...I chanced to meet an old man
Clothed all in leather.
He began to compliment,
And I began to grin,
How do you do?
And how do you do?
And how do you do, again?
A little known Mother Goose nursery rhyme that rather fits the weather today.
OK - I have a bone to pick with "Super Why" the PBS TV show my children are currently watching. For one thing, they sing the ABC song to a different tune. Why mess with perfection! The real tune is used in what...3 different songs? Something is obviously working! Secondly - the characters use their own created swear words all the time. "Lickity letters," Oh my Chinni-chin-chin!" etc. I know it is supposed to be cute. But it bothers me. And thirdly? I'm sorry - but Cinderella not only is supposed to leave the ball when the clock strikes 12, but she IS supposed to deal with the pain of losing the slipper and the hardship of evil step sister that care nothing for her self-esteem. She does not, I repeat NOT choose to stay after her clothes turn back to rags and "be herself" only to discover that they liked her for who she was, not for her beautiful clothes. OK - I understand the message that they are trying to teach. But the story doesn't go that way!!!
Of course, this is one of my missions as a parent. Excepting Disney (that in my head is just telling an entirely different story) I want my kids to know the real stories. I'm sorry - but the wolf EATS little red riding hood and her grandmother. He does not shove her in a closet like our "updated" story tells. That is why there is a woodcutter, so he can use his axe to cut them out of the wolf's belly. How they survive I am not sure - I figure as in all good stories the answer to that is simply "Magic." It is the fairy tale answer equivalent to the Children's Sunday school answer of "Jesus" for every question ("Who loves us? Jesus!") Not that I am comparing Jesus' love to Fairy Tale magic...though I do believe that Jesus loves fairy tales. After all, he did tell lots of stories. And there is much to be learned from hearing old stories. Of course I have yet to understand the moral of my favorite Brothers Grimm story: The Story of a Son Who Set Out To Learn To Shiver. Please do tell if you can figure it out the moral of that one!
Would you like to hear my goal for next week? Take pictures of my new house. Yes, I am planning on taking one room a day and fixing it up to the point where I can snap a shot and send it to all you lovely people. That way you can see my loved house...and of course tell me how much you love it too! Ok - so that last part is not necessary. But trust me you will want too when you see it! I am very happy here, it still feels surreal and such a blessing.
Oh the last few days, after the fog clears, we have been playing in the backyard. It is so lovely!! This whole house feels like such a present from God. Fits our every need, and most of our wants. And is just the perfect size for us. But next week you will see - perhaps I shall post a very small post everyday of each room as I make it picture ready.
My Adventure to Becoming Organized has been going very well this week. I have started a campaign to make un-savory jobs more acceptable. For instance; I clean the front bathroom when the girls take their bath. Just a wipe-down and small cleaning every two days keeps it tidy and clean and I never feel overwhelmed (The only thing I can't do during that time is clean the bathtub. So that still has to be scheduled). Perhaps once a week or so they should get a special "Princess Bath" in mama's bathtub. That way I can do mine too! And I have just decided to find a new fun show to watch (to get on netflex...any suggestions?) that I am only allowed to watch when I fold laundry. So then at nap time I can relax and watch a show in my room while getting laundry under control. See? I'm getting there! It is a slower process then I thought it would be because my children can't seem to stay healthy for more then a few days (Ayla has a 101 fever out of no where again today). But I am def. getting there!
Well, I just ran out of words....funny how that happens every so often...
Friday, January 15, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Reaching for the sun
It has got to be out there somehow, I mean...we are alive after all. And when I look outside (through the fog) I can make out the outline of my backyard. That means the sun must still exist....right?
Ok, ok - I know. I AM lucky, it is not snowing, no blizzards here. The temp. stays in the positive and the ice is generally gone by noon. But I still feel like a prisoner in my own house because it is JUST SO COLD! My kids want so badly to go out and play in their backyard. Especially since we got dollar spot swords from Target and Taylor made a pirate flag to go on her slide. And of course, she knows my biggest weakness as a parent is my small one looking up with those big eyes and saying "mama, will you play pirates with me?" I do so love playing pirates!
The weather man this morning said that the sun may come out this afternoon (along with saying the fog is "drivable" at least 12 times in the 20 minutes we were watching it. We were laughing at the obvious amateur-ness of our local news.) Oh but sun, that would be so nice! Then perhaps Taylor can get her pirate fix and we can bundle up and soak in some fresh air and light....maybe?
When we last spoke I informed you all of my desire to become more organized. I am pleased to announce that while I have not made huge changes as of yet - I am still fully determined. The first part of last week went well. I was getting up early, making my lists and had started some good projects....then the plague hit. First it was Taylor, then I followed close behind. The others barely escaped the worst of it, but still had some residual and I believe we were all in bed by 9 last night. Today we are all much better, just a little fuzzy around the edges. Of course who knows how much of that is recovering and how much of that is a wet and dreary Monday. This leads into what I learned from my children this past week....
When mama aint happy - aint nobody happy.
Oh it is true! When I was sick Taylor wouldn't play, she would only lay on the floor moping. Mind you, she was still recovering herself...but the moment dad mentioned getting out of the house for a bit she perked right up. Ayla lay on the couch with me much of the day and dad kept us all alive. Funny how you simply go into survival mode, who cares if dishes get done - at least we ate! Who cares if the room is clean or the laundry done so long as we have clothes to wear and can mostly walk through the living room. There is time to take care of all that later, for now let us just devote our full attention to being alive!
I feel having a simple stomach flu is small in the grand scale of things - but during my quiet time this morning I read this: "You'll never know God is all you need until God is all you've got." The stomach flu is a small thing, but oh it feels pretty big when you've got it! And when you are laying in bed, unable to move - praying you survive this...or perhaps praying you can just die and have done with this! (don't we all become overly dramatic when faced with pain?) it is, in itself, a moment when you can think more clearly about life and what is important. I find myself, in that moment - thanking God over and over for my amazing and wonderful husband. I know that everything will be taken care of while I am out of commission. I am so very thankful for family members that pray and call to ask how we are doing and ask if there is anything they can do to help. I am thankful for kids that are learning to obey and do as daddy asks so mama can rest......ooops, we had an accident!
Ok - maybe I should clarify that: AYLA had an accident. She has been in panties when we are home lately. She has so enjoyed going in the potty and asks to whenever her diaper is changed. And usually does! So I figure the window is open, might as well take advantage. We are going every 20 minutes or so and she usually will go for me...but she has yet to ask to go herself when she is in panties. So we are taking it slow and seeing what happens. I have been pleased. She had an accident, but only a tiny one and then she finished on the potty, progress!
Oooh, guess what! I got a bunch of garden stuff at target for 75% off! k, just for fun I have to add it up...hold on..........................it comes to $80 worth of stuff if I add it all up based on original price. So that is right, I walked out spending only $20! And it is all things I will use, I am so excited for my garden! Now if only I can find the sun....
Lots of things are on clearance at Target right now - for those interested. Jewelry, kitchen gadgets, woman's intimates, luggage, kids toys, baby items, house accessories (like hooks and shelves) camping supplies, bed-sheets and blankets and of course, garden supplies though they should mostly be gone by now. Most of it all is still at only 30% off...but give it all another 2-4 weeks and there will be some good deals there!
Let me see, what is next on my schedule. After "show" is "laundry!" And that is also on my to-do list today. Get control of the VERY out of control laundry in this house! I also have "start organizing Ayla's room" (my item of the week...was item of the week last week too, but we all know how that turned out) "create the week's menu" and "Make Taylor's chore chart." She needs another one - and we have decided to start an allowance with her since she has offered interest in saving for items she wants for herself, or to buy others. So we figure that is a good sign she is ready to start. Not sure yet what the amount she receives is going to be...dad and I still have to finalize that.
I have decided, as a way to keep myself more on track I may post more often on here. It will be a way to keep myself motivated and....ok, meltdown from one small 1 year old. That is my cue - someone needs mom's attention. So I leave you all for now. I will try to post again soon.
May those around you have nice breath and clean fingernails. And may you all have sun!
Ok, ok - I know. I AM lucky, it is not snowing, no blizzards here. The temp. stays in the positive and the ice is generally gone by noon. But I still feel like a prisoner in my own house because it is JUST SO COLD! My kids want so badly to go out and play in their backyard. Especially since we got dollar spot swords from Target and Taylor made a pirate flag to go on her slide. And of course, she knows my biggest weakness as a parent is my small one looking up with those big eyes and saying "mama, will you play pirates with me?" I do so love playing pirates!
The weather man this morning said that the sun may come out this afternoon (along with saying the fog is "drivable" at least 12 times in the 20 minutes we were watching it. We were laughing at the obvious amateur-ness of our local news.) Oh but sun, that would be so nice! Then perhaps Taylor can get her pirate fix and we can bundle up and soak in some fresh air and light....maybe?
When we last spoke I informed you all of my desire to become more organized. I am pleased to announce that while I have not made huge changes as of yet - I am still fully determined. The first part of last week went well. I was getting up early, making my lists and had started some good projects....then the plague hit. First it was Taylor, then I followed close behind. The others barely escaped the worst of it, but still had some residual and I believe we were all in bed by 9 last night. Today we are all much better, just a little fuzzy around the edges. Of course who knows how much of that is recovering and how much of that is a wet and dreary Monday. This leads into what I learned from my children this past week....
When mama aint happy - aint nobody happy.
Oh it is true! When I was sick Taylor wouldn't play, she would only lay on the floor moping. Mind you, she was still recovering herself...but the moment dad mentioned getting out of the house for a bit she perked right up. Ayla lay on the couch with me much of the day and dad kept us all alive. Funny how you simply go into survival mode, who cares if dishes get done - at least we ate! Who cares if the room is clean or the laundry done so long as we have clothes to wear and can mostly walk through the living room. There is time to take care of all that later, for now let us just devote our full attention to being alive!
I feel having a simple stomach flu is small in the grand scale of things - but during my quiet time this morning I read this: "You'll never know God is all you need until God is all you've got." The stomach flu is a small thing, but oh it feels pretty big when you've got it! And when you are laying in bed, unable to move - praying you survive this...or perhaps praying you can just die and have done with this! (don't we all become overly dramatic when faced with pain?) it is, in itself, a moment when you can think more clearly about life and what is important. I find myself, in that moment - thanking God over and over for my amazing and wonderful husband. I know that everything will be taken care of while I am out of commission. I am so very thankful for family members that pray and call to ask how we are doing and ask if there is anything they can do to help. I am thankful for kids that are learning to obey and do as daddy asks so mama can rest......ooops, we had an accident!
Ok - maybe I should clarify that: AYLA had an accident. She has been in panties when we are home lately. She has so enjoyed going in the potty and asks to whenever her diaper is changed. And usually does! So I figure the window is open, might as well take advantage. We are going every 20 minutes or so and she usually will go for me...but she has yet to ask to go herself when she is in panties. So we are taking it slow and seeing what happens. I have been pleased. She had an accident, but only a tiny one and then she finished on the potty, progress!
Oooh, guess what! I got a bunch of garden stuff at target for 75% off! k, just for fun I have to add it up...hold on..........................it comes to $80 worth of stuff if I add it all up based on original price. So that is right, I walked out spending only $20! And it is all things I will use, I am so excited for my garden! Now if only I can find the sun....
Lots of things are on clearance at Target right now - for those interested. Jewelry, kitchen gadgets, woman's intimates, luggage, kids toys, baby items, house accessories (like hooks and shelves) camping supplies, bed-sheets and blankets and of course, garden supplies though they should mostly be gone by now. Most of it all is still at only 30% off...but give it all another 2-4 weeks and there will be some good deals there!
Let me see, what is next on my schedule. After "show" is "laundry!" And that is also on my to-do list today. Get control of the VERY out of control laundry in this house! I also have "start organizing Ayla's room" (my item of the week...was item of the week last week too, but we all know how that turned out) "create the week's menu" and "Make Taylor's chore chart." She needs another one - and we have decided to start an allowance with her since she has offered interest in saving for items she wants for herself, or to buy others. So we figure that is a good sign she is ready to start. Not sure yet what the amount she receives is going to be...dad and I still have to finalize that.
I have decided, as a way to keep myself more on track I may post more often on here. It will be a way to keep myself motivated and....ok, meltdown from one small 1 year old. That is my cue - someone needs mom's attention. So I leave you all for now. I will try to post again soon.
May those around you have nice breath and clean fingernails. And may you all have sun!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Sheets in the laundry, Mary Poppins and a second cup of coffee
I know, I said Monday's. But I find myself faced with a morning off (sort of) so I figured I should take advantage. I heard those most dreaded words this morning "Mommy, I threw up in my bed." poor Taylor is sick today. We tried 1/4 cup of milk and it promptly came back up. So officially sick and staying either in bed or on the couch. Due to sickness, I have relaxed my strict 30 min only of TV this morning and turned on Mary Poppins. After all, that is the only good thing about being sick right? You get to stay in PJ's and watch movies until you feel better? Lucky Ayla gets to share in Sissy's sick-day indulgance....oooh, water was a no-go as well. Poor baby!
So I have a few pictures if anyone would like to see them:
As you can see, someone is a stinker. She was found recently getting into something she knows is not hers. There was little remorse, mostly giggles as she watched me trying my hardest to look upset and not burst into laughter. And of course running to grab the camera (I"m not sure that sends the best message) But now we have proof and I can tease her about it forever!
Isn't she so pretty? 
Ah, my child! It is a good thing you are so very cute!
And as promised - a few Christmas pictures:
Taylor picked out the tree herself, she was so proud! We decorated together and Ayla promptly un-decorated. The bottom three feet of our tree ended up being lights only and our pile of broken/discovered ornaments to the side kept growing. I am still finding them around the house, popped into various corners. She had fun this Christmas!
Of course they wanted to "help" with everything
Taylor put the star up and Ayla "fixed" it. They both were involved in all parts of the decorating. As it should be!
Christmas eve we went to Church, then family came over to our house for hot cider and homemade soft pretzels. Second year we have done that now, that means it is tradition now! The girls opened their new PJ's. Ayla went to bed right away, she was a tired girl. Taylor was staying up until we looked on the Santa tracker on the computer and said "looks like Santa is almost here" Knowing she had to be in bed for him to come she gasped and dashed into her room as fast as she could! We had to assure her she had time to go potty, that it was safe - that Santa WOULD come but only after she had done potty. It took some convincing to get her back out from under covers! Funny, we have not pushed Santa at all - I figure any explaining one way or the other would be confusing for a 3 year old. So we have let it be as it will be and she had so much fun pretending Santa this year.
Christmas Morning was lovely. We all got up early - Taylor was delighted to see the cookies were almost all the way eaten. As was the last pretzel! Did you know Santa liked soft pretzels?
Ayla learned all about opening presents this year. She like it!
And look how happy she is to get her very own make-up brushes. Now she can play with HER OWN and not mama's!
Princess Tiana panties! Do Christmas's get any merrier?
Ah, surrounded by Christmas splendor - beautiful!
Ayla loved her bubbles, she played with them forever.
All in all a lovely morning. After our own morning together we went to Grandma and Granddad's for brunch and more Christmas cheer. A beautiful day to be sure.
So we have now thrown-up four times and she keeps running to the bathroom saying she needs to go potty - nothing yet. This small post has taken almost all of Mary Poppins so far, that is what happens when I have to jump up every 3 minutes to help an ailing Taylor. I am feeling a bit off myself, though I think that could be nothing more then the power of suggestion. A powerful thing our imaginations!
"fiddlesticks boy! You feed the birds and what do you get? Fat birds!" Heehee, makes me laugh each time. So many little known quotes from Mary Poppins that I love. Such as "I am not a may-pole, kindly stop spinning about me." Priceless! I always swear I will enter "spit-spot" into my everyday vocabulary every time I see this movie. Hasn't happened yet, but it will! I should see if our library has this book. I have decided to start reading a chapter every evening of a chapter book to my kids before bed. I think I may start with Peter Pan as it is a favorite of Taylor, but perhaps Mary Poppins will be next.
Have you all heard of my desire to organize my life? I have been forgetting things too much, being generally un-reliable, I always feel behind and overwhelmed by the house and I am sick of it. So now, every morning I have been getting up at 6:30 (I can do it only through sheer will-power) and taking some quiet time, a moment to pray and ask God to bless my day. I make my to-do list and check my email without small hands pulling on my and saying "old-ju, old-ju" over and over and over and over and over and over...... Then I get coffee started and breakfast made. It is one of the ways I can show my wonderful husband how much I love him - by making breakfast for him every morning. I do so hate doing it, but it makes a good start for the day for both of us. And if it makes his day better I am happy to do it for him. And baring ear infections, stomach flues and other illnesses, a good start to the day can make the rest of it so much better. My list today included: Call a particular friend, start on organizing Ayla's room; stick to our new daily schedule and write on my blog....well I have done one of those!
Is it really only 10:00am? Oh goodness this day is going to be a long one. Ah well, such is the life of a mom. I will take my leave of you now. Taylor just said she is feeling a little better now so we shall see if she would like to sit up and hear a story. I am not brave enough to try any food, but sometimes just sitting up can make a difference.
Many blessings on you all, and may you stay healthier then us!
As you can see, someone is a stinker. She was found recently getting into something she knows is not hers. There was little remorse, mostly giggles as she watched me trying my hardest to look upset and not burst into laughter. And of course running to grab the camera (I"m not sure that sends the best message) But now we have proof and I can tease her about it forever!
Isn't she so pretty?
Ah, my child! It is a good thing you are so very cute!
And as promised - a few Christmas pictures:
Taylor picked out the tree herself, she was so proud! We decorated together and Ayla promptly un-decorated. The bottom three feet of our tree ended up being lights only and our pile of broken/discovered ornaments to the side kept growing. I am still finding them around the house, popped into various corners. She had fun this Christmas!
Of course they wanted to "help" with everythingTaylor put the star up and Ayla "fixed" it. They both were involved in all parts of the decorating. As it should be!
Christmas eve we went to Church, then family came over to our house for hot cider and homemade soft pretzels. Second year we have done that now, that means it is tradition now! The girls opened their new PJ's. Ayla went to bed right away, she was a tired girl. Taylor was staying up until we looked on the Santa tracker on the computer and said "looks like Santa is almost here" Knowing she had to be in bed for him to come she gasped and dashed into her room as fast as she could! We had to assure her she had time to go potty, that it was safe - that Santa WOULD come but only after she had done potty. It took some convincing to get her back out from under covers! Funny, we have not pushed Santa at all - I figure any explaining one way or the other would be confusing for a 3 year old. So we have let it be as it will be and she had so much fun pretending Santa this year.
Ayla learned all about opening presents this year. She like it!
And look how happy she is to get her very own make-up brushes. Now she can play with HER OWN and not mama's!
Princess Tiana panties! Do Christmas's get any merrier?
Ah, surrounded by Christmas splendor - beautiful!
Ayla loved her bubbles, she played with them forever.
So we have now thrown-up four times and she keeps running to the bathroom saying she needs to go potty - nothing yet. This small post has taken almost all of Mary Poppins so far, that is what happens when I have to jump up every 3 minutes to help an ailing Taylor. I am feeling a bit off myself, though I think that could be nothing more then the power of suggestion. A powerful thing our imaginations!
"fiddlesticks boy! You feed the birds and what do you get? Fat birds!" Heehee, makes me laugh each time. So many little known quotes from Mary Poppins that I love. Such as "I am not a may-pole, kindly stop spinning about me." Priceless! I always swear I will enter "spit-spot" into my everyday vocabulary every time I see this movie. Hasn't happened yet, but it will! I should see if our library has this book. I have decided to start reading a chapter every evening of a chapter book to my kids before bed. I think I may start with Peter Pan as it is a favorite of Taylor, but perhaps Mary Poppins will be next.
Have you all heard of my desire to organize my life? I have been forgetting things too much, being generally un-reliable, I always feel behind and overwhelmed by the house and I am sick of it. So now, every morning I have been getting up at 6:30 (I can do it only through sheer will-power) and taking some quiet time, a moment to pray and ask God to bless my day. I make my to-do list and check my email without small hands pulling on my and saying "old-ju, old-ju" over and over and over and over and over and over...... Then I get coffee started and breakfast made. It is one of the ways I can show my wonderful husband how much I love him - by making breakfast for him every morning. I do so hate doing it, but it makes a good start for the day for both of us. And if it makes his day better I am happy to do it for him. And baring ear infections, stomach flues and other illnesses, a good start to the day can make the rest of it so much better. My list today included: Call a particular friend, start on organizing Ayla's room; stick to our new daily schedule and write on my blog....well I have done one of those!
Is it really only 10:00am? Oh goodness this day is going to be a long one. Ah well, such is the life of a mom. I will take my leave of you now. Taylor just said she is feeling a little better now so we shall see if she would like to sit up and hear a story. I am not brave enough to try any food, but sometimes just sitting up can make a difference.
Many blessings on you all, and may you stay healthier then us!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)