I held off going grocery shopping as long as possible but with the upcoming snow storm for tomorrow I had to head out tonight and get 2 of the 4 stores done. The majority of the shopping is now done. I have less than 10 things to get at each of the remaining 2 stores.
Jessica got $20 from my father's fiance for her birthday last month. She has just been holding on to it. Sunday night Jessie blessed me and gave me a foot rub and painted my toe nails. She was having a hard time with the nail polish. A lot of it was old and getting dried out. She was telling me how she would like new polish. I told her she could use her money to buy new polish and I would bring her to the store to get it.
Little did I know that to her that meant "the next time I go out, I will bring you." But in her 8 year old mind that is exactly what she thought. It was about 7:30 this evening and I was finishing up my grocery list. She came in my room and pulled her list out of her pocket book. She actually made a list of all the colors she wanted. She was telling me how excited she was to be getting her polish. At that point, even though I would have loved to have some quiet time to myself I brought her with me.
Jessie was a big helper in the store getting whatever I needed. We chatted. We laughed. The excitement was building as we made our way through the store and over to the nail polish. FINALLY we were standing in front of 20 different colors. Jessie, being the mini-me that she is, then got her list out and went one by one to find each and every color. It was fun to watch her think through her decisions (like which shade of blue to get). We added up how much she was spending as we went along. It was great!!!
This one shopping trip gave us an opportunity to use math (adding up the prices. subtracting it from what she had), reasoning (in another store she saw a pocket book she liked and she had to think through spending her money), decision making (deciding colors, what to buy, how many) and communication (talking to the cashier. Giving the cashier the money, getting back the change. using manners). All skills she is going to use in the real world some day.
So do you think I can count this as a homeschool day : ) kidding....just kidding ; )
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Exhausted
I am exhausted!! I feel like I have been going ever since Emily's birthday (December 16th). For the most part I did pace myself. That was until Christmas Eve. I kicked it into high gear and now my body is angry with me. With Fibromyalgia too much stress or being on my feet can cause a flare up. I have been in one since Saturday.
To bring this under control there are a few things I can do:
1. Rest. This one can be a tough one for me. There is a lot to do!!
2. Tylenol and Motrin together. 3 times a day. My doctor originally wanted me to do this every day. NO WAY!!! I know the affects Tylenol can have on your liver. That is why I save this regimen for when I have a flare-up.
3. Eat RIGHT. Too much junk and not enough fruits and veggies. It make a difference.
4. Exercise. Here is where I feel a Catch-22. My body hurts all over. The last thing I want to do is move it. But exercise is proven to help. I am gonna have to start small, maybe just 10 minutes.
To bring this under control there are a few things I can do:
1. Rest. This one can be a tough one for me. There is a lot to do!!
2. Tylenol and Motrin together. 3 times a day. My doctor originally wanted me to do this every day. NO WAY!!! I know the affects Tylenol can have on your liver. That is why I save this regimen for when I have a flare-up.
3. Eat RIGHT. Too much junk and not enough fruits and veggies. It make a difference.
4. Exercise. Here is where I feel a Catch-22. My body hurts all over. The last thing I want to do is move it. But exercise is proven to help. I am gonna have to start small, maybe just 10 minutes.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Happy Birthday Zachary!!! The Big 1-0!!!
I can't believe it. Zachary is 10!!! Where has the time gone. Too fast. Double digits already. I thought, since Zachary is 10 I would list 10 things I love about him (in no particular order).1. His heart. If I am having a bad day, Zachary will try very hard to turn it around. He has been known on many occasions to leave on my bed a piece of chocolate with a note saying how much he loves me.
2. His musical ability. He LOVES to play the piano. At any given point throughout the day you could find Zachary sitting at the piano playing.
3. His creativity. I have never seen a child come up with so many ideas. Give him a box and duct tape and you never know what you are going to get. A few examples: a basket ball hoop. 4 hole mini golf course. Airplane. One of my favorite memories is the time he took easel paper and taped it together to cover a 10x10 area. He then colored in a baseball field...a very accurate baseball field. He then made bleachers with fans, players on the field, and the announcers box. It was incredible.
4. He love for God. He asked Jesus into his precious heart back in August. He faithfully reads his bible every night. He likes to play church and lead the music and do the message.
5. His blonde hair.
6. His way with younger kids.
7. He puts others first. We have come down to the last candy (or whatever) and he has given it up saying he knows Alex would enjoy it or he knows Alex would be sad if he didn't get it.
8. The excitement he gets over birthday's and holidays. I have no idea where he gets that one from ; )
9. He still likes to cuddle.
10. He's Zachary!!!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Discharged : )
Emily met with Early Intervention on Monday. I am excited to announce that Little Miss Emily Grace is discharged, no longer eligible for services!!! : )
This was an exciting moment for me. It made me feel like we really are making a difference in her life. We got Emily at 6 months old. She was 6 weeks preemie. Early Intervention assessed her at 7 months. She was all over the chart with her development. I remember them telling me at the first assessment that she didn't shake a rattle (or any other object). This is something she should have been able to do at 2 months old. Yikes. Her biggest delay overall they said was Language Development.
After a 3 month wait Early Intervention finally started. She was now 10 months old. At the beginning Sue came once a week, for 1 hour at a time. Out of that one hour, Emily was miserable for about 45 minutes (sometimes the WHOLE time). But we pressed on. And I watched. I watched to see what Sue did with Emily that was different than what I did with my previous children. I watched to see what toys she used. I asked questions. And then I went to work.
If Sue used a peg board with Emily then I made it my mission to find a peg board (thank you homeschool convention : )
If Sue used bubbles, I had a ready supply.
If Sue used puzzles than I snatched every one that I could find at yard sales.
Then, I set up a time daily and did these things one-on-one with Emily. I called it Mommy Intervention.
The progress she has made is incredible. Now I don't want you to think I am trying to say "look at me and what I did". No, far from it.
I am sitting here in the wee hours of the morning with tears in my eyes thankful to God that He brought this precious little girl into our life. I am thankful that He picked me to be her Mommy. I am thankful that He used me to help her. It breaks my heart to know the life choices her birth mother made and how because of those choices this child could have had a much different life (enough said on that one). I am thankful that we can give all the glory to God. She can be a testimony for Him.
This was an exciting moment for me. It made me feel like we really are making a difference in her life. We got Emily at 6 months old. She was 6 weeks preemie. Early Intervention assessed her at 7 months. She was all over the chart with her development. I remember them telling me at the first assessment that she didn't shake a rattle (or any other object). This is something she should have been able to do at 2 months old. Yikes. Her biggest delay overall they said was Language Development.
After a 3 month wait Early Intervention finally started. She was now 10 months old. At the beginning Sue came once a week, for 1 hour at a time. Out of that one hour, Emily was miserable for about 45 minutes (sometimes the WHOLE time). But we pressed on. And I watched. I watched to see what Sue did with Emily that was different than what I did with my previous children. I watched to see what toys she used. I asked questions. And then I went to work.
If Sue used a peg board with Emily then I made it my mission to find a peg board (thank you homeschool convention : )
If Sue used bubbles, I had a ready supply.
If Sue used puzzles than I snatched every one that I could find at yard sales.
Then, I set up a time daily and did these things one-on-one with Emily. I called it Mommy Intervention.
The progress she has made is incredible. Now I don't want you to think I am trying to say "look at me and what I did". No, far from it.
I am sitting here in the wee hours of the morning with tears in my eyes thankful to God that He brought this precious little girl into our life. I am thankful that He picked me to be her Mommy. I am thankful that He used me to help her. It breaks my heart to know the life choices her birth mother made and how because of those choices this child could have had a much different life (enough said on that one). I am thankful that we can give all the glory to God. She can be a testimony for Him.
Have a Merry Valentine Christmas??
Last night I brought my Mom Christmas shopping. I couldn't believe my eyes. You know what I saw? Valentine decorations out!!! They were displayed right next to the Christmas decorations. I was floored. Since when don't we get to enjoy one Holiday without them (being the retail world) trying to shove the next one down our throat. Seriously.
Our world is in a fast forward, microwave, must-have-it-now state that they don't take this moment in time to reflect and enjoy the birth of our Savior.
Our world is in a fast forward, microwave, must-have-it-now state that they don't take this moment in time to reflect and enjoy the birth of our Savior.
Monday, December 22, 2008
6 Seconds.......
I have been waiting for this day for about 2 months now. You know what it is? I bet you'll never guess ; ) Alright, I'll tell you....It's the Winter Equinox!!! Are you excited or what?
Okay, I have a feeling that for the average person you are not too excited. But for me, it means I am that much closer to longer days.
A few weeks ago I wrote about S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and it's effects on me. Well I wanted to give you an update. Back on December 12th, I was woken up bright, no let me change that to dark and early by my hubby. He called at about 6:45 to tell me I needed to get up and do "the light". I wanted to just hang up on him but instead I listened to his wisdom and reluctantly got up, did my devotions and headed downstairs to pull out "the light". I was at a pretty low point and felt like it was going to be no use. But I didn't want to go against Hubby. Actually, truth be known, I figured I would do it, see no change and just be able to say "told you so" and go on with my pity party.
But in incredible thing happened after I did the light. I actually didn't feel worse, in fact, it felt good. So the next day, I got up again and did "the light". Within a few days I was getting up at 6:30 all on my own compared to the dragging myself to get up at 7:30 (if I was lucky---it was really closer to 8).
Today made day # 11 with "the light". I wish I started this back in October when I was feeling myself slip. My mood is SO much better. I am not as anxious or easily irritated. I am enjoying life again. I have hope.
The light isn't the only thing making the difference. I also take B6 and B12 every morning now. I read that B6 can help with the production of serotonin. Low levels of serotonin have been found to be associated with depression.
Of course I know that the One True Light is God. When I was feeling lower than low I felt forgotten. I felt God and I were just not connecting. But I pressed through. It can be tough, but I held on to His word, meditating on His promise, sang out His songs just knowing that even though I felt alone, He was holding me the whole time.
I figured there might be others out there that could benefit from this post. There are others who might be wondering what this light looks like. So here it is. These three things have made a HUGE difference in my life.
Vitamins B6 and B12, "the light" and The One True Light--God's Word
Okay, I have a feeling that for the average person you are not too excited. But for me, it means I am that much closer to longer days.
A few weeks ago I wrote about S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and it's effects on me. Well I wanted to give you an update. Back on December 12th, I was woken up bright, no let me change that to dark and early by my hubby. He called at about 6:45 to tell me I needed to get up and do "the light". I wanted to just hang up on him but instead I listened to his wisdom and reluctantly got up, did my devotions and headed downstairs to pull out "the light". I was at a pretty low point and felt like it was going to be no use. But I didn't want to go against Hubby. Actually, truth be known, I figured I would do it, see no change and just be able to say "told you so" and go on with my pity party.
But in incredible thing happened after I did the light. I actually didn't feel worse, in fact, it felt good. So the next day, I got up again and did "the light". Within a few days I was getting up at 6:30 all on my own compared to the dragging myself to get up at 7:30 (if I was lucky---it was really closer to 8).
Today made day # 11 with "the light". I wish I started this back in October when I was feeling myself slip. My mood is SO much better. I am not as anxious or easily irritated. I am enjoying life again. I have hope.
The light isn't the only thing making the difference. I also take B6 and B12 every morning now. I read that B6 can help with the production of serotonin. Low levels of serotonin have been found to be associated with depression.
Of course I know that the One True Light is God. When I was feeling lower than low I felt forgotten. I felt God and I were just not connecting. But I pressed through. It can be tough, but I held on to His word, meditating on His promise, sang out His songs just knowing that even though I felt alone, He was holding me the whole time.
I figured there might be others out there that could benefit from this post. There are others who might be wondering what this light looks like. So here it is. These three things have made a HUGE difference in my life.
Vitamins B6 and B12, "the light" and The One True Light--God's WordYou might be also wondering why I chose 6 Seconds as my title today. That is because the weather man today said we had 6 seconds more sunlight today than yesterday. 6 seconds. That's enough to make me happy today : )
Chirstmas Cookies
I did LOTS of baking this weekend.
I will start in the middle with Sugar cookie candy cane, starting in the upper right going around clockwise---Hazelnut Tea Cookie, Chocolate Dipped Macaroons, Crinkle Cookies (thanks Kate), Fudge (thanks Wendy), Peanut Butter Blossom.
I will be giving them out to neighbors, CJ's guitar teacher, Early Intervention, and the Social Worker. I already gave a plate to my sister.
I will start in the middle with Sugar cookie candy cane, starting in the upper right going around clockwise---Hazelnut Tea Cookie, Chocolate Dipped Macaroons, Crinkle Cookies (thanks Kate), Fudge (thanks Wendy), Peanut Butter Blossom.I will be giving them out to neighbors, CJ's guitar teacher, Early Intervention, and the Social Worker. I already gave a plate to my sister.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Still Snowing
It's still snowing and I'm still baking. Yesterday I made fudge, hazelnut tea cookies and chocolate dipped macaroons. Today I will be working on 3 more creations.
We are planning on watching The Santa Clause 3 (we watched 1 and 2 already this past week), eating popcorn and playing some games with the kids. The kids are really excited because I took their Game Boys out. Since they haven't played them in at least 6 months (probably longer), it is like they are brand new toys to them.
So how's your weather? What are you doing this weekend?
We are planning on watching The Santa Clause 3 (we watched 1 and 2 already this past week), eating popcorn and playing some games with the kids. The kids are really excited because I took their Game Boys out. Since they haven't played them in at least 6 months (probably longer), it is like they are brand new toys to them.
So how's your weather? What are you doing this weekend?
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Snowy Weekend
Today is day two of my Snowed in weekend. Yesterday (into the night) we got 12 inches of snow. This is outside my back door.
This is outside my front door.
Well one thing you should know about me.....I HATE SNOW!!!! Yeah, it's pretty on a postcard but besides that, yuck!
I am however, enjoying the fact that I have no plans to leave this house until Monday morning. We are suppose to get more snow tomorrow so I will not be going to church.
Yesterday Chris worked 14 hours. Today he will be doing the same. The kids had a very good day yesterday. I think it is because I kept them busy with activities. Before the snow started I ran to the market (along with a few other hundred people) to pick up supplies for the weekend. No, I did not need milk and bread (which I don't get that whole thing anyway. If you are snowed in what are you going to make with milk and bread? Never been able to figure that one out). I went to the market to buy the rest of my baking supplies. I had already been planning to do some baking this weekend and now I have the perfect snowed in weekend to do it. After the market I stopped at the library and picked up lots of movies (different ones for different age groups) and a couple of books.
Once they were done with one activity I moved them on to the next. They watched Toy Story, colored, made a club, read books, played in the snow, and had hot chocolate with whip cream. The day was fabulous. It wasn't until about 6:30 did things go a little sour. Chris was on is way home and I was finishing up dinner. They didn't have an "activity" to do so they started getting a little wild. Luckily, Chris came home and he occupied them. After dinner we played Gestures. I then let the 3 middle kids sleep under the Christmas Tree. It was a hallmark moment.
The kids are already chopping at the bit to get outside today. It is 19 degrees out right now and it is still a little too early for our neighbors. I am hoping today will go as smoothly as yesterday.
This is outside my front door.
Well one thing you should know about me.....I HATE SNOW!!!! Yeah, it's pretty on a postcard but besides that, yuck!
I am however, enjoying the fact that I have no plans to leave this house until Monday morning. We are suppose to get more snow tomorrow so I will not be going to church.
Yesterday Chris worked 14 hours. Today he will be doing the same. The kids had a very good day yesterday. I think it is because I kept them busy with activities. Before the snow started I ran to the market (along with a few other hundred people) to pick up supplies for the weekend. No, I did not need milk and bread (which I don't get that whole thing anyway. If you are snowed in what are you going to make with milk and bread? Never been able to figure that one out). I went to the market to buy the rest of my baking supplies. I had already been planning to do some baking this weekend and now I have the perfect snowed in weekend to do it. After the market I stopped at the library and picked up lots of movies (different ones for different age groups) and a couple of books.
Once they were done with one activity I moved them on to the next. They watched Toy Story, colored, made a club, read books, played in the snow, and had hot chocolate with whip cream. The day was fabulous. It wasn't until about 6:30 did things go a little sour. Chris was on is way home and I was finishing up dinner. They didn't have an "activity" to do so they started getting a little wild. Luckily, Chris came home and he occupied them. After dinner we played Gestures. I then let the 3 middle kids sleep under the Christmas Tree. It was a hallmark moment.
The kids are already chopping at the bit to get outside today. It is 19 degrees out right now and it is still a little too early for our neighbors. I am hoping today will go as smoothly as yesterday.
Friday, December 19, 2008
SSHHH---Mom's Christmas Gift
I finally finished my Mom's Christmas gift early Thursday morning (around 1 a.m.). If it wasn't for my friend Pam and her daughter JoHannah I would never had been able to finish it. This is only the second quilt I have made. Besides doing home-ec in jr. high this is the extent of my sewing experience. I remembered how to do the inside part from the last one but I didn't know how to put it together from there. Pam opened up her home to me Wednesday and I went over kid free. Not only did they bless me by giving me the chance to do this, they invited me for dinner and Pam's 3 daughters wrapped ALL my Christmas presents!!!!! What a family!! Here's the finished quilt. I hope my Mom is going to like it. She knows I was making one. In fact, I did some sewing in front of her. BUT, she thinks I was making it for my mother-in-law. She has not seen the finished product.
And if that wasn't enough, JoHannah blessed me with a basket full of goodies as thank you for teaching her chemistry class.
I love gifts like this. A gift from the heart.
And if that wasn't enough, JoHannah blessed me with a basket full of goodies as thank you for teaching her chemistry class.
I love gifts like this. A gift from the heart.
Chocolate Truffle
All week I have been following a great blog series by 5 woman. They are doing a Bloggy Progressive Dinner. Each day they took turns being the host. First day was Drinks, 2nd day appetizers, 3rd salads, 4th main course and today is desserts. I have come across some wonderful recipes through this. I thought I would join in today with a dessert. My sister gave me this recipe. Many years she would bring to my house for Christmas. It was so good that I had to know how to do it myself.
Chocolate Truffle
1 Chocolate cake mix--prepare according to directions
2 instant chocolate puddings--prepare according to directions
1 tub of cool-whip
1 package of Heath Bar Crumble (you find it in the baking aisle with the chocolate chips)
1 truffle bowl
After you make the pudding and cake it is a matter of layering in the truffle bowl. I make the cake in a 13x9 pan. I cut it into many squares. It is easier to put it in the truffle bowl that way. Start with the cake. Put a down a layer down in the truffle bowl. Top it with some pudding. Next add some cool whip and then top with the Heath Bar Crumble. Then do it all over again to make another layer of all the ingredients. Put it in the fridge until you are read to serve. Enjoy!!
Head on over to The Happy Housewife for more delicious desserts. She also has a give away (that I hope I win because I could really use it).
Chocolate Truffle
1 Chocolate cake mix--prepare according to directions
2 instant chocolate puddings--prepare according to directions
1 tub of cool-whip
1 package of Heath Bar Crumble (you find it in the baking aisle with the chocolate chips)
1 truffle bowl
After you make the pudding and cake it is a matter of layering in the truffle bowl. I make the cake in a 13x9 pan. I cut it into many squares. It is easier to put it in the truffle bowl that way. Start with the cake. Put a down a layer down in the truffle bowl. Top it with some pudding. Next add some cool whip and then top with the Heath Bar Crumble. Then do it all over again to make another layer of all the ingredients. Put it in the fridge until you are read to serve. Enjoy!!
Head on over to The Happy Housewife for more delicious desserts. She also has a give away (that I hope I win because I could really use it).
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Happy Birthday Emily!!!
I can't believe it...Miss Emily Grace is 2 Today!!!! I am so blessed to be called her mommy. This was taken Friday night. All the kids were out and she helped me make the salt dough ornaments. This child cracks me up. I love her with all my heart. In fact, she's my Mocha Love!!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
New Food
I thought I would give you an update on cooking this week since I tried 2 new dinners (1 including a homemade pie crust) and cookies. 2 of the recipes I got were from the ladies at Happy to be at Home. If you haven't checked out there website it is a must. They are the whole reason I even got interested in cooking this summer. Before them, I was more than happy to let my hubby do the cooking or order out.
Not to sound full of my self but----YUMMY!!!! They were a hit with everyone. Now that is not to say that there weren't some bumps in the road.
We had Chicken Potato Pie on Tuesday (switched the day due to grocery shopping). I tried and tried to get the homemade crust to come out right, but it was....
a mess. No matter what I did the dough kept falling apart. If it didn't break when rolling it it would when I tried to lift it up. I did flour the counter top. It didn't help a bit. Honestly, I think the probably was the counter itself. It is not very smooth feeling, kind of bumpy. I am going to pick up a pastry mat before trying this again. I had to pick up each piece and lay it on the plate and then the pie.
I guess not that bad for my first try. I am hoping this will becoming easier. This is me at the beginning of making the crust....
And this is me after.......
Friday night Chris brought the middle kids to play practice for the children's church musical. They had cereal before they left. While they were gone I made Chicken and Bean Burritos. Talk about an easy recipe to put together. And it taste FANTASTIC!!! Chris, CJ and I ate it Friday night for dinner. It was so good that I served the leftovers to the whole family Saturday night with rice and topped with shredded cheese. This is going in the MUST-HAVE-AGAIN pile. I plan on making some and sticking it in the freezer for a simple lunch for me and CJ.
Saturday night the 3 middle children were in the church play. I volunteered to make cookies. I am planning on making our neighbors cookies next weekend so I have been going to Food Network daily and looking up the 12 Days of Cookies. Not only are their recipes but video's on how to prepare each. I am a visual learner so the videos were a HUGE help. I decided to make Candy Cane Cookies.
Since I was making a cookies for a larger crowd I made 2 batches of dough. The first one I did red and the second in green. On the video they mixed the food coloring in by hand. I did my whole recipe in my kitchen aide, including the food coloring. After I got done with the first dough I put it in a seperate bowl while working on the second.
I did things in steps. I made 10 balls of each color, then rolled out each color, then finally put them together. I wasn't sure if the food coloring would get on my hands and in turn get on the opposite colors dough. Also, I figured assemble style was faster.
Twisting the two colors together
This was the first set I did. I figured out a few things from this set. First, ditch the parchment paper of the counter!! It was easier to roll them out on the smooth kitchen table (maybe I should have tried the pie crust there). Also, when I twits them together, I could put a roll action to it.
Finished product..........
I impressed myself with them : ) Who would ever think I could be so talented.
Not to sound full of my self but----YUMMY!!!! They were a hit with everyone. Now that is not to say that there weren't some bumps in the road.
We had Chicken Potato Pie on Tuesday (switched the day due to grocery shopping). I tried and tried to get the homemade crust to come out right, but it was....
a mess. No matter what I did the dough kept falling apart. If it didn't break when rolling it it would when I tried to lift it up. I did flour the counter top. It didn't help a bit. Honestly, I think the probably was the counter itself. It is not very smooth feeling, kind of bumpy. I am going to pick up a pastry mat before trying this again. I had to pick up each piece and lay it on the plate and then the pie.
I guess not that bad for my first try. I am hoping this will becoming easier. This is me at the beginning of making the crust....
And this is me after.......
Friday night Chris brought the middle kids to play practice for the children's church musical. They had cereal before they left. While they were gone I made Chicken and Bean Burritos. Talk about an easy recipe to put together. And it taste FANTASTIC!!! Chris, CJ and I ate it Friday night for dinner. It was so good that I served the leftovers to the whole family Saturday night with rice and topped with shredded cheese. This is going in the MUST-HAVE-AGAIN pile. I plan on making some and sticking it in the freezer for a simple lunch for me and CJ.
Saturday night the 3 middle children were in the church play. I volunteered to make cookies. I am planning on making our neighbors cookies next weekend so I have been going to Food Network daily and looking up the 12 Days of Cookies. Not only are their recipes but video's on how to prepare each. I am a visual learner so the videos were a HUGE help. I decided to make Candy Cane Cookies.
Since I was making a cookies for a larger crowd I made 2 batches of dough. The first one I did red and the second in green. On the video they mixed the food coloring in by hand. I did my whole recipe in my kitchen aide, including the food coloring. After I got done with the first dough I put it in a seperate bowl while working on the second.
I did things in steps. I made 10 balls of each color, then rolled out each color, then finally put them together. I wasn't sure if the food coloring would get on my hands and in turn get on the opposite colors dough. Also, I figured assemble style was faster.
Twisting the two colors together
This was the first set I did. I figured out a few things from this set. First, ditch the parchment paper of the counter!! It was easier to roll them out on the smooth kitchen table (maybe I should have tried the pie crust there). Also, when I twits them together, I could put a roll action to it.Finished product..........
I impressed myself with them : ) Who would ever think I could be so talented.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Yard Pickup
We had some very wet and wild weather this past week. It blew some trash and recyclables all over the yard and street. Yesterday I asked Zachary and Alex to please go clean the yard. Most kids would have just gone outside and walked around the yard and picked stuff up. With Zachary, you never know how a job is going to be done. He brings his creativity to just about everything he does. This is what I saw when I looked outside--
Yes, I know it is December in New England but yesterday morning was very mild (the mid 50's) and he had been in the house up until this point.
Zachary is riding the bike and he had Alex go around picking stuff up and putting it all in the wagon. At some point Alex used the shovel behind him.
Yes, I know it is December in New England but yesterday morning was very mild (the mid 50's) and he had been in the house up until this point.
Zachary is riding the bike and he had Alex go around picking stuff up and putting it all in the wagon. At some point Alex used the shovel behind him.
12 Days of Christmas
I don't know if you have heard about this group of guys. 12 years ago they were in college and put together a group. This was a video of them back in 1996 singing at their college. After college they all went on there way and 2 years ago someone (I believe one of the members of the group) posted this video on youtube so family and friends could enjoy. Well they ended up getting 2 million hits, 1 beginning from the President of Atlantic Records. He signed them to a 5 record deal. Can you believe the power of the web!
I got a kick out of the song. If you are not family with the song Africa by Toto you might want to listen to it first to get the full effect. BTW, the name of this group is called Straight No Chaser. I am sure when they all were in college they thought this was a funny name. I wonder now that they are all grown men how they feel about it.
I got a kick out of the song. If you are not family with the song Africa by Toto you might want to listen to it first to get the full effect. BTW, the name of this group is called Straight No Chaser. I am sure when they all were in college they thought this was a funny name. I wonder now that they are all grown men how they feel about it.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
CBD CODE!!!
Hurry!! CBD sent me a code that is good until Dec. 11 at 11:59 p.m.. It is good for 10% off an order of $50 or more. This code CAN be used more than once. The code is 289305.
And if you can, please go through my CBD link on my side bar. I do get $$ if you do.
Thanks : )
And if you can, please go through my CBD link on my side bar. I do get $$ if you do.
Thanks : )
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
What a Great Difference
Today I went to see my Nurse Practitioner at the Family Practice I go to. I have been having high blood pressure issues for the last couple of months. I have been exercising atleast 2-3 times a week for the last month. I know it needs to be more, but it is a start. I have also lost (according to my scale this morning) 4 pounds over the month too. I have been trying to cut back here and there (like not getting a Frapacinno from Starbucks every time I go to Target--or drive by Target for that matter). The blood pressure was slightly better but still high. I have a physical scheduled for the end of January and we will recheck it then. My goal is to lose 5 more pounds by the time I see her.
I spoke to her about my winter depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D. for short). I told her that after having two great years where I wasn't even fazed by winter this year it has been tough. I would say I started to feel the affects around October. I told her that some days I feel like I do everything I can just to hold it together. I can start crying very easily, crave carbs (and chocolate) more than usual, and just straight up don't want to get up before 7:30...but yet I would love to crawl in bed by 8 p.m., energy is gone. And my poor kids have gotten the blunt end with my mood (big time grabby patty). So after telling my NP, Kathy, all this she asked me how I was doing with getting into the Word. Uh, well....not so much. I feel at times very distant from God...very unworthy. She reminded me how a few years ago I told her that God used the S.A.D. to draw me closer to Him.
During that time I was getting up early before anybody else in the house. I would use a light box for atleast 30 minutes and during this time I would meditate on His word and pray. After that I would put worship music on. I would fill myself up with Him instead of looking to myself to get through this. Kathy reminded me of this today. I left feeling a little better and I know what I need to be doing.
Depression is very lonely. There is one song that sums up how I feel. Take a listen. This was the best video of the song I could find on youtube. His mouth and the words don't line up. Pay that no mind. Instead, close your eyes and just listen to the words.
I thank God that I have the N.P. that I do. Most would have quickly just written a prescription and sent me on my way. What a great difference it makes to go to someone that can gently remind you to look to the Lord.
I spoke to her about my winter depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D. for short). I told her that after having two great years where I wasn't even fazed by winter this year it has been tough. I would say I started to feel the affects around October. I told her that some days I feel like I do everything I can just to hold it together. I can start crying very easily, crave carbs (and chocolate) more than usual, and just straight up don't want to get up before 7:30...but yet I would love to crawl in bed by 8 p.m., energy is gone. And my poor kids have gotten the blunt end with my mood (big time grabby patty). So after telling my NP, Kathy, all this she asked me how I was doing with getting into the Word. Uh, well....not so much. I feel at times very distant from God...very unworthy. She reminded me how a few years ago I told her that God used the S.A.D. to draw me closer to Him.
During that time I was getting up early before anybody else in the house. I would use a light box for atleast 30 minutes and during this time I would meditate on His word and pray. After that I would put worship music on. I would fill myself up with Him instead of looking to myself to get through this. Kathy reminded me of this today. I left feeling a little better and I know what I need to be doing.
Depression is very lonely. There is one song that sums up how I feel. Take a listen. This was the best video of the song I could find on youtube. His mouth and the words don't line up. Pay that no mind. Instead, close your eyes and just listen to the words.
I thank God that I have the N.P. that I do. Most would have quickly just written a prescription and sent me on my way. What a great difference it makes to go to someone that can gently remind you to look to the Lord.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Menu Plan Monday, December 8th
We did pretty good sticking to our meals last. Especially considering the lack of organization I had to them. You see, I had planned on going to the market on Monday (which for me consists of about 4 different stores). Chris ended up working overtime so I didn't go. Everyday since then it has been a "run to the store and I will go and do the regular shopping tomorrow". However, I never made it to the store. Chris would either stop on his way home and pick up the few things we needed for that day or I would run to a small convenience type store. Needless to say I am sure we blew the budget. But this is a new week, right : )Last week's homemade pizza was not as homemade as I would have liked. Chris ended up picking up one of those pre-made shells. Still cost alot less than if we had ordered out.
So here goes....
Breakfast--Blueberry muffins, oatmeal, banana bread, french toast, eggs with bacon, cereal (on Sunday before church). Saturday will be OYO (Own Your Own).
Lunch--L.O. Portuguese Soup, turkey sandwiches, BLTs, grilled cheese, mac & cheese, PB&J and Sunday will either be OYO or take-out since I will most likely stay close the church since the kids are in a play at 3 p.m..
Dinner--
Monday--Chicken Pot Pie. Got this recipe from Happy to be at Home. They have a great e-recipe book with 50 recipes in it for only $4.95. Well worth the money!!! This will be my first time making a homemade crust. I will let you know how it comes out.
Tuesday--It's Taco Tuesday!!! Tacos, Rice and veggie tray
Wednesday--Red Chicken with potatoes and carrots
Thursday--Steak, baked potatoes with some sort of veggie. I am not sure what I will be having for dinner this night since I don't eat red meat.
Friday--Chicken and Bean Burritos. We were suppose to have this last week but didn't get a chance. I can't wait to have this.
Saturday--Homemade pizza. This time I am going for the homemade crust and all. Again, I got the crust recipe from Happy to be at Home.
Sunday--Cheesy Chicken Shells, salad, garlic bread.
I going to attempt at some point to make homemade bread. I am still looking for an easy recipe. I don't have a bread machine but I do have a Kitchen Aide mixer. If you know of a great recipe PLEASE let me know. I will make sure I give you credit for it : )
Head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for more Monday Menu Plans.
Weekly Wrap-up---December Off?
Do you school in December? I have decided to officially take the month off. Originally I figured I would school until December 12th. Then we took Thanksgiving week off and I changed it to December 19th with the thought that we needed to make up the week we took off. Then last week hit.
Monday the house was a mess from the weekend. I used the morning for us to clean and do chores we should have done over the weekend. Chris picked up an overtime and wasn't getting home until 7:30 p.m. (he left the house at 3:30 a.m.). While it is Fantastic that he was able to make some extra money (especially in the state of our economy) I had to make changes to our day. While CJ was at guitar lessons I brought the other 4 kids to Target and BJ's for a few groceries (the original plan was to do a complete shopping that day when Chris got home). We picked CJ up and dropped him off at the highschool for football practice. At 3 I was finally able to put a very cranky toddler down for a nap. By now I needed a break and sent the kids outside while Emily slept. Believe it or not but as crazy as it may sound, at 5 p.m. when the kids came in I actually tried doing school. This probably would have worked out better than it did but Emily then woke up from her nap and she was in a worse mood than when she went to bed. I tried putting Blue's Clue on but she would only watch it if I held her. After almost an hour of this I raised the white flag in defeat. The rest of the night consisted of both Emily and I in tears. When Chris got home at 7:30 he said we could just order Pizza from down the street or cereal. I was determined at this point to give him a good meal after working such a long day. After a few more bumps in the road we finally sat down for dinner at 8:45 p.m.!!!! Thank goodness, it tasted great and it was worth the wait (chicken parmesan, spaghetti and a salad). I went to bed with a very heavy heart and felt like (again) I was a failure.
Tuesday I felt slightly better but I knew something had to change. First up....schools cancelled until January. I don't know why I keep thinking it would be a good idea to school through December. Life in general is busy added to it birthdays and special events. Now when I say no school I mean not in the traditional sense. We will be using this time to do Christmas crafts, bake cookies for neighbors and friends and spend time together as a family playing games and watching movies. I am hoping we could do a nursing home trip.
Next, I need to do some serious planning for January. There is the saying "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." We have been working without any set structure to our day or me planning things out. I keep saying these are things I need to do but then life gets busy and I don't. I am re-reading Managers of Their Home right now. Good stuff. I believe this is just what we need.
Wednesday Chris and I did our Christmas shopping : ) Except for a CBD order I believe we are done (except for each other). A lovely friend of mine has volunteered her daughters to help me wrap. Last year she made the same offer and passed on it. Boy was that dumb. There I was Christmas Eve finishing the wrapping. I won't do that again.
Thursday and Friday were better days even though I was feeling under the weather with a cold. Thursday we went to high school co-op. It is real hard to stay focused this time of year (and the cold didn't help). It was decided this week that we will make this coming Thursday our last co-op until January. Yahoo!!! I think we could ALL use the break.
Friday we made our first craft. It was a Christmas snowman. The project itself didn't go all that well. The glue wasn't holding very well. But you know what.....he Christmas CD that was playing made up for it. While the kids were finishing up I made Chocolate Crinkle cookies. We were then suppose to decorate the tree but we hit a snag (this is for another post). This was gonna have to wait. CJ has been in a play at the church this weekend so Jessie, my mother and sister and myself went to go see it. TALK ABOUT FANTASTIC!!!! Again, I am hoping to do a post of it tomorrow.
Saturday the middle kids had play practice in the morning, CJ had the play at night and in between we were able to decorate the tree. Chris brought the boys to see the play and I stayed home with the girlies. I love watching how the two sisters (or sissy's as we call them) interact. Emily went to bed around 7:30, Jessica 8:30 and then I had almost 2 hours of quietness. I love these stolen moments.
Monday the house was a mess from the weekend. I used the morning for us to clean and do chores we should have done over the weekend. Chris picked up an overtime and wasn't getting home until 7:30 p.m. (he left the house at 3:30 a.m.). While it is Fantastic that he was able to make some extra money (especially in the state of our economy) I had to make changes to our day. While CJ was at guitar lessons I brought the other 4 kids to Target and BJ's for a few groceries (the original plan was to do a complete shopping that day when Chris got home). We picked CJ up and dropped him off at the highschool for football practice. At 3 I was finally able to put a very cranky toddler down for a nap. By now I needed a break and sent the kids outside while Emily slept. Believe it or not but as crazy as it may sound, at 5 p.m. when the kids came in I actually tried doing school. This probably would have worked out better than it did but Emily then woke up from her nap and she was in a worse mood than when she went to bed. I tried putting Blue's Clue on but she would only watch it if I held her. After almost an hour of this I raised the white flag in defeat. The rest of the night consisted of both Emily and I in tears. When Chris got home at 7:30 he said we could just order Pizza from down the street or cereal. I was determined at this point to give him a good meal after working such a long day. After a few more bumps in the road we finally sat down for dinner at 8:45 p.m.!!!! Thank goodness, it tasted great and it was worth the wait (chicken parmesan, spaghetti and a salad). I went to bed with a very heavy heart and felt like (again) I was a failure.
Tuesday I felt slightly better but I knew something had to change. First up....schools cancelled until January. I don't know why I keep thinking it would be a good idea to school through December. Life in general is busy added to it birthdays and special events. Now when I say no school I mean not in the traditional sense. We will be using this time to do Christmas crafts, bake cookies for neighbors and friends and spend time together as a family playing games and watching movies. I am hoping we could do a nursing home trip.
Next, I need to do some serious planning for January. There is the saying "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." We have been working without any set structure to our day or me planning things out. I keep saying these are things I need to do but then life gets busy and I don't. I am re-reading Managers of Their Home right now. Good stuff. I believe this is just what we need.
Wednesday Chris and I did our Christmas shopping : ) Except for a CBD order I believe we are done (except for each other). A lovely friend of mine has volunteered her daughters to help me wrap. Last year she made the same offer and passed on it. Boy was that dumb. There I was Christmas Eve finishing the wrapping. I won't do that again.
Thursday and Friday were better days even though I was feeling under the weather with a cold. Thursday we went to high school co-op. It is real hard to stay focused this time of year (and the cold didn't help). It was decided this week that we will make this coming Thursday our last co-op until January. Yahoo!!! I think we could ALL use the break.
Friday we made our first craft. It was a Christmas snowman. The project itself didn't go all that well. The glue wasn't holding very well. But you know what.....he Christmas CD that was playing made up for it. While the kids were finishing up I made Chocolate Crinkle cookies. We were then suppose to decorate the tree but we hit a snag (this is for another post). This was gonna have to wait. CJ has been in a play at the church this weekend so Jessie, my mother and sister and myself went to go see it. TALK ABOUT FANTASTIC!!!! Again, I am hoping to do a post of it tomorrow.
Saturday the middle kids had play practice in the morning, CJ had the play at night and in between we were able to decorate the tree. Chris brought the boys to see the play and I stayed home with the girlies. I love watching how the two sisters (or sissy's as we call them) interact. Emily went to bed around 7:30, Jessica 8:30 and then I had almost 2 hours of quietness. I love these stolen moments.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Target Fun
The 3 middle kids had practice today for a play they are going to be in at church. On the way home I stopped at Target to pick up 1 package of lights for our tree. CJ went off with Alex to get the lights and I, along with the other 3, headed over to the shoe department in search of a pair of black shoes for Emily. When the boys caught up to me this is what they were wearing....
Alex
CJ and I both think he looks like one of the Wendy's commercials.
CJ
Not to be out done, Jessica and Zachary had to get in on it(yes, I gave them permission to go over and find hats...it looked like fun!).
Jessica "I love you" signs
Zachary
AlexCJ and I both think he looks like one of the Wendy's commercials.
CJNot to be out done, Jessica and Zachary had to get in on it(yes, I gave them permission to go over and find hats...it looked like fun!).
Jessica "I love you" signs
ZacharyDo you think they are ready for the cover of the homeschooling magazine yet?
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Merry Christmas
Tomorrow we head out Christmas Shopping. A little something to get us in the Christmas Spirit.
Send your own ElfYourself eCards
Monday, December 1, 2008
Monday Menu Planning, Dec 1
Boy is it hard to get back into the swing of things. There are still lots of projects around the house that I want to get to. First things first. I will start with meal planning and shopping lists. I plan to go grocery shopping this afternoon after I drop CJ off at the highschool for football practice. Wednesday is our annual Christmas shopping trip (I wrote about it in a previous post). I want to make things as easy as possible for my mother that day so I am going to throw a roast in the crockpot before we leave. Zachary should be able to make the grill cheese so all she will have to worry about is breakfast (which Zachary could probably make too).
Hope everyone has a great week! : )
Monday--Oatmeal
English Muffin pizza
Chicken Parmesan with Tomato Basil Bread (thanks for the recipe Kate!!)
Tuesday--LaMuffins (like McMuffins you get at McDonald's but since our last name starts with La we call them LaMuffins)
Turkey Sandwiches
Ck. Stir-fry with Rice
Wednesday--Pancakes
Grill Cheese
Roast, potatoes, carrots (and a piece of chicken for me)
Thursday--French Toast (made by Chris)
Left overs or sandwiches
Chicken and Bean Burritos with Rice (again, I got this recipe from Kate's wonderful website)
Friday--Blueberry muffins
Not sure for lunch
Homemade Pizza (This will be a first!!!)
Saturday---OYO (Own Your Own) breakfast
Pasta with Kidney beans
Pork Chops, Baked Potato, green beans (since I will be at a Cookie Exchange)
Sunday--Cereal
OYO Lunch
Portugese Soup
Head on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for more Monday Menu Plans.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)