Lately it seems my life it pretty much picking things up. Wow, three kids can make quite a mess! Tommy's preferred toys are now practically all smaller than a marble, and Jimmy is at the wonderful stage when he flicks food off of his highchair tray with reckless abandon.
Lucy prefers to dip most of her food in milk, including meat and toast.
Despite the mess, I have to say that managing these kids is becoming more of a joy and less of an impossibility these days. In fact, last week when John was on an overnight up north, I took all three of them to Perkins for breakfast by myself.
Actually, just writing that last sentence makes me proud.
You see, just 6 months ago, John and I laughed at the idea of taking our kids out to eat anywhere...even together. It was just too impossible. They were too crazy! The food was everywhere, the noise was ridiculous. John often commented that he felt a heart attack coming on just stepping into a restaurant with our brood.
Don't get me wrong. Our kids are still not perfect. (See above!) But as they age and learn to use straws and sit still for at least a few moments, I'm relishing the change in our family. I love having a "baby" that's nearly a year and a half, carrying only a few diapers per day, and feeling we can enjoy hiking or swimming or wrestling around in the yard as a family.
24 November 2009
19 November 2009
Catch Up
I'm intending to start over. Really I am. One of the hard things about re-entry into the blogosphere is that I feel a need to catch you up on where our life has been since I left.
So, I'm just ridding myself of that pressure right now. I imagine that through my subsequent posts, you'll just pick up where we are. I guess you should know a few basic things:
1. We're finally home! After months of stalking down a foreclosing home in our immediate neighborhood, we finally sealed the deal and moved our family this past June. In the interim, we'd lived in a tinylittleapartment for about 6 months. Throughout this whole process, we lived within about one mile radius of our initial town house!
2. Our kids are wonderful!
Tommy is growing up. He's approaching school-age, at 4.5, and yesterday actually copied a word other than his name for the first time. It was "Emily."
Lucy is nearly 3 and still inching her way towards total potty-trainedness. She is a skilled social gal, and I have no doubt that she'll be making her own introductions in this world by next week.
Jimmy is 16 months old, and just the twinkle in my eye right now. This is the 1st time I've ever had a baby this age without being nearly ready to deliver another one, so I am really enamored with my baby. He's starting to talk (about 50 words, but who's counting?), and he's also starting to get into mischief!
So, I'm just ridding myself of that pressure right now. I imagine that through my subsequent posts, you'll just pick up where we are. I guess you should know a few basic things:
1. We're finally home! After months of stalking down a foreclosing home in our immediate neighborhood, we finally sealed the deal and moved our family this past June. In the interim, we'd lived in a tinylittleapartment for about 6 months. Throughout this whole process, we lived within about one mile radius of our initial town house!
2. Our kids are wonderful!
Tommy is growing up. He's approaching school-age, at 4.5, and yesterday actually copied a word other than his name for the first time. It was "Emily."
Lucy is nearly 3 and still inching her way towards total potty-trainedness. She is a skilled social gal, and I have no doubt that she'll be making her own introductions in this world by next week.
Jimmy is 16 months old, and just the twinkle in my eye right now. This is the 1st time I've ever had a baby this age without being nearly ready to deliver another one, so I am really enamored with my baby. He's starting to talk (about 50 words, but who's counting?), and he's also starting to get into mischief!
05 November 2009
It's Such a Great Day Today!
It really is a great day today. Things started out a little rocky when my iPhone hit the floor and broke. But thanks to the miracle of restore, my day has brightened and I've decided to open up my blog again.
What a great day for everyone!
What a great day for everyone!
12 May 2009
Tiny Apartment Video
We're moving! We finally bought a house, and are so excited to have...for the 1st time...a yard!
10 May 2009
Before Motherhood
I have received a poem similar to this one as an email forward in the past. Today, on Mother's Day, I thought it would be interesting to write down some of the things that have changed about me, and things I have learned, since becoming a mom almost 4 years ago.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't realize it was a near-impossible task to keep pairs of socks for 3 little people together, clean, and not eaten by the washing machine or couch cushions.
I didn't realize what joy it would be to snuggle up on a Saturday morning in a cozy bed and pretend to hide from ghosts under the covers.
I never knew how the sweet smell of thumb-sucking spit residue would be more intoxicating than any other scent.
That a few scribbles in three Crayon colors could melt my heart.
That jammies handed down through my children would be so sentimental.
That songs off-key would be something I'd want to record forever.
Before I was a Mom,
I never realized that I would see the world with a totally different lens.
That I would travel less and worry more about not the safety of my own children, but rather my safety so that I could protect and guide them for years to come.
That I would consciously evaluate everything spoken in the presence of my children.
That I would want to intervene in others' conversations and ask them,
When you said that word, did you realize my children's ears were listening with rapt attention?
Before I was a Mom,
I never imagined that hot sauce would become a daily threat for sassing offenses.
That children could so innocently misjudge safety and bury a baby underneath pillows, thinking it was just a game.
That toothbrushes would become objects of mystery, and that any toothbrush in the house might get eerily close to the toilet on a given day.
Before I was a Mom, I didn't realize that I would spent every single moment of every day protecting my children, and yet somehow managing to do laundry, cleaning, cooking, teaching, organizing, disciplining, and unconditionally-loving at the same time.
I didn't realize how easy it would be to teach my children to pray.
I didn't realize how hard it would be to get my children to lay in a still manner while I change diapers.
I didn't realize how often the sickness would come.
I didn't imagine how all-encompassing the joy would be.
Before I was a Mom, I didn't know how sexy my husband could be with spit-up on his shoulder.
I didn't truly understand what union meant.
I didn't realize the value of a spouse who would do anything for me and for our children at a moment's notice.
Someone who would work hard, every day, and not complain.
Someone who would come home and pitch in every moment---
Not because I ever asked him,
But because he wants to do it, and because he wants our family to be the best it can be.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know that love could grow so strong between children so small.
That torn books were the best books.
That whispering is more effective than yelling.
That patience is a daily goal more difficult to attain than anything I've ever attained.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't appreciate leisure time.
I didn't realize there would be a time in my life when for 14 hours a day, I would hear noise and work hard and have people climbing on me and clamoring for my attention every single second.
I didn't realize how exhausting it would be.
Or how humbling it would be.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know what a joy it was to give birth.
What an honor it was to hold another woman's newborn baby.
What a marathon it was to carry a child in your womb for forty weeks while chasing after other children.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't realize how hard it was to get children to sit quietly.
How innately they fidget.
How natural it is, to them, to comment when they don't like a certain food.
Or when they see a person who looks different than they do.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't realize it would be a daily effort to teach my children to truly respect others.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know that love between my husband and me could grow any deeper.
I didn't realize that love would multiply with each child we welcomed.
I didn't know what it was to pray to God for strength just to get through a day.
I didn't really know what it meant to thank God for gifts so amazing that I am truly and wholly unworthy.
Happy Mother's Day!
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Before I was a Mom,
I didn't realize it was a near-impossible task to keep pairs of socks for 3 little people together, clean, and not eaten by the washing machine or couch cushions.
I didn't realize what joy it would be to snuggle up on a Saturday morning in a cozy bed and pretend to hide from ghosts under the covers.
I never knew how the sweet smell of thumb-sucking spit residue would be more intoxicating than any other scent.
That a few scribbles in three Crayon colors could melt my heart.
That jammies handed down through my children would be so sentimental.
That songs off-key would be something I'd want to record forever.
Before I was a Mom,
I never realized that I would see the world with a totally different lens.
That I would travel less and worry more about not the safety of my own children, but rather my safety so that I could protect and guide them for years to come.
That I would consciously evaluate everything spoken in the presence of my children.
That I would want to intervene in others' conversations and ask them,
When you said that word, did you realize my children's ears were listening with rapt attention?
Before I was a Mom,
I never imagined that hot sauce would become a daily threat for sassing offenses.
That children could so innocently misjudge safety and bury a baby underneath pillows, thinking it was just a game.
That toothbrushes would become objects of mystery, and that any toothbrush in the house might get eerily close to the toilet on a given day.
Before I was a Mom, I didn't realize that I would spent every single moment of every day protecting my children, and yet somehow managing to do laundry, cleaning, cooking, teaching, organizing, disciplining, and unconditionally-loving at the same time.
I didn't realize how easy it would be to teach my children to pray.
I didn't realize how hard it would be to get my children to lay in a still manner while I change diapers.
I didn't realize how often the sickness would come.
I didn't imagine how all-encompassing the joy would be.
Before I was a Mom, I didn't know how sexy my husband could be with spit-up on his shoulder.
I didn't truly understand what union meant.
I didn't realize the value of a spouse who would do anything for me and for our children at a moment's notice.
Someone who would work hard, every day, and not complain.
Someone who would come home and pitch in every moment---
Not because I ever asked him,
But because he wants to do it, and because he wants our family to be the best it can be.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know that love could grow so strong between children so small.
That torn books were the best books.
That whispering is more effective than yelling.
That patience is a daily goal more difficult to attain than anything I've ever attained.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't appreciate leisure time.
I didn't realize there would be a time in my life when for 14 hours a day, I would hear noise and work hard and have people climbing on me and clamoring for my attention every single second.
I didn't realize how exhausting it would be.
Or how humbling it would be.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know what a joy it was to give birth.
What an honor it was to hold another woman's newborn baby.
What a marathon it was to carry a child in your womb for forty weeks while chasing after other children.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't realize how hard it was to get children to sit quietly.
How innately they fidget.
How natural it is, to them, to comment when they don't like a certain food.
Or when they see a person who looks different than they do.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't realize it would be a daily effort to teach my children to truly respect others.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know that love between my husband and me could grow any deeper.
I didn't realize that love would multiply with each child we welcomed.
I didn't know what it was to pray to God for strength just to get through a day.
I didn't really know what it meant to thank God for gifts so amazing that I am truly and wholly unworthy.
Happy Mother's Day!
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27 April 2009
Burst of Joy
It was the first time we brought Tommy to church that he truly worshiped God. Last night, John and I hired a baby-sitter for the younger two kids and took Tom to one of our neighboring Catholic churches. Our hometown church tends to be more conservative in its liturgy, which we really appreciate in teaching our children about the tradition of liturgy. The church we attended last night had a more contemporary Mass with guitar-led songs, something I personally relish on occasion and also love for the enthusiasm it inspires particularly in young Catholics.
To say that my heart burst with joy is to understate my emotion as Tommy sang loudly in praise of God last night. He behaved so well, and John and I finally felt that our efforts at instilling love for God in our children might be helping them understand how amazing God is.
It was one of those motherhood experiences that can't quite be conveyed with words. One of those hours so rich with emotion that tears of joy pool in my heart (and my eyes!) to remember it.
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To say that my heart burst with joy is to understate my emotion as Tommy sang loudly in praise of God last night. He behaved so well, and John and I finally felt that our efforts at instilling love for God in our children might be helping them understand how amazing God is.
It was one of those motherhood experiences that can't quite be conveyed with words. One of those hours so rich with emotion that tears of joy pool in my heart (and my eyes!) to remember it.
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23 April 2009
9 Months Out
Pass the real food this way.
I'll have to keep this quick...I can already hear a few of you nappers stirring. As I put you to bed this afternoon, I fed you a bottle in the darkness of your little closet-bedroom. You wore only a diaper, and I loved that moment of holding you in my arms with your sweet, smooth skin cradled up around me. You reached out to touch my arms and face and shirt as you ate. You were distracted by nothing but food and Mama. I'm late on your 9 month letter, Jimmy, but the secret reason is that I don't really want you to grow up right now.
Your 1st Easter in Wisconsin
In the last month, you've become a different baby. You're still a peanut, weighing in at only 15.5 lbs, but you're long and wiry and giggly and determined. You've begun to crawl slowly and methodically, finding your brother and sister even when they're two rooms away from you. You can pull yourself up to kneeling onto toys, and your favorite exercise is the "plank" position, or the "up" position of a push-up.
This new stage of mobility unites you in the force of the Three Musketeers, and Tommy and Lucy have already welcomed you to the team. Despite my outcries, they wrestle and tickle you. As you eat your meals, your eyes divert to follow their every move. I guess I have to be ready for anything that the three of you might dish out over the next 18 years!
Our Whole Family Easter 2009
Lucy started a 2-morning Montessori program a month ago, which I have loved primarily because it allows me some much-needed time to cuddle my baby. I am a better Mom when I get a chance to be with each of you individually on occasion.
At the 9 month mark, I can't help but remember how you've really doubled your gestational age. Happy birthday, kiddo! I loved you on the inside, but I'm just a sucker for that little grin now that you're 9 months out.
Your,
Mama
14 April 2009
Good Afternoon, Internet
I don't have time for you, Internet. I am too busy:
-Cleaning out my purseful of dirty tissue, soccer shin guards, half-full bottles, Advil, Mylanta, sparkling letter stickers, and a brand new iPhone.
-Making a wasp trap for my patio so that I can soak up the sun.
-Planning out how much time I will spend soaking up sun over the next 5 months.
-Procrastinating in writing Jimmy's 9 month letter. And
-Further procrastinating in baby-proofing out apartment to the next level, because
He's crawling like crazy!!
-Cleaning out my purseful of dirty tissue, soccer shin guards, half-full bottles, Advil, Mylanta, sparkling letter stickers, and a brand new iPhone.
-Making a wasp trap for my patio so that I can soak up the sun.
-Planning out how much time I will spend soaking up sun over the next 5 months.
-Procrastinating in writing Jimmy's 9 month letter. And
-Further procrastinating in baby-proofing out apartment to the next level, because
He's crawling like crazy!!
03 April 2009
Do You Have to go to the Bathroom, too?
My fellow women amaze me at the need to bond in even the most intimate of circumstances. I guess it shouldn't be surprising that Lucy has already discovered the joy of "girl talk" in the bathroom. Exhaustingly, it has now become part of our naptime routine for Lucy to have a half-hour "potty check" after her naptime book and before she lays down. This is the time of day that Lucy consistently poops.It has required a lot of effort for me to maintain this pattern in our life lately. At this time of day, roughly 1:30PM, I am totally exhausted and just ready for those kids to go to sleep. Jimmy has already gone down for his nap, and Tommy is feisty and needy of attention. I have to constantly redirect Tommy to a private activity, such as Play-Doh or book reading, so that I can protect this learning time for Lucy.
Still, it's worth it. Every day, Lucy is making more headway on her potty training and we are bonding through girlish chit-chat in the bathroom. As she waits for her bodily urges to strike her, we sing songs and talk about things like the lace on her little pink socks. Today she instructed me on how to pull them up to her knees. I never taught her how to do that, so she must already be taking fashion notes elsewhere.
02 April 2009
Outward Perception: On Star Jones and Me
On a rare whim yesterday, I turned on the afternoon Oprah show and settled myself on the couch to hear the Star Jones weight loss story. I haven't been too up on my celebrity info since I cancelled my YMCA membership 3 years ago. Why oh why doesn't Lifetime provide trash magazines? I digress.
Anyway, the interview with Star Jones was profound. For those who didn't watch, a woman who appeared confident years ago was crumbling internally and externally. Star admitted that in her most popular year as a talk show host on The View, she was at her largest weight and was afraid for her audience to discover how self-conscious she had become. She compensated for feeling small internally by putting on a "big" persona---bigger jokes, bigger acrylic nails, bigger hair.
I can relate to Star Jones on many levels, the least of which is weight-related. Primarily, I share with Star the feeling that others believe in me/are confident in me when I do not share that confidence in myself.
Over the last months since Jimmy's birth, I have been on a verifiable roller-coaster of emotion. I described it to John recently: the work-load of managing my three kids, maintaining a clean house, cooking, and keeping up with the laundry was pretty much equivalent to the stress-load of having college finals every single day. Who can live like that? I had an internal stress building and building within me. Every day, I found myself spontaneously bursting little by little....first, an unwarranted yell at my children and next, a unjustified outburst at John.
A few weeks ago, John went to visit his sister, Emily, in Seattle for a stretch of five days. While I was happy at their unique chance for an adult sibling bonding retreat, I couldn't help but feel completely overwhelmed at the prospect of handling all this stress with no back-up at 5pm. John got on the plane, and my stress catapulted higher than it had been since I worked as a crazy dog in event planning.
Four days into John's trip, my brain started to detach a little bit from the situation. I could feel my mind starting to fizzle and fray like a live wire. I started to feel like another 24 hours in the pressure-cooker with my kids was actually unmanageable. Like the kids wouldn't be safe if I continued to be their primary provider for even a few more hours.
That was a scary feeling, folks.
Thankfully, I retained control over the situation long enough to load my kids into the car early on Sunday morning, and drive slowly to my parents house. Twenty minutes from my home had never felt so long. All the while, I kept telling myself, "I can handle driving to Mom and Dad's. I can get to a safe place." And then, in what seemed like forever, I was there.
The story of what happened next is probably equally important, but I've got to get my Goose girl off to her new Montessori school, so your curiousity will have to remain at bay.
I want you to know that even when someone around you seems to have it all together, they may not. Sometimes a bit of probing and insisting to help can make a big difference.
If you're the one cracking inside, please ask for help.
Anyway, the interview with Star Jones was profound. For those who didn't watch, a woman who appeared confident years ago was crumbling internally and externally. Star admitted that in her most popular year as a talk show host on The View, she was at her largest weight and was afraid for her audience to discover how self-conscious she had become. She compensated for feeling small internally by putting on a "big" persona---bigger jokes, bigger acrylic nails, bigger hair.
I can relate to Star Jones on many levels, the least of which is weight-related. Primarily, I share with Star the feeling that others believe in me/are confident in me when I do not share that confidence in myself.
Over the last months since Jimmy's birth, I have been on a verifiable roller-coaster of emotion. I described it to John recently: the work-load of managing my three kids, maintaining a clean house, cooking, and keeping up with the laundry was pretty much equivalent to the stress-load of having college finals every single day. Who can live like that? I had an internal stress building and building within me. Every day, I found myself spontaneously bursting little by little....first, an unwarranted yell at my children and next, a unjustified outburst at John.
A few weeks ago, John went to visit his sister, Emily, in Seattle for a stretch of five days. While I was happy at their unique chance for an adult sibling bonding retreat, I couldn't help but feel completely overwhelmed at the prospect of handling all this stress with no back-up at 5pm. John got on the plane, and my stress catapulted higher than it had been since I worked as a crazy dog in event planning.
Four days into John's trip, my brain started to detach a little bit from the situation. I could feel my mind starting to fizzle and fray like a live wire. I started to feel like another 24 hours in the pressure-cooker with my kids was actually unmanageable. Like the kids wouldn't be safe if I continued to be their primary provider for even a few more hours.
That was a scary feeling, folks.
Thankfully, I retained control over the situation long enough to load my kids into the car early on Sunday morning, and drive slowly to my parents house. Twenty minutes from my home had never felt so long. All the while, I kept telling myself, "I can handle driving to Mom and Dad's. I can get to a safe place." And then, in what seemed like forever, I was there.
The story of what happened next is probably equally important, but I've got to get my Goose girl off to her new Montessori school, so your curiousity will have to remain at bay.
I want you to know that even when someone around you seems to have it all together, they may not. Sometimes a bit of probing and insisting to help can make a big difference.
If you're the one cracking inside, please ask for help.
01 April 2009
Luxurious Sick Day
Aahhhhhh. The house is finally quiet, and I am holed up in the master bedroom of our little condo. Have I mentioned that Jimmy, Tommy, John and I are all sleeping in this one room? Gotta love the temporary living digs.
I'd like to take this moment to note that sick days are actually a luxury. When I was a kid, I definitely knew this and exploited even the simplest ache to my advantage. I was pretty much on the straight and narrow, so my mom trusted my many sore throats.
Today, after John left for work and I fought through working with 3 kids and the stomach flu for 10 hours, he swept the kids away to McDonald's playland. This peaceful apartment is my oasis of sickness for maybe one to two hours.
You never knew silence could be so wonderful even in the face of the pukes, did you?
I'd like to take this moment to note that sick days are actually a luxury. When I was a kid, I definitely knew this and exploited even the simplest ache to my advantage. I was pretty much on the straight and narrow, so my mom trusted my many sore throats.
Today, after John left for work and I fought through working with 3 kids and the stomach flu for 10 hours, he swept the kids away to McDonald's playland. This peaceful apartment is my oasis of sickness for maybe one to two hours.
You never knew silence could be so wonderful even in the face of the pukes, did you?
And Humbled, Again
Every so often I get fired up about something really unimportant in life. Something that, in the grand schemes of things, means so little. I know I shouldn't allow myself to waste time on an emotion like anger. There are so many ways to expend my energy positively.
After I babble on about one of these unimportant subjects, it's pretty much inevitable that I will be humbled by a story that really is worth my time. A story like the one you will see here.
I actually used to be in a playgroup with this blog author, and I had no idea what life had thrown at her in the last few years.
I remember MckMama as the natural, exuberant person she is on her blog. Once at playgroup, her eldest son threw a huge tantrum and I could see one of the looks of motherhood in MckMama's eyes. It's that look we all get when we are exasperated and our children are just being children, just testing limits and waiting for us to set boundaries.
And MckMama set them. I admired her that day when she, pregnant with one and overseeing another baby, marched her son out of playgroup because he was misbehaving. She didn't give him candy or babytalk to him or unrealistically threaten him. She told him they would have to leave if his behavior continued, and she left.
To those who haven't been a mother as a Hurricane Tantrum unfolded, setting boundaries might seem like a simple thing. But the truth is: setting boundaries is not simple, and moms need to be commended for sticking to their guns. Teaching children the proper way to behave is pretty much a thankless, daily effort.
Anyway, this simple memory delves nowhere in the personal battle MckMama is now facing. My prayers are with her and that beautiful Stellan. This is a family of God.
After I babble on about one of these unimportant subjects, it's pretty much inevitable that I will be humbled by a story that really is worth my time. A story like the one you will see here.
I actually used to be in a playgroup with this blog author, and I had no idea what life had thrown at her in the last few years.
I remember MckMama as the natural, exuberant person she is on her blog. Once at playgroup, her eldest son threw a huge tantrum and I could see one of the looks of motherhood in MckMama's eyes. It's that look we all get when we are exasperated and our children are just being children, just testing limits and waiting for us to set boundaries.
And MckMama set them. I admired her that day when she, pregnant with one and overseeing another baby, marched her son out of playgroup because he was misbehaving. She didn't give him candy or babytalk to him or unrealistically threaten him. She told him they would have to leave if his behavior continued, and she left.
To those who haven't been a mother as a Hurricane Tantrum unfolded, setting boundaries might seem like a simple thing. But the truth is: setting boundaries is not simple, and moms need to be commended for sticking to their guns. Teaching children the proper way to behave is pretty much a thankless, daily effort.
Anyway, this simple memory delves nowhere in the personal battle MckMama is now facing. My prayers are with her and that beautiful Stellan. This is a family of God.
31 March 2009
Occupation: Stay-at-Home-Mom
Warning: I am about to comment on an inflammatory subject. Oh no! You will say. You don't understand! You might add. I do understand and I do have an opinion. And here I shall insert it.
A number of times in my short life as a stay-at-home mother, I have encountered an awkward situation in which others presume that the career of stay-at-home-mom might be interchangeable with that of a daycare provider.
Let me rephrase that so my opinion is clear: A stay-at-home mother is not the same career as a daycare provider.
It seems that many people busy in their own lives misinterpret my choice to be the primary force in my children's upbringing as a solicitation to take other children into my home and be their primary source of influence as well.
Hmm.
It's an interesting idea. And frankly, it can be flattering. Once, I have had a long-standing friend who presumably admired my morals solicit this service. Twice, I have had neighbors whom I barely know solicit my services for in-home daycare. I presume that these people were so impressed with me in exterior perception that they gleaned I might be competent enough to raise their child.
Truly, this is unsettling on many levels:
First, I am not competent to raise anyone else's child. I am a very opinionated person, and if you don't know it yet, I am raising my children to share in these opinions. At some point, my children will rebel against my opinions. But while I can control it, I will try to squash this inclination. In my house, I am the mother and my word is the bottom line*.
Second, I did not choose to stay at home with my children to raise the world's children. Yes, I am an ego freak and I would appreciate having that level of control over others. However, my own children create more work than I can handle personally**, and it's quite insulting to insinuate that adding your load to my bunch would be easily done. Not so.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to let others know that I don't feel badly about my choice to stay home with my kids. For the most part, I love this gig. At times, I wistfully consider what it would be like to be at the top of my career game or back in school full-time. But it's quick. It's wistful. It's not longing or envy. I believe I am doing the job that is best for me and for my family. On certain days, it's glorious. On other days, it's a true test. I guess it's probably the same as most jobs in that regard.
I don't appreciate those who make comments such as, "You're so lucky to be able to do that."*** This type of comment fundamentally undervalues what I do at home. It's really not that lucky to change diapers and work 12-14 hours per day. However, it is valuable that I do this because I believe I am giving my kids an advantage in life by guiding them in their moral, healthful, and physical development.
It's not luck. It's our priority. John and I agreed that this route was better for our kids than extra income or extra vacations, and so, we've sacrificed in some regards. It's a trade-off. Our priority in guiding our children has come out on top of our priority to drive a new Volvo S60.
To conclude my rant, I'd like to state that I really wouldn't let anyone else do my job.
Should you?
*Please note that my word is the bottom line only until I say in a fury to discipline, "You just wait til your Father comes home!!" And I must admit that comes out quite often.
**Haven't posted on this topic yet, but my kids were driving me a little bonkers recently and I've been forced to outsource a little childrearing and a little homemaking. In a limited context. More to come.
***It is certainly a show of poor writing that I have 3 sets of asterisks in this text. And yet I do. This final asterisk is a shout out to mothers & fathers who make every effort possible to be their children's primary influence and simply can not afford to stay home with their kids. Some of them need healthcare benefits from a job. Others battle with a truly unlivable wage. These are not the people to whom I rant today.
A number of times in my short life as a stay-at-home mother, I have encountered an awkward situation in which others presume that the career of stay-at-home-mom might be interchangeable with that of a daycare provider.
Let me rephrase that so my opinion is clear: A stay-at-home mother is not the same career as a daycare provider.
It seems that many people busy in their own lives misinterpret my choice to be the primary force in my children's upbringing as a solicitation to take other children into my home and be their primary source of influence as well.
Hmm.
It's an interesting idea. And frankly, it can be flattering. Once, I have had a long-standing friend who presumably admired my morals solicit this service. Twice, I have had neighbors whom I barely know solicit my services for in-home daycare. I presume that these people were so impressed with me in exterior perception that they gleaned I might be competent enough to raise their child.
Truly, this is unsettling on many levels:
First, I am not competent to raise anyone else's child. I am a very opinionated person, and if you don't know it yet, I am raising my children to share in these opinions. At some point, my children will rebel against my opinions. But while I can control it, I will try to squash this inclination. In my house, I am the mother and my word is the bottom line*.
Second, I did not choose to stay at home with my children to raise the world's children. Yes, I am an ego freak and I would appreciate having that level of control over others. However, my own children create more work than I can handle personally**, and it's quite insulting to insinuate that adding your load to my bunch would be easily done. Not so.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to let others know that I don't feel badly about my choice to stay home with my kids. For the most part, I love this gig. At times, I wistfully consider what it would be like to be at the top of my career game or back in school full-time. But it's quick. It's wistful. It's not longing or envy. I believe I am doing the job that is best for me and for my family. On certain days, it's glorious. On other days, it's a true test. I guess it's probably the same as most jobs in that regard.
I don't appreciate those who make comments such as, "You're so lucky to be able to do that."*** This type of comment fundamentally undervalues what I do at home. It's really not that lucky to change diapers and work 12-14 hours per day. However, it is valuable that I do this because I believe I am giving my kids an advantage in life by guiding them in their moral, healthful, and physical development.
It's not luck. It's our priority. John and I agreed that this route was better for our kids than extra income or extra vacations, and so, we've sacrificed in some regards. It's a trade-off. Our priority in guiding our children has come out on top of our priority to drive a new Volvo S60.
To conclude my rant, I'd like to state that I really wouldn't let anyone else do my job.
Should you?
*Please note that my word is the bottom line only until I say in a fury to discipline, "You just wait til your Father comes home!!" And I must admit that comes out quite often.
**Haven't posted on this topic yet, but my kids were driving me a little bonkers recently and I've been forced to outsource a little childrearing and a little homemaking. In a limited context. More to come.
***It is certainly a show of poor writing that I have 3 sets of asterisks in this text. And yet I do. This final asterisk is a shout out to mothers & fathers who make every effort possible to be their children's primary influence and simply can not afford to stay home with their kids. Some of them need healthcare benefits from a job. Others battle with a truly unlivable wage. These are not the people to whom I rant today.
30 March 2009
Shoes: A Woman's Secret Indulgence
Secret of the internet variety, right?
John and I are attending a fancy dinner & dance fundraiser at the beginning of May, so I can put this dress to use. I am trying to find a beautiful red pump to make the look, but mostly, I'm coming up with bank-breakers. Any friends have something similar and wear an 8 or 8.5? One particular gal should be flyin' in from Argentina soon, and I plan to raid her closet.
Dolce Vita Madison
Kate Spade Keedan
Stuart Weitzman Endeclipse
John and I are attending a fancy dinner & dance fundraiser at the beginning of May, so I can put this dress to use. I am trying to find a beautiful red pump to make the look, but mostly, I'm coming up with bank-breakers. Any friends have something similar and wear an 8 or 8.5? One particular gal should be flyin' in from Argentina soon, and I plan to raid her closet.
Dolce Vita Madison
Kate Spade Keedan
Stuart Weitzman Endeclipse
27 March 2009
A Facebook Status Update
Anne forgot that patient potty-training can require one-on-one sessions up to 30 minutes in length. Who has time for that?!
(Lucy and I just spent the last half-hour reading the Potty book, taking each item of clothing off, sitting and singing Mary Had a Little Lamb on the potty, wiping, washing hands, and deciding which Pull-Up had the best reward design.)
Sigh.
This is exhausting work!!
(Lucy and I just spent the last half-hour reading the Potty book, taking each item of clothing off, sitting and singing Mary Had a Little Lamb on the potty, wiping, washing hands, and deciding which Pull-Up had the best reward design.)
Sigh.
This is exhausting work!!
25 March 2009
Missed Me?
In my absence, perhaps you have found some peace and a brief sanity break, as I have. Warning: I am overhauling my childrearing schedule and am about to become one of those moms, with a color-coded calendar and an actual life schedule.
I abhor the idea, but I feel it is best for my managerial frame of mind.
I'll be back.
I abhor the idea, but I feel it is best for my managerial frame of mind.
I'll be back.
21 March 2009
Open Your Eyes
Did anyone else see the sunset last night? It's hard not to notice this time of year. I was driving into Uptown, looking for a parking spot before seeing my friend's hysterical Comedy Sportz show. Turning away from the task for a moment, I caught a glimpse of a huge, almost-pulsing globe of firey red, orange, and yellow.
When I opened Lucy's window shades this morning, I saw the same sun. It's almost like that thing it putting on a performance this time of year.
Spring is just what I need to change my focus in life...to move away from the worries I can't control and to move toward the beauty all around us. The flowers, the green earth, the scent of nature's return in the air. A sun that makes you realize this world is much smaller than it sometimes seems.
When I opened Lucy's window shades this morning, I saw the same sun. It's almost like that thing it putting on a performance this time of year.
Spring is just what I need to change my focus in life...to move away from the worries I can't control and to move toward the beauty all around us. The flowers, the green earth, the scent of nature's return in the air. A sun that makes you realize this world is much smaller than it sometimes seems.
19 March 2009
How It Is
Often when people hear the ages and quantity of my children, they make the comment, "Wow. You sure have your hands full."
Yes, I do. Please open the doors for me as I take 5 trips hauling my children and their accessories out of my minivan, up 20 stairs to our 2 bedroom apartment, and through 3 hugely heavy doors into #112.
Also note that I am actually so busy keeping on top of these kids with discipline, food, laundry, and cleaning that I literally don't remember the last time I brushed my teeth and it is not rare for me to hold the urge to pee 3-4 hours after my first instinct...because that's how much my kids run me ragged.
Not to complain or anything.
But sometimes I just have to put it out there.
Express your personality in color! Preview and select themes for Hotmail®. See how.
Yes, I do. Please open the doors for me as I take 5 trips hauling my children and their accessories out of my minivan, up 20 stairs to our 2 bedroom apartment, and through 3 hugely heavy doors into #112.
Also note that I am actually so busy keeping on top of these kids with discipline, food, laundry, and cleaning that I literally don't remember the last time I brushed my teeth and it is not rare for me to hold the urge to pee 3-4 hours after my first instinct...because that's how much my kids run me ragged.
Not to complain or anything.
But sometimes I just have to put it out there.
Express your personality in color! Preview and select themes for Hotmail®. See how.
Faith like a Child
An earnest child simply believes anything is possible. From my Lucy, who saw the evening moon still lingering in the morning sky:
"Do you bring that moon to me, Mommy?"
"Do you bring that moon to me, Mommy?"
18 March 2009
Mrs. O: A Mother I Am Growing to Admire
I picked up the recent issue of Oprah magazine to indulge my fascination with our elegant first lady, Michelle Obama. As you may know from previous posts, I am still carefully forming my response to this female dignitary. While Mrs. O is obviously thoughtful and pointed in her child-rearing, I grow concerned when I see any mother send out the message that "you can have it all." I am watching Mrs. O with diligent scrutiny because I believe many mothers will see her as a role model for the manner in which she raises her daughters.I recommend reading Oprah's interview with First Lady Obama because her role as a mother is truly pronounced in its pages. I was moved to read of how pointedly Mrs. O noted, "I want the kids to be treated like children, not little princesses...So the girls help set the table, they help bring the food out, they work with the butler staff." Mrs. O is also making a valiant effort to guide her children towards respect for elders, something I admire and also find not especially easy to do in my own experience as a mother.
The bottom line: Go, Mrs. O. This lady, with her iconic belts and precise, long-range goal-setting for her family, will change our nation in a positive way. I hope that the ethics I admire most about her mothering are the ones the nation continues to see in the spotlight.
And the Winner is...
Lorena! We used a very official process of Lucy drawing your name out of a plastic cup. The odds were pretty good for this contest, but still---It must be the luck of the most Irish! I'm pretty sure you're the only redhead that entered.I think the best way to send me your address might be via Facebook. I'll get your 2 AMC tickets in the mail as soon as I have your info. Thanks for entering.
17 March 2009
I Still Heart Target
Despite the bad economic picture, I still am weak when it comes to Target impulse buys. My poor Jimmy had a double ear infection today, so we had to meander through the aisles as we waited for his antibiotic prescription. As he moaned in my arms, I picked out this delicious Mossimo skirt. It's ladylike and yet has an alternative edge due to its more coarse fabric. It's also pretty forgiving as the layers hide a flaw or two!
Luck o' the Irish?
More like faith of the Irish! Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone! May your day be full of joy and Irish faith, even if it's not your heritage. Thanks to Aunt Paula for sharing this prayer card.
If you read on through the prayer to the end of this blog post, it could be your lucky day!
Prayer from St. Patrick's Breastplate
I arise today through
God's strength to pilot me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to see before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to secure me___
against snares of devils,
against temptation and vices,
against inclinations of nature,
against everyone who shall wish me
ill, afar and anear,
alone and in a crowd...
Christ, be with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit,
Christ where I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of the Christ.
May your salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.
Is it your lucky day this St. Patrick's Day? I am doing my first-ever Blog Give-away of 2 AMC movie tickets. You can enter the contest by posting a comment by midnight today (March 17). In your comment, please let me know what (if anything) you are doing to celebrate St. Patrick's Feast Day. I will announce a random winner tomorrow on the blog and ask for an email address so I can send 2 AMC tickets along. Make sure to check back on March 18 to see if you won!
If you read on through the prayer to the end of this blog post, it could be your lucky day!
Prayer from St. Patrick's Breastplate
I arise today through
God's strength to pilot me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to see before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to secure me___
against snares of devils,
against temptation and vices,
against inclinations of nature,
against everyone who shall wish me
ill, afar and anear,
alone and in a crowd...
Christ, be with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit,
Christ where I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of the Christ.
May your salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.
Is it your lucky day this St. Patrick's Day? I am doing my first-ever Blog Give-away of 2 AMC movie tickets. You can enter the contest by posting a comment by midnight today (March 17). In your comment, please let me know what (if anything) you are doing to celebrate St. Patrick's Feast Day. I will announce a random winner tomorrow on the blog and ask for an email address so I can send 2 AMC tickets along. Make sure to check back on March 18 to see if you won!
16 March 2009
"But Daddy, I want a paaaar-ty!"
For those who don't know the quote, it's from that bratty girl on Charlie and the Chocolate factory.
Is it wrong for me to want to throw a party just so I can wear this dress?
Is it wrong for me to want to throw a party just so I can wear this dress?
15 March 2009
A Leisurely Saturday Lunch
During the week, I'd liken my lunch routine with the kids to a true sprint. We enter the door in a blast-off, and then I'm piloting the solo run of juggling three children who are exhausted from pre-school, transport, hunger, etc. It's quite a sight to see me negotiating these kids into patience as they wait for ANY food to miraculously appear before them. They just don't seem to understand that healthy items don't come from a robotic, push-button machine like on the Jetsons.
Wouldn't it be great if lunches did?
I enjoy Saturday lunches. As John is around, I have a little more time to thoughtfully prepare. Here is an example of a staple salad I'll make on Saturdays. I'm showing you the 3-plate special for our family, because we really have 3 categories of eaters in our family.
1.) The Mom and Dad eaters:
As you can see, John and I enjoy a "combination" meal with each dietary element mixed into the next element. Here, I've taken simple spring mix and complemented it with goat cheese (freezes well, I usually keep it on hand from Costco), pine nuts, shredded turkey breast, strawberries, avocado and a simple vinaigrette of balsamic, oil, salt, sugar, and minced garlic.
My general recipes for an entree salad is this:
80% Green + Fruit + Good Cheese + Nut + Dressing = Success
Bonus points for adding in extra vegetables.
2.) The toddler, separated special:
Tom and Lucy are still in the age category that generally prefers food to be separated, not mixed. I'm not sure why kids go through this stage, but it's fairly common. I don't tolerate this request for every meal, but for lunches, I often find they will try new foods if they are easily visible on the plate. I am still working at getting the kids to eat any kind of greens, but they each have a few vegetables they'll tolerate, and I consider that an accomplishment. Pictured, you'll see a variation on our adult salads to include sliced avocado, turkey "roll-ups", spring mix, and strawberries.
3.) The baby plate:
Since Jimmy has proclaimed his new stage of eating everything in sight, I make a point to chop up much more food than I'd ever imagine he'd eat in one sitting. He surprises me with both the quantity he consumes AND the quantity that he deflects onto the (carpeted) floor beneath him.
Jimmy loved the avocado and turkey; I supplemented with some baby food since he's not yet ready for strawberries, pine nuts, and spring mix.
Wouldn't it be great if lunches did?
I enjoy Saturday lunches. As John is around, I have a little more time to thoughtfully prepare. Here is an example of a staple salad I'll make on Saturdays. I'm showing you the 3-plate special for our family, because we really have 3 categories of eaters in our family.
1.) The Mom and Dad eaters:
As you can see, John and I enjoy a "combination" meal with each dietary element mixed into the next element. Here, I've taken simple spring mix and complemented it with goat cheese (freezes well, I usually keep it on hand from Costco), pine nuts, shredded turkey breast, strawberries, avocado and a simple vinaigrette of balsamic, oil, salt, sugar, and minced garlic.
My general recipes for an entree salad is this:
80% Green + Fruit + Good Cheese + Nut + Dressing = Success
Bonus points for adding in extra vegetables.
2.) The toddler, separated special:
Tom and Lucy are still in the age category that generally prefers food to be separated, not mixed. I'm not sure why kids go through this stage, but it's fairly common. I don't tolerate this request for every meal, but for lunches, I often find they will try new foods if they are easily visible on the plate. I am still working at getting the kids to eat any kind of greens, but they each have a few vegetables they'll tolerate, and I consider that an accomplishment. Pictured, you'll see a variation on our adult salads to include sliced avocado, turkey "roll-ups", spring mix, and strawberries.
3.) The baby plate:
Since Jimmy has proclaimed his new stage of eating everything in sight, I make a point to chop up much more food than I'd ever imagine he'd eat in one sitting. He surprises me with both the quantity he consumes AND the quantity that he deflects onto the (carpeted) floor beneath him.
Jimmy loved the avocado and turkey; I supplemented with some baby food since he's not yet ready for strawberries, pine nuts, and spring mix.
14 March 2009
Let's Be the Survivors
The odds aren't too great for marriages these days. Marriages have always faced hardship, but in our society, the cultural mindset has swung towards divorce as the easiest response to hardship.*
In a recent discussion with John, I reminded both of us of something we'd heard at a marriage retreat or workshop a short time ago. I might get the words wrong here, but this is the general message:
We don't want to be an ordinary couple. We don't want to have an ordinary marriage.
We are looking to be extraordinary.
Now, before you think I'm just superegotistical, hear me out:
In an ordinary marriage, divorce is just around the corner. In an ordinary marriage, fights get out of control. In an ordinary marriage, people ignore their problems and allow one another to be selfish because sometimes, that's easy.
I can't let that be the way our marriage goes. I have to concentrate on being selfless for John. I have to concentrate on giving my family the edge that will pull us through to the 50-year finish line.
*I want to point out here that I am not the kind of person who sees divorce as never an option. There are some dire situations in which divorce/annulment is really the best of all difficult options. But I want to be clear in stating that I think many marriages fail because it's easy to be selfish in a marriage and selfishness is ultimately destructive in any relationship.
In a recent discussion with John, I reminded both of us of something we'd heard at a marriage retreat or workshop a short time ago. I might get the words wrong here, but this is the general message:
We don't want to be an ordinary couple. We don't want to have an ordinary marriage.
We are looking to be extraordinary.
Now, before you think I'm just superegotistical, hear me out:
In an ordinary marriage, divorce is just around the corner. In an ordinary marriage, fights get out of control. In an ordinary marriage, people ignore their problems and allow one another to be selfish because sometimes, that's easy.
I can't let that be the way our marriage goes. I have to concentrate on being selfless for John. I have to concentrate on giving my family the edge that will pull us through to the 50-year finish line.
*I want to point out here that I am not the kind of person who sees divorce as never an option. There are some dire situations in which divorce/annulment is really the best of all difficult options. But I want to be clear in stating that I think many marriages fail because it's easy to be selfish in a marriage and selfishness is ultimately destructive in any relationship.
SuperConscientious
One of the annoying things about being me and being a Mom is that, in reality, I have trouble just rollin' with the punches. When I think about my kids and music, I envision them writing symphonies. When I think about my kids and MTV, I worry that Lucy will become body-obsessed and have an eating disorder. When I think about my kids and God, I envision my kids making their pathway not slowly...to First Communion, for instance. Instead, I see them at the altar for their weddings or Holy Orders vows.
I would say that this kind of goal-oriented mindset is pretty much an everyday, every minute occurrence in my life. In fact, there are times when I have to mentally talk myself into slowing down and just enjoying the moment: "Just chill out a little, Anne....it's going to be fine if Lucy just colors Curious George right now and doesn't finish an oil pastel masterpiece."
Ok, I was exaggerating a little bit with that one. But not really.
But seriously, there are disadvantages AND advantages to my compulsive, goal-oriented parenting. (Or at least, I'm about to make a case that there are.)
One advantage of forward-thinking in parenting is that I have the foresight to realize when my kids are subtly trying to take advantage and take control in our relationship. Hang on. I know that sounds weird. But kids are actually champs at this, especially mine.
Kids excel at trying to establish a routine that undermines the parent. Have you ever really watched Supernanny? Have you ever seen how the tantrum-throwers beg for first, a glass of water and then, a different blanket and then, a snugglier teddy bear and then, just 5 minutes of Mommy singing in the room. After the bedtime routine. After the lights out. It goes on and on and onandonandonandon. For my non-parent readers, it is downright exasperating. It's the kind of thing that makes my 14-hour day longer and longer and longer until finally, John and I collapse with exhaustion, realizing we've allowed our kids to control EVERY SECOND of bedtime and we have left no time or energy to connect as husband and wife.
A very detrimental effect.
Anyway, to get back to my earlier point, one advantage of forward-thinking in parenting is that I can acknowledge a bad routine-in-progress (see my She Devil post) and put a halt to it. Sometimes John and I would rather ignore a bad habit that is developing, but really, in the long run, we'd rather enjoy one another for a few moments every night.
I would say that this kind of goal-oriented mindset is pretty much an everyday, every minute occurrence in my life. In fact, there are times when I have to mentally talk myself into slowing down and just enjoying the moment: "Just chill out a little, Anne....it's going to be fine if Lucy just colors Curious George right now and doesn't finish an oil pastel masterpiece."
Ok, I was exaggerating a little bit with that one. But not really.
But seriously, there are disadvantages AND advantages to my compulsive, goal-oriented parenting. (Or at least, I'm about to make a case that there are.)
One advantage of forward-thinking in parenting is that I have the foresight to realize when my kids are subtly trying to take advantage and take control in our relationship. Hang on. I know that sounds weird. But kids are actually champs at this, especially mine.
Kids excel at trying to establish a routine that undermines the parent. Have you ever really watched Supernanny? Have you ever seen how the tantrum-throwers beg for first, a glass of water and then, a different blanket and then, a snugglier teddy bear and then, just 5 minutes of Mommy singing in the room. After the bedtime routine. After the lights out. It goes on and on and onandonandonandon. For my non-parent readers, it is downright exasperating. It's the kind of thing that makes my 14-hour day longer and longer and longer until finally, John and I collapse with exhaustion, realizing we've allowed our kids to control EVERY SECOND of bedtime and we have left no time or energy to connect as husband and wife.
A very detrimental effect.
Anyway, to get back to my earlier point, one advantage of forward-thinking in parenting is that I can acknowledge a bad routine-in-progress (see my She Devil post) and put a halt to it. Sometimes John and I would rather ignore a bad habit that is developing, but really, in the long run, we'd rather enjoy one another for a few moments every night.
13 March 2009
She Devil
I'm sorry for the harsh nickname, Lucy, but if you were in my shoes and just experienced a 2-hour tantrum surpassing the magnitude of those I've seen on "Supernanny," you might resort to this and other names.
GO TO SLEEP, MUNCHKIN.
YOU WILL NOT WIN, SO GIVE UP NOW!
Paralysis: On the Economy, Finally.
I have to admit that I have avoided the subject of the ongoing Recession like the plague. I generally an optimist and would prefer not to address difficult topics head-on. (Look at me: I'm still calling it a Recession, when quite frankly, it's heading quickly towards Depression.) Every day it seems I hear more bad news. More friends losing jobs, more people wondering if they will be able to pay the bills next week.
It's starting to hit real close to home, and that scares me.
How is America going to pull through this period? How can I help those around me who are clinging to their homes and their lifestyles with barely their fingernails? What can I do to make a difference?
I just hate to ever admit that I can't.
It's starting to hit real close to home, and that scares me.
How is America going to pull through this period? How can I help those around me who are clinging to their homes and their lifestyles with barely their fingernails? What can I do to make a difference?
I just hate to ever admit that I can't.
12 March 2009
On the Subject of Gorgonzola
I love blue cheese. Love it. If you need proof, see one of my earliest gourmet creations, my husband's true favorite Blue Cheese Pasta Salad. For a while now, I have tried various takes on a warm blue cheese pasta to little success. Cream sauces with blue cheese strike me as bland and yet pungently overpowering. Tonight, John and I finally agreed on what is necessary to make a warm blue cheese pasta success. Theoretically.Some of the appeal of blue cheese must be its chunky, clumpy consistency. Instead of sauteeing the cheese in a typical cream sauce, my next effort will be to only slightly melt the blue cheese into warm, cooked pasta.
Pictured here you see one of my failed (though pretty) blue cheese pasta efforts.
On the up side, I discovered a wonderful new texture of pasta called orecchiette, imported from Italy. The consistency was similiar to that of a dumpling, and yet, it was pasta. A wonderful texture to absorb sauce.
The Last Winter Comfort Food: Wild Rice Soup-Encrusted Chicken Breasts
In this final cold snap (conveniently situated in the midst of "spring" break), I created a new winter comfort dish that the whole family gobbled up tonight.
Ingredients
2 C leftover Wild Rice soup (I used the Byerly's recipe with ham, but you could purchase this for your own convenience)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
paprika
kosher salt
freshly ground pepper
Instructions
This one is sure to wow any true Minnesotan, especially a man who loves a hearty, creamy meal. Place the 4 chicken breasts in a small glass baking pan. Sprinkle with kosher salt, cracked pepper, and a bit of paprika for aesthetic appeal. Then, slather the breasts with 2 C of wild rice soup.
It's honestly that easy.
Bake this dish at 350 degrees for about an hour. Check on the chicken once, flipping it over and re-sprinkling the other side of the chicken with more salt, pepper, and paprika.
You will be amazed with this easy, luscious meal!
Tortilla Español
When John and I lived in the south of Spain, we frequently sampled the traditional Tortilla Español, which is basically a potato omelette. To the ordinary person, this delicious indulgence may sound simple. The reality is that its simplicity is divine!
Last night, I created my own version of this simple Spanish wonder.
Ingredients
1 small baby red potato
extra virgin olive oil
garlic
6 eggs
milk
3 T chopped white onion
rosemary
kosher salt
fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
Chop potatoes and onions into small cubes. Fry over medium heat in about 2 T olive oil and about 1 t minced garlic until onions are tender and potatoes begin to brown, but not burn.
Transfer this mixture to a bowl and set aside.
To prepare your omelette, whisk 6 eggs completely in a large bowl. Add in about 1/3 C milk. Prepare to be patient. Pour the eggs and milk into your pan (prepped already for non-sticking with your old EVOO). Keep your heat on medium-low and WATCH THE OMELETTE with care. Since our time in Spain, I have made many omelettes, and many have turned out poorly due to lack of patience. Omelettes must be prepared on relatively low heat and slow-cooking is critical. Watch as the eggs begin to "set" and bubble a bit in the pan. Then, slowly lift your pan and slightly "wave" it from side to side so that the uncooked portion of the egg resettles evenly in the pan. (This is complicated, so don't give up after just one omelette.) Repeat this settling process until the eggs are starting to look pretty well cooked.
At this point, I like to add in my seasonings/main ingredients. I use a generous portion of kosher salt (maybe 1/2 t) and a generous sprinkling of freshly cracked pepper. I also find a sprinkling of rosemary to bring out great earthy flavor in omelettes.
When the eggs look close to cooked, sprinkle the cooked onions, garlic, and potatoes on top of 1/2 of the omelette. Then, carefully slide your spatula underneath the other half of the omelette, and fold than side on top of the "topping" half.
Allow the omelette to continue to cook on low heat until you determine the inside of the omelette is cooked to your desired egg doneness. I would aim for about 2 to 4 more minutes.
I served this Spanish tortilla alongside leftover roasted ham from last week. Delicious! I would recommend a simple parsley garnish for aesthetic beauty.
John and I were transported back to Granada with this one.
09 March 2009
Wally & the Goose
These guys are like twins with their own secret language.
I can't believe they actually fell asleep together in bed.
I can't believe they actually fell asleep together in bed.
07 March 2009
110%
I think I'm actually an intimidating person. Looking back, I realize the signs of this started early. In high school, I had a crush on one guy and I made him all these cards and sent him a ton of notes. I don't think they were overly romantic or anything, but I totally scared him off and blew the whole deal.
I also had a friend in high school who used to tell me that it seemed like I could accomplish more in one day than anyone else. Is that true? I don't know. It sounds boastful to say it, I guess. Lately, I've actually been feeling like it's a detriment that I have so many ideas and so many things I want to accomplish. In fact, I have so many projects on my list right now that I am embarrassed to tell you about them all.
Why do I feel such an obligation to accomplish so many things? Whenever I want to do a project, I want to do it 110%. In 6th grade, I started a newspaper for my class. I proposed the idea to the principal of the school and then I garnered funds from my sister's high school employer. I didn't have my parents call them. I just went over to the local outdoors shop where she worked, asked for the manager, and told him why he should give me money to start my 6th grade newspaper.
And he did it.
For some reason, I believe that people should do the things I want them to do. Currently, I am thinking about how I want to set my friend up with this Catholic guy who is perfect for her. Except they live a million miles away from one another. And yet I not only believe they are right for one another, I also believe that I can actually contribute to their union.
Why do I believe this stuff?
I have a really hard time drawing the proverbial line in the sand. I can't stop myself from interfering in other people's lives.
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I also had a friend in high school who used to tell me that it seemed like I could accomplish more in one day than anyone else. Is that true? I don't know. It sounds boastful to say it, I guess. Lately, I've actually been feeling like it's a detriment that I have so many ideas and so many things I want to accomplish. In fact, I have so many projects on my list right now that I am embarrassed to tell you about them all.
Why do I feel such an obligation to accomplish so many things? Whenever I want to do a project, I want to do it 110%. In 6th grade, I started a newspaper for my class. I proposed the idea to the principal of the school and then I garnered funds from my sister's high school employer. I didn't have my parents call them. I just went over to the local outdoors shop where she worked, asked for the manager, and told him why he should give me money to start my 6th grade newspaper.
And he did it.
For some reason, I believe that people should do the things I want them to do. Currently, I am thinking about how I want to set my friend up with this Catholic guy who is perfect for her. Except they live a million miles away from one another. And yet I not only believe they are right for one another, I also believe that I can actually contribute to their union.
Why do I believe this stuff?
I have a really hard time drawing the proverbial line in the sand. I can't stop myself from interfering in other people's lives.
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Ahead of the Game: 8 Months Old
My Jimmy,
You and I are both awake tonight with the same hacking cough. It's this awful cold virus that has settled into our family, passing from one child to the next and finally landing to me over the course of 2 weeks. We've barely left our new 2 bedroom apartment over the last 10 days.
Meanwhile, you have practically turned into a new baby since you returned to us from Wisconsin and we began our adventure near the "Washington monument". You are eating full bowls of Cheerios for breakfast. You are up on all four limbs rocking about, getting ready to crawl when we put you on the rug or when we find you awake in the closet. You are smiling with exuberance at strangers. You are sitting up all by yourself! You have emerged as a baby, not an infant. You are changing. You are growing.
Jimmy, as I raise you children, I wonder more and more about the power of nature vs. nurture in the world. Why are my kids inclined to smile outwardly at others when many babies and children are introverted and shy? God has given all of us gifts, but it seems like I can do a lot to pull out the best in my children. I have taught you all to love those around you in a little way, by encouraging you to smile for strangers each time you meet them.
This may seem like a little thing, but now that I have three kids who look others in the eye and speak up when they're introduced to someone, I realize how unique this quality is. Unfortunately, our culture has a tendency to teach children to be afraid of strangers. I want you kids to realize that caution is important in every interaction you have with others...but I also want you to realize that there is good in every person you meet. There is no need to look down from fear or shame when you meet someone. Instead, look him in the eye and know that that person has gifts and beauty and love from God just as you do.
Jimmy, I am more in love with you now than you can possibly know until you have a son or daughter of your own. I am so proud to carry you nestled onto my hip, and I am so joyful tonight to cradle you against my chest, even while we're both so sick and exhausted. This is one of those moments of deep and powerful beauty in motherhood; one of the moments of fleeting joy that I pray I not forget as the years go on. This is one of those moments in which I realize why God has called me to be a mother to many children, and why, despite the true sacrifice and exasperation and sickness and sleeplessness motherhood brings, it is worth it.
It is so worth it.
I love you, Jimmy Jimster.
Your, Mama
06 March 2009
(Imagine Me Holding Up 2 Pointer Fingers)
Dear Lucy,
2 years old!! I am bit late on your 2nd letter, and I'm sorry for it. You have already begun to changed since just a few weeks ago.
Who are you, my Lucy Louise? You are a light in our life. You're a silly, giggly girl who watches Mom with rapt attention. The other day I was looking at my feet critically, and I looked over at you to see you quietly mirroring my every look and motion. How often do you copy your Mama? You practice dusting the tables, sweeping the floors, putting your baby in his stroller, and making pie. Tommy went through this copy-cat phase, too, but somehow it seems stronger with my daughter.
As I type this letter, you are sitting at the kitchen table in our new apartment. Tommy just entered the room, and your funny little voice recognized him, "Did you wake up, Tom? Did you wake up?" This, too, is a phrase you're borrowed from Mama. You're a mimicking parrot, but the truth about Goose is that you are shockingly verbal for a 2 year old. You have a knack for language that is unique, Lucy. You can already look strangers in the eye with a smile and a kind word.
It was several months ago when I looked in my rear-view mirror to watch you interacting with Tommy. I remember that moment so crystal clear: it was the first time you both shared a conversation together. Now, these conversations are ongoing and everyday occurrences. (Unfortunately for Mom the Peacemaker, there have been a lot more arguments than chit-chat lately.)
You have a real love for your family, and are going through a stage in which you'll constantly repeat the names of members of our family, as if for reassurance. "And Daddy? And Mommy? And Jimmy? And Tommy? And Lucy?" You pause between each name to see if I nod. We recently went swimming at the gym's indoor waterpark, and since that day, you have a new (re-found) love for the pool. "Go swimming with Daddy today?" You ask me constantly. "Go swimming with Daddy soon!" You confirm.
Try as I might not to compare you to Tommy, I can't help but notice ways in which you are unique or similar. You are both very smart. You are both very verbal. You are both innately outgoing at this age, which is uncommon amongst your friends.
On the flip side, you are artistic, while Tommy struggles to hold a crayon for more than 2 seconds. You are proud and eager to sit down and work on coloring Curious George, Ben 10, or even a blank sheet of paper. You also seem to be more intuitively drawn to music than Tommy. I often catch you shaking your body to a song in the rear view mirror, or singing songs to yourself as you be-bop around the house.
I hope I can remember your toddler phase, Lucy. It already seems to be slipping away! The only problem with having such chatterboxes for kids is that you guys seem to grow up more quickly than your peers. I bet next week you'll be asking me if I've proactively made plans for our summer vacation.
(And Lucy, the answer to that? Of course I have.)
You're a twinkle in my eye, Miss Goose. I love you.
Your,
Mama
02 March 2009
Apartment Rules
I haven't had much time to write lately, as we've moved out of our townhouse, attended a festive college wedding, dropped our kids halfway to Grandma's house, picked up our kids halfway to Grandma's house, watched John's little siblings in Wisconsin for a weekend, and dealt with vomiting, pink-eye, and massive head-colds all in the last 10 days. Whew. In addition to Lucy's birthday, friendship catastrophe, and more.
But. (Here's the good part.) I humbly offer to you the Top 10 Things about Living in An Apartment with 3 Kids under 4:
10. Really big dogs in the building are good grounds for scaring your children into not opening the door.
9. One bathroom is SO much easier to clean than three bathrooms.
8. If my kids defecate, puke, or spit up on the carpet, I just repeat to myself, "Not my carpet. Not my carpet."
7. Small children in the neighborhood envy what they think is our "glamorous" and "ritzy" building.
6. Tommy can occupy himself watching the trashman load all the building trash into his garbage truck...right from our living room window.
5. Long hallways are secretive and mysterious to small children.
4. We don't have to go outside to get the mail.
3. The newspaper is delivered to our inside door, just like in a fancy hotel.
2. We still live right down the road from our favorite cousins, preschool, and our church.
And the number one best thing about living in a temporary apartment is:
1. Every day, the kids love to take our trash bags to the "trash chute" at the end of the hall. Does anyone else get to throw their trash down a chute?
Awesome.
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But. (Here's the good part.) I humbly offer to you the Top 10 Things about Living in An Apartment with 3 Kids under 4:
10. Really big dogs in the building are good grounds for scaring your children into not opening the door.
9. One bathroom is SO much easier to clean than three bathrooms.
8. If my kids defecate, puke, or spit up on the carpet, I just repeat to myself, "Not my carpet. Not my carpet."
7. Small children in the neighborhood envy what they think is our "glamorous" and "ritzy" building.
6. Tommy can occupy himself watching the trashman load all the building trash into his garbage truck...right from our living room window.
5. Long hallways are secretive and mysterious to small children.
4. We don't have to go outside to get the mail.
3. The newspaper is delivered to our inside door, just like in a fancy hotel.
2. We still live right down the road from our favorite cousins, preschool, and our church.
And the number one best thing about living in a temporary apartment is:
1. Every day, the kids love to take our trash bags to the "trash chute" at the end of the hall. Does anyone else get to throw their trash down a chute?
Awesome.
Windows Live™ Groups: Create an online spot for your favorite groups to meet. Check it out.
20 February 2009
Sudden
The scurrying and the fumbling and the screaming and the packing and the spilling and the playing and the screaming and the whining and the laughing and the hugging and the snuggling and the singing and the jumping and the dancing and the life.
They're out the door. They're gone in an instant.
And with them, our home.
Goodbye, Shamrock kids!! Goodbye!
They're out the door. They're gone in an instant.
And with them, our home.
Goodbye, Shamrock kids!! Goodbye!
19 February 2009
Emotion
It hit me as I was packing up Jimmy's diapers and tiny clothing. And I realized that we'd probably only change another 2 or 3 of his diapers in this house.
14 February 2009
Heart Shaped Dance Party?
You gotta have a dance party on Valentine's Day morning. That's what I'm doing right now, to celebrate the people I love in this little townhouse. On my playlist:
"See the World" (Gomez)
"American Boy" (Estelle)
"Be My Valentine" (Anne Carraux, as recalled from the days of jr. high singing telegrams)
"Love Story" (Taylor Swift)
I am totally a VDay junkie. So far, to celebrate:
-Let Tommy select the most masculine valentines on the market (Iron Man, 5 wks ahead)
-Made a Valentine's Day mailbox with the kids so we could amass constructed valentines (2 wks ahead)
-Began planning John's valentine: a slideshow of pictures from our townhouse years, complete with a cover song "More Time" (Need to Breathe) with me on vocals and Chris, my brother, on guitar
-Bought John a secondary VDay gift with the critical aid of my sister (1 wk ahead)
-Ordered a heart cake from the local bakery (1 wk ahead)
-Delivered valentines to my nieces and nephews (1 day ahead)*
-Mailed valentines and DVD project to close family members (1 day ahead)
-Ordered a heart pizza, on sale from Papa Murphys for $7.99
-Couldn't wait, so I unveiled the DVD project to John early (1 night ahead)
-Couldn't wait, so I received my valentine from John early (basket of goodies we ate while we lived in Spain, including the best ever spread, Nutella)
-Had the kids pull their valentines out of the homemade mailbox (AM)
-Had the kids open their daddy-selected tiny valentine gifts, including Mr. Incredible stickers and festive socks (AM)
And then, the current moment: dance party.
Yet to come:
-Heart pizza, Heart cake.
And, more importantly, a whole lotta sappy fam love. :) :) :)
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!!
*A special Valentine wish goes out to my nephew, Will, who had the pukes yesterday and had to miss his 1st grade Valentine party. At least for this year, Will, you can still be my Valentine. You are growing up too fast, kid.
A Few of my Valentines:
My main squeeze, who is attractive not only because he's so handsome, but also because he's such a great Dad:
13 February 2009
Sassy Mexicasserole
I am trying to use up most of our canned and pantry goods before we move, so things are getting creative around here. I actually came up with something pretty good tonight.
Sassy Mexicasserole
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 C jasmine rice, uncooked
1 jar of green Mexican enchilada sauce (about 8-10 oz.)
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1 C water
1 medium tomato, diced
1 small can mild green chiles
Mix rice, water, soup, chiles (I used only 1/2 can for a milder flavor), and enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 12 casserole dish. Place chicken breasts on top of this mixture. Sprinkle about 1 t salt over the dish and then sprinkle on the tomato. Bake about 1 hr at 375 or until chicken is done and rice looks done, as well. I flipped the chicken once during the process. I cooked the dish uncovered for the first 45 minutes, then covered it for the remaining time to preserve moisture.
Yum! The result is an easy dish that my husband claimed was near "restaurant quality!" It may be that we've been eating a lot of takeout food lately, but I'll take that kind of praise any day!
Sassy Mexicasserole
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 C jasmine rice, uncooked
1 jar of green Mexican enchilada sauce (about 8-10 oz.)
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1 C water
1 medium tomato, diced
1 small can mild green chiles
Mix rice, water, soup, chiles (I used only 1/2 can for a milder flavor), and enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 12 casserole dish. Place chicken breasts on top of this mixture. Sprinkle about 1 t salt over the dish and then sprinkle on the tomato. Bake about 1 hr at 375 or until chicken is done and rice looks done, as well. I flipped the chicken once during the process. I cooked the dish uncovered for the first 45 minutes, then covered it for the remaining time to preserve moisture.
Yum! The result is an easy dish that my husband claimed was near "restaurant quality!" It may be that we've been eating a lot of takeout food lately, but I'll take that kind of praise any day!
Clothing Philosophy in Practice
I once had a friend who was a total clothes horse. Her closet was like a magical world brimming with designer pants, shirts, and shoes. In fact, her wardrobe was so extensive that this girl could quite literally go several months without repeating an outfit combination---and she LOVED it.
As much as I was jealous of this friend, we just didn't share the same wardrobing philosphy. I would love to own a closet of designer clothes, but even if I did veer away from my usual equation of Target + Old Navy + Gap, I wouldn't ever be the kind of person who wore different things each day. I love my staple outfits. I wear a pair of corduroys until they are frayed and desperately worn. I cling to a workout shirt until my sister says she's embarrassed to be seen with me at the gym while I'm wearing it.
What's your wardrobe philosophy? What does your closet look like? Are you constantly trying to feign some order (like in my closet), or are you one of those people whose shirt line up in a pristine manner, organized by type and color and usefulness (like my dear husband!)?
As much as I was jealous of this friend, we just didn't share the same wardrobing philosphy. I would love to own a closet of designer clothes, but even if I did veer away from my usual equation of Target + Old Navy + Gap, I wouldn't ever be the kind of person who wore different things each day. I love my staple outfits. I wear a pair of corduroys until they are frayed and desperately worn. I cling to a workout shirt until my sister says she's embarrassed to be seen with me at the gym while I'm wearing it.
What's your wardrobe philosophy? What does your closet look like? Are you constantly trying to feign some order (like in my closet), or are you one of those people whose shirt line up in a pristine manner, organized by type and color and usefulness (like my dear husband!)?
Neiiiigh
"Lookit! It's a horsey!" Lucy says, holding up her cinnamon toast. Indeed, it looks like a little colt.
"Neiiiiiigh!!"
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"Neiiiiiigh!!"
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12 February 2009
Mrs. O-So Stylish & PC
I have acquired a new guilty pleasure at Mrs. O. Our elegant first lady is worth following for fashion tips, although she has made a few off-the-rack blunders. In the political arena, though, I am already starting to take issue with her PCism. Consider this quote on the balance for women in the workplace with family life:
“And the one thing — the one message that I have is for all of you struggling with this issue, is just remember there is no right answer. It took me a long time to figure that out. There is no one right way to do any of this. And the choices and the decisions will change, given your circumstances.”
I become disgruntled with people who won't agree to some absolutes in life. There are absolutes in life. To give people the impression that your career can come before your family is wrong. To let parents think their children will not suffer if they are never home with them is wrong. Perhaps there is some leeway for parents as financial or other constraints emerge, but the truth is this: when you're a parent, you have to put your family first.
Mrs. O, step it up. You are a family woman, and it's time to tell us what makes YOUR family work well...not that any possible ingredient combination can serve up perfect family apple pie.
Note: You can read the entirety of Mrs. O's address at Howard University here.
“And the one thing — the one message that I have is for all of you struggling with this issue, is just remember there is no right answer. It took me a long time to figure that out. There is no one right way to do any of this. And the choices and the decisions will change, given your circumstances.”
I become disgruntled with people who won't agree to some absolutes in life. There are absolutes in life. To give people the impression that your career can come before your family is wrong. To let parents think their children will not suffer if they are never home with them is wrong. Perhaps there is some leeway for parents as financial or other constraints emerge, but the truth is this: when you're a parent, you have to put your family first.
Mrs. O, step it up. You are a family woman, and it's time to tell us what makes YOUR family work well...not that any possible ingredient combination can serve up perfect family apple pie.
Note: You can read the entirety of Mrs. O's address at Howard University here.
A Bouncing Baby Boy
Dear Jimmy,
My seven month old. I am a few days late on your letter...I am sorry, my son. This has been a hectic and exciting time for our little family. We sold our townhouse and are preparing to move temporarily into an apartment. I am sure that, to you kids, this move will measure low on the radar screen. You will probably think nothing of moving your rattles and baby spoons four blocks north of here. To your father and me, though, this move represents our journey to a home with a yard for our family. We are eager to see you kids run through the grass and spread your wings a little bit. We are eager for just a little more elbow room to grow.
You are a beautiful boy, my Jimmy. Everyone says so! It's hard not to notice your wide eyes and contagious smile. On the inside, you also have qualities that shine, Jimmy. Each time you awaken, you are quiet and content to be alone. This is different from your brother, Tom, and your sister, Lucy. Oftentimes, I hear you kicking around and laughing to yourself long before you want anyone to retrieve you from your bassinet. What does this mean, baby Jim? Are you going to be the kind of boy who needs a little more time by yourself?
I am teaching a 4th grade class at church this year, and am so happy to be doing it. Working with 10 year olds, oddly enough, gives me more inspiration to be a great mom for you kids. Sometimes the days are so long when I'm changing poopy diapers, teaching you kids numbers, singing songs, making lunch, scrubbing the floors, cleaning up toys. It's easy for me to forget how important this work is. When I go into the 4th grade classroom, though, I see such an amazing class of kids---all due to their parents' hard work raising them. Each child has his own talent and gift from God. I know that my job is to help cultivate your talents, Jimmy. I hope I can help you find them and use them in the best way.
Sometimes I wonder if either of my boys will grow up to be a priest, Jimmy. Maybe that seems like a strange thing for a modern mother to wonder, but certainly, I do. I hope that by the time you can read this letter, you already know and respect the work priests do. I hope that you also think about the joys and blessings God puts in their lives in return. God calls us each to a special vocation in life. What will yours be?
Your development from the sixth to seventh month has been pointed in many ways. You are rolling over quickly and with agility now. You sometimes get up on all four limbs. You want things in a way you didn't want them last month. You remember toys that fall down off your high chair. You jump like crazy in your Exersaucer...much like your cousin, Will, used to do. This, too, is different from our other kids. You are not the same baby as Tom or Lucy. You will have your own place to shine.
Well, dear Jimmy, it's very late and your mom should be in bed. I just wanted to take this time to tell you how very much I love you. I could kiss your sweet little toes all day. I could smell your soft head each moment. But Jimmy, if you keep on pooping 3 times daily, I am going to have to draw a line.
To the moon and back, my littlest bug.
Your,
Mama
09 February 2009
1,2,3
Today was one of those days of being a mom that was totally beautiful. If you are a mom, you know that any "totally beautiful" day still has a fair share of poopy diapers and tantrums. Nonetheless, I present three moments:
1-I carried Jimmy down in the morning to find Tom and Lucy snuggled up on the couch. Feeding Jim his bottle, I commented to no one in particular, "Isn't this kid the cutest." "Yeah, he is," Tom replied. "And Elmo, too."
2-Jimmy is on his 2nd day of eating the tiniest tad of banana slice you've ever seen. It's really just a little mushpod on my finger. I put it on his tongue today and his eyes gleened over immediately, as if to say, "Mom, finally. I weep that you finally acknowledged my yearning."
3-Lucy and I took a trip to the mall with Grandpa this morning, and somehow, her beloved Bunny Baby ended up taking a swim in the wishing well. Bunny Baby, a blue and well-worn friend, was in need of dire washing anyway, so Lucy had to make do at bedtime with borrowing Monkey Baby from Tom. When Tom went to bed himself, though, he cried out for Monkey. Moments later, Lucy called out to John. John went into her room and she held out Monkey, "Tommy needs his monkey, Dad." And that was that.
1-I carried Jimmy down in the morning to find Tom and Lucy snuggled up on the couch. Feeding Jim his bottle, I commented to no one in particular, "Isn't this kid the cutest." "Yeah, he is," Tom replied. "And Elmo, too."
2-Jimmy is on his 2nd day of eating the tiniest tad of banana slice you've ever seen. It's really just a little mushpod on my finger. I put it on his tongue today and his eyes gleened over immediately, as if to say, "Mom, finally. I weep that you finally acknowledged my yearning."
3-Lucy and I took a trip to the mall with Grandpa this morning, and somehow, her beloved Bunny Baby ended up taking a swim in the wishing well. Bunny Baby, a blue and well-worn friend, was in need of dire washing anyway, so Lucy had to make do at bedtime with borrowing Monkey Baby from Tom. When Tom went to bed himself, though, he cried out for Monkey. Moments later, Lucy called out to John. John went into her room and she held out Monkey, "Tommy needs his monkey, Dad." And that was that.
08 February 2009
Stranger Opportunities
On a recent trip (which, oddly enough, I haven't commented on here), I read an article about a young woman who made a new year's resolution to start noticing people around her. I found this article intriguing because it is easy to go through life consumed by yourself and your own problems. As a mother, I find this to be magnified somewhat for several reasons:
First, I am a stay at home mom. This may not be obvious to everyone, because a lot of stay at home moms today are really movers and shakers, but in my particular life juncture, this is a virtual impossibility. I can barely take my 3 kids out in public alone, lest one or all of them have a total breakdown. In fact, at the mall several weeks ago, Lucy literally broke down and laid on the ground outside of Barnes & Noble for five minutes while I waited for her to ready herself for the next step...walking outside to the car. Yes, I just waited. I calmly watched her, because I realize that these tantrums are pretty much inevitable and I also have suffered the consequences of trying to pull a "limp" tantrum kid with one arm out the door. (It's called Nursemaid's Elbow, and you have to go to the ER for it.) This is unrelated and unimportant at the current moment, though. What I mean to say is that in this occupation, it's easy to isolate yourself because taking your kids out in public requires an almost insurmountable amount of patience and energy.
Secondly, you've got people. Little people (per a posting earlier this year) give me reason to be selfish and self-absorbed. It's not good, it's not right...but somehow, it seems more justifiable to be wrapped up in your own life when it's not just YOUR problems, it's the problems of a family.
Anyway, back to the center of the story...
I believe the girl I read about had it figured out. Life is not meant to be self-consuming...it is meant to be self-giving. We are supposed to see the uniqueness God put in other people. Here are a few I have met just this week:
1.) Subway Sandiwich Guy: SSG was a man I met at our local Caribou Coffee this week when I stopped in to research interim housing for my family on the wifi network. SSG was standing in line, waiting for iced coffee next to me, when I noticed he had a footlong subway sandwich sitting on his table...at 9:30 in the morning. "Is that your sandwich?" I asked. He nodded. "It looks pretty good," I continued. "Actually, looking at that sandiwich at 9:30 AM kind of makes me want to go to Subway."
The man turned to me and smiled. "Well, when you've been up since 5 AM like me, it's already lunchtime." I chuckled. We went onto to talk about how the older you get, the earlier you wake up. You go to bed earlier, too, apparently. I told him this was cause for concern, in my case, because John and I already go to bed around 9 PM at age 27.
2.) Really Good Haircut Girl: RGHC is a young woman who cuts my hair at my salon. She's really good, hence the name. I actually am bothered by the fact that she's good, because I prefer not to be loyal to hairstylists as they make their way up the cost brackets. Why set yourself up for a $60 haircut in the future??
Anyway, RGHC was a delight today. She is boisterous and candid and beautiful in her manner of conduct. She is a bit impulsive, always searching for the next great leap in her life. I learned all this just by meeting her over 2 haircuts. She's quite remarkable, really. Today we had a great discussion about what complementary qualities are necessary in a long-term mate.
Who are you going to meet today that could bring joy into your life? What joy can you bring into a stranger's life? At Faith Formation this week, I challenged my students to think about how smiling and saying hi to a fellow student can make that person have a better day. I challenge you, too. God put strangers around us for a reason. Perhaps, instead of calling them "strangers," we should view them as opportunities.
I'm hoping to make my stranger opportunities a regular feature of this blog. People can bring beautiful things into our lives.
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First, I am a stay at home mom. This may not be obvious to everyone, because a lot of stay at home moms today are really movers and shakers, but in my particular life juncture, this is a virtual impossibility. I can barely take my 3 kids out in public alone, lest one or all of them have a total breakdown. In fact, at the mall several weeks ago, Lucy literally broke down and laid on the ground outside of Barnes & Noble for five minutes while I waited for her to ready herself for the next step...walking outside to the car. Yes, I just waited. I calmly watched her, because I realize that these tantrums are pretty much inevitable and I also have suffered the consequences of trying to pull a "limp" tantrum kid with one arm out the door. (It's called Nursemaid's Elbow, and you have to go to the ER for it.) This is unrelated and unimportant at the current moment, though. What I mean to say is that in this occupation, it's easy to isolate yourself because taking your kids out in public requires an almost insurmountable amount of patience and energy.
Secondly, you've got people. Little people (per a posting earlier this year) give me reason to be selfish and self-absorbed. It's not good, it's not right...but somehow, it seems more justifiable to be wrapped up in your own life when it's not just YOUR problems, it's the problems of a family.
Anyway, back to the center of the story...
I believe the girl I read about had it figured out. Life is not meant to be self-consuming...it is meant to be self-giving. We are supposed to see the uniqueness God put in other people. Here are a few I have met just this week:
1.) Subway Sandiwich Guy: SSG was a man I met at our local Caribou Coffee this week when I stopped in to research interim housing for my family on the wifi network. SSG was standing in line, waiting for iced coffee next to me, when I noticed he had a footlong subway sandwich sitting on his table...at 9:30 in the morning. "Is that your sandwich?" I asked. He nodded. "It looks pretty good," I continued. "Actually, looking at that sandiwich at 9:30 AM kind of makes me want to go to Subway."
The man turned to me and smiled. "Well, when you've been up since 5 AM like me, it's already lunchtime." I chuckled. We went onto to talk about how the older you get, the earlier you wake up. You go to bed earlier, too, apparently. I told him this was cause for concern, in my case, because John and I already go to bed around 9 PM at age 27.
2.) Really Good Haircut Girl: RGHC is a young woman who cuts my hair at my salon. She's really good, hence the name. I actually am bothered by the fact that she's good, because I prefer not to be loyal to hairstylists as they make their way up the cost brackets. Why set yourself up for a $60 haircut in the future??
Anyway, RGHC was a delight today. She is boisterous and candid and beautiful in her manner of conduct. She is a bit impulsive, always searching for the next great leap in her life. I learned all this just by meeting her over 2 haircuts. She's quite remarkable, really. Today we had a great discussion about what complementary qualities are necessary in a long-term mate.
Who are you going to meet today that could bring joy into your life? What joy can you bring into a stranger's life? At Faith Formation this week, I challenged my students to think about how smiling and saying hi to a fellow student can make that person have a better day. I challenge you, too. God put strangers around us for a reason. Perhaps, instead of calling them "strangers," we should view them as opportunities.
I'm hoping to make my stranger opportunities a regular feature of this blog. People can bring beautiful things into our lives.
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04 February 2009
Girl Power
So, of course I'm jealous that my sister is having another girl. Isn't it funny how jealously is so rampant among siblings? I'm not jealous in that bad, angry kind of way. I'm just jealous because sisterly relationships can be so beautiful and fulfilling throughout life. As can mother-daughter relationships.
I have a friend (who reads my blog, so, this one's for you, Kate) who has a sister very close to her in age. I can recall how, in their home, the bathroom counter was clustered with every divine beauty product a girl could imagine. What a great bathroom. To me, it seemed like every morning (or afternoon, or evening) had that fun let's-get-ready together vibe that I shared with my college roommates.
Some of that fun is lost when you get ready alone. You've no one to inspect and comment on your eyeliner technique, no one to critically comment on whether your Assets are holding things together enough under that silk dress.
Is there a girl up for adoption so I can do this without another pregnancy?
Seriously, though. My comment was a bit lighthearted, but John and I have kicked around this idea many times in the last year. We LOVE kids. I Hate pregnancy. And, there are so many kids waiting.
I have a friend (who reads my blog, so, this one's for you, Kate) who has a sister very close to her in age. I can recall how, in their home, the bathroom counter was clustered with every divine beauty product a girl could imagine. What a great bathroom. To me, it seemed like every morning (or afternoon, or evening) had that fun let's-get-ready together vibe that I shared with my college roommates.
Some of that fun is lost when you get ready alone. You've no one to inspect and comment on your eyeliner technique, no one to critically comment on whether your Assets are holding things together enough under that silk dress.
Is there a girl up for adoption so I can do this without another pregnancy?
Seriously, though. My comment was a bit lighthearted, but John and I have kicked around this idea many times in the last year. We LOVE kids. I Hate pregnancy. And, there are so many kids waiting.
Lull Diddy Dull
Ugh. The winter blahs are killing me. While I sit around waiting to hear if we can buy our new house. While I sit around waiting to find out if we're going to be homeless. While I sit around waiting for my baby-sitter to arrive at 5 o'clock.
I decided to shake things up a bit last night by dyeing my hair superdark. Awesome. It is a bit dramatic, but it definitely infuses some excitement into my life for the current time period. I note that dyeing your hair darker seems to have the effect of softening it, which is not to my liking. I rather prefer the "hardening" effect of bleach on my hair. Hmm. Something you may not have considered in your day.
In other news, I am teaching 4th grade Faith Formation this year at my church, and this is the reason for a baby-sitter tonight. I love my class. The kids are so innocent and yet on the verge of true philosophical capability. It is interesting that these kids actually refresh me at the end of a day full of my rambunctious little people.
I am experiencing the Winter Blahs with my Faith Formation lesson plans, though, and so, tonight we need to dye the proverbial lesson plan superdark. We are switching it up by making Stations of the Cross illustrated reflection books.
I decided to shake things up a bit last night by dyeing my hair superdark. Awesome. It is a bit dramatic, but it definitely infuses some excitement into my life for the current time period. I note that dyeing your hair darker seems to have the effect of softening it, which is not to my liking. I rather prefer the "hardening" effect of bleach on my hair. Hmm. Something you may not have considered in your day.
In other news, I am teaching 4th grade Faith Formation this year at my church, and this is the reason for a baby-sitter tonight. I love my class. The kids are so innocent and yet on the verge of true philosophical capability. It is interesting that these kids actually refresh me at the end of a day full of my rambunctious little people.
I am experiencing the Winter Blahs with my Faith Formation lesson plans, though, and so, tonight we need to dye the proverbial lesson plan superdark. We are switching it up by making Stations of the Cross illustrated reflection books.
02 February 2009
The Wisdom of a (soon-to-be) Saint
This week is sure to be crazy, as we prepare to close on our townhome and settle into a period of unknown waiting for our other home bid. I have a mental list and an ink list about a mile long. Just wanted to share some wisdom that a friend passed onto me this morning. The quote is from Mother Theresa:
"Riches, material or spiritual ones, sometimes smother us when we do not use them rightly... So remain as 'empty' as possible, so that God may fill you up. Even God cannot fill up something that is already full. He does not impose Himself upon us... I have to empty myself of all selfishness to let God fill me with His love."
This is something I must constantly attend to: to rid my mind and soul of selfishness. It is so easy for me to think of which bathroom tiles I want, which vacations I want, which Baby Gap clothes I want. It is so easy to think of giving later and getting now. How do we all find the right balance in our lives? How can I be selfless and yet feel secure that my family is safe and comfortable?
Windows Live™: E-mail. Chat. Share. Get more ways to connect. See how it works.
"Riches, material or spiritual ones, sometimes smother us when we do not use them rightly... So remain as 'empty' as possible, so that God may fill you up. Even God cannot fill up something that is already full. He does not impose Himself upon us... I have to empty myself of all selfishness to let God fill me with His love."
This is something I must constantly attend to: to rid my mind and soul of selfishness. It is so easy for me to think of which bathroom tiles I want, which vacations I want, which Baby Gap clothes I want. It is so easy to think of giving later and getting now. How do we all find the right balance in our lives? How can I be selfless and yet feel secure that my family is safe and comfortable?
Windows Live™: E-mail. Chat. Share. Get more ways to connect. See how it works.
29 January 2009
On Home & Its Heart
It's time for the big announcement, my friends: John and I accepted an offer on our townhouse. At first, I felt only excitement and relief. Now, in a fleeting quiet after bedtime and before John returns from a rare evening work function, I feel different. Reflective. Sad.
I'm quite emotional when it comes to the home. I hang onto every memory and stage in the place it happened. On Grand Avenue, we shared our wedding night and my water breaking. We slept in on Sunday mornings and kept a crib, for a time, in the kitchen. Then, there was a period where we lived at my parents' house. That was the time of Tommy's true babyhood: first crawling, reading, playing, laughing, talking, and walking.
And then, on the day when the paint of our bedroom was baby blue and we were just about ready to move in here, we found out Lucy would come. What a wonderful moment! The adventure began. It's been such a long and short journey in this home. Our family has flourished and stretched and cried and laughed. We welcomed Jimmy, we grew to love our community. That's why, after careful thought and many, many hours of conversing, John and I decided to call this city our home.
We bid on a house less than one mile away!
People are attached to their homes, certainly, and I know that when the days of final packing and moving come, there will be tears in saying goodbye to Shamrock. But what adventures are before us still! So much more growth and surprise and wonder for our family. So much more unknown.
Hotmail® goes where you go. On a PC, on the Web, on your phone. See how.
I'm quite emotional when it comes to the home. I hang onto every memory and stage in the place it happened. On Grand Avenue, we shared our wedding night and my water breaking. We slept in on Sunday mornings and kept a crib, for a time, in the kitchen. Then, there was a period where we lived at my parents' house. That was the time of Tommy's true babyhood: first crawling, reading, playing, laughing, talking, and walking.
And then, on the day when the paint of our bedroom was baby blue and we were just about ready to move in here, we found out Lucy would come. What a wonderful moment! The adventure began. It's been such a long and short journey in this home. Our family has flourished and stretched and cried and laughed. We welcomed Jimmy, we grew to love our community. That's why, after careful thought and many, many hours of conversing, John and I decided to call this city our home.
We bid on a house less than one mile away!
People are attached to their homes, certainly, and I know that when the days of final packing and moving come, there will be tears in saying goodbye to Shamrock. But what adventures are before us still! So much more growth and surprise and wonder for our family. So much more unknown.
Hotmail® goes where you go. On a PC, on the Web, on your phone. See how.
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