New New Year

 "Today is the first day of the rest of you life"; how many times I have heard that, I may never know. To be honest, I have given up on the grand new years resolutions. Last year I had one. It was easier to keep then I thought it would be and I do believe I have grown both into it and from it. My resolution was simply to no longer invest in non-reciprocal relationships. The hope was that I would not only invest more of myself into the relationships that matter the most to me. Also it was to cut those relationships that were draining. So this year I have two resolutions. The first is to be more intentional in visiting family when I am able and the second is to not start a new project in one of my many hobbies without finishing the last one. 

This year I am also keeping track of the recipes I make for my family as well as whether or not I will make them again. Two things I know I will have to make again so far and the recipes I want to try, I will. The family is on board, which is a good thing. 

This year I am also going back to school. I have finally decided what I want to be when I grow up and it is about time I start working on it. Classes at the Technical College for me start on the 11th. With any luck I will keep a 3.0 GPA and be able to transfer to University in the fall of 2022. Then in 2024 when my son graduates from High School, I will be graduating from College with my BA in Middle School English and History. In all honesty, I can't wait to have my own classroom and I am very much looking forward to being a teacher. Since the spring of 2019 I have been a substitute teacher. I have been asked by many both teachers and school administrators why I don't have my own classroom. In four years, I will. 

I am also going to be starting up my meal planning again and there are so many things I need to get back in the swing of around the house. This year is going to be different; I am going to be better, and the rest I will forgive myself for. 

Be Blessed Dear Readers and this year, I wish you enough:

I wish you enough

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how grey the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

(The copyright for this poem belongs to the author: Bob Perkins)

It's Been A Month

Apologies Dear Readers. Between the move and everything that has gone with it. I have once again let you down. I must admit that this blog does not come first, my family does and so does my sanity. So if I happen to miss a day or a month. It is because they need me. The move has gone well, we are now in a home that we hope we never leave. It is a beautiful house, and it suits us well. I was able to get all three children enrolled for the reminder of the school year. I just dropped the two oldest off this morning. Bitty Bit will be attending 4K in the afternoon.
I realized this morning how much I love summer. I enjoyed it growing up because it meant no school. Now I look forward to the long days when the kids come in smelling like sweat and summertime. If you have been around little ones you know the smell that I am thinking of. Then their sweet faces still damp from the shower, hair plastered on their little foreheads..such wonderful days. I miss summer when the school year starts up and spring break is always so bitter sweet. It is long enough for you to get a taste of summer and with the weather here in the south, it is a tempting savor.
Hubby has been home, I can't seem to get enough time with him either. I love my family so much! I know that this time will only last a short while and that I need to wear myself out enjoying it. How bittersweet to know that I have prayed for each member of my little-big family. I prayed for Hubby years before I met him. We both prayed for each of the children and now little by little our babies are growing into something more. Something bigger then us. I now pray that God help me to equip them with all that they need to succeed in this life, and that I set a good enough example that I will spend eternity with them as well.
Home schooling has crossed my mind more then a few times. It has been on Hubby's mind as well. I am not sure yet where that will go, but am praying about it. If you would all agree with me that God will show me what to do in that situation., I would appreciate it. Home schooling is not something I could do on my own and I am certain that the only way I could do it is with God's guidance and help.
I was crying when I dropped Miniman off at school.. Hubby gave Miniman his summer time hair cut (a buzz).  So when Miniman looked back at me before running into school, I saw him smile and in my mind I was back at the day of his birth. His smile told me then as it did this morning: " I love you and I am glad to see you".
Until next time Dear Readers.. Be Blessed!

A Reminder

     I cleaned out the truck this morning. Miniman got sick all over the back seat, on the way to the hospital. Although I did wipe down said truck shortly there after, it still reeked! Thus the cleaning of it today. I have had a lot of time to think about things lately, and doing the Bible Reading Study  has me marinating on a lot of stuff. With it being the new year many people are busy making and breaking resolutions. After my daily reading one day I realized what my word of the year was. The concept is a simple one- choose one word to fully embrace in the new year. A word that will guide you, transform you, inspire you and challenge you for the coming year. My word this year is Helpmeet. As I was cleaning the truck today I realize how diverse that word really is. It is not just about my relationship with Hubby, it is part of the center of our family life. How? Well, God made me as Hubby's equal but opposite submissive other half. I understand if that is a lot to take in. Once I started wrapping my head around it, I knew that some would consider me crazy mad.
     It is not only our relationship that I am a helper with. I am charged to be his helper in every aspect of our lives. In many ways Hubby and I have stewardship of the blessings Heavenly Father has so richly bestowed upon us. One of which is our children, as children are a reward and blessing from the Lord. Everything we own, is a result of Him blessing us. There is nothing we have that is "ours". So Hubby and I are stewards of our three biggest blessings. Our children do not belong to us, how much more should we be careful in their care?!  So when Miniman was in the hospital this week, I was reminded. Reminded that Goosie, Miniman and Bitty-bit don't belong to me. They were each born with a purpose, it is up to Hubby and I to guide and nurture them in discovering who they are in Christ. There are things that parents go through and it is hard for them. It is even harder for the parent to be restrained on the sidelines as their child goes through things alone. I am intimately familiar with the migraines that run in my family. I am also familiar with how wonderful the Lord is at seeing me though. This is the comfort I can give to Hubby as his helpmeet; in turn this confidence can be seen by the children, thus allowing the rough waters to become a gentle rocking in Heavenly Father's arms as He carries them through.
     If I were to get caught up in the whirlwind that gives Hubby and I ownership of things. It would be harder to let go and let God have his way. Who am I to tell God, the creator of everything that He cannot use Miniman for his purpose and glory? It is our job as his parents to show Miniman in our walks that God has everything under control, and that God works everything out for the good of those who love Him. We are his first teachers, and if we fail to teach him (and his sisters) about the Lord.. we are not good stewards of our blessings. In no way am I saying that Hubby and I are an example to everyone else. Rather, we are still learning and this is one thing that has been brought to my attention that I need to work on. To put it the right way: this is one more part of my life,  that I need to fully give over to the Lord so that He can be honored and glorified in it. Well, there is much to do. I have yesterday's reading to write about along with today's. Until next time dear Readers.. Be Blessed

Count Your Blessings

     Once a week I have a standing lunch date with each of the children. I look forward to the individual time with them. When all three of them are home during the summer I have to be more intentional in special time, but with each school year I am afforded the opportunity to relish them for at least 30 minutes a week. It is never enough time. All the same however I am one of very few parents whom the school is on a first name basis with for a good reason. They see me at least once a week at the preschool and twice a week at the elementary school. They are all familiar with my face, my children and my family. This is a good thing.  I would rather this be the reason the school knows my family so well rather than the alternative.
     As the holidays are quickly approaching, so is the realization that orders will be coming soon. This will be our last big move. Hubby will retire in a year and the kids will no longer switch schools, states or districts unless We decide. I have been letting the schools and teachers know that we will not be here for the entire school year since the start of this school year. I have made no commitments to the schools or teachers, only doing the things I can when I can, to assist however I can. I let them all know last school year that they would have me and my family for as long as the Army allows and then we will move on.
      Before we moved from Ohio, the elementary school Goosie went to greatly looked forward to Miniman attending their school. When I called over the summer and let the principal know that we had moved and sent along the records release papers, she voiced her disappointment. The sadness in her voice was palpable. But there was nothing I could do. Again I heard the sadness and disappointment today. Apparently Bitty-bit has been a source of exuberance for the office staff at the elementary school. They get to keep an eye on her and a few other bus riders from the preschool until the buses are loaded and ready to go home from the elementary school. Brainstorming was already happening and a kindergarten teacher being narrowed down for her, until I broke the news once again today. Yes, Hubby would be coming down with orders soon and no, I don't think we will be here for Christmas holiday's.
     Apparently I am not the only one who sees Bitty-bit's strong personality. Upon meeting her some would think that she is the oldest, but she is the opposite. Bitty-bit has a strong will, but she also has compassion. I have seen her take charge and lead in her preschool class, but I have also seen her willing to step out and conquer whatever may lay ahead. So long as it doesn't involve cleaning her room. Each of the children have strong determination. Goosie allows herself to get overwhelmed at times and makes mountains out of mole hills. But the moment you tell her she can't do something, she will work like crazy to prove you wrong (like me). Miniman wants to get things done the right way according to him, sometimes it takes him a little longer. But his work is always complete and neat. Bitty-bit well, you can sum her up with one phrase: if there is a will there is a way. And she will find both!
       The one thing that I have heard many times is that our children are well adjusted. No matter where we move, what house we live in or any thing else. The children thrive. I thank the Lord for that. With out Him I could not be the parent they need me to be. I remember praying over each of them while they were being knit together.~ Lord, make them strong. Make them whole. Make them yours. Mold me into the parent they need me to be and not the one society tells me I have to be. Give them a heart that seeks after you and assist me in guiding them. ~ Are our children perfect  No, but they are ours. God fashioned them in such a way to challenge us so that we would draw closer to him, and so that we could show them how to do the same. For that reason alone I count them as as blessing from the Lord.  Until next time dear readers, Be Blessed!
   

School Projects and Blessings

Last week in the midst of the chaos with Hubby I had the usual to keep me busy as well as Goosie's last minute extra credit school project. I quickly looked up information on salt dough and slime (the original poster calls it flubber, but it is slime to me).  After finding a usable map and printing it out. Goosie and I set about the task of making her project. Her other classmates had weeks to put theirs together, we had days.. and a family crisis to boot. All in all it didn't turn out too badly.

Goosie did the shaping, carving, painting and separating the state into various regions. I mixed the dough, assisted with the slime, provided dash marks for carving and hot glue gun work for the mountains. Now Goosie has another project. This one she will get to explode in class. Not really blow it up, just watch the teacher make her volcano erupt. I never did any of these projects in school. The closest I came to something of this caliber was when I made a "cell" cake. Even then it was a bust. I had insisted on making it from scratch and used too much salt.. ugh. Back on track.. I am thankful God gave me a creative mind. I am just sad it took so long to find it sometimes. Goosie is making wonderful headway on the volcano. Her teacher sent home a dough recipe and although I had to use more food coloring then I would have liked, Goosie is excited. We started with a shoe box, lined it with foil and made sure the seams were taped down. Then I had Goosie look up images of volcanoes so that she would have an idea of what she wanted hers to look like. She drew a picture, we made more salt dough and after finding a bottle for the interior she sculpted her volcano. The remaining salt dough was used to line the shoe box so that Goosie can create a scene.  While all of that dough is drying she is helping me make tree's.  They start as q-tips and the first set look like palm trees, the next ever greens and the third will be bushes. Ninety tree's in all, then the dinosaurs will show up. We need all the trees because the dinosaurs are all herbivorous. Here are the steps to making the tree's. 

Goosie has painted the q-tips and cut the feathers. I have done the measuring, cutting and hot gluing of rest. I found some  green garland for the evergreen tree's and will work on those with her today. We have enough paint and slime left from her last project that I didn't need to make anymore. I promise to post a picture, but it may be a while in coming since we have the rest of October to work on it. 

     Miniman and Bubbles are staying busy with salt dough, paint, paper and just about anything else they can get their hands on, while Goosie and I are working. Hubby helps when he is home. It can get a little overwhelming sometimes. Goosie and I have started singing together when we work on her project. I will pull out my personal song book and teach her a tune or two while we work. I have come top understand why my Mom would always let me take the melody when she and I would sing together. There is a joy that can be found when you hear your little one lift up their voice to praise The Maker of Heaven and Earth. I want so badly to quiet myself, just to listen to her clear small voice ring out through the house. Only chiming in when she needs help with the tune or misplaces a word. My children are a gift, a blessing from the Lord and I will not forget. Nor will I forget that He gave me a helpmate who see's me as just that, a helpmate. Until next time dear readers, Be Blessed!

Day Two.. It's going to be a long year..

It doesn't get any easier. Today was their second day of school. Dropping them off was as hard today as it was yesterday. I need to get a job. Lonely hours in a big house where my children can't be heard. It breaks my heart.
Yesterday I had them all sit and tell me how their first day went on video. I am tempted to do that everyday. I don't want to miss anything. I think Puppy-boy senses how empty the house is. He has just been curled up on my lap all morning. I am so thankful for him.
They grow up so fast. You turn your head for a moment and all of a sudden they are walking out the door to independence. I know that it is my job as their Momma to assist them in becoming independent, creative thinkers who contribute to society. It is just not an easy job. When Miniman got his hair cut for school I couldn't help but see the little mischievous guy whom I had held in my heart for so long and in my arms for what seems like only moments.
 I do remember what it was like when Hubby and I were first married. Before babies and all the wonderfulness that is parenthood. He would leave for work early in the morning and I would stay home. If I wanted to I would go to work with him and walk the mall where his office was located. If I chose to stay home I could catch the bus and meet him for lunch. I started volunteering at various places. First it was the local library shelving books, then it was the local fire department redoing the filing system. I started quilting about that time, I also learned how to knit. So my days were filled with creative things and when nothing else seemed to be interesting, I would go around town on my bicycle or my feet. Our apartment was less than a mile from the beach. Although it was a beach in the northwest (you don't swim in it), it was still a great beach to walk on, or ride a horse. Hubby would come home to a clean house and a hot meal. After dinner we would just relax and watch a movie or play video games. It was good stuff!.
I need something to fill up my days. Hubby is coming down with orders, that much is certain. We just don't know when or where. We have a good idea on the where, but with the Army you don't make any plans until the ink is completely dry. So we wait, in limbo. I should be doing all the things I can to get the house ready. but for right now, I will savor a warm cup of tea and the love of Puppy-boy. Until next time dear Readers.. Be Blessed!

Thoughts on a Pre-Summer Day

The load stones that overwhelm us at times can also be the featherweights that propel us to the next level in life. Hubby is off of work this week. So they tell us, that doesn't stop him from answering his phone, going into the office to straighten things out or any other number of things. I think that he works just as much on his leave time as he does when he isn't on leave. I need to start planning vacations instead of stay-cations.
   The kids are playing loudly in the backyard as the sun shines down on their boisterous bobbing heads and thrilling laughter. Summer is that season that they wish will never end. When the fall comes all three will be packing book bags and bent-o boxes for school. I will be looking for paying work outside of the home and Hubby will continue to do as he has done before. I am so very proud of my man! Anakin our little puppy boy is as crazy as ever. I sometimes think he believes himself a cat.
    Since we are in the south the familiar hum of the a/c unit accompanies the summer heat starting at times in the mid spring before school even lets out. There is still so much to do and the older I get the more I think I don't have enough time to do it all. I have said before and I will continue to say that if however you determine to do something you will always find the time for it! I have so many things I want to accomplish.. and I know that I will need surgery sometime in this calendar year on my wrists. I am right handed and my right hand has been acting up again. I plan on making an appointment with the hand doctor for next week, maybe another cortisone injection and then talk about surgery in the fall. I think it would be easier in the fall because my hands can be so full with the children in the summer time. Oh well, six weeks of not using your dominate hand doesn't sound fun anyway you put it.
   Miniman has a bit of a speech impediment and started speech therapy during the school year last year. He is able to be a part of a speech program in the summer time as well and will start next week. Goosie is a vicarious reader. I don't seem to have enough books in the house to keep her occupied. Bubbles is still every where, every minute all the time. She is a joy, but always keeps me on my toes. We had started a container garden in the spring, I admit I have had too many up north and forgotten how to grow things in the south. Wow, that sentence makes me miss WA. The green never really goes away in the north west, and the heat never really shows up either.
    Everyday I wake up feeling blessed and every night I go to bed feeling even more so. I have no words dear readers for all the wonderful things in my life, even the not so wonderful ones that cause me to appreciate more the ones I have. Until next time dear readers.. Be Blessed!

Adventures In Teaching Moments

I had to run some errands today. Miniman was not feeling well yesterday and has stayed home from school today. Bubbles who is used to our first week of the month routine was ready to get things going.I packed them up in the truck and started out. Water for everyone of course as it doesn't take long to get hot here in the south.  Our first stop was Walmart. I needed to pick up a few things and then off to pay the rent. When we finished getting the few things I needed we went to self check out. While I was putting money in the machine some change fell to the floor. I couldn't tell if it was from my wallet or from the machine so I let the cashier know what was going on and asked her to keep the change so that she drawer wouldn't come up short.  We then left to pay the rent. Upon returning to the truck after paying the rent, Bubbles was acting funny. I noticed she was clutching something under her dress at her chest. So I retrieved the item and was upset as she had taken a push pop from the store without my knowledge. I immediately became upset with her. I informed the kids that we were returning to Walmart so that Bubbles could return what she had taken and apologize. On the way there I lectured Bubbles on stealing. I reminded her that if you steal you go to jail. Kind people don't go to jail only unkind who do bad things, and I am not raising thieves and unkind children. To some this may sound harsh, but in all honesty I need her to realize the severity of her actions, feel contrition and make the right choice. The choice to be kind and to take responsibility for ones actions. Yes, I know she just turned four; however if we are to teach our children right from wrong we need to take advantage of the lessons we have the opportunity to give. I understand that some would not return to the store and just write off the small amount said push pop cost. I also understand that some would say that she doesn't understand what she is doing.
 Well, I need her to understand. So we returned to Walmart, found the cashier that assisted me earlier and Bubbles had to give back the push pop and apologize for her actions. I am very proud of her for being contrite and apologizing. I am not happy with the Walmart employee. Upon Bubbles fulfilling her duties the employee looked at her and told Bubbles that "it's okay".
Here is where I take issue. If it were okay for Bubbles to steal I wouldn't have made her bring it back and apologize. If it were okay I wouldn't have make it a point to teach her a life lesson. It is not okay to take something that you didn't pay for and doesn't belong to you. If it were okay people could take whatever they wanted and not have any repercussions. This is not the case. If you steal you are breaking the law, it is not okay if you need to apologize for it. These are priceless lessons my children need to have in order for them to be good citizens, have integrity and be kind to others. Why aren't others teaching their children these things? Is it more humorous to teach your child sarcasm and allow them to do things that would make the previous generation of parents blush?? It's no wonder things have gotten out of control in the world today. Who teaches the children boundaries, responsibility, integrity, honor, and kindness? Not our public or private teachers.. no the one who teaches these things and other good qualities are the parents. No one else is responsible for that child unless they skirt their responsibility.
I want my children to be adults who are kind, have character, integrity and all the other good morals that make them good people to be around. If I want that I need to be their parent. Not just someone who helped create another person and then be irresponsible with their upbringing. When I leave this life for the next one I want to know I did everything I could to create a better world. Even if it is just by leaving my children behind knowing they are fully equipped to be all they can be and rise above others in questionable circumstances. In that instance alone, I will have done my duty as a parent.
 If it really takes a village, shouldn't those in the village also be reinforcing the values children learn at home? The truth is that it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it just takes dedicated parents who are willing to teach and train their children.

School, Church, and Passing On

School is back in session for Goosie. She has been counting down the days for weeks! Miniman keeps asking when he will go, and Bubbles is having fun playing with all the toys in the house she can get her hands on. Hubby is off to work before Goosie is one the bus, and for the most part ( at least yesterday and today) my plans are to clean the house to an acceptable level so that it stays basically clean. Sure in the summer there is a basic level of clean, but it is lower then the level of clean during the school year. My friend HW and I were discussing this the other day. During the school year there is structure and a higher level of clean all around. The kids for the most part are so mentally exhausted by the time they get home it's not hard to settle down for the night. During the summer it's different. For the most part ( in her house and mine) there isn't any structure and the kids are all about fun and mayhem.  Isn't that what summer is supposed to be about?? Budgeting gets a little tighter in the summer and stress levels run a bit higher. But it's fun to have the kids home.. at least until you grow weary of it!
   Hubby and I are going to be staying here longer then we thought. There was an opportunity to go to PA with his job, but he has decided to retire at the twenty year mark, instead of the twenty four year mark.  So we will likely be here on the hill for another few years, or until the owners return, whichever comes first. I must admit that it will be nice not to move every eighteen to twenty two months! It gets tiring, to have to dig in to each new place and adjust the whole family is becoming more challenging. It will be nice to just stay a while. That being said we have decided to become members of our local church. We have been attending for two years and have plugged  in to the various ways to serve there. It is refreshing. Membership is a big deal to me. I don't really feel that there is an expressent need to be a member of a church so long as you are a member of the body of Christ. In the two years we have been attending there has never been any pressure to become a member. And that in it's self is refreshing. I must also admit that it has been a blessing to me to be encouraged by so many in the church. Everywhere we have lived there has been a place we as a family has felt accepted and loved. Out current church home is no different. It is a big step for us, and one I am happy to take along with Hubby.
The current drive-in season is quickly coming to a close. I will once again be looking for part time evening work. To get me out of the house and to help a little. It is nice to get out there and get to know others outside of the white picket fence. A new set of neighbors have moved in next door. Honestly two have, but we have more in common with one set then we do the others. I finally was able to meet them at the bus stop yesterday morning. As first impressions go, they give a nice one and I am looking forward to the friendship that will hopefully bloom.
Nine years ago yesterday my Gamma, went to a place of no suffering or pain. Sunday night Gampa joined her. I can't begin to imagine how my Mom, Aunts and Uncles are feeling right now. Gampa will be traveling back to Gamma's resting place and there will be buried next to her. I am now one of the many who have no surviving grandparents. I am thankful I was able to meet mine. Gamma taught me to watercolor paint, and when I feel the need to do more then just stand up for myself.. I have a feeling that is Gampa.  When those we love cross over I don't believe they are ever really gone. They are just a thought away, you can close your eyes and they are right there. My heavenly Father is like that in many ways. He is only one prayer away.. mostly he is closer.. only a thought.
Well dear reader's I have a mountain of housework to get done today and I hope you are all blessed, until next time.

My New Conundrum

With the school year starting I was faced with a new conundrum. I was never one to sit and do homework in a timely manner. I don't remember my parents or sisters really helping much. The two distinct memories I have of homework are these, the first is from elementary school.

I am sitting at the dining room table and my mom is sitting across from me. She is helping me with my spelling words. If any of you really know me you know my spelling is horrible and honestly nothing to write home about. Mom was helping me and so the homework session went something like this:
Mom: first word is antiques
Me: a-n-t-i-k-e-s
Mom: No (and a yard stick would slam down on the table closer to my out laying hands).

Let me note that Mom never hit me with the yard stick, my fingers are all intact and yes, I finally learned my spelling words. It was a very traumatic lesson and I cannot recall any others like it.

The second is from High School. This wasn't really my homework so much as it was my sisters. She was 2 grades higher then me and had done all the foot work and research for her impending paper. She just wasn't sure how to put it all together, yes, if what you are thinking is that I wrote her paper for her, you would be correct. As a high note for me, she received a B!


Anyway, I have never been the homework type. I remember always putting things off till the last minute and thus only having a C average, and lets face it if I were to try to go back to high school now, I wouldn't be able to pass! Thus my new conundrum has taken shape. Goosie comes home every Friday with a packet of homework that needs to be completed before the next Friday. There are words she needs to practice reading and writing, there are math problems she needs to finish and there is a reading log that also needs to be completed and turned in. All of this seemed excessive to me as I don't remember ever getting homework in kindergarten. So I must admit that I didn't help her with it. Yes, for the first few weeks of school I cheated my daughter out of the education she should have been getting. But no more. I have seen the error of my ways and I am changing.

If you have been around my house for any length of time you will have probably seen a routine posted somewhere. This is my life line, along with my meal planning, grocery list and the list of chores I need to complete daily/weekly, scriptures I find encouraging, and last but probably not least the sticker charts ( I am planning on putting up a picture graph for Goosie to help her do things for herself more too). I made a new routine today, it is one that we will follow every day of the work week, the weekends will be a bit more of a free for all. I do well with a routine, I know what is expected of me and I know I can get things done in a more timely manner. So if you are wondering this is what the routine now looks like:

Morning Routine
7:00 Awake and Dressed
7:30-8:00 Breakfast and Brush Teeth
8:20 Goosie on school Bus
8:30 (tues/wed) Miniman to school
9:15-11:15 Run Errands(tues. bible study)
11:15-12:00 home
Afternoon/ Evening Routine
12:00-12:30 Lunch
12:30-2:00 Quiet Time (Bubbles has a nap)
2:00-3:30 Snack/Homework
3:30-4:30 Reading/ Creative Play
4:30-5:00 Educational Programming
5:00-6:00 Make and Eat Dinner
6:00-7:00 Clean up and Prepare for Morning
7:30-8:00 Read Stories/ Sticker Charts
8:00 Bedtime


So yes, Monday through Friday we will be on that schedule. There will be times when we cannot abide completely by the schedule. But it is a good start. I was talking to my cousin/friend JJ and she warned me that if I didn't take kindergarten and preschool seriously then my kids would indeed suffer. I want the best for my kids as I am sure every parent does, and have heeded her advice. Right now the kids are behind me playing with the various toys they have brought down stairs. Soon it will be time to make dinner and then clean up and prepare for the morning. I am positive that Hubby will like the new routine for the kids. It is really the one Mom helped me put them on, it just really helps me to see it written down. And yes I know that they are getting 30 minutes of TV a day, but I am monitoring that too. Any suggestions you other parents have are very welcome, and as always I will post things that are helpful to me. Oh and as a side note can you tell by my tone that I have been reading and studying more.. just the things I like of course! Though I must admit that I have 1/2 completed my certification training I started back in April. I am behind according to what I wanted to have completed, but I am getting it done!

So until next time dear readers... be a blessing and you yourself will be blessed!

Preschool, Kindergarten and Other Things

For two hours every Tuesday and Wednesday I get to have special time with Bubbles! She is growing so quickly and I feel so blessed to be her mom! She is almost running around the house and her vocabulary seems to be growing by the minute. My Mom has been able to create a special bond between herself and Bubbles. I am thankful for it and once again wonder why God would choose to bless me so abundantly! So here is a picture of Bubbles being her wonderful self!










Here is a picture of my Miniman, on his first day of Preschool! He was allowed to bring in a stuffed animal and he chose this little puppy! At the start of the summer he was not potty trained and now he is fully potty trained! I am so proud of him. Miniman is excited to have school to go to and I am thankful that his teacher is one that he was able to bond with over the course of last school year! He is getting so big and learning so much. Miniman is very interested in reading and writing. Already he asks me to help him write his name! Miniman also has his own room now and sleeps there by himself all night! I am so proud of him. At the same time it is hard for me to watch him grow up so quickly. I am thankful for him and the blessing he is to myself and Hubby.

Here is my sweet Goosie. She likes to ride the bus everyday! In the morning when she wakes up the first thing she asks is if she gets to ride the school bus that day. She spends so much time at school and then when she gets home she is able to tell me about her day and we try to plan a play date with a new friend once a week. She is such a bright little wonder. Again I am overwhelmed at being her Mom. She now shares a room with Bubbles and unlike Miniman the girls aren't sleeping through the night in their beds. But it is a work in progress. I am hopeful that by her 6th birthday she will no longer be retreating to my bed at 5am!

Hubby and I are doing well. I am almost a month out from the breast reduction surgery. I was a little shocked to realize that almost 5 pounds of excess skin and tissue was removed. My mom S has been here for almost a month to assist me during my recovery. S is invaluable, there is so much she steps in to do with out question. There have been many times over the last few weeks I have felt like I have been taking advantage of her. I am not used to just sitting around and doing some of the things I haven't been able to do in years! S has helped me not only with keeping the house clean, but organizing it as well, my basement will be a live able space and not just storage! Also her assistance in reinforcing me with the children has been an answer to prayer! There are so many things I wanted to accomplish with them and with her here to help me they have flourished! I must admit that Goosie wanted her to go home after only being here for a short time because the rules changed. But when I told Goosie that even after S leaves, the rules stay. Needless to say she is not happy with the thought and I am certain that she will test it, but I hope I will not fold. Well, enough for now I have some things to accomplish before Hubby gets home from work. Until next time dear readers, be blessed!

Birds, Vegitables and Sunshine

Recently I have started a vegetable garden, in pots. Mostly because I don't want to put in all the work for a garden and then the next people renting let it all go to crap. This way at least there is a chance I can take my plants with me.

Along with the vegetables sprouting in the various pots I have them in, I also set out bird seed in some feeders that were left here by the owners. I have always liked bird feeders and now think that this is something I want to keep

for the entire year. The kids are so excited when they see the birds eating out of the feeders. Miniman wants me to catch the birds for him. I keep telling him that birds are meant to fly freely.

Goosie asks about the vegetables. It rained yesterday and she couldn't go outside to play. She asked me why it was raining and thinking quickly I replied with this explanation. I reminded her of the seeds we planted for our vegetables. I then asked her what she had to do everyday. She replied with " I water them" and then what do you do I asked " I let them sit in the sun" so

then I asked her what happened after she watered them and let them sit in the sun. She got really excited and said that they grew! So I asked her why it rained and she answered "so that the plants can grow". I couldn't be prouder! But then she asked me if she stayed out in the rain and sun if she would grow... boy do I wish it worked that way!

The birds that we have seen eating from our bird feeders are to the left. I will try to get some pictures when I am thinking about it. For now I need to finish up this blog as there are a few seedlings I need to transplant, others I need to water and the feeders need to be filled! I am going to let the kids play outside while I get my gardening done. I know how much they enjoy their time outside and now that the weather is getting nicer I let them go out more and more each day. Until next time dear readers, Enjoy the SPRING!!

Bubbles and Going Back To School

Last night after dinner and before bath Bubbles was in her high chair and eating a banana, Miniman had decided to share with her. The Banana was dropped where she couldn't reach it so I bent down, wiped it off and handed it back to her. In doing I said the usual : "Here is your Banana BabyDoll". Then unexpectedly and clear as a bell she looked at me and said "Thank you Mama". I was floored and it took me a minute to process what just happened. She is growing up so very fast and I want to treasure every milestone as I know that she is my last little one.

On another note, I have been interested for sometime in going back to school. I want to get a degree or certificate that will help me in the future when the little ones are all in school and sooner as the weaning is taking hold with Bubbles. I want to return to the work force and pay down my own debt so that Hubby doesn't have to. I was raised with the thought pattern that you need to work and help the family when ever you can. I went to work for a short time as a sandwich maker at Arby's for a few months after Miniman was weaned. I knew that I wanted at least one more child so I didn't give much thought to a career. Now that I am so close to my child bearing years being over. I want to get back to the work force. I have been thinking about careers. My mom is a Dula and I find that interesting, but don't want the hours to interfere with my family. My sister C is a Pharmacy Tech. and works hours that are compatible with Hubby's. So I want to start earning my certificate as a Pharmacy Tech. . I sent a request for information to Kaplin University, and recently got off the phone with an admissions advisor. She interviewed me and at the end of the call she told me that she is going to recommend me for the program. My hands are shaking with excitement. I cannot wait to tell Hubby, but he is at a school visit with work right now and I know it isn't the best time to call him. I will have the admission information sent to me by the end of the day and need to have it returned by Thursday. I am super excited and almost cannot wait for the semester to get started. With only 7 hours a week and 6 months away from my certificate, I know I can bring both a viable and valuable income to my household by my 30th birthday.
Enough for now, I have housework to do and kids to care for. I will keep you updated dear readers, until next time Blessings to you!

Learning Habbits

Today has been a good day. I was able to clean the house and get most of the things straightened up that I wanted to.
Lately I have been trying to look at my children differently. Think about it, in the first year a child learns the following: how to eat, crawl, hold their head up, say a few words, self soothe, feed themselves and much much more. In the second year of life a child will generally learn even more. All paving the way to their own Independence.
In the past I looked at these accomplishments as my children slowly reaching a point when I am no longer needed, except in the emotional sense. Now I am choosing a different view point. Think about it. All of these major life skills are learned in the first 2 to 3 years of life. After all the skills are learned as parents we pay to send our children to a preschool of sorts. Until they start school children usually learn at their own pace and generally surpass some quotas.

Why aren't schools like this? Oh wait some are, it just costs an arm and a leg (plus some other body parts) to send your child to said school. Why is it like that?
We as a society still favor the rich. The poor and sometimes middle class are then forced to depend on a school system that over all is over-extended and under-funded. When I was in school (1o years ago), I saw a trend of parents no longer being parents. Instead they pushed the responsibility of their children off on an over burdened and under paid (not to mention unappreciated) teacher. I don't think in the past few years things have gotten better.
Sure in some school systems things are getting better. But why in one state is a curriculum better at one school then another. Shouldn't it be equal across the board, especially in public schools?
Okay now that I have that off my chest.

I have started to look at my childeren's potential. I try very hard to give them positive affirmation when they try something new or accomplish something all by themselves.
For example:
The other day MiniMan wanted some Cheerios. I took said cereal out of the pantry and set it on the counter. I walked away because Flutterby was crying and I wanted to make sure she was okay. When I returned to the kitchen I saw my son. He was standing perfectly still over an overflowing bowl of cereal. My son in his need, stepped in and tried something all by himself. Never mind the box alone is 3/4 of his height and was 1/2 full. He still tried. And in his effort he not only poured the cereal into the awaiting bowl (and the area around it), he accomplished something much bigger. He at 2 realized his own need, was able to see the solution, work out a plan and execute it. Was I upset, sure we lost a 1/2 box of cereal, but I was also proud of my son's accomplishment! I let him have his self poured bowl of cereal ( I added the milk), praised him for doing a good job and then cleaned up the mess. All I can think about that situation is that I have a bright little boy. I should add that 1/2 way through cleaning up, Miniman stopped eating and preceded to help me by holding the dust pan. He then went back and finished his cereal.

I am in no way trying to imply that I should get the mother of the year award. But I do think that as a society we should change the way we look at our children. We expect so much of them when it comes to test scores, more and more I hear about legislation that if passed will test our children at younger and younger ages. What will become of our country, will it become like (for lack of a better example) China?
Well, enough from this peanut gallery. I will write again some other time. For now I hope I have given you some food for thought...