It is for me. I can't believe we're in the last week of June. Soon we will have to start thinking about school supplies, school clothes, preschool for our youngest. Time seems to be moving exponentially. It seems like yesterday we were getting ready for Kindergarten. We're way past that now.
Unlike past summers, when I tried to squeeze in too much work and treated play time like it was a chore, I'm making a conscious decision to do fun things with my kids. Even if it's just a trip to the park or an hour at the pool. We're spending more dedicated time with friends. Finding opportunities to explore a city I've called home for almost 3/4 of my life. Discovering that carry-out pizza and watermelon can be just as fun as an elaborately-planned dinner. Letting blessings we would normally take for granted linger in our hearts and minds.
I don't think that unplugging from the TV resulted in all of this, but I do feel it was at least a catalyst. There is something encouraging about my youngest wanting to read a book with me. She snuggles in close. We giggle when I change the words to one of her favorites that she's memorized. She likes to stop me and spell some of the words, now.
My oldest is hounding me to go to the library because she doesn't have a book to read. Trust me - that wasn't happening last year. She would want to go to the library, but was speeding through her mandatory reading time to get back to the next TV show. She's developed a liking for mysteries (like her aunt), and she was thrilled to accompany a neighbor to the dog park the other day. When I was her age, we lived in an area that didn't have decent TV reception, and it was before cable and satellite were widespread options. She is experiencing (sort of) a summer like I used to have. A bit less complicated than the world makes it now. And she's gotten to enjoy a week of art camp. Tonight we will go to the finale so that she can proudly show us her accomplishments. I can't wait.
If you haven't done it yet, I encourage you to plan a couple of activities with the intention of creating memories. It doesn't have to be an elaborate vacation or the "perfect" picnic. Just grab your kids and head for the closest park. Or find a local festival this weekend. Or fire up the grill to make... s'mores. Just. Do. Something.
Time goes by too quickly.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
I Gave In...
OK, it's not as bad as you think.
I let my girls watch a movie.
We were at a friend's house yesterday for Father's Day. Most of the day was spent with family: church, hanging out at the pool, and a very casual, kid-friendly dinner at my friend's house. The kids were worn out from hours of playing, but the grown-ups weren't quite ready to call it a night.
So we turned on a movie. And I don't feel guilty at all.
It's been close to a month since the TV has taken center stage in our home (and our life in some ways). Like many things, moderation is the key, right? The movie was entertaining for the kids and the grown-ups (I confess, we watched a good part of it with the kids). The funny thing was, my 3-year-old had little interest in the movie and instead chose to keep playing with toys in another part of the room for quite a bit of it (when she wasn't curled up in my lap).
Am I planning to relax my rules about the TV at home? Not likely. The atmosphere in our home is different, and I like it that way. Will we watch an occasional show or movie as a family? Yes, at some point. I hesitate to plan on anything too "regular" at this point. I don't want my family to start structuring plans around whether or not it's "movie night" or something like that. I'm enjoying investing my time into people - real people with real stories and real friendship to offer. Both kids are old enough that we can go to the pool as a family. And we will probably hit the theater some time in the next couple of weeks to see our first movie as a whole family. That's what I want my kids to remember. Time as a family.
I wanted to create some memories for my children this summer. And I think my husband and I are well on our way to doing that.
I let my girls watch a movie.
We were at a friend's house yesterday for Father's Day. Most of the day was spent with family: church, hanging out at the pool, and a very casual, kid-friendly dinner at my friend's house. The kids were worn out from hours of playing, but the grown-ups weren't quite ready to call it a night.
So we turned on a movie. And I don't feel guilty at all.
It's been close to a month since the TV has taken center stage in our home (and our life in some ways). Like many things, moderation is the key, right? The movie was entertaining for the kids and the grown-ups (I confess, we watched a good part of it with the kids). The funny thing was, my 3-year-old had little interest in the movie and instead chose to keep playing with toys in another part of the room for quite a bit of it (when she wasn't curled up in my lap).
Am I planning to relax my rules about the TV at home? Not likely. The atmosphere in our home is different, and I like it that way. Will we watch an occasional show or movie as a family? Yes, at some point. I hesitate to plan on anything too "regular" at this point. I don't want my family to start structuring plans around whether or not it's "movie night" or something like that. I'm enjoying investing my time into people - real people with real stories and real friendship to offer. Both kids are old enough that we can go to the pool as a family. And we will probably hit the theater some time in the next couple of weeks to see our first movie as a whole family. That's what I want my kids to remember. Time as a family.
I wanted to create some memories for my children this summer. And I think my husband and I are well on our way to doing that.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
What's Growing in Your Garden?
Yes, you read the title correctly, and it isn't a metaphor. I'm taking a break from our "unplugged" updates because I found some fun stuff growing in my garden this morning. I have several gardens around my house, most of which are flower gardens. I also have a strawberry patch, vegetable garden, and raised-bed perennial herb garden. It took me over an hour to thin the mint in the herb garden a couple of weeks ago. The effort was worth it since I had room to plant oregano and rosemary.
The interesting thing that I found this morning was in one of my front flower beds. I planted celosia in one of the beds a few years ago. Since I was pregnant and couldn't work the ground that much, the plants went to seed at the end of the year. The flowers that came back the following year were dense and beautiful, so I just continued the practice. It takes a little longer than buying starter plants at the store, but they are free and look great. Worth an extra couple of weeks. But that isn't what I found.
I found basil! At first I was surprised, but then remembered transplanting a tired-looking plant last summer. It grew to a 2-foot diameter bush. Lots of pesto and fresh basil in many dishes, plus a bunch of happy friends. I guess it went to seed, too, because there are about 10 basil seedlings randomly placed in the garden. I'm going to let them grow. Basil is one of those herbs that smells of summer and is always welcome. I'll harvest as much as I can and put it to good use.
Did you find anything interesting today?
Barb
The interesting thing that I found this morning was in one of my front flower beds. I planted celosia in one of the beds a few years ago. Since I was pregnant and couldn't work the ground that much, the plants went to seed at the end of the year. The flowers that came back the following year were dense and beautiful, so I just continued the practice. It takes a little longer than buying starter plants at the store, but they are free and look great. Worth an extra couple of weeks. But that isn't what I found.
I found basil! At first I was surprised, but then remembered transplanting a tired-looking plant last summer. It grew to a 2-foot diameter bush. Lots of pesto and fresh basil in many dishes, plus a bunch of happy friends. I guess it went to seed, too, because there are about 10 basil seedlings randomly placed in the garden. I'm going to let them grow. Basil is one of those herbs that smells of summer and is always welcome. I'll harvest as much as I can and put it to good use.
Did you find anything interesting today?
Barb
Monday, June 13, 2011
Will Another "Unscheduled" Week be our Undoing?
Hello friends -
Last week was so busy for us all that I think we will all benefit from a less-structured week ahead. With plans every day last week, a day of catch-up errands on Saturday, and church on Sunday morning (and a picnic Sunday evening with some amazing friends!), the last 7 or 8 days have been incredibly packed! As I'm sitting here writing this post, I'm wishing I had a double that could be folding laundry or doing the dishes. No such luck, so my evening plans are set! Tee-hee.
Or maybe we will just take a walk down to the park. I wanted to do that this morning, but rain got in the way. Some cooler air has moved through, and it seems like the perfect evening to run off some extra energy. We spent most of the morning purging one child's bedroom. I think a reward for hard work well done is in order.
At last night's picnic, one of my friends and I started talking about the "courage to unplug." His remark was that he noticed how much his kids are spending time in front of the TV. Ironically, we were at a park where he'd spent many summers running around and playing. I love that my kids are getting a little more of "experiencing" life instead of watching someone else experience it. And my kids no longer tell time by which show will be on next. While I have no doubt that it would all come back to them in about 3.2 seconds if given the chance, it's my job to not give chances.
I've noticed that their imaginative play is more imagination and less imitation of the last show they watched. They are starting to come up with constructive ways to fill their time without me rattling off 7 suggestions to their grimaced faces. Is it more work than I expected? Yeah, it is. I've had to shift some priorities. But it's also given me a chance to "tune in" (please forgive the pun) a little more to them and their questions about life. Requests at the grocery store are now for new hula hoops, bubbles, and outside toys instead of the latest movie rental.
Is it always perfect over here? Far from it. When we're all tired, the TV is still a big black temptation in the middle of the living room. Sometimes it is difficult to resist. It was refreshing the other day, though, to hear my daughter tell me that they had only seen about "5 minutes" of TV at an afternoon play date. I'll take my victories when they come!
Taking the "virtual" out of "reality,"
Barb
Last week was so busy for us all that I think we will all benefit from a less-structured week ahead. With plans every day last week, a day of catch-up errands on Saturday, and church on Sunday morning (and a picnic Sunday evening with some amazing friends!), the last 7 or 8 days have been incredibly packed! As I'm sitting here writing this post, I'm wishing I had a double that could be folding laundry or doing the dishes. No such luck, so my evening plans are set! Tee-hee.
Or maybe we will just take a walk down to the park. I wanted to do that this morning, but rain got in the way. Some cooler air has moved through, and it seems like the perfect evening to run off some extra energy. We spent most of the morning purging one child's bedroom. I think a reward for hard work well done is in order.
At last night's picnic, one of my friends and I started talking about the "courage to unplug." His remark was that he noticed how much his kids are spending time in front of the TV. Ironically, we were at a park where he'd spent many summers running around and playing. I love that my kids are getting a little more of "experiencing" life instead of watching someone else experience it. And my kids no longer tell time by which show will be on next. While I have no doubt that it would all come back to them in about 3.2 seconds if given the chance, it's my job to not give chances.
I've noticed that their imaginative play is more imagination and less imitation of the last show they watched. They are starting to come up with constructive ways to fill their time without me rattling off 7 suggestions to their grimaced faces. Is it more work than I expected? Yeah, it is. I've had to shift some priorities. But it's also given me a chance to "tune in" (please forgive the pun) a little more to them and their questions about life. Requests at the grocery store are now for new hula hoops, bubbles, and outside toys instead of the latest movie rental.
Is it always perfect over here? Far from it. When we're all tired, the TV is still a big black temptation in the middle of the living room. Sometimes it is difficult to resist. It was refreshing the other day, though, to hear my daughter tell me that they had only seen about "5 minutes" of TV at an afternoon play date. I'll take my victories when they come!
Taking the "virtual" out of "reality,"
Barb
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Another Week in the Books
Hello friends~
This morning brings a welcome break in the weather. Today, we might experience temperatures slightly cooler than average today... a welcome break from near triple-digit heat. If only I had been able to sleep through the rain last night. It doesn't help that the girls decided to wake up a little earlier than normal, too. Their fatigue is showing in the way they talk to each other. I'm predicting we will run our errands early, while there is still (some) hope for self-control. Maybe we will all catch a nap this afternoon.
There is still an occasional request for TV, but no meltdowns when I stick to my steadfast "no." I need to replenish some of the craft supplies that have been creatively used. A week of VBS bought me a little time, and now I have some really great coupons I can use. Keeping up with their creativity has proven to be quite interesting. I think we might get some t-shirts to paint this week, along with a couple of crafts for Father's Day gifts. Our upcoming week doesn't have a daily commitment, so we might be able to catch up on some of the housework and a little rest. Maybe I will post pictures of the completed Father's Day crafts.
Have a blessed (and unplugged!) weekend!
Barb
This morning brings a welcome break in the weather. Today, we might experience temperatures slightly cooler than average today... a welcome break from near triple-digit heat. If only I had been able to sleep through the rain last night. It doesn't help that the girls decided to wake up a little earlier than normal, too. Their fatigue is showing in the way they talk to each other. I'm predicting we will run our errands early, while there is still (some) hope for self-control. Maybe we will all catch a nap this afternoon.
There is still an occasional request for TV, but no meltdowns when I stick to my steadfast "no." I need to replenish some of the craft supplies that have been creatively used. A week of VBS bought me a little time, and now I have some really great coupons I can use. Keeping up with their creativity has proven to be quite interesting. I think we might get some t-shirts to paint this week, along with a couple of crafts for Father's Day gifts. Our upcoming week doesn't have a daily commitment, so we might be able to catch up on some of the housework and a little rest. Maybe I will post pictures of the completed Father's Day crafts.
Have a blessed (and unplugged!) weekend!
Barb
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Our Summer is Getting Busy!
I don't even know how we have time for TV right now. Vacation Bible school, day camps, trips with friends to the zoo and local kid-friendly attractions, and a couple of weekends out of town -- and our schedule is filling quickly! Add to that stacks of books from the library (and discount table at the bookstore), and boredom isn't something I hear about over here.
I really didn't think it would be this easy to keep the kids busy without television. Shame on me.
In fact, the kids seldom even ask to turn the TV on anymore. They are finding amusement in books, playing with toys, finding craft items that I stored away for rainy days (or excessively hot days like we've been experiencing), and finding new uses for old toys. I should have taken a picture the other day when they were making some of those shrinking things that you color and bake. Their little noses were all but pressed against the window of the oven, watching their artistic creations warm up, curl, then flatten out to something about 1/4 its original size. Yesterday they asked to play under the sprinkler in the back yard. I had to be at a meeting and told the sitter it would be fine if they did that. I'm not sure how long they were out there, but there was still mud and standing water in a couple of places in my back yard this morning when I went outside to water the garden. They obviously had fun.
For the first summer I can remember, I'm not worried about my daughter retaining what she learned during the school year. She is reading (avidly!), and we enrolled her in a summer math program. In the past, I would print off some math worksheets that I found on the internet with the expectation that she would have to complete "X" worksheets each day, along with reading for a specific period of time. It was little more than a constant struggle, leaving us both frustrated. Now, she loves her math program. Because she isn't reading just so that she can catch the next TV show, her retention of what she's just read has improved significantly.
Needless to say, the TV may play a much less significant role in our family well beyond the summer months. Do I miss some of my favorite shows? Yes, I do. I also feel a little guilty when I think about the emotional energy I invested in fictional characters. It's my personal feeling that maybe I should be investing that time in my family and the *real* people in my life.
I really didn't think it would be this easy to keep the kids busy without television. Shame on me.
In fact, the kids seldom even ask to turn the TV on anymore. They are finding amusement in books, playing with toys, finding craft items that I stored away for rainy days (or excessively hot days like we've been experiencing), and finding new uses for old toys. I should have taken a picture the other day when they were making some of those shrinking things that you color and bake. Their little noses were all but pressed against the window of the oven, watching their artistic creations warm up, curl, then flatten out to something about 1/4 its original size. Yesterday they asked to play under the sprinkler in the back yard. I had to be at a meeting and told the sitter it would be fine if they did that. I'm not sure how long they were out there, but there was still mud and standing water in a couple of places in my back yard this morning when I went outside to water the garden. They obviously had fun.
For the first summer I can remember, I'm not worried about my daughter retaining what she learned during the school year. She is reading (avidly!), and we enrolled her in a summer math program. In the past, I would print off some math worksheets that I found on the internet with the expectation that she would have to complete "X" worksheets each day, along with reading for a specific period of time. It was little more than a constant struggle, leaving us both frustrated. Now, she loves her math program. Because she isn't reading just so that she can catch the next TV show, her retention of what she's just read has improved significantly.
Needless to say, the TV may play a much less significant role in our family well beyond the summer months. Do I miss some of my favorite shows? Yes, I do. I also feel a little guilty when I think about the emotional energy I invested in fictional characters. It's my personal feeling that maybe I should be investing that time in my family and the *real* people in my life.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
I am One Tired Mom...
It has been a busy week! The kiddos are in VBS in the morning, and I decided to volunteer this year. I'll be honest -- I was looking forward to a little down time while both kids got to participate this year. Then the Childrens' Ministry pastor asked if I would help out. I said "yes" because it was the right thing to do. I've had some experiences the last few years that have taught me that sometimes I need to lay my own plans aside -- that there is something I get to learn/experience/discover by changing my course. I'm glad that I said yes. I've met some wonderful people the past couple of days and have truly enjoyed seeing close to 300 little ones have fun. I never saw myself as having a personality that could be patient enough to help with something like this. I'm grateful someone (unknowingly) asked me to get out of my comfort zone.
I'm pretty tired, though. A good tired, but tired nonetheless. I'm looking forward to tomorrow afternoon because there is nothing on the schedule. Nothing that is structured, but plenty to do! Laundry baskets are overflowing, and a sprinkler mishap means that I have a couple of extra loads calling my name.
You're probably wondering what this has to do with an "unplugged" summer. Me too. I know that I'm thoroughly enjoying the time that I get to be with my kids. I've been reminded this week how precious it is that I get to work from home and spend more time with my kids because of that. My flexible schedule lets me volunteer (even my oldest thinks it's cool that I'm helping out -- and that she knows the snacks in advance). All too soon, both of my girls will be old enough to help with VBS rather than attend. Time seems to be moving exponentially faster. Before I know it, my girls will have families of their own.
As I've been writing, I'm also overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude. Grateful that I have two healthy children who can participate in VBS and who seem to have endless energy. Grateful for their inquisitive minds that ask questions that stretch my brain. Grateful for their desire and ability to read, run, play. I know of too many families whose children are in life-threatening battles right now. Mommies who would give anything to deal with my issues instead of wondering if their children will see another birthday. Or change of season.
Perhaps the lesson (or reminder) for today is to never take for granted the time that I have with my children. That time is short and ever so precious...
Barb
I'm pretty tired, though. A good tired, but tired nonetheless. I'm looking forward to tomorrow afternoon because there is nothing on the schedule. Nothing that is structured, but plenty to do! Laundry baskets are overflowing, and a sprinkler mishap means that I have a couple of extra loads calling my name.
You're probably wondering what this has to do with an "unplugged" summer. Me too. I know that I'm thoroughly enjoying the time that I get to be with my kids. I've been reminded this week how precious it is that I get to work from home and spend more time with my kids because of that. My flexible schedule lets me volunteer (even my oldest thinks it's cool that I'm helping out -- and that she knows the snacks in advance). All too soon, both of my girls will be old enough to help with VBS rather than attend. Time seems to be moving exponentially faster. Before I know it, my girls will have families of their own.
As I've been writing, I'm also overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude. Grateful that I have two healthy children who can participate in VBS and who seem to have endless energy. Grateful for their inquisitive minds that ask questions that stretch my brain. Grateful for their desire and ability to read, run, play. I know of too many families whose children are in life-threatening battles right now. Mommies who would give anything to deal with my issues instead of wondering if their children will see another birthday. Or change of season.
Perhaps the lesson (or reminder) for today is to never take for granted the time that I have with my children. That time is short and ever so precious...
Barb
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer...
Our journey into the world of the "unplugged" continues. It was a relatively calm weekend, filled with family time. About 4:00 on Saturday evening, my husband started to give me that "what-are-we-doing-the-rest-of-the-day" look. The morning had been filled with errands, and the afternoon was used for naps and a little rest after a 5-mile walk. But now what to do?
As I watched him reaching toward the remote, I saw a post on Facebook about the city's Italian Festival. Plan established. We piled the kiddos into the car and made the 20-minute trek to the festival location. I think it almost took longer to find a parking space, but we found a great space that was close to the activity. Since I didn't want to mess with the stroller in a crowd, this was a plus.
We spent the evening eating lots of good food. My husband and I split a roasted chicken lasagna with Alfredo sauce that was fantastic. The kids settled for more traditional fare. The only thing missing was a good Chicago Italian beef sandwich. Dessert was gelato, fresh lemonade, and a funnel cake.
Then I got to learn something about my older daughter. She loves the music of the Rat Pack.
Deana Martin (Dean Martin's daughter) was the headlining talent that night. She was singing a bunch of her dad's famous songs while she shared stories about Dean Martin's variety show. I didn't even tell my husband this, but it made me very nostalgic. You see, in February my Italian grandfather (and last remaining grandparent) went to heaven. Although his mind was completely alert, his body had been ravaged by a stroke 12 1/2 years before, making it nearly impossible for him to do anything -- including speak. At his funeral, one of my family members told the story of taking him to a doctor's appointment at the VA. The radio was tuned to the music of the 1940s. Grandpa could sing every word perfectly, as if he'd never had the stroke. I can't help but think that maybe he's looking down from heaven and smiling because his oldest great-grandchild has an affinity for the same music he loved. My daughter begged us for a copy of the CD. How could I say no?
Had we stuck with our old habits, I might have missed out on that moment. Honestly, it's very unlikely we would have ventured out on an unseasonably warm evening when we could have lazily plugged in a movie and called it good. Instead, I'm getting to learn about two of the most precious kids in the world.
As frustrating as it might be at times, the effort is worth the reward.
Barb
Back to TheMomsResource
As I watched him reaching toward the remote, I saw a post on Facebook about the city's Italian Festival. Plan established. We piled the kiddos into the car and made the 20-minute trek to the festival location. I think it almost took longer to find a parking space, but we found a great space that was close to the activity. Since I didn't want to mess with the stroller in a crowd, this was a plus.
We spent the evening eating lots of good food. My husband and I split a roasted chicken lasagna with Alfredo sauce that was fantastic. The kids settled for more traditional fare. The only thing missing was a good Chicago Italian beef sandwich. Dessert was gelato, fresh lemonade, and a funnel cake.
Then I got to learn something about my older daughter. She loves the music of the Rat Pack.
Deana Martin (Dean Martin's daughter) was the headlining talent that night. She was singing a bunch of her dad's famous songs while she shared stories about Dean Martin's variety show. I didn't even tell my husband this, but it made me very nostalgic. You see, in February my Italian grandfather (and last remaining grandparent) went to heaven. Although his mind was completely alert, his body had been ravaged by a stroke 12 1/2 years before, making it nearly impossible for him to do anything -- including speak. At his funeral, one of my family members told the story of taking him to a doctor's appointment at the VA. The radio was tuned to the music of the 1940s. Grandpa could sing every word perfectly, as if he'd never had the stroke. I can't help but think that maybe he's looking down from heaven and smiling because his oldest great-grandchild has an affinity for the same music he loved. My daughter begged us for a copy of the CD. How could I say no?
Had we stuck with our old habits, I might have missed out on that moment. Honestly, it's very unlikely we would have ventured out on an unseasonably warm evening when we could have lazily plugged in a movie and called it good. Instead, I'm getting to learn about two of the most precious kids in the world.
As frustrating as it might be at times, the effort is worth the reward.
Barb
Back to TheMomsResource
Friday, June 3, 2011
Coming to the End of an Unscheduled Week...
And I'm realizing that "unscheduled" isn't in the best interests of my sanity.
Our "unplugged" summer is a mini social experiment, and there were bound to be discoveries along the way. I deliberately didn't plan anything this week and didn't schedule a sitter. Not one of my brighter decisions, but the week got to me faster than I realized. Consequently, I have two (very) bored kids who are taking it out on each other (a little) and engaging in selective hearing with me. Somehow, they can plainly hear the word "cookies," but "please clean your room" seems to be translated into an unknown tongue.
At my 9-year-old's suggestion, Fridays will probably be designated as "Pizza Fridays." I like it because it gives me a little break. In future weeks, I'll probably use this as a reward, but this week I'm too spent with trying to keep my kids amused to even think about anything remotely healthy for dinner. I, for one, would easily settle for a chocolate sundae, and probably some other foods that would put me into a coma in about 20 minutes. Not in anyone's best interests, I assure you. So today it will be carry-out pizza from the health food store (they have a $5 discount on Friday evenings, so I'm happy about that, too). I'll add a tossed salad and may sneak in some chocolate after they go to bed.
Next week we have 1/2 day camp every day. I think that will help everyone tremendously. After that is another "unscheduled" week -- so far. I think I'll call a couple of other mommies and schedule a trip to the zoo or another local kid-friendly attraction on a couple of days. It will break up the monotony of the days and give us a chance to create summer memories. We will sprinkle in a couple of trips to the library, add in some regular pool time, and everyone should be on a more even keel.
Now, it's time for our walk and a trip to the park. After that, we will probably plant the impatiens that we bought the other day. That should give us enough time for a short rest before we get our pizza.
Have a fantastic (and unplugged!) weekend!
Barb
Back to TheMomsResource
Our "unplugged" summer is a mini social experiment, and there were bound to be discoveries along the way. I deliberately didn't plan anything this week and didn't schedule a sitter. Not one of my brighter decisions, but the week got to me faster than I realized. Consequently, I have two (very) bored kids who are taking it out on each other (a little) and engaging in selective hearing with me. Somehow, they can plainly hear the word "cookies," but "please clean your room" seems to be translated into an unknown tongue.
At my 9-year-old's suggestion, Fridays will probably be designated as "Pizza Fridays." I like it because it gives me a little break. In future weeks, I'll probably use this as a reward, but this week I'm too spent with trying to keep my kids amused to even think about anything remotely healthy for dinner. I, for one, would easily settle for a chocolate sundae, and probably some other foods that would put me into a coma in about 20 minutes. Not in anyone's best interests, I assure you. So today it will be carry-out pizza from the health food store (they have a $5 discount on Friday evenings, so I'm happy about that, too). I'll add a tossed salad and may sneak in some chocolate after they go to bed.
Next week we have 1/2 day camp every day. I think that will help everyone tremendously. After that is another "unscheduled" week -- so far. I think I'll call a couple of other mommies and schedule a trip to the zoo or another local kid-friendly attraction on a couple of days. It will break up the monotony of the days and give us a chance to create summer memories. We will sprinkle in a couple of trips to the library, add in some regular pool time, and everyone should be on a more even keel.
Now, it's time for our walk and a trip to the park. After that, we will probably plant the impatiens that we bought the other day. That should give us enough time for a short rest before we get our pizza.
Have a fantastic (and unplugged!) weekend!
Barb
Back to TheMomsResource
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Who's Getting the Consequences?
It's nice to know that life is a roller coaster ride at times, right? Well, at least that's how I'm looking at it. Yesterday was peaceful and had a great rhythm to it. Today - a few "off" notes. God makes His mercies new every morning, and I'm looking forward to a new morning.
I was counting it a victory in my mind that the kids didn't ask to turn the TV on when it was raining. Score one point for consistency. I woke up kind of grumpy and told my toddler that we needed to pray for mommy to be less grumpy. She obliged in the sweetest of voices with an innocent little prayer that can only come from a child who hasn't been tarnished by the world's woes yet. Made me feel better to hear her little voice asking "Jesus to bless my mommy." Ahhhh, such a sweet little child.
Until she sneaks away to the bathroom armed with a purple marker.
The toilet seat has a very creative scribble on it now. Or at least it did. Most of it is gone, but I'm thinking that my magic eraser might not have enough tricks in its hat to finish the job. I'll try again when the feeling comes back to my arm. Yep. Lots of scrubbing. It would take less time to go to the store, buy and install a new seat. But I'm fairly frugal and amazingly stubborn.
After a trip to time out (she did tell me that markers were for paper only, and that the potty wasn't paper), she looked up at me with her huge brown eyes and asked to go to the park. I told her we couldn't go because she made a sad choice with the marker. But that means that instead of fresh air and sunshine for my daily walk, I'll settle for half an hour on the exercise bike in the basement. Not quite the same. Maybe I'll make it up to myself with a little more time in the garden over the next couple of days.
The end result was that my toddler who is trying to outgrow her nap thought that a little snooze might be a good idea today. I agreed. At least I have some time to write while she sleeps (and my older daughter cleans her room - still!).
I'd rather be on the swings, listening to innocent laughter and the inevitable "Catch me, Mommy!" that initiates a game of Tag.
Maybe tomorrow we can try again.
Return to TheMomsResource
I was counting it a victory in my mind that the kids didn't ask to turn the TV on when it was raining. Score one point for consistency. I woke up kind of grumpy and told my toddler that we needed to pray for mommy to be less grumpy. She obliged in the sweetest of voices with an innocent little prayer that can only come from a child who hasn't been tarnished by the world's woes yet. Made me feel better to hear her little voice asking "Jesus to bless my mommy." Ahhhh, such a sweet little child.
Until she sneaks away to the bathroom armed with a purple marker.
The toilet seat has a very creative scribble on it now. Or at least it did. Most of it is gone, but I'm thinking that my magic eraser might not have enough tricks in its hat to finish the job. I'll try again when the feeling comes back to my arm. Yep. Lots of scrubbing. It would take less time to go to the store, buy and install a new seat. But I'm fairly frugal and amazingly stubborn.
After a trip to time out (she did tell me that markers were for paper only, and that the potty wasn't paper), she looked up at me with her huge brown eyes and asked to go to the park. I told her we couldn't go because she made a sad choice with the marker. But that means that instead of fresh air and sunshine for my daily walk, I'll settle for half an hour on the exercise bike in the basement. Not quite the same. Maybe I'll make it up to myself with a little more time in the garden over the next couple of days.
The end result was that my toddler who is trying to outgrow her nap thought that a little snooze might be a good idea today. I agreed. At least I have some time to write while she sleeps (and my older daughter cleans her room - still!).
I'd rather be on the swings, listening to innocent laughter and the inevitable "Catch me, Mommy!" that initiates a game of Tag.
Maybe tomorrow we can try again.
Return to TheMomsResource
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Each Day is a New Beginning
And I am so grateful for that!
After a home-cooked dinner (chicken, broccoli, and vinaigrette potato salad), baths, and a good night's sleep, we started over today. I'm so glad that everyone woke up with much better attitudes. We've taken a walk to the park, played in the back yard, watered the flower and vegetable gardens (tomatoes are flowering!), and worked on cleaning bedrooms (a never-ending chore for some reason).
While we were on our walk this morning, I got to see my oldest daughter's sense of humor. When she is rested and relaxed, it comes naturally to her. She has a great smile and an innocent playfulness. Yes, that is why we're unplugging. Because down inside of an over-stimulated and frazzled brain is an amazing person.
I might not be very popular for suggesting this, but what do you think we would all be like if we "unplugged" for a little while? Even just 1 or 2 days a week? What would we be? Calmer? More in tune with the people around us instead of the vicarious relationships with made-up characters? Maybe even more willing to let someone pull into the lane ahead of you without using your horn (or worse)?
All I know is that I'm starting to see the person that I always knew was my daughter. Her compassion. Her joy. Her creativity. Her courage to ask questions to confirm her significance. Her dreams. She can frame them in her 9-year-old mind and give them life. Because she isn't wrapped up in what is happening on the TV, she can have meaningful conversations. She's telling me about the details in the books (yes, plural) she's read over the past week.
And somehow, I know through all of the challenges, that her father and I are doing the right thing for our family.
Now, if you will excuse me, there is a game of Uno to be played....
After a home-cooked dinner (chicken, broccoli, and vinaigrette potato salad), baths, and a good night's sleep, we started over today. I'm so glad that everyone woke up with much better attitudes. We've taken a walk to the park, played in the back yard, watered the flower and vegetable gardens (tomatoes are flowering!), and worked on cleaning bedrooms (a never-ending chore for some reason).
While we were on our walk this morning, I got to see my oldest daughter's sense of humor. When she is rested and relaxed, it comes naturally to her. She has a great smile and an innocent playfulness. Yes, that is why we're unplugging. Because down inside of an over-stimulated and frazzled brain is an amazing person.
I might not be very popular for suggesting this, but what do you think we would all be like if we "unplugged" for a little while? Even just 1 or 2 days a week? What would we be? Calmer? More in tune with the people around us instead of the vicarious relationships with made-up characters? Maybe even more willing to let someone pull into the lane ahead of you without using your horn (or worse)?
All I know is that I'm starting to see the person that I always knew was my daughter. Her compassion. Her joy. Her creativity. Her courage to ask questions to confirm her significance. Her dreams. She can frame them in her 9-year-old mind and give them life. Because she isn't wrapped up in what is happening on the TV, she can have meaningful conversations. She's telling me about the details in the books (yes, plural) she's read over the past week.
And somehow, I know through all of the challenges, that her father and I are doing the right thing for our family.
Now, if you will excuse me, there is a game of Uno to be played....
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