Three new ones from K.
Perhaps her general quietness makes what she does say more memorable??
K: I have to put these mittens on before I get shivered.
K: Mommy some day you'll get a break from doing the dishes when I learn how. Then you can do whatever you want, even snuggle H.
K, who is 4, after observing the effect of loose teeth on H's eating habits: I can't eat this because I think maybe this tooth (pointing) is going to be loose when I am six.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
It's a personality thing
A couple months before K was born I started observing other moms with two or more kids who were shopping. How did they do it? My H was full of energy and had been moving all four limbs continuously since she came of the womb. Sleep was the only reprieve. Getting her to hold my hand in a parking lot was like forcing hot sauce on a toddler. I finally got her to hold my hand by explaining that if she didn't, cars might not see her and they would kill her if they hit her. Those were my exact words. They made her cry. I was desperate, and my desperate story worked, for six months or so. I kept observing those moms, because I knew that with two, I needed the secret if I didn't want to have crying at the store (from them or from me).
I would see some moms at the store with three kids, each demurely holding onto the shopping cart and walking next to their moms. Those same kids would stand still in the checkout line and not grab all those horrid candies evil store managers put there to annoy mothers into spending more. Sometimes those cherubs would actually help their mothers put the groceries on the belt. My grocery store trips were headache-inducing as I would quietly yell,"H, stop touching that." ; "Don't pick that up"; "No, you can't have that" "Sit down, it's dangerous to stand up in that cart" And the only fun thing about the checkout line was the compliments on the beautiful color of my H's hair. I felt like I did all the things right, but honestly, how would I know? I went over the rules before entering the store. I used the "safety belt" in the cart (which was effective for about 2 months), I brought drinks and snacks, I didn't give in to the incessant requests for items, I reinforced good behavior. But still, I suspect my eyes were popping with envy whenever I saw a mom with children calmly walking and holding onto the cart. To make myself feel better, I would say things like, "At least my kid is spunky, I bet those kids are boring."
What did those moms know that I didn't? How much more did they discipline their kids? I only personally knew one mom with easy-to-take shopping kids. I formed a theory, based on my research with my one dear friend. K was born, and grew into a toddler. She confirmed my theory. Personality is the key. Those moms with calm kids weren't super harsh disciplinarians, their kids just had calm personalities.
K prefers to hold my hand. She's afraid to leave my side at a store. She's afraid to speak to anyone. She isn't attracted to the trinkets in the checkout line, and she likes to help me put the groceries on the belt. She is four now and I confidently take her wherever I need to go. This week she stared timidly, afraid someone might speak to her, as I got my hair washed, cut and styled. Then this morning, she sat in a chair for 45 minutes while I got my teeth x-rayed, cleaned, and examined. I never worried about her. I knew she would behave. It was lovely.
So if I see you at the store and your kid is being crazy. Don't worry. I love the energy of those kids and my days of assuming the parent must not discipline effectively are long gone, I'll just smile and offer to help if I can.
I would see some moms at the store with three kids, each demurely holding onto the shopping cart and walking next to their moms. Those same kids would stand still in the checkout line and not grab all those horrid candies evil store managers put there to annoy mothers into spending more. Sometimes those cherubs would actually help their mothers put the groceries on the belt. My grocery store trips were headache-inducing as I would quietly yell,"H, stop touching that." ; "Don't pick that up"; "No, you can't have that" "Sit down, it's dangerous to stand up in that cart" And the only fun thing about the checkout line was the compliments on the beautiful color of my H's hair. I felt like I did all the things right, but honestly, how would I know? I went over the rules before entering the store. I used the "safety belt" in the cart (which was effective for about 2 months), I brought drinks and snacks, I didn't give in to the incessant requests for items, I reinforced good behavior. But still, I suspect my eyes were popping with envy whenever I saw a mom with children calmly walking and holding onto the cart. To make myself feel better, I would say things like, "At least my kid is spunky, I bet those kids are boring."
What did those moms know that I didn't? How much more did they discipline their kids? I only personally knew one mom with easy-to-take shopping kids. I formed a theory, based on my research with my one dear friend. K was born, and grew into a toddler. She confirmed my theory. Personality is the key. Those moms with calm kids weren't super harsh disciplinarians, their kids just had calm personalities.
K prefers to hold my hand. She's afraid to leave my side at a store. She's afraid to speak to anyone. She isn't attracted to the trinkets in the checkout line, and she likes to help me put the groceries on the belt. She is four now and I confidently take her wherever I need to go. This week she stared timidly, afraid someone might speak to her, as I got my hair washed, cut and styled. Then this morning, she sat in a chair for 45 minutes while I got my teeth x-rayed, cleaned, and examined. I never worried about her. I knew she would behave. It was lovely.
So if I see you at the store and your kid is being crazy. Don't worry. I love the energy of those kids and my days of assuming the parent must not discipline effectively are long gone, I'll just smile and offer to help if I can.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday
So..I went to the old doctor last week. For all my complaining, she does have a great manner. She makes me feel cared for; she is gentle; she remembers things about me. I just don't think she is aggressive enough with my diabetes. So my lab tests weren't great....the only diabetic alarm is my blood sugars. Urine, blood pressure, etc. are all good. But my A1C, which is a three month average of blood sugars (how can they figure this out?) continues to go up. It should be around 6.5. But mine was up to 8.6, from 7.2 last time, which surprised me. 8.6 is high for someone my age and of my build. So we upped one my meds and instead of waiting 6 months for my next A1C, we will only wait 3. But, this additional dosage of med may not last three months unless I can figure out how to eat. A goal for diabetics is to keep from having high and low blood sugar readings. Steady and regular is the goal. On my own, I never have low. But this increased medicine creates them. The goal is to keep my blood sugar around 90 first thing in the morning, and between 120-160 two hours after a meal. With this added dosage, I am having trouble keeping my blood sugar in the targeted range after dinner. You'll see what I mean. I know, and am a little thankful, that with this added dosage, I have to eat more carbs for dinner. But I haven't mastered this yet, and may need to call the doctor this week. Oh and in my world, fasting means before breakfast. Thanks for reading. I always suspect these Monday posts must be so boring for you.
1/26 fasting 106
1/25 after dinner 67 (ham, broccoli, applesauce)
1/25 fasting 149 (what?--totally different from other fasting since new med started)
1/24 after dinner 101 (grilled cheese, tomato soup)
1/24 fasting 127
1/22 after dinner 108 (rice noodles, curry chicken and veggies, cheese slices)
1/22 fasting 101
1/21 after dinner 57(can't remember)
side note: need more fruit!
Those numbers are lower, but many are dangerously low. Most healthy people never drop below 80. Ahhh, the balance of medicine. My goal this week is (I can't believe I am saying this) to eat more carbs at dinner so I don't feel like fainting or vomiting a few hours after eating and to actually take a reading or two after lunch. And if like my dear grandma, all this makes you worry, try not to. While my numbers are not in the healthy range, you see people on the sidewalks and in the stores everyday who would love to have these blood sugar numbers. Love you Gram, try not to worry.
1/26 fasting 106
1/25 after dinner 67 (ham, broccoli, applesauce)
1/25 fasting 149 (what?--totally different from other fasting since new med started)
1/24 after dinner 101 (grilled cheese, tomato soup)
1/24 fasting 127
1/22 after dinner 108 (rice noodles, curry chicken and veggies, cheese slices)
1/22 fasting 101
1/21 after dinner 57(can't remember)
side note: need more fruit!
Those numbers are lower, but many are dangerously low. Most healthy people never drop below 80. Ahhh, the balance of medicine. My goal this week is (I can't believe I am saying this) to eat more carbs at dinner so I don't feel like fainting or vomiting a few hours after eating and to actually take a reading or two after lunch. And if like my dear grandma, all this makes you worry, try not to. While my numbers are not in the healthy range, you see people on the sidewalks and in the stores everyday who would love to have these blood sugar numbers. Love you Gram, try not to worry.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The Reading Hump
I used to hold my breath a lot when I listened to H read. Deep breath before the the word know, exhale, I can't believe she knows that word. Quick inhale before the word measure..wow, how did she know not to make the -ea into a long vowel sound?
There is a hump in learning to read I think. Some kids climb up and over the hump easily. Some struggle. H has made it over the hump. The hump is enough language, word and spelling awareness to decode. From an early age, teachers emphasize phonetic sounds and my little H dutifully learned the short and long vowel sounds. But phonetic sounds aren't sophisticated enough for the English language so about 1 in every 5 words (an estimate) breaks the phonetic rules. And then a reader just has to know. H struggled last year, and for the first quarter of this year with reading. In her smart school, she was lagging behind her friends who could already tackle the annoying Junie B. A little time, a switch to leveled reading groups, and some phonetic maturity and H actually likes to read a little. She gets it, but a game of chase will probably always be more appealing.
I am relieved-- though I still hold my breath too much. I always knew she would get it, that it would be fine, at least that's the confidence I verbalized. But my English teacher, arrogant, academic-self harbored a secret fear that she wouldn't. Why wasn't my kid an early reader? What if all the parts of reading never came together? What if I had to pull her out of her smart school? What if she was the worst reader in her class and it forever scarred her? Wow, can my mind travel. And it traveled even as I reassured another mom, who somehow found out I having a reading endorsement, that every kid learns to read at a different pace. And I believed my words--about that other kid.
Today I just want to say, that H is a reader and I am not as confident as my words indicate (who is?). I am so proud for H. She no longer shies away from trying to read signs, cereal boxes, and labels. She regularly asks questions about words she can't figure out and no longer throws books on the floor, having reached a peak in her patience level. She proudly reads words like nectar (on the honey jar) and then announces,"Mom, I can spell nectar." She can read, and I was privileged to watch the process. It's amazing.
There is a hump in learning to read I think. Some kids climb up and over the hump easily. Some struggle. H has made it over the hump. The hump is enough language, word and spelling awareness to decode. From an early age, teachers emphasize phonetic sounds and my little H dutifully learned the short and long vowel sounds. But phonetic sounds aren't sophisticated enough for the English language so about 1 in every 5 words (an estimate) breaks the phonetic rules. And then a reader just has to know. H struggled last year, and for the first quarter of this year with reading. In her smart school, she was lagging behind her friends who could already tackle the annoying Junie B. A little time, a switch to leveled reading groups, and some phonetic maturity and H actually likes to read a little. She gets it, but a game of chase will probably always be more appealing.
I am relieved-- though I still hold my breath too much. I always knew she would get it, that it would be fine, at least that's the confidence I verbalized. But my English teacher, arrogant, academic-self harbored a secret fear that she wouldn't. Why wasn't my kid an early reader? What if all the parts of reading never came together? What if I had to pull her out of her smart school? What if she was the worst reader in her class and it forever scarred her? Wow, can my mind travel. And it traveled even as I reassured another mom, who somehow found out I having a reading endorsement, that every kid learns to read at a different pace. And I believed my words--about that other kid.
Today I just want to say, that H is a reader and I am not as confident as my words indicate (who is?). I am so proud for H. She no longer shies away from trying to read signs, cereal boxes, and labels. She regularly asks questions about words she can't figure out and no longer throws books on the floor, having reached a peak in her patience level. She proudly reads words like nectar (on the honey jar) and then announces,"Mom, I can spell nectar." She can read, and I was privileged to watch the process. It's amazing.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
More Money Woes
I read the article last week in the paper that said the school district was laying off 63 teachers, 5 principals, and a bunch more support staff to equal 10% of all their employees. It distressed me. But I didn't get it. I couldn't imagine how they could possibly get rid of that many teachers. I am getting it now. And my stomach has dropped and churned multiple times today over the injustice of it all.
How does a district need to lay off so many teachers mid-year? It started this summer when it was discovered that the city mistakenly paid the school district $2 milllion dollars in taxes and the school district accepted the payment. The payment should have gone to the state. Then there was the 2.6 million of overspending because of "significant deficiencies" in accounting procedures. What's that mean? Sounds like someone should be fired to me and sent back to school to learn to mathematical basics.
To be fair, the former superintendent knew about all this,but he skipped town and didn't tell anyone about the mess. So when the school board approved the budget for this year, they were being fiscally responsible with the numbers they were given. And the new superintendent? I am relieved to see such wisdom and intelligence in his leadership. But still, school districts can't just have additional bake sales to stay afloat, and I've seen figures as high as 20 million in cuts projected over the next four years. The state of Michigan certainly won't be helping us. I don't know where that leaves this district except with bare bones education, giant classes, and year after year of declining enrollment.
So to stay afloat, 118 employees are gone. At H's school that translates into 3 teachers and a secretary. K's preschool is in a public school. Her school didn't lose teachers, just aides and a janitor. One of the first grade teachers at H's school got laid off. That means H's room of 23 bulges to 30 and a new classroom that is a 1st/2nd grade split will get created, midyear, with the first grade play looming on the horizon. There was also a second grade teacher who lost his job (the only male teacher in the building). And now the fifth grade teacher is coming down to teach the 1/2 split thus creating a 4/5 split classroom too. The principal and teachers are distressed. The official word of who got a slip came through Wednesday night, all changes need to be in place by Monday.
All I can think about is the kids...not so much at H's school. It's one the best schools in the state. Most of those kids have such motivated parents that they'll learn no matter what. But what about the other schools, the ones that can't make adequate yearly progress for No Child Left Behind (and this would describe over half the schools in this district). Don't they deserve smaller classes? More aides? Music, PE, Art, and Spanish? a clean school?
I'm sick of irresponsible adults. I want to cry and stamp my feet and yell at someone who can do something about this mess "It's not fair! Now give us back that money."
How does a district need to lay off so many teachers mid-year? It started this summer when it was discovered that the city mistakenly paid the school district $2 milllion dollars in taxes and the school district accepted the payment. The payment should have gone to the state. Then there was the 2.6 million of overspending because of "significant deficiencies" in accounting procedures. What's that mean? Sounds like someone should be fired to me and sent back to school to learn to mathematical basics.
To be fair, the former superintendent knew about all this,but he skipped town and didn't tell anyone about the mess. So when the school board approved the budget for this year, they were being fiscally responsible with the numbers they were given. And the new superintendent? I am relieved to see such wisdom and intelligence in his leadership. But still, school districts can't just have additional bake sales to stay afloat, and I've seen figures as high as 20 million in cuts projected over the next four years. The state of Michigan certainly won't be helping us. I don't know where that leaves this district except with bare bones education, giant classes, and year after year of declining enrollment.
So to stay afloat, 118 employees are gone. At H's school that translates into 3 teachers and a secretary. K's preschool is in a public school. Her school didn't lose teachers, just aides and a janitor. One of the first grade teachers at H's school got laid off. That means H's room of 23 bulges to 30 and a new classroom that is a 1st/2nd grade split will get created, midyear, with the first grade play looming on the horizon. There was also a second grade teacher who lost his job (the only male teacher in the building). And now the fifth grade teacher is coming down to teach the 1/2 split thus creating a 4/5 split classroom too. The principal and teachers are distressed. The official word of who got a slip came through Wednesday night, all changes need to be in place by Monday.
All I can think about is the kids...not so much at H's school. It's one the best schools in the state. Most of those kids have such motivated parents that they'll learn no matter what. But what about the other schools, the ones that can't make adequate yearly progress for No Child Left Behind (and this would describe over half the schools in this district). Don't they deserve smaller classes? More aides? Music, PE, Art, and Spanish? a clean school?
I'm sick of irresponsible adults. I want to cry and stamp my feet and yell at someone who can do something about this mess "It's not fair! Now give us back that money."
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Historic moments
I grew up in a family where you didn't talk about who you voted for. You could argue a little about politics, but mostly it was considered rude. No politics, no religion. Pretend everyone agrees to keep the peace. Well, dear family, I love you, but I've been breaking the rules for a while a now. I didn't vote for Obama. But oh my, yesterday was exciting. I kept K home from school for an extra hour so we could watch together while eating lunch. That man is inspiring and after eight years of President Bush's speeches, Obama's eloquence was a lullaby to a word lover's ears. I know I don't agree with all of Obama's stances, but the realization that an African American, who inspires hope in millions here and abroad, can become President of the United States of America in a peaceful transition of authority watched by the world, choked up my answers to many of K's questions. K asked tons of questions during the whole thing so I couldn't pay full attention. But I did take a picture of her next to the TV while the President was being sworn in. How else can I mark history? K liked that the President has little girls. She wanted to know why we call his skin black, when clearly it isn't. Why is this such a big deal? Why are they firing canons? Who is that random person with tears? If I break the glass on the TV and crawl in, where will I be? What is this song? Why do you know it? What if the President makes a new law saying rich people can't have food? Can we see the President? Can he come here? I wish I could remember more. I know K won't remember the moment. But I was privileged to share it with her. And I am so thankful for my country.
My card reader just broke so I will post the picture of K next to the TV later.
My card reader just broke so I will post the picture of K next to the TV later.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Caffeine
I've been wanting to know more about caffeine. I did some research and I posted what I learned on my Food Expansion blog if you are interested. You can vote in a little survery too.
For fun
I rode the bus with the K's class to the children's museum the other day. Normally, I use this blog to record things for my kids about them, about life. But the little boy who shared the seat with K and me was just too funny. The girl across the aisle looked mischievously at Jacob and said, " I love you Jacob." Her eyes were sparkling with pleasure at the enormity of the statement. After all, I am pretty sure that to her such a declaration meant marriage. Jacob responded by banging his large head (literally) against the back of the seat in front us.
"What's wrong Jacob?" I asked, hiding the fact that I had heard Hailey's declaration.
"She loves me," he lamented, while continuing to bang his head.
"Is that bad?"
"I already love a girl," he replied, his eyes still big about this tragedy.
"Can you love more than one?" I curiously awaited his reply.
"NO, my mom is all I can handle."
Don't worry I shared this precious moment with Jacob's mom the next time I saw her.
"What's wrong Jacob?" I asked, hiding the fact that I had heard Hailey's declaration.
"She loves me," he lamented, while continuing to bang his head.
"Is that bad?"
"I already love a girl," he replied, his eyes still big about this tragedy.
"Can you love more than one?" I curiously awaited his reply.
"NO, my mom is all I can handle."
Don't worry I shared this precious moment with Jacob's mom the next time I saw her.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Numbers
My new meter came this week. I love it as much as I could love anything that requires my blood and then spits bad news back at me. I knew you really wanted to see a picture of it. I didn't think it would be much different than my old meter, but it needs less blood and the poker has lower settings which don't hurt as much. It also does a better job of organizing my readings, and it takes averages. I haven't looked into it yet, but I can buy software to go with this meter that uses food logs, readings, etc. to track patterns. It sounds great, but may be costly. I haven't looked into it yet. And it comes in a handy little organizer, to make me feel cool I suppose.So numbers, they've been creeping up since I started recording them on here. I have a doctor's appointment Wednesday morning, with my old doctor. I am still on a waiting list for a new and improved doctor. I suspect my old doctor will ask about my numbers, I will give her my theories, she will agree and add more medicine.
And this week, (drum roll), the numbers are
Fasting 124
After Breakfast 210, 89 (I was tired of all my usual breakfasts and experimented with cinnamon puffins--it didn't go so well. The 89 was two pieces of Ezekiel toast and two hard boiled eggs)
After lunch (this is a bear of a time for me to remember....I never do)
After dinner 206 (slow cooker chicken, salad, 1 1/2 small read potatoes, and 1 1/2 pumpkin corn muffins--I think I was within recommended carb limits, but these particular carbs are very starchy)
When I post these numbers, do you feel totally confused? Do they have any meaning for you? Or do you just say, "Yea, Laura posted."
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Tidbits
We had family movie night. Popcorn and Kitt Kittenridge. I liked that movie. It wasn't high speed, there are good lessons and values and it's entertaining. I love that time together.
While snuggling K before bed she wanted a back scratch. Then an ear scratch. Then a back scratch, I finally said, "Pick one." She replied, " But you have two hands."
When we first put the girls in the same room to sleep, we found that playing lullabies or calm music dramatically decreased the silliness and talking. Two and half years later, the girls still go to sleep to music. I was singing with the music tonight as I left the room and H says, "Mom, you have a beautiful singing voice." It was sweet but made me laugh inside. I am all but completely tone deaf, can't hear a key change in a song. I am pretty sure Hadley is too, though she hasn't yet realized she can't sing well. I won't be the one to break the news.
While snuggling K before bed she wanted a back scratch. Then an ear scratch. Then a back scratch, I finally said, "Pick one." She replied, " But you have two hands."
When we first put the girls in the same room to sleep, we found that playing lullabies or calm music dramatically decreased the silliness and talking. Two and half years later, the girls still go to sleep to music. I was singing with the music tonight as I left the room and H says, "Mom, you have a beautiful singing voice." It was sweet but made me laugh inside. I am all but completely tone deaf, can't hear a key change in a song. I am pretty sure Hadley is too, though she hasn't yet realized she can't sing well. I won't be the one to break the news.
Friday, January 16, 2009
A disappearing camera
This true story happened last week. Part of me doesn't want to tell it. It doesn't showcase my best characteristics. But God had lessons in it and it should be recorded.
Two Fridays ago, we had a party. Just some friends, some soup, and some games. We did the usual pre-party cleaning and preparing. I even thought, I should put my purse and camera away, just in case. It's not that I didn't trust my friends, but I didn't know who was coming.
Then I needed my camera so I got it out again. In a rush, I left the camera in plain site on my desk. Then the party started.
It was a fun evening with fellowship, Taboo, Apple to Apples and foozball. I knew everyone who came, at least by appearance, except for one couple that some friends brought. Those unknowns only stayed 20 minutes. I figured we weren't having their kind of party.
On Monday, I needed my camera. I couldn't find it. I retraced my steps. It wasn't in any of the places I usually put it. It wasn't in any of places I regularly set things in my absentmindedness. It wasn't in its case. I couldn't even find the card reader that usually sits on my desk. I had a sinking certainty that my camera had been stolen. I've been known to misplace many things, so I kept looking. But that unknown couple, who slipped in and out stood out in my mind as suspicious. I feared my camera had been stolen. After a few days, I became certain.
The theft turned into a personal struggle with God. My inward conversations with the Almighty went something like,"God, I know you promise to give those who love you what they need. But you only think we need food and clothing. This is technically true. And I want to be content with that. But I need a camera." Obviously I don't need a camera. I want a camera. One of my favorite, and most prideful, activities is to record the events and emotions of my families' life as it passes--in words and pictures. How would I record that hole in H's mouth when the wiggly tooth finally came out? What about the first grade play in February? And what about all those Christmas pictures that I hadn't uploaded yet that were lost? I cried. I got angry. I could probably get enough birthday money in March to buy a new camera, but I didn't want to spend my birthday money on a new camera when I was happy with the one I used to have. And then I was dismayed. I was whining about a camera when I had so much. I even had means in the future to replace the camera. My greed and materialism were shining brightly.
When I told a few people about the loss, they suggested I confront the people, since I knew who brought them to our party. Or start checking the pawn shops. I knew that this was God's battle, not mine. People don't like this answer. Or they were hoping to be helpful. If I found my camera in the pawn shop how would I prove it was mine? Hope the thief hadn't erased the existing pictures? And if you didn't know for certain that someone had stolen something, or even if you did, would really confront them? Beg them for the picture card back? Even as I whined and cried, I also wanted to be content with what God had given me. Which, at that point, was not a camera. A classic internal battle waged on and I prayed it would end with an attitude that pleased God.
This past Tuesday, I was sorting bills. I opened an old antique desk in my living room and though the true color is dull silver, inside was a shining silver camera. I didn't leap or shout for joy. I was embarrassed. I hadn't overcome my struggles to be content with what I had, but I had accused innocent, unknown people who merely left my party quickly. To those people, if you ever read this, forgive me.
God's glimpse into the more visceral desires and leanings of my heart are humbling. I am thankful to have my camera again. I still have no idea how it got into that old desk. I swear I left in on my computer desk. But I have no doubt that God was speaking into my life. I pray the lesson takes root in my heart.
Now, how would you react if you lost one of your favorite possessions?
Two Fridays ago, we had a party. Just some friends, some soup, and some games. We did the usual pre-party cleaning and preparing. I even thought, I should put my purse and camera away, just in case. It's not that I didn't trust my friends, but I didn't know who was coming.
Then I needed my camera so I got it out again. In a rush, I left the camera in plain site on my desk. Then the party started.
It was a fun evening with fellowship, Taboo, Apple to Apples and foozball. I knew everyone who came, at least by appearance, except for one couple that some friends brought. Those unknowns only stayed 20 minutes. I figured we weren't having their kind of party.
On Monday, I needed my camera. I couldn't find it. I retraced my steps. It wasn't in any of the places I usually put it. It wasn't in any of places I regularly set things in my absentmindedness. It wasn't in its case. I couldn't even find the card reader that usually sits on my desk. I had a sinking certainty that my camera had been stolen. I've been known to misplace many things, so I kept looking. But that unknown couple, who slipped in and out stood out in my mind as suspicious. I feared my camera had been stolen. After a few days, I became certain.
The theft turned into a personal struggle with God. My inward conversations with the Almighty went something like,"God, I know you promise to give those who love you what they need. But you only think we need food and clothing. This is technically true. And I want to be content with that. But I need a camera." Obviously I don't need a camera. I want a camera. One of my favorite, and most prideful, activities is to record the events and emotions of my families' life as it passes--in words and pictures. How would I record that hole in H's mouth when the wiggly tooth finally came out? What about the first grade play in February? And what about all those Christmas pictures that I hadn't uploaded yet that were lost? I cried. I got angry. I could probably get enough birthday money in March to buy a new camera, but I didn't want to spend my birthday money on a new camera when I was happy with the one I used to have. And then I was dismayed. I was whining about a camera when I had so much. I even had means in the future to replace the camera. My greed and materialism were shining brightly.
When I told a few people about the loss, they suggested I confront the people, since I knew who brought them to our party. Or start checking the pawn shops. I knew that this was God's battle, not mine. People don't like this answer. Or they were hoping to be helpful. If I found my camera in the pawn shop how would I prove it was mine? Hope the thief hadn't erased the existing pictures? And if you didn't know for certain that someone had stolen something, or even if you did, would really confront them? Beg them for the picture card back? Even as I whined and cried, I also wanted to be content with what God had given me. Which, at that point, was not a camera. A classic internal battle waged on and I prayed it would end with an attitude that pleased God.
This past Tuesday, I was sorting bills. I opened an old antique desk in my living room and though the true color is dull silver, inside was a shining silver camera. I didn't leap or shout for joy. I was embarrassed. I hadn't overcome my struggles to be content with what I had, but I had accused innocent, unknown people who merely left my party quickly. To those people, if you ever read this, forgive me.
God's glimpse into the more visceral desires and leanings of my heart are humbling. I am thankful to have my camera again. I still have no idea how it got into that old desk. I swear I left in on my computer desk. But I have no doubt that God was speaking into my life. I pray the lesson takes root in my heart.
Now, how would you react if you lost one of your favorite possessions?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
No cameras allowed
My heart's been full lately from our morning routine. I wish I could record it for posterity, for -those hard-to-keep -going moments. But I don't know how to do hidden video and my girls are old enough that a real camera in sight would change the words, the tones, the expressions. This written account will have to suffice.
Each morning the girls come downstairs, groggy and dragging. They curl up next to me and we talk. Then we read the Bible. Currently, we are in Exodus. I do use my NIV, because they the girls understand it and it's the real deal. I skip the parts that would blog them down with vocab and details. I read for less than five minutes. Then we talk about what we read. This morning was about the quail and manna and how it melted in the afternoon. Finally we work on our scripture memory. The girls, both of them, just finished Psalm 23. I wish I could record K's little voice reciting that entire Psalm, with little yawns in between stanzas and I wish I could memorize the feeling of holding her, tucked under my arm, her legs wrapped in a warm blanket. Or H's more confident voice, proud of her accomplishment and wanting to learn more. The only light in the house at that point is the table lamp next to the love seat. And it's quiet, except for the three of us. A calm, safe prelude before the craziness of the day. I end in the moment with prayer for their days. I try to imagine those verses I teach them wrapping them in strength to stand strong in the world since they both have time away from the nest. I am so fortunate to have such moments.
Each morning the girls come downstairs, groggy and dragging. They curl up next to me and we talk. Then we read the Bible. Currently, we are in Exodus. I do use my NIV, because they the girls understand it and it's the real deal. I skip the parts that would blog them down with vocab and details. I read for less than five minutes. Then we talk about what we read. This morning was about the quail and manna and how it melted in the afternoon. Finally we work on our scripture memory. The girls, both of them, just finished Psalm 23. I wish I could record K's little voice reciting that entire Psalm, with little yawns in between stanzas and I wish I could memorize the feeling of holding her, tucked under my arm, her legs wrapped in a warm blanket. Or H's more confident voice, proud of her accomplishment and wanting to learn more. The only light in the house at that point is the table lamp next to the love seat. And it's quiet, except for the three of us. A calm, safe prelude before the craziness of the day. I end in the moment with prayer for their days. I try to imagine those verses I teach them wrapping them in strength to stand strong in the world since they both have time away from the nest. I am so fortunate to have such moments.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Ballet Lessons
Ballet lessons? Or Business lessons? I got spoiled in Bozeman. The little dance studio where H took two years of lessons was a low key business with the slogan "A new approach to dance." I didn't know exactly what the slogan met. I do now and I so desire "A new approach to dance." H has abandoned dance for other pursuits, but K was anxious to start. Not wanting to do soccer and dance (she is only 4), I waited until October to sign her up and then my choices were limited. Most places were full. I found a "studio" less than a mile from my house and the fees seemed reasonable. Accept that she didn't tell me everything.
In Bozeman we paid, $40 a month for lessons and $32 for a recital costume. The recital was low key, free, and we could bring as many people as we wanted. The costumes were cute, but always something that could be worn to class next year. The classes were in a lovely second floor studio with old wood floors, walls of windows and mirrors. I've seen better studios, but this one was nice. The recital was fun with a break after the little kids performed so they could join their families to watch the older girls.
Here we pay $30 a month for the same length of class, $72 for a costume that will have to go in the dress up bin, $11 per ticket for the recital, and we have to hire a babysitter for backstage during the performance because she doesn't get to watch the older girls. I was shocked. Shouldn't all this be part of the up-front information? The owner says, but this isn't a recital is it a show, "The students need to know the performance aspect of dance." Please. K is four. She needs to learn vocabulary, to control her body, to use her body to express emotions, to have fun and to give a little RECITAL at the end of the year to show off what she has learned. Save the SHOW for the older kids who are sold on dance, who do need to learn about performance. And did I mention this studio is a cement floor in a basement with cheap Walmart door mirrors on the floor? There are only four little girls which is nice. I've called around and the expensive costumes, paying for the recital tickets even if you are the parents, seems to be the norm around here. I wish I was a dancer. I would start my own studio. Part of me wants to demand a refund and let K go do gymnastics with her sister. I don't appreciate hidden costs.
Is all this normal?
In Bozeman we paid, $40 a month for lessons and $32 for a recital costume. The recital was low key, free, and we could bring as many people as we wanted. The costumes were cute, but always something that could be worn to class next year. The classes were in a lovely second floor studio with old wood floors, walls of windows and mirrors. I've seen better studios, but this one was nice. The recital was fun with a break after the little kids performed so they could join their families to watch the older girls.
Here we pay $30 a month for the same length of class, $72 for a costume that will have to go in the dress up bin, $11 per ticket for the recital, and we have to hire a babysitter for backstage during the performance because she doesn't get to watch the older girls. I was shocked. Shouldn't all this be part of the up-front information? The owner says, but this isn't a recital is it a show, "The students need to know the performance aspect of dance." Please. K is four. She needs to learn vocabulary, to control her body, to use her body to express emotions, to have fun and to give a little RECITAL at the end of the year to show off what she has learned. Save the SHOW for the older kids who are sold on dance, who do need to learn about performance. And did I mention this studio is a cement floor in a basement with cheap Walmart door mirrors on the floor? There are only four little girls which is nice. I've called around and the expensive costumes, paying for the recital tickets even if you are the parents, seems to be the norm around here. I wish I was a dancer. I would start my own studio. Part of me wants to demand a refund and let K go do gymnastics with her sister. I don't appreciate hidden costs.
Is all this normal?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
For Grandma
When we moved from Montana to Michigan, my mom and my grandma sat down with a tape recorder and read their favorite children's book. The girls listened to those stories on tape during the long drive between states, and they listen to the stories around town, a year and half later. They would listen to the stories every day, but I don't let them. Even though Grandma is an excellent reader, I can't listen to Gertrude McFuzz too many times without going crazy.
This morning on the way to MOPS, K was listening to her great grandma ( whose face she may not even remember, but she knows her voice) read The Velveteen Rabbit. K is normally silent in the car. I often forget she is there but suddenly her little voice said excitedly, "Mommy, the Velveteen Rabbit is like Pillowcase." Pillowcase is a flannel pillowcase that K carries around. Smelling it makes her feel safe. It is now threadbare, and has a giant hole in middle with a few long, brave threads spanning the abyss to hold the thing together. Now I know she understands the story.
Anyone know how to get a tape transferred to a CD?
This morning on the way to MOPS, K was listening to her great grandma ( whose face she may not even remember, but she knows her voice) read The Velveteen Rabbit. K is normally silent in the car. I often forget she is there but suddenly her little voice said excitedly, "Mommy, the Velveteen Rabbit is like Pillowcase." Pillowcase is a flannel pillowcase that K carries around. Smelling it makes her feel safe. It is now threadbare, and has a giant hole in middle with a few long, brave threads spanning the abyss to hold the thing together. Now I know she understands the story.
Anyone know how to get a tape transferred to a CD?
Food Expansion
I am adding a file. Aka another blog. The main purpose of this blog for me is to record the my thoughts on parenting and culture, to record my kids, and to vent. It's kind of a memory book for my girls and a writer's notebook for me. Now I want to separate my recipes and food notes into a new location so I started a new blog.
www.foodexpansion.blogspot.com
The first few posts on Food Expansion are resurrected from this blog. I'll keep moving some of the food posts from this blog to my new blog as time permits. I have a ton of thoughts, questions, recipes, and facts about food floating in my head. I don't post them often because I just don't know if people want to read them. Since my most dedicated readers are my family, maybe they really just want to read about the kids. Now you can pick. Read one blog, read two blogs, read none. Truthfully, these blogs are more therapy for me, but I enjoy sharing and getting feedback.
www.foodexpansion.blogspot.com
The first few posts on Food Expansion are resurrected from this blog. I'll keep moving some of the food posts from this blog to my new blog as time permits. I have a ton of thoughts, questions, recipes, and facts about food floating in my head. I don't post them often because I just don't know if people want to read them. Since my most dedicated readers are my family, maybe they really just want to read about the kids. Now you can pick. Read one blog, read two blogs, read none. Truthfully, these blogs are more therapy for me, but I enjoy sharing and getting feedback.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Of Doctors, Meters and Numbers
I let the ball drop completely this week. I only did three readings and they are mostly bad. One is from lunch today. I did fine for lunch, but then I was still hungry and ate about twice as many saltines as I should have. You know. The crackers were still out. I pass them every time I walk through the kitchen, and grab one. And I pass through the kitchen a lot. Those crackers have about zero nutrition and they release sugar to my blood about as quickly as candy. I already knew all this. I think I was just hoping.
Apparently I made a doctor appointment about six months ago. I don't know where I put the appointment, but I do know that in June of 2008 I didn't have a 2009 calendar and I so I got a nasty note from my doctor's office threatening to drop me if I miss two more appointments. At least I don't have to pay a fee but seriously don't most office call and remind you of my appointment? So I have no lab test results.
On the more exciting side well exciting to me, the company I buy my testing supplies from called and offered to send me a new meter. I had been wondering about my meter, it is six-year-olds and how can I know it still works right? So supposedly a new free meter is coming and supposedly my insurance will cover all the testing strips and lancets. Maybe you have no idea what I am taking about. Should I take a picture of my meter? Do you want more explanation?
So here are my three not-s0-great numbers for the week.
fasting 151 really high, why?
after lunch: 234...yikes, darn those saltines
after dinner 158 a good number really considering I ate pulled BBQ pork sandwiches and veggies. BBQ is full of sugar.
Apparently I made a doctor appointment about six months ago. I don't know where I put the appointment, but I do know that in June of 2008 I didn't have a 2009 calendar and I so I got a nasty note from my doctor's office threatening to drop me if I miss two more appointments. At least I don't have to pay a fee but seriously don't most office call and remind you of my appointment? So I have no lab test results.
On the more exciting side well exciting to me, the company I buy my testing supplies from called and offered to send me a new meter. I had been wondering about my meter, it is six-year-olds and how can I know it still works right? So supposedly a new free meter is coming and supposedly my insurance will cover all the testing strips and lancets. Maybe you have no idea what I am taking about. Should I take a picture of my meter? Do you want more explanation?
So here are my three not-s0-great numbers for the week.
fasting 151 really high, why?
after lunch: 234...yikes, darn those saltines
after dinner 158 a good number really considering I ate pulled BBQ pork sandwiches and veggies. BBQ is full of sugar.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Blessings
I get sad sometimes as I watch my friends drop their children off with uncles, aunts, and grandparents. My family seems so far away. But I am reminded that God is beginning to give me good friends, friends who can act like family. Last night our dear neighbor Laura, took the girls for a red headed slumber party. Another friend, who is not a red head, dropped by in a fairy costume to the delight of the girls. They watched movies, painted nails, wore make-up, dressed up themselves and their animals.The girls went over there about 5 p.m. but H started asking if it was time to go about 1 p.m. and she didn't want to come home this morning at 9 a.m. Thanks Laura!
Meanwhile, Tom and I went to Kathleens with a buy one get one free dinner coupon. It was the nicest restaurant we've been to since moving here. We talked and made fun of the the word mountain being applied to the ski hill outside. We went to an awful movie that I wouldn't even recommend renting, Four Christmases. We did get several good laughs. And we woke up with the light this morning instead of to the sound of children. Happy Anniversary (late) to us. It was great.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Updates
A few updates to our life. Just in case you wanted them...
H is finally getting the whole word formation/ decoding thing. She is reading all the signs and exhausting my patience in a wonderful way by constantly reporting on new words she found and asking what certain spellings mean. I enjoy watching this learning process. Her school finally put the kids in three reading groups and she feels so much more comfortable with kids at her own level. Those super readers were making her feel intimidated and inadequate. The English language is maddening.
K is testing the limits. She breaks rules when she thinks she won't get caught. She says things like, "I didn't know" or "I didn't do it on purpose" if she thinks it will help her get out of discipline. If her sister comes to tattle on her she will stand and scream at the top of her lungs hoping I won't be able to hear H. K appears so quiet and sweet to people, but right now, she is definitely the more manipulative and sneaky of my two kids. Each morning I pray and try to prepare to be consistent and calm in these disciplining moments. Because of her deceptions she can no longer be alone while I shower or clean. I offered to let her play in her room while I showered the other day but she opted to stay in the bathroom because because she didn't think she could follow the rules about staying out of her sister's bed. (The girls share a room and they can only climb into each other's bed with permission.)
One of my computer savvy friends read this old post about a computer failure causing the loss of my writings about the girls. He was able to save all my documents, including the journals, for free! Thanks Beau. I have successfully saved the documents on my current computer. And another friend helped me discover Google docs, where I can store my documents online for free. If I keep up with saving my important documents there, I won't ever lose them due to computer failure again. Now I just need to get them in printed format too.
H is finally getting the whole word formation/ decoding thing. She is reading all the signs and exhausting my patience in a wonderful way by constantly reporting on new words she found and asking what certain spellings mean. I enjoy watching this learning process. Her school finally put the kids in three reading groups and she feels so much more comfortable with kids at her own level. Those super readers were making her feel intimidated and inadequate. The English language is maddening.
K is testing the limits. She breaks rules when she thinks she won't get caught. She says things like, "I didn't know" or "I didn't do it on purpose" if she thinks it will help her get out of discipline. If her sister comes to tattle on her she will stand and scream at the top of her lungs hoping I won't be able to hear H. K appears so quiet and sweet to people, but right now, she is definitely the more manipulative and sneaky of my two kids. Each morning I pray and try to prepare to be consistent and calm in these disciplining moments. Because of her deceptions she can no longer be alone while I shower or clean. I offered to let her play in her room while I showered the other day but she opted to stay in the bathroom because because she didn't think she could follow the rules about staying out of her sister's bed. (The girls share a room and they can only climb into each other's bed with permission.)
One of my computer savvy friends read this old post about a computer failure causing the loss of my writings about the girls. He was able to save all my documents, including the journals, for free! Thanks Beau. I have successfully saved the documents on my current computer. And another friend helped me discover Google docs, where I can store my documents online for free. If I keep up with saving my important documents there, I won't ever lose them due to computer failure again. Now I just need to get them in printed format too.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
One dish cook
My blogging friends keep posting about soup. I wrote this on Saturday, but they beat me to the actual posting process.
Cooking the Christmas dinner this year, alone, without a mom or grandma or mother-in-law to help, reminded me that I do not have the female trait of multitasking. Planning and preparing a multi-dish meal makes me unhappy. Two or three of the dishes always fail to meet my hopes. I like to focus on one dish, then cut up some fruit, add a salad and wa-la--dinner. Of course, this one dish method doesn't work well for holiday meals.
My favorite part, from a cooking perspective, of holiday meals is the soup. I love making soup--from scratch. I love taking the ham bone or turkey bone and boiling in the flavor to make a stock. I love experimenting with different bouquet garni. I love that I have learned what a bouquet garni is. I love the dirty pages of my trusty Joy of Cooking where I've learned the difference between a stock and a broth. Mostly though I love serving and eating the soup and knowing about every ingredient. I cooked the turkey, made the stock, sliced the veggies, dried the herbs, and added the salt and pepper. I've never made the noodles yet. And I've never grown all the vegetables. But still, I love the soup process. The tasting and adding and adjusting. And while I can't brag about my cooking with any accuracy, my turkey noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food.
So, what's your favorite soup recipe. I understand that with soups, recipes are a guideline and you can change things around. But what kind do you like to make?
Cooking the Christmas dinner this year, alone, without a mom or grandma or mother-in-law to help, reminded me that I do not have the female trait of multitasking. Planning and preparing a multi-dish meal makes me unhappy. Two or three of the dishes always fail to meet my hopes. I like to focus on one dish, then cut up some fruit, add a salad and wa-la--dinner. Of course, this one dish method doesn't work well for holiday meals.
My favorite part, from a cooking perspective, of holiday meals is the soup. I love making soup--from scratch. I love taking the ham bone or turkey bone and boiling in the flavor to make a stock. I love experimenting with different bouquet garni. I love that I have learned what a bouquet garni is. I love the dirty pages of my trusty Joy of Cooking where I've learned the difference between a stock and a broth. Mostly though I love serving and eating the soup and knowing about every ingredient. I cooked the turkey, made the stock, sliced the veggies, dried the herbs, and added the salt and pepper. I've never made the noodles yet. And I've never grown all the vegetables. But still, I love the soup process. The tasting and adding and adjusting. And while I can't brag about my cooking with any accuracy, my turkey noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food.
So, what's your favorite soup recipe. I understand that with soups, recipes are a guideline and you can change things around. But what kind do you like to make?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Big Questions
K's been thinking about weighty issues. For the last week or so when we are saying prayers at night, she asks some huge questions. I don't prompt them, I am usually just praying, "Lord, teach K about you. Give her a good night's sleep. Thank you for..." etc. And then she pops in with a doozy of a question. Here are the ones I can remember.
Mom, does God know what Satan is doing?
How do you get to heaven? (she already knew what you needed to believe, she just wanted turn- left- at- the- corner type directions)
How can I be really good all day?
Why do grown-ups lie and say Santa Claus is real? ( Santa Claus is a fun storybook character at my house, he doesn't exist in any other form here)
I am still waiting for H to pop the question about babies. She isn't a naturally curious child, it could be a while. What's a typical age for such things to come up?
Mom, does God know what Satan is doing?
How do you get to heaven? (she already knew what you needed to believe, she just wanted turn- left- at- the- corner type directions)
How can I be really good all day?
Why do grown-ups lie and say Santa Claus is real? ( Santa Claus is a fun storybook character at my house, he doesn't exist in any other form here)
I am still waiting for H to pop the question about babies. She isn't a naturally curious child, it could be a while. What's a typical age for such things to come up?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Library love
As a lover of the written word, a book store or library to me is like a toy store for my girls. They inspire a long list of wants, things I want to read, to learn, to study, to listen to, to watch. I prefer the gratis library, especially libraries like the one in Bozeman, MT. Comfy chairs, a coffee shop and a view of the mountains. Such details are not available here, but I still love my library. The little one, where the librarians aren't too busy. They know my face and the face of my kids and they aren't too busy so when I have a question they are delighted to help. One time the children's librarian spent 30 minutes helping me locate the images I wanted. And now with Internet and library cooperation, I can get 75-80% of the books I want because my library will borrow from a library 30 miles away, and let me check it out.
Yesterday the book I wanted was available in another city but it was new. New means they won't send it to another library for six months. I asked the reference desk about it. They confirmed my story and then said they would order the book I wanted for my library and put it on hold so I was the first person who could check it out. Sweet.
The girls and I go to the library at least once a week. I get fines almost every month because when you have 30 + books checked out, one always disappears for a while. I don't mind. The fines aren't high and the library deserves my money. I know I should probably check out fewer books but I get so excited. Yesterday I felt like teaching my girls about poetry. They already love Shel Silverstein but I found beautifully illustrated books for kids of Robert Frost, William Carlos Williams, and Edna St. Vinent Millay. I can't wait to share. H found craft books she is planning to use and a book about the Chinese language, which she is fasicnated by. K found books with kitties and horses and checked out Lily and The Purple Plastic Purse for the tenth time. Then we got two movies, because kids' movies are free at the library. And if you arrive early on Monday, you can get the free pass to the children's museum. I love the library.
Yesterday the book I wanted was available in another city but it was new. New means they won't send it to another library for six months. I asked the reference desk about it. They confirmed my story and then said they would order the book I wanted for my library and put it on hold so I was the first person who could check it out. Sweet.
The girls and I go to the library at least once a week. I get fines almost every month because when you have 30 + books checked out, one always disappears for a while. I don't mind. The fines aren't high and the library deserves my money. I know I should probably check out fewer books but I get so excited. Yesterday I felt like teaching my girls about poetry. They already love Shel Silverstein but I found beautifully illustrated books for kids of Robert Frost, William Carlos Williams, and Edna St. Vinent Millay. I can't wait to share. H found craft books she is planning to use and a book about the Chinese language, which she is fasicnated by. K found books with kitties and horses and checked out Lily and The Purple Plastic Purse for the tenth time. Then we got two movies, because kids' movies are free at the library. And if you arrive early on Monday, you can get the free pass to the children's museum. I love the library.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Numbers (again)
I went to the lab Friday morning and got all my blood and urine tests done. The doctor should call me sometime this week and will probably tell me to come in. I'm glad. I really want a health professional to look at my numbers and say something about them...observe patterns, interpret them. It's only been a few weeks, but testing feels so pointless with no one to help me change either the diet or the meds. That's always been my problem, I like to perform, to have deadlines and don't feel purposeful without someone to perform for.
Lessons learned this week: 1) Avoid pretzels 2) Use lots of thick hand lotion to avoid those winter cracks because winter cracks and pricks don't mix.3) I need to eat more vegetables.
Fasting 141
After breakfast 132 (Hot oat bran with blueberries appears to be the perfect breakfast food for me--5g of fiber per serving)
After lunch (skipped this week but did three post-dinners)
After dinner 109, 200, 197 (meal 1: chicken stir fry with quinoa; meal 2 cheeseburger on wheat bun with broccoli, but my blood sugar was high before dinner because I ate so many pretzels; meal 3:grilled cheese, tomato soup, carrots, pretzels)
I had some high post-dinner readings, but I wasn't exceeding the recommended 60g of carbs in a meal. I do need more fruits and veggies. So I want to know, how many servings of fruit and veggies do you actually eat in a day? And where do you stick them in. I know most of you don't have to be as careful as I do about what you eat, but for one reason or another most of you probably should. Back to the veggies, I seem to be stuck on broccoli and carrots. But what veggies do you eat? Do you vary them? How do you cook them? Or do you go raw? Remember peas and corn are more starches than vegetables, they don't count in my book. Inspire me. I'd love it.
Lessons learned this week: 1) Avoid pretzels 2) Use lots of thick hand lotion to avoid those winter cracks because winter cracks and pricks don't mix.3) I need to eat more vegetables.
Fasting 141
After breakfast 132 (Hot oat bran with blueberries appears to be the perfect breakfast food for me--5g of fiber per serving)
After lunch (skipped this week but did three post-dinners)
After dinner 109, 200, 197 (meal 1: chicken stir fry with quinoa; meal 2 cheeseburger on wheat bun with broccoli, but my blood sugar was high before dinner because I ate so many pretzels; meal 3:grilled cheese, tomato soup, carrots, pretzels)
I had some high post-dinner readings, but I wasn't exceeding the recommended 60g of carbs in a meal. I do need more fruits and veggies. So I want to know, how many servings of fruit and veggies do you actually eat in a day? And where do you stick them in. I know most of you don't have to be as careful as I do about what you eat, but for one reason or another most of you probably should. Back to the veggies, I seem to be stuck on broccoli and carrots. But what veggies do you eat? Do you vary them? How do you cook them? Or do you go raw? Remember peas and corn are more starches than vegetables, they don't count in my book. Inspire me. I'd love it.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Harmony
School starts tomorrow for H. Tuesday for K. Next week for T, though he will be in the office doing prep much of the week. I miss having a few afternoons a week to myself, but I like the routine of my break. Generally we got up when we wanted, snuggled and read together before breakfast, stayed in our pjs until the middle of the afternoon or all day if we didn't have to go somewhere. I didn't miss H's homework, or all of our lessons, or trying to keep track of the accessories required for winter recess in Michigan. And I loved the spying. The girls found a groove this break. The bickering, fighting, and general unenjoyment was significantly less than usual. Was I more consistent in discipline? Were they less tired without a school day to wear them out? Who knows, but I love to peak at them, getting along, sharing, and creating intricate imaginary worlds (the current worlds are inspired by the Tinkerbell movie or a newly created Barbie hair salon). So while the academic and social learning must progress, I am dreading school, both the bickering between my darlings, and the walking with H to the bus stop in 10 degrees.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
A friend posted a link to this article on Facebook. While I am thankful that K's eating issues don't require monitoring at the crumb level, my stomach is churning for my dear friend who can't eat a speck of wheat without consequences. Though I am saddened by the ignorance and mislabeling, I think such events will help educate and make things safer in the long time. I suspect it is only a matter of time until legislation occurs.
Here's the link to the article:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-whole_foodsdec31,0,4055580.story
Here's the link to the article:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-whole_foodsdec31,0,4055580.story
Happy New Year
2008 was a good year. Nothing super hard, just enough struggles to keep me on my knees. We said good bye to my Grandma, saw God heal Tom, and pondered the future as both girls began school. We spent last night with friends playing a fun card game called Fluxx and personally eating too many cheese puffs. The kids (all four of them) ran around in PJs. I had my first Wii experience--hilarious. Then I came home, relaxed and suddenly the church party was at my house because Tom wanted to include me (ahhh). We played hangman and a game called Would You Rather...I was up until 2 am. I haven't seen that hour in years. And this morning the kids were up at the normal time, singing and bouncing on the bed. I do love them.
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