Two...
Four...
Five....
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Food & Finances Friday--Frozen Burritos
I can't take credit for this masterpiece.
These yummy, homemade meat-n-bean-n-cheese burritos, gently wrapped and ready to freeze, were made by the hands of my dear husband, The Referee.
We were discussing ways we can cut down on our grocery bill. The topic of convenience foods came up. Sometimes we need something quick n easy to warm up and eat. The Referee mentioned that when he was growing up, his Mom made up a batch of burritos and froze them...and he and his brothers snacked on them after school.
This woman was able to feed 3 sons who happened to be growing teenagers at the same time! Clearly, she knows what works.
So we tried it ourselves. Taco meat...(ground beef with tomato sauce, green chiles, a splash of vinegar, a pinch of sugar, a dash of salt, and a dash of pepper)...refried beans...shredded cheese...all wrapped up in a flour tortilla. Wrap up the burrito in cling wrap. Place in the freezer.
And, there we have it--quick easy snacks when we need a meal in a hurry. Quick, easy lunch for The Referee to take to work. For nights when I'm feeling creative, I can top a burrito with a bunch of extras and make smothered burritos.
All for less than half the price of buying a bunch of frozen burritos at the grocery store!
These yummy, homemade meat-n-bean-n-cheese burritos, gently wrapped and ready to freeze, were made by the hands of my dear husband, The Referee.
We were discussing ways we can cut down on our grocery bill. The topic of convenience foods came up. Sometimes we need something quick n easy to warm up and eat. The Referee mentioned that when he was growing up, his Mom made up a batch of burritos and froze them...and he and his brothers snacked on them after school.
This woman was able to feed 3 sons who happened to be growing teenagers at the same time! Clearly, she knows what works.
So we tried it ourselves. Taco meat...(ground beef with tomato sauce, green chiles, a splash of vinegar, a pinch of sugar, a dash of salt, and a dash of pepper)...refried beans...shredded cheese...all wrapped up in a flour tortilla. Wrap up the burrito in cling wrap. Place in the freezer.
And, there we have it--quick easy snacks when we need a meal in a hurry. Quick, easy lunch for The Referee to take to work. For nights when I'm feeling creative, I can top a burrito with a bunch of extras and make smothered burritos.
All for less than half the price of buying a bunch of frozen burritos at the grocery store!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Struck by the Flu
6 out of 7 of us have been struck by the flu (including me) this week. Thankfully, it has been very mild. Unfortunately, I've been too sick, too weak, or too busy caring for other sick folk to write. That is really too bad, considering all the ideas that are floating around my fever-fried brain! Hopefully, I'll be able to write more and post pictures soon.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Teeth
Years ago, there was a commercial for some medicine that was supposedly recommended by many doctors....including "Dr. Mom". That idea of Dr. Mom always cracked me up. We used to refer to my Mom that way, because she became so educated in medical matters from all her experience raising children.
Recently, I have had so many experiences with teeth, that I am beginning to wonder if there is an honorary Dentist title for Moms!
Just taking the children to the dentist for exams and cleanings every six months is a big job. In addition to that, Jersey #2 recently had cavities filled.
I've got Jersey #5 cutting teeth....
Recently, I have had so many experiences with teeth, that I am beginning to wonder if there is an honorary Dentist title for Moms!
Just taking the children to the dentist for exams and cleanings every six months is a big job. In addition to that, Jersey #2 recently had cavities filled.
I've got Jersey #5 cutting teeth....
Jersey #1 had to have a couple baby teeth extracted. The cavities in them were getting too large, and the teeth were about ready to come out anyway...
Her smile currently resembles a jack-o-lantern! She has been losing baby teeth at a high rate. Her permanent teeth in front have been growing in slowly. We have already been advised that she will need braces. Those permanent teeth look so much bigger than the baby teeth! A couple of them are battling for space as it is.
But, the icing on the cake is Jersey #3. While driving down the road the other day, he casually said, "Here Mom. My tooth fell out." I reached my arm back, and he placed one of his front teeth right into my hand. There was no drama, and no blood (so very different from his big sister!).
But, the icing on the cake is Jersey #3. While driving down the road the other day, he casually said, "Here Mom. My tooth fell out." I reached my arm back, and he placed one of his front teeth right into my hand. There was no drama, and no blood (so very different from his big sister!).
Lucky for him, I had already spoken to the dentist about this tooth and knew it was on its way out. He had a series of falls and bicycle injuries over the summer, that knocked 2 of his teeth loose. One came out almost immediately. The other was dangling on, and we were trying to keep it for as long as we could. Thankfully, the dentist assured me that his permanent teeth are lined up and ready to come in, so it will be Ok in the end.
He is also credited with knocking out one of Jersey #2's teeth 3 years ago. She did the first injury, by banging her mouth on the back of a metal chair, and knocking the tooth loose. Her little brother finished the job when he threw a hard plastic toy in her direction and hit her square in the mouth! That tooth trauma warranted an emergency visit to the Dentist.
So far, our children have not been able to surprise our actual Dentist, the way that they surprise "Dentist Mom"!
He is also credited with knocking out one of Jersey #2's teeth 3 years ago. She did the first injury, by banging her mouth on the back of a metal chair, and knocking the tooth loose. Her little brother finished the job when he threw a hard plastic toy in her direction and hit her square in the mouth! That tooth trauma warranted an emergency visit to the Dentist.
So far, our children have not been able to surprise our actual Dentist, the way that they surprise "Dentist Mom"!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Food & Finances Friday--Auto Insurance
Just when I thought things had about settled down, our automobile insurance renewal and billing paperwork arrived in the mail. Considering we both have clean driving records, as well as a clean payment history (payments are automatically deducted from our checking account), insurance renewal is normally an unremarkable event.
Not this time!
Apparently, insurance companies have the privilege and desire to run a credit report, to determine qualification for their lowest rates. Huh? So, driving record and years of being a profit customer are no longer the criteria for the lowest rates?
Nope. Instead, they've come up with consumer credit based insurance scores.
Well, that shouldn't be a problem, because as I have blogged before, our credit union says we've got outstanding credit scores and credit worthiness (keeping in mind that this repeat blog topic is due to our past mistakes of buying on credit, instead of living within our means...which we are dedicated to improving immediately!)
Imagine my surprise to learn that our automobile insurance company has decided to raise our insurance premiums based on their new insurance scoring criteria. The first credit-related factor listed is the number and balance of credit card accounts. No surprise there....that is the mistake that keeps on giving to us lately! We have more credit card debt than we should. We know that, and have been working hard to remedy that fact for the last few months.....but not fast enough to avoid every business source from exploiting that fact for their own financial gain--raised interest rates, raised monthly payments, and now raised insurance premiums.
It's the 2nd credit-related factor listed that shocks me....
We do not have a gasoline credit card.....so our automobile insurance company has decided that we no longer qualify for their lowest rates. Unbelievable.
Not this time!
Apparently, insurance companies have the privilege and desire to run a credit report, to determine qualification for their lowest rates. Huh? So, driving record and years of being a profit customer are no longer the criteria for the lowest rates?
Nope. Instead, they've come up with consumer credit based insurance scores.
Well, that shouldn't be a problem, because as I have blogged before, our credit union says we've got outstanding credit scores and credit worthiness (keeping in mind that this repeat blog topic is due to our past mistakes of buying on credit, instead of living within our means...which we are dedicated to improving immediately!)
Imagine my surprise to learn that our automobile insurance company has decided to raise our insurance premiums based on their new insurance scoring criteria. The first credit-related factor listed is the number and balance of credit card accounts. No surprise there....that is the mistake that keeps on giving to us lately! We have more credit card debt than we should. We know that, and have been working hard to remedy that fact for the last few months.....but not fast enough to avoid every business source from exploiting that fact for their own financial gain--raised interest rates, raised monthly payments, and now raised insurance premiums.
It's the 2nd credit-related factor listed that shocks me....
LACK OF REPORTED INFORMATION ON OIL COMPANY ACCOUNTS
There are no oil company accounts on our file! We do not have any gasoline-themed credit cards, and our automobile insurance company has decided this is a problem! Are you kidding me? First they say we have too many credit cards, and then they say we don't have enough gasoline credit cards? Seriously?We do not have a gasoline credit card.....so our automobile insurance company has decided that we no longer qualify for their lowest rates. Unbelievable.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tae Kwon Do
Check out my Ninja family....
The Referee is their instructor. He is a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He is continuing a family legacy. He was trained in Tae Kwon Do throughout his childhood, by his Uncle. In his family, there is also an Aunt, another Uncle, and one of the Referee's brothers who are all black belts in Tae Kwon Do. I'm pretty sure other family members have earned various lower ranks through the years/decades.
The Referee started up a Tae Kwon Do class at our church a few years ago. Our children were way too young to participate at the time. The class was inspired by his other hobby, Star Wars. When the next series of Star Wars movies were in theaters, the teens of our church would hold lightsaber battles on the grass lawn after service. The Referee loved to join in. Apparently, there is no age too old to battle with lightsabers! As he showed the teens various fighting moves with a lightsaber, he started thinking they might like to learn some real fighting moves...which brought to mind the idea of starting up a Tae Kwon Do class.
This year, our older children have joined his class, one-by-one, as they have gained age and interest. Even though The Referee was enjoying teaching the class before, he is REALLY fired up about his class now that his own children are taking part in it. He is also starting to consider training for his next rank. It is fun to see this level of excitement return in his life.
Even though I am not a martial artist myself, Tae Kwon Do holds a special place in my heart. The Referee and I started dating around the time he was getting serious about training for his blackbelt. He eventually invited me to visit his class and watch while he trained. His Uncle later told me that he knew that I was the one his nephew would marry, when the Referee first brought me to class....because that was the first time he had opened up that part of his life to anyone else.
Now, he is sharing that part of his life with his children!
The Referee started up a Tae Kwon Do class at our church a few years ago. Our children were way too young to participate at the time. The class was inspired by his other hobby, Star Wars. When the next series of Star Wars movies were in theaters, the teens of our church would hold lightsaber battles on the grass lawn after service. The Referee loved to join in. Apparently, there is no age too old to battle with lightsabers! As he showed the teens various fighting moves with a lightsaber, he started thinking they might like to learn some real fighting moves...which brought to mind the idea of starting up a Tae Kwon Do class.
This year, our older children have joined his class, one-by-one, as they have gained age and interest. Even though The Referee was enjoying teaching the class before, he is REALLY fired up about his class now that his own children are taking part in it. He is also starting to consider training for his next rank. It is fun to see this level of excitement return in his life.
Even though I am not a martial artist myself, Tae Kwon Do holds a special place in my heart. The Referee and I started dating around the time he was getting serious about training for his blackbelt. He eventually invited me to visit his class and watch while he trained. His Uncle later told me that he knew that I was the one his nephew would marry, when the Referee first brought me to class....because that was the first time he had opened up that part of his life to anyone else.
Now, he is sharing that part of his life with his children!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Best Day Ever
On Saturday morning, The Referee decided that it was time for our family to take a break from our life and go out and do something fun as a family. We have been dealing with so many medical appointments, financial strains, household projects, unexpected auto repairs, work stresses, and the continuously-looming anticipation over Jersey #2's upcoming-in-the-future-but-not-yet-scheduled heart surgery. Things had become too serious and sullen around our house.
Taking a day off was a brilliant idea. We decided to go out to lunch at a pizza buffet, and then spend the afternoon at the zoo. The children were thrilled! While they were getting dressed, they commented that it was going to be a really fun day! One suggested that it was going to be the best day ever.
We had a great time during lunch. Everyone ate well, and laughed plenty. As I was walking up to the buffet line to get Jersey #3 more pasta, a woman waved me over to to her table. She told me that I had the most well-behaved children she had seen all year. She went on to explain that she and her friend were originally sitting in the upper level of the restaurant, closer to the buffet line, but a couple families sitting there had children who were yelling, crying, running around, and throwing food, so they decided to move to a different table, much further away. She said they had been sitting at that table near us for at least 10 minutes before they ever even noticed that there were children sitting in this area too! I was amused by her story, and both flattered and embarrassed by her gushing over my kids. I thanked her.....and later praised the children heavily as I relayed her comments to them. It was a great reminder that well-behaved children are a joy to be around!
The positive effects of such a compliment to our family spilled over into our trip the zoo. The children were quick to point out how well they were listening, remaining in sight and not wandering off, and how much fun we can have when everyone is behaving and being kind to each other. We were able to visit all of the exhibits requested, and spend some time at the jungle gym. We fed the ducks, and hydrated the children too! We enjoyed walking around the zoo, admiring the animals, looking for the animal babies that had been born this year, and teasing our children about which animal they most resembled. The kids stood on one leg like flamingos, growled like tigers, walked on all fours like coyotes, and used their arms to imitate an elephant's trunk. I kept an eye out for photo opportunities....
Taking a day off was a brilliant idea. We decided to go out to lunch at a pizza buffet, and then spend the afternoon at the zoo. The children were thrilled! While they were getting dressed, they commented that it was going to be a really fun day! One suggested that it was going to be the best day ever.
We had a great time during lunch. Everyone ate well, and laughed plenty. As I was walking up to the buffet line to get Jersey #3 more pasta, a woman waved me over to to her table. She told me that I had the most well-behaved children she had seen all year. She went on to explain that she and her friend were originally sitting in the upper level of the restaurant, closer to the buffet line, but a couple families sitting there had children who were yelling, crying, running around, and throwing food, so they decided to move to a different table, much further away. She said they had been sitting at that table near us for at least 10 minutes before they ever even noticed that there were children sitting in this area too! I was amused by her story, and both flattered and embarrassed by her gushing over my kids. I thanked her.....and later praised the children heavily as I relayed her comments to them. It was a great reminder that well-behaved children are a joy to be around!
The positive effects of such a compliment to our family spilled over into our trip the zoo. The children were quick to point out how well they were listening, remaining in sight and not wandering off, and how much fun we can have when everyone is behaving and being kind to each other. We were able to visit all of the exhibits requested, and spend some time at the jungle gym. We fed the ducks, and hydrated the children too! We enjoyed walking around the zoo, admiring the animals, looking for the animal babies that had been born this year, and teasing our children about which animal they most resembled. The kids stood on one leg like flamingos, growled like tigers, walked on all fours like coyotes, and used their arms to imitate an elephant's trunk. I kept an eye out for photo opportunities....
We are now back into the throes of the work week, dealing with all the details that we have to manage these days. Only now, our family is more connected, rested, and relaxed, having recently enjoyed "the best day ever!"
Monday, October 19, 2009
Everyone Poops
It seems that motherhood is not for the faint of stomach. At least that has been my challenge recently. Somehow, I found myself discussing poop way more than I ever bargained for.
We were playing at a park a beautiful Friday afternoon. It is challenging to take young children to the parks in our town, because they are not usually equipped with restroom facilities. According to our son, Jersey #3, a bush or a tree is all the restroom facility he needs. When it was time to go home, I called out to the children. Jersey #2 informed me that Jersey #3 was behind a bush going potty. Lovely. As I packed up the stroller, I thought about how I was going to explain to him that urinating all over the public park is not a very good idea...
Until I discovered that he was actually going poop. At the park? Yuck! It turned out that he was shocked to discover the laws of gravity do not allow a boy to poop standing up without messing his pants! This upset him greatly, and he came out from behind the bushes, pants around ankles, exposed and crying. I assessed the mess, dug out the diaper wipes, and did my best to clean up the mishap. I was not sure if I should laugh, yell, or cry. What a yucky mess! Seeing that my son was very upset by learning this life lesson the hard way, I assured him that I loved him and I forgave his mistake. I explained to him that it is not appropriate to potty in the bushes at the park, because we are people, not dogs. I explained that it is not easy to poop while standing up, which is why we sit on a toilet. I suggested that next time he notify me that he needs to use the bathroom, and we will go and find a regular restroom facility for humans! I then had to break the news to him that he was going to have to wear his soiled clothes all the way to the van, and all during the drive home. I assured him that as soon as we got home, he could put his clothes in the laundry hamper for me to wash, and then take a bath to get cleaned up. Thankfully, my response was effective, and he calmed down and complied with my instructions. All was well again after a bath and clean clothes were applied. When I shared the story with my husband that evening, he enjoyed a huge laugh at my expense!
And then it was his turn to endure some poop talk.....
Whenever our family visits the zoo, someone always ends up commenting about the smell of some of the animal exhibits. That leads to discussion about which animals poop. The standard answer usually ends up being "everyone poops."
At the elephant exhibit, Jersey #3 loudly asked, "Do elephants poop?" An older couple standing behind us burst out in laughter, clearly not expecting this conversation. I gave the standard answer, "Yes. Everyone poops." The laughing lady behind me said, "Just look in front of you, there is a big pile right there." That was NOT helpful for curbing the conversation, it only fueled more descriptive poop talk. Yuck!
And then, my poopy weekend got worse.....
At the hippopotamus exhibit, we were able to watch the 3 hippos walk around in the water, 2 hippos get up and walk out of the water, and the remaining hippo calling out to them. They captured everyone's attention for such a long time, I was able to snap a picture....
We were playing at a park a beautiful Friday afternoon. It is challenging to take young children to the parks in our town, because they are not usually equipped with restroom facilities. According to our son, Jersey #3, a bush or a tree is all the restroom facility he needs. When it was time to go home, I called out to the children. Jersey #2 informed me that Jersey #3 was behind a bush going potty. Lovely. As I packed up the stroller, I thought about how I was going to explain to him that urinating all over the public park is not a very good idea...
Until I discovered that he was actually going poop. At the park? Yuck! It turned out that he was shocked to discover the laws of gravity do not allow a boy to poop standing up without messing his pants! This upset him greatly, and he came out from behind the bushes, pants around ankles, exposed and crying. I assessed the mess, dug out the diaper wipes, and did my best to clean up the mishap. I was not sure if I should laugh, yell, or cry. What a yucky mess! Seeing that my son was very upset by learning this life lesson the hard way, I assured him that I loved him and I forgave his mistake. I explained to him that it is not appropriate to potty in the bushes at the park, because we are people, not dogs. I explained that it is not easy to poop while standing up, which is why we sit on a toilet. I suggested that next time he notify me that he needs to use the bathroom, and we will go and find a regular restroom facility for humans! I then had to break the news to him that he was going to have to wear his soiled clothes all the way to the van, and all during the drive home. I assured him that as soon as we got home, he could put his clothes in the laundry hamper for me to wash, and then take a bath to get cleaned up. Thankfully, my response was effective, and he calmed down and complied with my instructions. All was well again after a bath and clean clothes were applied. When I shared the story with my husband that evening, he enjoyed a huge laugh at my expense!
And then it was his turn to endure some poop talk.....
Whenever our family visits the zoo, someone always ends up commenting about the smell of some of the animal exhibits. That leads to discussion about which animals poop. The standard answer usually ends up being "everyone poops."
At the elephant exhibit, Jersey #3 loudly asked, "Do elephants poop?" An older couple standing behind us burst out in laughter, clearly not expecting this conversation. I gave the standard answer, "Yes. Everyone poops." The laughing lady behind me said, "Just look in front of you, there is a big pile right there." That was NOT helpful for curbing the conversation, it only fueled more descriptive poop talk. Yuck!
And then, my poopy weekend got worse.....
At the hippopotamus exhibit, we were able to watch the 3 hippos walk around in the water, 2 hippos get up and walk out of the water, and the remaining hippo calling out to them. They captured everyone's attention for such a long time, I was able to snap a picture....
And then, the 1 hippo remaining in the water, stood up, turned his butt towards us, and pooped! He swished his tail around to wash off his hind end, and moved away from that spot, settling back into the water. The children were thrilled with the entertainment....and started a whole new conversation about how everyone poops. Is that why the water is green? The conversation came to an abrupt halt when one of the other hippos re-entered the water, right at the poopy section, and began eating the poop! YUCK!
The Referee and I were thoroughly grossed out, and said it was time to leave. The children continued to talk about the poop buffet as we walked to other exhibits. We finally had to require a complete halt on any poop talk! I could not believe I had endured this much poop experience in one 24 hour period!
Just when I thought things had returned to normal, Jersey #4 asks "Do monkey's poop?" Her three older siblings answered in unison, "Everyone poops."
The Referee and I were thoroughly grossed out, and said it was time to leave. The children continued to talk about the poop buffet as we walked to other exhibits. We finally had to require a complete halt on any poop talk! I could not believe I had endured this much poop experience in one 24 hour period!
Just when I thought things had returned to normal, Jersey #4 asks "Do monkey's poop?" Her three older siblings answered in unison, "Everyone poops."
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Horsin' Around
Our awesome pumpkin stand field trip also included HORSES!!! The kids were so excited to have an opportunity to ride a horse.
Jersey #1 loves horses. She made certain to wear her horse shirt just for the occasion. She has had a few horse riding lessons in the past. She could hardly wait for her turn...
Jersey #3 thinks he is a cowboy. He likes to dress in a cowboy hat and boots, quite often. So, when the opportunity to ride a horse came up, he was ready to saddle up and ride!
I let Jersey #4 & Jersey #5 sit in the saddle in the cow ropin' arena....
When I asked Jersey #4 if she would like a turn to ride the horse, she looked at me and said, "Dat not a horse, Mama. Dat a COW!" She was right. I guess that is why it is called the cattle roping area!
Jersey #1 loves horses. She made certain to wear her horse shirt just for the occasion. She has had a few horse riding lessons in the past. She could hardly wait for her turn...
Jersey #2 has been afraid to ride a horse or pony for years. When she was 2 years old, I have 1 picture of her riding happily on a pony at a fair. A few months later, I have a picture of her crying in fear, at the attempt of letting her ride a horse in the lap of an adult cousin who was in the saddle. We have no idea what prompted the fear. She has refused to ride any horse or pony since.....until today. It was clear to all (including the cowboy leading the horse) that Jersey #2 was facing a big fear. I was a bit concerned by how pale she had become. This cowboy earned her trust quickly, taking cues from her as to when to take a step, and when to pause and breathe! By the time I took this picture, Jersey #2 had ridden around the arena once full lap, had let go with one arm, and had given the cowboy a high-five! She was smiling from ear to ear the rest of the day. She had conquered a big fear. She rode a big horse!
Jersey #3 thinks he is a cowboy. He likes to dress in a cowboy hat and boots, quite often. So, when the opportunity to ride a horse came up, he was ready to saddle up and ride!
I let Jersey #4 & Jersey #5 sit in the saddle in the cow ropin' arena....
When I asked Jersey #4 if she would like a turn to ride the horse, she looked at me and said, "Dat not a horse, Mama. Dat a COW!" She was right. I guess that is why it is called the cattle roping area!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Pumpkin Stand
Our homeschool co-op organized a neat field trip to a pumpkin stand this week. So, I loaded up my Lil' Pumpkins and went out for an afternoon of pumpkin fun!
Pumpkin heads for dressing (Just like Mr. Potato Head, only with pumpkins)....
Cattle Ropin'...
Nestled in a parking lot at a busy intersection, this pumpkin stand had such creative pumpkin-themed activities!
Pumpkin heads for dressing (Just like Mr. Potato Head, only with pumpkins)....
Pumpkin Bowling....
Pumpkin bean-bag toss.....
In addition, there were duck water races....
Cattle Ropin'...
A sandbox filled with kernels of corn...
When we were all done playing, we got to shop around in the rows upon rows of pumpkins.
The kids were told they could pick the largest pumpkin that they could carry to the van....
Friday, October 16, 2009
Food & Finances Friday--Fried Okra
A few weeks ago, my parents brought us some fresh okra, grown right in their own garden. They remembered that The Referee and the kids really liked fried okra, so they thought I could whip that up for my family. Ha!
Let me be the first to admit that I am not fit to fry! Frying things on top of the stove, in a pan of oil, borders on danger for me. I am an emergency room trip just waiting to happen! I am practically a disgrace to my half-southern roots. Most everything is fried in the South. My Mom can fry pork chops and chicken and create fantastic meals. I put those same meats into the oven to bake (setting the timer to make sure I don't forget about them). So, I had a good laugh at my Mom's suggestion that I make home-made fried okra, right from the garden. Ha!
She assured me it was easy. She explained how to make a batter to dip the okra into before frying. Somehow, I messed up the batter part, and mine did not stick to the okra as well as it does in a restaurant. I did manage to fry it up in some vegetable oil, without setting the house on fire, or having to visit the ER. It wasn't pretty, but it was fried.
My family gobbled it up in mere minutes!
No one seemed to care that it wasn't pretty. They all said it tasted good to them.
I am still wondering if ugly-breaded, fried okra, right from the garden still has any nutritional benefits left?
Let me be the first to admit that I am not fit to fry! Frying things on top of the stove, in a pan of oil, borders on danger for me. I am an emergency room trip just waiting to happen! I am practically a disgrace to my half-southern roots. Most everything is fried in the South. My Mom can fry pork chops and chicken and create fantastic meals. I put those same meats into the oven to bake (setting the timer to make sure I don't forget about them). So, I had a good laugh at my Mom's suggestion that I make home-made fried okra, right from the garden. Ha!
She assured me it was easy. She explained how to make a batter to dip the okra into before frying. Somehow, I messed up the batter part, and mine did not stick to the okra as well as it does in a restaurant. I did manage to fry it up in some vegetable oil, without setting the house on fire, or having to visit the ER. It wasn't pretty, but it was fried.
My family gobbled it up in mere minutes!
No one seemed to care that it wasn't pretty. They all said it tasted good to them.
I am still wondering if ugly-breaded, fried okra, right from the garden still has any nutritional benefits left?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Boy Oh Boy!
I am blown away by these pictures..... Doesn't it look like the same baby?
These are a picture of each of our boys, taken at their first birthday party. My husband happened to dress Jersey #5 in the same shirt that Jersey #3 had worn, without realizing it. Both boys fell asleep prior to their parties, and I took pictures of them napping, at the start of their party, even after guests had arrived. I just managed to make the time to look at the similar pictures tonight, and I was blown away!
It is like we had the same baby twice! I purposely left the dates on the pictures, so that I didn't think I had a set of twins! Wow! I know that I have been commenting a lot lately that Jersey #5 really favors his big brother at this age. I guess I had no idea just how much they really favor each other!
Since Jersey #4 also looks so much like her big sister, Jersey #1, the running joke at our house is that out of the 5 children, we only make 3 models.....boy, girl, and Jersey #2!
It is like we had the same baby twice! I purposely left the dates on the pictures, so that I didn't think I had a set of twins! Wow! I know that I have been commenting a lot lately that Jersey #5 really favors his big brother at this age. I guess I had no idea just how much they really favor each other!
Since Jersey #4 also looks so much like her big sister, Jersey #1, the running joke at our house is that out of the 5 children, we only make 3 models.....boy, girl, and Jersey #2!
Monday, October 12, 2009
The Good Doctor
I am flat-out exhausted from our trip to the doctor this morning. Two of the children had well-child check-ups scheduled. I do not think I will schedule that way again. I have scheduled 2 kids many times in the past, or have scheduled a well-child along with a prenatal appointment, and it seemed fine. Today was different. Today I realized just how much information is transferred between me and the doctor in such a short amount of time. It is A LOT! I have information overload right now.
Part of the problem is that a 1-year-old well-child is rather extensive. That is a big vaccine age. It is also a big age for developmental milestones and nutritional changes. There is much to discuss. In addition, the other well-child was for Jersey #2, and her appointments are just extensive no matter what the age.
Our family doctor is the father of 4 children, so he is accustomed to multitasking and can chat well while the kids play around us. He and I can pass back tons of information to each other while he is conducting his exam, while I am changing diapers, and while we are both making notes about the next level of care.
There once was a time when well-child check-ups were simple. Height and weight measurements were charted and the major developmental milestones were tracked. We would share a few entertaining parenting stories and depart chuckling and smiling.
Today, we discussed the latest cardiology report, MRI, surgical plan, food & nutrition, regular vaccines, ethical versus non-ethical vaccines, flu vaccines (including the swine flu vaccine), tendon/ligament stiffness, physical therapy, anemia, height and weight trends in all of the children, homeschooling, sports and activities, babies eating foreign objects, breastmilk and whole milk, God is in control, whether a dip in the chest (pectus excavatum) is a cosmetic versus a cardiology concern, dental care, limits in the volume Amoxicillin that can be dispensed in one prescription, sleep (or lack of), and how the Referee finds peace & quiet in his job when his home is a circus!
Looking back, it is easy to see why I am so mentally exhausted! Thankfully, after swapping a couple parenting stories, we still left chuckling and smiling...
Part of the problem is that a 1-year-old well-child is rather extensive. That is a big vaccine age. It is also a big age for developmental milestones and nutritional changes. There is much to discuss. In addition, the other well-child was for Jersey #2, and her appointments are just extensive no matter what the age.
Our family doctor is the father of 4 children, so he is accustomed to multitasking and can chat well while the kids play around us. He and I can pass back tons of information to each other while he is conducting his exam, while I am changing diapers, and while we are both making notes about the next level of care.
There once was a time when well-child check-ups were simple. Height and weight measurements were charted and the major developmental milestones were tracked. We would share a few entertaining parenting stories and depart chuckling and smiling.
Today, we discussed the latest cardiology report, MRI, surgical plan, food & nutrition, regular vaccines, ethical versus non-ethical vaccines, flu vaccines (including the swine flu vaccine), tendon/ligament stiffness, physical therapy, anemia, height and weight trends in all of the children, homeschooling, sports and activities, babies eating foreign objects, breastmilk and whole milk, God is in control, whether a dip in the chest (pectus excavatum) is a cosmetic versus a cardiology concern, dental care, limits in the volume Amoxicillin that can be dispensed in one prescription, sleep (or lack of), and how the Referee finds peace & quiet in his job when his home is a circus!
Looking back, it is easy to see why I am so mentally exhausted! Thankfully, after swapping a couple parenting stories, we still left chuckling and smiling...
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Like a Rock
I have sat in church through the years and listened to many sermons tell about God as our Heavenly Father. Having been raised by a loving father, I enjoy this mental picture that tries to explain the love God has for us, his children. My husband, on the other hand, was raised in a broken home, abandoned by his father. Picturing God as anywhere near the image of his earthly father is not a good thing for him. He could not even begin to relate to those sermons, until he became a father himself. The Referee is a natural father. He loves his children, and it shows. He worries about not measuring up, having no example to follow. Thankfully, he has God, our Heavenly Father, to show him the way. As a result, he is giving his own children a loving father, so they will understand the love of God.
God is our strength. He wraps his arms around us and holds us near to him. We do not have to go through life alone. We do not have to endure on our own. He is always there to hold us, to comfort us, to encourage us.
The Referee is a rock during times of adversity. He has the ability to stop, listen, think, and respond calmly. He is steady when everyone else is quaking. The children & I can reach for him when we need to catch our balance. Right now, we are in the midst of Jersey #2 facing another heart surgery. She has had to go through a series of medical tests and procedures. She is a tough kid, and quite a trooper. But, this is a lot for a 6-year old to handle. She started to become sullen and tearful. So, The Referee pulled her aside to ask what was going on. Sitting at church, listening to her name being added to the prayer request list, seeing people look at her and smile, was too much. She said she was having a really hard time being strong for everyone...
The Referee scooped her up and reminded her that yes, she was a really strong girl. But, no, she is not required to be strong for everyone. It is hard to always be strong. He told her that he has strength enough for both of them, so if ever she does not want to be strong anymore, she can come to him and he will be strong enough for her too. In an instant, our happy-go-lucky 6-year old returned. She knows her Daddy is a rock.
Fast forward a few weeks later, when Jersey #2 put her arms up to him...that rock scooped her up, put his arms around her, held her close, and carried her out of the hospital after her MRI scan was complete. She rested peacefully in his arms, knowing he had strength enough for both of them.
She can lean on him for strength. One day she will be able to understand what it means to lean on her Heavenly Father, because she was able to lean on her earthly father.
God is our strength. He wraps his arms around us and holds us near to him. We do not have to go through life alone. We do not have to endure on our own. He is always there to hold us, to comfort us, to encourage us.
The Referee is a rock during times of adversity. He has the ability to stop, listen, think, and respond calmly. He is steady when everyone else is quaking. The children & I can reach for him when we need to catch our balance. Right now, we are in the midst of Jersey #2 facing another heart surgery. She has had to go through a series of medical tests and procedures. She is a tough kid, and quite a trooper. But, this is a lot for a 6-year old to handle. She started to become sullen and tearful. So, The Referee pulled her aside to ask what was going on. Sitting at church, listening to her name being added to the prayer request list, seeing people look at her and smile, was too much. She said she was having a really hard time being strong for everyone...
The Referee scooped her up and reminded her that yes, she was a really strong girl. But, no, she is not required to be strong for everyone. It is hard to always be strong. He told her that he has strength enough for both of them, so if ever she does not want to be strong anymore, she can come to him and he will be strong enough for her too. In an instant, our happy-go-lucky 6-year old returned. She knows her Daddy is a rock.
Fast forward a few weeks later, when Jersey #2 put her arms up to him...that rock scooped her up, put his arms around her, held her close, and carried her out of the hospital after her MRI scan was complete. She rested peacefully in his arms, knowing he had strength enough for both of them.
She can lean on him for strength. One day she will be able to understand what it means to lean on her Heavenly Father, because she was able to lean on her earthly father.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Beautiful Centerpiece
We have a new centerpiece for our dining room table....a model of the human heart!
My Mom surprised us with this present. I had mentioned to her that Jersey #2 was a trooper during all of her medical visits, as long as I explain the details of what she can expect to happen. She likes information. So, Granny thought she would like the opportunity to learn more about the Anatomy of the heart. It has been a hit so far! And, it makes a great decoration for our home.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Food & Finances Friday--dangling from the wagon
I tried to fall off the financial freedom wagon this week. Thankfully, God intervened. I am not sure if this is a confession or a testimony. It's probably both. I am still sort of stunned.
One thing after another has hit our emergency fund. It seems that as soon as we get the fund back where it belongs, something else unexpectedly breaks down. The same week that our daughter needed a major medical procedure, the pipe under the kitchen sink sprung a leak, and my husband's car broke down. Then, I took my vehicle in for routine care, and that bill was higher than anticipated. I went grocery shopping without a well-calculated list, and that bill was higher than anticipated. I took the kids to the dentist and learned that 2 children needed advanced care. One could be treated that day, so that bill was higher than anticipated. The 2nd child could be treated as early as next week...and there was no budget plan for that expense.
I knew our account had a little buffer to cover some of these unplanned amounts, but probably not all of them. I sat down to calculate the facts.
Sure enough, when all expenses cleared the account, we would be overdrawn. Ugh. Oh the regret of buying more at the grocery store, and rushing into those car expenses. I should have known better! We were so proud of ourselves for not agreeing to every suggested car repair....only the essential ones, and my husband did some himself that weekend to save labor costs. We should have used that same wisdom to wait another weekend for the oil changes on my vehicle. I wish I had been better about saving for medical expenses when we were healthy and not using those line items on other things....we could certainly have used those funds now!
I don't live in regret long, and much prefer to take action. I am a do-er! Something had to be done about this situation. I brainstormed all my options and came up short. We had shredded all of our credit cards, so I couldn't even put the upcoming dental expenses on credit. I really didn't want to add debt anyway.....that would be going backwards after we have been working so hard to stay within our means. Alas, it looked like the only logical option. Shame on me, I would have to learn from this lesson and not do this again. I looked for the easiest option....the line-of-credit loan we have with one of the credit card companies. They are always suggesting we borrow more. I called up and requested some funds be deposited to our account from that loan. I rationalized in my head that it would cover the overdrawn expenses, cover the upcoming dental and medical bills, and we could save some for the future medical and travel expenses that are looming around us. I didn't like it, but I rationalized it until I felt better about the decision. I even rationalized it to God, as to why I needed to disobey his commands about money, explaining to Him that I didn't see any other option!
God declined my rationale.
Even though I know His ways are higher than my ways, I often try to do things my way instead. This time, I was actually relieved that He intervened to stop my plans. (I am a bit excited to be growing in this manner, as altering my plans has been a big hurdle of mine....so much so, that my husband has repeatedly suggested I learn the word "tentatively," because I react so poorly to altered plans). This time was different. From the moment I heard NO, I sat still in peace. I knew God was in control, and he would supply all our needs.
The customer service rep sounded puzzled as he explained that even though we had been a customer for the past 8 years, and even though we have a perfect payment history, and even though our credit report shows a perfect payment history on all of our accounts, the creditor has denied our request to use additional funds due to the amount of overall debt we carry. I actually found that answer to be a little humorous, considering we had just decreased that debt significantly these last couple months.....imagine what they would have seen a few months ago! He then nervously began to explain that they have a new policy that says if we are denied additional funds like this, then they must close our account. I was almost surprised, except for the knowledge that credit card companies are doing all sorts of weird things lately. I thought, wow, they just made this really easy on me and closed the account that I really didn't want anyway. And, they made it really easy on me to know that borrowing more debt is not a course of action I want to take anymore! Well, Ok then. The rep asked if I had any further questions. Nope. We are no longer in business together! Have a good day.
Ok, God, I have no idea what to do now.
Just then, the phone rang. It was my husband telling me he was stuck in traffic and would be arriving home later than usual. I poured out all of the details of all of this financial mess that we were in, and apologized and whined, and panicked all together. It was a tough confession, because we had just had an argument the night before, and I accused him of dumping the responsibility of managing the finances on me while he only complained there was never enough money. I had to admit he had a valid complaint this time, as there was not enough money! My husband listened, asked a few questions to clarify, took a deep breath, and said we would figure it out when he got home. He is a thinker, not a do-er. He likes to think about things awhile before he responds. Being stuck in traffic should give him lots of time to think!
I sat down at the computer and started gathering all the exact numbers, and running the calculations, so that I could show him exactly where things stood when he got home. Something was not adding up. Or, it wasn't subtracting. I don't know which. The math was not working out, because my calculations were showing that we were not going to be overdrawn. How do you go from being $300 overdrawn to $70 extra? It didn't make sense. We don't even have a budget expense to equal those numbers, to be a quick error source. I ran the numbers twice and called my husband. I told him what I was trying to do and suggested he double check my numbers when he gets home. I don't usually have a problem with math, so what happened here?
I still do not know what happened with the numbers. I know God intervened. I got my wish and my husband tuned in to our finances. We became a financial team. We crunched the numbers together and sure enough our account was in balance. We discussed ways we could have been wiser in the past, and ways to be wiser immediately in the present. We both tracked the bank account every day this week, watching the funds go where they were designated....and watching the balance remain positive. We did not overlook something.
We are not overdrawn. We did not add any new debt. We've got one more debt account closed, actually (but of course we still have to pay it off). We've learned some great lessons. Most important of all, I learned a lesson about being still and waiting for God's timing, for he shall supply all our needs...
One thing after another has hit our emergency fund. It seems that as soon as we get the fund back where it belongs, something else unexpectedly breaks down. The same week that our daughter needed a major medical procedure, the pipe under the kitchen sink sprung a leak, and my husband's car broke down. Then, I took my vehicle in for routine care, and that bill was higher than anticipated. I went grocery shopping without a well-calculated list, and that bill was higher than anticipated. I took the kids to the dentist and learned that 2 children needed advanced care. One could be treated that day, so that bill was higher than anticipated. The 2nd child could be treated as early as next week...and there was no budget plan for that expense.
I knew our account had a little buffer to cover some of these unplanned amounts, but probably not all of them. I sat down to calculate the facts.
Sure enough, when all expenses cleared the account, we would be overdrawn. Ugh. Oh the regret of buying more at the grocery store, and rushing into those car expenses. I should have known better! We were so proud of ourselves for not agreeing to every suggested car repair....only the essential ones, and my husband did some himself that weekend to save labor costs. We should have used that same wisdom to wait another weekend for the oil changes on my vehicle. I wish I had been better about saving for medical expenses when we were healthy and not using those line items on other things....we could certainly have used those funds now!
I don't live in regret long, and much prefer to take action. I am a do-er! Something had to be done about this situation. I brainstormed all my options and came up short. We had shredded all of our credit cards, so I couldn't even put the upcoming dental expenses on credit. I really didn't want to add debt anyway.....that would be going backwards after we have been working so hard to stay within our means. Alas, it looked like the only logical option. Shame on me, I would have to learn from this lesson and not do this again. I looked for the easiest option....the line-of-credit loan we have with one of the credit card companies. They are always suggesting we borrow more. I called up and requested some funds be deposited to our account from that loan. I rationalized in my head that it would cover the overdrawn expenses, cover the upcoming dental and medical bills, and we could save some for the future medical and travel expenses that are looming around us. I didn't like it, but I rationalized it until I felt better about the decision. I even rationalized it to God, as to why I needed to disobey his commands about money, explaining to Him that I didn't see any other option!
God declined my rationale.
Even though I know His ways are higher than my ways, I often try to do things my way instead. This time, I was actually relieved that He intervened to stop my plans. (I am a bit excited to be growing in this manner, as altering my plans has been a big hurdle of mine....so much so, that my husband has repeatedly suggested I learn the word "tentatively," because I react so poorly to altered plans). This time was different. From the moment I heard NO, I sat still in peace. I knew God was in control, and he would supply all our needs.
The customer service rep sounded puzzled as he explained that even though we had been a customer for the past 8 years, and even though we have a perfect payment history, and even though our credit report shows a perfect payment history on all of our accounts, the creditor has denied our request to use additional funds due to the amount of overall debt we carry. I actually found that answer to be a little humorous, considering we had just decreased that debt significantly these last couple months.....imagine what they would have seen a few months ago! He then nervously began to explain that they have a new policy that says if we are denied additional funds like this, then they must close our account. I was almost surprised, except for the knowledge that credit card companies are doing all sorts of weird things lately. I thought, wow, they just made this really easy on me and closed the account that I really didn't want anyway. And, they made it really easy on me to know that borrowing more debt is not a course of action I want to take anymore! Well, Ok then. The rep asked if I had any further questions. Nope. We are no longer in business together! Have a good day.
Ok, God, I have no idea what to do now.
Just then, the phone rang. It was my husband telling me he was stuck in traffic and would be arriving home later than usual. I poured out all of the details of all of this financial mess that we were in, and apologized and whined, and panicked all together. It was a tough confession, because we had just had an argument the night before, and I accused him of dumping the responsibility of managing the finances on me while he only complained there was never enough money. I had to admit he had a valid complaint this time, as there was not enough money! My husband listened, asked a few questions to clarify, took a deep breath, and said we would figure it out when he got home. He is a thinker, not a do-er. He likes to think about things awhile before he responds. Being stuck in traffic should give him lots of time to think!
I sat down at the computer and started gathering all the exact numbers, and running the calculations, so that I could show him exactly where things stood when he got home. Something was not adding up. Or, it wasn't subtracting. I don't know which. The math was not working out, because my calculations were showing that we were not going to be overdrawn. How do you go from being $300 overdrawn to $70 extra? It didn't make sense. We don't even have a budget expense to equal those numbers, to be a quick error source. I ran the numbers twice and called my husband. I told him what I was trying to do and suggested he double check my numbers when he gets home. I don't usually have a problem with math, so what happened here?
I still do not know what happened with the numbers. I know God intervened. I got my wish and my husband tuned in to our finances. We became a financial team. We crunched the numbers together and sure enough our account was in balance. We discussed ways we could have been wiser in the past, and ways to be wiser immediately in the present. We both tracked the bank account every day this week, watching the funds go where they were designated....and watching the balance remain positive. We did not overlook something.
We are not overdrawn. We did not add any new debt. We've got one more debt account closed, actually (but of course we still have to pay it off). We've learned some great lessons. Most important of all, I learned a lesson about being still and waiting for God's timing, for he shall supply all our needs...
Thursday, October 8, 2009
First Trip to the Dentist
I took Jersey #4 to the dentist for her first check-up and cleaning, this week. We have a fantastic pediatric dentist. This is a good thing, because we have terrible teeth genetics. The children accompany their older siblings into the dental office every 6 months, but we don't schedule their own first cleaning until they turn 2.
There are some key requirements I have that helped me choose our pediatric dentist...
There are some key requirements I have that helped me choose our pediatric dentist...
- Smart, knowledgeable dentist who knows his field of expertise
- His reputation for working well with cardiologists, because he knows heart patients need good dental care to prevent heart infection
- Child-friendly dental office that tries to put the kids at ease and encourage good teeth care for a lifetime
- Involving parents in their child's care...I am allowed/encouraged to accompany my children back to the cleaning bay (and also for procedures)
- Dental staff who present their knowledge of teeth care, not their opinions of parenting choices (there is no magic age for ALL children to stop breastfeeding at night, stop using a pacifier/sucking a thumb, or using a regular cup vs sippy cup), and our dentist treats each child like the individuals they are
- Use of sedative medications/gas to relax the kids for advanced procedures, yielding cooperation (instead of holding them down and forcing treatment)
I like that the entire dentist office is child-friendly. The waiting room has colorful toys, chairs, and children's books. The doors have glass windows so we can see down the halls easily. The hygienists are always smiling and friendly. The interior is well-lit, and decorated with colorful pictures. There are 4 dental bays separated by low counters/cabinets and parent seating. I can sit in a chair in one bay, and watch 2 children in side-by-side bays. This is really nice once the kids are old enough to not want me to hold their hands, because I can schedule 2-3 cleanings at the same time and get through the process quicker.
It is important to me to have a pediatric dentist who makes going to the dentist a positive experience. Some of our children have already required advanced dental care, in spite of our best nutrition and teeth brushing habits. There are so many adults who neglect their dental care due to traumatic dental experiences as kids. We want our children to take care of their teeth and build healthy habits for a lifetime. When our 2-year olds first visit the dentist, they are given a tour of the cleaning bay and all of the tools and equipment. They get to spray the air and the water, and feel how the polisher feels on their hand. They climb into the big chair when they are comfortable. The hygienist meets them where they are, and progresses with as much as they will tolerate. She backs off at the first sign of resistance, so that fear is not built. I remember Jersey #3 climbed into the chair, but would not sit on his bottom. So, the hygienist cleaned his teeth with him sitting on his knees, facing her. Jersey #4 never made it into the big chair. Her curiosity was high, but her level of trust was much lower than her siblings.
Here is a picture of Jersey #4 peeking into the next bay to watch Jersey #1 get her teeth cleaned. Since Jersey #1 has such light blue eyes, that are sensitive to light, she requests the sunglasses during her cleanings.
When it was her turn for a cleaning, Jersey #4 observed the tool demonstration from a safe distance...
She had already received her goody bag filled with a new toothbrush, toothpaste, a timer (to brush for 2 minutes), and a toothbrush cover. She refused to climb into the big chair. She did agree to let the hygienist open her new toothbrush, and brush her teeth with that (at arm's length away).
Jersey #5 was eager to climb into the big chair. In this picture, Jersey #4 is trying to push him out, because it is HER TURN! (even though she did not want to sit there herself).
Jersey #5 was eager to climb into the big chair. In this picture, Jersey #4 is trying to push him out, because it is HER TURN! (even though she did not want to sit there herself).
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
When Opposites Attract
The Referee and I are about as opposite as two people can be. It is more than just the differences between men and women. I am an extreme extrovert. He is an extreme introvert. I like sweet snacks. He likes salty snacks. I am an early bird, who requires a good night's sleep. He is a night owl who acts like sleep is optional, but not required to function. I like things neat, organized, and everything in its place. He decorates with cords and clutter. I would eat meat with every meal. He would call a salad a meal. I am an optimist. He is a pessimist. I count my blessings. He complains about everything (even things he likes). I like movies with a sports theme, where the underdog team works hard and wins in the end. He likes science fiction, adventure, explosions, and a good fight. I would love to throw out the television. He watches TV while playing a computer game on his laptop, along with music running from his computer. I am a Do-er. He is a Think-er. I am sensitive and emotional. He keeps his emotions and responses steady.
Clearly he is flawed! Since I like myself the way I am, then his ways must be wrong. I wasted a lot of time trying to change him to be more like me. It never worked. He is not like me. He is not me at all.
I used to focus on his lack of excitement during the good times. Where's your joy? He'd look at me confused and say he was happy. I'd look at him confused, because if you are happy, aren't you smiling from ear to ear, ready to burst? He thought I was crazy, because no, he has never had the desire to behave in such a manner. It took many years of marriage for me to realize that there is no way that this man who can keep his emotions steady during tough times is going to be able to let them burst during joyous times. It doesn't work that way. So, he goes through life as a steady line.....I bounce through life in waves and troughs.
Thankfully, our paths still meet in the middle.
Clearly he is flawed! Since I like myself the way I am, then his ways must be wrong. I wasted a lot of time trying to change him to be more like me. It never worked. He is not like me. He is not me at all.
I used to focus on his lack of excitement during the good times. Where's your joy? He'd look at me confused and say he was happy. I'd look at him confused, because if you are happy, aren't you smiling from ear to ear, ready to burst? He thought I was crazy, because no, he has never had the desire to behave in such a manner. It took many years of marriage for me to realize that there is no way that this man who can keep his emotions steady during tough times is going to be able to let them burst during joyous times. It doesn't work that way. So, he goes through life as a steady line.....I bounce through life in waves and troughs.
Thankfully, our paths still meet in the middle.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Toddler Dormitory
I am one of those women who loves to re-arrange our household furniture! I get tired of looking at the same arrangement, and I am always thinking up was to live more efficiently in the space we have. Our team-full of children certainly give me plenty to work with, as they are always growing and developing, and encouraging me to redo the bedroom space.....at least that is the excuse I am using! So, we spent this past weekend re-arranging a couple bedrooms to make way for growing kids.
Until now, Jersey #5 has been sleeping in the crib, in our master bedroom. We tend to keep our babies in our bedroom until they are sleeping pretty well through the night, with minimal wakings. (I don't handle sleep deprivation well, so it is safer if they are close to my bedside versus me walking sleepily around the house with an infant in my arms). We don't usually go a full year like this, but we've been much more casual with Jersey #5, because he is a much more casual baby.
This weekend, we decided to move him to the bedroom that Jersey #3 & Jersey #4 share. Our bedrooms are currently divided by age, not gender. I also got the notion to go ahead and move him to a toddler bed, instead of the crib. Our children tend to be very active in their sleep at night, kicking, squirming, and rolling all over the bed. We tend to move them out of the crib around 16-18 months old, because the crashing against the crib rails wakes them up in the night. I don't know if it is because Jersey #5 is so much bigger than his siblings were at this age, or if he is the most active sleeper, but he has been crashing against the crib rails for a couple months now. So, he is our youngest child to move out of the crib. I was only waiting until he could safely climb onto and off of the toddler bed....and he started climbing before he started walking!
Jersey #5 loves his new bed. He naps there with ease. He woke twice a night through the weekend, but rocked back to sleep easily. For the first day, he sat in bed and cried when he woke up, until we went to get him. Now that he realizes he can get out of bed on his own, he gets down and plays, or comes to find us when he wakes up. He enjoys his new independence...greeting us with smiles and giggles!
Here is a picture of Jersey #5 napping in his bed...
Until now, Jersey #5 has been sleeping in the crib, in our master bedroom. We tend to keep our babies in our bedroom until they are sleeping pretty well through the night, with minimal wakings. (I don't handle sleep deprivation well, so it is safer if they are close to my bedside versus me walking sleepily around the house with an infant in my arms). We don't usually go a full year like this, but we've been much more casual with Jersey #5, because he is a much more casual baby.
This weekend, we decided to move him to the bedroom that Jersey #3 & Jersey #4 share. Our bedrooms are currently divided by age, not gender. I also got the notion to go ahead and move him to a toddler bed, instead of the crib. Our children tend to be very active in their sleep at night, kicking, squirming, and rolling all over the bed. We tend to move them out of the crib around 16-18 months old, because the crashing against the crib rails wakes them up in the night. I don't know if it is because Jersey #5 is so much bigger than his siblings were at this age, or if he is the most active sleeper, but he has been crashing against the crib rails for a couple months now. So, he is our youngest child to move out of the crib. I was only waiting until he could safely climb onto and off of the toddler bed....and he started climbing before he started walking!
Jersey #5 loves his new bed. He naps there with ease. He woke twice a night through the weekend, but rocked back to sleep easily. For the first day, he sat in bed and cried when he woke up, until we went to get him. Now that he realizes he can get out of bed on his own, he gets down and plays, or comes to find us when he wakes up. He enjoys his new independence...greeting us with smiles and giggles!
Here is a picture of Jersey #5 napping in his bed...
His toddler bed is a hand-me-down from his brother. We lucked out that it happened to be a Cars-themed bed, as we were using Cars toddler bedding in his crib (crib bedding is crazy-expensive, and it is the same size, so we use toddler bedding instead) Jersey #3 has Thomas the Train bedding, but we could not find a Thomas bed at the time the toddler beds were purchased. Our crib converts to a toddler bed very easily. Since it is higher off the ground, and a little larger than the toddler beds we have, we opted to use it for Jersey #3. So, both boys moved to a "new" hand-me-down bed! Our little princess (Jersey #4) sleeps in a princess-themed toddler bed, with Elmo bedding, because that is just the way she rolls! (When given the choice as to what was her favorite, she could not choose just 1 theme).
We set up the bedroom with beds along one wall, and toys along the opposite wall. The line-up of beds reminds me of a dorm. So, this bedroom arrangement has been jokingly called the "Toddler Dormitory"!
We set up the bedroom with beds along one wall, and toys along the opposite wall. The line-up of beds reminds me of a dorm. So, this bedroom arrangement has been jokingly called the "Toddler Dormitory"!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Food & Finances Friday--Mom's Sugar Cookies
I was asked to contribute a family recipe to our church newsletter this month. I knew the exact recipe I wanted to share. Finding the recipe and sharing it brought back such sweet memories from my childhood.
My Mom found this recipe in a magazine when I was a little kid. She made these cookies at least every December, cut into various Christmas shapes. My sisters and I (and in middle school/high school, some of our friends would help too) would help her decorate them. We would come home from school to find a mass of cookies on wax paper on the dining room table, just waiting for a group frosting and decorating session. We decorated, talked, and laughed....and ate cookie after cookie! We certainly got our fill of cookies, colored frosting, and sugar sprinkles. She made dozens upon dozens, and fixed up plates of cookies for all the neighbors. Even though she passed the recipe on to us, the cookies always taste best when she makes them.
My Mom found this recipe in a magazine when I was a little kid. She made these cookies at least every December, cut into various Christmas shapes. My sisters and I (and in middle school/high school, some of our friends would help too) would help her decorate them. We would come home from school to find a mass of cookies on wax paper on the dining room table, just waiting for a group frosting and decorating session. We decorated, talked, and laughed....and ate cookie after cookie! We certainly got our fill of cookies, colored frosting, and sugar sprinkles. She made dozens upon dozens, and fixed up plates of cookies for all the neighbors. Even though she passed the recipe on to us, the cookies always taste best when she makes them.
The Best "Soft" Sugar Cookie Recipe
1 cup of sugar
3/4 cup of margarine (melted)
1 teaspoon of Vanilla
1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
Mix well. Cover with wax paper and refrigerate at least one hour (overnight is better). Roll out on a floured surface and cut into favorite shapes 1/2 inch thick. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 5-6 minutes. Remove cookies from cookie sheet right away to keep from over cooking. Cookies should only be lightly brown on the bottom. over cooking them or cutting them too thin will cause them to become hard. Cool, frost, and decorate. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen
It was even more touching to copy this recipe off the index card my Mom gave me. As a gift a few years ago, my Mom hand-wrote some of her favorite recipes onto pretty index cards and placed them in a pretty recipe box, and gave a box to each of my sisters and to me. She was leaving a beautiful legacy with her beautiful handwriting, passing on this gift to her daughters. When I think about the fun we had, the smiles, the laughter, (and even the complaining about having to do ALL that work), I realize that it was Mom's willingness to give us her time that makes her legacy the sweetest!
It was even more touching to copy this recipe off the index card my Mom gave me. As a gift a few years ago, my Mom hand-wrote some of her favorite recipes onto pretty index cards and placed them in a pretty recipe box, and gave a box to each of my sisters and to me. She was leaving a beautiful legacy with her beautiful handwriting, passing on this gift to her daughters. When I think about the fun we had, the smiles, the laughter, (and even the complaining about having to do ALL that work), I realize that it was Mom's willingness to give us her time that makes her legacy the sweetest!
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