Teachers are underpaid, non-teaching staff are unheard when it comes to issues they've seen develop, and administration acts as though they have no time to address concerns from staff or parents. Students are catergorized by age, social status, and popularity, with little time between classes, under pressure to perform both academically and socially, and discipline is virtually non-existent. This is not an environment I want to put my boys in.
I've ranted. Perhaps only really scratching the surface of a current issue but its my voice expressing my concern as a mother. And as I've stated before, I want what's best for my children. They eat home cooked meals, nothing processed or loaded with chemicals & additives. They don't wear the most expensive clothes on the market or all the top labels but they are clothed and warm. I make the soap I bathe them with, knowing what went into making the product. I educate them through play, fun, reading books, baking, creative endeavors, gardening, mini field trips, and most importantly: love.
I'm helping to shape men who will influence tomorrow. I'm a mom on a mission.
~Momma
"Train a boy in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not swerve from it."
-Proverbs 22:6
Monday, May 16, 2011
It Started with a Burp & a Fart on a Monday
Technology....great but with burps in the system. Last Friday, there were tech issues and I was unable to post, let alone write. The weather being beautiful, I chose to take my boys to the park early and just go with the flow of the day. It was a burp and fart Friday. Today is a burp and fart Monday. Yeah, colorful, right? Perhaps my boys will be entertained that their mom uses the words that will make them laugh when they're a little older and certain words make them cut up and make you wonder who's children are these? Life with boys....
Speaking of life with boys, its a life I'm learning to be in the middle of. Nope, no previous experience. My family consists mainly of women, very few born men. I believe I was predestined to be the mother of men. If so, could I have had at least a little bit of warning? Nope. No warning, no instruction manuals, no way, no how. There's something in this for me, that I'm sure of. What it is at this stage in my life's journey, I don't know yet. It has yet to be revealed. Now, to maintain patience....or should I refocus?
I'm currently reading Dr. James Dobson's book, "Bringing Up Boys: Practical advice and encouragement for those shaping the next generation of men." No, its not an instruction manual. Its not the absolute answer as to how to raise boys. It is a peephole through the door into the world of boys. Why boys are packed full of energy that doesn't seem to disappear and carries from the playground to the classroom. Why boys are most likely to be diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. Why its so important for the presence of both parents to help shape the future for boys. I could go on but I'm still reading, still sifting and gleaning what I need to be aware of as a mother of men. What my role is in their lives and what I can do to help them prepare for life as adults. I was raised by a single mother. I had some "potholes" in school. I've been a part of the public school system. I've worked with boys with neurological disorders and behavioral issues. Because of these elements of my own life, I approach the life I now live with a different point of view than if those brush strokes had never colored my canvas. So, until my research culminates at a later date, I will only provide tid bits of what I read. My opinion I hold. My psychological point of view may come into play somewhere down the road-by the way, yes I'm a psych major, too. Most of all, I'm the mother of men.
~Momma
"Train a boy in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not swerve from it."
-Proverbs 22:6
Speaking of life with boys, its a life I'm learning to be in the middle of. Nope, no previous experience. My family consists mainly of women, very few born men. I believe I was predestined to be the mother of men. If so, could I have had at least a little bit of warning? Nope. No warning, no instruction manuals, no way, no how. There's something in this for me, that I'm sure of. What it is at this stage in my life's journey, I don't know yet. It has yet to be revealed. Now, to maintain patience....or should I refocus?
I'm currently reading Dr. James Dobson's book, "Bringing Up Boys: Practical advice and encouragement for those shaping the next generation of men." No, its not an instruction manual. Its not the absolute answer as to how to raise boys. It is a peephole through the door into the world of boys. Why boys are packed full of energy that doesn't seem to disappear and carries from the playground to the classroom. Why boys are most likely to be diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. Why its so important for the presence of both parents to help shape the future for boys. I could go on but I'm still reading, still sifting and gleaning what I need to be aware of as a mother of men. What my role is in their lives and what I can do to help them prepare for life as adults. I was raised by a single mother. I had some "potholes" in school. I've been a part of the public school system. I've worked with boys with neurological disorders and behavioral issues. Because of these elements of my own life, I approach the life I now live with a different point of view than if those brush strokes had never colored my canvas. So, until my research culminates at a later date, I will only provide tid bits of what I read. My opinion I hold. My psychological point of view may come into play somewhere down the road-by the way, yes I'm a psych major, too. Most of all, I'm the mother of men.
~Momma
"Train a boy in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not swerve from it."
-Proverbs 22:6
Monday, May 9, 2011
Thanks for the Mommeries
Monday morning greets us with sunshine and warmth. Finally. We're ahead of the game of water removal and cleanup in our basement; now its just a matter of time to get it to dry out so we can make the necessary steps to perhaps work with Mother Nature the next time she decides to drop a surprise on us. Its also the day after Mother's Day. And my mind is full.
I spoke with my mother a couple of times yesterday, which is good. Communication during the seven months my grandmother-my mom's mom-battled pancreatic cancer, we kept in touch through text messaging. The wave of the current times, right? Yes and no. Yes, more and more people are texting today to keep in touch but it does keep us from actual human contact. Call me old fashioned but I still like the face to face intimacy of a good yarn spinning, pardon the pun (I'm a bit of a yarn harlot, fabric floosey...a post for another time). Back to the focus of my content.
My grandmother's diagnosis came in September 2010. Or perhaps it was August; my memory is fuzzy at certain times of the day, which I believe most mothers can sympathize with this. We went to see her not long after the initial decree from the doctor. Tired, concerned for the future of her family and how things would become, she still carried a vibrance I hold in my heart to this day. After we came back home, I kept in touch with her by phone. Months passed, procedures done and treatments carried through, I received the word that Hospice was coming in to offer comfort care. Plans made, a month of preparing myself for what I would encounter when we went to visit again, we made the trip. Walking into the apartment my aunt had made for my grandparents to live in her home, I knew the woman sitting in the recliner to be my grandmother but in many ways, it was almost being introduced to someone new. During the visit, we talked (that conversation is sacred to me, therefore I will not devulge the details here) and I could see glimpses of her. It was hard to leave, and it was a hard three weeks before she passed away on Good Friday.
My mother and my aunt took care of her together in those last couple of weeks. My aunt had done so for the almost eight months that she lived in the new apartment with my grandfather. My thanks to all involved in her care as time came to a point of transition from this life. Yes, I have my moments when I cry, as I'm just as human as the next who mourns. Yet, I want to honor this same wisdom bearing matriarch by allowing myself those moments to grieve and then do as she would: find a way to carry on. The most important part of her battle for me (and we each have/had a lesson to learn with the situation) has been that family is family; you can pick and choose your friends but you can't do that with your family. Getting passed old hurts and any moments of dysfunction is important, because its about sticking together to help each other stand up.
So, for all who are moms, who know their friends to be moms, etc...we have a special purpose in this lifewalk. We nurture new life, we receive it into this world, we multi-task as we unconditionally love, we give all we have until it hurts, we empty ourselves to be able to fill up on the love we receive in return for all we do. Yes, being a mother can be a thankless job at times, or at least that's the way it feels. Yet, I wouldn't take a moment and change any of it for myself. So, to all the moms I know and even to those I have absolutely no clue of, thank you for being you. Thank you for giving.
~Momma
I spoke with my mother a couple of times yesterday, which is good. Communication during the seven months my grandmother-my mom's mom-battled pancreatic cancer, we kept in touch through text messaging. The wave of the current times, right? Yes and no. Yes, more and more people are texting today to keep in touch but it does keep us from actual human contact. Call me old fashioned but I still like the face to face intimacy of a good yarn spinning, pardon the pun (I'm a bit of a yarn harlot, fabric floosey...a post for another time). Back to the focus of my content.
My grandmother's diagnosis came in September 2010. Or perhaps it was August; my memory is fuzzy at certain times of the day, which I believe most mothers can sympathize with this. We went to see her not long after the initial decree from the doctor. Tired, concerned for the future of her family and how things would become, she still carried a vibrance I hold in my heart to this day. After we came back home, I kept in touch with her by phone. Months passed, procedures done and treatments carried through, I received the word that Hospice was coming in to offer comfort care. Plans made, a month of preparing myself for what I would encounter when we went to visit again, we made the trip. Walking into the apartment my aunt had made for my grandparents to live in her home, I knew the woman sitting in the recliner to be my grandmother but in many ways, it was almost being introduced to someone new. During the visit, we talked (that conversation is sacred to me, therefore I will not devulge the details here) and I could see glimpses of her. It was hard to leave, and it was a hard three weeks before she passed away on Good Friday.
My mother and my aunt took care of her together in those last couple of weeks. My aunt had done so for the almost eight months that she lived in the new apartment with my grandfather. My thanks to all involved in her care as time came to a point of transition from this life. Yes, I have my moments when I cry, as I'm just as human as the next who mourns. Yet, I want to honor this same wisdom bearing matriarch by allowing myself those moments to grieve and then do as she would: find a way to carry on. The most important part of her battle for me (and we each have/had a lesson to learn with the situation) has been that family is family; you can pick and choose your friends but you can't do that with your family. Getting passed old hurts and any moments of dysfunction is important, because its about sticking together to help each other stand up.
So, for all who are moms, who know their friends to be moms, etc...we have a special purpose in this lifewalk. We nurture new life, we receive it into this world, we multi-task as we unconditionally love, we give all we have until it hurts, we empty ourselves to be able to fill up on the love we receive in return for all we do. Yes, being a mother can be a thankless job at times, or at least that's the way it feels. Yet, I wouldn't take a moment and change any of it for myself. So, to all the moms I know and even to those I have absolutely no clue of, thank you for being you. Thank you for giving.
~Momma
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