I lost my camera.
I am consumed by this. Where on earth could it be?
We had a "dance party" this afternoon in the living room with my 2 year old and 11 month old and have no pictures to show for it... how sad. You know the country song by Lady Antebellum that goes "Sometimes I find myself wondering where you are" has been stuck in my head as I look under my bed, in all the various bags I own, in all the pockets of all the coats, and in the car...
Dang. This is a sad, sad day. I have been accused many times in my life for being a bad finder. But not even my husband or little boy know where it is. I can usually depend on them to find anything I have lost.
waaaaaaaaaaa!
I was going to show you the picture of my newest crochet ambitions but, I can't. As the title of this blog would have you believe, it should have something to do with yarn. Well, I promise, I do crochet and I do knit. You will just have to wait for another day to see my products though...
I am sure you are just holding your breath in severe anticipation.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Living in Alaska
I wonder if it's what everyone suspects that it is.
I have, in my short years on this earth, found that there are plenty of people who either think of Alaska as a whole other country, which is primitive and wild at best and are scared of the very idea of being in a place so frozen in time. Or, people idolize it because they think of it as primitive and wild and want to experience that in full force, being able to do whatever their primitive minds can think of doing in a country unruled by human effects and fashion.
Despite these notions, I know I can confirm a few things right off the bat.
We don't live in igloos.
We do have dog sled teams, but (usually) not as our main source of transportation. It is a source of fun and sport and for a very few, their livelihood.
Many Alaskans still use the "honey bucket" and or outhouse and, generally speaking, these methods are as common as using indoor plumbing. But, I think most prefer running water... I think.
It is light all summer and dark all winter. Granted, there is a little transition time during the spring and early winter where it is a little more "normal".
We do have cities in Alaska. Although, someone from New York or Los Angeles might question the validity of that statement, it's true!
We have many, many villages in Alaska. Some have a population of 20 while others might have as many as 4,000. My parents live in one with a population of 80ish.
We have grand mountains and vast tundras, huge trees, dessert land and bogs and islands and ocean and you name it, we probably have it in some form or another. Mind you, it was probably frozen or still is and will be for the next thousand years, but by george, it's there.
We struggle with what can be grown here but most everything has been tried. Grapes have flourished in a greenhouse heated by a hot springs.
The northern lights are common in the winter and always magnificent! You just have to get away from the town lights to see them.
Moose abound and will eat your garden if you don't put a HIGH fence around it. Sometimes, that won't even keep them out.
Depending on where you live, bears also abound. Here in the interior, they are not as common as in the southern areas, but boy, they are awesome and deadly.
Some things that I know about my life here:
I am usually cold. But a few days of the year, I get to wear shorts and tanks and my life is once again complete.
There is absolutely NOTHING like a summer in Fairbanks Alaska. No matter where you are from, if you live anywhere south of my town, you have no idea what you mean when you say you are happy for spring to have arrived.
Growing things gives life to my soul, and it's not because I am good at it, it is because I need to see something green, something growing, something that smells like dirt and life during my 9-10 months indoors.
There is no other way for me to survive the winters than by getting out in them.
Summer brings this crazy spirit out of everyone and suddenly all the things that were "planned" for summer get thrown out the window and we are just moving and going and doing ALL the time because there is so much to do and see and build and experience.
Every year is a surprise.
You never get "used" to anything. Not the dark, not the light, not the cold or the snow in June. Not the mosquitoes, not the 40 below temps, or the way the northern lights look when you are skiing in the woods all by yourself and it's dark but the clock says 4:30 pm.
This Alaskan life is ever changing, always keeping us on our toes, guessing and reaching for that unreasonable hope we all get every spring to keep planting, to keep living, to keep loving this place that is supposed to be predictable but continues to surprise me every. single. year.
Why do I live here?
Because I would miss it if I didn't.
Because the people that you find here are a unique bunch anyone would equally love and call crazy.
Because I get to call myself Alaskan. And for as much as anyone might not want to admit it, there is a pretty cool note of pride and respect that goes with that name, and I need all the respect I can get.
I have, in my short years on this earth, found that there are plenty of people who either think of Alaska as a whole other country, which is primitive and wild at best and are scared of the very idea of being in a place so frozen in time. Or, people idolize it because they think of it as primitive and wild and want to experience that in full force, being able to do whatever their primitive minds can think of doing in a country unruled by human effects and fashion.
Despite these notions, I know I can confirm a few things right off the bat.
We don't live in igloos.
We do have dog sled teams, but (usually) not as our main source of transportation. It is a source of fun and sport and for a very few, their livelihood.
Many Alaskans still use the "honey bucket" and or outhouse and, generally speaking, these methods are as common as using indoor plumbing. But, I think most prefer running water... I think.
It is light all summer and dark all winter. Granted, there is a little transition time during the spring and early winter where it is a little more "normal".
We do have cities in Alaska. Although, someone from New York or Los Angeles might question the validity of that statement, it's true!
We have many, many villages in Alaska. Some have a population of 20 while others might have as many as 4,000. My parents live in one with a population of 80ish.
We have grand mountains and vast tundras, huge trees, dessert land and bogs and islands and ocean and you name it, we probably have it in some form or another. Mind you, it was probably frozen or still is and will be for the next thousand years, but by george, it's there.
We struggle with what can be grown here but most everything has been tried. Grapes have flourished in a greenhouse heated by a hot springs.
The northern lights are common in the winter and always magnificent! You just have to get away from the town lights to see them.
Moose abound and will eat your garden if you don't put a HIGH fence around it. Sometimes, that won't even keep them out.
Depending on where you live, bears also abound. Here in the interior, they are not as common as in the southern areas, but boy, they are awesome and deadly.
Some things that I know about my life here:
I am usually cold. But a few days of the year, I get to wear shorts and tanks and my life is once again complete.
There is absolutely NOTHING like a summer in Fairbanks Alaska. No matter where you are from, if you live anywhere south of my town, you have no idea what you mean when you say you are happy for spring to have arrived.
Growing things gives life to my soul, and it's not because I am good at it, it is because I need to see something green, something growing, something that smells like dirt and life during my 9-10 months indoors.
There is no other way for me to survive the winters than by getting out in them.
Summer brings this crazy spirit out of everyone and suddenly all the things that were "planned" for summer get thrown out the window and we are just moving and going and doing ALL the time because there is so much to do and see and build and experience.
You never get "used" to anything. Not the dark, not the light, not the cold or the snow in June. Not the mosquitoes, not the 40 below temps, or the way the northern lights look when you are skiing in the woods all by yourself and it's dark but the clock says 4:30 pm.
This Alaskan life is ever changing, always keeping us on our toes, guessing and reaching for that unreasonable hope we all get every spring to keep planting, to keep living, to keep loving this place that is supposed to be predictable but continues to surprise me every. single. year.
Why do I live here?
Because I would miss it if I didn't.
Because the people that you find here are a unique bunch anyone would equally love and call crazy.
Because I get to call myself Alaskan. And for as much as anyone might not want to admit it, there is a pretty cool note of pride and respect that goes with that name, and I need all the respect I can get.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
2 years old
My little man is very anxious for some things in life. I think he captures most of them in this brief statement:
"Momma, I need a story. I need a stor, I need soup. Momma, I need sou, I need chili!. Momma, I'm hungry!! Let's go outside."
The past few days have been cold and yesterday it hailed. Summer does not want to show itself. Regardless of the weather though, Noah still wants to play outside. I can hardly blame him, but yesterday while it was hailing I told him it would be better to stay inside because, "It's just too wet and cold, baby!"
But he insisted and I was in no mood for a fight. I let him go. Not a minute later he was standing outside the door crying. I went to see him and I asked him why he was having such issues and he informed me, as though I would not ever have known otherwise, that, "It's just too wet and cold, baby!"
Oh how a mother must always hold her tongue! An "I told you so!" would do nothing to affect the situation... So I had to thoughtfully say once more, "okay, come inside." Peel off his coat and boots and have a little more snuggle time on the couch with my sweet two year old boy.
He makes up for any indiscretion though, when before climbing up on the couch he says, "Do you know what Momma? I love you." and leans his little head onto my shoulder.
Can I melt now?
"Momma, I need a story. I need a stor, I need soup. Momma, I need sou, I need chili!. Momma, I'm hungry!! Let's go outside."
The past few days have been cold and yesterday it hailed. Summer does not want to show itself. Regardless of the weather though, Noah still wants to play outside. I can hardly blame him, but yesterday while it was hailing I told him it would be better to stay inside because, "It's just too wet and cold, baby!"
But he insisted and I was in no mood for a fight. I let him go. Not a minute later he was standing outside the door crying. I went to see him and I asked him why he was having such issues and he informed me, as though I would not ever have known otherwise, that, "It's just too wet and cold, baby!"
Oh how a mother must always hold her tongue! An "I told you so!" would do nothing to affect the situation... So I had to thoughtfully say once more, "okay, come inside." Peel off his coat and boots and have a little more snuggle time on the couch with my sweet two year old boy.
He makes up for any indiscretion though, when before climbing up on the couch he says, "Do you know what Momma? I love you." and leans his little head onto my shoulder.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Potty, Potty, Potty
What does it take to get a two year old on the potty? I don't know about you, but in this house it takes a whole slew of bribes and praises. How about milkshakes, movies, candy of all kinds, cars, and play dates with his best friend? Okay, so that might convince him to sit on the potty, but what about actually using it?! I am still working on that one. It's a good thing it is warm outside or we would all be crazy. Most of his accidents have happened outside until today.
I had lots of things planned out for today. Most of them being to attend to the house that was ignored all weekend due to all events surrounding the potty. There is lots of laundry to catch up on, dishes to wash, bathrooms to clean, the floors however are more sparkling clean than ever before. All such motivations, however, disapeared to the tune of the late day bells of 11am. Isn't the day over yet?? I mean, it could be 11PM right? Please? How many poops and puddles of pee have I cleaned up today? 20... no, it must be more than that.
My hands are not my own. They are purple gloves swishing swishing swishing over the floor. One more time. Now they are a pile of blankets stained with poop smears and soaked with pee.
Wait, I smell something.
WHERE IS THE POOP?! What? oh. the baby at least goes in her diaper where it belongs...
Shoot. Going back to diapers sounds easier for all of us.
But lo, I shall persevere.
Dadgumit.
(I don't think you want to see any pictures from today. gross.)
I had lots of things planned out for today. Most of them being to attend to the house that was ignored all weekend due to all events surrounding the potty. There is lots of laundry to catch up on, dishes to wash, bathrooms to clean, the floors however are more sparkling clean than ever before. All such motivations, however, disapeared to the tune of the late day bells of 11am. Isn't the day over yet?? I mean, it could be 11PM right? Please? How many poops and puddles of pee have I cleaned up today? 20... no, it must be more than that.
My hands are not my own. They are purple gloves swishing swishing swishing over the floor. One more time. Now they are a pile of blankets stained with poop smears and soaked with pee.
Wait, I smell something.
WHERE IS THE POOP?! What? oh. the baby at least goes in her diaper where it belongs...
Shoot. Going back to diapers sounds easier for all of us.
But lo, I shall persevere.
Dadgumit.
(I don't think you want to see any pictures from today. gross.)
Friday, April 6, 2012
Spring...ish
All my little guy wanted to do was run up and down our slightly sloped driveway... Whatever keeps 'em busy I guess.
 |
 |
| There he goes again! |
 |
| Sister just wanted to watch. I tried putting her in the snow to crawl around, but she would have nothing to do with such unrefined activities. |
 |
| She thinks her brother is the cats pajamas. |
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| And he makes us both laugh on a regular occasion. |
 |
| Snow is melting and we are getting WAY more sunlight. Love it. |
 | |||
| And this is the one who likes to eat sticks. |
Friday, March 30, 2012
All my good ideas. Out the window.
I don't know what it is, but these past few weeks have just felt BUSY. I am not normally the type of person to enjoy business, but it seems to have found me anyway. Besides driving around all the time, when I am home, there are, like, a MILLION other things for me to do. And really, there are just as many other things I would RATHER be doing besides the ones I should do.
So here I am. In front of my computer. Totally devoid of motivation for any of it.
During my day while I am trying to fit in exercise, or knitting the next project, or wiping another smear of poop of another child's behind, I think of all these awesome ideas for what to write next on this blog site. And then... I turn, and I see my two year old with one hand down is poopy butt pants and the other hand holding my knitting project, and I quit. My mind has been erased of any magical notions for beautiful stories.
So here I am. In front of my computer. Totally devoid of motivation for any of it.
During my day while I am trying to fit in exercise, or knitting the next project, or wiping another smear of poop of another child's behind, I think of all these awesome ideas for what to write next on this blog site. And then... I turn, and I see my two year old with one hand down is poopy butt pants and the other hand holding my knitting project, and I quit. My mind has been erased of any magical notions for beautiful stories.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
I'm feel'n a wee bit of guilt...
But not too much I guess because I keep listening to the same music anyway.
Last night we were driving home from our oh so holy Bible study. Not. I mean, we love the Lord and all, but I don't know if you could call this study reverent... The children are running and screaming, there is people eating at all moments, we interrupt the study to eat more, and probably sing a Happy Birthday tune or two, and we really just love to be together more than anything.
Back to the drive home though. My little boy is 2 and a half years old. He sings ALL THE TIME. He remembers words to music where half the time I don't even know what they are saying. He does jumble things and make them really cute with his sweet little voice, but still, he is better than me by a long shot.
We were listening to the radio on our way home. I had on our local christian station and he says from the back seat, "I don't want this music!" So I changed it to the country station. Usually he'll go for that, but not this night. This time I asked him what he would like to hear and he replied "Furry Bit!" I was highly confused! Furry Bit?? I have never heard of such a thing and I really was appalled at what that song might just be about. Furry kid music.... or something else.
I was racking my brain and finally it struck me. It wasn't furry bit, it's Dirty Bit. From the Black Eye Peas song "The Time". He loves that song! He loves and laughs each time he hears the words dirty bit in the music! It was so funny! I was a little mortified that my little 2 year old boy loved the "furry bit" music because it was what I loved to listen too!
So we listened. And it was once more good. We rocked out on the road home and "had the best time of our lives" or something like that. My son is more than adorable. I love him, and I really need to listen to more wholesome music, because do you know what the next song he picked out was?
I, I Love you like a love song baby! And I keep hitting repe p p p p peat!
Look at how innocent and darling he looks. He will fool you. I willingly fall for it everyday.
Last night we were driving home from our oh so holy Bible study. Not. I mean, we love the Lord and all, but I don't know if you could call this study reverent... The children are running and screaming, there is people eating at all moments, we interrupt the study to eat more, and probably sing a Happy Birthday tune or two, and we really just love to be together more than anything.
Back to the drive home though. My little boy is 2 and a half years old. He sings ALL THE TIME. He remembers words to music where half the time I don't even know what they are saying. He does jumble things and make them really cute with his sweet little voice, but still, he is better than me by a long shot.
We were listening to the radio on our way home. I had on our local christian station and he says from the back seat, "I don't want this music!" So I changed it to the country station. Usually he'll go for that, but not this night. This time I asked him what he would like to hear and he replied "Furry Bit!" I was highly confused! Furry Bit?? I have never heard of such a thing and I really was appalled at what that song might just be about. Furry kid music.... or something else.
I was racking my brain and finally it struck me. It wasn't furry bit, it's Dirty Bit. From the Black Eye Peas song "The Time". He loves that song! He loves and laughs each time he hears the words dirty bit in the music! It was so funny! I was a little mortified that my little 2 year old boy loved the "furry bit" music because it was what I loved to listen too!
So we listened. And it was once more good. We rocked out on the road home and "had the best time of our lives" or something like that. My son is more than adorable. I love him, and I really need to listen to more wholesome music, because do you know what the next song he picked out was?
I, I Love you like a love song baby! And I keep hitting repe p p p p peat!
Look at how innocent and darling he looks. He will fool you. I willingly fall for it everyday.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
I started cloth diapers...
I didn't think I would be so nervous about such a seemingly small deal. I had my first day of using cloth diapers yesterday and every time I had to change one I got really anxious! You would have thought I was waiting for something to blow up. I know I was waiting for something to go horribly wrong. But, nothing did. In fact, it was great! It was easy and kind of fun. That fun part might not last, but I am hoping it will get easier.
I am still quite uncomfortable trying to fold and stuff and change those funny diapers. I still have some accessories to buy to make the routine smoother, like a wet dry bag and make more cloth wipes and (crossing my fingers) a diaper sprayer. I would love that.
But beyond that, I think this experience will prove to be much better than I think. I loved the feeling of not having used disposables for one whole day! That means our trash can will not fill up as fast nor be as stinky, our budget will get to be rearranged to eliminate that monthly diaper bill, and there will be no more "oops, we ran out of diapers" moments. That will be good :)
The washing is what makes me the most nervous. There are so many different ways to do it and I don't want to mess up all those diapers by doing something wrong. Mostly, I don't want the fuss of trying to fix it. I know I will probably have to face the dreaded ammonia diaper at some point, but I hope not anytime soon. I want to get the basics down before I have to puzzle out a problem.
One day, maybe I will be able to put advice on here about how to do it all, but until then, I am looking for any advice I can get on the subject! Living in Alaska has it's challenges, like line drying in the sun, and well, getting any sun at all. But we do have a lot of Mommas around who love to cloth diaper.
I am still quite uncomfortable trying to fold and stuff and change those funny diapers. I still have some accessories to buy to make the routine smoother, like a wet dry bag and make more cloth wipes and (crossing my fingers) a diaper sprayer. I would love that.
But beyond that, I think this experience will prove to be much better than I think. I loved the feeling of not having used disposables for one whole day! That means our trash can will not fill up as fast nor be as stinky, our budget will get to be rearranged to eliminate that monthly diaper bill, and there will be no more "oops, we ran out of diapers" moments. That will be good :)
The washing is what makes me the most nervous. There are so many different ways to do it and I don't want to mess up all those diapers by doing something wrong. Mostly, I don't want the fuss of trying to fix it. I know I will probably have to face the dreaded ammonia diaper at some point, but I hope not anytime soon. I want to get the basics down before I have to puzzle out a problem.
One day, maybe I will be able to put advice on here about how to do it all, but until then, I am looking for any advice I can get on the subject! Living in Alaska has it's challenges, like line drying in the sun, and well, getting any sun at all. But we do have a lot of Mommas around who love to cloth diaper.
Monday, February 27, 2012
oh jiminy...
crickets.
That's what you hear around this blog space. I have not been writing for a couple of weeks and the time has just flown by me!
Let see, what have I been doing?
Good question...
I know I have been thinking about and researching a TON of new things for our family. I am still working on better ways to be a thrifty, yet healthy shopper and chef. I have been working on learning how to cook more wholesome meals, trying to use more vegetables, legumes and less meat. It is hardest on my husband I think. He is not used to the lack of usual snack food around the house, a lot less bread, and many more beans. He'll get into the routine soon and I'll get better at knowing what he likes. I hope.
I have also been working at getting most all the cleaning chemicals out of the house. It is hard for me to just throw these things out. I am by nature a (wanna be) thrifty person, and throwing out perfectly good cleaning supplies is hard for me to do. But then, I think about how if my now crawling nine month old baby got into any of it, or if my two year old boy who climbs on everything and can open anything were to find these things, it would be a terrible day. I already won't let them into the room where I spray fabreeze on the carpet until it is dry. I guess that is a hint I need to change something. So, I have started cleaning with vinegar, baking soda, hot water, sometimes some essential oil and a reusable cloth. I have found, I actually like cleaning with just those simple products....
Talk about cheap. Talk about easy. Talk about healthy.
My third and most recent project has been researching the world of cloth diapering.
Do I sound like a greenie or what?!
I swear, I have been doing all this because our budget dictates it. But the more I look into all these budget friendly ways of living, I find that mostly they are much more healthy options as well! I love that. I love feeling like I know what is happening to my family, what is going into their mouths, what is being put on their skin, and what is being used to clean them. I worry less, I feel better, I stress less and hopefully, my family feels it too.
Anyway, back to cloth diapers. Holy COW. There are more options for cloth diapers than for disposable ones and let me tell you, I know there are a lot of disposable diaper options. I am overwhelmed by the amount of things to figure out. What I wanna know is, because this cloth diapering thing is such a big, upfront investment, how do I know what diapers are going to "work" for my child? I don't want to just buy ones that look good, or that I think will work. I want them to work dagnabit, if I am going to pay $200 or more for enough diapers and their accessories to get us through this.
I am convinced that this is something I want to pursue, I just have no idea where to start and how to make this a project I don't have to save for the next year to start on. Blah.
Other than those aforementioned projects, I have been wrangling children, loving my husband, trying to push deeper into my relationship with God, and visiting my sweet sweet friends.
I love this life.
That's what you hear around this blog space. I have not been writing for a couple of weeks and the time has just flown by me!
Let see, what have I been doing?
Good question...
I know I have been thinking about and researching a TON of new things for our family. I am still working on better ways to be a thrifty, yet healthy shopper and chef. I have been working on learning how to cook more wholesome meals, trying to use more vegetables, legumes and less meat. It is hardest on my husband I think. He is not used to the lack of usual snack food around the house, a lot less bread, and many more beans. He'll get into the routine soon and I'll get better at knowing what he likes. I hope.
I have also been working at getting most all the cleaning chemicals out of the house. It is hard for me to just throw these things out. I am by nature a (wanna be) thrifty person, and throwing out perfectly good cleaning supplies is hard for me to do. But then, I think about how if my now crawling nine month old baby got into any of it, or if my two year old boy who climbs on everything and can open anything were to find these things, it would be a terrible day. I already won't let them into the room where I spray fabreeze on the carpet until it is dry. I guess that is a hint I need to change something. So, I have started cleaning with vinegar, baking soda, hot water, sometimes some essential oil and a reusable cloth. I have found, I actually like cleaning with just those simple products....
Talk about cheap. Talk about easy. Talk about healthy.
My third and most recent project has been researching the world of cloth diapering.
Do I sound like a greenie or what?!
I swear, I have been doing all this because our budget dictates it. But the more I look into all these budget friendly ways of living, I find that mostly they are much more healthy options as well! I love that. I love feeling like I know what is happening to my family, what is going into their mouths, what is being put on their skin, and what is being used to clean them. I worry less, I feel better, I stress less and hopefully, my family feels it too.
Anyway, back to cloth diapers. Holy COW. There are more options for cloth diapers than for disposable ones and let me tell you, I know there are a lot of disposable diaper options. I am overwhelmed by the amount of things to figure out. What I wanna know is, because this cloth diapering thing is such a big, upfront investment, how do I know what diapers are going to "work" for my child? I don't want to just buy ones that look good, or that I think will work. I want them to work dagnabit, if I am going to pay $200 or more for enough diapers and their accessories to get us through this.
I am convinced that this is something I want to pursue, I just have no idea where to start and how to make this a project I don't have to save for the next year to start on. Blah.
Other than those aforementioned projects, I have been wrangling children, loving my husband, trying to push deeper into my relationship with God, and visiting my sweet sweet friends.
I love this life.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
frugalnomics
I don't know when this band wagon took off, but I am pretty certain I missed it completely. I am talking about the frugal, natural, housewife band wagon.
It kinda sucks to feel like I have been so far off the mark for so long. I mean, am I just now starting to think about health? nutrition? budgets?
No.
But it has only been this past few months that it has been intensely occupying my thoughts as to how I can do better. So I began researching and finding TONS of stuff (mostly blogs) on these subjects! I am overwhelmed and boggled by all the information and feel the urgent need to begin a healthier lifestyle, but have no idea where to start.
What gets me the most though, is that I feel like I grew up in a moderately healthy home. I have always had good health and so have all my siblings. We are not overweight and have always known the importance of exercise. It is now that I have my own family though, that I realize how much I do not know about how to serve them in a way that not only fills their love tanks but fills their bodies with health and wellness. I left home barely knowing how to cook. I can't blame that on anyone but myself, but still, I am disappointed.
I have always looked at my parents with awe. How they held everything together in even the toughest times. My mom was and still is superwoman! How did I leave her care without knowing how to do any of the things she did? She raised and homeschooled four kids, fed us well on minimal money and most importantly brought us all up to know the Lord (while keeping her sanity and relationship with her husband intact). If there is anyone in this world I want to be like, it is her.
So far however, I am, as I said earlier, way off the mark. Both my sisters know how to be green and shop for the good deals and can cook amazingly well. I guess I just wasn't paying close enough attention. But now, I am.
I want to be healthy. Not just look it on the outside, but really to be healthy all the way through. I want it for my husband who is tired and works long hours with not a whole lot of good food options. I want it for my son and daughter so they can have long and healthy lives with the energy they need to do whatever it is they want to do. And I want to share it. I want my kids to know how choose it for themselves.
I am going to be starting this journey slow. I can't go ditch all the groceries I just bought yesterday to spend another hundred on "more healthy" food. I must believe God holds me in every circumstance. He knows I have lots of work to do and I am certain he will be keeping us through this time of change even though we won't be eating natural, organic, meat free food all the time. I figured out how to cook, and I am learning how to shop and coupon, so now I am going to learn to be GREEN!
Feeling better already.
It kinda sucks to feel like I have been so far off the mark for so long. I mean, am I just now starting to think about health? nutrition? budgets?
No.
But it has only been this past few months that it has been intensely occupying my thoughts as to how I can do better. So I began researching and finding TONS of stuff (mostly blogs) on these subjects! I am overwhelmed and boggled by all the information and feel the urgent need to begin a healthier lifestyle, but have no idea where to start.
What gets me the most though, is that I feel like I grew up in a moderately healthy home. I have always had good health and so have all my siblings. We are not overweight and have always known the importance of exercise. It is now that I have my own family though, that I realize how much I do not know about how to serve them in a way that not only fills their love tanks but fills their bodies with health and wellness. I left home barely knowing how to cook. I can't blame that on anyone but myself, but still, I am disappointed.
I have always looked at my parents with awe. How they held everything together in even the toughest times. My mom was and still is superwoman! How did I leave her care without knowing how to do any of the things she did? She raised and homeschooled four kids, fed us well on minimal money and most importantly brought us all up to know the Lord (while keeping her sanity and relationship with her husband intact). If there is anyone in this world I want to be like, it is her.
So far however, I am, as I said earlier, way off the mark. Both my sisters know how to be green and shop for the good deals and can cook amazingly well. I guess I just wasn't paying close enough attention. But now, I am.
I want to be healthy. Not just look it on the outside, but really to be healthy all the way through. I want it for my husband who is tired and works long hours with not a whole lot of good food options. I want it for my son and daughter so they can have long and healthy lives with the energy they need to do whatever it is they want to do. And I want to share it. I want my kids to know how choose it for themselves.
I am going to be starting this journey slow. I can't go ditch all the groceries I just bought yesterday to spend another hundred on "more healthy" food. I must believe God holds me in every circumstance. He knows I have lots of work to do and I am certain he will be keeping us through this time of change even though we won't be eating natural, organic, meat free food all the time. I figured out how to cook, and I am learning how to shop and coupon, so now I am going to learn to be GREEN!
Feeling better already.
 |
| Meine Familie |
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Running to the rythm of Love...
Happy belated valentines day! I had a really nice day yesterday. My husband is one of the most thoughtful gift givers I know and he always knows what to do for me even when we have no money to use for the occasion.
He burned me two really fun CD's and they are great for running or rocking out to in the car. It is all love music of course. He also made the most delicious chocolate mousse for dessert. Sigh. This man knows how to treat me right.
I, on the other hand, am not a very thoughtful gift giver. I made beans for dinner (really yummy though) and didn't make him anything special! I had thought we made an agreement that we wouldn't do anything special for valentines day this year. We don't really have any expendable money and I didn't want to spend what little we do have on silly hearts and candy. But my dear husband worked something out anyway and I was happily surprised and felt very loved.
Next year I'll have to get more creative... I guess I can only get better seeing as how I didn't do anything this year.
That's right, you better watch out for me. Valentines 2013, here I come!
(any ideas??)
This is what I found when I opened the fridge to make breakfast.
Which lead me here. It was a sweet-awesome mix. We listened all morning and we all danced crazy like.
And this is the chocolate mousse my honey made so deliciously for our valentines evening.
He burned me two really fun CD's and they are great for running or rocking out to in the car. It is all love music of course. He also made the most delicious chocolate mousse for dessert. Sigh. This man knows how to treat me right.
I, on the other hand, am not a very thoughtful gift giver. I made beans for dinner (really yummy though) and didn't make him anything special! I had thought we made an agreement that we wouldn't do anything special for valentines day this year. We don't really have any expendable money and I didn't want to spend what little we do have on silly hearts and candy. But my dear husband worked something out anyway and I was happily surprised and felt very loved.
Next year I'll have to get more creative... I guess I can only get better seeing as how I didn't do anything this year.
That's right, you better watch out for me. Valentines 2013, here I come!
(any ideas??)
This is what I found when I opened the fridge to make breakfast.
Which lead me here. It was a sweet-awesome mix. We listened all morning and we all danced crazy like.
And this is the chocolate mousse my honey made so deliciously for our valentines evening.
Monday, February 13, 2012
A picture of Love
I have thought of probably 10 different subjects to write about over the weekend, but only one comes to mind.
I watched a documentary done by National Geographic called Life in a Day. It. Was. Awesome.
If you ever want to feel like you are only a wisp of a life on the planet, that what you are is a mere speck compared to everything happening to everyone else on the earth, that God is huge and is longing for us to be with him, that we are his bride and we are a wreck but he still holds us in his arms... watch that documentary.
I cried, I laughed and was amazed. It was all people. Crazy, normal people.
On another note, my family and I had a really nice time out at Harding Lake with the Young Life crew! I hung out with the girls and we all painted our nails, played games, went on a nice warm walk and generally enjoyed eachother's company. It is always sweet to have other people to play with.
It is good to be home, however. I came back with tremendously soar hips from an awful bed. Shoot. My own bed is so much nicer to me, and for that, I will love it and only say nice things about it from now on.
Here is what my baby girl enjoyed doing at the lodge: staring at the ceiling...
Here is what my bubba enjoyed: tea and a movie. A child after my own heart.
TTFN!
I watched a documentary done by National Geographic called Life in a Day. It. Was. Awesome.
If you ever want to feel like you are only a wisp of a life on the planet, that what you are is a mere speck compared to everything happening to everyone else on the earth, that God is huge and is longing for us to be with him, that we are his bride and we are a wreck but he still holds us in his arms... watch that documentary.
I cried, I laughed and was amazed. It was all people. Crazy, normal people.
On another note, my family and I had a really nice time out at Harding Lake with the Young Life crew! I hung out with the girls and we all painted our nails, played games, went on a nice warm walk and generally enjoyed eachother's company. It is always sweet to have other people to play with.
It is good to be home, however. I came back with tremendously soar hips from an awful bed. Shoot. My own bed is so much nicer to me, and for that, I will love it and only say nice things about it from now on.
Here is what my baby girl enjoyed doing at the lodge: staring at the ceiling...
Here is what my bubba enjoyed: tea and a movie. A child after my own heart.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Cabin Fever!
This weekend we get to go out to our cabin! It is always fun to go out. Not too much of a drive and a nice break from the normal routine. It is on a lake and can be really pretty this time of year, especially since it has been so warm.
These days though it is a bit of a chore to get going. When once upon a time it was just my husband and I who went out, we could decide the same day and jump in the car to go! It was so easy! Now we have to plan weeks in advance. Taking plenty of food, diapers, extra clothes, winter gear, gas for the snow machines or jet ski in the summer. It is only an hour drive away too! In the summer we go so often we have most of the extras stashed in the car already or we get extras to leave out there. But winter is a much harder time to go, mostly because of schedules, icy roads, and cold temps. This weekend however, we are going to force our way out and I know it will be so good once we are there.
We do not, however, have internet service at this cabin (unless you count dial-up...) and barely cell reception. You have to stand in just the right spot.
So, I will come home exhausted from the trip home and all the laundry to do once we get back, but it will be worth all the chores. It will be sweet time with family and friends.
(It sounds a bit like I am talking myself into it... maybe I am. shoot. I had better get back to work.)
These days though it is a bit of a chore to get going. When once upon a time it was just my husband and I who went out, we could decide the same day and jump in the car to go! It was so easy! Now we have to plan weeks in advance. Taking plenty of food, diapers, extra clothes, winter gear, gas for the snow machines or jet ski in the summer. It is only an hour drive away too! In the summer we go so often we have most of the extras stashed in the car already or we get extras to leave out there. But winter is a much harder time to go, mostly because of schedules, icy roads, and cold temps. This weekend however, we are going to force our way out and I know it will be so good once we are there.
We do not, however, have internet service at this cabin (unless you count dial-up...) and barely cell reception. You have to stand in just the right spot.
So, I will come home exhausted from the trip home and all the laundry to do once we get back, but it will be worth all the chores. It will be sweet time with family and friends.
(It sounds a bit like I am talking myself into it... maybe I am. shoot. I had better get back to work.)
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Ahem...
The weathers so warm
I must get a new form
And squish into my new bikini
And that's a wrap.
(please excuse the lack of poetic talent.)
(or what I really mean is, sorry... :)
And this puppy has nothing to do with any of the aforementioned subjects. She is just mighty cute and I got the pleasure of naming her after me :) Sweet silly Rosie toes... (that's not my name, just the rosie part.)
I must get a new form
And squish into my new bikini
And that's a wrap.
(please excuse the lack of poetic talent.)
(or what I really mean is, sorry... :)
And this puppy has nothing to do with any of the aforementioned subjects. She is just mighty cute and I got the pleasure of naming her after me :) Sweet silly Rosie toes... (that's not my name, just the rosie part.)
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
oops
Oh my gosh, I didn't post yesterday!
Yesterday was a pretty jam packed day and I just never found the time to sit down and do even a little bit on the computer. But today, I am writing. I am even sacrificing reading time! Ack! I am on the last book of the Hunger Games and I am so eager to get to the end, if not only to know what happens, but for the sake of my poor neglected house.
I have had a lot on my mind lately, but yesterday all I could think about was how bad I am doing at keeping my new years resolution! I mean, I am working at it and all, but boy is it hard.
My resolution was to become a better shopper. We have a strict budget and I really need to cut down on the grocery bill so we can put money towards other areas. I have been doing a ton of research on couponing and shopping sales and such, and I think I have the basics down... in theory. But every time I go to the store I just cannot figure out how to put it into practice! I am a see it, do it, do it, do it, teach it kind of learner. I can read about it til I am blue in the face, it will even make sense in my head, but once you put my hands to the test I am a fumbling mess! I have to DO things to learn them well and I get into that grocery store and I cannot make heads or tales of all the coupon mess or how to work it. Especially when I am at the check out, I get all flustered and crazy! I leave the store sweating and feeling horrible I could not figure it out. I know I need lessons from someone experienced. I need someone to walk me into the store and say, "see this sale? take advantage of it. See this item? it has a coupon, use it."
I know that makes me sound really dense, but sometimes, I can be. I need to get into a rhythm and it is just not happening. So, I will keep working at it and trying really hard, but I am also on the lookout for a teacher willing to go with me into the store, know my list, know my budget and HELP ME! I am getting so frustrated It is not worth it for me to keep this up too much longer and I will not have the energy to keep trying. I think it is harder here in Fairbanks. We don't have as many options, we don't have a lot of coupons, and we don't live really close to everything. Or maybe anything... And when it hits those cold temps, it gets really difficult to get everyone bundled up, start the car and go out... at all. Not just shopping, but anything. Shopping is the only thing that when it gets REALLY cold I make myself do, but I push it til we have to go or else there just won't be anything to make or scrounge or we are almost out of TP.
I am eliminating excuses though. I know other people do this in the Fairbanks area and are really successful, so I must be able to figure it out too!
My meals are planned, my lists are made, and budget, you will not bust me! I shall conquer!
On a side note, can I just tell you how adorable this girl is? Very. I love her sweet cheeks and thorough thighs. This baby child makes me swoon...
The end.
Yesterday was a pretty jam packed day and I just never found the time to sit down and do even a little bit on the computer. But today, I am writing. I am even sacrificing reading time! Ack! I am on the last book of the Hunger Games and I am so eager to get to the end, if not only to know what happens, but for the sake of my poor neglected house.
I have had a lot on my mind lately, but yesterday all I could think about was how bad I am doing at keeping my new years resolution! I mean, I am working at it and all, but boy is it hard.
My resolution was to become a better shopper. We have a strict budget and I really need to cut down on the grocery bill so we can put money towards other areas. I have been doing a ton of research on couponing and shopping sales and such, and I think I have the basics down... in theory. But every time I go to the store I just cannot figure out how to put it into practice! I am a see it, do it, do it, do it, teach it kind of learner. I can read about it til I am blue in the face, it will even make sense in my head, but once you put my hands to the test I am a fumbling mess! I have to DO things to learn them well and I get into that grocery store and I cannot make heads or tales of all the coupon mess or how to work it. Especially when I am at the check out, I get all flustered and crazy! I leave the store sweating and feeling horrible I could not figure it out. I know I need lessons from someone experienced. I need someone to walk me into the store and say, "see this sale? take advantage of it. See this item? it has a coupon, use it."
I know that makes me sound really dense, but sometimes, I can be. I need to get into a rhythm and it is just not happening. So, I will keep working at it and trying really hard, but I am also on the lookout for a teacher willing to go with me into the store, know my list, know my budget and HELP ME! I am getting so frustrated It is not worth it for me to keep this up too much longer and I will not have the energy to keep trying. I think it is harder here in Fairbanks. We don't have as many options, we don't have a lot of coupons, and we don't live really close to everything. Or maybe anything... And when it hits those cold temps, it gets really difficult to get everyone bundled up, start the car and go out... at all. Not just shopping, but anything. Shopping is the only thing that when it gets REALLY cold I make myself do, but I push it til we have to go or else there just won't be anything to make or scrounge or we are almost out of TP.
I am eliminating excuses though. I know other people do this in the Fairbanks area and are really successful, so I must be able to figure it out too!
My meals are planned, my lists are made, and budget, you will not bust me! I shall conquer!
On a side note, can I just tell you how adorable this girl is? Very. I love her sweet cheeks and thorough thighs. This baby child makes me swoon...
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Hunger Games
I have been reading the Hunger Games series and am on book two. Over the course of two days I finished the first one, and now, it will be the same for the second.
This is Monday folks, but you would never know it in my house. It is all I can do to tear myself away from those books! My children cry, the house is a mess, the dishes go undone and food is for the birds. I must read.
That seems to be my problem when I find a good book. I just cannot for the life of me find anything else I would rather be doing than reading that particular story! It is a good thing I don't find these kind of consuming books all the time, or this family would be in trouble...
I was feeling a little guilty earlier today, so I folded the dreaded pile of laundry, did the dishes and even managed dinner! whew. I know, pathetic.
But I am almost finished and I will be back to my normal self in approximately two days. (Have to get through that last book you know!) Then maybe I can post some updates on my knitting or something else interesting. or not.
We did get outside today and play, because the sun was shining so cheerfully and the temperature was 20 above and there was no excuse to not be out in that beauty!
All in all, the start to the week hasn't been much of one, but I am satisfied and perfectly entertained!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
oh, tired.
The days are getting warmer, but my mind and body are still in the depth of winter. I find I am having to convince myself that I should do one more thing, just have one small goal for the day. If I can get that done, then maybe I will be able to do another. It's the getting going that is the toughest.
Today has been a lazy day. I did get the kids their bath, and made food for everyone to eat, so I am feeling okay about that...
There is just so much more that needs doing, and I am feeling a little pushed over by it all. It is Sunday after all. Isn't it the day of rest? Especially this Superbowl Sunday! We don't really do football around here at our house though. I don't have much excuse. Weekends tend to be the days we try and catch up from everything that piled up throughout the week.
Lame.
It is wonderful to have my husband all weekend though. To have his help when I get the kids out of the bath and they pee on the floor and then sit and play in it while I turn my back for the 2 seconds it takes to get diapers and clothes.
He rescues me. He rescues the kids really. From all my ugly wrath.
Now they sleep and I will try and clean up my attitude and hopefully find something relaxing to do. Because just thinking about all that hard work has made me really tired... sigh.
I'll do it tomorrow.
Today has been a lazy day. I did get the kids their bath, and made food for everyone to eat, so I am feeling okay about that...
There is just so much more that needs doing, and I am feeling a little pushed over by it all. It is Sunday after all. Isn't it the day of rest? Especially this Superbowl Sunday! We don't really do football around here at our house though. I don't have much excuse. Weekends tend to be the days we try and catch up from everything that piled up throughout the week.
Lame.
It is wonderful to have my husband all weekend though. To have his help when I get the kids out of the bath and they pee on the floor and then sit and play in it while I turn my back for the 2 seconds it takes to get diapers and clothes.
He rescues me. He rescues the kids really. From all my ugly wrath.
Now they sleep and I will try and clean up my attitude and hopefully find something relaxing to do. Because just thinking about all that hard work has made me really tired... sigh.
I'll do it tomorrow.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
knit knit knit
Well folks, the excitement over learning to knit has abated.
It didn't take long... Don't get me wrong, I am not giving up. But the progress is slow.
I took to crochet in no time and it was so satisfying I just ran with it. But knitting has not proved to be so natural for me, and no thanks to the kids who keep interrupting me with all their valid excuses and such... who needs food anyway? Not when something as exciting as learning to knit is taking place!
And diapers? psh.
I have had to "frog" my so called scarf project 3 times. argy bargy.
This is as far as I have gotten:
It is only the knit stitch and quite imperfect still, but I am hoping I have it down enough that I won't (crossing fingers) have to take it out again. I have a long way to go though. Knitting takes me 20 times longer than crochet, so this will be a multi day process for this durnd scarf.
On another note, we had an almost 2 hr power outage the other night and here is what we did...
Sit in the dark feeding children,
It felt really odd to not know what to do without all of our electronics! Sad really. Trying to stay entertained in the dark, 20 below outside, with a toddler and a baby is challenging. It made me think of all the people that go through major storms and have no power for DAYS! That would make life more than hard. Our water is from a well run off electricity, all our appliances are electric, our heater is electric etc. We would be in some deep poo if we lost electricity for days with no generator during the winter.
I guess these small events are good for knowing in what ways we are not prepared for a big problem and how we need to get with the safety program!
Now I know.
Especially with two small kids. Being prepared is essential.
But now we are working and playing in the light and I will do what I can to remind myself not to take it for granted.
It didn't take long... Don't get me wrong, I am not giving up. But the progress is slow.
I took to crochet in no time and it was so satisfying I just ran with it. But knitting has not proved to be so natural for me, and no thanks to the kids who keep interrupting me with all their valid excuses and such... who needs food anyway? Not when something as exciting as learning to knit is taking place!
And diapers? psh.
I have had to "frog" my so called scarf project 3 times. argy bargy.
This is as far as I have gotten:
On another note, we had an almost 2 hr power outage the other night and here is what we did...
Sit in the dark feeding children,
(Notice the candle and headlamp. My version of being prepared...)
And let them play on the only thing left that had battery power: the ipad.
I guess these small events are good for knowing in what ways we are not prepared for a big problem and how we need to get with the safety program!
Now I know.
Especially with two small kids. Being prepared is essential.
But now we are working and playing in the light and I will do what I can to remind myself not to take it for granted.
Friday, February 3, 2012
My favorite parts of today
It snowed big, fat, fluffy snowflakes. And it was beautiful.
I went to an awesome one year old birthday party!
I got to go run errands... by myself.
I got to go not only to the Library, but also to Barns and Noble and actually browse.
I got a knitting book.
I got to go to Joanns!
I bought knitting needles.
I got to come back to my babies who were happy to see me :)
My mother in law fed us dinner... it's always a treat.
I am now going to learn how to KNIT! YEAH!
This is really exciting. It's been a long time coming and I can't wait to start making those beautiful hats and mittens they show in the pictures. So, here goes.
And a picture or two for good measure:
This is us at a plane crash that occurred a few years ago out in Nikolai Alaska. Everyone walked away safely, but my sister (in the bottom picture) thought it would be great to pretend she didn't get so lucky... she can be a little dramatic. I love you Emily :)
I went to an awesome one year old birthday party!
I got to go run errands... by myself.
I got to go not only to the Library, but also to Barns and Noble and actually browse.
I got a knitting book.
I got to go to Joanns!
I bought knitting needles.
I got to come back to my babies who were happy to see me :)
My mother in law fed us dinner... it's always a treat.
I am now going to learn how to KNIT! YEAH!
This is really exciting. It's been a long time coming and I can't wait to start making those beautiful hats and mittens they show in the pictures. So, here goes.
And a picture or two for good measure:
This is us at a plane crash that occurred a few years ago out in Nikolai Alaska. Everyone walked away safely, but my sister (in the bottom picture) thought it would be great to pretend she didn't get so lucky... she can be a little dramatic. I love you Emily :)
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Heat Wave!
It is 20 degrees ABOVE zero outside! I am so incredibly happy about this turn in weather! I feel relaxed, warm, and as though life and Hope have returned!
We have been outside twice already and when the kids wake up from their nap, we are going out again. Everything is running smoother today, from the car to the kids' and my attitudes. I am not bundled up on the couch in blankets, sweaters and slippers but actually am comfortable without all that. Like a normal person! It feels so good to be a normal person... sigh.
Now that it is February, I can actually feel spring around the corner. It may be one of those corners that just keeps turning for a while, but eventually we will get there. At least we have started into the corner rather than this straight stretch of endless cold we've been having.
In reality, spring doesn't show up here in Fairbanks until late April or early May. I just need to keep telling myself that it really isn't that far away and summer is just around this longish bend.
We have been outside twice already and when the kids wake up from their nap, we are going out again. Everything is running smoother today, from the car to the kids' and my attitudes. I am not bundled up on the couch in blankets, sweaters and slippers but actually am comfortable without all that. Like a normal person! It feels so good to be a normal person... sigh.
Now that it is February, I can actually feel spring around the corner. It may be one of those corners that just keeps turning for a while, but eventually we will get there. At least we have started into the corner rather than this straight stretch of endless cold we've been having.
In reality, spring doesn't show up here in Fairbanks until late April or early May. I just need to keep telling myself that it really isn't that far away and summer is just around this longish bend.
Hope! In 20 above! And Sunshine! It's infectious.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
everyday
I think I am discovering something about myself...
Side note: Those moments always seem to be a double edged sword. Now I know how I operate, so either I stick within the bounds of my new found knowledge, OR, when I fall outside those bounds of smoother operation, I feel like a failure. I know I messed up because I know how I could have been better.
It must always be better to know myself more, but dang, when I wanna be lazy, I sure do reap the consequences!
So back to what I have found out about myself.
I am an all or nothing kind of person. Not in everything, but most things.
If I am going to exercise, I had better do it everyday. If I skip a day, usually no big deal. But when the next "skip-a-day" comes and the day right after that is a "skip-a-day" too, It is SO much easier to fall into that "I am only going to skip today" routine. Before you know it, the whole week went by I haven't lifted a toe to exercise.
I am the same with chores, eating healthy, cooking, getting dressed in the morning... blah blah blah.
There is no such thing as starting slow with me or I just won't do it!
I have made myself come back to this blog everyday (even though no one reads it) and write everyday, because I know that if I let myself "skip-a-day" then I will skip 2, then probably 4, and so on til you never see me here again.
I couldn't come back anyway, for all the shame I would feel at two failed attempts at blogging!! (That looks like a pretty deep hole I just dug)
Maybe that is why I have not done any advertising for my blog. Like, really, none. I have not told family, friends or anyone besides my husband. I didn't even want to tell him! I felt slightly awkward telling him I was "Blogging" in the first place. It sounds so... with it. or something.
I highly dislike the feeling of failure, or not being competent, or knowing what I am doing, or laziness, or anything else that comes with not finishing what you started.
It is scary to let people know that I might actually not be really good at something I do (even though they have probably figured it out already.). So even though this blog is public, I have not been public about it. Maybe I need to change that.
My heart is beating faster just thinking about it...
Side note: Those moments always seem to be a double edged sword. Now I know how I operate, so either I stick within the bounds of my new found knowledge, OR, when I fall outside those bounds of smoother operation, I feel like a failure. I know I messed up because I know how I could have been better.
It must always be better to know myself more, but dang, when I wanna be lazy, I sure do reap the consequences!
So back to what I have found out about myself.
I am an all or nothing kind of person. Not in everything, but most things.
If I am going to exercise, I had better do it everyday. If I skip a day, usually no big deal. But when the next "skip-a-day" comes and the day right after that is a "skip-a-day" too, It is SO much easier to fall into that "I am only going to skip today" routine. Before you know it, the whole week went by I haven't lifted a toe to exercise.
I am the same with chores, eating healthy, cooking, getting dressed in the morning... blah blah blah.
There is no such thing as starting slow with me or I just won't do it!
I have made myself come back to this blog everyday (even though no one reads it) and write everyday, because I know that if I let myself "skip-a-day" then I will skip 2, then probably 4, and so on til you never see me here again.
I couldn't come back anyway, for all the shame I would feel at two failed attempts at blogging!! (That looks like a pretty deep hole I just dug)
Maybe that is why I have not done any advertising for my blog. Like, really, none. I have not told family, friends or anyone besides my husband. I didn't even want to tell him! I felt slightly awkward telling him I was "Blogging" in the first place. It sounds so... with it. or something.
I highly dislike the feeling of failure, or not being competent, or knowing what I am doing, or laziness, or anything else that comes with not finishing what you started.
It is scary to let people know that I might actually not be really good at something I do (even though they have probably figured it out already.). So even though this blog is public, I have not been public about it. Maybe I need to change that.
My heart is beating faster just thinking about it...
This is my contemplative picture. I don't look very contemplative. I'll have to find a different one next time. But my cool friend took it and I think it is pretty awesome. She is an awesome photographer.
 |
| photo by Krista Heeringa, Sub Zero Potography |
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
crochet
Okay, I know I have mentioned how much I love crochet, and I just
finished this really fun bag and thought I would share it with you!
Besides the bag, I have also been frantically trying to make up some awesome ski team hats, and ogling new patterns to buy online! I just can't stay away. It is such a relaxing hobby for me and yet I get such a feeling of accomplishment once the project is done.
Weirdly enough, I love to make larger items, like blankets, shawls, and hopefully soon some dresses and sweaters.
My baby girl is getting big fast so I had better start on those sweaters while they are not too daunting! (and while she doesn't get a say in what she wears :)
I really would like to improve my knitting though. All I am able to eek out is a straight line and I doubt any of my friends need more scarves...
So, with that, here's to starting the next project!
Monday, January 30, 2012
puppy wash day
Talk about drama.
My boy is darling. He is sweet, has a full head of hair that constantly needs clipping, he talks amazingly well, and tells his sister he loves her every night.
He is also maddeningly attached to his puppy.
Not the real live kind, but the stuffed floppy kind that gets all smelly and full of tears and boogers and spit. He adores this stuffed animal.
Today was wash day.
I usually can sneak it out from under him while he happily plays with something else, but today, even though I snuck puppy away, my boy noticed all too quickly and put all the pieces together. He stood at the dryer and cried and cried. "Puppy is dry momma! Puppy dry! waaaahahaaaaaa!" I distracted him with Thomas the train, but two minutes later he was back at my legs, "I need puppy momma! Waaaahahaaa!"
Finally, I could not take the moping and cute longing words anymore. I gave in and opened the dryer before it was done and found puppy.
Puppy was not dry, puppy was pathetic looking, but my son was instantly soothed. A smile relaxed every feature and he said, "oh puppy, I love you. Momma, puppy is warm!"
Without any fits he climbed straight into bed for some much needed one on one time with freshly washed puppy. A smile on his face, he could not take his eyes away from that raggedy old thing.
Man, this kid can melt me pretty darn easy.
I am sure nap time will go very well today.
My boy is darling. He is sweet, has a full head of hair that constantly needs clipping, he talks amazingly well, and tells his sister he loves her every night.
He is also maddeningly attached to his puppy.
Not the real live kind, but the stuffed floppy kind that gets all smelly and full of tears and boogers and spit. He adores this stuffed animal.
Today was wash day.
I usually can sneak it out from under him while he happily plays with something else, but today, even though I snuck puppy away, my boy noticed all too quickly and put all the pieces together. He stood at the dryer and cried and cried. "Puppy is dry momma! Puppy dry! waaaahahaaaaaa!" I distracted him with Thomas the train, but two minutes later he was back at my legs, "I need puppy momma! Waaaahahaaa!"
Finally, I could not take the moping and cute longing words anymore. I gave in and opened the dryer before it was done and found puppy.
Puppy was not dry, puppy was pathetic looking, but my son was instantly soothed. A smile relaxed every feature and he said, "oh puppy, I love you. Momma, puppy is warm!"
Without any fits he climbed straight into bed for some much needed one on one time with freshly washed puppy. A smile on his face, he could not take his eyes away from that raggedy old thing.
Man, this kid can melt me pretty darn easy.
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| Thanks for sharing Bub. I'll have to turn ya down next time though, I almost passed out... |
Sunday, January 29, 2012
The b word (budget... thats what you thought I meant right?)
Budgets are so hard. Maybe it's just because we are in the beginning stages of one that it has been kind of stressful, but it just seems to reveal all my selfishness.
Each time we go through it I think how much we have, despite how tight the money is. I think that if only I would give up my eight dollar a month netflix, what else I could do with that money. Eight bucks doesn't sound like much, but in a budget like ours, it seems like it would soften some edges sometimes. I could give more, I could save it for more dates with my husband, I could get my kids a new outfit or a toy when I felt like it rather than ever so strategically every time.
But then I think, if I did just get things when I felt like it all the time (I still do, and that is why we are over budget this month :p ) we'd be dead broke in no time! So would I rather be broke or know when to buy even though it takes a few weeks or months before I have the money to get it? Gee, I guess I don't want to be broke. But even though we won't necessarily go broke if we stick with the budget, it still takes a lot of self-discipline, practice, and patience. Mostly things that don't come easily. I find the more we stick to the budget the less my husband and I fight, the less I stress, and the more he and I are able to understand each other.
Budgets are good, but budgets are hard. They force me to look at my life in a much more responsible way. It's not fake, there is no pretending, it just is. I have to change much more than my buying habits when I stick to a budget.
Whether or not I am ready to change, here it comes. I am sure it is for the better, but does it have to be so painful?
Each time we go through it I think how much we have, despite how tight the money is. I think that if only I would give up my eight dollar a month netflix, what else I could do with that money. Eight bucks doesn't sound like much, but in a budget like ours, it seems like it would soften some edges sometimes. I could give more, I could save it for more dates with my husband, I could get my kids a new outfit or a toy when I felt like it rather than ever so strategically every time.
But then I think, if I did just get things when I felt like it all the time (I still do, and that is why we are over budget this month :p ) we'd be dead broke in no time! So would I rather be broke or know when to buy even though it takes a few weeks or months before I have the money to get it? Gee, I guess I don't want to be broke. But even though we won't necessarily go broke if we stick with the budget, it still takes a lot of self-discipline, practice, and patience. Mostly things that don't come easily. I find the more we stick to the budget the less my husband and I fight, the less I stress, and the more he and I are able to understand each other.
Budgets are good, but budgets are hard. They force me to look at my life in a much more responsible way. It's not fake, there is no pretending, it just is. I have to change much more than my buying habits when I stick to a budget.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
chugga chugga
Both kids were in bed by 6:45.
Hubs is chaperon at the high school prom tonight.
I watched the original movie, Cheaper by the Dozen, and cried my eyeballs out.
I started working on an awesome new crochet hat that I might make 10 of for a really cool ski team my parents coach.
I drank myself some awesome tea.
I let my children cry themselves to sleep.
I thought about going to bed early and then didn't.
Instead I put on a sweater and kept working on my awesome crochet.
I love to crochet.
How was your day?
Here are my babies on a day when they were much happier. So much cuteness.
Hubs is chaperon at the high school prom tonight.
I watched the original movie, Cheaper by the Dozen, and cried my eyeballs out.
I started working on an awesome new crochet hat that I might make 10 of for a really cool ski team my parents coach.
I drank myself some awesome tea.
I let my children cry themselves to sleep.
I thought about going to bed early and then didn't.
Instead I put on a sweater and kept working on my awesome crochet.
I love to crochet.
How was your day?
Here are my babies on a day when they were much happier. So much cuteness.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Girls night!
Was a hit! I had such a nice time I was practically giddy all night! I feel like I have not done something like that in so long, it was refreshing to my soul. Deep down soul.
It was 40 below, the icefog was thicker than thick, and we squeezed our way into our bathing suits and winter hats, ran our bare toes through the snow and jumped into the GLORIOUS hot tub!
Oh my.
I have not felt so good all winter. My muscles untangled, the laughing started, and all around we shared stories and rolled in the snow and had a pretty much GREAT time.
I feel ashamed I didn't have my camera! But I will see if I can post pictures later when I can get them from my friend who very responsibly did have hers.
Tell me girls night was not a gift from God! I wouldn't believe it for a moment. God must have personally ordained such gatherings. There is too much happiness for Him not to have!
Children are adorable and I love mine more than life, but a night away does a body gooooooood.
I have to admit, at first I felt very strange like I was forgetting something important as I walked out the door. And then when I made sure I had all the important things, I realized I felt guilty. It was just such a weird sensation to leave the children behind. But it wasn't just the kids. It was my husband too! I was ALONE in the car, listening to MY station, going to a party for GIRLS who are like ME. Not for the kids, not for my darling wonderful husband who would keep the kids so I can do something like this, but for me.
Oh MAN it was so nice.... I am still smiling from it. Thanks to the girls who put it on. You probably didn't think it was that big a deal, but for me, it was awesome.
Now I am back at home feeling refreshed and thankful and loving that I have girls to hang with. yo.
It was 40 below, the icefog was thicker than thick, and we squeezed our way into our bathing suits and winter hats, ran our bare toes through the snow and jumped into the GLORIOUS hot tub!
Oh my.
I have not felt so good all winter. My muscles untangled, the laughing started, and all around we shared stories and rolled in the snow and had a pretty much GREAT time.
I feel ashamed I didn't have my camera! But I will see if I can post pictures later when I can get them from my friend who very responsibly did have hers.
Tell me girls night was not a gift from God! I wouldn't believe it for a moment. God must have personally ordained such gatherings. There is too much happiness for Him not to have!
Children are adorable and I love mine more than life, but a night away does a body gooooooood.
I have to admit, at first I felt very strange like I was forgetting something important as I walked out the door. And then when I made sure I had all the important things, I realized I felt guilty. It was just such a weird sensation to leave the children behind. But it wasn't just the kids. It was my husband too! I was ALONE in the car, listening to MY station, going to a party for GIRLS who are like ME. Not for the kids, not for my darling wonderful husband who would keep the kids so I can do something like this, but for me.
Oh MAN it was so nice.... I am still smiling from it. Thanks to the girls who put it on. You probably didn't think it was that big a deal, but for me, it was awesome.
Now I am back at home feeling refreshed and thankful and loving that I have girls to hang with. yo.
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| Until I get the right pictures, here is another memorable night with the girls. |
Thursday, January 26, 2012
about this blog
I have no idea what this blog is about.
This is only my third post. I have been doing a little research the past few days and everything tells me I need to know my audience and work towards my specific goals for this blog. Be consistent and not random. Hmmm.
I am not a pro writer that is for sure and I don't really have specific things in mind to relay here. I don't do finance stuff, I don't feel like I am in a position to give family advice, and I am no longer working in a professional field.
I figured my purpose here would merely unfold over time... I hope, right?
This blog world is way more in depth than I ever imagined! There is a science to this process! I don't know if I will be able to keep up. I had to look up the definitions of an RSS feed, a blogroll and other things I don't remember there names to. It's all a foreign world to me.
I find though that throughout my days, I have these comments that run through my head (sounds kinda creepy, I know) I feel like other people might like to hear... maybe just my mom wants to hear it, or maybe some girlfriends that are walking a similar path. Maybe all I want is someone to tell me how crazy I am for thinking or doing the things I do or to tell me how much they understand.
So, in all my unspecific goals and possible randomness, I hope I can generate something interesting and meaningful here. Even if it is only my sisters that read it. I love you, sisters.
This is only my third post. I have been doing a little research the past few days and everything tells me I need to know my audience and work towards my specific goals for this blog. Be consistent and not random. Hmmm.
I am not a pro writer that is for sure and I don't really have specific things in mind to relay here. I don't do finance stuff, I don't feel like I am in a position to give family advice, and I am no longer working in a professional field.
I figured my purpose here would merely unfold over time... I hope, right?
This blog world is way more in depth than I ever imagined! There is a science to this process! I don't know if I will be able to keep up. I had to look up the definitions of an RSS feed, a blogroll and other things I don't remember there names to. It's all a foreign world to me.
I find though that throughout my days, I have these comments that run through my head (sounds kinda creepy, I know) I feel like other people might like to hear... maybe just my mom wants to hear it, or maybe some girlfriends that are walking a similar path. Maybe all I want is someone to tell me how crazy I am for thinking or doing the things I do or to tell me how much they understand.
So, in all my unspecific goals and possible randomness, I hope I can generate something interesting and meaningful here. Even if it is only my sisters that read it. I love you, sisters.
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| Remembering summer time keeps me alive. |
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Do you know how COLD I am?
It has been almost a year since I started this thing up. The first and only post asked if this whole blog thing would actually keep up. I guess, for that moment in time, it was no. How am I supposed to think this go 'round will be any better? I don't. It might be more of a flop than the first time. But really, what do I have to lose? Oh gee. I could fill that blank in with a lot of embarrassing things... never mind. I am just going to let you know, I have lots of stupid things to say and probably little to offer, but I was told to blog like I am writing to my sister (of which I have two) so just pretend you are related to me and you may begin to understand what I am trying, or not trying, to say.
I am going to open up by showing you how I torture my children in this endlessly cold dessert town after we have been inside far too many 40 below zero days. I think play time lasted for all of 4 minutes til the screaming commenced.
I am going to open up by showing you how I torture my children in this endlessly cold dessert town after we have been inside far too many 40 below zero days. I think play time lasted for all of 4 minutes til the screaming commenced.
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| Thanks sister for the neck scarf! It works wonderfully on baby at -20! |
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| Me: "Are you cold?" Bub: "Um, slide." |
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| "Keep going Momma!" |
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