I'm feeling inspired to write about this after spending a couple days with many people either currently sick, getting sick, or afraid of getting sick! Yes, it's that time of year again. So here is my immune "recipe," to be taken at first signs of illness, or at times of high exposure. I have had great success with this for everyone in my family. If you are already sick, this will help you get over it quicker, but this is most effective when started immediately after that "coming down with something" feeling.
1. Be extra religious about your regular supplements, which should include whole foods multivitamin/minerals, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D and probiotics if you want your body and immune system to function top-notch. Cod Liver Oil contatins omega-3s and vitamin D. 91% of Americans tested have been found to be deficient in vit D, very important for immune function. (We don't get enough sun.) A good probiotic supplement will include multiple strains, not just acidophilus.
2. Take extra vitamin C (I like the emergen-C packets, available at Walmart or grocery store). Take extra zinc (like in Cold-ease)
3.Take extra probiotics (work in many ways to boost immune system and also prevent bad bacteria from taking over by blocking absorption sites in the intestines)
4.Take an immune-boosting supplement that includes echinacea and various other herbs that increase the abilities of your immune system.
5. Take colloidal silver (a homeopathic, fights both bacteria and viruses in the body)
6. Stop eating sugar! (ever noticed a pattern of getting sick after festivities?) Sugar helps the bad bacteria to proliferate and is essentially the "opposite" of probiotics, and also works in many other ways to suppress immune function.
7. Extra antioxidants (like high-antioxidant fruit juices). Also, drink lots of herbal tea! There are even some good ones to match with specific symptoms.
8. Once symptoms are present, take homeopathics to speed healing. Especially continue to take colloidal silver, and if you have flu symptoms take oscillococcinum found in the organic section of your grocery store, it is expensive but works amazing! It is the number one remedy prescribed in Europe, where drug companies don't have the same control over the health care system.
There is a common misconception people have that whether they get sick is based on whether they were adequately exposed to something. In actuality we have viruses and bacteria coming into our bodies all day long, and our immune systems are an AMAZING creation of God. They work in marvelous ways to filter out the bad and keep us healthy. Our modern love affair with drugs overlooks this, and drugs actually decrease immune system function. One easy example of that is Tylenol, since it brings down the fever which is the body's way of cleansing itself. The truth is that in almost all cases we don't have to get sick if we keep our immune systems functioning at their best, giving ourselves plenty of the nutrients needed to do the job. But I have my occasional sugar indulgences too, so it's helpful to have my immune tonics on hand.
Now if my entire recipe sounded foreign to you, just take an immune-boosting supplement and extra vitamin C for now. :)
Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Rx: Go to Whole Foods
How can I describe how elated I am to find a pediatrician I'm happy with?!
Back in the day when we had full coverage insurance and I took the kids for all their well-checks, I was very unimpressed with the lack of knowledge shown by the single pediatrician in Forest Lake. Rather than spending time looking for a better option, I just didn't worry about it considering I take a child to the dr about once every 2 years. Then the pediatrician left the clinic around the time Kai was born, and we also switched insurance to cut costs and have more freedom of choice since we would now pay for everything. I started asking around to come up with a MD who has similar values (natural healing first, no vaccines, homeopathics), and came up with a single name of a Dr within 25 miles of here. I was ecstatic to find out she was actually in network with the new insurance company! (Which would reduce my cost and count toward my deductible.) I decided as little as my kids go to the dr it was worth the drive to Minneapolis. I asked Shayna about her (since the peds at this clinic also work at HCMC) and found out Shayna works with her and would recommend her.
Ever since then I have been waiting for a chance to go to the Dr and start this relationship! But no such luck with the healthy kids. A couple of questionable times, I called to find no appointment was available, and ended up as usual having success with my home remedies. Yesterday Kavan's "diaper rash" (he may be potty trained but still gets SO wet overnight) had gotten so bad that I knew it was infected and didn't feel comfortable self-diagnosing it to be yeast or bacterial. I was able to get an appointment in a couple hours! So Ben came home from work and off we went in the wet snowfall to Minneapolis. The weather REALLY made me question what I was doing picking a dr so far away. I prayed to God that it would be worth it and that we would like this dr. I was nervous that she'd be busy (they'd squeezed me in) and try to rush me through. I was nervous about finding the clinic. I was nervous about parking. I was nervous about being in a waiting room forever with a room full of sick kids.
The clinic was easy to find, parking a breeze, waiting room empty, no wait, friendliest nurse ever, and even friendlier doctor! I LOVED her. She took her time with me and answered a lot of questions. In addition she gave advice about somewhat unrelated issues with Kav's skin and potential allergies, and referred me to a chiropractor who does a special kind of testing for food allergies that is beyond what they can do in medicine. She diagnosed him right away with a staph infection and told me we'd try to avoid oral antibiotics for now but gave me a prescription for an antibiotic cream. She thought I'd likely need that, but when she sensed my preference for natural methods she gave me an informative handout on some other things to try first, including a recipe for skin infections using herbal tinctures. She advised using Calendula, giving vitamin C and drinking carrot juice. She asked me where I got those things in Forest Lake, and I sadly described my drive to Shoreview to shop at Fresh and Natural. As she said goodbye she said "Now go to Whole Foods while you're down here!"
I did not try to find Whole Foods since I knew it was in the opposite direction of my trip home, but my usual store was right on the way home and we stopped to buy the herbs. While I sat in the natural pharmacy aisle forever trying to figure out exactly what I needed, Kav entertained the store workers with several rounds of Jingle Bells. It was hard to spend so much more than I would have on the prescription drug, but I was thankful I could use my HSA since it was a dr's Rx.
A day later the infection seems to be gone. He's just scabbed up now. And Kav loves his carrot juice!
I can't wait to go back to the dr!
Back in the day when we had full coverage insurance and I took the kids for all their well-checks, I was very unimpressed with the lack of knowledge shown by the single pediatrician in Forest Lake. Rather than spending time looking for a better option, I just didn't worry about it considering I take a child to the dr about once every 2 years. Then the pediatrician left the clinic around the time Kai was born, and we also switched insurance to cut costs and have more freedom of choice since we would now pay for everything. I started asking around to come up with a MD who has similar values (natural healing first, no vaccines, homeopathics), and came up with a single name of a Dr within 25 miles of here. I was ecstatic to find out she was actually in network with the new insurance company! (Which would reduce my cost and count toward my deductible.) I decided as little as my kids go to the dr it was worth the drive to Minneapolis. I asked Shayna about her (since the peds at this clinic also work at HCMC) and found out Shayna works with her and would recommend her.
Ever since then I have been waiting for a chance to go to the Dr and start this relationship! But no such luck with the healthy kids. A couple of questionable times, I called to find no appointment was available, and ended up as usual having success with my home remedies. Yesterday Kavan's "diaper rash" (he may be potty trained but still gets SO wet overnight) had gotten so bad that I knew it was infected and didn't feel comfortable self-diagnosing it to be yeast or bacterial. I was able to get an appointment in a couple hours! So Ben came home from work and off we went in the wet snowfall to Minneapolis. The weather REALLY made me question what I was doing picking a dr so far away. I prayed to God that it would be worth it and that we would like this dr. I was nervous that she'd be busy (they'd squeezed me in) and try to rush me through. I was nervous about finding the clinic. I was nervous about parking. I was nervous about being in a waiting room forever with a room full of sick kids.
The clinic was easy to find, parking a breeze, waiting room empty, no wait, friendliest nurse ever, and even friendlier doctor! I LOVED her. She took her time with me and answered a lot of questions. In addition she gave advice about somewhat unrelated issues with Kav's skin and potential allergies, and referred me to a chiropractor who does a special kind of testing for food allergies that is beyond what they can do in medicine. She diagnosed him right away with a staph infection and told me we'd try to avoid oral antibiotics for now but gave me a prescription for an antibiotic cream. She thought I'd likely need that, but when she sensed my preference for natural methods she gave me an informative handout on some other things to try first, including a recipe for skin infections using herbal tinctures. She advised using Calendula, giving vitamin C and drinking carrot juice. She asked me where I got those things in Forest Lake, and I sadly described my drive to Shoreview to shop at Fresh and Natural. As she said goodbye she said "Now go to Whole Foods while you're down here!"
I did not try to find Whole Foods since I knew it was in the opposite direction of my trip home, but my usual store was right on the way home and we stopped to buy the herbs. While I sat in the natural pharmacy aisle forever trying to figure out exactly what I needed, Kav entertained the store workers with several rounds of Jingle Bells. It was hard to spend so much more than I would have on the prescription drug, but I was thankful I could use my HSA since it was a dr's Rx.
A day later the infection seems to be gone. He's just scabbed up now. And Kav loves his carrot juice!
I can't wait to go back to the dr!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
#57
How could I have forgotten the Holidazzle?! We dragged Ben downtown, and for the looks on the kids' faces as they saw human Christmas lights dancing in the street it was so worth it.
And I got to hang out with my sisters! A fun, spontaneous event for all.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
"Christmasy"
How does it feel like Christmas? I've noticed that the older I get, the faster Christmas comes and goes and the less I "feel" like it's Christmas. A week ago it did not feel the least bit like Christmas and I knew I had to be proactive to change the atmosphere around here and create an enjoyable Christmas. I realized the Christmas feeling was about memories created during childhood, and that I now have the opportunity to enjoy that all over again with my own children. I sought out all things "Christmasy", and today I am satisfied with a holiday season that will soon be over but was not forgotten. So here it is, the planned highlights and captured spontaneous moments. Please bear with me, this is sure to get long but I promise you'll have some good laughs...
The Christmasy List
1. Making plans. Considering what would make good traditions for our family. When everyone else was complaining about how busy and stressful their holiday seasons were, I was sad that we had virtually nothing going on. We added just the right amount of activities.
2. Gathering food for food shelf (I'm sure they don't get organic donations very often but that's all we had! Hopefully someone who appreciates it will end up with it.)
3. Standing out in the cold for more than an hour with the kids in line to ride on a horse-drawn carriage in downtown White Bear Lake.
16. Hearing "Merry Christmas" from my sister-in-law Jennifer and niece Bryana.
17. Attending the Eagle Brook service and getting misty-eyed as usual when dozens gave their lives to Jesus after the "It would take a miracle" series grand finale message "to restore my faith." http://www.itwouldtakeamiracle.com/ And multiply that by 18! Yes, our church had 18 services this year between the 3 locations.
18. Seeing a darling picture captured by a friend, of Kaylin and her best friend Jordan embracing in their "Christmas best." (Okay, so Jordan was in his Christmas best and Kaylin was just wearing a red snowflake sweater.)
19. Calling my sister Shayna just to make sure she had plenty of festivities to partake in despite working the majority of the holidays.
20. A Catholic Christmas Eve Service (they are more "Christmasy!" And a 4 pm service is the perfect time - entering at daylight and coming out to the darkness. NOW it is Christmas Eve.)
The Christmasy List
1. Making plans. Considering what would make good traditions for our family. When everyone else was complaining about how busy and stressful their holiday seasons were, I was sad that we had virtually nothing going on. We added just the right amount of activities.
2. Gathering food for food shelf (I'm sure they don't get organic donations very often but that's all we had! Hopefully someone who appreciates it will end up with it.)
3. Standing out in the cold for more than an hour with the kids in line to ride on a horse-drawn carriage in downtown White Bear Lake.
4. Taking the kids to see Santa, even though Kav was afraid of sitting on his lap and Kai just cried. But Kaylin asked Santa for a necklace! Which she got of course!
5. Testing Kaylin's memory of the Christmas story by asking her questions about the Nativity scene and baby Jesus over and over.
6. Finding out about a local light display to music that we could visit as a family (http://www.mnlightshow.com/)
7. Carolling 3 times. Once at a friend's annual carolling party, once at the White Bear Campus of my church on Christmas Eve afternoon, and once with a group I initiated for the 11:00 late night service in Lino Lakes.
8. Being very excited about a specific gift I have for someone.
9. Finding out a troubled friend is doing better than expected, despite the tough holiday time.
10. Last-minute shopping on the 22nd (It's nice to have a little left to do, mingling in the crazy crowds sure makes Christmas feel real! And just 3 gifts left was the right amount).
11. Calling Grandma with my condolences and to let her know the snowstorm was keeping us away from the funeral for my Grandpa, to hear her laugh about his rotten timing.
12. Putting out more decorations 2 days before Christmas because the house just didn't feel "Christmasy" enough.
13. Finally having all the ornaments on the tree! Rach had asked me a couple weeks ago if I was really able to fit them all on. I looked at my tree and thought 'hmmm...I guess it wasn't a problem' even though I remembered it seeming more full in the past. Although Ben thought it once again looked like it was about to topple over, to me it looked empty! But I didn't think much of it, and then on the 23rd when I was putting out more decorations I found my "main box" of ornaments! Ben gave me this look like "you've got to be kidding me" as I sought out branches to add this larger collection of our ornaments to.
14. Hearing Kav say "Ho Ho Ho. Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerry Christmas!" more robustly than Santa Claus.
15. Sharing Christmas Eve brunch with family we don't get to spend enough time with.
6. Finding out about a local light display to music that we could visit as a family (http://www.mnlightshow.com/)
7. Carolling 3 times. Once at a friend's annual carolling party, once at the White Bear Campus of my church on Christmas Eve afternoon, and once with a group I initiated for the 11:00 late night service in Lino Lakes.
8. Being very excited about a specific gift I have for someone.
9. Finding out a troubled friend is doing better than expected, despite the tough holiday time.
10. Last-minute shopping on the 22nd (It's nice to have a little left to do, mingling in the crazy crowds sure makes Christmas feel real! And just 3 gifts left was the right amount).
11. Calling Grandma with my condolences and to let her know the snowstorm was keeping us away from the funeral for my Grandpa, to hear her laugh about his rotten timing.
12. Putting out more decorations 2 days before Christmas because the house just didn't feel "Christmasy" enough.
13. Finally having all the ornaments on the tree! Rach had asked me a couple weeks ago if I was really able to fit them all on. I looked at my tree and thought 'hmmm...I guess it wasn't a problem' even though I remembered it seeming more full in the past. Although Ben thought it once again looked like it was about to topple over, to me it looked empty! But I didn't think much of it, and then on the 23rd when I was putting out more decorations I found my "main box" of ornaments! Ben gave me this look like "you've got to be kidding me" as I sought out branches to add this larger collection of our ornaments to.
14. Hearing Kav say "Ho Ho Ho. Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerry Christmas!" more robustly than Santa Claus.
15. Sharing Christmas Eve brunch with family we don't get to spend enough time with.
16. Hearing "Merry Christmas" from my sister-in-law Jennifer and niece Bryana.17. Attending the Eagle Brook service and getting misty-eyed as usual when dozens gave their lives to Jesus after the "It would take a miracle" series grand finale message "to restore my faith." http://www.itwouldtakeamiracle.com/ And multiply that by 18! Yes, our church had 18 services this year between the 3 locations.
18. Seeing a darling picture captured by a friend, of Kaylin and her best friend Jordan embracing in their "Christmas best." (Okay, so Jordan was in his Christmas best and Kaylin was just wearing a red snowflake sweater.)
19. Calling my sister Shayna just to make sure she had plenty of festivities to partake in despite working the majority of the holidays.
20. A Catholic Christmas Eve Service (they are more "Christmasy!" And a 4 pm service is the perfect time - entering at daylight and coming out to the darkness. NOW it is Christmas Eve.)
21. Hearing the most beautiful original Christmas song, written and delivered by my friend Jennifer at the service. "What would you give, to find a true friend, Jesus is right here, if you let him him... This is the night, silent night... he wants to know you... he wants to love you... this is the gift... this is your gift this Christmas Day... Jesus wants to mend the pieces, just let him in."
22. "Letting it go" more than once when arguing with Ben over insignificant things.
23. Talking about Santa Claus last minute, explaining what will happen that night. I am thankful my kids view Christmas as being primarily about baby Jesus, but to add some excitement to their nights I thought I'd better clue them in to the santa stuff the other kids are buzzing about!
24. Inviting over a poor lost soul (just kidding Sam!) who had no one else to spend Christmas Eve with, and having it be someone who brings with her a link to the experiences of Christmas past, and who I love to spend time with!
25. Inventing kiddie cocktails and serving them in fancy wine glasses to my kids (Perrier water, cranberry juice and apple juice). Being amazed they did not spill!!!
26. Not funny but funny - Kaylin saying to me "Mommy, you look fat like Santa Claus in that red shirt." Note to self: you've had 3 kids! Stop wearing low-rise pants!
27. The attempt at the "first Christmas picture of all 3 kids" in their dressy outfits after the last service, achieving somewhat with one shot out of ?!?
34. Getting 6 hours of sleep in a row!
35. Taking the usual pics of the tree with the gifts underneath, and the kids seeing it for the first time, only to find out they were more enthralled with all the new ornaments on the tree!
36. Seeing that for the most part both Kaylin and Kav could open their own presents now.
37. Seeing Kai actually being entertained by his new toys. Being SO thankful I gave in and bought my 3rd child some new things when he doesn't "need" anything at all. He got only 4 things, but I am excited he finally has some age-appropriate toys he's not bored with. He loves his leap frog activity table. I know I won't have to hold him as much this week!
22. "Letting it go" more than once when arguing with Ben over insignificant things.
23. Talking about Santa Claus last minute, explaining what will happen that night. I am thankful my kids view Christmas as being primarily about baby Jesus, but to add some excitement to their nights I thought I'd better clue them in to the santa stuff the other kids are buzzing about!
24. Inviting over a poor lost soul (just kidding Sam!) who had no one else to spend Christmas Eve with, and having it be someone who brings with her a link to the experiences of Christmas past, and who I love to spend time with!
25. Inventing kiddie cocktails and serving them in fancy wine glasses to my kids (Perrier water, cranberry juice and apple juice). Being amazed they did not spill!!!
26. Not funny but funny - Kaylin saying to me "Mommy, you look fat like Santa Claus in that red shirt." Note to self: you've had 3 kids! Stop wearing low-rise pants!
27. The attempt at the "first Christmas picture of all 3 kids" in their dressy outfits after the last service, achieving somewhat with one shot out of ?!?
28. Sharing our last bottle of wine from Italy, a dessert wine we've been saving for a very special occasion. It's about time! I need to learn to "enjoy life," not "save life." (Be Here Now!)
29. Wrapping presents late into the evening. Trying to enjoy the once-a-year opportunity instead of as usual, wishing I was done by now.
30. Listening to Shayna and the Madrigals sing carols on the Christmas Party Mix CD Shayna made me about 6 years ago.
31. Attending a 3rd Eagle Brook service for the day (just to carol this time and the last time).
32. Being thankful for the opportunity to participate in this late night service, which would be my choice every year if it wasn't for kids needing to sleep!
33. Staying up until 1, not because wrapping went that late, but because Ben and I were thoroughly enjoying and laughing at old video clips of the kids at various stages, especially the one where Kaylin is nursing her Care Bear.
29. Wrapping presents late into the evening. Trying to enjoy the once-a-year opportunity instead of as usual, wishing I was done by now.
30. Listening to Shayna and the Madrigals sing carols on the Christmas Party Mix CD Shayna made me about 6 years ago.
31. Attending a 3rd Eagle Brook service for the day (just to carol this time and the last time).
32. Being thankful for the opportunity to participate in this late night service, which would be my choice every year if it wasn't for kids needing to sleep!
33. Staying up until 1, not because wrapping went that late, but because Ben and I were thoroughly enjoying and laughing at old video clips of the kids at various stages, especially the one where Kaylin is nursing her Care Bear.
34. Getting 6 hours of sleep in a row!
35. Taking the usual pics of the tree with the gifts underneath, and the kids seeing it for the first time, only to find out they were more enthralled with all the new ornaments on the tree!
36. Seeing that for the most part both Kaylin and Kav could open their own presents now.
37. Seeing Kai actually being entertained by his new toys. Being SO thankful I gave in and bought my 3rd child some new things when he doesn't "need" anything at all. He got only 4 things, but I am excited he finally has some age-appropriate toys he's not bored with. He loves his leap frog activity table. I know I won't have to hold him as much this week! 38. Snow on Christmas Day (after explaining to Ben the night before how I was glad we finally have a "White Christmas," but I didn't remember the last time it actually SNOWED for Christmas!)
44. Marveling at how no matter what you get your children, their favorite gifts are stickers, and also that they will always like each other's gifts better than their own.
39. Receiving the first call of the day from my sister-in-law Mollie to wish us a wonderful day (it was just as wonderful to hear she is spending her day with very supportive friends in her life!)
40. The phone call from Ben's mom to tell us they're thinking of us today even though they can't be here.
41. Kaylin's excitement to tell all the callers today what she got.
42. Wearing pajamas all Christmas morning and into the afternoon.
43. Kaylin excelling at her Dora video game system on the first try.
40. The phone call from Ben's mom to tell us they're thinking of us today even though they can't be here.
41. Kaylin's excitement to tell all the callers today what she got.
42. Wearing pajamas all Christmas morning and into the afternoon.
43. Kaylin excelling at her Dora video game system on the first try.
44. Marveling at how no matter what you get your children, their favorite gifts are stickers, and also that they will always like each other's gifts better than their own.45. Getting the Merry Christmas call from Rachel even though we will celebrate together in a few days and she is at her in-laws.
46. Being proud of myself for munching on veggies and my homemade dill dip all day when the rest of the world is eating cookies. But only because we simply didn't have any. Or wait, was it the "fat like Santa" comment?
47. Receiving tea from more than one person I love, to support my latest health kick!
Reheating tea in the toaster oven at least ten times because my kids don't need me any less today than any other day.
47. Receiving tea from more than one person I love, to support my latest health kick!
Reheating tea in the toaster oven at least ten times because my kids don't need me any less today than any other day.
48. Reading a children's book about the very first Christmas, in front of the fireplace together.
49. Getting a Christmas call from my dad, even without a reminder from a wife...
50. Who of course is my mom, and it was heartwarming to find out she gave up her Christmas at home to be with her mother while she mourns.
51. Driving to see Christmas lights tonight, and being very impressed with the musical light display mentioned above! For sure a new addition to the tradition list.
52. Eating organic chocolate ice cream with Ben to make up for the veggies.
50. Who of course is my mom, and it was heartwarming to find out she gave up her Christmas at home to be with her mother while she mourns.
51. Driving to see Christmas lights tonight, and being very impressed with the musical light display mentioned above! For sure a new addition to the tradition list.
52. Eating organic chocolate ice cream with Ben to make up for the veggies.
53. Engaging in productive conversation to establish the need to prioritize the kids more and to continue "downsizing" our lives.
54. Asking Ben to keep the Christmas lights on when he was heading upstairs for bed. "Wait! It's not over yet! I had one more hour here to enjoy my favorite musical lights (sound off for now of course) that have become as much a part of the holidays as anything for me.
55. Knowing that Christmas Day wasn't complete without calling my Grandma and Grandpa Robinson who we always spent the day with in the past. Being thankful they're night owls and I knew they'd still be up at 10!
56. Being completely astonished that I just wrote a list of 54 things that helped me to experience Christmas... Going back to add a couple more to the list, "combining" with others because I don't want to renumber them all!
57. Dreading tomorrow because I just stayed up until after midnight uploading pics to break up this blog and make it more readable. :)
Merry Christmas, and good night!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Entertaining the Delivery Guy
I need to record this funny story before it's gone from my memory. I want to be able to look back at these times and laugh as a family.
And besides, despite the occasions were I write my deep intellectual musings my readers seem to prefer cute stories from my kids. :)
Last night in attempt to ease the stress of our day we ordered a pizza. (yes, we are normal once in awhile!)
Ben had set out the money by the front door on the ledge and when the delivery guy got there it was gone. The guy waited while he looked around the ledge and then asked the kids what happened to it.
"Kavan took it!" Kaylin was happy to chime in.
"Did you take it Kav?" "yeah" (grinning ear to ear)
"Where did he put it?" (Ben)
"Kaylin, please go show us right now where it is." (me)
She hops down from the table, "It's in his money bank" and heads upstairs. Meanwhile we finally let the delivery guy in out of the cold. I followed Kaylin to two blue piggy banks in Kav's room where she explained the quarters were in one and the paper in the other. I couldn't get them open!
I brought down the piggy banks to Ben where the delivery guy is just laughing. He pried the bottom things off and shook out the cash and even the coupon.
Ben didn't think it was funny! Hopefully he'll finally get a laugh when he reads this. :)
Another new thing yesterday - Kaylin has started imitating our spelling to each other (you know, when you say to your spouse "do you want them to have a s-n-a-c-k?")
"Mom, Kavan just called Madelynn a p-o-s-s-t!"
We're still working on the tattling thing...
And besides, despite the occasions were I write my deep intellectual musings my readers seem to prefer cute stories from my kids. :)
Last night in attempt to ease the stress of our day we ordered a pizza. (yes, we are normal once in awhile!)
Ben had set out the money by the front door on the ledge and when the delivery guy got there it was gone. The guy waited while he looked around the ledge and then asked the kids what happened to it.
"Kavan took it!" Kaylin was happy to chime in.
"Did you take it Kav?" "yeah" (grinning ear to ear)
"Where did he put it?" (Ben)
"Kaylin, please go show us right now where it is." (me)
She hops down from the table, "It's in his money bank" and heads upstairs. Meanwhile we finally let the delivery guy in out of the cold. I followed Kaylin to two blue piggy banks in Kav's room where she explained the quarters were in one and the paper in the other. I couldn't get them open!
I brought down the piggy banks to Ben where the delivery guy is just laughing. He pried the bottom things off and shook out the cash and even the coupon.
Ben didn't think it was funny! Hopefully he'll finally get a laugh when he reads this. :)
Another new thing yesterday - Kaylin has started imitating our spelling to each other (you know, when you say to your spouse "do you want them to have a s-n-a-c-k?")
"Mom, Kavan just called Madelynn a p-o-s-s-t!"
We're still working on the tattling thing...
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Update on the K's
It makes me sad that the cute quotes are coming and going so quickly without having been recorded. I just can't keep up. Due to crazy days, not too many quotes! In fact the kids have been less than cute the majority of the time lately. However I am trying to seek out the positive, and here are some updates from what I can recall in the last few weeks...
Kai - I enjoy even the difficult moments. I will miss having a baby. At times I love that he's about 3 months behind developmentally and still looks and acts like a baby at almost a year old.
He gives us hugs. It is so sweet. When we hold him in our arms he wraps his arms around our necks and squeezes in tight. He does his own unique variation of a crawl. He uses his elbows and toes mostly, and is just starting to use his knees too. But he has yet to get his tummy up off the ground. He loves paper. We've thrown away many ripped soggy book corners.
Kavan - (see Kaylin. he copies everything she does). He doesn't have a lot of his own cute quotes yet, but somehow every single thing he says is hilarious. He sounds so grown up when he says things like "I have a question." He doesn't sound so grown up when he tries to see how much he can get away with talking about poop. I suppose I shouldn't be bothered by his fascination with "all things potty" since he was trained at such a young age. I did get one laugh out of this topic. Kaylin called into the bathroom when Kav was in there "are you going number 1 or number 2 Kav?" and he called back "number 9!"
Kaylin - Now here's where I try not to write a book.
She is learning about gloating. She is learning to not laugh at Kav when he gets in trouble. Upon a recent scolding about this she said "Mommy, my feelings started to laugh."
She is learning how to manipulate me with my soft spot: "Mommy, I'm going to say thank you in French in a little bit when you give me some honey."
She asks often how to say things in French. And, "how do you say French in Spanish?"
She wants a sister. Sometimes she is fine with her doll being her sister.
Many sentences start with "when I grow up" and "when I turn 5". "When I grow up and turn into a mom and a princess..." Is that what's next?! I'm still waiting to be a princess!
She seeks affirmation when she is proud of an accomplishment "Say good job mom!"
In true female fashion she adds many unnecessary words to each sentence. A phrase may just end like this "sometimes maybe if we do that like yesterday when you said we can do that someday i think maybe sometimes, right mommy?"
Kai - I enjoy even the difficult moments. I will miss having a baby. At times I love that he's about 3 months behind developmentally and still looks and acts like a baby at almost a year old.
He gives us hugs. It is so sweet. When we hold him in our arms he wraps his arms around our necks and squeezes in tight. He does his own unique variation of a crawl. He uses his elbows and toes mostly, and is just starting to use his knees too. But he has yet to get his tummy up off the ground. He loves paper. We've thrown away many ripped soggy book corners.
Kavan - (see Kaylin. he copies everything she does). He doesn't have a lot of his own cute quotes yet, but somehow every single thing he says is hilarious. He sounds so grown up when he says things like "I have a question." He doesn't sound so grown up when he tries to see how much he can get away with talking about poop. I suppose I shouldn't be bothered by his fascination with "all things potty" since he was trained at such a young age. I did get one laugh out of this topic. Kaylin called into the bathroom when Kav was in there "are you going number 1 or number 2 Kav?" and he called back "number 9!"
Kaylin - Now here's where I try not to write a book.
She is learning about gloating. She is learning to not laugh at Kav when he gets in trouble. Upon a recent scolding about this she said "Mommy, my feelings started to laugh."
She is learning how to manipulate me with my soft spot: "Mommy, I'm going to say thank you in French in a little bit when you give me some honey."
She asks often how to say things in French. And, "how do you say French in Spanish?"
She wants a sister. Sometimes she is fine with her doll being her sister.
Many sentences start with "when I grow up" and "when I turn 5". "When I grow up and turn into a mom and a princess..." Is that what's next?! I'm still waiting to be a princess!
She seeks affirmation when she is proud of an accomplishment "Say good job mom!"
In true female fashion she adds many unnecessary words to each sentence. A phrase may just end like this "sometimes maybe if we do that like yesterday when you said we can do that someday i think maybe sometimes, right mommy?"
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Counting Grey
The other day I was shocked as I saw the shiny reflection in the mirror. "That one grey hair" I thought. I looked closer to find it was not just one. I remembered then that I had counted 4 a few months back. So I counted again. And counted and counted. It seemed to take a while as I separated them out from the masses. They are all in one spot. 11 of them. I was very sad. More confused. When did this happen? Believe it or not folks I do not know the natural cause of grey hairs. I expect it must have something to do with little sleep! My last count must have been before Kai was born. Now I'm just coming off the end of a very bad no-sleep stretch. Up 5 or 6 times a night for about 2 months in a row. This week feels hopeful, up only twice, once with Kai and once for a potty break. That doesn't include all the times between 7-8 a.m. where I continue trying to convince the kids it's not time to get up yet. Oh, and that doesn't include the first night Kaylin and Kavan shared a room! They slept about 6 hours total, in two separate chunks. They usually sleep 12. The next night they did good. Tonight not so good so far. In reality I just need to get to bed earlier. Tonight I had my small group, and it's WAY late. So to bed I go! After I move Kaylin out of my bed and back into hers... that was Sammie the babysitter's solution for tonight. Ben just called and said he had to work late :(. So my first wake-up alarm is already a guarantee... good night!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Mystery Solved
I finally figured it out! When I reveal the mystery and then the solution, I realize it's going to sound all too obvious. Like it shouldn't have taken me this long to figure it out. But it did.
In the last few years since having kids I've been trying to figure out why I'm so stressed and overwhelmed all the time. I've talked to other moms buried by their to-do lists and to a certain extent I think it's normal to be a mother of young children and a little short on time. But it's so much more than a house that's always behind on cleaning, dishes on the counter and laundry on the couch for me. I've tried to simplify my life as much as possible and I certainly have lowered my expectations for the state of my house. The only thing that seems could be cut out is work (not really, financially). But I've failed to figure out why I can't work part-time, keep a home in an organized state, raise respectful children and have a happy spouse. Why does it seem other moms can do this, working part-time or even full-time? Okay, so I actually don't know of any women personally who work full-time and don't feel constantly guilty due to feeling like their children or husband get the short end of the stick while they try to balance it all... but certainly there are many part-time moms out there who seem to have it all together! So why can't I work part-time and not feel completely overwhelmed all the time?
The long-awaited answer to this dilemma? I don't have child care. Duh. Other women that work have child care. What I've discovered to be ultimately the most time-consuming strain on me is my business, although at first glance it seems I work so little. But the constant "little things" involved add up to a lot. Communication with current and prospective clients, marketing, record keeping, accounting, arranging details for classes, scheduling appointments...
I try to do all this while at the same time handling my 3 little interruptions. I absolutely hate that I even think of them that way. I wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom, and now instead of focusing my days and energy on them, I see them as always in the way. What's the most ridiculous, is that what I could probably accomplish in 10 focused hours of work a week, I instead spread out into a weeklong attempt to squeeze out every spare minute I can get. My children pay the price during what seems like a 50 hour work week! Lately I've wondered if they wouldn't be better off in day care! However, I don't really think that, and I also don't make enough money to pay for even one half day a week of childcare for 3 kids. As a business owner, the most time-consuming responsibilities are the ones you don't get paid for!
So the dilemma remains. For now Ben and I have attempted to come up with a solution, him watching the kids more, but the schedule still doesn't give me enough hours, and I worry about the negative effect on our marriage - less time spent together, and ... he's not always in a happy mood after dealing with all 3 kids even for an hour. I know things will get easier for him when Kai's no longer a nursing baby who wants to be held all the time. There is hope in the future. Hopefully we can hang in there until then.
P.S. How did I have time to write this? Currently I'm paying somebody "babysitting chips" so I can get this much needed 1-hour period of stress relief at Caribou. I really do feel better after I write!
In the last few years since having kids I've been trying to figure out why I'm so stressed and overwhelmed all the time. I've talked to other moms buried by their to-do lists and to a certain extent I think it's normal to be a mother of young children and a little short on time. But it's so much more than a house that's always behind on cleaning, dishes on the counter and laundry on the couch for me. I've tried to simplify my life as much as possible and I certainly have lowered my expectations for the state of my house. The only thing that seems could be cut out is work (not really, financially). But I've failed to figure out why I can't work part-time, keep a home in an organized state, raise respectful children and have a happy spouse. Why does it seem other moms can do this, working part-time or even full-time? Okay, so I actually don't know of any women personally who work full-time and don't feel constantly guilty due to feeling like their children or husband get the short end of the stick while they try to balance it all... but certainly there are many part-time moms out there who seem to have it all together! So why can't I work part-time and not feel completely overwhelmed all the time?
The long-awaited answer to this dilemma? I don't have child care. Duh. Other women that work have child care. What I've discovered to be ultimately the most time-consuming strain on me is my business, although at first glance it seems I work so little. But the constant "little things" involved add up to a lot. Communication with current and prospective clients, marketing, record keeping, accounting, arranging details for classes, scheduling appointments...
I try to do all this while at the same time handling my 3 little interruptions. I absolutely hate that I even think of them that way. I wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom, and now instead of focusing my days and energy on them, I see them as always in the way. What's the most ridiculous, is that what I could probably accomplish in 10 focused hours of work a week, I instead spread out into a weeklong attempt to squeeze out every spare minute I can get. My children pay the price during what seems like a 50 hour work week! Lately I've wondered if they wouldn't be better off in day care! However, I don't really think that, and I also don't make enough money to pay for even one half day a week of childcare for 3 kids. As a business owner, the most time-consuming responsibilities are the ones you don't get paid for!
So the dilemma remains. For now Ben and I have attempted to come up with a solution, him watching the kids more, but the schedule still doesn't give me enough hours, and I worry about the negative effect on our marriage - less time spent together, and ... he's not always in a happy mood after dealing with all 3 kids even for an hour. I know things will get easier for him when Kai's no longer a nursing baby who wants to be held all the time. There is hope in the future. Hopefully we can hang in there until then.
P.S. How did I have time to write this? Currently I'm paying somebody "babysitting chips" so I can get this much needed 1-hour period of stress relief at Caribou. I really do feel better after I write!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Counting Blessings
Today I am thankful. I guess I was too busy on Thanksgiving keeping 3 kids in line away from home. But today I have time to reflect.
What I forgot to mention in my "black friday" blog was that we saved $400. That very same day we were about to buy laptops online, slightly downgraded versions even at a much higher price.
It always amazes me the little ways in which God has come through for us with our finances. The other week we decided to finally get the water pump/timing belt fixed on our Honda, figuring it was long overdue. We had gotten more insurance money from the birth that we weren't expecting. Then we found out the mechanic couldn't fix it because he couldn't get a bolt off! A couple days ago I had the idea to call a guy from church who works on Hondas to get his opinion. He said he WOULD be able to get the bolt off, and looked at it for free and said we didn't even need to get the job done for another 30,000 miles! A savings of $700. The stubborn bolt was a blessing in disguise. As tight as things have been the last few years we've always been okay, and there have been so many times like this where there seems to be no way and He continues to make a way. And we live more than comfortably at such a young age!
I truly believe God has blessed us for always putting him first in our finances. I am thankful to my dad for raising me with the commitment to give that first ten percent. I expect that would be difficult to learn as an adult! I also believe the last couple years God has blessed our decision to change the way we eat. Groceries got quite a bit more expensive when we decided to only purchase foods that God created for us to eat, and that was not in the budget when we purchased our new home. I am working less too. Yet here we are, and we're okay. More than okay. A huge grocery bill but no medical copays! Saving money by switching to high deductible insurance helped us out too. More money on health-promoting supplements to replace the lacking nutrients in our modern-day overprocessed diets, less money on insurance, it all just works. He even provided for us way back when I was a baby, when my grandfather purchased a whole life policy for me that we can now save as our deductible in case of medical emergencies.
We should never make commitments to God either financially or with our health because we are expecting something in return. But it's truly amazing to reflect back on how God uses these gifts and talents he's given us to enrich the lives of those around us, and even our own.
What I forgot to mention in my "black friday" blog was that we saved $400. That very same day we were about to buy laptops online, slightly downgraded versions even at a much higher price.
It always amazes me the little ways in which God has come through for us with our finances. The other week we decided to finally get the water pump/timing belt fixed on our Honda, figuring it was long overdue. We had gotten more insurance money from the birth that we weren't expecting. Then we found out the mechanic couldn't fix it because he couldn't get a bolt off! A couple days ago I had the idea to call a guy from church who works on Hondas to get his opinion. He said he WOULD be able to get the bolt off, and looked at it for free and said we didn't even need to get the job done for another 30,000 miles! A savings of $700. The stubborn bolt was a blessing in disguise. As tight as things have been the last few years we've always been okay, and there have been so many times like this where there seems to be no way and He continues to make a way. And we live more than comfortably at such a young age!
I truly believe God has blessed us for always putting him first in our finances. I am thankful to my dad for raising me with the commitment to give that first ten percent. I expect that would be difficult to learn as an adult! I also believe the last couple years God has blessed our decision to change the way we eat. Groceries got quite a bit more expensive when we decided to only purchase foods that God created for us to eat, and that was not in the budget when we purchased our new home. I am working less too. Yet here we are, and we're okay. More than okay. A huge grocery bill but no medical copays! Saving money by switching to high deductible insurance helped us out too. More money on health-promoting supplements to replace the lacking nutrients in our modern-day overprocessed diets, less money on insurance, it all just works. He even provided for us way back when I was a baby, when my grandfather purchased a whole life policy for me that we can now save as our deductible in case of medical emergencies.
We should never make commitments to God either financially or with our health because we are expecting something in return. But it's truly amazing to reflect back on how God uses these gifts and talents he's given us to enrich the lives of those around us, and even our own.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Black Friday
Why do they call it Black Friday? Is it because of the color of the sky when you get your butt out of bed to make the deals? Perhaps it should be called White Friday as many headlights as I saw this morning.
I was one of those crazy people. I didn't think I would be. I had some ads in the back of my head from when I browsed through them during the Thanksgiving festivities yesterday. When Ben and I went to bed last night we said we'd decide in the morning if we'd do any shopping today (translation: yeah, right, like we're going to feel like getting up early after being up all night with kids most likely).
But at 5:10 a.m. in came my alarm clock - a 4 year old girl telling me there was a snake in her room. There was no going back to sleep after that, not when there were deals to be had! I planned on only going to Michael's to stock up on beading supplies with my 6-9am 25% off coupon. I figured Michael's wouldn't be too crazy.
Then last minute I decided I was up early enough to try for a computer deal Ben and I had seen in the ads at Office Depot. (I decided Ben should use his year-end performance bonus in the way that he wanted, which was to update our 5 year old computers). I tried calling on my way there since it was a half hour drive from my house but they said too busy, no one could come to the phone. Since it was only 15 minutes past Michael's I went anyway. I drove past the crazy line of people way out the door at Circuit City and thought "what fools." 6:15 I walked in Office Depot, they had opened at 6, and the laptops were gone. I called another Office Depot and this time they answered my question; said they were sold out there too.
On to Michaels I thought, and there was one right next door! But wait a minute, the line out the door to Circuit City was dying down... I remembered Ben had said there was a similar computer deal here. I thought I might as well try since I drove all the way here! I entered the zoo and checked the ad for a comparable computer. There it was, a $900 computer marked down to $550. My heart sank as I couldn't find it in the computer section and I heard other people asking employees about computers and being told "that one's gone." I heard one specify another model number though, so I kept looking. I found only one free employee to ask and he had no idea where to find one. That's when I started getting bounced around from one worker to the next for the next half hour.
I don't know why I didn't just leave. If I wasn't so tired and out of it I'm sure I would have! I felt like I was in this mad crowd for a reason, and so I started browsing the ad for other deals. But after they were out of the next thing I looked for, I still stayed and walked around, looking for a clue how to find out if they have this computer. A manager told me I had to wait in a checkout line and if the cashier said there was one in stock they would bring it to me. WAIT IN LINE? They were hour-long lines. FOR A COMPUTER THAT MIGHT NOT BE IN STOCK? I decided to do one more tour around the store looking for a short line. A girl at the front of one line (I thought I was going to the back of a line but they were so screwed up) told me where her line ended because she saw I was confused. I explained I would wait in line if I could buy the computer, but I was told to ask a cashier if my item was even in stock! She said, oh, you can ask! Josh won't mind! (Her brother in front of her, one of the many annoying customers I heard arguing with clerks today who didn't understand the concept of mail-in rebates.) I waited for the debate to end and darted in for my chance. "7 in stock" he said. But that doesn't mean they're not already in customers' hands in line some where! I pressed further, not accepting this answer. "How would I know?" He said to go back to the computer area and a cashier there would have a better idea. I interrupted the front of the line again to ask my question. "7 in stock" he said, and this guy was friendlier and more helpful. He explained to me again I could get in line and hope it was still there when I got to the front. His line happened to be one of the shorter ones, so there I stood for only a half hour.
The moment of truth: yes, they still had them, and yes, I could have two! It seemed to good to be true (how did he know other customers didn't have them in their arms)... And it almost was. I was sent on another maze through the store to find the pickup location. When I finally was at the right place a manager didn't seem to be able to find one and then entered a discussion with another group of managers for about ten minutes. What was going on?!
He came back and tried to upsell me to 2 "optimized" versions. Only $40 more a piece? He made it sound like a great deal but I was confused and asked to call Ben. Then he offered to give me both computers optimized for only $40 total, admitting they didn't have any of the others for me. The cashier was not supposed to sell me those! I didn't have a voucher! Basically I was not supposed to be able to get the computer I did since I wasn't there at 3 a.m. waiting for a ticket!
And I ended up with even faster, better ones for $20 a piece.
I was so excited to surprise Ben, but on to Michael's first. Where I found the opposite problem - I was overwhelmed with the vast selection to use my coupon towards! It was hard to keep the spending down. On the way home Ben called "WHERE ARE YOU?!" and I did not tell him my surprise but assured him I was on my way home. I hoped I'd gotten the right models, and I hoped he would be happy even though I was gone a lot longer than I warned the night before I might be, when my only plan was possibly Michael's.
5 minutes later my phone rang again. "Did you just spend x amount of dollars at Michael's? Our credit card company is on the phone alerting us of possible fraudulent activity!" Then, "hold on," as he went back to the phone... 'oh, shoot!' I thought! "DID YOU JUST MAKE 2 PURCHASES AT AN ELECTRONIC STORE?" "yes..." "for how much?" "a lot of money"
I did actually try to tell him how much but he hung up on me. Then I later found out he assured the credit card it was probably me, and he never did ask the amount, but said he'd call them back if it wasn't.
Ben was freaking out when I got home but also relieved it was me and not someone who stole our credit card. And he was SO happy I got the computers!
Later in the day we went to Target and finished a lot of our shopping with the kiddos, who were actually good in the store. Stopped in at walgreens too trying to get a $10 digital photo keychain, but those were sold out. All in all I'd say I had a GREAT black friday, enough to say it was worth it... but only because of the big ticket items. Can't say I'd go out in that craziness again next year.
I was one of those crazy people. I didn't think I would be. I had some ads in the back of my head from when I browsed through them during the Thanksgiving festivities yesterday. When Ben and I went to bed last night we said we'd decide in the morning if we'd do any shopping today (translation: yeah, right, like we're going to feel like getting up early after being up all night with kids most likely).
But at 5:10 a.m. in came my alarm clock - a 4 year old girl telling me there was a snake in her room. There was no going back to sleep after that, not when there were deals to be had! I planned on only going to Michael's to stock up on beading supplies with my 6-9am 25% off coupon. I figured Michael's wouldn't be too crazy.
Then last minute I decided I was up early enough to try for a computer deal Ben and I had seen in the ads at Office Depot. (I decided Ben should use his year-end performance bonus in the way that he wanted, which was to update our 5 year old computers). I tried calling on my way there since it was a half hour drive from my house but they said too busy, no one could come to the phone. Since it was only 15 minutes past Michael's I went anyway. I drove past the crazy line of people way out the door at Circuit City and thought "what fools." 6:15 I walked in Office Depot, they had opened at 6, and the laptops were gone. I called another Office Depot and this time they answered my question; said they were sold out there too.
On to Michaels I thought, and there was one right next door! But wait a minute, the line out the door to Circuit City was dying down... I remembered Ben had said there was a similar computer deal here. I thought I might as well try since I drove all the way here! I entered the zoo and checked the ad for a comparable computer. There it was, a $900 computer marked down to $550. My heart sank as I couldn't find it in the computer section and I heard other people asking employees about computers and being told "that one's gone." I heard one specify another model number though, so I kept looking. I found only one free employee to ask and he had no idea where to find one. That's when I started getting bounced around from one worker to the next for the next half hour.
I don't know why I didn't just leave. If I wasn't so tired and out of it I'm sure I would have! I felt like I was in this mad crowd for a reason, and so I started browsing the ad for other deals. But after they were out of the next thing I looked for, I still stayed and walked around, looking for a clue how to find out if they have this computer. A manager told me I had to wait in a checkout line and if the cashier said there was one in stock they would bring it to me. WAIT IN LINE? They were hour-long lines. FOR A COMPUTER THAT MIGHT NOT BE IN STOCK? I decided to do one more tour around the store looking for a short line. A girl at the front of one line (I thought I was going to the back of a line but they were so screwed up) told me where her line ended because she saw I was confused. I explained I would wait in line if I could buy the computer, but I was told to ask a cashier if my item was even in stock! She said, oh, you can ask! Josh won't mind! (Her brother in front of her, one of the many annoying customers I heard arguing with clerks today who didn't understand the concept of mail-in rebates.) I waited for the debate to end and darted in for my chance. "7 in stock" he said. But that doesn't mean they're not already in customers' hands in line some where! I pressed further, not accepting this answer. "How would I know?" He said to go back to the computer area and a cashier there would have a better idea. I interrupted the front of the line again to ask my question. "7 in stock" he said, and this guy was friendlier and more helpful. He explained to me again I could get in line and hope it was still there when I got to the front. His line happened to be one of the shorter ones, so there I stood for only a half hour.
The moment of truth: yes, they still had them, and yes, I could have two! It seemed to good to be true (how did he know other customers didn't have them in their arms)... And it almost was. I was sent on another maze through the store to find the pickup location. When I finally was at the right place a manager didn't seem to be able to find one and then entered a discussion with another group of managers for about ten minutes. What was going on?!
He came back and tried to upsell me to 2 "optimized" versions. Only $40 more a piece? He made it sound like a great deal but I was confused and asked to call Ben. Then he offered to give me both computers optimized for only $40 total, admitting they didn't have any of the others for me. The cashier was not supposed to sell me those! I didn't have a voucher! Basically I was not supposed to be able to get the computer I did since I wasn't there at 3 a.m. waiting for a ticket!
And I ended up with even faster, better ones for $20 a piece.
I was so excited to surprise Ben, but on to Michael's first. Where I found the opposite problem - I was overwhelmed with the vast selection to use my coupon towards! It was hard to keep the spending down. On the way home Ben called "WHERE ARE YOU?!" and I did not tell him my surprise but assured him I was on my way home. I hoped I'd gotten the right models, and I hoped he would be happy even though I was gone a lot longer than I warned the night before I might be, when my only plan was possibly Michael's.
5 minutes later my phone rang again. "Did you just spend x amount of dollars at Michael's? Our credit card company is on the phone alerting us of possible fraudulent activity!" Then, "hold on," as he went back to the phone... 'oh, shoot!' I thought! "DID YOU JUST MAKE 2 PURCHASES AT AN ELECTRONIC STORE?" "yes..." "for how much?" "a lot of money"
I did actually try to tell him how much but he hung up on me. Then I later found out he assured the credit card it was probably me, and he never did ask the amount, but said he'd call them back if it wasn't.
Ben was freaking out when I got home but also relieved it was me and not someone who stole our credit card. And he was SO happy I got the computers!
Later in the day we went to Target and finished a lot of our shopping with the kiddos, who were actually good in the store. Stopped in at walgreens too trying to get a $10 digital photo keychain, but those were sold out. All in all I'd say I had a GREAT black friday, enough to say it was worth it... but only because of the big ticket items. Can't say I'd go out in that craziness again next year.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Kaylin's Thanksgiving Greeting
I did not coach her! She learned this word at the grocery store last night and it's her new favorite word.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Now THIS is ENCOURAGEMENT!
I brought a card from a friend with me to my presentation today. She had heard me practice just a few days ago and here is what she wrote (shared with her permission):
"Here is the most important thing I need to tell you... as I was listening to you I kept thinking, "She is made to do this!" You are made to do this! You are good at it, interested in it, and talented with delivering the topic. Trust this! Trust that God designed you to live out this passion! Even when it feels scary (and it will) you are exactly where you are meant to be!"
Now that's a much more comforting definition of encouragement than I learned about the other night! Those words gave me more confidence than almost any I've ever read.
Let me back up to explain this presentation. When I sent out a request for prayer this morning, my responses told me that most of the important people in my life didn't know what I was doing!
My friend Jennifer gave my name to a professional women's group who was looking for a nutrition speaker. Why she had so much faith in me to recommend me when she's never heard me do public speaking and I haven't presented since before Kaylin was born, I do not know. When they approached me with the invitation I almost turned it down. I didn't feel worthy of being a paid speaker. I never was paid in the corporate setting other than my salary. $150 turned out to be minimum wage when you break down the hours I spent working on it, but it seemed like a lot of money to pay to listen to someone for an hour. I had no choice on the topic and they wanted something geared towards making healthy food choices when you're in a hurry. "That's too tough!" I thought, "I don't have enough info for an hour presentation, and I"m not even good at making good choices myself in a hurry!"
Well I ended up packing two hours of info into one. And I even divulged my personal weaknesses to say "hey, I'm just one of you." And so, "Nutrition on the Run" was born.
I felt everyone's prayers today, big time!
The presentation went well. REALLY well. Unbelievably well considering the little time I had to practice it after I had all the info put together. It was a tough month. Most of my usual babysitting avenues were out of commission. I went through it start to finish one time with Ben last night and even that was interrupted by the kids' bedtime. He had so much "constructive criticism" that I really felt doomed for today. He was positive overall, but I am tough on myself. I was too reliant over my notes and I was stumbling over my words.
This morning I got up early. 6:30 since I had given up trying to get back to sleep... I had been awake since Kai's 3:45 feeding. My heart was racing and I had cotton mouth as if I was already in the middle of speaking. I was mad I couldn't sleep and sure that my lack of concentration would ruin the presentation.
I took extra time getting ready. I put on a suit that had so much dust on it I couldn't believe it washed up okay. I had worn it once 4 years ago. I couldn't believe it still fit. My "mommies" classes have really paid off for me lately. :) I didn't have time to remove the shoulder pads and I looked a little too professsional for my comfort level. But then again my usual comfort level involves flannel pants and a t-shirt.
I wanted to cry when I arrived at the presentation hall after the gas spill incident (see last entry) and the women were already arriving. I still had to set up my computer and props and make sure the DVD was set to the right place. I showed two video clips, both from the animated film "Over the Hedge" where the animals invade suburbia and poke fun at how Americans eat.
I had time to set up but no time to look over my notes one last time. I started out nervous about getting through the whole thing because we started late waiting for some of the attendees to arrive. I knew I would go over past noon and I did. But I stayed in my original time allotment of an hour and then asked if we still had time for the Q & A and no one seemed to mind going over.
In fact one woman said she could have listened to me for another hour! I was showered with compliments. When I finished talking I was comfortable with how I'd done. Disappointed I knew I had missed a few points, but so happy that it flowed and the time frame was okay. My opinion of how I did kept getting higher and higher though as the women approached me afterwards with their heartfelt praise and interested questions. The real affirmation was when I was asked to speak again! By 3 different women for their various other groups. Another asked me to do some consulting with her. I have received 2 emails already from class participants.
Now I KNOW I'm where I'm meant to be. Now it's back to the challenge of trying to keep my career goals in check with the reality of my all-consuming and more important daily responsibilities, Kjo Kav and Kai. I missed them today. Kaylin learned "organic" tonight... that story to come!
"Here is the most important thing I need to tell you... as I was listening to you I kept thinking, "She is made to do this!" You are made to do this! You are good at it, interested in it, and talented with delivering the topic. Trust this! Trust that God designed you to live out this passion! Even when it feels scary (and it will) you are exactly where you are meant to be!"
Now that's a much more comforting definition of encouragement than I learned about the other night! Those words gave me more confidence than almost any I've ever read.
Let me back up to explain this presentation. When I sent out a request for prayer this morning, my responses told me that most of the important people in my life didn't know what I was doing!
My friend Jennifer gave my name to a professional women's group who was looking for a nutrition speaker. Why she had so much faith in me to recommend me when she's never heard me do public speaking and I haven't presented since before Kaylin was born, I do not know. When they approached me with the invitation I almost turned it down. I didn't feel worthy of being a paid speaker. I never was paid in the corporate setting other than my salary. $150 turned out to be minimum wage when you break down the hours I spent working on it, but it seemed like a lot of money to pay to listen to someone for an hour. I had no choice on the topic and they wanted something geared towards making healthy food choices when you're in a hurry. "That's too tough!" I thought, "I don't have enough info for an hour presentation, and I"m not even good at making good choices myself in a hurry!"
Well I ended up packing two hours of info into one. And I even divulged my personal weaknesses to say "hey, I'm just one of you." And so, "Nutrition on the Run" was born.
I felt everyone's prayers today, big time!
The presentation went well. REALLY well. Unbelievably well considering the little time I had to practice it after I had all the info put together. It was a tough month. Most of my usual babysitting avenues were out of commission. I went through it start to finish one time with Ben last night and even that was interrupted by the kids' bedtime. He had so much "constructive criticism" that I really felt doomed for today. He was positive overall, but I am tough on myself. I was too reliant over my notes and I was stumbling over my words.
This morning I got up early. 6:30 since I had given up trying to get back to sleep... I had been awake since Kai's 3:45 feeding. My heart was racing and I had cotton mouth as if I was already in the middle of speaking. I was mad I couldn't sleep and sure that my lack of concentration would ruin the presentation.
I took extra time getting ready. I put on a suit that had so much dust on it I couldn't believe it washed up okay. I had worn it once 4 years ago. I couldn't believe it still fit. My "mommies" classes have really paid off for me lately. :) I didn't have time to remove the shoulder pads and I looked a little too professsional for my comfort level. But then again my usual comfort level involves flannel pants and a t-shirt.
I wanted to cry when I arrived at the presentation hall after the gas spill incident (see last entry) and the women were already arriving. I still had to set up my computer and props and make sure the DVD was set to the right place. I showed two video clips, both from the animated film "Over the Hedge" where the animals invade suburbia and poke fun at how Americans eat.
I had time to set up but no time to look over my notes one last time. I started out nervous about getting through the whole thing because we started late waiting for some of the attendees to arrive. I knew I would go over past noon and I did. But I stayed in my original time allotment of an hour and then asked if we still had time for the Q & A and no one seemed to mind going over.
In fact one woman said she could have listened to me for another hour! I was showered with compliments. When I finished talking I was comfortable with how I'd done. Disappointed I knew I had missed a few points, but so happy that it flowed and the time frame was okay. My opinion of how I did kept getting higher and higher though as the women approached me afterwards with their heartfelt praise and interested questions. The real affirmation was when I was asked to speak again! By 3 different women for their various other groups. Another asked me to do some consulting with her. I have received 2 emails already from class participants.
Now I KNOW I'm where I'm meant to be. Now it's back to the challenge of trying to keep my career goals in check with the reality of my all-consuming and more important daily responsibilities, Kjo Kav and Kai. I missed them today. Kaylin learned "organic" tonight... that story to come!
A Rocky Start
Before I write about my presentation I thought I'd give everyone a good laugh. My arrival at the speaking location didn't go so great.
Ben left me a warning note this morning that I had to get gas. I was going to take the car for my drive to Bloomington and he would take the truck today. I of course didn't leave time for this. I was happy to leave the house by 9:40 when I wanted to leave by 9:25. Since I said I would arrive between 10:15-10:30, this would still get me there by 10:25. I decided not to get gas because I knew I could make it there, but ended up looking for a gas station shortly before arriving at the building because I badly needed a bathroom break. I decided I might as well fill up since I was parked at the pump, and there started the adventure. I did not know how to get the gas compartment door open. I hardly ever drive this car. I knew that I had figured it out once before and there was no one around to ask. I couldn't get a hold of Ben at work and I just kept looking for some switch inside the car that I knew existed. Finally I found it and by this time I regretted my decision to stay and get gas since I was now late. I decided not to fill up the tank all the way. I put in 8 gallons and then pulled out the nozzle, a little earlier than I had finished releasing the handle evidently. I spilled gas all over me. My first thought was "I'm going to explode!" A friend of mine had her SUV start on fire with her children inside at the pump just a month ago (static sparked the gas). By the time I released the handle, my coat and suit and shoes reeked of gas. Fortunately I could see no visible stains. But the smell went with me into the car, and into the presentation hall. I was embarrassed and a little stressed getting my computer hooked up with very little time to spare, but it gave me a great icebreaker story to share with the group. My day got better from here!
Ben left me a warning note this morning that I had to get gas. I was going to take the car for my drive to Bloomington and he would take the truck today. I of course didn't leave time for this. I was happy to leave the house by 9:40 when I wanted to leave by 9:25. Since I said I would arrive between 10:15-10:30, this would still get me there by 10:25. I decided not to get gas because I knew I could make it there, but ended up looking for a gas station shortly before arriving at the building because I badly needed a bathroom break. I decided I might as well fill up since I was parked at the pump, and there started the adventure. I did not know how to get the gas compartment door open. I hardly ever drive this car. I knew that I had figured it out once before and there was no one around to ask. I couldn't get a hold of Ben at work and I just kept looking for some switch inside the car that I knew existed. Finally I found it and by this time I regretted my decision to stay and get gas since I was now late. I decided not to fill up the tank all the way. I put in 8 gallons and then pulled out the nozzle, a little earlier than I had finished releasing the handle evidently. I spilled gas all over me. My first thought was "I'm going to explode!" A friend of mine had her SUV start on fire with her children inside at the pump just a month ago (static sparked the gas). By the time I released the handle, my coat and suit and shoes reeked of gas. Fortunately I could see no visible stains. But the smell went with me into the car, and into the presentation hall. I was embarrassed and a little stressed getting my computer hooked up with very little time to spare, but it gave me a great icebreaker story to share with the group. My day got better from here!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
"Encouragement"
I used to think I have the spiritual gift of encouragement. I was surprised this didn't rank as one of my highest the last time I took a gifts analysis test at my church (high, just not in the top 5). And now after last night I'm not sure I have it at all!
In our small group study last night we watched a speaker on video explain the Biblical meaning of encouragement. He said the original Hebrew word in the verse "encourage one another" is actually defined more closely as "exhort" or "teach." It's not that I don't do this, but I sure think it's tricky figuring out how to do this well! This entire lesson on encouragement was so different than I expected. I honestly felt confused as I heard intense discussion on the importance of the body of Christ holding each other accountable. "If not you, who" was referred to as the correct approach for ANYONE you observe to be in sin. I just don't know if I agree with that. There are certain people in other's lives that are better to tackle these issues with them than me! I realize the biggest factor of concern for me is fear of another's reaction when I step up to the plate and approach their weakness. But I think a certain level of fear may be healthy to keep me in check from intruding on other people's business!
Does abusing our physical health - our bodies, God's temples - count as sin? This is a difficult conversation with other Christ followers. But of course as I watched this video last night I wondered how this all applied to my ability to help others with certain health issues. I don't usually offer help, out of fear of negative reaction or producing conflict in our relationship. I had the guts to bring up this topic to my small group and was thankful to have Ben's vocal support as we tried to explain this complicated issue. They asked me what the response has been in the past. They said they would want to know my helpful ideas. They asked me to start giving them some, genuinely interested, and I just laughed. Ben said "let's see, do you have all night?" The truth is the response has been positive 9 times out of 10. But that doesn't seem to matter to my future considerations. 1 of 10 relationships distressed is a little hard for me to handle.
On another note, I am happy to announce I currently have only 55 messages in my inbox, only 4 unread, and I have created some email filters that are working great! Don't worry, if you are reading this blog your email is not filtered. :)
In our small group study last night we watched a speaker on video explain the Biblical meaning of encouragement. He said the original Hebrew word in the verse "encourage one another" is actually defined more closely as "exhort" or "teach." It's not that I don't do this, but I sure think it's tricky figuring out how to do this well! This entire lesson on encouragement was so different than I expected. I honestly felt confused as I heard intense discussion on the importance of the body of Christ holding each other accountable. "If not you, who" was referred to as the correct approach for ANYONE you observe to be in sin. I just don't know if I agree with that. There are certain people in other's lives that are better to tackle these issues with them than me! I realize the biggest factor of concern for me is fear of another's reaction when I step up to the plate and approach their weakness. But I think a certain level of fear may be healthy to keep me in check from intruding on other people's business!
Does abusing our physical health - our bodies, God's temples - count as sin? This is a difficult conversation with other Christ followers. But of course as I watched this video last night I wondered how this all applied to my ability to help others with certain health issues. I don't usually offer help, out of fear of negative reaction or producing conflict in our relationship. I had the guts to bring up this topic to my small group and was thankful to have Ben's vocal support as we tried to explain this complicated issue. They asked me what the response has been in the past. They said they would want to know my helpful ideas. They asked me to start giving them some, genuinely interested, and I just laughed. Ben said "let's see, do you have all night?" The truth is the response has been positive 9 times out of 10. But that doesn't seem to matter to my future considerations. 1 of 10 relationships distressed is a little hard for me to handle.
On another note, I am happy to announce I currently have only 55 messages in my inbox, only 4 unread, and I have created some email filters that are working great! Don't worry, if you are reading this blog your email is not filtered. :)
Monday, November 5, 2007
The Tyranny of Email
This is what a counselor once called it as I expressed my frustrations about my overflowing inbox. It is an inconvenient convenience. Technology at its best and worst.
Tonight I chipped away at it some more and got it down to 99 messages. Only 18 unread. This feels like a great victory. In the last week at one point I had over 60 unread messages and almost 200 total...which is down from almost 700 when I first started this project a couple months ago.
It takes way too much time away from the more important things in life. I've been thinking long and hard about how to downscale this stress. I definitely need to unsubscribe from more newsletters, which I am doing as I get the chance. But there's so much more to it than that.
In the past people must have been on the phone all the time! It does seem like email is a faster way to coordinate schedules, notify about events, confirm appointments and orders. But email is always calling. If I've been away from it for an hour I can know that somebody somewhere is waiting for an answer. Or that an answer I've been waiting for has arrived. The irony of checking it that often is that the more often I write, the quicker the replies come and it is definitely a problem that feeds itself. The problem only got worse when I decided my time spent nursing Kai was a great way to "catch up" on email.
With the extent of my life that seems to take place online, even my groceries are more easily obtained that way... there's always an excuse for each email. I have wanted someone else to go through my inbox with me and say "you don't need that one!" but I am sure I would be so defensive. I agree I could delete forwards but can't bring myself to do it. What's wrong with a laugh now and then? But what if I didn't know how to use the strongest point in my body to ward off an attacker? And so on and so on.
I would love to get some comments back on this one. What does everyone else do to prevent email from taking over their lives?
Tonight I chipped away at it some more and got it down to 99 messages. Only 18 unread. This feels like a great victory. In the last week at one point I had over 60 unread messages and almost 200 total...which is down from almost 700 when I first started this project a couple months ago.
It takes way too much time away from the more important things in life. I've been thinking long and hard about how to downscale this stress. I definitely need to unsubscribe from more newsletters, which I am doing as I get the chance. But there's so much more to it than that.
In the past people must have been on the phone all the time! It does seem like email is a faster way to coordinate schedules, notify about events, confirm appointments and orders. But email is always calling. If I've been away from it for an hour I can know that somebody somewhere is waiting for an answer. Or that an answer I've been waiting for has arrived. The irony of checking it that often is that the more often I write, the quicker the replies come and it is definitely a problem that feeds itself. The problem only got worse when I decided my time spent nursing Kai was a great way to "catch up" on email.
With the extent of my life that seems to take place online, even my groceries are more easily obtained that way... there's always an excuse for each email. I have wanted someone else to go through my inbox with me and say "you don't need that one!" but I am sure I would be so defensive. I agree I could delete forwards but can't bring myself to do it. What's wrong with a laugh now and then? But what if I didn't know how to use the strongest point in my body to ward off an attacker? And so on and so on.
I would love to get some comments back on this one. What does everyone else do to prevent email from taking over their lives?
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Women on Weights
Yesterday I taught my first community ed class, Women on Weights. My mom and baby fitness classes didn't fill, and it didn't look like the others would either until about a week ago when my weight training class did.
It was a very strange feeling to go to a strange new place, have no idea what to expect of the facility or participants, and begin to instruct a class there. I wondered how much the participants realized I was completely winging it.
The participants were friendly and understanding of the fact that this was my first time in this facility. They are all middle age women, weight training for the very first time. It makes it easier that they haven't taken this class before from the previous instructor and therefore don't have any expectations. The class is small, 5 participants and only 4 were there yesterday. It is nice for them, more like a small-group personal training session.
What I was NOT impressed with was the equipment. I was expecting the best from a middle school that is practically brand new. They must have gotten the old stuff from the high school after they got new equipment (Ben said their facility is pretty impressive.) I can make it work - we can use free weights and balls, etc. for some of the exercises. I was more concerned about the middle school students! These machines were not very adjustable, and were mostly too big for my 5'4" women! I'm 5'7 and the bicep curl machine was too big for me even. I don't see how this could get overlooked. Maybe the absence of teachers and coaches who are anything but tall adult males?
On top of that there were some broken spots on a couple of the machines and there were pieces missing on others. When the community ed coordinator told me to let her know if there were any issues with the equipment, I thought "what could be wrong?" I did let her know in an email right away yesterday and I felt bad doing so as a new instructor. "New complainer on board" they will think.
It was a very strange feeling to go to a strange new place, have no idea what to expect of the facility or participants, and begin to instruct a class there. I wondered how much the participants realized I was completely winging it.
The participants were friendly and understanding of the fact that this was my first time in this facility. They are all middle age women, weight training for the very first time. It makes it easier that they haven't taken this class before from the previous instructor and therefore don't have any expectations. The class is small, 5 participants and only 4 were there yesterday. It is nice for them, more like a small-group personal training session.
What I was NOT impressed with was the equipment. I was expecting the best from a middle school that is practically brand new. They must have gotten the old stuff from the high school after they got new equipment (Ben said their facility is pretty impressive.) I can make it work - we can use free weights and balls, etc. for some of the exercises. I was more concerned about the middle school students! These machines were not very adjustable, and were mostly too big for my 5'4" women! I'm 5'7 and the bicep curl machine was too big for me even. I don't see how this could get overlooked. Maybe the absence of teachers and coaches who are anything but tall adult males?
On top of that there were some broken spots on a couple of the machines and there were pieces missing on others. When the community ed coordinator told me to let her know if there were any issues with the equipment, I thought "what could be wrong?" I did let her know in an email right away yesterday and I felt bad doing so as a new instructor. "New complainer on board" they will think.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Her Favorite Water
The other night a friend through my babysitting coop watched the kids for a couple hours at her house. Here is a story I heard from the sitter that night.
When Kaylin had run out of water in the cup she brought she seemed concerned that she didn't have any left to drink.
"I have water!" said Jeannie.
"You do?" questioned Kaylin with skepticism, "What kind of water do you have?"
(She was probably wondering if it was purified by reverse osmosis. :))
"The kind with 2 hydrogen molecules and 1 oxygen molecule" (Jeannie)
"That's my FAVORITE kind!!!" (Kaylin)
When Kaylin had run out of water in the cup she brought she seemed concerned that she didn't have any left to drink.
"I have water!" said Jeannie.
"You do?" questioned Kaylin with skepticism, "What kind of water do you have?"
(She was probably wondering if it was purified by reverse osmosis. :))
"The kind with 2 hydrogen molecules and 1 oxygen molecule" (Jeannie)
"That's my FAVORITE kind!!!" (Kaylin)
Friday, October 26, 2007
Banana Hotdogs
"I want a banana hotdog!" I heard her say.
"A WHAT?! What's a banana hot dog?"
"I don't want a banana hot dog!" she laughs.
"OH!" I laugh back after figuring out her request. "You want a BUN AND A HOT DOG?"
"Yes," she giggles. Either way she added a much needed element to our lunch today of hot dogs and some leftover asparagus I knew they wouldn't eat well. Thankfully they liked their bananas.
"A WHAT?! What's a banana hot dog?"
"I don't want a banana hot dog!" she laughs.
"OH!" I laugh back after figuring out her request. "You want a BUN AND A HOT DOG?"
"Yes," she giggles. Either way she added a much needed element to our lunch today of hot dogs and some leftover asparagus I knew they wouldn't eat well. Thankfully they liked their bananas.
Yes, I WORK!!!
Kavan said to me on Wednesday after I got chilly outside and put on my navy pullover with the Blaine Police emblem:
"You WORK?!"
I wanted to tell him how hard I work. I wanted to tell him being at home all day raising him and his brother and sister is the hardest and most of the time least rewarding job I've ever had. I wanted to tell him I didn't necessarily choose this but I am doing it for him.
Today I said I needed to work for a little bit and I would help him in a few minutes. "You don't work. Daddy works."
In the daily grind of constand demands, whining and fighting, it is hard to remember that someday we will all be thankful for the financial ability we had for me to stay home to raise our kids. For now it would be nice to get an ounce of appreciation.
"You WORK?!"
I wanted to tell him how hard I work. I wanted to tell him being at home all day raising him and his brother and sister is the hardest and most of the time least rewarding job I've ever had. I wanted to tell him I didn't necessarily choose this but I am doing it for him.
Today I said I needed to work for a little bit and I would help him in a few minutes. "You don't work. Daddy works."
In the daily grind of constand demands, whining and fighting, it is hard to remember that someday we will all be thankful for the financial ability we had for me to stay home to raise our kids. For now it would be nice to get an ounce of appreciation.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
I'm Very Fortunate, Unfortunately...
"I wish I would get headaches after eating Chinese food!" This is what I jokingly said to a friend the other day. I've been contemplating this ever since. I really think I would be better off if I had more short-term consequences for my actions that are sure to catch up to me in the long-term. I need more motivation to make healthy decisions.
In many materials I've read about the health effects of MSG (monosodium glutamate or free glutamic acid), I've seen this repeated referral to the headaches "most people get" after eating Chinese food (from the MSG). I do not get these headaches. I do not know why I have the great fortune of occasionally indulging in less than ideal food choices without discequence. I do not doubt my long-term health is affected. It is just difficult to stay motivated when considering only the future.
I feel very blessed to have experienced great health in my life despite so many bad choices. I would really like to make more changes before my bad habits catch up to me. And before I go more public with my health crusade and am seen as someone who doesn't walk her talk.
I have come a long way. I know I seem like the healthiest eater to many people in my life. (My kids will soon be old enough to rat me out and question why I eat so many things that they aren't allowed to.)
I am thankful I no longer have the digestive issues I had my entire life before children; I suppose that has been my biggest health challenge. "IBS" they called it. (I put that in quotes because I don't believe it's a real medical condition apart from the result some people experience from their artificial foods.) But one hot chocolate made with processed milk (like at Caribou) and it's back.
I grew up with an average amount of headaches and now I get zero. Unless I consume refined sugar. I considered myself healthy growing up, having an average amount of sick days from school and work. But now I've been sick only twice in the last 5 years. One really bad cold, one case of strep. Now figure in morning sickcness, and that's a whole 'nother story!
But a rare sickness, headache or stomach ache is just not providing enough motivation for me to stop indulging in a temptation like caramel apple cider with whipped cream and a cream cheese pumpkin bar last night. Yes I have a stomach ache today. But put another pumpkin bar in front of me and it will be gone in ten seconds.
I suppose I'll get motivated after I'm done nursing. After all, I know how to get rid of cramps finally, and I'll have plenty of baby fat cells crying out "Stop feeding us! We're done helping you make milk!"
I can't explain why I've been blessed with my health. Perhaps it is God's grace, to allow me to spread His message of health, despite my frequent mess-ups. I know there are others out there that have different genetic susceptibilities than me whose bodies aren't so kind to their indiscretions.
Lord, I thank you for my abundant health. Please help me to never take this for granted, but to continue offering my body your temple as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to you - a spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)
In many materials I've read about the health effects of MSG (monosodium glutamate or free glutamic acid), I've seen this repeated referral to the headaches "most people get" after eating Chinese food (from the MSG). I do not get these headaches. I do not know why I have the great fortune of occasionally indulging in less than ideal food choices without discequence. I do not doubt my long-term health is affected. It is just difficult to stay motivated when considering only the future.
I feel very blessed to have experienced great health in my life despite so many bad choices. I would really like to make more changes before my bad habits catch up to me. And before I go more public with my health crusade and am seen as someone who doesn't walk her talk.
I have come a long way. I know I seem like the healthiest eater to many people in my life. (My kids will soon be old enough to rat me out and question why I eat so many things that they aren't allowed to.)
I am thankful I no longer have the digestive issues I had my entire life before children; I suppose that has been my biggest health challenge. "IBS" they called it. (I put that in quotes because I don't believe it's a real medical condition apart from the result some people experience from their artificial foods.) But one hot chocolate made with processed milk (like at Caribou) and it's back.
I grew up with an average amount of headaches and now I get zero. Unless I consume refined sugar. I considered myself healthy growing up, having an average amount of sick days from school and work. But now I've been sick only twice in the last 5 years. One really bad cold, one case of strep. Now figure in morning sickcness, and that's a whole 'nother story!
But a rare sickness, headache or stomach ache is just not providing enough motivation for me to stop indulging in a temptation like caramel apple cider with whipped cream and a cream cheese pumpkin bar last night. Yes I have a stomach ache today. But put another pumpkin bar in front of me and it will be gone in ten seconds.
I suppose I'll get motivated after I'm done nursing. After all, I know how to get rid of cramps finally, and I'll have plenty of baby fat cells crying out "Stop feeding us! We're done helping you make milk!"
I can't explain why I've been blessed with my health. Perhaps it is God's grace, to allow me to spread His message of health, despite my frequent mess-ups. I know there are others out there that have different genetic susceptibilities than me whose bodies aren't so kind to their indiscretions.
Lord, I thank you for my abundant health. Please help me to never take this for granted, but to continue offering my body your temple as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to you - a spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Blame it on the Trains
I had had enough of the fighting over the train set. You'd think with 2 trains...
but everywhere that Percy went (Kaylin), Thomas (Kav) was sure to go.
"It's so sad that you're fighting. You're done playing now, it's time for a nap."
Kav says "Thomas and Percy were fighting!"
but everywhere that Percy went (Kaylin), Thomas (Kav) was sure to go.
"It's so sad that you're fighting. You're done playing now, it's time for a nap."
Kav says "Thomas and Percy were fighting!"
Discequence
Kaylin has been learning that occasionally she needs to be DISCIPLINED. In addition, she is learning that there are CONSEQUENCES for her actions. Today when I said "Oh, that's so sad that you're telling on your brother," she said "I don't want to be discequenced, mom, I don't want a discequence."
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Minivan
You know you need a minivan when your 4 year old is asking for one!
I am desperately wanting a minivan. I can't believe I'm saying that. People told me that I would. Ben and I said NO. We will NEVER drive a minivan. We are not that old! :) I guess finances never entered the picture when Ben and I dreamed of our future larger SUV's to transport our growing family.
For now we have 3 kids in a row, practically on top of each other. Somehow they find a way to fight the majority of our drive times even when there's no toys to fight over. Oh wait. There's Kai's toys. "MOM! Kavan is taking Kai's toy away from him!" The teasing and back and forth "yes-no-yes-no" battles are enough to make me want to spend the next few months at home.
Have you ever met a baby that never slept a wink inside a car?! Kai gets caught in the crossfire and occasionally he himself gets hit or bitten. At least that's better than when they stuff food in his mouth.
I was a little surprised when Kaylin picked up on our conversations and started asking for a minivan. She knows that's what her friends have. We pulled over to the side of the road one day to look at an IMMACULATE 2000 Honda Odyssey, looked like an 07, that was a once-in-a-lifetime deal, but that we still didn't have the money for. A car dealer nicely informed me 2000 Explorers are a dime a dozen and we'll get MAYBE 3 grand for it. I think the real dilemma is finding anyone who would want a vehicle these days that gets 12 miles per gallon.
A week later the Honda was gone, and in it's place? A late 80s Dodge caravan. Kaylin doesn't care! "Mom, we need to buy that minivan!" every time we drive by the beat-up thing.
I am desperately wanting a minivan. I can't believe I'm saying that. People told me that I would. Ben and I said NO. We will NEVER drive a minivan. We are not that old! :) I guess finances never entered the picture when Ben and I dreamed of our future larger SUV's to transport our growing family.
For now we have 3 kids in a row, practically on top of each other. Somehow they find a way to fight the majority of our drive times even when there's no toys to fight over. Oh wait. There's Kai's toys. "MOM! Kavan is taking Kai's toy away from him!" The teasing and back and forth "yes-no-yes-no" battles are enough to make me want to spend the next few months at home.
Have you ever met a baby that never slept a wink inside a car?! Kai gets caught in the crossfire and occasionally he himself gets hit or bitten. At least that's better than when they stuff food in his mouth.
I was a little surprised when Kaylin picked up on our conversations and started asking for a minivan. She knows that's what her friends have. We pulled over to the side of the road one day to look at an IMMACULATE 2000 Honda Odyssey, looked like an 07, that was a once-in-a-lifetime deal, but that we still didn't have the money for. A car dealer nicely informed me 2000 Explorers are a dime a dozen and we'll get MAYBE 3 grand for it. I think the real dilemma is finding anyone who would want a vehicle these days that gets 12 miles per gallon.
A week later the Honda was gone, and in it's place? A late 80s Dodge caravan. Kaylin doesn't care! "Mom, we need to buy that minivan!" every time we drive by the beat-up thing.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
She is getting smarter than me
Quotes by Kjo:
"You're growing too big because you eat too much food."
When asked to help put away her clean laundry - specifically, to bring a pile of underwear to her room.
"Princesses don't do that, mommy, silly!"
She's right I guess...
Me: "Let's not watch that movie. There's too many scary parts."
Kjo: "But God help us in the scary parts. God helps us when we're afraid."
"Why does that say Erica?"
What?! She was reading a gas station sign: "Super America"!
"You're growing too big because you eat too much food."
When asked to help put away her clean laundry - specifically, to bring a pile of underwear to her room.
"Princesses don't do that, mommy, silly!"
She's right I guess...
Me: "Let's not watch that movie. There's too many scary parts."
Kjo: "But God help us in the scary parts. God helps us when we're afraid."
"Why does that say Erica?"
What?! She was reading a gas station sign: "Super America"!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Photography meets Technology
We finally got this picture figured out. I am satisfied with this one. Our photographer went above and beyond with several computer editing attempts after the photo shoot to fix up baby Kai. It could have been real! I'm sure the split second before the camera flash his eyes really were open like this! Anyway, this baby Kai looks real to me. Last time I got this pic back I thought "hmmm... cute kid, but that does NOT look like Kai!" His face was warped and his eyes were too big for his head, all in attempt of an image where all 3 were smiling. But this is my final choice. He is not smiling, but at least he does not look drunk. You'll have to ask me sometime to see the original and the first edit she returned to us. I think you would choose this one too. :)
Monday, September 24, 2007
Girls' Day Out
Kaylin and I went on our first mother-daughter shopping trip yesterday. Several weeks ago she asked me if we could go shopping, just the girls, no boys. I agreed and she's been asking to go ever since. I had to put this off until I actually had a reason to go to the store... Saturday night she asked again, and then said "Daddy needs to go to work to make us some more money." (Actually she said pay us some more money, but that's what she meant.) "So we can go shopping?" I asked. "Yeah, " she said with a guilty grin.
So Sunday I remembered a return that was about to meet its 90-day expiration on the receipt. I helped her empty her piggy bank and put her money into her new coin purse from Grammy Johnson. I added a little spare change of my own and off we went with her purse, cell phone, and somewhere between 2 and 3 dollars of quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies.
Our first stop was the return counter. Impatiently waiting for my exchange she decided to get on her cell phone and have a very grown-up conversation with who-knows-who. Then we browsed shoes and the toy department (she wanted to look for doctor clothes), but ended up in the dollar section. She was very excited to pick out not one but TWO items. She exchanged her one item from the toy dept. (a "pet" animal keychain) for two in the dollar section - a Tinkerbell diary and comb/mirror set. We dumped her change on the counter and I counted out the first 2.10, then let her count out the last 3 pennies and push them towards the cashier. She was extra excited about the small Target bag, just the perfect size for carrying her things. Then we got to go home to Daddy, where we had a fabulous time showing off our purchases. We even bought a couple things for the boys.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
God and Jesus
"God and Jesus" are a favorite topic of conversation for Kaylin these days. She regularly tells me what they like and don't like; what they want us to do and not to do. "God and Jesus don't like us to eat candy." "God and Jesus want me to wear a dress." Oh, does THAT explain your outfit choice for the entire summer?!
I will be sad putting away all these cute summer short sets in a few days that she never wore and will not fit her next year. But I guess I should thank God and Jesus for a growing, healthy and IMAGINATIVE girl.
I will be sad putting away all these cute summer short sets in a few days that she never wore and will not fit her next year. But I guess I should thank God and Jesus for a growing, healthy and IMAGINATIVE girl.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Thrilled! Hope for America, dished up on Oprah
Despite Ben having to work 3 hours late after a long hard day with the kids, I was in a surprisingly good mood tonight. All because of my stint doing laundry in front of the Oprah show in the afternoon. It seems like once in a blue moon that somebody from the "mainstream" agrees with me. It felt like a wave of relief to hear a similar opinion. I think the last few years I've become very quiet in my social life, afraid of any of my "crazy ideas" coming out into the open. All in effort to avoid conflict. So I stay quiet, burdened inside by deep issues.
On this show Jenny McCarthy was discussing her son's autism. I was not looking forward to another politically correct broadcast about this "mysterious" disease. Instead I was thrilled to see a celebrity commit career suicide - by not only revealing a natural cure she believes is dramatically improving his condition, but the trigger she believes started it all - a vaccine. As soon as Oprah said "what Jenny believes triggered her son's condition, after the break," I said out loud "the MMR shot." I was very happy to be right. I've heard so many stories that are all too much the same. A healthy, normal baby... and then some time after 1 year old...
When challenged with the CDC statement that Oprah presented saying the majority of science does not support the vaccine-autism link she said "Evan is my science." She talked about how moms need to stand firm with their convictions and instincts in front of their doctors. Her first drs told her her son was having febrile seizures, or that he had epilepsy. She knew that wasn't right and kept pursuing until she found the best of the best to get his autism diagnosis.
Previously she had had very bad feelings about the MMR shot the day of his 1 year checkup and tried to ask her dr for more information and he made her feel ignorant, she said. "Right before his MMR shot, I said to the doctor, 'I have a very bad feeling about this shot. This is the autism shot, isn't it?' And he said, 'No, that is ridiculous. It is a mother's desperate attempt to blame something,' and he swore at me, and then the nurse gave [Evan] the shot."
In recent years, the number of children diagnosed with autism has risen from 1 in every 500 children to 1 in 150. "What number will it take for people just to start listening to what the mothers of children who have seen autism have been saying for years, which is, 'We vaccinated our baby and something happened."
This is me talking now - Despite the thousands of testimonies out there, the medical community relies on their biased, goal-oriented studies to prove their point. There actually are many studies showing a vaccine correlation with autism but they're picking and choosing for the sake of profit, in the name of public health. How are they even coming up with large enough samples of unvaccinated people to study? I know the Amish have virtually zero cases of autism (an exception is some accidentally vaccinated kids through adoption processes, etc.) Drs use their trusted reputation to present only one option to a mother: "the nurse will be right in with the shots!" They use scare tactics to anyone who questions them. Kids these days receive more vaccines than any generation prior and have more health problems than ever before. (I blame this on artificial foods too, not just vaccines).
The CDC statement actually discussed only a belief that the "thimerosal" (form of mercury) in vaccines is not linked to autism. Yet ironically they called a few years ago for it to be removed from all childhood vaccines. What mothers don't know is that there are still plenty of old vaccines being used up that still contain this. They cannot be thrown out because they are hazardous waste! They can't be in the ground but they can be in our bodies! What the CDC doesn't mention and what most people never discuss is that there are plenty of other nasty ingredients in vaccines that have gone virtually unstudied for their long term effect on our health. I'm disappointed that people have decided it's all about the mercury. Why not formaldehyde, aluminum (both carcinogens!), MSG, dead animal tissue, or the various unplanned contaminations?
What mothers also don't realize is that the federal govt. spends billions of dollars every year compensating families for "vaccine injuries" and that this doesn't include the majority of the instances, where the drs explain away the effect and do not report a child's complication as vaccine related. On the message boards after the show I skimmed a few posts and saw one mother say her son had a seizure and died 2 weeks after the MMR shot. Her son is not going to be in any govt. study. The drs of course refused to document that this was related to the vaccine. SIDS instances are almost never reported as related to vaccines even though almost all cases are within 48 hours of shots. Try to find that in CDC literature!
So maybe it wasn't career suicide...McCarthy does say that she thinks vaccines are good but that they need to do more research and also get a safer vaccine schedule. But I'm confident that since she's opened the door to the world of natural health and treatments she will eventually discover that vaccines only weaken the immune system and that there are better ways to prevent and overcome disease. I believe we are trading mumps and measles for cancer and heart disease. One of my favorite authors on the subject of how vaccines harm our health and suppress our immune system is Dr. Mercola.
http://www.mercola.com/article/vaccines/immune_suppression.htm
DISCLAIMER: (for Shayna, so she doesn't get mad at me) The vast majority of people in the medical community have very good intentions.
On this show Jenny McCarthy was discussing her son's autism. I was not looking forward to another politically correct broadcast about this "mysterious" disease. Instead I was thrilled to see a celebrity commit career suicide - by not only revealing a natural cure she believes is dramatically improving his condition, but the trigger she believes started it all - a vaccine. As soon as Oprah said "what Jenny believes triggered her son's condition, after the break," I said out loud "the MMR shot." I was very happy to be right. I've heard so many stories that are all too much the same. A healthy, normal baby... and then some time after 1 year old...
When challenged with the CDC statement that Oprah presented saying the majority of science does not support the vaccine-autism link she said "Evan is my science." She talked about how moms need to stand firm with their convictions and instincts in front of their doctors. Her first drs told her her son was having febrile seizures, or that he had epilepsy. She knew that wasn't right and kept pursuing until she found the best of the best to get his autism diagnosis.
Previously she had had very bad feelings about the MMR shot the day of his 1 year checkup and tried to ask her dr for more information and he made her feel ignorant, she said. "Right before his MMR shot, I said to the doctor, 'I have a very bad feeling about this shot. This is the autism shot, isn't it?' And he said, 'No, that is ridiculous. It is a mother's desperate attempt to blame something,' and he swore at me, and then the nurse gave [Evan] the shot."
In recent years, the number of children diagnosed with autism has risen from 1 in every 500 children to 1 in 150. "What number will it take for people just to start listening to what the mothers of children who have seen autism have been saying for years, which is, 'We vaccinated our baby and something happened."
This is me talking now - Despite the thousands of testimonies out there, the medical community relies on their biased, goal-oriented studies to prove their point. There actually are many studies showing a vaccine correlation with autism but they're picking and choosing for the sake of profit, in the name of public health. How are they even coming up with large enough samples of unvaccinated people to study? I know the Amish have virtually zero cases of autism (an exception is some accidentally vaccinated kids through adoption processes, etc.) Drs use their trusted reputation to present only one option to a mother: "the nurse will be right in with the shots!" They use scare tactics to anyone who questions them. Kids these days receive more vaccines than any generation prior and have more health problems than ever before. (I blame this on artificial foods too, not just vaccines).
The CDC statement actually discussed only a belief that the "thimerosal" (form of mercury) in vaccines is not linked to autism. Yet ironically they called a few years ago for it to be removed from all childhood vaccines. What mothers don't know is that there are still plenty of old vaccines being used up that still contain this. They cannot be thrown out because they are hazardous waste! They can't be in the ground but they can be in our bodies! What the CDC doesn't mention and what most people never discuss is that there are plenty of other nasty ingredients in vaccines that have gone virtually unstudied for their long term effect on our health. I'm disappointed that people have decided it's all about the mercury. Why not formaldehyde, aluminum (both carcinogens!), MSG, dead animal tissue, or the various unplanned contaminations?
What mothers also don't realize is that the federal govt. spends billions of dollars every year compensating families for "vaccine injuries" and that this doesn't include the majority of the instances, where the drs explain away the effect and do not report a child's complication as vaccine related. On the message boards after the show I skimmed a few posts and saw one mother say her son had a seizure and died 2 weeks after the MMR shot. Her son is not going to be in any govt. study. The drs of course refused to document that this was related to the vaccine. SIDS instances are almost never reported as related to vaccines even though almost all cases are within 48 hours of shots. Try to find that in CDC literature!
So maybe it wasn't career suicide...McCarthy does say that she thinks vaccines are good but that they need to do more research and also get a safer vaccine schedule. But I'm confident that since she's opened the door to the world of natural health and treatments she will eventually discover that vaccines only weaken the immune system and that there are better ways to prevent and overcome disease. I believe we are trading mumps and measles for cancer and heart disease. One of my favorite authors on the subject of how vaccines harm our health and suppress our immune system is Dr. Mercola.
http://www.mercola.com/article/vaccines/immune_suppression.htm
DISCLAIMER: (for Shayna, so she doesn't get mad at me) The vast majority of people in the medical community have very good intentions.
Friday, September 14, 2007
My Princess and My Joker
Kaylin keeps adding syllables to her name. Today she declared herself:
Kaylin Princess Belle Jo Johnson Katie Maria
Kaylin is enthralled with the world of princesses. Every day she dresses in Belle's ball room gown and wears these incredibly uncomfortable looking pink plastic heels around the house. She has managed to learn some kind of waltz where she lifts the bottom of her dress just right. Since Kav copies everything she does he now pulls at his pants near his knees as he sways to and fro. He provides all the entertainment I need in a given day. Yesterday I told him he was so cute. "I'm just being silly," he says.
Kaylin Princess Belle Jo Johnson Katie Maria
Kaylin is enthralled with the world of princesses. Every day she dresses in Belle's ball room gown and wears these incredibly uncomfortable looking pink plastic heels around the house. She has managed to learn some kind of waltz where she lifts the bottom of her dress just right. Since Kav copies everything she does he now pulls at his pants near his knees as he sways to and fro. He provides all the entertainment I need in a given day. Yesterday I told him he was so cute. "I'm just being silly," he says.
Hanging with MOMMIES again
I'm quite sore today after teaching my 2nd fitness class of the week. Mommies in Motion is off with a bang! It's been a great start and I've actually been surprised at how much I've enjoyed teaching these classes.
It's enjoyable hanging out with a group of moms again. Back in the days of baby Kaylin I used to be "playgroup queen" and hung out almost daily with one of my various groups of moms. Somehow between babies #1 and 3 I lost all interest.
It's very different this time - Now I'm almost the eldest mom! There is one a year older than me, one my age and the rest are younger. Most have one baby. I can't believe that I'm actually out of the "new mom" stage as much as is now evident. In my previous play groups it seemed I was always the youngest mom. I also was the shy one. I kept to myself and probably seemed stuck up. Now I'm obviously talking more than anyone else in the group and am putting in that burst of enthusiasm due to my instructor role. I'm sure I don't seem the least bit shy. I'm surprised I've remembered how to be friendly. I do believe they think I am quite friendly. I guess doing what I love to do - teaching - brings out the best of who I am.
Now what to do about the jr high boys recording our exercise sessions with a camera phone?!
It's enjoyable hanging out with a group of moms again. Back in the days of baby Kaylin I used to be "playgroup queen" and hung out almost daily with one of my various groups of moms. Somehow between babies #1 and 3 I lost all interest.
It's very different this time - Now I'm almost the eldest mom! There is one a year older than me, one my age and the rest are younger. Most have one baby. I can't believe that I'm actually out of the "new mom" stage as much as is now evident. In my previous play groups it seemed I was always the youngest mom. I also was the shy one. I kept to myself and probably seemed stuck up. Now I'm obviously talking more than anyone else in the group and am putting in that burst of enthusiasm due to my instructor role. I'm sure I don't seem the least bit shy. I'm surprised I've remembered how to be friendly. I do believe they think I am quite friendly. I guess doing what I love to do - teaching - brings out the best of who I am.
Now what to do about the jr high boys recording our exercise sessions with a camera phone?!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Promptings
In the book I'm reading, Battlefield of the Mind, the author describes various conditions of the mind that are spiritual attacks of the enemy. Worry, confusion, anxiety, doubt, critical-ness (?), it's a pretty long list. And although after reviewing those words I would not say I have a major problem any longer in any particular area, as the writer explains in detail it becomes very clear that aspects of all these negative elements are a part of my daily thinking process.
Most recently I've been reading about the value of following one's spirit over one's mind, or following your heart rather than your head. This goes against everything our intellectual society stands for. And I am most certainly a mental-processing mind-deciding kinda gal.
OVERANALYZING, one of my favorite words, is according to the author, wrong.
It causes us to miss God's callings in our lives. When he lays it on our heart to do something, we should do it. Once we allow our minds to enter in and start to think logically about it, we determine that it doesn't make sense, or we come up with excuses.
Looking back I can recall times in my life where I've sensed these promptings of the Holy Spirit but just turned them off. Upon first deciding something didn't make sense, I chalked these things up to be my crazy ideas rather than divine inspirations.
"The enemy doesn't want you and me to get our mind in agreement with our spirit. He knows that if God places faith in us to do a thing, and we get positive and start consistently believing that we can actually do it, then we will do considerable damage to his kingdom."
In the past year it has finally become more evident to me how God has wired me and what gifts he has planned for me to share with others. Promptings that have long been ignored are now being followed, and it is very freeing.
"God places dreams and visions in the hearts of his people; they begin as little "seeds"."
It has been a year full of seeds. Sometimes it feels they are planted at a pace I can't keep up with watering. But "When God calls, He gives desire, faith and ability to do the job," the author says...
I guess I'll let God be the gardener.
Most recently I've been reading about the value of following one's spirit over one's mind, or following your heart rather than your head. This goes against everything our intellectual society stands for. And I am most certainly a mental-processing mind-deciding kinda gal.
OVERANALYZING, one of my favorite words, is according to the author, wrong.
It causes us to miss God's callings in our lives. When he lays it on our heart to do something, we should do it. Once we allow our minds to enter in and start to think logically about it, we determine that it doesn't make sense, or we come up with excuses.
Looking back I can recall times in my life where I've sensed these promptings of the Holy Spirit but just turned them off. Upon first deciding something didn't make sense, I chalked these things up to be my crazy ideas rather than divine inspirations.
"The enemy doesn't want you and me to get our mind in agreement with our spirit. He knows that if God places faith in us to do a thing, and we get positive and start consistently believing that we can actually do it, then we will do considerable damage to his kingdom."
In the past year it has finally become more evident to me how God has wired me and what gifts he has planned for me to share with others. Promptings that have long been ignored are now being followed, and it is very freeing.
"God places dreams and visions in the hearts of his people; they begin as little "seeds"."
It has been a year full of seeds. Sometimes it feels they are planted at a pace I can't keep up with watering. But "When God calls, He gives desire, faith and ability to do the job," the author says...
I guess I'll let God be the gardener.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Random Updates on the Kids
I haven't been keeping everyone up to date on their latest quotes and ventures! Here's an update from memory, going backwards.
Kaylin in the car today after asking me to turn the music down (it was not loud) - "Sometimes Daddy has the music on so loud it makes me sick."
Kavan, hugging me every time after HE goes potty "I'm so proud of you Mommy!" or, "I'm so proud of you Mommy and Daddy!"
The back and forth one-liner fights have begun. "No I didn't" "Yes you did!" "No I didn't" "Yes you did!" You get the idea. And the poor kids are ultra-confused over Ben's ever changing schedule. "Where's Daddy?" Then they battle back and forth in attempt to answer their own question:
"He's working." "He's sleeping!" "No He's working!" "He's sleeping!"
"He's sleeping, and when he gets up he goes to work," I regretfully solve the debate - I wish I had better news for them!
Kaylin at the chiropractor told the dr she was going to be a mom. Ben: "No you're not!" Kaylin, giggling, rolling her eyes: "You don't know how Daddy."
Kaylin and Kavan could each play by themselves nicely at times if the other one didn't come along to bother them. "What are you doing Kaylin?" I asked once, irritated that Kav was reading and she had to go up and start stroking him. "I'm petting him."
Me: "He's not a pet." Kav: "I'm not a pet!" Kjo: "I'm just pretending" Kav: "I'm not a pet! I'm not a pet!"
A while back I mentioned Kai's first food was avocado. This actually isn't true. His first food was pancake. I have learned my lesson about giving Kav food to eat in his carseat without keeping a closer eye on him. Trying to get the pancake out of his mouth while driving 70 in bumber to bumper traffic on a one-lane curvy interstate construction zone of the "unweave the weave" project was only causing him to choke. It was scary.
His second food? A popcorn seed. This time I was burping Kai on the couch and Kav evidently came up behind the couch and snuck a popcorn seed in his mouth. I had no idea this had happened until Kai was choking and spit it out. Kaylin told me what had happened. Usually this would make her the prime suspect since she is now very talented at lying, but Kav fessed up and I could tell it was him.
All for now!
Picking out Clothes
Kaylin seems to have acquired my indecision. Up until now I have thought it to be a stalling tactic when I give her clothing options in the morning and she takes a while to provide her answer. But now she voices her thought process out loud. She begins reaching for the striped shirt and instead points to the other one, plain white with a word and flower on the front. "This one has a pink and purple flower on it that's my favorite." Back to the striped shirt. "But this one has pink and purple and all my favorite colors all over." I empathize with her difficulty in making even the smallest of decisions. She chose the striped shirt. She looks lovely.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Why can't they be like this all day?!
99% of the time they are at each other's throats. It is another difficult stage. But then there a few brief wonderful moments when they are so sweet to each other. Here is one of those times, captured on my camera. It is Kaylin reading to Kavan (she has entire books memorized. Thankfully her memory is from her mom not her dad :) Hope this works! Okay, my video upload didn't work. I'll try to get it on here later. Let's try another one, this is short. This is Kaylin imitating Ben speaking French. Now I'll have to see if Ben will let me videotape him so you can see how funny this is!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Kaylin's First Letter
Kaylin told me what to write today (with minimal coaching:)) in a letter to her favorite babysitter who's away for the summer.
Dear Taylor,
Hi. How are you? I love you. Thank you for loving. Come to my house again some day. Love you come to my house. You're welcome coming to my house. Love your mother and daddy. Thank you loving for going to summer. Jesus died on the cross. (picture of Jesus on cross) I love you in summer. What did you do in summer? I want to come see you again.
Love, Kaylin and Kavan
Dear Taylor,
Hi. How are you? I love you. Thank you for loving. Come to my house again some day. Love you come to my house. You're welcome coming to my house. Love your mother and daddy. Thank you loving for going to summer. Jesus died on the cross. (picture of Jesus on cross) I love you in summer. What did you do in summer? I want to come see you again.
Love, Kaylin and Kavan
Monday, August 20, 2007
Please Pray!
Just two more days until the deadline for my "Mommies in motion" class. I so far have only 3 verbal "yes's" and 1 of those has submitted the registration. I'm hoping for a last minute turnout. I'm sure I would have been one of the moms waiting until the last minute! I would hate to disappoint the ones who do want to do it if I don't get enough people.
My upcoming community ed classes are online now and can be seen at this web addy:
https://www.centennialcsonline.org/centennial/ClassCatalog.aspx
Click on the 2 baby and me fitness classes, the exercise ball, and women on weights.
These also need at least 8 participants each for them to not cancel the classes.
I got excited about all these classes and financially we're counting on them - and now I'm starting to realize the possibility that any or all these may not happen!
Thanks for your prayers,
Karissa
My upcoming community ed classes are online now and can be seen at this web addy:
https://www.centennialcsonline.org/centennial/ClassCatalog.aspx
Click on the 2 baby and me fitness classes, the exercise ball, and women on weights.
These also need at least 8 participants each for them to not cancel the classes.
I got excited about all these classes and financially we're counting on them - and now I'm starting to realize the possibility that any or all these may not happen!
Thanks for your prayers,
Karissa
Saturday, August 11, 2007
The Bridge
We went to see it on the one-week anniversary, had a babysitter for the older two. Ben was not impressed with our far-away views, but what we did see was still shocking to me. Here's some pics:
Pic 1: bridge no more, it was between the 2 other bridges/structures
Pic 2: north end of bridge
Pic 3: south end of bridge
Pic 4: the new "end" of 35W, you see the dropoff here. View from University
Pic 1: bridge no more, it was between the 2 other bridges/structures
Pic 2: north end of bridge
Pic 3: south end of bridge
Pic 4: the new "end" of 35W, you see the dropoff here. View from University
Friday, August 10, 2007
Premier Physique site
I finally updated my business website! Someday when I'm ready to invest more cash in my business for the purpose of expanding it I will have it done professionally, but for now I'm proud of the hard work I put in doing it myself. All I know is that it looks a lot better than before! If you click through the links you can find more details on my new "Mommies in Motion" class. Just got the flyers out today!
Check it out: www. premierphysique.com
Check it out: www. premierphysique.com
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