It's been awhile, I know.
I'm coming back to blog and let you know what we are doing with our summer. Over the past few weeks, I've seen how much of an influence television is in our family. When my 9-year-old started telling me that she didn't want to go outside and play because "Show X" was on, I started talking to my husband about making some changes.
When I was growing up (I hope that doesn't make me sound too old), TV wasn't really an option. First of all, we only had 3 or 4 channels. And that was when I lived in a town large enough. I lived in rural Wyoming for a period of time, and the only time we got decent TV reception (with an antenna, nonetheless), was if the signal bounced off of the mountain the right way. Most of my childhood revolved around riding my bike, playing with other kids, and reading. It might be a bit of a social experiment, but I want to see how creative my kids can become by removing the passive entertainment.
I let the kids know about a week ahead of time that the TV would be turned off today. I wanted them to have a little time to process the idea. Still, at 10:13 a.m., the first question came from my 3-year-old:
Her: Can I watch TV?
Me: No, remember that we are letting the TV rest?
Her: Just a few minutes?
Me: No.
Her: Just one show?
Me: No, honey.
Cue the tears.
In case you're wondering, strong wills run in the family. And there will probably be a couple of battles over the next few days as everyone adjusts. I'll be honest. I'm questioning some of this myself. Since I work from home, allowing the kids to watch a couple of shows or a movie can give me some "work time" during the day. I guess we will get to see what "quiet time" looks like without a television.
I've made some plans for us over the summer, but have tried to stay a way from an overly-rigid schedule. I think we will probably have a daily trip to the park when the weather cooperates, and we will take advantage of the library that is also well within walking distance. I'll make plans with other moms to make field trips to the zoo and other local attractions. I'm going to enjoy watching my kids grow this summer. I want to encourage their creativity. I see my 9-year-old turning into a tween before my eyes, and my 3-year-old will start preschool in a few months. I know that things will change when this summer ends, and maybe that's why I want us to have every opportunity to enjoy our kids at this stage of life. It seems like it was yesterday that my 9-year-old was 3. It feels like time is Moving. Too. Quickly. Maybe this will slow it down a bit.
At any rate, I'll keep you posted on the ups and downs of an unplugged summer. Let me know if you want to join us on the journey!
Barb
Monday, May 23, 2011
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Taking the First Step
I threw out a dead plant today.
You may be thinking, "So what?" or wondering why I think this is such a big deal. To me, it's a big step toward my healing. You see, that plant was given to my family four years ago. It was at the funeral for my nineteen-day-old child. Nineteen days old. Seems strange to even type it, because an entire lifetime was lived in those nineteen days.
And countless lives were changed.
I have learned so many things about myself in the last four years. I have learned that grief is not linear... it's more like a roller coaster with big hills where you least expect them. I have learned that I'm stronger than I ever thought as I walk this out and continue to raise a family. I have learned that there are amazing people in this world who continue to be a source of support on the days that it hurts too much. I have learned that there are also amazing people who lovingly encourage me (and my family) to continue to move forward and "press on toward the goal." (Phil. 3:14)
So today, throwing out the plant is a step forward, It was a beautiful plant when it was given to us -- lush, green, and full of life. A couple of years ago, I accidentally overwatered it and set it out on my deck so that I could take care of it. Being the parent of young children, I promptly got sidetracked and forgot about it. It was was nearly 100 degrees that day, and the plant was never meant to sustain that level of heat, much less direct sunlight. Later that day I remembered what I had done. I went out on the deck to find a badly burned and wilted plant.
Unable to let go, I brought the plant back in and attempted to nurse it back to health. The burned leaves fell off, and eventually new leaves started to form, but it was never as strong or as beautiful as before. The new leaves were progressively smaller and smaller. I've known for awhile that it was time to throw the plant a way and start over, but the emotional attachment I had to that silly plant kept me from doing what I needed to do. I struggled, knowing in my head that the plant had nothing to do with the memories of my precious child or the journey we as a family have walked in the past four years. My family has done the exact opposite of that plant -- we have grown in so many ways. Personally, I've developed a much deeper relationship with my Heavenly Father. We have relationships with people that are much deeper and meaningful because of this experience. I consider those relationships amazing treasures that I might have missed if it weren't for this experience.
Through that plant, God has been teaching me a lesson. So many times we cling to something that is dead because we are afraid that if we let go nothing will be there. Nobody and nothing will ever replace my son. But it is not a dishonor to his memory to move forward and embrace the gifts that God still has for me and my family. In fact, if we get "stuck" in his loss, we will miss some amazing things that God planned for us ages before -- knowing that my son would only be with us a very short time. But it is up to us to step out in faith and trust.
Today, I encourage you to take the first step.
"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward - to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back." Philipians 3:12-14 (Message)
You may be thinking, "So what?" or wondering why I think this is such a big deal. To me, it's a big step toward my healing. You see, that plant was given to my family four years ago. It was at the funeral for my nineteen-day-old child. Nineteen days old. Seems strange to even type it, because an entire lifetime was lived in those nineteen days.
And countless lives were changed.
I have learned so many things about myself in the last four years. I have learned that grief is not linear... it's more like a roller coaster with big hills where you least expect them. I have learned that I'm stronger than I ever thought as I walk this out and continue to raise a family. I have learned that there are amazing people in this world who continue to be a source of support on the days that it hurts too much. I have learned that there are also amazing people who lovingly encourage me (and my family) to continue to move forward and "press on toward the goal." (Phil. 3:14)
So today, throwing out the plant is a step forward, It was a beautiful plant when it was given to us -- lush, green, and full of life. A couple of years ago, I accidentally overwatered it and set it out on my deck so that I could take care of it. Being the parent of young children, I promptly got sidetracked and forgot about it. It was was nearly 100 degrees that day, and the plant was never meant to sustain that level of heat, much less direct sunlight. Later that day I remembered what I had done. I went out on the deck to find a badly burned and wilted plant.
Unable to let go, I brought the plant back in and attempted to nurse it back to health. The burned leaves fell off, and eventually new leaves started to form, but it was never as strong or as beautiful as before. The new leaves were progressively smaller and smaller. I've known for awhile that it was time to throw the plant a way and start over, but the emotional attachment I had to that silly plant kept me from doing what I needed to do. I struggled, knowing in my head that the plant had nothing to do with the memories of my precious child or the journey we as a family have walked in the past four years. My family has done the exact opposite of that plant -- we have grown in so many ways. Personally, I've developed a much deeper relationship with my Heavenly Father. We have relationships with people that are much deeper and meaningful because of this experience. I consider those relationships amazing treasures that I might have missed if it weren't for this experience.
Through that plant, God has been teaching me a lesson. So many times we cling to something that is dead because we are afraid that if we let go nothing will be there. Nobody and nothing will ever replace my son. But it is not a dishonor to his memory to move forward and embrace the gifts that God still has for me and my family. In fact, if we get "stuck" in his loss, we will miss some amazing things that God planned for us ages before -- knowing that my son would only be with us a very short time. But it is up to us to step out in faith and trust.
Today, I encourage you to take the first step.
"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward - to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back." Philipians 3:12-14 (Message)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
It's Time to Stock Up on Baking Essentials
We're getting close to that time of year again... you know what I'm talking about. The holidays are (gasp!) just around the corner, and it's time to think about baking those wonderful family treats. Stocking up on some of the staples now can ease your budget. Baking essentials like flour and sugar will be a little cheaper now, and you may even be able to find some on sale. A grocery store by me has been selling 5 pound bags of unbleached flour for less than a dollar lately! The best way to store flour so that it doesn't get buggy is to place the flour in a plastic bag and then freeze it. If you are making any yeast-based baked goods, remember to bring the flour to room temperature before starting the recipe, or the cold flour will kill the yeast.
White sugar will store indefinitely as long as it is kept dry. Brown sugar, however, only lasts a few months before it starts to solidify. If you have some brown sugar that is too hard to work with, heat it in a 250 degree oven to soften it, then use it immediately.
Leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda lose their effectiveness over time. If they've been sitting on your shelf since last holiday season, it might be a good idea to replace them. Instead of tossing the baking soda, open the box and put it in your refrigerator to absorb odors. Baking powder has an expiration date. I suggest you use aluminum-free baking powder.
Dried fruit will keep for a few months, especially if you don't open the package until you are ready to use it.
The only thing I would hold off on purchasing for now is butter, unless you find a great sale at the grocery store. As temperatures cool, demand for dairy products decreases, as does the price. Using real butter will not only improve the taste of your baked goods, but it's better for you. Be sure to check out TheMomsResource for some wonderful baking recipes.
Happy baking!
Return to TheMomsResource
White sugar will store indefinitely as long as it is kept dry. Brown sugar, however, only lasts a few months before it starts to solidify. If you have some brown sugar that is too hard to work with, heat it in a 250 degree oven to soften it, then use it immediately.
Leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda lose their effectiveness over time. If they've been sitting on your shelf since last holiday season, it might be a good idea to replace them. Instead of tossing the baking soda, open the box and put it in your refrigerator to absorb odors. Baking powder has an expiration date. I suggest you use aluminum-free baking powder.
Dried fruit will keep for a few months, especially if you don't open the package until you are ready to use it.
The only thing I would hold off on purchasing for now is butter, unless you find a great sale at the grocery store. As temperatures cool, demand for dairy products decreases, as does the price. Using real butter will not only improve the taste of your baked goods, but it's better for you. Be sure to check out TheMomsResource for some wonderful baking recipes.
Happy baking!
Return to TheMomsResource
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