Proud To Be An American

Last night my husband and I were talking about how important it was for us to teach our children about being an American and that we always need to show respect for this great country and the flag that represents us.  I had just asked my son what he loved about being an American and his answer was, "being able to see monster truck shows."

Okay well, he's only six years old.  What more can you expect?  He loves monster trucks; watches the shows on television, has lots of the little toy trucks and sees a few shows each year with his father.  In fact, they had seen one on Saturday night.  It's a special bond those two have together and it's great.  And having the freedom to attend these monster truck shows is indeed a wonderful part of being an American.  It may be a small, no-big-deal thing to you but to my six year old son it's everything.

During our conversation my husband mentioned how great our son does when it's time for the National Anthem.  He knows how to put his hand on his heart and stare silently at the flag until the song is finished.  My husband said while the song was being played at the monster truck show there was a child behind them whining and complaining saying she hated the song.  I know my husband didn't like hearing that and he and I both certainly never want our own children feeling that way ... and if they do ... we will correct them on that. I'm sure you will say that we have the freedom as Americans to decide whether or not we want to stand with our hand on our heart while the National Anthem is playing or whether or not we want to recite The Pledge of Allegiance, and you are correct on that, but I feel our forefather's who worked hard at giving us this freedom and the men who fought to protect it deserve our utmost respect and gratitude. 

I also understand that the child who stated her hatred for the song is too young and not educated on what our flag represents and certainly knows nothing about the War of 1812 and The Battle of Fort McHenry.  What child would?  Which is why it's our job as parents to explain it to them.  Then again, a lot of adults don't even understand it.  Educate yourself!

"Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it" -- Edmund Burke

At this point we haven't taught our children the history of what gave our country it's freedom and greatness.  We will.  We both know we can't leave it up to the schools alone to teach them.  American history is so important to both of us and we want our children to understand it and love it as well.  But like I said earlier, they are only two and six.  We have already discussed to my son on several occasions how awesome it is to be an American and how lucky he is to be part of a great country.  I have also told him that other countries aren't so lucky.  Hey, I'm not going to shelter my children.  There is evil in this world and I want them to be aware of it so they aren't shocked once they are confronted by it somehow.

When my child hears another child refusing to participate in the National Anthem (and yes I suppose you as an American have the freedom to do so) I want him to think of the men who died and sacrificed their lives to make the country what it is today and I want him to be thankful for that.  Just as I am thankful for that.

Perfect Weather For A Hike

One of the things I've wanted to do with the kids this summer was to find a new park/playground we haven't been to yet.  There are so many parks in our area but it seems we only ever stick to the same few.  I actually didn't realize just how many parks there were until I signed the kids up for the summer reading club program at the library.  Aside from reading books and logging in the minutes for prizes they also offer a "scavenger hunt" as my son calls it in many different parks around the county.  You follow the directions on the booklet that was given to us with lots of clues that will lead you to the post.

Like this.

 

The walk to find this rubbing post was about .50 miles.  Not so bad, right?  Ha!  Most of the way had us walking up a very narrow hill.  Here I was with a heavy backpack (with diapers, water and lunch) strapped to my back while pushing my 20+ lb daughter in the stroller.  Okay, it really wasn't so bad and I do enjoy the exercise.  My son handled it great.  No complaining at all.  We found the post, my daughter wanted out of the stroller and I posed them for a picture.  Then we put the sheet that was given to us over top of the post and rubbed in the picture.  

Of course, after we completed our mission we took some time to play at the playground  It was a small, but really nice playground on top of a hill that overlooks a baseball field and basketball court.  In the distance you can see so many beautiful mountains.  I guess that's one of the good things about living in Pennsylvania.  The beautiful mountain scenery ... and farms, depending on where you go.  

Aside from adding my watermark I assure you I didn't photoshop the quality of these pictures.  The sky is that blue and the clouds are that white today.  The weather is also low in the 70's.  Perfect!  I can't believe in the middle of July we are not sweating and dying from the heat.  It was an incredibly perfect afternoon.  If only my husband could have joined us on this trip.  He's working.

Hopefully next week the kids and I can venture to another park for more fun, hiking for those rubbing posts and playtime. 

Homemaking Meme (I've been tagged)

It was such a nice surprise to see that Sandra from Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom had tagged me to do one of these memes.  I actually had never heard of this before.  I mean, I used to do those surveys that everyone would e-mail.  Lots of people would also do these back when Myspace was popular and I'd always find myself doing each and every one.  I probably annoyed people with them.  ha!  But anyway, it's been awhile since I've done anything like this and I've never done it on a blog.  So here we go! 

I'm supposed to tag others to do this but I will just leave it up to anyone who comes across this and wants to do it.  I don't have many "blogger friends" who blog regularly anymore.  So it's up to you.  It's been fun.  


Aprons - Y/N If Y what does your favorite look like?
NO.  Honestly, I don't own an apron.  I have nothing against them.  I used to wear my mom's when I was little and we would bake together.  However I never thought to buy one for myself. 

Baking - Favorite thing to bake?
I like baking but don't do it enough.  If I do bake it's cake or cookies.  I usually make sugar cookies where I can use my selection of 99 cookie cutters to make shapes that the kids enjoy. 

Clothesline - Y/N
No, not at the moment.  We do have poles that are laying underneath our deck that was from the previous owner.  My father-in-law said the poles are still useable.  I've been bugging my husband to hang the line up for me so I can hang laundry outside.  A day like today would be perfect for hanging wash. 

Donuts - Have you ever made them?
No, I've never made them myself and I'm afraid to.  Why?  Because after my husband's only attempt at making them led our kitchen to catch fire.  He used the wrong oil.  Now I'm scared to give it a try.  So a trip to Dunkin Donuts is pretty much my go-to when I am craving a doughnut. 

Everyday - One homemaking thing you do everyday?
Dishes. 

Freezer - Do you have a separate deep freeze?
No, one did come with the house and was in our garage but it never worked.  I'd love to have one someday. 

Garbage Disposal - Y/N
Yes but it's broken.  We will get a new one soon.  I have spent several years using a garbage disposal and you don't realize just how wonderful it is to have one until you no longer have one. 

Handbook - What is your favorite homemaking resource?
I'm going to admit that these days the internet is where I go when I have questions or need to know how to do something.  Bad, right?  It's just such an easy and quick thing.  However, if I need some type of book to help me with something it's usually a cookbook.  Does that count?

Ironing - Love it or hate it?
I'm not sure if I can say I either love it or hate it but I don't iron unless I really have to. 

Junk drawer- Y/N - Where is it?
Yes in the kitchen.  We also have a box filled with lots of items you'd typically find in a junk drawer.  In fact, it's labeled "junk drawer" and was given to us at a wedding shower they had for my husband at his work. 

Kitchen - Color and decorating scheme?
Well, right now the walls are light blue and everything is old and ugly.  We are planning to redo the entire kitchen and hopefully soon.  My dream is to give it a Tuscany theme.  The walls will be a dark red/burgundy with the cabinets an off white color, tile floors and a nice counter top.  So far we only have new appliances which are all black. 

Love - What is your favorite part of homemaking?
I love being able to stay at home and be the main caregiver to my children, first of all.  I love having the chance to play with my children and to help them to learn and watch as they experience new things.  I've actually found a love for cooking I never had before too. 

Mop - Y/N
Yes, with a special laminate floor cleaner we bought at the store.  I actually mixed up a water/vinegar solution for the bathroom floors that worked great.  I'd love to start using more natural, homemade products when cleaning rather than the harsh store-bought chemicals.  If you have any tips I'd love for you to share! 

Nylons - Wash by hand or in washing machine?
Usually in the wash.

Oven - Do you use the window to check on things or do you open the door?
The old oven didn't have a window but our new one does and I love it.  I use the window. 

Pizza - What do you put on yours?
My husband, a former employee at both Little Caesars and Fox's Pizza Den makes his own for us every Friday.  The toppings are always different.  I don't mind pepperoni but my most favorite is the chicken alfredo pizza or the chicken, bacon, ranch pizza.  I know, I know, not so healthy ... but it's good.  I will also settle for Hawaiian (ham and pineapple).  It's always different.  I'll try anything but anchovies. 

Quiet - What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment?
Facebook, Pinterest, blog/read blogs or sit with a book. 

Recipe Card Box - Y/N
We have a folder filled with recipes but no card box. 

Style of house
It's a split level.  We don't really have a particular style as far as decor goes.  Like I said above, I would love a Tuscany theme kitchen but the rest of the house is pretty simple with a mix of everything. 

Tablecloth and napkins - Y/N
Sometimes I put a tablecloth on the table but right now there is none and we each use place mats.  Yes to napkins. 

Under the kitchen sink - Organized or toxic wasteland?
As of right now it probably fits the category of toxic wasteland more so than organized.  It really could use some cleaning.  We just have sooooo much stuff under there. 

Vacuum -  How many times per week? 
I will admittedly say not as often as I should.  Our main living area is laminate flooring so I sweep that several times a day.  The bedrooms are carpet and I try to get to them at least once a week. 

Wash - How many loads per week?
I love Sandra's answer to this one.  It's hard to give a number.  It's always different but I can say that it seems as soon as I empty the hamper it's halfway full again.  I try to keep up with it so it seems as if the washer and dryer are always running.  I know I do about one to three loads every few days or so. 

X's - Do you make a daily to do list and check it off as you do things?
No, but I do love the list idea.  It feels good to see those things being crossed off.  I usually keep a mental list.  There is always so much to be done but I never get a chance to do it all. 

Yard - Y/N - Who does what?
I always do the mowing.  I love it!  My husband does the trimming because I hate that weed whacker.  I plant the flowers and pull the weeds.  We both seem to take turns with watering them, although my kids seem to enjoy watering the plants too. 

Zzz's - What is the last homemaking task you do for the day before you go to bed?
It's usually the dishes and picking up any toys that are laying around. 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 7-14-14

Greetings friends!  I decided in the midst of getting some deep cleaning done I'd take a break here and there to write this up.  Joining Sandra at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.  She changed it up a bit this week and I love it. 

Breakfast time ... What is on the plate this morning::
Oh, it was such a lazy morning.  So we all settled for cereal, which actually isn't unusual in this house.  I know, I know, cereal isn't the healthiest but sometimes it's the quickest and easiest solution. 

On today's to do list:::
I'm in the middle of cleaning the rec room.  It's a big room on the lower level of the house.  We use it as a weight room, play room and TV room.  We have a TV in the main area upstairs too so we're not down here so much.  So it easily becomes a mess and I'm not so quick to keep it tidy.  This morning as the kids watched a movie I scrubbed the bathroom walls and floor, then vacuumed the rec room and am now working on scrubbing the walls.  Tonight I can hopefully get a few big toy bins that are desperately needed.  Then I can reorganize the massive amount of toys that lay everywhere.  It's a must! 
Also working on laundry:::
Not many fun things going on today.  I told the kids I need to devote today to cleaning so we can enjoy the rest of the week.  They are great at understanding.  I'm so glad they are okay with entertaining themselves and playing with each other on days like this when mama is in a cleaning mood. 

Currently reading:::
The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer - the pastor down the street gave me the book.  It's based on the movie Courageous, which was geared for men.  This book is for the women. 

On the tv today:::
So far it's been kid shows.  That seems to be all it ever is.  But at night after the kids go to bed the television belongs to me and my hubby.  I'm not sure there is anything set we watch on Monday nights as of now.  We usually just skim through the channels and stop at something that is interesting like Pawn Stars or some other repeat.  Or we'll just watch a show or movie we had recorded on DVR.

The weather outside is:::
High 70's - low 80's.  The sky is cloudy and starting to get darker.  We're supposed to get storms today but so far it's been clear ... although it looks as if the rain is coming.  Last night we had a storm and I had trouble getting my two year old to sleep.  For some reason she is afraid to sleep in storms, or even just the rain. 

On the menu this week:::
I apologize for being so bad at getting all the days of the week sorted out right away.  I'm usually a last minute planner but I'm trying. 

Monday - chicken, hopefully on the grill but if it rains it will be oven cooked.
Tuesday - ham, green beans and potatoes. 
Wednesday -
Thursday - tacos and rice
Friday - hubby's homemade pizza

If I have a few minutes to myself I will:::
Browse Pinterest.  I love that website! 

In the garden:::
I wanted to build a vegetable garden this year but that's going to have to wait until next year.  But we do have a few flower beds I was able to work on this year.  Last year my neighbor helped pull out some old bushes that were dead and ugly.  This year I bought some new bushes and planted them.  A few hydrangea bushes, a dwarf bush and a dwarf pine tree.  I also planted some sunflowers and they are starting to come up. 

Favorite photo from the camera:::

Homemaking tip:::
It's a simple one, but I find Pinterest is a great website for finding some new and delicious dinner recipes. 




Praying for:::
My dad who is still healing after having shoulder surgery and for all he's going through with having to take care of my mother after her stroke two years ago.  My dad is a saint, for sure!

Bible Verse:::
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." -- Isaiah 41:10

It Won't Be Like This For Long

 Former Hootie And The Blowfish singer Darius Rucker has a song titled It Won't Be Like This For Long, which explains how quickly each phase of our child's life goes by so fast.  I always try to keep this thought in mind.  No matter how wonderful or how frustrating any moment with my children may be I always remind myself that it isn't going to last forever. 

 There seems to be one question I keep hearing over and over again this summer.

"Mommy, can you push us on the swings?"

They only like being pushed by me holding on to the seat part, pulling them as far back and as high as I can reach and then letting them go.  They swing back and forth a few times, still high in the air, when they again ask ...

"Mommy, can you push me again?"

Rarely do I have a chance to respond before they immediately continue to beg, "push me!  Push me!"

As much as I enjoy every moment I spend with my children there are sometimes other things that call for my attention.  Like housework.  Or sometimes I crave some alone time.  Then I keep reminding myself ... the housework WILL get done eventually and yes the housework will always need done anyway.  I can get my alone time at some point.  More importantly than anything, my kids need me.  They need the time with me.  They need to have my full attention when they ask for it.  It may seem like such a tedious thing to constantly push both children on the swings over and over ... and over again but I constantly remind myself that these moments aren't going to last for long.

Like the moment I found out I was pregnant.  Or getting through each stage of pregnancy.  The long nights of trying to get the newborn to go to sleep only for him to wake up two hours later demanding another feeding.  These things don't last long.  In fact, the days seem to quickly turn into months and before we know it another year has passed.  The newborns we once held for the first time in our arms are now running around the yard, jumping on the swings and yelling, "Mommy push me!"  It won't be long before these two find themselves to be too old for swinging or needing my help to push them -- or simply needing my help with much of anything.

So my dear children, would you like me to push you on the swings?  Why, of course!

I know there will come a time when my children will be grown and out of the house.  I will sit on my porch and look at the old empty swings and look back on the days (that are going on right now) when we would spend hours on the swings just swinging and singing songs and I'll say to myself ... wow that didn't last long.  

So when your kids ask you to do something or spend time with them ... DO it and CHERISH it.  Because just as Mr. Rucker says ... It Won't Be Like This For Long. 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 7/7/14

Hello friends!  I haven't participated in HHM since my son has been home for summer vacation.  I do blog from time to time when I get a chance but we've been so busy.  It's been a great summer so far.  Actually, it started with all of us passing around the stomach bug but thankfully that is over and now we are keeping busy with activities and such.  Hoping to take a trip to the beach soon and next month we'll be heading to NY for my nephew's wedding.  Hard to believe my son will be starting first grade the end of next month.  I hope you have been doing well and are enjoying summer too.  Okay, enough of the chit chat.  Let's get started.

Joining with the creator Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom 

As I look outside my window:::
Beautiful and sunny in the mid 80's.  Not many clouds and there is a breeze that passes by once in awhile.  I love summer weather.  I'll take this all year 'round if I could.

Right now I am:::
Typing this up as I finish my lunch and get things done around the house.  My daughter is napping and my son is playing video games.  He was grounded from them last week for lying but I've allowed him to do it now but am limiting his time.  We just finished some crafts and I have been trying to teach him how to tie his shoes.  Any tips?  He can't seem to get the hang of it.

Thinking and pondering:::
Of the many things I'd like to do to our house.  We've been here about 10 years and there is so much we want to do.  I'm waiting for my father-in-law to come over and knock down two walls in the kitchen so it looks more spacious.  I hate feeling like I'm in a closet while I'm cooking, plus it will help me to keep an eye on the kids when they are in the living room.  After the walls are down we can paint the remaining walls and redo everything else in the kitchen.  I can't wait!

On my bedside table:::
My Bible
The Resolution For Women by Priscilla Shirer.  The pastor that lives down the street from me gave me the book to read.  He said he knows the woman who wrote the book.

On my TV this week:::
America's Got Talent
The Next Great Baker
Duck Dynasty
Return to Amish

Listening to:::
The sound of Mario being played on the Wii.

On the menu:::
For now we'll be finishing up the leftovers that still remain in our refrigerator from the 4th of July.  I made too much food.

On my to do list:::
Mow the lawn
Laundry
Wash the walls of each room.  Yesterday I started by doing the main bathroom and what a difference it makes.  The next room is the kitchen.  The house is due for a deep clean!
Have husband hang the shelves we bought at Hobby Lobby in the bathroom.  He painted them white and we allowed them to dry overnight.

Happening this week:::
Story time at the library
Attending another minor league baseball game
Attend a summer reading club (from the library) event at the park.

What I am creating:::
We went to Hobby Lobby over the weekend (I LOVE that store) and the kids each bought a wooden piece to paint.  My son got a snake and my daughter got a hand-held mirror.  I helped them to paint them this morning and now it's drying.  I bought some wooden shelves to go in the bathroom above the toilet.  My husband offered to paint them white for me and will be hanging them up tonight.

My simple pleasure:::
Putting my feet up with a cup of hot tea (or coffee) and a good book.  Wish I had more time for it.

Homemaking tips:::
Pour one cup of vinegar into a full bucket of hot water.  With a sponge wipe the walls down.  It really does get it clean.  Make sure to vacuum and dust first.

Looking around the house:::
Right now I am standing in my kitchen.  Oh it's ugly.  I can't wait to redo it.  We are changing everything.  We have already replaced the appliances and I love them.  Now it's time to say goodbye to everything else.  The counter top can use a good wiping and the dishes are piled in the sink.  That will be the next thing I'm doing ... after this, of course. 

From the camera:::

Bible verse/Devotional:::
"Submit yourselves, therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." -- James 4:7

Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer

Happy July!  I can't believe we are halfway through the year already.  Is it me or is it going by very fast?

So far summer has been very busy for us.  I like being busy and I don't like to sit at home with nothing to do, plus my kids don't sit very well -- but today I am refusing to go anywhere and am making sure we use today to relax.  I also needed a day to get some housework done.  Lately I've been running around here and there and I just want a break from it.  Plus with it being in the low 90's with a heat index that has me choking the minute I step outside a day to be indoors is much needed.

We have been using these long summer days to the best that we can.  My parents have a community pool that I took the kids to yesterday and hopefully we can get over there to use it more often.  We've also spent some time at a local amusement park and since we have season passes we plan to go as often as possible.  We've also been to two local minor league games and have plans to attend two more this year.  My son and the rest of his baseball league walked in a parade at last Saturday's game.  They even got to hang out on the field with the players during the National Anthem.

There was some fireworks after the game.  My daughter is not a fan of fireworks.  I had to hold and comfort her throughout the entire thing -- but they were a beautiful site.

 

Also, my son just finished Vacation Bible School.  This was his first year participating and it was held at a church that we haven't attended before.  A very nice church with very warm and inviting people.  If we weren't already part of another great church we would definitely make this one our own.  He had so much fun learning about the love Jesus has for us and is very excited about doing it again next year.  After the week was complete they threw a celebration/carnival for the kids and their families.  Matthew was to memorize one of the verses that was taught to him and if he did so he got a chance to pie the pastor ... and he did ... right on his head.  

 "I am with you always.  Even to the end of the ages" -- Matthew 28:20  

I love that my children are so interested in learning about Jesus.  I would love to help my son learn more Bible verses.  He prays for us at the dinner table and sometimes my daughter joins in as well.  It's the sweetest thing.  

And since today is so hot we have been trying to come up with different indoor activities.  One was taking out a tunnel they have and seeing how many times they can pass through it.  

 We've been reading stories to help them earn the minutes they need to complete the library's summer reading program.  At this moment my son is playing on the Wii while my daughter naps.  Now I believe it's time to end this entry and get back into the housework thing.  I mean, the kitchen floor isn't going to mop itself, right?