I forgot that when I worked before my house was A.L.W.A.Y.S. a disaster. Now, I remember.
I forgot that when I worked before dinner was an afterthought. Whatever was quick and easy was on the menu. Cereal, anyone?
I forgot that when I worked before laundry was washed, dried, and folded on an as needed basis. Putting away laundry was hardly ever done. Today, Scott picked thru a pile in our bedroom to find a matching pair of socks. What? They were clean! I'm pretty sure they were anyway.
I forgot that when I worked before I forgot lots of little things. Today, too late, I remembered that Henry should have had ice cream money for school. I forgot. My family binder/calendar is more jumbled than I care to admit.
Working has been an incredible blessing for my family. Scott's work is never guaranteed, so my little added income has been great for us. I like my work. I am good at what I do. The people who employ me show me Godly examples of marriage and parenting. They make me smile and challenge me on a daily basis.
Working has eliminated financial stress for Scott. He feels so much better knowing that the sole burden of meeting our needs does not fall on his shoulders. I like that too. He is a happier person. He has this great smile that I have seen more lately. Soon, his path will change. We are patient for God's will.
I am home when my kids are home. Really, I have a wonderful schedule. I get to have a floating off day that I use for necessary field trips, meetings, or appointments. I am volunteering in Abigail's classroom for a few weeks, so my schedule allows for me to do that as well. It's honestly a true blessing.
However, my home has a tendency to suffer because of my poor planning and excellent procrastination. We have clean clothes, we eat decent meals, and I do vacuum on occasion. It could be better, but for this season in my life, I am taking it in stride.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Friendships (how catchy is that?)
Sometimes life is funny. Sometimes life is confusing. Sometimes life makes you laugh while other times you cry.
It is a blessing to be able to share the events of life with friends. I'll be honest, I'm a crappy friend. It's that whole low self esteem thing. I mean, really, why would someone want to be bothered by me calling them making them feel like they have to hang out with me.
Well, I've gotten over that. For the most part any way. Small steps up a long staircase.
I've always had friends but none really that I would call when something great happened. Or when something terrible happened. Scott is, without question, my best friend. But sometimes, you just need that girl friend. It's fun to laugh with girls.
I have had friends in my adult life who I have treasured and then (out of nowhere) it becomes high school drama. Really, I don't have time for that. I don't respond to that. I will be pleasant, but feel that the bond is broken.
Over the last year or so, I've been blessed with a great group. There are three couples in our group and we've all gotten very close. Actually, we went on vacation with one couple this summer. Our weekends intertwine, our kids play, our hearts toward God and His service are the same. Actually, that is what really brought us together- our desire to serve.
The girls make me laugh. So hard I cry. They guys are like brothers. They make me laugh too. The kids are loud when they are together and I love it.
I am thankful. My key word for 2009 was COMMIT. I can honestly say that with our friends, I have made a choice to commit. I feel that I am getting better about committing to the relationships I have made. Of course, there is room for improvement.
Can I just say, though, that texting has helped me maintain friendships? I know, how bizarro is that and so high school (and I was just talking down high school drama). But, really, a lot of times I do not have time for a long phone chat, so I'll send a text to a friend to check in on their day. Works for me.
What crazy way do you keep in touch with friends? And, Brandi, if you're reading this, can I text you too? Miss you, love you, and will have dinner soon.
It is a blessing to be able to share the events of life with friends. I'll be honest, I'm a crappy friend. It's that whole low self esteem thing. I mean, really, why would someone want to be bothered by me calling them making them feel like they have to hang out with me.
Well, I've gotten over that. For the most part any way. Small steps up a long staircase.
I've always had friends but none really that I would call when something great happened. Or when something terrible happened. Scott is, without question, my best friend. But sometimes, you just need that girl friend. It's fun to laugh with girls.
I have had friends in my adult life who I have treasured and then (out of nowhere) it becomes high school drama. Really, I don't have time for that. I don't respond to that. I will be pleasant, but feel that the bond is broken.
Over the last year or so, I've been blessed with a great group. There are three couples in our group and we've all gotten very close. Actually, we went on vacation with one couple this summer. Our weekends intertwine, our kids play, our hearts toward God and His service are the same. Actually, that is what really brought us together- our desire to serve.
The girls make me laugh. So hard I cry. They guys are like brothers. They make me laugh too. The kids are loud when they are together and I love it.
I am thankful. My key word for 2009 was COMMIT. I can honestly say that with our friends, I have made a choice to commit. I feel that I am getting better about committing to the relationships I have made. Of course, there is room for improvement.
Can I just say, though, that texting has helped me maintain friendships? I know, how bizarro is that and so high school (and I was just talking down high school drama). But, really, a lot of times I do not have time for a long phone chat, so I'll send a text to a friend to check in on their day. Works for me.
What crazy way do you keep in touch with friends? And, Brandi, if you're reading this, can I text you too? Miss you, love you, and will have dinner soon.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Homework woes
Hers, not mine. I hated homework as a kid. I mean, who didn't, right? Now that I have been out of school for more years than I would like to say, I thought those days were long behind me.
W.R.O.N.G.
I had kids. The saga continues. The absolute worst is math. Mind you, my daughter is only in third grade, so theoretically, I should be able to understand. For the most part, I do. I do not, however, do a good job of explaining how to do the math. Frustrating for us both. Homeschool moms, I love you. I envy you. I so could not be you. My kids would cry all the time, and so would I.
This year, Alabama has decided to adopt a new math program. I. Hate. It. Really, I do. It is counterproductive in my opinion. Last year in second grade, the kids learned double digit addition and the concept of carrying the number. This year, the kids are not to use this method. They are being taught to break down the number. Meaning 72+46= 70+40+2+6=. This has been a tough one for my daughter to grasp. And the fact that, as a parent, I am not on board with the program, it has been hard for me to get too.
Our school chose only a select few classrooms to use this curriculum so that at the end of the year test scores could be evaluated. Not sure how the "new" math will do in comparison, but I do know that Abigail's class has already delayed a couple tests because the class was not ready.
I know it will get worse. I don't want it to. My kids are smart, so at least it's not as bad as some. Abigail struggles in math just like I did as a kid. Henry is just lazy and doesn't want to do anything.
In Kindergarten, Henry only has to read his little readers each night. They are 42 words max and are, in his words, "easy peasy."
Oh, the horrors. I love the end of the school days so that I can see my kids, but I dread the homework battle. Makes me want to pull my hair out!!!!
Homework tips? Please? Anyone care to tutor my cute little girl?
W.R.O.N.G.
I had kids. The saga continues. The absolute worst is math. Mind you, my daughter is only in third grade, so theoretically, I should be able to understand. For the most part, I do. I do not, however, do a good job of explaining how to do the math. Frustrating for us both. Homeschool moms, I love you. I envy you. I so could not be you. My kids would cry all the time, and so would I.
This year, Alabama has decided to adopt a new math program. I. Hate. It. Really, I do. It is counterproductive in my opinion. Last year in second grade, the kids learned double digit addition and the concept of carrying the number. This year, the kids are not to use this method. They are being taught to break down the number. Meaning 72+46= 70+40+2+6=. This has been a tough one for my daughter to grasp. And the fact that, as a parent, I am not on board with the program, it has been hard for me to get too.
Our school chose only a select few classrooms to use this curriculum so that at the end of the year test scores could be evaluated. Not sure how the "new" math will do in comparison, but I do know that Abigail's class has already delayed a couple tests because the class was not ready.
I know it will get worse. I don't want it to. My kids are smart, so at least it's not as bad as some. Abigail struggles in math just like I did as a kid. Henry is just lazy and doesn't want to do anything.
In Kindergarten, Henry only has to read his little readers each night. They are 42 words max and are, in his words, "easy peasy."
Oh, the horrors. I love the end of the school days so that I can see my kids, but I dread the homework battle. Makes me want to pull my hair out!!!!
Homework tips? Please? Anyone care to tutor my cute little girl?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Pumpkin Smash
Fall officially begins tomorrow. Well, at least the calendar states that it is the first day of fall. Temps say otherwise, and the fact that we have had torrential rain showers for the past week does not seem like fall in our neck of the woods. But, fall is upon us nonetheless. My mantle looks all fall-y. I'll post pics soon.
Today, I wanted to share a couple pumpkin recipes that I have enjoyed today. Both kids are home sick. No pigs are flying at our house that I know of, they've just both had fevers that appear at night. No other symptoms really, just normal fall allergies that we all battle. So, in honor of our sick day, I baked a yummy treat.
I've made this before but did not print the recipe out, so I had to search for it again. I had a can of pumpkin in my pantry that I got last year on clearance at Target for .08 after Thanksgiving. I also knew that I had a few chocolate chips in the fridge that needed to be used. Here is what I did:
Pumpkin Chocolate Brownie
* Nonstick cooking spray
* 1/2 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
* 1/3 cup brown sugar blend (such as SPLENDA) I used plain brown sugar
* 1 large egg
* 2 large egg whites
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/3 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels
Directions
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Spray 8- or 9-inch-square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
COMBINE pumpkin, sugar blend, egg, egg whites and oil in large mixer bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Add flour, baking powder, cocoa, cinnamon, allspice, salt and nutmeg. Beat on low speed until batter is smooth. Stir in morsels. Spread evenly into prepared pan.
BAKE for 25 to 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into 2-inch squares.
Can you tell I got this from the Very Best Baking website? There are lots of great recipes on there.
Also, I've seen that Starbucks has their Pumpkin Spice Latte back. I've heard how popular it is but have never tried it. As I was browsing the Very Best Baking site, I found a Pumpkin Latte recipe. I was skeptical because, really, who puts pumpkin in their coffee? Well, now, I do. This was so yummy and so bad for you. It was the perfect compliment to the brownie.
Pumpkin Latte
* 1 cup strong coffee
* 2/3 cup (5 fl.-oz. can) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Fat Free Milk
* 1/4 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
* 1 to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
* 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon
Directions
COMBINE coffee, evaporated milk, pumpkin, sugar and pumpkin pie spice in 2-cup microwave-safe glass measure or small saucepan. Heat until very hot (if using stove, use medium-low heat and stir occasionally). Carefully pour into mugs.
If you try this, let me know what you think. Really, the latte is perfect. Even better is that I will not have to share because Scott will NOT try this. He is not adventurous when it comes to his coffee.
Today, I wanted to share a couple pumpkin recipes that I have enjoyed today. Both kids are home sick. No pigs are flying at our house that I know of, they've just both had fevers that appear at night. No other symptoms really, just normal fall allergies that we all battle. So, in honor of our sick day, I baked a yummy treat.
I've made this before but did not print the recipe out, so I had to search for it again. I had a can of pumpkin in my pantry that I got last year on clearance at Target for .08 after Thanksgiving. I also knew that I had a few chocolate chips in the fridge that needed to be used. Here is what I did:
Pumpkin Chocolate Brownie
* Nonstick cooking spray
* 1/2 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
* 1/3 cup brown sugar blend (such as SPLENDA) I used plain brown sugar
* 1 large egg
* 2 large egg whites
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/3 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels
Directions
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Spray 8- or 9-inch-square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
COMBINE pumpkin, sugar blend, egg, egg whites and oil in large mixer bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Add flour, baking powder, cocoa, cinnamon, allspice, salt and nutmeg. Beat on low speed until batter is smooth. Stir in morsels. Spread evenly into prepared pan.
BAKE for 25 to 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into 2-inch squares.
Can you tell I got this from the Very Best Baking website? There are lots of great recipes on there.
Also, I've seen that Starbucks has their Pumpkin Spice Latte back. I've heard how popular it is but have never tried it. As I was browsing the Very Best Baking site, I found a Pumpkin Latte recipe. I was skeptical because, really, who puts pumpkin in their coffee? Well, now, I do. This was so yummy and so bad for you. It was the perfect compliment to the brownie.
Pumpkin Latte
* 1 cup strong coffee
* 2/3 cup (5 fl.-oz. can) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Fat Free Milk
* 1/4 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
* 1 to 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
* 1/8 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon
Directions
COMBINE coffee, evaporated milk, pumpkin, sugar and pumpkin pie spice in 2-cup microwave-safe glass measure or small saucepan. Heat until very hot (if using stove, use medium-low heat and stir occasionally). Carefully pour into mugs.
If you try this, let me know what you think. Really, the latte is perfect. Even better is that I will not have to share because Scott will NOT try this. He is not adventurous when it comes to his coffee.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Do you smell something??
It's my bloggy page stinking up cyberspace. So, I have not been a good bloggy hostess and for that, I apologize. I've kept up reading so many wonderful blogs and it makes my heart long to join you again. Then, the comparisons start, and that's never good, because, quite honestly, I'll never measure up.
So, I thought, what the heck, I love bloggyland and I love the cyberfriends I have "met" why not return. So, here I am. I've missed you. Often, events have taken place and I think, oh, that would make a great blog post. Then, time would pass and interest would fizzle.
Update on us: Both of my kids are in school. Like, in school ALL. DAY. I'm having a tough time adjusting to that. My girl has done so well. At first, she is always so nervous because she doesn't know anyone, but she is quick to make friends with a little nudging. My dear sweet son is having some behavioral issues in school. Of course, if you've ever read anything about my son, you would have expected this. I did, though, not to the level in which my son has taken it. Though, we are about a month or more in it and he is beginning to adjust. So am I.
I'm working part time again. I know, I struggled with working before, and now I've gone back. Honestly, this time I am seeing it for the blessing that it is. The people I work for (same place) are amazing. They are willing to make any concessions I need when it come to my children. I am working only 4 days a week and it has been a very good thing for us.
My family visited a new church one Sunday night several weeks ago. Not that we are church shopping, but it is so good to get different perspective. We both serve at our church. It was so nice to go somewhere and worship and be served instead of serving. Our children really enjoyed it as well. Actually, Henry came home singing a song he learned and told us the entire story of Zacchaeus. It was truly a great night to connect with God.
So, there it is. I promise to be a more regular blogger again. I've missed you all and see who much each of you have grown and how crafty you have been. I need some inspiration!! Fall is upon us and I am slowly getting my pretties out. I'll have to show you.
In closing, here is a picture from our beach trip that I posted about last. It was great. The kids were wonderful and we were with great friends. We loved it and were thankful for the opportunity.
So, I thought, what the heck, I love bloggyland and I love the cyberfriends I have "met" why not return. So, here I am. I've missed you. Often, events have taken place and I think, oh, that would make a great blog post. Then, time would pass and interest would fizzle.
Update on us: Both of my kids are in school. Like, in school ALL. DAY. I'm having a tough time adjusting to that. My girl has done so well. At first, she is always so nervous because she doesn't know anyone, but she is quick to make friends with a little nudging. My dear sweet son is having some behavioral issues in school. Of course, if you've ever read anything about my son, you would have expected this. I did, though, not to the level in which my son has taken it. Though, we are about a month or more in it and he is beginning to adjust. So am I.
I'm working part time again. I know, I struggled with working before, and now I've gone back. Honestly, this time I am seeing it for the blessing that it is. The people I work for (same place) are amazing. They are willing to make any concessions I need when it come to my children. I am working only 4 days a week and it has been a very good thing for us.
My family visited a new church one Sunday night several weeks ago. Not that we are church shopping, but it is so good to get different perspective. We both serve at our church. It was so nice to go somewhere and worship and be served instead of serving. Our children really enjoyed it as well. Actually, Henry came home singing a song he learned and told us the entire story of Zacchaeus. It was truly a great night to connect with God.
So, there it is. I promise to be a more regular blogger again. I've missed you all and see who much each of you have grown and how crafty you have been. I need some inspiration!! Fall is upon us and I am slowly getting my pretties out. I'll have to show you.
In closing, here is a picture from our beach trip that I posted about last. It was great. The kids were wonderful and we were with great friends. We loved it and were thankful for the opportunity.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Smells of salt water
Summer is rolling along so well. Normally, we're not big vacationers. It's a vacation once in a while, or just a weekend trip here or there. However, this year, thanks to great friends, we're headed to the beach next week! Henry has not been to the beach since he was 14 months old (and he just turned 5) so this should be a great time.
I have high hopes for this trip, but I am so nervous. My kids do not ride well in the car. Meaning, they are whiners. We cannot drive to Grannie's without complaint. So, to be held captive in the minivan for five hours with both of my children scares me. I think I may separate them to give them space, but we are borrowing my friends portable dvd player, so we will have to see how that will work.
I am not a fan of dvd's playing at all times. So, I have gotten both kids a clipboard thingy that opens up and art supplies can go in. They each have mp3 players that I will ensure are fully charged. And there are hand held gaming toys for each of them. I am trying to arm myself with all things necessary to make this a great ride. I know that once we are down there, I can handle fits and whining, but it's all about the ride.
Any car ride tips that work for your family?
I have high hopes for this trip, but I am so nervous. My kids do not ride well in the car. Meaning, they are whiners. We cannot drive to Grannie's without complaint. So, to be held captive in the minivan for five hours with both of my children scares me. I think I may separate them to give them space, but we are borrowing my friends portable dvd player, so we will have to see how that will work.
I am not a fan of dvd's playing at all times. So, I have gotten both kids a clipboard thingy that opens up and art supplies can go in. They each have mp3 players that I will ensure are fully charged. And there are hand held gaming toys for each of them. I am trying to arm myself with all things necessary to make this a great ride. I know that once we are down there, I can handle fits and whining, but it's all about the ride.
Any car ride tips that work for your family?
Friday, June 26, 2009
Rolling the dice
Have you ever entered any sweepstakes? Well, I just spent the better part of an hour (don't worry, it's past bedtime, I'm not neglecting my kids) entering random sweepstakes. Why? I dunno. Thought it sounded like fun. Now, I know I'll never win the $600 purse that I could smell the leather thru the computer. The wonderful vacation to a smashing hotel in Orlando is only a pipe dream. The luxurious linens will most likely never adorn my bed.
But, it's fun to dream. I went to Woman's Day giveaway link and there were a kabillion giveaways. I'm not kidding. Really, go check it out. Wait, no don't because if you do, I'm sure not to win. Man.
As I was reading my newest (free) magazine of Woman's Day, I noticed something. Probably always been there, but I just noticed it. There is scripture on the page where it lists the contents of the magazine. Did you know that? I love it when a little Jesus shows up in the "secular" world. Really hate that term "secular", but you get my gist.
The scripture this month states, "May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope..." Romans 15:13
That's good stuff. Now let me know if you've enter any sweepstakes. Have you won anything? Please do not win my $600 purse. I think it would fit my little arm just so.
But, it's fun to dream. I went to Woman's Day giveaway link and there were a kabillion giveaways. I'm not kidding. Really, go check it out. Wait, no don't because if you do, I'm sure not to win. Man.
As I was reading my newest (free) magazine of Woman's Day, I noticed something. Probably always been there, but I just noticed it. There is scripture on the page where it lists the contents of the magazine. Did you know that? I love it when a little Jesus shows up in the "secular" world. Really hate that term "secular", but you get my gist.
The scripture this month states, "May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope..." Romans 15:13
That's good stuff. Now let me know if you've enter any sweepstakes. Have you won anything? Please do not win my $600 purse. I think it would fit my little arm just so.
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