This is what we are currently experiencing.
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Monday, January 28, 2019
Missing The Baby Stage
Parenting was so much easier when my children were babies and toddlers. Of course, it didn't feel very easy then. Getting up all hours of the night, dealing with the fussiness and crying, having to hold them as I tried to clean because they refused to be put down. I remember those days feeling so long and exhausting but now I would love to go back.
They were so tiny and delicate then. What made this stage the easiest was the fact they they were too young to walk, talk back, and be away from me. I worked a full-time office job until the oldest was born and then I became a stay-at-home mom. What an amazing journey it's been and one I'm so thankful for. Being the full-time caregiver to my children was so important to me and my husband. It wasn't easy, especially financially. We had to make a lot of sacrifices and there were days when we weren't sure if the bills would get paid on time, but somehow, it worked out. God always looked out for us.
Now the kids are only 7 and 11 and I know that's still very young. They are both elementary school age and both still constantly tell me how much they love me and greet me with hugs and kisses. They still play with toys and love spending time with me. The hard part is having to send them to school. It's those 7 hours I don't know what they are doing and if they are okay, minus the 20 minutes during school time I get to see them at lunch in the cafeteria. They also have friends that invite them over and I let them go. Sending them off to someone else's house is hard. When they were babies I would get together with my friends and their kids. Now that they are in school they are making their own friends and these friends ask if they can come over. Of course, I must meet the parents first and if I feel comfortable enough I'll let them have those play dates. Putting my trust in other adults to watch my kids is not something I'm used to. I always loved playing with friends when I was a kid and I want them to have friendships too.
They are also involved in after school activities. My son plays baseball and is in the scouts. My daughter takes dance classes. I want them to be active and I enjoy being their biggest fan.
The thing is, lately I've been thinking about how these years are going by so fast and this time I have with them as young children will fade away pretty quickly. In only a few years my oldest will be a teenager. Yikes, I'm not ready for it. My heart feels so heavy whenever I think about the teenage years. I'm not ready for it. Is any parent ever ready for it, though? Every time my son gives me a hug and pulls me down so he can kiss my cheek I realize it won't be long before he stops doing that. So I'm embracing it and I'm loving it. I wish I could keep my kids small forever. I wish I could keep them at home with me all the time so I know they are always safe. However, ...
They are not mine to keep. My job as a parent is to make sure I raise them to be independent, self-sufficient adults. I won't always be around so they have to learn what exactly to do with life on their own. As challenging as it is I always try to have them do the things they can do for themselves. They are individuals who belong to God and are only given to me temporarily as their earthly parent. I have such a huge responsibility in providing for them, loving them, and educating them. Parenting is the biggest responsibility, the craziest challenge, and the greatest blessing. I'm so lucky to have these two in my life. I just wish time would slow down just a bit.
Now the kids are only 7 and 11 and I know that's still very young. They are both elementary school age and both still constantly tell me how much they love me and greet me with hugs and kisses. They still play with toys and love spending time with me. The hard part is having to send them to school. It's those 7 hours I don't know what they are doing and if they are okay, minus the 20 minutes during school time I get to see them at lunch in the cafeteria. They also have friends that invite them over and I let them go. Sending them off to someone else's house is hard. When they were babies I would get together with my friends and their kids. Now that they are in school they are making their own friends and these friends ask if they can come over. Of course, I must meet the parents first and if I feel comfortable enough I'll let them have those play dates. Putting my trust in other adults to watch my kids is not something I'm used to. I always loved playing with friends when I was a kid and I want them to have friendships too.
They are also involved in after school activities. My son plays baseball and is in the scouts. My daughter takes dance classes. I want them to be active and I enjoy being their biggest fan.
The thing is, lately I've been thinking about how these years are going by so fast and this time I have with them as young children will fade away pretty quickly. In only a few years my oldest will be a teenager. Yikes, I'm not ready for it. My heart feels so heavy whenever I think about the teenage years. I'm not ready for it. Is any parent ever ready for it, though? Every time my son gives me a hug and pulls me down so he can kiss my cheek I realize it won't be long before he stops doing that. So I'm embracing it and I'm loving it. I wish I could keep my kids small forever. I wish I could keep them at home with me all the time so I know they are always safe. However, ...
They are not mine to keep. My job as a parent is to make sure I raise them to be independent, self-sufficient adults. I won't always be around so they have to learn what exactly to do with life on their own. As challenging as it is I always try to have them do the things they can do for themselves. They are individuals who belong to God and are only given to me temporarily as their earthly parent. I have such a huge responsibility in providing for them, loving them, and educating them. Parenting is the biggest responsibility, the craziest challenge, and the greatest blessing. I'm so lucky to have these two in my life. I just wish time would slow down just a bit.
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Rainy Day and Baking
It's also been a rainy day. It started last night and hasn't stopped. The forecast is calling for 2 inches of rainfall and I'm not sure how much we have but there is definite flooding outside. We had a summer filled with many rainy days and the backyard has been soaked for quite some time. Now with this rain it's much worse. I'm not sure if it's better to have this flooding or several inches of snow.
I spent the morning working on laundry. With a family of four it doesn't take long to fill the hamper. I still have more to do. It's never ending. Thankfully there are no evening plans of having to run around anywhere so I will finish housework and my husband will be getting started on filing our taxes. I know my kids will want to catch up on last night's episode of The Masked Singer. It's a pretty interesting show and it has them hooked.
Also, it's National Peanut Butter Day. What better way to celebrate with peanut butter cookies. These are a healthier version, if you can say there's such thing as a healthy cookie. I've made them once before and my husband and kids seemed to like them so I gave it a shot again. My kids can sink their teeth into one when they get home from school.
This recipe is only 3 ingredients. Very easy. No flour so that makes it gluten-free.
3 INGREDIENT PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 cup coconut sugar
1 egg
Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Roll into balls and place on cookie sheet.
Press them down with fork
Bake 350͒ for 7-8 minutes
They come out of the oven soft and chewy. Make sure you let them set until cooled.
I found the recipe on Pinterest. That seems to be my go to place for recipes. What would I do without Pinterest? I love it!
Happy Friday Eve! One more day and we've made it to the weekend.
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
The Eclipse, And A Great Man
I notice I'm getting a lot of traffic these days so if you're jumping on here please leave a comment so I know who visited. I love visitors and welcome comments. I openly and willingly share a lot of personal things on here so it's nice to know who is reading. Also, let me know what your blog is because I'm always looking for new blogs to read. Thanks.
Did anyone catch the super blood wolf moon eclipse Sunday night? Before the sky darkened we could see a huge moon but then it started to move further away. I went into the bathroom at 11:30 and looked up at the skylight. The moon was right there and starting to shadow and turn red. I became so excited because I am a geek when it comes to astronomy. My father bought me a telescope when I was younger, and I still have it, but the weather was just too cold to take it out. My husband offered to go outside and snap a few pictures but I was so thankful I could watch it from the bathroom. The kids were asleep and my daughter was mad that she didn't get to see it.
After five days off due to two teacher in-service days, the weekend, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day the kids and I went back to our normal routine today. The weather has been so cold here the last few days and the below zero windchill kept us inside yesterday. I made sure the kids bundled up today for school and was thankful that it was indoor recess. I went through all of the medicine we have and found a lot that has expired. I'll be going to the store to stock up on more things in case we get sick. I'm really hoping for no major sicknesses this year and so far we've all been able to dodge the bullet. We are planning a Disney trip soon and the kids and I will be missing an entire week of school (and work for me) so I don't want them missing too many days. I have used all of my sick time already and don't want to miss any more. I'm looking forward to a magical vacation. My husband and kids have never been to Disney nor have they rode in a plane. It will be an adventure, for sure.
Our Monday was off observing a great man who played a major role in the civil rights movement and is remembered as someone who wanted to see a world where we could all be created equal and show kindness to others. I do feel we have come so far since then, even though some will disagree. I believe there are a group of people who seem to be moving backwards instead of forward and are protesting what we already have ... but that's what's so great about our country. We are free to our opinions, our choices and are very privileged. Maybe too privileged. Even though I continue to hear those around me who give an opinion that I don't understand I always try to remember that I don't have to agree and they don't have to agree with me. I spend my days in prayer that whatever happens is all in God's Will. There was a time when I was so into sharing my political views on social media but I decided to stop because it wasn't helping. Everyone seems to have their own idea of what "facts" are and if they don't agree with you then whatever you have to say probably won't change them. I know I'm already set in my ways and in my views but that doesn't mean I don't respect someone else for thinking differently. I believe we are all equal in that. America isn't perfect but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I do fear some of the current events and how they are going to effect us but I also believe that whatever the future brings God is already there.
As for Facebook I've completely stepped away from it. I haven't even updated it at all this year (even though this year has only been going on for 22 days). I jump on and the only things that are on the news feed is political stuff and lots of bashing. Hardly is there anyone sharing pictures or updates about themselves and their kids - the stuff I really like to see. So, I'm done with it, at least for now. I have Instagram and I love that. Less drama. I'm also trying to spend more time blogging because I love having a place to write my thoughts. I'm also on Pinterest because sometimes I need inspiration when it comes to cooking or crafting. However, I've been really thinking about taking things old school. You know, live life like it was before internet. Back when I spent my time living the moment with the world around me instead of having a device that could show me what other people were up to. Basically what I'm trying to say is I'd like to spend time away from my phone and away from my computer. I notice so many people are constantly glued to their phones and I'm guilty too. Technology can be a wonderful thing but it's also "dumbing" us down. I love when I can sit and play a board game with my kids or read a paperback book. I would also like to spend more time in the kitchen learning more healthy recipes. My goal is to stop the processed foods and make as much as I can from scratch. It's a lot of work but it's worth it. I also want to spend time decluttering this house because we have WAY TOO MUCH STUFF! I just want to live life away from the screens ... and then blog about it (ha).
"The time is always right to do what is right" -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Did anyone catch the super blood wolf moon eclipse Sunday night? Before the sky darkened we could see a huge moon but then it started to move further away. I went into the bathroom at 11:30 and looked up at the skylight. The moon was right there and starting to shadow and turn red. I became so excited because I am a geek when it comes to astronomy. My father bought me a telescope when I was younger, and I still have it, but the weather was just too cold to take it out. My husband offered to go outside and snap a few pictures but I was so thankful I could watch it from the bathroom. The kids were asleep and my daughter was mad that she didn't get to see it.
After five days off due to two teacher in-service days, the weekend, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day the kids and I went back to our normal routine today. The weather has been so cold here the last few days and the below zero windchill kept us inside yesterday. I made sure the kids bundled up today for school and was thankful that it was indoor recess. I went through all of the medicine we have and found a lot that has expired. I'll be going to the store to stock up on more things in case we get sick. I'm really hoping for no major sicknesses this year and so far we've all been able to dodge the bullet. We are planning a Disney trip soon and the kids and I will be missing an entire week of school (and work for me) so I don't want them missing too many days. I have used all of my sick time already and don't want to miss any more. I'm looking forward to a magical vacation. My husband and kids have never been to Disney nor have they rode in a plane. It will be an adventure, for sure.
Our Monday was off observing a great man who played a major role in the civil rights movement and is remembered as someone who wanted to see a world where we could all be created equal and show kindness to others. I do feel we have come so far since then, even though some will disagree. I believe there are a group of people who seem to be moving backwards instead of forward and are protesting what we already have ... but that's what's so great about our country. We are free to our opinions, our choices and are very privileged. Maybe too privileged. Even though I continue to hear those around me who give an opinion that I don't understand I always try to remember that I don't have to agree and they don't have to agree with me. I spend my days in prayer that whatever happens is all in God's Will. There was a time when I was so into sharing my political views on social media but I decided to stop because it wasn't helping. Everyone seems to have their own idea of what "facts" are and if they don't agree with you then whatever you have to say probably won't change them. I know I'm already set in my ways and in my views but that doesn't mean I don't respect someone else for thinking differently. I believe we are all equal in that. America isn't perfect but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I do fear some of the current events and how they are going to effect us but I also believe that whatever the future brings God is already there.
As for Facebook I've completely stepped away from it. I haven't even updated it at all this year (even though this year has only been going on for 22 days). I jump on and the only things that are on the news feed is political stuff and lots of bashing. Hardly is there anyone sharing pictures or updates about themselves and their kids - the stuff I really like to see. So, I'm done with it, at least for now. I have Instagram and I love that. Less drama. I'm also trying to spend more time blogging because I love having a place to write my thoughts. I'm also on Pinterest because sometimes I need inspiration when it comes to cooking or crafting. However, I've been really thinking about taking things old school. You know, live life like it was before internet. Back when I spent my time living the moment with the world around me instead of having a device that could show me what other people were up to. Basically what I'm trying to say is I'd like to spend time away from my phone and away from my computer. I notice so many people are constantly glued to their phones and I'm guilty too. Technology can be a wonderful thing but it's also "dumbing" us down. I love when I can sit and play a board game with my kids or read a paperback book. I would also like to spend more time in the kitchen learning more healthy recipes. My goal is to stop the processed foods and make as much as I can from scratch. It's a lot of work but it's worth it. I also want to spend time decluttering this house because we have WAY TOO MUCH STUFF! I just want to live life away from the screens ... and then blog about it (ha).
"The time is always right to do what is right" -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Homemaker In Training
Here are some pictures from this weekend. My daughter insisted on washing the dishes and helping with dinner. We do have a dishwasher but a lot of our dishes need to be hand washed. Doing the dishes is something I have always done and haven't thought about handing the responsibility to my kids yet, but when my daughter begged to help I wasn't going to say no.
On Saturday she helped prepare a salad while I cooked the chicken. She even peeled the cucumber and did an amazing job. I cut the slices because I'm not ready for the seven year old to handle a sharp knife and that will come in time.
On Sunday I decided to make my homemade tomato sauce and meatballs. I even added some sausage to it. My daughter, again, wanted to help. I mixed up all the ingredients and she helped me roll the meat into balls. She complained about the texture of the raw meat but kept on going. I'm so proud of her and they turned out super delicious.
As we were preparing the meatballs I told her she was going to make some man very happy one day. She said she doesn't want to get married and will just cook for me and Daddy. Yeah, we'll see if she feels the same way in 10 years. 😄
I promised my son that he could help me cook next weekend and of course I want him to take on doing the dishes as well. Boys should learn too, right?!
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
NATIONAL DO NOTHING DAY
Every day is a National (insert subject here). Today on the morning news I learned that today is National Do Nothing Day. My dog seems to celebrate every day. He's an old man who enjoys nothing more than a good nap, and maybe a delicious treat. Wouldn't it be nice to live like a dog?
At this moment I'm laying on the couch with him at my feet while I type this us but my day hasn't been a do nothing kind of day. I spent the morning making sure my kids were ready for school, put them on the bus, then did some light housework. Then I put in my usual 3 hours in the cafeteria running register and cleaning up after these messy children. Do you realize how much food these kids waste? Do you realize how much mess they leave behind? I bet if you knew you wouldn't be too happy. These kids, though, I enjoy them. I really do love the job. The ladies I work with are a lot of fun. We lovingly pick on each other and work well as a team. The kids are fun to talk to and some will greet me with a hug or a simple smile. Then there are kids, mainly the sixth graders, who don't want to be bothered. I get it, they are reaching those confusing teen years. I love the job because it gets me out of the house for a little bit and it works with my children's schedule. I am still home when they are home and I still have a few hours before and after work where I'm home alone. This job is good for me. I'm thankful for it. But working in an elementary school cafeteria doesn't allow me to take part in the Do Nothing Day. I will also soon have to finish housework, get dinner prepared and take my daughter to dance class. Maybe, just maybe, I can have a Do Nothing Night after the kids are in bed.
At least I have this moment right now to just relax. There is no school the rest of the week and next Monday. The teachers have meetings on Thursday and Friday and we cafeteria ladies also have one tomorrow morning. Then we will most likely be stuck inside because the next four days are calling for a big snow storm. I will have five days of loud chaos from two little children. So, I will take this moment to enjoy some peace and quiet. Hopefully you can find some time to enjoy National Do Nothing Day.
Monday, January 14, 2019
FIRST SNOW OF 2019
We were expecting snow over the weekend so when it started coming
down on Saturday night I knew there was no point in rushing to get out
of bed on Sunday morning. My husband and I stayed in bed for awhile
even though we heard the kids playing in the living room. We finally
got out of bed, and while I cooked pancakes, bacon and eggs the kids
spent some time outside in the snow. It was only a few inches but it
was enough for church to close. We had breakfast, spent some time
together, then the kids went back outside.
If you know me you know that I am not a winter person and I am most certainly not a snow person. I used to spend a lot of time complaining about how much I hated this time of year. I can't help but love the sunshine and the warmth but it is what it is. I can't control what Mother Nature decides to do so if she's going to bring on the snow we might as well put on the heavy coat, gloves and hat and enjoy it.
I also love these days when we are stuck at home and can enjoy the company of each other. I'm already a homebody and would rather be in the comfort of my home then out and around people. I'll probably blog more about my life as an introverted homebody another time. So, if I like being at home anyway I guess it doesn't matter when we have to be stuck inside. They are calling for more snow this weekend. Bring it on!
If you know me you know that I am not a winter person and I am most certainly not a snow person. I used to spend a lot of time complaining about how much I hated this time of year. I can't help but love the sunshine and the warmth but it is what it is. I can't control what Mother Nature decides to do so if she's going to bring on the snow we might as well put on the heavy coat, gloves and hat and enjoy it.
I also love these days when we are stuck at home and can enjoy the company of each other. I'm already a homebody and would rather be in the comfort of my home then out and around people. I'll probably blog more about my life as an introverted homebody another time. So, if I like being at home anyway I guess it doesn't matter when we have to be stuck inside. They are calling for more snow this weekend. Bring it on!
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Hello 2019
It's hard to believe that we have now entered 2019. This was my 40th New Year, although I don't remember many of them. I remember as a child my mom and I would stay up until midnight and watch the ball (then referred to as the "big apple") drop from the comfort of our living room. Then we would step outside and bang pots and pans. Exactly twenty years ago I celebrated New Years Eve at a house of our friends and with my husband, then friend, was sitting next to me and I planted an innocent kiss on his cheek at the stroke of midnight. That was always tradition but to him it meant so much more. In all honesty I didn't have feelings for him then and really didn't even dream that he would become my husband only a few years later. Now we enjoy ringing in the new year in our own home with our two children.
This year we spent the evening eating some junk food and playing board games.
My kids were determined to make it to midnight and they did, even though my daughter started to get very grumpy and irritable. Then they decided to sleep in the living room for the night. It was a fun and relaxing evening.
Then came New Years Day and my parents came over for a ham dinner.
Since it's a new year I should really be having that "new year, new me" attitude but I just can't seem to find the motivation. My muscles are currently aching from the work out I did this morning but I'm not excited about it. I was doing so well with my exercise journey and then suddenly stopped and became lazy about it. Then I noticed the pounds being added to my waste and knew if I continued to live the way I have been then it would only get worse. My reason for wanting to eat healthy isn't so much for reason of vanity but for health. My mother had no self control and always ate whatever she wanted and spent most of her time laying around. Even after becoming diabetic her lifestyle remained the same, even worse. Then she suffered a stroke and now alzeimer's. All, which I know could have been avoided if it were for taking better of herself. I can't allow myself to follow in her footsteps. I found myself falling into her routine and I need to stop it. It's not about looking good, it's about survival. My mind isn't feeling it so I have to really work hard at pushing myself. My mindset will catch up but it may take time. I need this.
I set a goal to lose 5 pounds this month. I turned it into a competition and told my husband he should try to gain 5 pounds and we can see who gets there first. Gaining weight might seem like an easy challenge, but not for my husband. He's not looking to gain fat, but gain tone and muscle. I'm looking to lose the fat and gain some muscle too. Can I lose 5 pounds in just 4 weeks? We'll see.
Today was my first day back into an exercise routine and my first day back to work after a wonderful, relaxing break. I was feeling pretty good until the middle of the work day (which is only 3 hours) and then I started feeling tired and worn out. This routine is definitely going to take some getting used to. I can also feel my winter depression setting in and that makes things so much worse. I don't want to use depression as an excuse and I certainly don't want it to define me but it is a struggle. I have to push myself when it comes to getting anything done but I'm pretty proud of myself because I am getting through. I am taking one moment at a time no matter how hard it is. I can do this. I got this!
Happy 2019!
This year we spent the evening eating some junk food and playing board games.
My kids were determined to make it to midnight and they did, even though my daughter started to get very grumpy and irritable. Then they decided to sleep in the living room for the night. It was a fun and relaxing evening.
Then came New Years Day and my parents came over for a ham dinner.
Since it's a new year I should really be having that "new year, new me" attitude but I just can't seem to find the motivation. My muscles are currently aching from the work out I did this morning but I'm not excited about it. I was doing so well with my exercise journey and then suddenly stopped and became lazy about it. Then I noticed the pounds being added to my waste and knew if I continued to live the way I have been then it would only get worse. My reason for wanting to eat healthy isn't so much for reason of vanity but for health. My mother had no self control and always ate whatever she wanted and spent most of her time laying around. Even after becoming diabetic her lifestyle remained the same, even worse. Then she suffered a stroke and now alzeimer's. All, which I know could have been avoided if it were for taking better of herself. I can't allow myself to follow in her footsteps. I found myself falling into her routine and I need to stop it. It's not about looking good, it's about survival. My mind isn't feeling it so I have to really work hard at pushing myself. My mindset will catch up but it may take time. I need this.
I set a goal to lose 5 pounds this month. I turned it into a competition and told my husband he should try to gain 5 pounds and we can see who gets there first. Gaining weight might seem like an easy challenge, but not for my husband. He's not looking to gain fat, but gain tone and muscle. I'm looking to lose the fat and gain some muscle too. Can I lose 5 pounds in just 4 weeks? We'll see.
Today was my first day back into an exercise routine and my first day back to work after a wonderful, relaxing break. I was feeling pretty good until the middle of the work day (which is only 3 hours) and then I started feeling tired and worn out. This routine is definitely going to take some getting used to. I can also feel my winter depression setting in and that makes things so much worse. I don't want to use depression as an excuse and I certainly don't want it to define me but it is a struggle. I have to push myself when it comes to getting anything done but I'm pretty proud of myself because I am getting through. I am taking one moment at a time no matter how hard it is. I can do this. I got this!
Happy 2019!
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