Lately, The Goob has been proclaiming at daybreak, "The sky's awake!" While spending a night at my parents' house, he told my father that he needed to be awake at 5:30am, and when my dad objected, Goob said, "Doesn't matter. The sky's awake."
Although a bit obnoxious at times, I find this sentiment to be extremely sweet, and it has made me ponder my lifestyle. Due to some minor health issues, and, let's face it, laziness, I am someone who loves sleep: I love sleeping in, sleeping long hours, napping, sleeping in the car, you name it.
But, when I think of the best examples of self-reliance, provident living, and work ethic, they do seem to have this common thread--they all wake up early. And, when you think about it, how many times do we say, "Oh, there aren't enough hours in the day?" I know I say it a lot. And there's a solution, a way to add a few, quiet, childless hours to my day, with some hard work and sacrifice. Plus, there is something therapeutic and peaceful about getting up early to enjoy the fresh air of morning, to stand at a warm sink of dishes, in sheer calm.
So, I can't promise that I will be up with the sun, but I am hoping to be better at utilizing the useful hours in my day, while "the sky's awake."
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Love for Local Business
I am so blessed to live in an area where we are surrounded by friendly, accomodating, and budget-friendly local business who market to those who are striving to maintain a self-reliant, provident, and sustainable lifestyle. This is one of the many advantages of living in a more rural community/region.
I stopped at two of my favorites today. The first is one of many Mennonite-run bulk food stores (which also has a wonderfully fantabulous bakery). I picked up some homemade rolls (heaven on earth, they are), and I also purchased locally made maple mustard (which is divine on pretzels).
The second is a "scratch and dent" discount grocery store. The service is so courteous and helpful (they even take your groceries to the car for you--who does that anymore?). Today was "Frozen Food Wednesday." While there, I bought 5 pounds of pulled beef, 3 pounds Sysco-produced chicken tenders, 4 lbs. of Wendy's chicken nuggets, 4 lbs. Burger King chicken strips, 5 lbs. Burger King onion rings, 3 bags sweet potato fries, and 8 pork sirloin steaks at 8 ounces each (64 ounces total/4 lbs.)...about 28 pounds of frozen food, and a case of the cutest mini Heinz ketchup bottles (8.7 lbs.) for, get this, $55. My freezer is FULL. Before you think, "Holy cow, that's a lot of unhealthy food," while I know some of it was produced by fast food chains and sold to this little grocer, think about it--these are fast food items that are usually cooked in a deep fryer that is loaded with grease, which leaves the food loaded with grease. Whereas, I can take these home and bake them as a somewhat healthier alternative. Could be worse, right? And, when I feel the need to go out to eat fast food....
I encourage you to peruse your own area for wonderful local business that sell whatever you might need--be it pet supplies, food items, emergency preparedness equipment, locally grown produce, whatever. I also want to encourage myself to work harder to move away from shopping at big box stores so often, and to instead develop a preference for buying from small businesses, when pratical and feasible.
I stopped at two of my favorites today. The first is one of many Mennonite-run bulk food stores (which also has a wonderfully fantabulous bakery). I picked up some homemade rolls (heaven on earth, they are), and I also purchased locally made maple mustard (which is divine on pretzels).
The second is a "scratch and dent" discount grocery store. The service is so courteous and helpful (they even take your groceries to the car for you--who does that anymore?). Today was "Frozen Food Wednesday." While there, I bought 5 pounds of pulled beef, 3 pounds Sysco-produced chicken tenders, 4 lbs. of Wendy's chicken nuggets, 4 lbs. Burger King chicken strips, 5 lbs. Burger King onion rings, 3 bags sweet potato fries, and 8 pork sirloin steaks at 8 ounces each (64 ounces total/4 lbs.)...about 28 pounds of frozen food, and a case of the cutest mini Heinz ketchup bottles (8.7 lbs.) for, get this, $55. My freezer is FULL. Before you think, "Holy cow, that's a lot of unhealthy food," while I know some of it was produced by fast food chains and sold to this little grocer, think about it--these are fast food items that are usually cooked in a deep fryer that is loaded with grease, which leaves the food loaded with grease. Whereas, I can take these home and bake them as a somewhat healthier alternative. Could be worse, right? And, when I feel the need to go out to eat fast food....
I encourage you to peruse your own area for wonderful local business that sell whatever you might need--be it pet supplies, food items, emergency preparedness equipment, locally grown produce, whatever. I also want to encourage myself to work harder to move away from shopping at big box stores so often, and to instead develop a preference for buying from small businesses, when pratical and feasible.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Update on My Two Week Eat-Out Fast
OK, I have to admit, I broke my eat out fast...slightly. I really, really wanted to try McDonald's strawberry creme pies before they stopped carrying them, so, as part of a date night, the hubby and I spent a whopping $2.56 on two pies and a large Sprite.
So, did I break my eat-out fast for the two weeks? Technically speaking, yes. But, in discussion, we decided that we *are* going to eliminate eating out "just because," and will instead use it only for special occasions, or out of town trips, or when we're spending time with family or friends. That being said, although I did purchase the pies, I plan on still avoiding eating out as much as possible, and feel capable of doing so. Although I wanted to try the pies, I am finding that I am not as tempted to eat out as I was even a week ago, and that I am looking forward to homemade food more and more. In some ways, I feel like a weight is off of my shoulders...it's one less expense to worry about, and it's entirely in my control. I like that.
So, did I break my eat-out fast for the two weeks? Technically speaking, yes. But, in discussion, we decided that we *are* going to eliminate eating out "just because," and will instead use it only for special occasions, or out of town trips, or when we're spending time with family or friends. That being said, although I did purchase the pies, I plan on still avoiding eating out as much as possible, and feel capable of doing so. Although I wanted to try the pies, I am finding that I am not as tempted to eat out as I was even a week ago, and that I am looking forward to homemade food more and more. In some ways, I feel like a weight is off of my shoulders...it's one less expense to worry about, and it's entirely in my control. I like that.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Getting Back on Track
I feel like my priorities have been out of order lately. I have all of these goals and ambitions, and yet, I've been giving in too much to the need to spend money, or to choose laziness over productivity, or choosing to focus on the negative instead of the positive. I'm also struggling with knowing which priorities to place ahead of others.
This is what I know I need to do:
-I need to show more love, patience, compassion, and affection toward my husband and my children, and strive to spend as much quality time with them as possible.
-I need to work to become more self-reliant, more prepared for emergencies, and more able to serve and protect my family in the event of a crisis--whether it is big or small. I caught a potholder on fire in my oven the other day, and my means of taking "control" of the situation was to yell for my husband, instead of dealing with it on my own. That's not good.
-I need to strive to spend less needless money, to learn to take care of what we have, mend what needs repaired, and focus on making do instead of giving into the urge to accumulate more, more, more. I also need to work harder on putting as much as we can onto debt and into savings.
-We need to take better care of ourselves physically--eat healthier, spend more time exercising, learn to discern what foods are good for our bodies, and what foods aren't (as I type this, my four year old is laying on the floor watching game shows and eating a cup of jelly beans, so this is definitely a work in progress).
-I need to spend more time taking care of our home--cleaning, organizing, getting rid of items we don't need, and so forth. I would like to work toward a more minimalist lifestyle, but that too will take time.
-I need to work harder on staying on top of my work outside of the home. My heart hasn't been into my teaching as much this term, mainly due to illness, and I need to rededicate myself to re-examining my teaching philosophy and giving my curriculum a much needed makeover.
-I need to be more charitable. I am working to spend more time volunteering at the animal shelter, but there is still more that I can do and give. It helps me to count my blessings when I am working to help those in need.
These all are works in progress, and they will all take time and balance. However, I need to refocus my efforts and get back on track in targeting and accomplishing my goals.
This is what I know I need to do:
-I need to show more love, patience, compassion, and affection toward my husband and my children, and strive to spend as much quality time with them as possible.
-I need to work to become more self-reliant, more prepared for emergencies, and more able to serve and protect my family in the event of a crisis--whether it is big or small. I caught a potholder on fire in my oven the other day, and my means of taking "control" of the situation was to yell for my husband, instead of dealing with it on my own. That's not good.
-I need to strive to spend less needless money, to learn to take care of what we have, mend what needs repaired, and focus on making do instead of giving into the urge to accumulate more, more, more. I also need to work harder on putting as much as we can onto debt and into savings.
-We need to take better care of ourselves physically--eat healthier, spend more time exercising, learn to discern what foods are good for our bodies, and what foods aren't (as I type this, my four year old is laying on the floor watching game shows and eating a cup of jelly beans, so this is definitely a work in progress).
-I need to spend more time taking care of our home--cleaning, organizing, getting rid of items we don't need, and so forth. I would like to work toward a more minimalist lifestyle, but that too will take time.
-I need to work harder on staying on top of my work outside of the home. My heart hasn't been into my teaching as much this term, mainly due to illness, and I need to rededicate myself to re-examining my teaching philosophy and giving my curriculum a much needed makeover.
-I need to be more charitable. I am working to spend more time volunteering at the animal shelter, but there is still more that I can do and give. It helps me to count my blessings when I am working to help those in need.
These all are works in progress, and they will all take time and balance. However, I need to refocus my efforts and get back on track in targeting and accomplishing my goals.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Refurbished Products--a Great Steal or a Raw Deal?
The hubby and I have, in general, steered clear of refurbished products. As a rule, we're pretty big fans of full warranties on products. The only used items I love are books (there's something so wonderful about a previously loved book). We even avoided used cars in our marriage, stating for a long time that we would always want a car with a full warranty and known owner history.
That is, until we were in a pinch, needed a larger car, and found the used car of our dreams for the right price.
Suddenly, the savings (and the Carfax report) became worth it, and we amended our used vs. new car statement to allowing used cars where we could validate the previous history and reliability of the vehicle.
As for refurbished items like electrics and such...well, we haven't been as willing to test the waters, so to speak. Between not being able to determine the past record of the item, as well as the shortened warranty, we had trouble justifying the purchase of a refurbished item.
I have, however, decided to try a couple refurbished kitchen appliances, and I'll explain my thought-process, the savings, the concerns I have, and will hopefully be able to update my readers to the long-term result in due times.
I have wanted a full-size Ninja Kitchen System 1100 for some time. I had a $30 food processor that bit the dust on its third use, and had been wanting a replacement for a while. We bought a $20 Ninja Express Chop and LOVED it, but I desperately needed something with more than a 2 cup capacity. However, when you're working on a budget, spending $159.99 just willy-nilly for a food processing system seemed extreme.
My lovely hubby had some spending money set aside, and he willingly purchased a refurbished Ninja Kitchen System 1100 for me for $69.00 at Big Lots. The price was over 50% off of retail, and beyond missing a dough paddle (which we don't need because we mix our dough with the Kitchenaid mixer), it seems to work just fine. As an added bonus, because it is a system of many interworking parts, Ninja offers easy replacement for even the motor, if we end up desperate if something quits on us. So, due to the low cost and easy access to replacement parts, that seemed to justify the purchase, and also the shorter warranty.
When our state tax refund arrived, I ordered a Cuisinart convection toaster oven/broiler, which was a refurbished unit as well. I have yet to receive it, but I felt safe enough doing it because it was through Wal-mart, who offered an extended warranty for it for $6.00. Considering the retail price was originally $175.00, and I paid $69.00 for it, plus the $6.00 extended warranty, I still received a great deal being able to snag an oven with all of the features we had been eyeing, at the cost of a cheap one (which we have already, and which we HATE). So, in this case, the low cost of the unit, plus being able to extend the warranty, and at the same time getting as many of the features as we wanted seemed to justify the "refurbished" label. We shall see whether I still say that once the unit arrives.
So, we're trying something new in an effort to save some money and work within our budget, and I'm curious to see how this new shopping strategy pans out. Right now, if these items work well for us, we will have bought over $300 worth of products for about $140-150 dollars, less than the retail for just one of the items. Have you had luck with refurbished items?
That is, until we were in a pinch, needed a larger car, and found the used car of our dreams for the right price.
Suddenly, the savings (and the Carfax report) became worth it, and we amended our used vs. new car statement to allowing used cars where we could validate the previous history and reliability of the vehicle.
As for refurbished items like electrics and such...well, we haven't been as willing to test the waters, so to speak. Between not being able to determine the past record of the item, as well as the shortened warranty, we had trouble justifying the purchase of a refurbished item.
I have, however, decided to try a couple refurbished kitchen appliances, and I'll explain my thought-process, the savings, the concerns I have, and will hopefully be able to update my readers to the long-term result in due times.
I have wanted a full-size Ninja Kitchen System 1100 for some time. I had a $30 food processor that bit the dust on its third use, and had been wanting a replacement for a while. We bought a $20 Ninja Express Chop and LOVED it, but I desperately needed something with more than a 2 cup capacity. However, when you're working on a budget, spending $159.99 just willy-nilly for a food processing system seemed extreme.
My lovely hubby had some spending money set aside, and he willingly purchased a refurbished Ninja Kitchen System 1100 for me for $69.00 at Big Lots. The price was over 50% off of retail, and beyond missing a dough paddle (which we don't need because we mix our dough with the Kitchenaid mixer), it seems to work just fine. As an added bonus, because it is a system of many interworking parts, Ninja offers easy replacement for even the motor, if we end up desperate if something quits on us. So, due to the low cost and easy access to replacement parts, that seemed to justify the purchase, and also the shorter warranty.
When our state tax refund arrived, I ordered a Cuisinart convection toaster oven/broiler, which was a refurbished unit as well. I have yet to receive it, but I felt safe enough doing it because it was through Wal-mart, who offered an extended warranty for it for $6.00. Considering the retail price was originally $175.00, and I paid $69.00 for it, plus the $6.00 extended warranty, I still received a great deal being able to snag an oven with all of the features we had been eyeing, at the cost of a cheap one (which we have already, and which we HATE). So, in this case, the low cost of the unit, plus being able to extend the warranty, and at the same time getting as many of the features as we wanted seemed to justify the "refurbished" label. We shall see whether I still say that once the unit arrives.
So, we're trying something new in an effort to save some money and work within our budget, and I'm curious to see how this new shopping strategy pans out. Right now, if these items work well for us, we will have bought over $300 worth of products for about $140-150 dollars, less than the retail for just one of the items. Have you had luck with refurbished items?
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Update to My Previous Post
In an effort to squelch my eating-out addiction, I am going to attempt to go two full weeks without a single fast food indulgence, or a restaurant stop, etc. This starts tomorrow, the 18th. Wish me luck!
Advice For a Take Out Queen?
In my attempts to spend less needless $$, I find that some temptations are easier to eliminate than others.
My biggest vice?
Take out, restaurants, drive-thrus, ice cream parlors--the joy of eating out has always been a weakness of mine.
I see all of these things for making freezer meals to stash, meals in jars, etc., and it all seems like they are really fabulous ideas, but I never seem to put them to fruition. With two little ones, the desire to snag easy food wins out far too often.
I try to find short-cuts...I have done freezer meals, learned to make some yummy quickie dinners, have precooked and canned (or have frozen) meats to make kitchen prep a little easier. And it all seems to be to no avail.
I know the steps I need to take, but the question is, how to I motivate myself to take them? Any way to make it fun along the way?
To be fair, we have set an "eat-out budget" this pay cycle that we have been adhering to, and I am hoping that it will help--BUT, we've blown this before, so I worry.
Any advice for a take-out queen?
My biggest vice?
Take out, restaurants, drive-thrus, ice cream parlors--the joy of eating out has always been a weakness of mine.
I see all of these things for making freezer meals to stash, meals in jars, etc., and it all seems like they are really fabulous ideas, but I never seem to put them to fruition. With two little ones, the desire to snag easy food wins out far too often.
I try to find short-cuts...I have done freezer meals, learned to make some yummy quickie dinners, have precooked and canned (or have frozen) meats to make kitchen prep a little easier. And it all seems to be to no avail.
I know the steps I need to take, but the question is, how to I motivate myself to take them? Any way to make it fun along the way?
To be fair, we have set an "eat-out budget" this pay cycle that we have been adhering to, and I am hoping that it will help--BUT, we've blown this before, so I worry.
Any advice for a take-out queen?
Sunday, April 15, 2012
On the Way to a Forever Home (In Pictures)
I attended an adoption event (held at a neighboring town's Petco about an hour away) for our local animal shelter. We took eleven dogs with us, and three found forever homes. I volunteer at our local shelter, but I usually do laundry and wash food and water bowls, so I don't get to see the animals find homes as often as I like because I typically do "behind the scenes" work. Luckily, I was able to spend a full day working to find forever homes for animals that I love, and managed to snag some pics of a particular dog, Slim, who found his forever home yesterday.
Slim, sitting in his crate on the bus beside me, on the way to Petco.
Slim on the left, getting accustomed to the other dogs. All of the dogs loved the fresh air and time to play with each other and new people.
Slim, relaxed and enjoying the one on one attention with a volunteer. He had these big, soulful eyes, and was such a gentle giant, and he started getting a lot of interest from potential families.
Slim finds his new home. The lady on the far right took such a shine to him, and she was just amazing. The two were a match made in heaven. Slim was the popular guy at the event, and another couple came back later to adopt him, only to find he was already in a new home.
This is why I love to volunteer for the animals. But, not all are as lucky as Slim. Too many shelters still needlessly euthanize adoptable animals for space. I thank heaven that ours has abandoned that primitive and inhumane practice. But, for as many animals that were adopted yesterday, we still took too many home, and we will do all we can to find ALL of them the homes they both need and deserve. It was a wonderful, moving day for all of us involved.
Slim, sitting in his crate on the bus beside me, on the way to Petco.
Slim on the left, getting accustomed to the other dogs. All of the dogs loved the fresh air and time to play with each other and new people. 
Slim, relaxed and enjoying the one on one attention with a volunteer. He had these big, soulful eyes, and was such a gentle giant, and he started getting a lot of interest from potential families. 
Slim finds his new home. The lady on the far right took such a shine to him, and she was just amazing. The two were a match made in heaven. Slim was the popular guy at the event, and another couple came back later to adopt him, only to find he was already in a new home.This is why I love to volunteer for the animals. But, not all are as lucky as Slim. Too many shelters still needlessly euthanize adoptable animals for space. I thank heaven that ours has abandoned that primitive and inhumane practice. But, for as many animals that were adopted yesterday, we still took too many home, and we will do all we can to find ALL of them the homes they both need and deserve. It was a wonderful, moving day for all of us involved.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Adding to My Food Storage
My church counsels us to have a food storage in the event of possible emergencies and financial downturns. They never once told me specifically what I had to store. Easter clearance sales on grocery day are the best!
Excited to Share Some Blogging News....
I can finally share this. I'm guest blogging at Pantry Paratus, an awesome blog/knowledge base/online store for all things relating to self-sufficiency, particularly relating to the kitchen. I'm so excited! Check it out! http://pantryparatus.com/blog
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Proof We Know Too Much About The Scooter Store...
James and I watch a ridiculous amount of daytime television, particularly game shows, Golden Girls, and the like.
If you have ever noticed, a lot of the commercials during the morning hours are geared toward the elderly, with advertisements selling life insurance policies, catheters and medical supplies for diabetics, motorized scooter chairs, and lawyer consultations. During one such commercial about legal services, James looked at the featured lawyer on the screen, and got this really sad look on his face, as he cried, "Ohh no...he needs a Powerchair!"
Too much television = FAIL.
If you have ever noticed, a lot of the commercials during the morning hours are geared toward the elderly, with advertisements selling life insurance policies, catheters and medical supplies for diabetics, motorized scooter chairs, and lawyer consultations. During one such commercial about legal services, James looked at the featured lawyer on the screen, and got this really sad look on his face, as he cried, "Ohh no...he needs a Powerchair!"
Too much television = FAIL.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Homemade Baby Washcloths, Part Two
Well, there are multiple lines of stitches on each one (I prefer quantity over quality
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Thoughts on an Easter Sunday
I have two quick experiences/reflections running through my head today I want to share:
First, I spent about an hour of my Easter morning volunteering at our local animal shelter. I have been smitten with this shaggy, partially deaf and blind, little dog, who admittedly looks a little worse for the wear. He seems to be an older fellow, and he was found wandering through a busy part of town when he was brought into the shelter. I wanted to specifically spend some time with him; that was my "catch" if my time was needed on Easter morning--that I got to play with this little guy. As I felt his matted, scabby coat, looked into his cloudy, blinded eyes, I felt so sad for him--how could someone cast him out like that? Such a sweet little guy, roaming our town in such shape, because someone was cruel and uncaring. It really bothered me as he and I walked, as I stroked his fur, and on the way home. But, then I found solace...he, along with so many others, is the reason why the no-kill philosophy needs to be adopted everywhere. What would another shelter have done? More than likely, they would have taken one look at him and euthanized him. He would have been deemed "unadoptable," and that would have been the end of it. I know that. And it is the no-kill concept that enabled me to scratch his ears and his back, to give him love and time, to ache for his need for a home--without it, I more than likely would never have known this wonderful boy that I have nicknamed Sam.
(Sam. If I could have him/provide him what he needs, I would take him in an instant. Pic by my friend, Peter.)
Second, and I prefer to keep the where and the who confidential, I found myself feeling like a heel today. I take a lot of pride in finding nice clothes for reasonable prices for my children. I like it when they look nice. I love buying them gifts, and presents, and relishing the holidays with them. But, I had an experience where I realized not all children are so blessed to have these small things--an Easter dress, or a basket, or chocolate, and the thing is--these kids aren't some news story--they are around us, they live here, they share our spaces. Here I was, priding myself that each of my kids had two Easter outfits, like some spoiled mother, and I saw children who more than likely saw today as just another day. I focus so much on what my kids have, and do, and wear, and there are so many kids who lack these things, who lack special little treats, or knowing they are loved, or who don't have parents who care about their basic needs. And I was so worried about whether or not my baby's Easter dresses were dressy enough? Or whether my son's basket had "enough" in it? These kids in need aren't some sad story on a commercial--they are HERE. The question is, how do we change our own mentality, and how do we help them?
First, I spent about an hour of my Easter morning volunteering at our local animal shelter. I have been smitten with this shaggy, partially deaf and blind, little dog, who admittedly looks a little worse for the wear. He seems to be an older fellow, and he was found wandering through a busy part of town when he was brought into the shelter. I wanted to specifically spend some time with him; that was my "catch" if my time was needed on Easter morning--that I got to play with this little guy. As I felt his matted, scabby coat, looked into his cloudy, blinded eyes, I felt so sad for him--how could someone cast him out like that? Such a sweet little guy, roaming our town in such shape, because someone was cruel and uncaring. It really bothered me as he and I walked, as I stroked his fur, and on the way home. But, then I found solace...he, along with so many others, is the reason why the no-kill philosophy needs to be adopted everywhere. What would another shelter have done? More than likely, they would have taken one look at him and euthanized him. He would have been deemed "unadoptable," and that would have been the end of it. I know that. And it is the no-kill concept that enabled me to scratch his ears and his back, to give him love and time, to ache for his need for a home--without it, I more than likely would never have known this wonderful boy that I have nicknamed Sam.
(Sam. If I could have him/provide him what he needs, I would take him in an instant. Pic by my friend, Peter.)
Second, and I prefer to keep the where and the who confidential, I found myself feeling like a heel today. I take a lot of pride in finding nice clothes for reasonable prices for my children. I like it when they look nice. I love buying them gifts, and presents, and relishing the holidays with them. But, I had an experience where I realized not all children are so blessed to have these small things--an Easter dress, or a basket, or chocolate, and the thing is--these kids aren't some news story--they are around us, they live here, they share our spaces. Here I was, priding myself that each of my kids had two Easter outfits, like some spoiled mother, and I saw children who more than likely saw today as just another day. I focus so much on what my kids have, and do, and wear, and there are so many kids who lack these things, who lack special little treats, or knowing they are loved, or who don't have parents who care about their basic needs. And I was so worried about whether or not my baby's Easter dresses were dressy enough? Or whether my son's basket had "enough" in it? These kids in need aren't some sad story on a commercial--they are HERE. The question is, how do we change our own mentality, and how do we help them?
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Am I An Example?
My friends and I were discussing Easter egg hunts, and essentially, how they have often turned into a free-for-all, where greedy children are encouraged by even greedier parents to go to great lengths to find eggs at any cost, and how this is even starting to be seen in the toddler age hunts. This has also been apparent to me and other parents during trick-or-treat, where children push their way ahead of others, as clueless parents play dumb when their little darlings are knocking over preschoolers to get more candy, or who take way more than their share when given the opportunity.
As we discussed this, we talked about how this often boils down to a parent's example to their children. When the parent is eagerly pushing their child to get as much as they can, no matter what, what else will a kid learn along the way? The discussion focused so much on the concept of being an example, and at first, my cynical self was feeling more than ready to condemn others, judging from past experiences I have had (although our church's egg hunt was SPECTACULAR today), but then it dawned on me...
What kind of example am I for my children? Maybe I'm alright during Halloween, or an egg hunt, or a play date. But, am I good example of patience, or compassion, or understanding? Do my kids see me say "no" to something I want, or do they see me pick it up and put it in the buggy anyway, whether it is in the budget or not? Do they see me react in love or anger? Do they hear me judging others? Do they see a productive mom, or a lazy one? Will they see a mom with self-discipline and restraint? Will they learn how to take care of a home and others by my example?
Obviously, this is something that I think we all can work on with our little ones. I know I need to be a better example to them. It's not always about egg hunts or holidays. It's what they see in us when they are the only ones watching.
As we discussed this, we talked about how this often boils down to a parent's example to their children. When the parent is eagerly pushing their child to get as much as they can, no matter what, what else will a kid learn along the way? The discussion focused so much on the concept of being an example, and at first, my cynical self was feeling more than ready to condemn others, judging from past experiences I have had (although our church's egg hunt was SPECTACULAR today), but then it dawned on me...
What kind of example am I for my children? Maybe I'm alright during Halloween, or an egg hunt, or a play date. But, am I good example of patience, or compassion, or understanding? Do my kids see me say "no" to something I want, or do they see me pick it up and put it in the buggy anyway, whether it is in the budget or not? Do they see me react in love or anger? Do they hear me judging others? Do they see a productive mom, or a lazy one? Will they see a mom with self-discipline and restraint? Will they learn how to take care of a home and others by my example?
Obviously, this is something that I think we all can work on with our little ones. I know I need to be a better example to them. It's not always about egg hunts or holidays. It's what they see in us when they are the only ones watching.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Flaxseed Pillows, Homemade Baby Washcloths, and Procrastination
In January, I bought $30 of flaxseed, fabric, and ribbon to make flaxseed pillows for our family, and for my mom, whose birthday was in February. I bought one of these said pillows at a local Mennonite-run grocery and bakery, and I fell in love with the idea of having (and making) more of these pillows to ease aches and pains. Pinterest provided me with the directions, and I thought I was ready to go.
Three months later, and the project remains untouched. I ended up buying my mom a Yankee Candle tartlet warmer, and the pillow project remained in the hall closet all this time. At this same grocer and also via a friend, I obtained some homemade baby wipes/washcloths for my Bean, and I was inspired yet again. I bought the materials at JoAnn's to make a dozen baby washcloths for less than $6.
I have such a desire now to learn to sew. I just need the willpower to sit down and tackle these projects. It would be such an accomplishment for my completely un-crafty (non-crafty?) self to learn such a helpful skill. Even my husband sews better than I do. Wish me luck in this endeavor. I will learn to sew, darn it!
UPDATE: Went back to JoAnn's, bought more fabric while it was massively on sale. ;)
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Words of Wisdom
I saw this on Facebook. Not sure of the original author, and I'm too sleepy to look it up, but I have to post it...words to live by:
Easter Picture FAIL
I asked Goob to hold his sister during the group photo with the Easter Bunny at Story Time. He chose to look at his goody bag instead and dropped her. I have a pic of this in action. They are the two on the far left. Easter picture FAIL. ;)
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
But I Want to Do It All!
I've been having a battle with myself for the last few weeks. Here are some excerpts from the arguments:
-I am going to get the house completely clean in the next few weeks! I am motivated to fulfill this goal, and I want to have an organized, clutter-less home that we can have as a sanctuary from the everyday world. But I want a nap! Oh, I so need a nap! I am never, ever going to get this done. There have been nine hampers of laundry sitting in my living room for days on end. Days! Everyone else can manage to keep THEIR houses clean. Why can't I? If I was a better wife and mother, I could do this, but I can't, and I'm not.
-I resolve to be more patient and loving toward my children. I want to spend more quality time with them and be the mother that they deserve. I will not lose my temper, and will keep my frustrations in check. Oh. My. Freaking. Goodness. HOW many more slats can a four year old tear out of my mini-blinds? Whaaaaaaat? ANOTHER one?? WHY does he have to hide things all over my house? If I see another Hot Wheels car or Lego out of place, I will LOSE. MY. MIND. And WHY WON'T THE BABY NAP?? AAAARRRGGGHHH. Look at this mom beside me at Story Time. SHE has it all together. Her kids are so good, and so calm, and she is just great with her children. Why can't I be like THAT?
-I am going to be a Survival Mom. I am going to have my family prepared in the event of an emergency. We will have a food storage, and 72 hours kits. I want to learn to sew, and make my own bread, and grind and mill my own flour. I will feed my family healthier foods, and we will be more environmentally conscious, and I will be productive and tackle every problem that comes our way with grace, confidence, and fortitude. ANNNNNNTS. We have ants. And I pretty much have let the ladybugs take over our home. Consider this the end of the world as I know it. If we had to live off of our food storage longer than a few months, we'd starve. I don't know what to do with all of this wheat. What happens if my kids, like, randomly lose a limb while playing? What would I do then? Do I know first aid? I don't know first aid. That does it. We're going to die. And I'm pretty sure our neighbor is ape-poop crazy after that argument she just started with us for no reason. I'm now creeped out. And WHY DOESN'T MY FOOD STORAGE LOOK LIKE THAT ONE DOES? They have everything. That person is so prepared.
-I will be more self-reliant. I will not spend money frivolously. I will pay my bills on time, catch up the past due ones, and get out of debt. I will not make stupid financial decisions. I will be smart with my money. I will never splurge. We will have a savings on hand in emergencies, and this will happen soon. Will this debt never end? Ohhh, another bill past due. I'm such a failure. Credit score? Ha! Can a score be negative 'cause I'm pretty sure mine is. I'm on a first name basis with bill collectors. Ugh. Another medical bill. I want to eat out. Oh, I just ate out. I'm a financial failure. Why do I spend so much money all the time? Why does it not get better?
-I will be a loving, compassionate wife to my husband. I will be more productive, work to take better care of myself, and become a better lover. I will be on the top of my game at all times, and be happy for him, and not burden him. You want me to do WHAT? I am NOT doing THAT right now, thankyouverymuch. I am too busy. Oh, I have been sick for weeks. I need to sleep so much more these days. I bet he hates me. He probably doesn't believe me. My libido is so low, and I am failing him. I want to be with him, but feel dreadful. What's wrong with me? But, like HECK I am sleeping with him. Puh-lease. I am too, too tired, and I feel like crap. He can do the dishes for me. I just can't do it all.
This is the discussion that runs through my head on a nearly daily basis. I think it does for all of us at some point in our lives or another--the desire to do it all, but the inability to do so because of too many goals, sickness, circumstances beyond our control. It's a balance--learning to improve ourselves while allowing ourselves to be human and make mistakes. I just wish I knew how to strike that balance sometimes. Hopefully, someday, I'll figure it out. Add it to the list, I suppose.
-I am going to get the house completely clean in the next few weeks! I am motivated to fulfill this goal, and I want to have an organized, clutter-less home that we can have as a sanctuary from the everyday world. But I want a nap! Oh, I so need a nap! I am never, ever going to get this done. There have been nine hampers of laundry sitting in my living room for days on end. Days! Everyone else can manage to keep THEIR houses clean. Why can't I? If I was a better wife and mother, I could do this, but I can't, and I'm not.
-I resolve to be more patient and loving toward my children. I want to spend more quality time with them and be the mother that they deserve. I will not lose my temper, and will keep my frustrations in check. Oh. My. Freaking. Goodness. HOW many more slats can a four year old tear out of my mini-blinds? Whaaaaaaat? ANOTHER one?? WHY does he have to hide things all over my house? If I see another Hot Wheels car or Lego out of place, I will LOSE. MY. MIND. And WHY WON'T THE BABY NAP?? AAAARRRGGGHHH. Look at this mom beside me at Story Time. SHE has it all together. Her kids are so good, and so calm, and she is just great with her children. Why can't I be like THAT?
-I am going to be a Survival Mom. I am going to have my family prepared in the event of an emergency. We will have a food storage, and 72 hours kits. I want to learn to sew, and make my own bread, and grind and mill my own flour. I will feed my family healthier foods, and we will be more environmentally conscious, and I will be productive and tackle every problem that comes our way with grace, confidence, and fortitude. ANNNNNNTS. We have ants. And I pretty much have let the ladybugs take over our home. Consider this the end of the world as I know it. If we had to live off of our food storage longer than a few months, we'd starve. I don't know what to do with all of this wheat. What happens if my kids, like, randomly lose a limb while playing? What would I do then? Do I know first aid? I don't know first aid. That does it. We're going to die. And I'm pretty sure our neighbor is ape-poop crazy after that argument she just started with us for no reason. I'm now creeped out. And WHY DOESN'T MY FOOD STORAGE LOOK LIKE THAT ONE DOES? They have everything. That person is so prepared.
-I will be more self-reliant. I will not spend money frivolously. I will pay my bills on time, catch up the past due ones, and get out of debt. I will not make stupid financial decisions. I will be smart with my money. I will never splurge. We will have a savings on hand in emergencies, and this will happen soon. Will this debt never end? Ohhh, another bill past due. I'm such a failure. Credit score? Ha! Can a score be negative 'cause I'm pretty sure mine is. I'm on a first name basis with bill collectors. Ugh. Another medical bill. I want to eat out. Oh, I just ate out. I'm a financial failure. Why do I spend so much money all the time? Why does it not get better?
-I will be a loving, compassionate wife to my husband. I will be more productive, work to take better care of myself, and become a better lover. I will be on the top of my game at all times, and be happy for him, and not burden him. You want me to do WHAT? I am NOT doing THAT right now, thankyouverymuch. I am too busy. Oh, I have been sick for weeks. I need to sleep so much more these days. I bet he hates me. He probably doesn't believe me. My libido is so low, and I am failing him. I want to be with him, but feel dreadful. What's wrong with me? But, like HECK I am sleeping with him. Puh-lease. I am too, too tired, and I feel like crap. He can do the dishes for me. I just can't do it all.
This is the discussion that runs through my head on a nearly daily basis. I think it does for all of us at some point in our lives or another--the desire to do it all, but the inability to do so because of too many goals, sickness, circumstances beyond our control. It's a balance--learning to improve ourselves while allowing ourselves to be human and make mistakes. I just wish I knew how to strike that balance sometimes. Hopefully, someday, I'll figure it out. Add it to the list, I suppose.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Preserving Eggs
While watching Doomsday Preppers, I noticed one of their featured preppers preserving eggs, stating that by merely rubbing them with mineral oil, the eggs would keep for about nine months without refrigeration.
I saw that and was immediately skeptical. I went to work to see if I could debunk this theory, and I was actually surprised to learn that there is truth to it.
According to Oregon State University's Extension Office, you can find oil that is specifically created for preserving eggs, or you can use light mineral oil. The oil needs to be odorless, but it does not need to be colorless. Put the oil into a bowl or some other open container, and dip the eggs (fully submerge them) into the oil. (They recommend using a wire food basket to dip the eggs.) Allow them to drain on a rack for a couple minutes, then place back in the egg case small end down to protect the little air pocket in the big end of the egg. The eggs can be stored at room temperature or cooler.
For the original source, check out this website: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/lane/sites/default/files/images/lc105.pdf
Who knew?
I saw that and was immediately skeptical. I went to work to see if I could debunk this theory, and I was actually surprised to learn that there is truth to it.
According to Oregon State University's Extension Office, you can find oil that is specifically created for preserving eggs, or you can use light mineral oil. The oil needs to be odorless, but it does not need to be colorless. Put the oil into a bowl or some other open container, and dip the eggs (fully submerge them) into the oil. (They recommend using a wire food basket to dip the eggs.) Allow them to drain on a rack for a couple minutes, then place back in the egg case small end down to protect the little air pocket in the big end of the egg. The eggs can be stored at room temperature or cooler.
For the original source, check out this website: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/lane/sites/default/files/images/lc105.pdf
Who knew?
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