I've been feeling very convicted about how much time I spend online. It never feels like I spend a lot of time at a stretch, but since I'm always popping on and off it does add up. Some days, bad days, I spend most of my day online just killing time and trying to escape reality. I end up eating my breakfast and lunch here, so I can read articles or my message board and my kids watch more TV than they should because Mommy gets caught up in something online. I don't want to be a parent who keeps brushing their kids aside because they are too distracted by the computer.
So, my new goal is to limit myself to 30 minutes a day. I suppose for some people that still probably sounds like a lot! But I will guarantee you that its way less than I spend online now. 30 minutes is plenty of time to check my boards, Facebook, email and read a few things online.
I want to fill that extra time with good, fun things. Not more housework. Nope. That's a sure way to send me back to the computer for an escape! I want to use that time to read for myself or to the kids, finally get back into sewing, work in the yard, or do one of the thousand and one projects I have in mind for this house.
So, I start tomorrow. I'm a little afraid to be honest. My computer has been an escape for years and years... even before I had kids! I'm sure there will be some withdrawal pains. But I'm not living in a way I'm proud of right now, and I know technology addiction is part of it.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A beautiful story
I discovered this through a link on a message board I visit and it was too beautiful not to share. It really touched me. I think it may touch your heart too, so I encourage you to spend the 5 minutes to read through this mothers story.
The Birth of Nella Cordelia
The Birth of Nella Cordelia
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Funny & charming things the kids are doing
Just so I don't forget!
Elsa has moppish hair, so I often put it up in a spout on top of her head. Its a very tall spout. The girls have come up with a game where Gwen holds the spout and leads Elly around the kitchen-living room-office circuit. Around and around they go, Elsa giggling and Gwen gently guiding her by the hair.
Elsa really gets that Gwen is her sister now and "Gennie" is usually the first person she asks about when she gets up in the morning. I've noticed the last few times we've been out and about, Elsa has run up to Gwen unexpectedly, hugged her legs and said, "Gennie sis! Gennie sis!" meaning, of course, Gwennie is her sister. Its so cute!
Every night I pray with the kids before bed. Gwen always likes to follow up with her own prayer. Its so sweet because she always praises my dinners, even if she didn't like them, and thanks Jesus for her "bestest" Mommy.
Ethan has been coming back with little statements that crack us up. The other day we were in the car and he was cranky. I asked him why he was so sour and he says, "Because I got up at 1 in the morning and ate a lemon". Too funny! When I was trying on my red lipstick for my sisters 40's themed party, he looked at me, wide-eyed, and said, "Mom, those are kissing lips, like in a cartoon!"
Ethan also has good reasoning skills. I have to be very careful to not let him reason his way out of assigned tasks or punishments because he will somehow always talk me out of them. Jason tells me that he did this as a kid too, so I guess E comes by it naturally. On one hand, I admire his ability, but sheesh, this will be a challenge the older he gets. Perhaps I will need to get him in a debate club!
One of the most charming things the older two do is snuggle on the couch and fall asleep in ridiculous positions or fall asleep on their own in ridiculous spots. Here are a few of my favorites.
Ok, they aren’t asleep in this one, but who can sit comfortably like this!
Ethan has special snuggling powers. His sisters can’t stay awake around him!
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Times of our life
Things have been so crazy lately. Seems every week or weekend has some event that takes up every ounce of available brain and body energy!
Last weekend we traveled to my Aunt Daralyn's house in Northeast Washington. Our journey was for two reasons. 1. A housewarming for my cousin Lindy who lives in that area, and 2. hooky-bobbing, which is basically sledding and then being pulled back up the hill (in this case, driveway) by a car.
Our trip out took about 7 hours and went fairly smooth, all things considered. My kids are not strangers to long car rides and they do pretty well. The DVD player helps a lot! As we got closer, we were skeptical that we'd have much snow to sled on as the roads and most of the countryside was snow free. However, my aunt lives on a mountain basically and there was plenty of snow for us! We navigated the somewhat treacherous driveway with ease (what a big relief) and settled in with the scads of other people there. I think at the fullest point there were 31 people in her house, and for 2 nights there were 27 people sleeping there! There were 11 kids under 9, and 5 of them were under 2 years. Oh it was a full house, but it wasn't all that crowded feeling and everyone was able to find a little space to move and breathe.
The next few days were filled with lots of visiting and playing. It was my first time hooky-bobbing and I had a BLAST! I so want to do this next year :) I have an album of pictures that ya'll can see here.
The drive home took about 7 hours too, but was more difficult because my cranky little sis, Jenni, was riding with us (sorry Jen, its true!) and the DVD player was broken. But we all survived and the journey was well worth the memories and enjoyment we had at Aunt Daralyns, even though we had to go to the bathroom in garbage bags the last day ;) Our poor hosts, the sewer pipe under their house was crushed (unbeknown to them) and the influx of all the people using the faciilites clogged it completely. Its freezing with deep snow outside and we are on a mountain. Not many options. So we did what we had to and lined to the toilets with garbage bags and tied them up and put them in the bathtub when they were full. It wasn't so bad. I DO feel bad that my Aunt had to empty all those bags when the sewer problem was fixed though. I have to say that I think it speaks highly of my family that everyone dealt with the issue with good humor. What else CAN you do in that situation?
In other happenings, tonight my sister Becki is celebrating her 30th birthday (technically her birthday was back in January, but we're celebrating tonight). She's having a swing dancing 30-40's style party at a gym. Its gonna be SO fun! My friend April is a whiz with hair and makeup and I asked her to do me up. We did a trial run on Thursday and she turned me from my everyday plain Jane into this. I was SHOCKED. It didn't even look like me! I've never worn so much makeup, but it was fun to do something totally different from the regular. I can't remember the last time I wore lipstick or got all dolled up. It'll be cool to see what it looks like when I'm in my outfit. Thanks April!
My goal is that it won't be 3 weeks until my next blog post. Lets see how that works out ;)
Last weekend we traveled to my Aunt Daralyn's house in Northeast Washington. Our journey was for two reasons. 1. A housewarming for my cousin Lindy who lives in that area, and 2. hooky-bobbing, which is basically sledding and then being pulled back up the hill (in this case, driveway) by a car.
Our trip out took about 7 hours and went fairly smooth, all things considered. My kids are not strangers to long car rides and they do pretty well. The DVD player helps a lot! As we got closer, we were skeptical that we'd have much snow to sled on as the roads and most of the countryside was snow free. However, my aunt lives on a mountain basically and there was plenty of snow for us! We navigated the somewhat treacherous driveway with ease (what a big relief) and settled in with the scads of other people there. I think at the fullest point there were 31 people in her house, and for 2 nights there were 27 people sleeping there! There were 11 kids under 9, and 5 of them were under 2 years. Oh it was a full house, but it wasn't all that crowded feeling and everyone was able to find a little space to move and breathe.
The next few days were filled with lots of visiting and playing. It was my first time hooky-bobbing and I had a BLAST! I so want to do this next year :) I have an album of pictures that ya'll can see here.
The drive home took about 7 hours too, but was more difficult because my cranky little sis, Jenni, was riding with us (sorry Jen, its true!) and the DVD player was broken. But we all survived and the journey was well worth the memories and enjoyment we had at Aunt Daralyns, even though we had to go to the bathroom in garbage bags the last day ;) Our poor hosts, the sewer pipe under their house was crushed (unbeknown to them) and the influx of all the people using the faciilites clogged it completely. Its freezing with deep snow outside and we are on a mountain. Not many options. So we did what we had to and lined to the toilets with garbage bags and tied them up and put them in the bathtub when they were full. It wasn't so bad. I DO feel bad that my Aunt had to empty all those bags when the sewer problem was fixed though. I have to say that I think it speaks highly of my family that everyone dealt with the issue with good humor. What else CAN you do in that situation?
In other happenings, tonight my sister Becki is celebrating her 30th birthday (technically her birthday was back in January, but we're celebrating tonight). She's having a swing dancing 30-40's style party at a gym. Its gonna be SO fun! My friend April is a whiz with hair and makeup and I asked her to do me up. We did a trial run on Thursday and she turned me from my everyday plain Jane into this. I was SHOCKED. It didn't even look like me! I've never worn so much makeup, but it was fun to do something totally different from the regular. I can't remember the last time I wore lipstick or got all dolled up. It'll be cool to see what it looks like when I'm in my outfit. Thanks April!
My goal is that it won't be 3 weeks until my next blog post. Lets see how that works out ;)
Friday, January 15, 2010
Morning, noon, and night sickness
That sums up the few short weeks of pregnancy that have passed. I don't recall feeling this sick, this often, this early!
I'm also incredibly tired.
Now this is all "normal", but it seems to me I wasn't weighted down by these things in the past until I was like 8-10 weeks along!
Nonetheless, I'm pushing through each day and doing what I can. Homeschooling is going well, and I've started Gwen doing some early reading prep as well. I hope to have both of them reading at about the same level by late spring.
Both the kids had to go in for fillings and did just great. Our dentist is wonderful. Unfortunately, Gwen has to go in 3 more times and Ethan 1 more time to get them all finished up. I cannot believe my little Gwen had 5 cavities! Both of them will have their teeth sealed when they're old enough as they inherited grooves in their teeth from me.
Elsa has had a cold for a few days now and its a constant struggle to keep that nose clean! She's started freaking out any time it starts to drip, so I have to always have something on hand to get her cleaned up or she starts losing her marbles a bit. Something about a runny nose really gets her worked up!
Jason is liking Costco and the people he works for. The drive, as you might assume, has gotten VERY old. He's spent a lot of time re-working our finances and budget to see if we could move earlier than planned, or maybe even rent, but it looks like we're still here for a few more years (unless we win the lottery... which we don't play). There just isn't any way you can make a grueling 1.5 hour commute home not miserable. Luckily the drive in isn't bad (because he leaves so early), but the drive home just wears him out. I remember those days of commuting and how grateful I am that I no longer have to do it! I can't wait until J either finds a job close to home or our home moves closer to his job and he doesn't have to end his work day drained and frustrated at how little time he gets with the family and leisure before having to go to bed to get up early and fight the drive again.
I'm also incredibly tired.
Now this is all "normal", but it seems to me I wasn't weighted down by these things in the past until I was like 8-10 weeks along!
Nonetheless, I'm pushing through each day and doing what I can. Homeschooling is going well, and I've started Gwen doing some early reading prep as well. I hope to have both of them reading at about the same level by late spring.
Both the kids had to go in for fillings and did just great. Our dentist is wonderful. Unfortunately, Gwen has to go in 3 more times and Ethan 1 more time to get them all finished up. I cannot believe my little Gwen had 5 cavities! Both of them will have their teeth sealed when they're old enough as they inherited grooves in their teeth from me.
Elsa has had a cold for a few days now and its a constant struggle to keep that nose clean! She's started freaking out any time it starts to drip, so I have to always have something on hand to get her cleaned up or she starts losing her marbles a bit. Something about a runny nose really gets her worked up!
Jason is liking Costco and the people he works for. The drive, as you might assume, has gotten VERY old. He's spent a lot of time re-working our finances and budget to see if we could move earlier than planned, or maybe even rent, but it looks like we're still here for a few more years (unless we win the lottery... which we don't play). There just isn't any way you can make a grueling 1.5 hour commute home not miserable. Luckily the drive in isn't bad (because he leaves so early), but the drive home just wears him out. I remember those days of commuting and how grateful I am that I no longer have to do it! I can't wait until J either finds a job close to home or our home moves closer to his job and he doesn't have to end his work day drained and frustrated at how little time he gets with the family and leisure before having to go to bed to get up early and fight the drive again.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Short
Just a few lines while I'm here, trying to rest my weary bones for a few seconds. Tonight I'm watching my cousin Ben and this house is full and noisy with 4 kids all wound up. Guess I should get used to that, huh?
Here's a link to our pictures from Christmas. I took shockingly few pictures for some reason.
Gwen had her first filling on Thursday and did great. I just love our dentist. We'll be back next week for Ethan's, then the week after for Gwen, then Ethan , then Gwen once again. I can't believe Gwen had 5 cavities and Ethan 2! I need to remember to talk about having their teeth sealed to prevent further cavities since they both have deep grooves in their teeth like I do.
Elsa has reached her "terrible twos". During our weekend in Spokane we REALLY saw it emerge. I know how to weather this... I've done it twice already. But that does not make it fun and this little one has a will and determination that I don't recall in the others. As exhausting as it is, this is the groundwork for the future years and we must be consistent and firm in guiding her. So far her favorite thing to do is shriek "MINE!" over everything or "NO!" at the gentlest suggestion or to hit me when she's angry.
Well, Ben was just picked up and I must get the kids into jammies and into bed as they are VERY tired.
Here's a link to our pictures from Christmas. I took shockingly few pictures for some reason.
Gwen had her first filling on Thursday and did great. I just love our dentist. We'll be back next week for Ethan's, then the week after for Gwen, then Ethan , then Gwen once again. I can't believe Gwen had 5 cavities and Ethan 2! I need to remember to talk about having their teeth sealed to prevent further cavities since they both have deep grooves in their teeth like I do.
Elsa has reached her "terrible twos". During our weekend in Spokane we REALLY saw it emerge. I know how to weather this... I've done it twice already. But that does not make it fun and this little one has a will and determination that I don't recall in the others. As exhausting as it is, this is the groundwork for the future years and we must be consistent and firm in guiding her. So far her favorite thing to do is shriek "MINE!" over everything or "NO!" at the gentlest suggestion or to hit me when she's angry.
Well, Ben was just picked up and I must get the kids into jammies and into bed as they are VERY tired.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and all that jazz.
What a whirlwind 2.5 weeks! Life is just starting to return to normal. We had a wonderful Christmas weekend (after spending Christmas all by ourselves) and over New Years, we visited our Spokane family and enjoyed ourselves there as well.
I always feel a great relief after the holidays are over. I enjoy them a lot, but its also a lot of work, a lot of stress, and a lot of money! I enjoy routine so its nice to get back to that.
There is some news... I'm pregnant! I found out the Monday after Christmas but I didn't tell anyone... I wanted to see if Jason would guess on his own. He did, during our dreadfully long drive to Spokane (thanks snow and ice!) and the next day I told family. I'm very early, like only 6 weeks or so, due in early September. The kids are so excited!
We're off to our weekly visit with family, so that's all for now.
I always feel a great relief after the holidays are over. I enjoy them a lot, but its also a lot of work, a lot of stress, and a lot of money! I enjoy routine so its nice to get back to that.
There is some news... I'm pregnant! I found out the Monday after Christmas but I didn't tell anyone... I wanted to see if Jason would guess on his own. He did, during our dreadfully long drive to Spokane (thanks snow and ice!) and the next day I told family. I'm very early, like only 6 weeks or so, due in early September. The kids are so excited!
We're off to our weekly visit with family, so that's all for now.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Children’s Museum
Yesterday my friend April, with her three boys, and I, with my three kidlets, headed out to the Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett. It was pretty crowded and crazy and both adults felt exhausted at the end, but the kids had a blast and that’s what it was all for :)
Elsa had so much fun. It was her first time being old enough to do anything and she kept me running all day.
They had a cool room with black lights and glowing things. This was by far Elly’s favorite room. If she escaped from my view, this was where I’d always find her!
Elsa, Grady and Gibson in the water room. Always a huge hit and even I have to admit its pretty darn cool.
April (Garrison on the back) and Grady working the water wheel
Ethan and Elsa… She tried to climb in a few times!
Little (or not so little any more!) Garrison.
There is a small padded play area for kids 5 and under. Elsa was by far the youngest in there but she held her ground very well. When this little girl gave her a push, Elly yelled, “Hey!” and the little girl said sorry. Being the youngest, Elsa is no stranger to being pushed around or standing up for herself!
Ethan’s meal for me, from the kitchen area.
Gwen was too shy to come out to the stage in the theatre area, so Elly just came out and stood there in front of everyone. Then she tried to copy a big kid and walk off the edge. That ended with a face plant, but she wasn’t hurt :)
Grady, Gibson and Elsa watching the coins go down
Gwen was running around everywhere but I managed to catch a picture of her!
On the bus
Being goofy on the train
How can you not love this little face? Gwen is going to marry him one day, or so she says :)
April may not appreciate me posting a picture of her boys fighting over a block, but I did because I saw Ethan all finger-wagging about how they should share! The irony here is that not 5 minutes later I had to pull Ethan away from the blocks because he got mad at Elly for knocking his stuff down and pushed her over. Practice what you preach Ethan! :)
Gwen was proud of how tall she built this tower. Elly-zilla took care of it pretty fast after this picture was snapped.
Once we got home, all the kids took outrageously long naps which was nice and allowed me to catch up on a bunch of stuff.
Today I’m taking the kids over to my parents house to spend the night! J and I will be going out to dinner and then tomorrow wrapping up all the presents that have been stashed in the hiding place and getting things ready for Christmas. Good times.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Ahhh…
Today I have been highly effective. Yep, I can say that at 1:37pm with half the day still to come. That’s because even if I do nothing, not a stitch more, it’ll still have been a good day as far as housework goes.
Housework is the bane of my existence. I really don’t like it at all, and get little satisfaction from a clean house vs. a dirty one. My Mother is probably gasping at such a statement because I know she gets very much satisfaction from a clean house and tried to raise us that way. Sorry Mom!
A few weeks ago I decided that instead of ignoring things until they really just couldn’t be ignored any more I would start doing them consistently. I’m starting the third week of this novel concept and I have to say that cleaning a bathroom that is only 1 week dirty vs. one that is 3 weeks or more dirty is a big difference! Putting away 1-2 loads of laundry vs. every single item that we’ve worn in the past 3 months is much easier. Now I’m sure I’ve jinxed myself by saying how good I’ve been with keeping up. But yeah I need to brag a little because I’ve been working hard at this and its paying off. Oh, I still don’t get much satisfaction from it nor do I like doing the chores any more than before, but everything goes quicker and I know it makes Jason happier to come home to a picked up and fairly tidy house.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
'Tis the season
Jason commented to me today on how long it had been since I last blogged. I was doing good there with the short ones every day or so, but life got in the way once again :) We've been in a flurry of activity and I've been trying to stay off the computer and get more done around the house.
Gwen had her school performance on Thursday and it was darling, as these things always are. I put the photos up on Facebook and you can view them here. As soon as J compresses the video I'll have that as well.
A few nights ago I made some chocolate mousse (SO delicious and easy) and unwisely left Elsa alone with it for a few minutes. Major mess ensued... My girl does love chocolate!
Gwen and I attended the Olympic Ballet's Nutcracker up in Arlington last Sunday. We had a good time and the performance was very family friendly (tons of kids, shortened from the original) but Gwen still started to fall asleep at the end. It was fun to go, just her and I. When we came out at intermission, the snow was coming down so thick I was a little worried about getting home. By the time we left, the snow had stopped but the parking lot was a sheet of ice. I steeled my nerves and slid all the way down the exit and breathed when I reached Hwy 9 and clear roads. Unfortunately, it was all gone once we reached Lake Stevens and we haven't seen a flake yet. Shoot, this time last year we were positively buried in snow, remember that? Half as much of that would be nice, just to set the mood :)
After a convicting MOPS meeting where we were challenged to be like Gumby and be flexible with our children, the kids and I made some gingerbread people and decorated them. I kind of have a hangup with baking. While not a perfectionist in any other realm, I like to do baking my way and have the results come out as good as possible. Of course when you make things with children, there are complications with that. However, I was like Gumby and let the children take the lead and make a memory :) Pictures are here.
I'm pushing hard to feel some Christmas spirit but have yet to find any. I keep getting bogged down with the consumerist side. One year I want to try something dramatically different like no presents, or only one or something like that. A video I saw a few weeks back is part of that conviction...
Gwen had her school performance on Thursday and it was darling, as these things always are. I put the photos up on Facebook and you can view them here. As soon as J compresses the video I'll have that as well.
A few nights ago I made some chocolate mousse (SO delicious and easy) and unwisely left Elsa alone with it for a few minutes. Major mess ensued... My girl does love chocolate!
Gwen and I attended the Olympic Ballet's Nutcracker up in Arlington last Sunday. We had a good time and the performance was very family friendly (tons of kids, shortened from the original) but Gwen still started to fall asleep at the end. It was fun to go, just her and I. When we came out at intermission, the snow was coming down so thick I was a little worried about getting home. By the time we left, the snow had stopped but the parking lot was a sheet of ice. I steeled my nerves and slid all the way down the exit and breathed when I reached Hwy 9 and clear roads. Unfortunately, it was all gone once we reached Lake Stevens and we haven't seen a flake yet. Shoot, this time last year we were positively buried in snow, remember that? Half as much of that would be nice, just to set the mood :)
After a convicting MOPS meeting where we were challenged to be like Gumby and be flexible with our children, the kids and I made some gingerbread people and decorated them. I kind of have a hangup with baking. While not a perfectionist in any other realm, I like to do baking my way and have the results come out as good as possible. Of course when you make things with children, there are complications with that. However, I was like Gumby and let the children take the lead and make a memory :) Pictures are here.
I'm pushing hard to feel some Christmas spirit but have yet to find any. I keep getting bogged down with the consumerist side. One year I want to try something dramatically different like no presents, or only one or something like that. A video I saw a few weeks back is part of that conviction...
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