If you have not heard the song "Sharp Cutting Wings (Song to a Poet)" by Lucinda Williams, check it out if you get a chance. It is beautiful. I put it on the very first mix tape I made Tad when we were just falling in love.. I had heard the song a multitude of times before, but after listening to it, in love with Tad...I realized the words perfectly conveyed how I felt about him. He told me that he never though a woman could really get him...and when he heard that song that it blew his world apart. Anyway, it was the song we danced to at our wedding seven years ago. We listened to it today on the way home from Madison and tears spontaneously fell from my eyes, as we listened to it, driving home. I know it sounds really cheesy. But it is what I have always wanted. To share a love with someone that could still hit me seven years later, and make me cry.
We had a GREAT time on our weekend away. We slept TWO TEN HOUR NIGHTS!!! Any of my readers who are parents KNOW how glorious and how important this is. We talked and laughed and played Frisbee and went out to eat three times! We split each of those three meals, saving us tons of money. Friday night we had Chinese food. We each got a soda, split an appetizer, a meal and a dessert. Saturday a.m. we went out for brunch and split that (each got our own coffee though!). And Saturday night we went out to dinner and each got a mango lassi, and we split an appetizer and a meal, and each got a cup of soup. Saturday night though.... we returned to our hotel to sit on the bed and watch movies and this is what we ate (I should be ashamed of this, but I am not):
1 bag of caramel bugles
1 caramel filled chocolate bar
2 sugar cookies
1 bottle each (glass bottle mind you) of original coca cola!!
It was heavenly! Quite hard to fall asleep though!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The pricelessness of grandparents
They also--both sets--do date nights for us, sick days, sudden school closures, vacations, bedtime routines when they're over for dinner...and the list goes on and on...
I am entirely aware of how lucky we are to have them--all four of them-- and I hope that I am able to properly express it as often as I think it.
How excited am I to have two full days and two full nights to talk...talk uninterrupted without pausing to attend to an untied shoe, to watch a Lego construction be built step by step with narration from my boy, to assist someone in the bathroom, to help Lucy to reach something that's too high up--just to talk to my partner for two days!
We plan on hiking, walking, talking, eating, and most importantly--sleeping in!!!! My mother gave us an anniversary card with some cash it in--insisting that we use it to treat ourselves to a night out for dinner--she's even going to ask for a full-report of what we ate to be sure we spent it as she desired!
Thank you to the four amazing grandparents of my children -- Grandpa, Nana, Papa and Baba... for your time, your generosity, your spirit and your love. I love the relationship my children are getting to have with you. And thanks to grandparents everywhere for what they do!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Opening for Teddy Kennedy Jr!
Okay, well I'm not really opening... But tonight is my workplace--IndependenceFirst's big annual fundraiser--The Power Dinner! And our keynote is Ted Kennedy Jr.
Every year at this event, one of our programs is highlighted. And this year the Youth Leadership Program was chosen. And guess who gets to get up in front of 700 people--all wating to hear from a Kennedy-- and speak about said progams!! Yep, you guessed it. Me!
I am very happy about this opportunity for many reasons: 1: I like nothing more than to speak to an enormous crowd, a microphone in my hand. 2: I am sharing the stage with Ted Kennedy Jr. and 3: I am so proud to be talking about a program that seven years ago, did not exist. And it exists today because I was given the opportuntiy to work at this fine establishment and make my own way within it. I created the Youth Leadership Program and all the little and big projects within it. I had the help of many and the cooperation of a ton of youth. But its my baby..and I'm so proud to get to share it tonight with the greater Milwaukee community!!!
Every year at this event, one of our programs is highlighted. And this year the Youth Leadership Program was chosen. And guess who gets to get up in front of 700 people--all wating to hear from a Kennedy-- and speak about said progams!! Yep, you guessed it. Me!
I am very happy about this opportunity for many reasons: 1: I like nothing more than to speak to an enormous crowd, a microphone in my hand. 2: I am sharing the stage with Ted Kennedy Jr. and 3: I am so proud to be talking about a program that seven years ago, did not exist. And it exists today because I was given the opportuntiy to work at this fine establishment and make my own way within it. I created the Youth Leadership Program and all the little and big projects within it. I had the help of many and the cooperation of a ton of youth. But its my baby..and I'm so proud to get to share it tonight with the greater Milwaukee community!!!
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| The first ever Youth Leadership Summit, June of 2005 |
Monday, May 23, 2011
Wasting money at Simma's
Over the weekend, on Saturday, things were a bit hairy. If you have been reading my blog or follow me on Facebook, you know that Saturday Tad took his exams and we had to wait a total of seven hours to find out how he did.
That morning, thankfully, we had Coen's soccer game to go to. Crowded around with friends--other parents of children playing--it was easy to try and put the stress of waiting out of my head. We gathered around, watching our children and talking. One of the moms, who is a volunteer coach for the team, asked me if I'd hang onto her car keys while she was on the sidelines. I put them in my bag. After Coen's 9:00 game, there was another game at 10:00. I really wanted to stay, just to kill more time. And we did, for a while, but Coen was anxious to get back in the car and strip off his sweaty soccer stuff, so we left halfway through.
I decided that we should go to Simma's and pick up a cheesecake for Tad to celebrate his school finish. I stopped home to grab my wallet and then off we went to Simma's. As we were heading over, my phone rang. I had left with my friend's keys in my bag! There was no other way to get them to her than for me to drive back to the soccer field which was in Oak Creek.
The kids were not happy about the prospect of spending more time in the car, but I soothed them with promises of Simma's famous frosted sugar cookies.
Alas, when we got into the bakery, there were no cheesecakes to be seen. I had to make do with a slice of cheesecake...no room to write 'congratulations'. Oh well. There were also no sugar cookies to be seen, nor any child-friendly desserts at all. I should have left and come back later, as they told me all the usual bakery would be out by then. But we were on our way to Oak Creek for the second time that day and I had promised a treat. I spotted a caramel oatmeal bar -- I have always loved Simma's caramel oatmeal bars. I purchased one for the kids to share as I was not going to spend even more money on two. And you can't go wrong with caramel. Or can you?
Coen was upset that he had to share the bar with his sister. Lucy was upset because it wasn't the sugar cookie I had promised. Determined to keep my spirits high, I cheerfully praised the goodness of those bars and all three of us piled back into the car. Coen's mood raised when he took his first bite (Thanks Simma's!) but Lucy cried until we got to the highway. Big tears fell down her cheeks as she cried at a volume that doesn't seem like it should come from a person that small. When she finally calmed down to take a bite, she noticed that the bar had crumbled and melted into her clenched little fist. Promptly she began to cry again and pitched the whole thing forward with the throwing strength of a starting pitcher in the major leagues. A thick, rectangular blob of caramel flew past my head and stuck to the dashboard. I sighed. Then, I did what any other stressed out, self-respecting mother would do.
I ate it.
That morning, thankfully, we had Coen's soccer game to go to. Crowded around with friends--other parents of children playing--it was easy to try and put the stress of waiting out of my head. We gathered around, watching our children and talking. One of the moms, who is a volunteer coach for the team, asked me if I'd hang onto her car keys while she was on the sidelines. I put them in my bag. After Coen's 9:00 game, there was another game at 10:00. I really wanted to stay, just to kill more time. And we did, for a while, but Coen was anxious to get back in the car and strip off his sweaty soccer stuff, so we left halfway through.
I decided that we should go to Simma's and pick up a cheesecake for Tad to celebrate his school finish. I stopped home to grab my wallet and then off we went to Simma's. As we were heading over, my phone rang. I had left with my friend's keys in my bag! There was no other way to get them to her than for me to drive back to the soccer field which was in Oak Creek.
The kids were not happy about the prospect of spending more time in the car, but I soothed them with promises of Simma's famous frosted sugar cookies.
Alas, when we got into the bakery, there were no cheesecakes to be seen. I had to make do with a slice of cheesecake...no room to write 'congratulations'. Oh well. There were also no sugar cookies to be seen, nor any child-friendly desserts at all. I should have left and come back later, as they told me all the usual bakery would be out by then. But we were on our way to Oak Creek for the second time that day and I had promised a treat. I spotted a caramel oatmeal bar -- I have always loved Simma's caramel oatmeal bars. I purchased one for the kids to share as I was not going to spend even more money on two. And you can't go wrong with caramel. Or can you?
Coen was upset that he had to share the bar with his sister. Lucy was upset because it wasn't the sugar cookie I had promised. Determined to keep my spirits high, I cheerfully praised the goodness of those bars and all three of us piled back into the car. Coen's mood raised when he took his first bite (Thanks Simma's!) but Lucy cried until we got to the highway. Big tears fell down her cheeks as she cried at a volume that doesn't seem like it should come from a person that small. When she finally calmed down to take a bite, she noticed that the bar had crumbled and melted into her clenched little fist. Promptly she began to cry again and pitched the whole thing forward with the throwing strength of a starting pitcher in the major leagues. A thick, rectangular blob of caramel flew past my head and stuck to the dashboard. I sighed. Then, I did what any other stressed out, self-respecting mother would do.
I ate it.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Blissful
Tad had his Montessori graduation yesterday. He has a few loose ends to tie up, but is otherwise finished and certainly de-institutionalized! And back! He said today, as we were standing outside watching Coen and Lucy discuss ants on a tree, our arms around each other, how good it felt to be part of real life again!
Tad took his exams yesterday morning, and I waited three point five excruciating hours before he called to tell me he was done and feeling good. Then we waited another four slightly less excruciating hours to get the final OK call from his instructors.
Then the four of us went to his graduation.
The ceremony was really nice and very well done! I even got recognized for my baked goods and other Montessori morale-boosting I tried to provide throughout the course of the year. When Tad's name was called, tears immediately sprang to my eyes. Coen leaned over and looked at me speculatively. Then he said, "Are you happy crying, Mommy?"
I was.
Lucky for us, Coen had a sleepover last night at his friends' house...Lucy slept over at my parents'. Tad and I slept a wonderful ten and a half hours and then drank a pot of coffee between us. We picked up Lucy and Coen and spent the day outdoors, feeling blissful.
Now, I wait for Tad to come down from putting Lucy to bed (Coen is reading) and we will watch The Ricky Gervais show and eat Double Caramel Magnum Bars. If you have not tried these triumphant works of dessert artistry, you should.
Good night!
Tad took his exams yesterday morning, and I waited three point five excruciating hours before he called to tell me he was done and feeling good. Then we waited another four slightly less excruciating hours to get the final OK call from his instructors.
Then the four of us went to his graduation.
The ceremony was really nice and very well done! I even got recognized for my baked goods and other Montessori morale-boosting I tried to provide throughout the course of the year. When Tad's name was called, tears immediately sprang to my eyes. Coen leaned over and looked at me speculatively. Then he said, "Are you happy crying, Mommy?"
I was.
Lucky for us, Coen had a sleepover last night at his friends' house...Lucy slept over at my parents'. Tad and I slept a wonderful ten and a half hours and then drank a pot of coffee between us. We picked up Lucy and Coen and spent the day outdoors, feeling blissful.
Now, I wait for Tad to come down from putting Lucy to bed (Coen is reading) and we will watch The Ricky Gervais show and eat Double Caramel Magnum Bars. If you have not tried these triumphant works of dessert artistry, you should.
Good night!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
7 years. No itch.
He still leaves me romantic notes, writes me emails that make me cry with joy, and looks at me in a way that makes me feel like there really is magic in the world.
Happy Anniversary to us! I am so lucky to have found what some call Soul Mate, some call Love of a Lifetime, some call a good match. Whatever you want to call it, I have it and I can't believe my luck.
Today we'll celebrate our anniversary by celebrating Tad's finish in school and appreciating what we have and where we're going.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Almost there
Tomorrow Tad takes his oral exams for his Montessori license. Tomorrow, he comes home to me and my kiddos and I finally get him back! And Highland Community School gets him as a teacher. I can barely contain my excitement.
I have to say, when he first told me that he was quitting his corporate job, going back to school and getting this certificate, I was terrified. One income for a year, sounded to me like a death sentence. But here we are, 10 months later, and we're okay. Stronger, smarter and not really that far in debt!
In January, Tad made me stop numbering each month in a Montessori countdown. The day I came to terms with things, I immediately went and put a big 11 on the calendar to countdown to 11 months left of single income living...11 months left of Tad being in school. But he told me that he didn't want it to be a countdown. He wanted it to become what our life was. And it did.
I stopped counting. We cut coupons and shopped at certain stores. I made much of my bread and pancakes and desserts from scratch.. We did it. And we'll keep doing it. Who knows..maybe next year we'll save a little!
At 9:00 a.m. on May 21st, send Tad your good energy and love as he is going through his examination. On this day, he also goes through his graduation event. And on this day, Tad and I will have been married for seven years. Go Kriofske Mainellas.
I have to say, when he first told me that he was quitting his corporate job, going back to school and getting this certificate, I was terrified. One income for a year, sounded to me like a death sentence. But here we are, 10 months later, and we're okay. Stronger, smarter and not really that far in debt!
In January, Tad made me stop numbering each month in a Montessori countdown. The day I came to terms with things, I immediately went and put a big 11 on the calendar to countdown to 11 months left of single income living...11 months left of Tad being in school. But he told me that he didn't want it to be a countdown. He wanted it to become what our life was. And it did.
I stopped counting. We cut coupons and shopped at certain stores. I made much of my bread and pancakes and desserts from scratch.. We did it. And we'll keep doing it. Who knows..maybe next year we'll save a little!
At 9:00 a.m. on May 21st, send Tad your good energy and love as he is going through his examination. On this day, he also goes through his graduation event. And on this day, Tad and I will have been married for seven years. Go Kriofske Mainellas.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Rainy day...rainy mood?
Well, today I woke up and it was raining, and cold and damp in my bedroom. My alarm was going off at 6:00 a.m. so I could get up and do some sit-ups and weights before the day started. 'No way.' I said to myself. I rolled over and went back to sleep. At 6:30, I whispered to Tad, "Do you want to shower first or should I?" He groaned. "I feel terrible. I feel hot, and my stomach hurts." Uh oh.
Tad has only three days, including today to study for his oral exams. Yesterday he submitted all his final written work for his Montessori certification. Today he's supposed to go over to his school at 1:00 to make sure all final copies were accepted. And now he's sick! I am trying not to panic for him.
My kids had the blah's...Neither of them wanted to go where they had to go today. Poor Coen's requests for gum...a car snack...going back into the house to get his comic book to look at in the car...were all denied by me. He was not a happy camper. Lucy protested getting her coat on, getting her shoes on, heading towards the door.
After the kids were dropped off, I came into work. I took a short rainy walk on my break, feeling sad for my kids...sad for Tad...sad for myself. Then I pulled my headphones out and put my ipod on and played some music.
It's amazing to me, what music can do for your frame of mind. The Flaming Lips began singing in my ear..."Do you realize, that you have the most beautiful face? Do you realize we're floating in space?"
And my spirits lifted. The raindrops turned to music notes. My brain turned around (as my son would say). I realized.....
Its only rain. It will make the flowers and leaves grow. Its only a Wednesday. Tomorrow and tomorrow will come and bring us the weekend again. Not only that... This Saturday, Tad will take his oral exams. And whether he passes them all or not, he'll still be a teacher next year at Highland Community School. Any orals not passed, can be taken again. Whatever is ailing him is only a bug and it'll go away. "Do you realize" is our wedding song. And on Saturday, besides Tad being done with school, we'll be married seven years. He's going to be a teacher. I have a great job. We have wonderful children.
I have made pictures below, showing what music (or whatever it is you do to make yourself feel better in times of trial) can do....
Happy Wednesday. It's only rain.
Tad has only three days, including today to study for his oral exams. Yesterday he submitted all his final written work for his Montessori certification. Today he's supposed to go over to his school at 1:00 to make sure all final copies were accepted. And now he's sick! I am trying not to panic for him.
My kids had the blah's...Neither of them wanted to go where they had to go today. Poor Coen's requests for gum...a car snack...going back into the house to get his comic book to look at in the car...were all denied by me. He was not a happy camper. Lucy protested getting her coat on, getting her shoes on, heading towards the door.
After the kids were dropped off, I came into work. I took a short rainy walk on my break, feeling sad for my kids...sad for Tad...sad for myself. Then I pulled my headphones out and put my ipod on and played some music.
It's amazing to me, what music can do for your frame of mind. The Flaming Lips began singing in my ear..."Do you realize, that you have the most beautiful face? Do you realize we're floating in space?"
And my spirits lifted. The raindrops turned to music notes. My brain turned around (as my son would say). I realized.....
Its only rain. It will make the flowers and leaves grow. Its only a Wednesday. Tomorrow and tomorrow will come and bring us the weekend again. Not only that... This Saturday, Tad will take his oral exams. And whether he passes them all or not, he'll still be a teacher next year at Highland Community School. Any orals not passed, can be taken again. Whatever is ailing him is only a bug and it'll go away. "Do you realize" is our wedding song. And on Saturday, besides Tad being done with school, we'll be married seven years. He's going to be a teacher. I have a great job. We have wonderful children.
I have made pictures below, showing what music (or whatever it is you do to make yourself feel better in times of trial) can do....
Happy Wednesday. It's only rain.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
A grilled cheese is a grilled cheese, is it not?
Yesterday, Tad wasn't home, so I kept dinner simple for me and my two kids. Grilled cheese, cheesy potato chips and pickles. Mmm mmmmm.
While Coen and Lucy played upstairs, I decided to work on dinner. I cut up some farmers cheese, some Havarti and some white cheddar with dill and garlic. I put the sandwiches together with those three delicious cheeses and slices of ham, and added tomatoes to mine. All three of us got a nice dose of yellow mustard, the favorite condiment of three of four Kriofske Mainellas if anyone's asking.
The sandwiches were lovely, toasted perfectly brown, and I put them on plates beside the pickles and chips and I thought I was giving my children a pretty fun dinner.
Both of them took a few bites of their grilled cheeses and were unimpressed and uninterested.
I was shocked. They even said they'd be willing to eat carrots and apple slices instead. Carrots and apples instead of grilled cheese sandwiches?!! WHAT?!!!
So tonight, my parents took the three of us out for dinner, as Tad was still away getting work done. We sat down at the Chancery (Kid's night! Pay your kids height! 49 cents and 39 cents for Coen and Lucy respectively). We sit down at the table, look at the menu (or color the menu with crayons, depending on who you ask) and Coen immediately says, "Mom? Are these normal grilled cheeses they have?"
"Normal?" "Yeah, normal. Not like the ones you made." "I guess yes, they are normal."
"Okay! I want a grilled cheese."
Lucy gets up on her knees in the booth. "I want a grilled cheese too!!!"
They ate them all up.
Apparently some grilled cheese sandwiches are normal. And some are not.
While Coen and Lucy played upstairs, I decided to work on dinner. I cut up some farmers cheese, some Havarti and some white cheddar with dill and garlic. I put the sandwiches together with those three delicious cheeses and slices of ham, and added tomatoes to mine. All three of us got a nice dose of yellow mustard, the favorite condiment of three of four Kriofske Mainellas if anyone's asking.
The sandwiches were lovely, toasted perfectly brown, and I put them on plates beside the pickles and chips and I thought I was giving my children a pretty fun dinner.
Both of them took a few bites of their grilled cheeses and were unimpressed and uninterested.
I was shocked. They even said they'd be willing to eat carrots and apple slices instead. Carrots and apples instead of grilled cheese sandwiches?!! WHAT?!!!
So tonight, my parents took the three of us out for dinner, as Tad was still away getting work done. We sat down at the Chancery (Kid's night! Pay your kids height! 49 cents and 39 cents for Coen and Lucy respectively). We sit down at the table, look at the menu (or color the menu with crayons, depending on who you ask) and Coen immediately says, "Mom? Are these normal grilled cheeses they have?"
"Normal?" "Yeah, normal. Not like the ones you made." "I guess yes, they are normal."
"Okay! I want a grilled cheese."
Lucy gets up on her knees in the booth. "I want a grilled cheese too!!!"
They ate them all up.
Apparently some grilled cheese sandwiches are normal. And some are not.
Friday, May 13, 2011
All you need is.....
I was asked to do my very first commissioned work!!!! My friend's son is into the Beatles right now and she asked me to make him a Yellow Submarine shirt for his fifth birthday! Here it is! Tad says the Beatles would be proud. Happy weekend everyone!
Truth be told, all I need is love! And an occasional ice cream sundae.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Two nights with one kid!
Coen is camping with his school! They left on Monday and come back tomorrow. I MISS him!!!
But its been nice to have some bonding time with Lucy.
Yesterday, Tad and I picked her up together and we all took turns doing our own new fangled yoga poses on my mat. Then we sat on the porch for a while. We enjoyed a pizza and salad dinner. (It sure was quiet dinner conversation without Coen's stories and dinnertime silliness). Tad put Lucy to bed and I spent the ENTIRE night curled up on the couch watching episodes of The Ellen Show...a spin off from Ellen.
Tonight, Tad stayed with classmates to study and I went to my parents' house to pick up Lucy. We walked over to the park and enjoyed the nice weather. Then my parents invited me out to dinner. Lucy and I joined them at Whole Foods. I had sushi and edamame! Lucy had pizza and chocolate milk. We both got cookies and cream gelato for dessert.
Tonight I worked on a Yellow Submarine shirt I've been comissioned to make for a friend's son's birthday... This will be my FIRST special order T-shirt! I'll post a picture once its done!
Happy Tuesday. Its been relaxing parenting only one child, but I am just dying to see my boy!
But its been nice to have some bonding time with Lucy.
Yesterday, Tad and I picked her up together and we all took turns doing our own new fangled yoga poses on my mat. Then we sat on the porch for a while. We enjoyed a pizza and salad dinner. (It sure was quiet dinner conversation without Coen's stories and dinnertime silliness). Tad put Lucy to bed and I spent the ENTIRE night curled up on the couch watching episodes of The Ellen Show...a spin off from Ellen.
Tonight, Tad stayed with classmates to study and I went to my parents' house to pick up Lucy. We walked over to the park and enjoyed the nice weather. Then my parents invited me out to dinner. Lucy and I joined them at Whole Foods. I had sushi and edamame! Lucy had pizza and chocolate milk. We both got cookies and cream gelato for dessert.
Tonight I worked on a Yellow Submarine shirt I've been comissioned to make for a friend's son's birthday... This will be my FIRST special order T-shirt! I'll post a picture once its done!
Happy Tuesday. Its been relaxing parenting only one child, but I am just dying to see my boy!
Monday, May 9, 2011
A funny little mother's day story
My in-laws take Lucy every Thursday and this week, when they dropped her off, my mother-in-law gave me a wrap-around skirt that she no longer wears and thought I would like. A very considerate gesture. I, unsure that I would wear it, put it aside in a pile of fabrics for sewing...
Saturday evening, my beautiful, thoughtful Coen decided to make me a present. I am a fairly new sewer, and have made a few pairs of curtains. I also really love curtains and am always admiring them at other people's houses, and in stores. Coen went and found a lovely looking fabric (the skirt!!!) in my pile and two wooden stakes in the basement. He secretly took the skirt and cut three holes in it, looping the sticks through the holes. He wrapped it in a baby blanket and hid it in his closet.
Sunday morning, he greeted me with a hug and a sweet 'Happy Mother's Day'. Lucy ran to me too with a hug and a big board she'd colored for me with the help of her Nana (my Mother in-law!) They both gave a solemn vow that there would be 'no inappropriate words for Mother's Day' and then Coen ran to get his gift for me.
I opened it and he explained that he'd made me some "window curtains". We propped them up at my bedroom window. Later that evening, my in-laws came for dinner and Coen couldn't wait to show his present to Nana and Grandpa! Oops!!! Tad vouched for me that he ok'd the cutting of the skirt and we all had a good laugh!
Happy mother's day to all you moms out there! And those who'd like to be or are about to be moms as well!
Saturday evening, my beautiful, thoughtful Coen decided to make me a present. I am a fairly new sewer, and have made a few pairs of curtains. I also really love curtains and am always admiring them at other people's houses, and in stores. Coen went and found a lovely looking fabric (the skirt!!!) in my pile and two wooden stakes in the basement. He secretly took the skirt and cut three holes in it, looping the sticks through the holes. He wrapped it in a baby blanket and hid it in his closet.
Sunday morning, he greeted me with a hug and a sweet 'Happy Mother's Day'. Lucy ran to me too with a hug and a big board she'd colored for me with the help of her Nana (my Mother in-law!) They both gave a solemn vow that there would be 'no inappropriate words for Mother's Day' and then Coen ran to get his gift for me.
I opened it and he explained that he'd made me some "window curtains". We propped them up at my bedroom window. Later that evening, my in-laws came for dinner and Coen couldn't wait to show his present to Nana and Grandpa! Oops!!! Tad vouched for me that he ok'd the cutting of the skirt and we all had a good laugh!
Happy mother's day to all you moms out there! And those who'd like to be or are about to be moms as well!
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| A big hug from my kiddos |
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| Coen's curtains on the left, Lucy's picture on the right. |
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Another week of pre-planned meals
Monday: The meal you see to the left. All food gotten with major coupon discounts at Target's new grocery! Maple glazed pork tenderloin, asparagus and homemade macaroni and cheese (mom's recipe)
This meal served as lunch and dinner for Tad and lunch for both kids on Tuesday!
Tuesday: My parents took me and the kids out for dinner at the Public Market
Wednesday: I made a big pot of pasta and was warming the oven for garlic bread when my wonderful neighbors invited us over for a grill-out dinner! Split pea soup with homemade croutons (Bill!) Grilled pork and talapia, corn on the cob and a beautiful salad with hot dogs for the kids (Martin--our Chef neighbor) We are sooooo lucky!
Thursday: Pasta! (obviously) and that'll be Friday's dinner too~
I also lucked out on the lunch front as we had a salad bar potluck at work on Monday and I was able to eat salad leftovers on Tuesday and Wednesday. Today was the first day I had to pack myself a lunch. Which is more salad, of course!
I feel so blessed to have so many generous and wonderful people in my life. And to have an extra day this week that I don't have to think about what we're having for dinner!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Okay, now, that's inappropriate.
This has not much to do with living simpler, cooking, shopping or money. It has all to do with raising children and the conundrums that come up on a daily basis.
So poopy talk. My children just love it. We have a "not at the table, not in the car and not at the grandparents" rule. But they do it. And sometimes they do it at the table, in the car and at the grandparents. Lately its driving me crazy.
Coen: Lucy, did you fart?
Lucy: No, did you fart?
Coen: You had a butt squirt.
Lucy: I had a butt squirt in my diaper!
Hysterical laughter ensues. My main theory is this: Children will always think that toilet talk is funny. And I can not control what comes out of their mouths, nor am I going to spend my little time and energy punishing them, yelling at them or doling out consequences for their words, unless hurtful or mean. Which, let's face it, poopy talk, while annoying, is not hurtful or mean. And the way I see it, toilet talk among children is the way they learn to be funny. I mean, come on! "But squirt in my diaper" had the effect of 10 minutes of laughter, a stand-up comics mark of real success, right? And when I think about it, what do I do when I'm out with my friends? I say inappropriate words. I use the adults equivalent of toilet talk. And its hilarious! So why not my children? Obviously they have to learn to use it at the right place and time. And I know I have to get better at having an Absolutely Not At The Table rule. Because I admit, if I'm in a good mood, "Daddy, you farted in your macaroni" can make me laugh unexpectedly. But if I'm stressed or in a bad mood (which has been more the case lately with Tad finishing school, our mounting end of the 1 income year debt, and the time I'm spending alone with the children lately) then the same phrase is not funny; it is maddening, enraging, and it MUST STOP!!!!! "There have to be consequences for this!" I raged the other morning, as Tad calmed me down.
What to do? I guess I'll keep working on my own reactions to the stuff, lest it be too extreme or too amused. And I'll keep instituting the "Not at the table, not in the car and not around those who might be offended" rule, and let it fly when they're at play. My dear readers, feel free to share your opinion on the subject!
Oh! And thanks for reading doodie butt!
So poopy talk. My children just love it. We have a "not at the table, not in the car and not at the grandparents" rule. But they do it. And sometimes they do it at the table, in the car and at the grandparents. Lately its driving me crazy.
Coen: Lucy, did you fart?
Lucy: No, did you fart?
Coen: You had a butt squirt.
Lucy: I had a butt squirt in my diaper!
Hysterical laughter ensues. My main theory is this: Children will always think that toilet talk is funny. And I can not control what comes out of their mouths, nor am I going to spend my little time and energy punishing them, yelling at them or doling out consequences for their words, unless hurtful or mean. Which, let's face it, poopy talk, while annoying, is not hurtful or mean. And the way I see it, toilet talk among children is the way they learn to be funny. I mean, come on! "But squirt in my diaper" had the effect of 10 minutes of laughter, a stand-up comics mark of real success, right? And when I think about it, what do I do when I'm out with my friends? I say inappropriate words. I use the adults equivalent of toilet talk. And its hilarious! So why not my children? Obviously they have to learn to use it at the right place and time. And I know I have to get better at having an Absolutely Not At The Table rule. Because I admit, if I'm in a good mood, "Daddy, you farted in your macaroni" can make me laugh unexpectedly. But if I'm stressed or in a bad mood (which has been more the case lately with Tad finishing school, our mounting end of the 1 income year debt, and the time I'm spending alone with the children lately) then the same phrase is not funny; it is maddening, enraging, and it MUST STOP!!!!! "There have to be consequences for this!" I raged the other morning, as Tad calmed me down.
What to do? I guess I'll keep working on my own reactions to the stuff, lest it be too extreme or too amused. And I'll keep instituting the "Not at the table, not in the car and not around those who might be offended" rule, and let it fly when they're at play. My dear readers, feel free to share your opinion on the subject!
Oh! And thanks for reading doodie butt!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
A weekend full of generosity and gratitude
I had a recent girls support group where I told my girls that when you are really angry and your heart is pounding and your fists are clenched and you want to scream, that it is good for your heart and your body and your mind to take that moment to think of something you are grateful for. This simple act can slow down your heart, spread good feelings through you and calm you down.
Friday night I had girls night with my friends... I was considering packing a bag dinner to avoid spending more money. Tad told me that sometimes you have to get into a little credit card debt when you are in great need of socialization and fun. He also recommended I don't embarrass my girlfriends by pulling out a sack lunch at a restaurant. We had a lovely time and halfway through dinner my sister leaned over and said "Did you order what you wanted or did you order based on money?" And I told her I was very happy with my BLT and fries. She then said, "Well I was just checking because I'm paying for your dinner." I am so grateful for her, and that gesture.
All day yesterday and shortly all day today I have to keep my kids out of the house so Tad get get his Montessori Math Album finished. I won't go into the details but it's basically 300 pages of charts, graphs and long lesson explanations. In between these two days Tad and I got a date night. When I dropped Coen and Lucy off at my parents for their sleepover, my mom pulled me aside and handed me a $20 bill. "It's for dinner", she said. Not ten minutes later, my dad took my arm and gave me another $20! "Dad!" I said, "Mom already gave me one!" He laughed and put it away. He went into his office and came back again with a ten-dollar-bill. "Have dessert too." he said.
Tad and I went to Mama Mia's and picked up a large pizza with onions and tomato (I cannot even BEGIN to tell you how good it was to have restaurant pizza!!) and then we got Baskin Robbins for dessert. I am so grateful to my parents for that dinner last night.
So next time I am angry, irate, or so frustrated I can't see straight and my heart is pounding....I'll think of my three generous family members and the meals (and help and fun and love and understanding) they provided me with this weekend and my heart will slow and I'll get a little calmer.
Friday night I had girls night with my friends... I was considering packing a bag dinner to avoid spending more money. Tad told me that sometimes you have to get into a little credit card debt when you are in great need of socialization and fun. He also recommended I don't embarrass my girlfriends by pulling out a sack lunch at a restaurant. We had a lovely time and halfway through dinner my sister leaned over and said "Did you order what you wanted or did you order based on money?" And I told her I was very happy with my BLT and fries. She then said, "Well I was just checking because I'm paying for your dinner." I am so grateful for her, and that gesture.
All day yesterday and shortly all day today I have to keep my kids out of the house so Tad get get his Montessori Math Album finished. I won't go into the details but it's basically 300 pages of charts, graphs and long lesson explanations. In between these two days Tad and I got a date night. When I dropped Coen and Lucy off at my parents for their sleepover, my mom pulled me aside and handed me a $20 bill. "It's for dinner", she said. Not ten minutes later, my dad took my arm and gave me another $20! "Dad!" I said, "Mom already gave me one!" He laughed and put it away. He went into his office and came back again with a ten-dollar-bill. "Have dessert too." he said.
Tad and I went to Mama Mia's and picked up a large pizza with onions and tomato (I cannot even BEGIN to tell you how good it was to have restaurant pizza!!) and then we got Baskin Robbins for dessert. I am so grateful to my parents for that dinner last night.
So next time I am angry, irate, or so frustrated I can't see straight and my heart is pounding....I'll think of my three generous family members and the meals (and help and fun and love and understanding) they provided me with this weekend and my heart will slow and I'll get a little calmer.
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