...I had the tiniest little 6 pound baby. She was perfect and beautiful and even tempered from the very beginning. As an infant she rarely fussed, smiled a lot and was just a go with the flow kind of kid.
She has started to hit true toddlerdom with "No!" being one of her most favored words. The tears flow pretty freely when she doesn't get her way and she really does not like it when people leave and don't take her along. I think she is convinced that there are all kinds of adventures waiting for her out there.
She is right, of course. The world is full of adventures. My little spitfire will navigate them all, hopefully with the same determination, glee and humor she shows daily. She's the tiniest of the kids, size wise...her birthday dress is the same one her sister wore on her first birthday. But what she lacks in heft she makes up for in spunk. She cracks me up all day long and never seems to let anything get her down for long.
When I look at her I know she is special. Of course, I think all my kids are special. But there is something about Peanut that I cannot put my finger on. She's got a sparkle in her eye and a grin that is equal parts wise, charming and devious. She's funny for a little kid and seems to find me, her dad and her siblings pretty hilarious most of the time.
I can't wait to see what the the "Terrible Twos" bring. I didn't find them so terrible with the other kids...three has always been more challenging. She'll learn to talk more, there will be potty training and table manners to implement and through it all I have no doubt she'll continue amaze and charm the people around her.
Happy Birthday, my teeny Peanut. Mommy loves you.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Girl Super Heroes
Curly has a friend over and she and Friend just asked me if there is any such thing as Girl Super Heroes.
"Of course." I said "Wonder Woman is one. What about Word Girl? Or the girls on Super Why?"
"Oh yeah." They scampered back outside.
Several minutes pass and I hear this:
Curly: Flower Power Girl to the rescue!
Friend: And I'm Sparkle Saver Girl to the rescue!
Well, it is true that the beauty of the world must be saved, one floral, sequined adventure at a time.
"Of course." I said "Wonder Woman is one. What about Word Girl? Or the girls on Super Why?"
"Oh yeah." They scampered back outside.
Several minutes pass and I hear this:
Curly: Flower Power Girl to the rescue!
Friend: And I'm Sparkle Saver Girl to the rescue!
Well, it is true that the beauty of the world must be saved, one floral, sequined adventure at a time.
BabyGirl...
......is on the mend and oh-so cute. She is officially half a year old now and here she is in all of her 6 month, healthy baby jolliness. (Notice the dish towel...we start them early around here!)
shoe deal!
Cute, Eco friendly shoes with free shipping. What more do you want out of life? The words "shoes" and "free" in the same sentence are a dream come true.
http://www.simpleshoes.com/ClearanceList.aspx?g=w&categoryID=221
http://www.simpleshoes.com/ClearanceList.aspx?g=w&categoryID=221
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Woo-hoo!
My mom, the kids' beloved Grammy comes home from her trip tonight. We are all very excited. It's been a loooooong 3.5 weeks!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Little gems
Curly (after dropping something on her foot): Mommy, it REALLY hurt my thumb toe.
StinkyMan (while attempting to get dressed): MOMMY! Do I wear long sleeved pants or short sleeved pants?
Curly: Mommy are you grumpy?
Mommy: I don't think so. Why?
Curly: 'Cuz you're gonna be now. Peanut pulled all the books off the bookshelf. I just wanted to know if you were gonna just be grumpy or if you were gonna be more grumpier.
StinkyMan (while attempting to get dressed): MOMMY! Do I wear long sleeved pants or short sleeved pants?
Curly: Mommy are you grumpy?
Mommy: I don't think so. Why?
Curly: 'Cuz you're gonna be now. Peanut pulled all the books off the bookshelf. I just wanted to know if you were gonna just be grumpy or if you were gonna be more grumpier.
Deal of the day!
www.dillards.com. Type SALE in the search box. There is some good stuff to be had. The site can be slow and frustrating but if you persevere you can get a great deal. I got myself some cute ECCO shoes that were originally $130 for $24!
Kudos to Mysty for the idea of blogging the deal! Thanks!
Kudos to Mysty for the idea of blogging the deal! Thanks!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
She's back!
My happy baby has returned. For nearly 2 weeks my sweet, engaging, energetic, roly poly, smiley baby has been MIA. The sick baby that's been here in her place wasn't holding eye contact, rarely smiled (and when she did it wasn't much of a smile) and was just generally lethargic and blah. I was getting very concerned. But tonight, my BabyGirl is back. She just smiled at me so hard she lost control of her head and is rolling around on the floor gurgling and giggling to herself.
I am beyond relieved. Welcome back BabyGirl! Mama missed you!
I am beyond relieved. Welcome back BabyGirl! Mama missed you!
Bread
Mission largely accomplished!
Curly kneading the dough:
StinkyMan punching the dough:
The finished product (sorry for the no-flash blur):
We hit a few snags along the way. The first thing was that we were short about a cup of flour, so my friend Michelle saved the day by reconfiguring the recipe for me. (Thank you!) We dissolved the yeast in the warm water and the kids thought that was really cool. The dough kneading was by far their favorite part.
Their least favorite part? Waiting for the dough to rise, which is where we hit snag #2. In that it didn't. The house was a bit too chilly. So we had to heat a mug of water in the microwave and then put the bowl in the microwave w/ the hot water mug for an hour to let it rise. It worked! So we punched it down, made 2 loaves and put them in the loaf pans to rise again.
Here is where we hit snag #3. Because we took an extra hour to get the dough to rise, I had to leave 30 minutes in to take BabyGirl to the pediatrician and the dough needed at least another hour. And while Grampy is getting really good at watching the kids, bread baking is not on his resume. Having no choice, I told him to throw it in the oven at 350 in about a half an hour for around 40 minutes. Somewhere in there he was supposed to punch it back down, but I didn't give that instruction. It would have been Grandpa overload.
When I came back the bread was just finishing baking. Snag #4? Grampy wasn't sure how long it had been in there. Oops. But it smelled heavenly for sure. When I took the loaves out and gave everyone a hot piece with butter the general consensus was that, while yummy, it wasn't quite done, so we threw loaf #2 back in for about 12 more minutes.
Originally I thought snag #5 would be that the loaf was not, well, normal loaf size, as you can see in the picture above. BUT I have decided that is not a snag as it is the perfect size for kid sandwiches. And it tastes really, really good. Perhaps the missing round of punching the dough down would have changed the size of the loaves, or maybe even the taste, but we liked it this way very much.
So let's see if our multi level experiment has been completed:
step 1: actually making the ingredients into a successful dough. Quite possibly the biggest hurdle CHECK!
step 2: actually making/baking the dough into good tasting bread CHECK!
step 3: actually getting my kids to eat it in place of the store bought stuff. CHECK!
step 4: if steps 1-3 are successful, convincing myself to get up off my lazy rear end and make this bread on a regular basis. Ummmmm........
I'm going to try to make another batch without the kids to get a real sense of how easy it actually is or isn't now that I have the steps down. But I liked it. I'll have to price it all out and see how much it really saves me and see if that dollar amount is worth my time. But for now I'd say the experiment was mostly successful. The last step is solely up to me.
Curly kneading the dough:
StinkyMan punching the dough:
The finished product (sorry for the no-flash blur):
We hit a few snags along the way. The first thing was that we were short about a cup of flour, so my friend Michelle saved the day by reconfiguring the recipe for me. (Thank you!) We dissolved the yeast in the warm water and the kids thought that was really cool. The dough kneading was by far their favorite part.
Their least favorite part? Waiting for the dough to rise, which is where we hit snag #2. In that it didn't. The house was a bit too chilly. So we had to heat a mug of water in the microwave and then put the bowl in the microwave w/ the hot water mug for an hour to let it rise. It worked! So we punched it down, made 2 loaves and put them in the loaf pans to rise again.
Here is where we hit snag #3. Because we took an extra hour to get the dough to rise, I had to leave 30 minutes in to take BabyGirl to the pediatrician and the dough needed at least another hour. And while Grampy is getting really good at watching the kids, bread baking is not on his resume. Having no choice, I told him to throw it in the oven at 350 in about a half an hour for around 40 minutes. Somewhere in there he was supposed to punch it back down, but I didn't give that instruction. It would have been Grandpa overload.
When I came back the bread was just finishing baking. Snag #4? Grampy wasn't sure how long it had been in there. Oops. But it smelled heavenly for sure. When I took the loaves out and gave everyone a hot piece with butter the general consensus was that, while yummy, it wasn't quite done, so we threw loaf #2 back in for about 12 more minutes.
Originally I thought snag #5 would be that the loaf was not, well, normal loaf size, as you can see in the picture above. BUT I have decided that is not a snag as it is the perfect size for kid sandwiches. And it tastes really, really good. Perhaps the missing round of punching the dough down would have changed the size of the loaves, or maybe even the taste, but we liked it this way very much.
So let's see if our multi level experiment has been completed:
step 1: actually making the ingredients into a successful dough. Quite possibly the biggest hurdle CHECK!
step 2: actually making/baking the dough into good tasting bread CHECK!
step 3: actually getting my kids to eat it in place of the store bought stuff. CHECK!
step 4: if steps 1-3 are successful, convincing myself to get up off my lazy rear end and make this bread on a regular basis. Ummmmm........
I'm going to try to make another batch without the kids to get a real sense of how easy it actually is or isn't now that I have the steps down. But I liked it. I'll have to price it all out and see how much it really saves me and see if that dollar amount is worth my time. But for now I'd say the experiment was mostly successful. The last step is solely up to me.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Here we go
I have been moaning and groaning about the economy like everyone else. Seems like every conversation these days contains the phrase "...in this economy" (thanks to my friend Emily for pointing that out. Now it's all I hear!) All management at Husband's job took pay cuts. There will be no bonuses this year, no pay raises. 401k matching is a thing of the past.
To save money I use coupons. I'm a decent couponer. I wish we had better couponing opportunities where I live, but I do the best I can with what we get. And when there is a deal I stockpile like a mad woman. Example: I haven't bought diapers or wipes since last summer! But I wish for more opportunities to save money.
It occurred to me yesterday that I pay a lot of money for certain products on a regular basis. Now, I'm pretty sure our HOA would frown on me getting a cow for my milk or chickens for my eggs. But bread breaks down pretty cheap when you make it yourself. Have you bought a loaf of bread lately? Holy Moly is it pricey! Especially if you want one with any kind of value, such as multi grain, wheat, no HFCS, etc. So today we will attempt the great bread experiment. This is a multi level experiment, broken up the following ways:
step 1: actually making the ingredients into a successful dough. Quite possibly the biggest hurdle
step 2: actually making/baking the dough into good tasting bread
step 3: actually getting my kids to eat it in place of the store bought stuff.
step 4: if steps 1-3 are successful, convincing myself to get up off my lazy rear end and make this bread on a regular basis.
I don't own a bread maker, so we'll be doing it the old fashioned way. But I cannot honestly and rightly complain about the economy sucking up all my money if I'm not even TRYING to find clever ways around it. So Curly and StinkyMan and I are about to give it a whirl. I'll let you know how it turns out.
To save money I use coupons. I'm a decent couponer. I wish we had better couponing opportunities where I live, but I do the best I can with what we get. And when there is a deal I stockpile like a mad woman. Example: I haven't bought diapers or wipes since last summer! But I wish for more opportunities to save money.
It occurred to me yesterday that I pay a lot of money for certain products on a regular basis. Now, I'm pretty sure our HOA would frown on me getting a cow for my milk or chickens for my eggs. But bread breaks down pretty cheap when you make it yourself. Have you bought a loaf of bread lately? Holy Moly is it pricey! Especially if you want one with any kind of value, such as multi grain, wheat, no HFCS, etc. So today we will attempt the great bread experiment. This is a multi level experiment, broken up the following ways:
step 1: actually making the ingredients into a successful dough. Quite possibly the biggest hurdle
step 2: actually making/baking the dough into good tasting bread
step 3: actually getting my kids to eat it in place of the store bought stuff.
step 4: if steps 1-3 are successful, convincing myself to get up off my lazy rear end and make this bread on a regular basis.
I don't own a bread maker, so we'll be doing it the old fashioned way. But I cannot honestly and rightly complain about the economy sucking up all my money if I'm not even TRYING to find clever ways around it. So Curly and StinkyMan and I are about to give it a whirl. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Lazy Sunday
I love rainy Sundays. All the kids slept in because the tick tick tick of raindrops on their windows lulls them into longer sleep. Husband had a early morning Fantasy League Baseball draft (the guy equivalent of blogging, I guess) so he was up with the kids once they did wake and I slept until after 9. We lounged around for a while, then I took a leisurely, uninterrupted shower before we headed out to lunch as a family, minus sleeping Peanut and sick BabyGirl (thanks Grampy!) We came back, played a group game of Duck Duck Goose and now the kids are all entertaining each other while I blog and Husband dozes on the couch.
Of course I have things to do. And I need to go to the store to pick up a few things. But ya know, I really don't want to. We don't have totally sweet, lazy, downtime days very often. I think I'm going to go cuddle a baby and doze with one ear open. It sounds perfectly lazy and lovely.
Of course I have things to do. And I need to go to the store to pick up a few things. But ya know, I really don't want to. We don't have totally sweet, lazy, downtime days very often. I think I'm going to go cuddle a baby and doze with one ear open. It sounds perfectly lazy and lovely.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Socks
Most people get excited about Spring and Summer because it means nice weather, outdoor activities, school vacations and long days. Not me. I love Spring and Summer because my kids don't have to wear socks.
I HATE kid socks. Hate them. I can't stand trying to find a matching pair when we are trying to get out the door. And before anyone leaves me a comment telling me to try washing them in a mesh bag, or pinning them together or buying all the same socks, let me assure you that I have tried these tricks and yet I still do not have matching sets.
The worst part is that the socks seem to multiply in the night....but they only multiply in singles. So I have 47 new single socks every day. Pink, white, gray, purple, red, black, blue, striped, polka dots, sports socks, no show socks, knee socks...you get the idea. And I keep all the singletons in the desperate hope their mates might return, but they never do. I am overrun with sock singles and finding one matching pair is quite a feat. Finding 4 is a downright miracle.
But in glorious Spring and Summer in California, the sun comes out, the rain stops and their little naked toes can breathe. Sandals, Crocs, flip flops or just plain bare feet rule in the warm weather. No socks is heaven for them and for me. When it is safe to say that it is going to stay warm or hot for a while I will scoop up every sock that does not have a twin and throw it away. It is one of the highlights of my Spring and Summer seasons. We're almost there and I can't wait!
I HATE kid socks. Hate them. I can't stand trying to find a matching pair when we are trying to get out the door. And before anyone leaves me a comment telling me to try washing them in a mesh bag, or pinning them together or buying all the same socks, let me assure you that I have tried these tricks and yet I still do not have matching sets.
The worst part is that the socks seem to multiply in the night....but they only multiply in singles. So I have 47 new single socks every day. Pink, white, gray, purple, red, black, blue, striped, polka dots, sports socks, no show socks, knee socks...you get the idea. And I keep all the singletons in the desperate hope their mates might return, but they never do. I am overrun with sock singles and finding one matching pair is quite a feat. Finding 4 is a downright miracle.
But in glorious Spring and Summer in California, the sun comes out, the rain stops and their little naked toes can breathe. Sandals, Crocs, flip flops or just plain bare feet rule in the warm weather. No socks is heaven for them and for me. When it is safe to say that it is going to stay warm or hot for a while I will scoop up every sock that does not have a twin and throw it away. It is one of the highlights of my Spring and Summer seasons. We're almost there and I can't wait!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The biggest waste of time...or maybe not
A time waster has entered my life as of 10 o'clock PST Tuesday night. Actually, it's come and gone before. It is here now and I am wasting the days on it.
Woot.com. One item per day. From 10pm to 9:59pm the next day Woot sells one item for 24 hours. When it's gone it's gone and there is no new item until the next day. That is not the time wasting part. The time waster is known as a Woot-off, where they sell item after item after item in a massive warehouse clearance. And I want the elusive Bag of Crap.
And why would someone want something called a Bag of Crap? Because it's a grab bag and you can get cool stuff or, as the name would suggest, total crap. It's very, very hard to score a Bag Crap. The server almost always crashes with people flooding the site attempting to win the crap for a mere $1 plus shipping. Sometimes people get Roombas or even TVs. Other times, camera bags or Zodiac symbol drink stir sticks. There is no rhyme or reason to when the BOC will show up so all I can do is hang here by the computer and wait hitting f5 on a fairly regular basis.
The best part is that I do not wait alone. In this time of Internet message boards and long distance friendships, I wait with my friends. We have a message board home and we start a thread for the Woot-off and we chat and ignore our children and chat and ignore our work and chat and hit f5 on the other open tab and chat some more. Inevitably someone will post "CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" and we will all rush to the other tab to try to get the BOC.
I have come to the conclusion that it is not the BOC I love the most, but rather the company I keep while attempting to score said bag. So while Woot-offs may initially have been a waste of my time they are now a welcome excuse to hang with my friends, albeit online, and just relax for a while. Anything I may Woot (buy) during a Woot-off is like a party favor and a BOC would be like the prize for playing a party game. I may not always win the game and there might not even be any favors, but hot damn the party sure is fun. So thanks to my girls: B, H, J, L, E, G, C, S, S, T, M, B, C, C, A, S and K. You make the Woot-offs about so much more than crap.
Woot.com. One item per day. From 10pm to 9:59pm the next day Woot sells one item for 24 hours. When it's gone it's gone and there is no new item until the next day. That is not the time wasting part. The time waster is known as a Woot-off, where they sell item after item after item in a massive warehouse clearance. And I want the elusive Bag of Crap.
And why would someone want something called a Bag of Crap? Because it's a grab bag and you can get cool stuff or, as the name would suggest, total crap. It's very, very hard to score a Bag Crap. The server almost always crashes with people flooding the site attempting to win the crap for a mere $1 plus shipping. Sometimes people get Roombas or even TVs. Other times, camera bags or Zodiac symbol drink stir sticks. There is no rhyme or reason to when the BOC will show up so all I can do is hang here by the computer and wait hitting f5 on a fairly regular basis.
The best part is that I do not wait alone. In this time of Internet message boards and long distance friendships, I wait with my friends. We have a message board home and we start a thread for the Woot-off and we chat and ignore our children and chat and ignore our work and chat and hit f5 on the other open tab and chat some more. Inevitably someone will post "CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" and we will all rush to the other tab to try to get the BOC.
I have come to the conclusion that it is not the BOC I love the most, but rather the company I keep while attempting to score said bag. So while Woot-offs may initially have been a waste of my time they are now a welcome excuse to hang with my friends, albeit online, and just relax for a while. Anything I may Woot (buy) during a Woot-off is like a party favor and a BOC would be like the prize for playing a party game. I may not always win the game and there might not even be any favors, but hot damn the party sure is fun. So thanks to my girls: B, H, J, L, E, G, C, S, S, T, M, B, C, C, A, S and K. You make the Woot-offs about so much more than crap.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
That's a wrap, Folks
Today is the day we are officially finished having children. Four healthy, gorgeous kids is our max. We are done.
Today is vasectomy day. And before you even say it, he WILL be going for the recheck appointment. We will not be playing that game. Doing the "whatever will be will be" thing brought us BabyGirl.
I'm not sorry he is having it done. It is the right thing to do. He does not want anymore and I don't either. I cannot do the pregnancy thing again. It takes quite a toll on my body and there are days when I am overwhelmed by the demands of the life that I have.
But I have discovered something that he simply cannot understand: I still feel sad.
Maybe sad is not the right word. Perhaps nostalgic is better. No actually, I think sad might be right. I'm sad that I'll never again think "Hmmmm, something's up. Could I be pregnant?" Sad that I'll never see that + sign on that stick I peed on. Sad that I'll never again say "I'm pregnant!" to my best friend who will shriek with a joy that only a best friend can have. Sad that I will never again get to feel that first flutter inside me. Sad that I'll never get to have that miraculous ultrasound or think of baby names. I'm a freak so I'm even sad that I'll never get to give birth again.
And when I think of things I will not miss I cannot think of anything, which is ridiculous because there were plenty of discomforts and gripes and woes with every single pregnancy. But at this moment they escape me.
It is the right thing. I am comfortable with the decision. And when I look at the four that I have I know that I am divided as thinly as I can be for my capabilities. Four and a husband and a household is my limit. There are days when I think that one or the other or the other (usually the household) isn't getting the attention it needs. We have 2 parents, 4 grown-up hands, 1 kid per hand. It's a good ratio for us. We'll keep it this way.
But, if you out there in the blogosphere should happen to get pregnant, could you tell me so I can live through you a little? Because even though it is the right choice and a good choice for us, I will always feel nostalgic for the days I cannot get back and the pregnancies I am finished having.
Today is vasectomy day. And before you even say it, he WILL be going for the recheck appointment. We will not be playing that game. Doing the "whatever will be will be" thing brought us BabyGirl.
I'm not sorry he is having it done. It is the right thing to do. He does not want anymore and I don't either. I cannot do the pregnancy thing again. It takes quite a toll on my body and there are days when I am overwhelmed by the demands of the life that I have.
But I have discovered something that he simply cannot understand: I still feel sad.
Maybe sad is not the right word. Perhaps nostalgic is better. No actually, I think sad might be right. I'm sad that I'll never again think "Hmmmm, something's up. Could I be pregnant?" Sad that I'll never see that + sign on that stick I peed on. Sad that I'll never again say "I'm pregnant!" to my best friend who will shriek with a joy that only a best friend can have. Sad that I will never again get to feel that first flutter inside me. Sad that I'll never get to have that miraculous ultrasound or think of baby names. I'm a freak so I'm even sad that I'll never get to give birth again.
And when I think of things I will not miss I cannot think of anything, which is ridiculous because there were plenty of discomforts and gripes and woes with every single pregnancy. But at this moment they escape me.
It is the right thing. I am comfortable with the decision. And when I look at the four that I have I know that I am divided as thinly as I can be for my capabilities. Four and a husband and a household is my limit. There are days when I think that one or the other or the other (usually the household) isn't getting the attention it needs. We have 2 parents, 4 grown-up hands, 1 kid per hand. It's a good ratio for us. We'll keep it this way.
But, if you out there in the blogosphere should happen to get pregnant, could you tell me so I can live through you a little? Because even though it is the right choice and a good choice for us, I will always feel nostalgic for the days I cannot get back and the pregnancies I am finished having.
Monday, February 16, 2009
For anyone who was wondering:
These are the ingredients I used for my detergent:
The far shot:
The close-up:
The far shot:
The close-up:
I had a hard time finding the ingredients at first. After much searching I scored all 3 for well under $10 at WinCo Foods, although you can order it all online as well. All I did was grate the entire bar of soap and mix it with 1 cup of the Arm and Hammer Washing Soda and 1 and 1/4 cup of Borax. (I added an extra 1/4 cup because I have hard water.) I poured it into an airtight container for storage and use about 2 tablespoons per load.
So far I absolutely love it. And you can see it was very easy and very cheap. And it works just as well, if not better, than any detergent I've purchased. I highly recommend it. If you do decide to try it, drop me a comment. I'd love to feel influential and important. ;)
So far I absolutely love it. And you can see it was very easy and very cheap. And it works just as well, if not better, than any detergent I've purchased. I highly recommend it. If you do decide to try it, drop me a comment. I'd love to feel influential and important. ;)
Just when you thought you knew me......
K, maybe not you specifically, but there is AT LEAST one person reading this who will be shocked at who I have become.
See, I was always a girl of convenience. Still am in many ways. Remember, one of the things that excites me about Freecycle is that someone will come TO me and take my junk away. I'm all about gift bags so I don't have to wrap, soda cans so I don't have to do ice and glasses, paper plates for parties so I don't have to do dishes, etc. I absolutely can be a spoiled princess.
But I have come to realize, especially since having kids, that in general the things that I take for granted, the things that make my life simple, do not come without sacrifice and not just my sacrifice. The earth is paying for my disposable diapers, my water bottles and occasional Styrofoam cup. My skin might well be paying for the harsh chemicals in soaps and detergents.
Now before your eyes glaze over thinking I might be another suburban woman jumping on the green bandwagon, let me assure you that is not entirely the case. I have looked into vericomposting (worms) and it's not for us at this point. I won't be biking to the store any time soon. But we do recycle. We do carpool. And now I make my own laundry detergent.
That's right. I made my own laundry detergent. Did it for the first time this weekend. I've been thinking about it for a while, saying I was going to do it and then not doing it. I went out and bought the ingredients on Friday and on Saturday I made it.
What is the point of that, you ask. Well, a few things. One, we all get the winter itchies in this house. The cold air does a number on our skin and I wondered if a less chemical laden detergent would change that. Two, it's darn cheap. Pennies a load, really. And three, it's kind of fun.
But the best part? It really wasn't the least bit inconvenient. It took me maybe 15 minutes to grate the soap and measure everything out. The kids helped me mix it all together, which was nice as that made it fun family time.
I cannot yet vouch for it's effect on the family itchy issues, but it's done a great job on the loads I have washed so far. I think my towels are softer, my whites a bit whiter. The stuff is as clean as it ever was with Tide. And I feel like a good Mommy.
Plus it's way fun to see the shock on people's faces when I tell them that I, of all people, make my own laundry detergent.
See, I was always a girl of convenience. Still am in many ways. Remember, one of the things that excites me about Freecycle is that someone will come TO me and take my junk away. I'm all about gift bags so I don't have to wrap, soda cans so I don't have to do ice and glasses, paper plates for parties so I don't have to do dishes, etc. I absolutely can be a spoiled princess.
But I have come to realize, especially since having kids, that in general the things that I take for granted, the things that make my life simple, do not come without sacrifice and not just my sacrifice. The earth is paying for my disposable diapers, my water bottles and occasional Styrofoam cup. My skin might well be paying for the harsh chemicals in soaps and detergents.
Now before your eyes glaze over thinking I might be another suburban woman jumping on the green bandwagon, let me assure you that is not entirely the case. I have looked into vericomposting (worms) and it's not for us at this point. I won't be biking to the store any time soon. But we do recycle. We do carpool. And now I make my own laundry detergent.
That's right. I made my own laundry detergent. Did it for the first time this weekend. I've been thinking about it for a while, saying I was going to do it and then not doing it. I went out and bought the ingredients on Friday and on Saturday I made it.
What is the point of that, you ask. Well, a few things. One, we all get the winter itchies in this house. The cold air does a number on our skin and I wondered if a less chemical laden detergent would change that. Two, it's darn cheap. Pennies a load, really. And three, it's kind of fun.
But the best part? It really wasn't the least bit inconvenient. It took me maybe 15 minutes to grate the soap and measure everything out. The kids helped me mix it all together, which was nice as that made it fun family time.
I cannot yet vouch for it's effect on the family itchy issues, but it's done a great job on the loads I have washed so far. I think my towels are softer, my whites a bit whiter. The stuff is as clean as it ever was with Tide. And I feel like a good Mommy.
Plus it's way fun to see the shock on people's faces when I tell them that I, of all people, make my own laundry detergent.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day
We must be doing something right as this was just overheard from the kitchen table:
StinkyMan: I love you, Curly.
Curly: I love you too StinkyMan. Happy Valentime's day.
StinkyMan: You Hoppy Valemtime's Day too.
That is the best Valentine I have ever gotten.
StinkyMan: I love you, Curly.
Curly: I love you too StinkyMan. Happy Valentime's day.
StinkyMan: You Hoppy Valemtime's Day too.
That is the best Valentine I have ever gotten.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Not what a mama wants to hear
The doctor's office just called. BabyGirl has RSV. Now it doesn't have to be a big deal. I know that. However it can be a big deal....a breathing machine, hospitalization, the works. But ever since Curly was hospitalized as a toddler for a cold that went horribly wrong and was hooked up to a bunch of machines and looked like she was knocking on death's door, these things send me into a tailspin of anxiety.
And why do they always happen on Fridays?
And why do they always happen on Fridays?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
MEN!
Nope, I'm not frustrated. That's not a "MEN!" with an exasperated eye roll. That's the "MEN!" of a toddler who is in love with the theme song from "Two and a Half Men".
Have you seen the show? It's not really that great. But the theme song is a catchy little ditty and Peanut has liked it for a while. The show is on several times per evening in syndication and each time it's on her beloved Daddy makes sure she sees the opening credits. She does a little dance, claps her hands and says "Again!" and he dutifully rewinds and replays until he can't take it anymore.
About two weeks ago I had a critical lapse in Mommy Judgement and I found the song on youtube for her. So now every time she walks by the computer she screams "MEN!" at the top of her lungs. If she's very desperate and Mommy looks unwilling to comply she will scream "MEN! PEEESEEEEESE! Peeese, Mama! MEN!" and I will cave and play it for her.
But that is not the worst of it. We live in a town with a huge senior citizen community and I am telling you they all bank at my bank. When we went to the bank the other day, Peanut decided that was as good an audience as any to debut her song and dance to the public. Mind you, Peanut is not quite two and has no volume control. It went something like this:
"Men, Men, Men. Oooh-oh-oh-oh. Men, Men Men. Oooh-oh. MEN!!!!!!!" With a lot of booty shaking and a big smile on her face.
I saw a few smiles here and there. A few of the older folks looked appalled. Were they shocked by her volume or her words? I don't know. But I do know that I had hoped to make it to at least her 16th birthday before I heard her screaming for men, and I didn't even make it to two.
We have watched it 17 time already today and it is only just past 10 in the morning. Each viewing plays the song twice. So I have heard the song 34 times today. And I have to stop blogging now because it is time to watch it again.
Have you seen the show? It's not really that great. But the theme song is a catchy little ditty and Peanut has liked it for a while. The show is on several times per evening in syndication and each time it's on her beloved Daddy makes sure she sees the opening credits. She does a little dance, claps her hands and says "Again!" and he dutifully rewinds and replays until he can't take it anymore.
About two weeks ago I had a critical lapse in Mommy Judgement and I found the song on youtube for her. So now every time she walks by the computer she screams "MEN!" at the top of her lungs. If she's very desperate and Mommy looks unwilling to comply she will scream "MEN! PEEESEEEEESE! Peeese, Mama! MEN!" and I will cave and play it for her.
But that is not the worst of it. We live in a town with a huge senior citizen community and I am telling you they all bank at my bank. When we went to the bank the other day, Peanut decided that was as good an audience as any to debut her song and dance to the public. Mind you, Peanut is not quite two and has no volume control. It went something like this:
"Men, Men, Men. Oooh-oh-oh-oh. Men, Men Men. Oooh-oh. MEN!!!!!!!" With a lot of booty shaking and a big smile on her face.
I saw a few smiles here and there. A few of the older folks looked appalled. Were they shocked by her volume or her words? I don't know. But I do know that I had hoped to make it to at least her 16th birthday before I heard her screaming for men, and I didn't even make it to two.
We have watched it 17 time already today and it is only just past 10 in the morning. Each viewing plays the song twice. So I have heard the song 34 times today. And I have to stop blogging now because it is time to watch it again.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
huh?
Last night, when I went to bed, I pulled back my bedcovers to discover no less than 8 spoons in my bed. I don't know what the point of this was, or if it is some kind of message to Mommy, but it brings a whole new meaning to the word "spooning".
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The difference between boys and girls...
....at least the difference between my boy and my oldest girl is that it would never, EVER have occurred to Curly to pass out BLACK construction paper heart Valentines. Always girly, she has always opted for pinks and purples. White and red are barely acceptable.
But Stinkyman thinks that black is not only acceptable, it is perfect. And there is no convincing him otherwise. I tried.
Happy Valentine's Day, Friend. Here is your black heart.
Amendment:
He made one black heart and switched to green. His sister was predictably appalled, as green is NOT Valentiney. But he is happy with his choice.
But Stinkyman thinks that black is not only acceptable, it is perfect. And there is no convincing him otherwise. I tried.
Happy Valentine's Day, Friend. Here is your black heart.
Amendment:
He made one black heart and switched to green. His sister was predictably appalled, as green is NOT Valentiney. But he is happy with his choice.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Free Falling
Did you think Tom Petty?
Good song. Not what I was thinking of, though.
See, I love a bargain. Love it. I stalk clearance sales. 50% off? That's for amateurs. It must be a great discount before I will whip out the debit card. I once bought baby wipe refill 3 packs for a penny a piece. Stalk, stalk, stalk. That crazed woman scanning the items from the clearance rack? That's me.
The other thing I love is getting rid of stuff. I used to live for getting those little cards in the mail that there was going to be a neighborhood charity pick up and please put a bag by the curb. Or better still, the ones who left a bag on the door for me to use. Free bag! Yay! Free decluttering! Bigger yay!
So what combines bargain hunting and getting rid of stuff?
No, not Goodwill. Nice try. Thank you for playing.
It's called Freecycle, People, and I am stunned, STUNNED, at how many people have no idea what it is.
Join your local Freecycle group today. It's online. No cost whatsoever. Got something to get rid of? Post it. If someone needs or wants what you have, they will respond and come get it. Poof! It's out of your house. Need, oh I dunno, a bunch of teacups for a child's birthday party? Ask and ye shall receive. Just go pick them up.
I have gotten wall decals, teacups, picture frames, baby clothes for my niece's baby, a NICE pack n play, totally brand new in the box with seals intact baby food,a pretty nice fake Christmas tree and so much more. I have gotten rid of an old pack n play, old baby gates, bar stools, kid clothes, kid toys, craft crap I would have never used, baby food jars,...the list goes on and on.
We are a consumerist society in an economic crisis. This is simply an awesome way to reduce, reuse and recycle. Some people have junk to offer. Some people have brand new stuff they have no use for. Some people just have perfectly nice stuff they have no need for. You know what they say about one man's trash being another man's treasure.
And so I am falling in love with Freecycle. See now where the song comes in? Go ahead. Get it out of your head. I dare you. And while you are cursing me, check out www.freecycle.org. Even if you never get a thing from it, you can at least get rid of all that stuff in the back of your closets without ever leaving your house.
Good song. Not what I was thinking of, though.
See, I love a bargain. Love it. I stalk clearance sales. 50% off? That's for amateurs. It must be a great discount before I will whip out the debit card. I once bought baby wipe refill 3 packs for a penny a piece. Stalk, stalk, stalk. That crazed woman scanning the items from the clearance rack? That's me.
The other thing I love is getting rid of stuff. I used to live for getting those little cards in the mail that there was going to be a neighborhood charity pick up and please put a bag by the curb. Or better still, the ones who left a bag on the door for me to use. Free bag! Yay! Free decluttering! Bigger yay!
So what combines bargain hunting and getting rid of stuff?
No, not Goodwill. Nice try. Thank you for playing.
It's called Freecycle, People, and I am stunned, STUNNED, at how many people have no idea what it is.
Join your local Freecycle group today. It's online. No cost whatsoever. Got something to get rid of? Post it. If someone needs or wants what you have, they will respond and come get it. Poof! It's out of your house. Need, oh I dunno, a bunch of teacups for a child's birthday party? Ask and ye shall receive. Just go pick them up.
I have gotten wall decals, teacups, picture frames, baby clothes for my niece's baby, a NICE pack n play, totally brand new in the box with seals intact baby food,a pretty nice fake Christmas tree and so much more. I have gotten rid of an old pack n play, old baby gates, bar stools, kid clothes, kid toys, craft crap I would have never used, baby food jars,...the list goes on and on.
We are a consumerist society in an economic crisis. This is simply an awesome way to reduce, reuse and recycle. Some people have junk to offer. Some people have brand new stuff they have no use for. Some people just have perfectly nice stuff they have no need for. You know what they say about one man's trash being another man's treasure.
And so I am falling in love with Freecycle. See now where the song comes in? Go ahead. Get it out of your head. I dare you. And while you are cursing me, check out www.freecycle.org. Even if you never get a thing from it, you can at least get rid of all that stuff in the back of your closets without ever leaving your house.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
uh-oh
Husband/Dad has been gone less than one day and I have already consoled myself with 3/4 of a rather large Hershey Bar. *sigh*
Bye Honey
Husband left this morning (yes, on a Sunday) for the East Coast for a work thing and will not return until Thursday night late. I hate these trip. Hate them. The week stretches out endlessly, painfully long with little to no help in sight.
But what about the ever helpful Grammy? Doesn't she do pick ups and drop offs and gym classes and errands and free babysitting? Why yes she does. Except this week she is gone too. And Grampy tries. He really does. But 4 kids is a lot for anyone, especially a grandpa. Plus he has things to do and is not as flexible as Grammy. And that's OK. These aren't his kids. He's not obligated to anything. Well, neither is Grammy for that matter, but she likes to do it all.
I spend a lot of time thinking about the logistics of a week without Husband/Dad. I make sure I am stocked up on everything so I don't have to drag 4 kids to the store. I try to be sure that I don't have to run any errands that will require hauling the children somewhere they'd rather not be. I dread the days ahead. I have no back up. Every fit, tantrum, drama, issue, homework assignment, play date, meltdown, dinner, diaper, lunch, blowout, breakfast, potty accident, brawl, snack, mess, clean-up, art project, crisis, is mine and mine alone. Just thinking about the week in those terms exhausts me.
Inevitably, though, when the children are all asleep, the house is relatively picked up and the chatter with online friends has slowed, I will realize that while I miss my back-up, I just miss him. I miss his quiet presence. I miss his work stories. I miss his hugs. I even miss him stealing the sheets. I miss him. And I can't wait for Thursday night, when my other half, my co-parent and my partner in crime comes home for all the reasons I mentioned and many, many more.
See you Thursday, Babe. I can't wait.
But what about the ever helpful Grammy? Doesn't she do pick ups and drop offs and gym classes and errands and free babysitting? Why yes she does. Except this week she is gone too. And Grampy tries. He really does. But 4 kids is a lot for anyone, especially a grandpa. Plus he has things to do and is not as flexible as Grammy. And that's OK. These aren't his kids. He's not obligated to anything. Well, neither is Grammy for that matter, but she likes to do it all.
I spend a lot of time thinking about the logistics of a week without Husband/Dad. I make sure I am stocked up on everything so I don't have to drag 4 kids to the store. I try to be sure that I don't have to run any errands that will require hauling the children somewhere they'd rather not be. I dread the days ahead. I have no back up. Every fit, tantrum, drama, issue, homework assignment, play date, meltdown, dinner, diaper, lunch, blowout, breakfast, potty accident, brawl, snack, mess, clean-up, art project, crisis, is mine and mine alone. Just thinking about the week in those terms exhausts me.
Inevitably, though, when the children are all asleep, the house is relatively picked up and the chatter with online friends has slowed, I will realize that while I miss my back-up, I just miss him. I miss his quiet presence. I miss his work stories. I miss his hugs. I even miss him stealing the sheets. I miss him. And I can't wait for Thursday night, when my other half, my co-parent and my partner in crime comes home for all the reasons I mentioned and many, many more.
See you Thursday, Babe. I can't wait.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Comments
I have been thinking that no one has wanted to comment on my blog, and that is apparently untrue. For whatever reason the comment box was not working. I am not computer savvy, but my friend AnnaMae's husband is and he has fixed it for me. So if you've got something to say, now you can say it. Thanks Jordan!
Time
I am sitting here, in the quiet, on a Saturday. A rare occasion. Curly is out with her Auntie M, StinkyMan and Daddy went out for some boy time, Peanut is napping and BabyGirl is right here in my lap, snoring (she did, alas, catch the stupid cold the other kids have had.) And so I am typing with one hand.
I could be doing a lot of things. I could be folding the mountain of clean clothes in the laundry room. I could be unloading the dishwasher. I could be cleaning the kitchen or the bathrooms. I could be sorting through the closets, ditching the things that have been outgrown or worn out.
I am a bit of a bad homemaker. I fully admit it. I was decently good at it before kids. Probably because the mess and dirt were minimal then. But 6 years ago, with the birth of Curly, my shot at Domestic Engineer of the Year went out the window.
But I am looking at my sleeping baby and I know these times won't last. There will be a Saturday when they are all out, off with friends or various sports practices and I will be sitting here, in the quiet, wondering where the baby years went. I am reminded of the old poem:
I could be doing a lot of things. I could be folding the mountain of clean clothes in the laundry room. I could be unloading the dishwasher. I could be cleaning the kitchen or the bathrooms. I could be sorting through the closets, ditching the things that have been outgrown or worn out.
I am a bit of a bad homemaker. I fully admit it. I was decently good at it before kids. Probably because the mess and dirt were minimal then. But 6 years ago, with the birth of Curly, my shot at Domestic Engineer of the Year went out the window.
But I am looking at my sleeping baby and I know these times won't last. There will be a Saturday when they are all out, off with friends or various sports practices and I will be sitting here, in the quiet, wondering where the baby years went. I am reminded of the old poem:
I hope that my child, looking back on today
will remember a mother who had time to play.
Because children grow up while you're not looking.
There are years ahead for cleaning and cooking.
So, quiet now cobwebs, dust go to sleep.
I'm nursing my baby and babies don't keep.
And so I sit, holding my youngest. I know these days will be gone too soon.
Friday, February 6, 2009
I'm so not ready for this
I have been informed by another Kindergarten mom that there is a girl in Curly's class who has started a club. For anonymity's sake (and because I don't out my kids, so I can't out someone else's) we will call her Suzy. Apparently Suzy has started The Suzy Club. There are 4 members, including Suzy, but it is clear that Suzy is the club boss. She decides if the other girls are allowed to go get drinks during recess. She decides if they can go potty. If she needs a napkin she tells one of the other girls to run and get one for her. You get the idea.
Now, before you judge Other Mother for gossiping about a child, she was talking to me about this because her daughter is in The Suzy Club. Other Mother had some concerns. Her daughter was coming home thirsty, her daughter nearly wet her pants one day because she hadn't gone to the restroom at school. Other Mother spoke to her daughter about maybe finding some new friends to play with, but daughter was concerned that Suzy would be angry with her. Other Mother wanted to know if Curly was aware of said club or if Curly had mentioned anything about it.
Truth be told, no she had not. I knew nothing of The Suzy Club. And when I first heard the word "club", my first thoughts, which are undoubtedly left over from my own childhood social anxieties, were "But why isn't Curly in the club? Why don't those girls want to be friends with my baby?" But upon listening further and discovering that the members of The Suzy Club are all the quietest and most passive girls in Curly's class, and that's it's more of a "be my friend so I can boss you around" situation, I was quite glad and maybe a little proud even that my daughter was not one of the victims, er members. The club, complete with a cheer (think sports team huddle with "GOOOOOOOOOOO Suzy's Club!) seems less of a club and more of Suzy having figured out whom she could be nasty to and who would do her bidding. A junior mean girl. A queen bee in training.
Other Mother has alerted the teacher (apparently Other Mother personally witnessed some of the behavior when she volunteered in the classroom.) Mrs. Teacher has assured Other Mother that she will watch and take care of it.
I did ask Curly about it. She said "Me and Other Mother's daughter are going to start our own club. The Suzy Club isn't very fun so we're going to start 'The Nice Fun Club' and everyone can be in it."
That's my girl! Sadly I know it won't always be that easy. And I am so not ready.
Now, before you judge Other Mother for gossiping about a child, she was talking to me about this because her daughter is in The Suzy Club. Other Mother had some concerns. Her daughter was coming home thirsty, her daughter nearly wet her pants one day because she hadn't gone to the restroom at school. Other Mother spoke to her daughter about maybe finding some new friends to play with, but daughter was concerned that Suzy would be angry with her. Other Mother wanted to know if Curly was aware of said club or if Curly had mentioned anything about it.
Truth be told, no she had not. I knew nothing of The Suzy Club. And when I first heard the word "club", my first thoughts, which are undoubtedly left over from my own childhood social anxieties, were "But why isn't Curly in the club? Why don't those girls want to be friends with my baby?" But upon listening further and discovering that the members of The Suzy Club are all the quietest and most passive girls in Curly's class, and that's it's more of a "be my friend so I can boss you around" situation, I was quite glad and maybe a little proud even that my daughter was not one of the victims, er members. The club, complete with a cheer (think sports team huddle with "GOOOOOOOOOOO Suzy's Club!) seems less of a club and more of Suzy having figured out whom she could be nasty to and who would do her bidding. A junior mean girl. A queen bee in training.
Other Mother has alerted the teacher (apparently Other Mother personally witnessed some of the behavior when she volunteered in the classroom.) Mrs. Teacher has assured Other Mother that she will watch and take care of it.
I did ask Curly about it. She said "Me and Other Mother's daughter are going to start our own club. The Suzy Club isn't very fun so we're going to start 'The Nice Fun Club' and everyone can be in it."
That's my girl! Sadly I know it won't always be that easy. And I am so not ready.
Somebody in Texas loves me
Or at least, she likes my blog. My friend Gretchen plays Bunko (Bunco?) with her and she told Gretchen she reads my blog. So thanks for reading, friend of friend. It's nice to know you are here. I feel giddy that I have a fan!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Love amongst the mess
With Valentine's Day quickly approaching the subject of love is on my mind. I was watching Peanut eat her breakfast this morning, making a giant mountain of scone crumbles on her tray and thinking that at no other age from here out is this type of behavior even remotely amusing. But love makes it tolerable during toddlerdom. So I said "I love you, Peanut" and she looked right at me, clapped her hands and said "YAY!"
I'm going to pretend she was cheering because I love her and not because her Mt. Scone project was finally finished.
I'm going to pretend she was cheering because I love her and not because her Mt. Scone project was finally finished.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
BLISS
They have gone back to school. It's just me and the little girls and they are still asleep. The TV is off. The only sound in the house is the tappity tap of my keyboard. Curly practically dove into her carpool this morning and Stinkyman was so keyed up that he refused to eat breakfast in an effort to get to school faster. I'm so glad they were excited to go back.
But I'm even more glad that they went!
But I'm even more glad that they went!
Monday, February 2, 2009
2 birds with one stone....kind of
2 things we are not currently short of in this house are pink eye and coloring markers. See, 3 of the 4 have pink eye. Only BabyGirl remains white eyed (well and blue too, but that's normal). We also have every kind of marker imaginable and I think Curly's birthday sent the Crayola people into overdrive. We have Color Surge markers, Fancy Nancy markers, Princess markers, markers with dual tip, markers with fine tips, marker with fat tips, markers with paint tips and markers with stampers on the other end.
I have been cooped up in this house with pink eyed kid for days. And days. And days. I have been administering drops and breast milk to the eyes like you cannot imagine. And in an effort to avoid an abundance of TV, we have been coloring A LOT.
So today, Peanut found a marker and colored Babygirl's eyes while she slept in the bouncy chair. She was quite pleased with herself. I was less pleased. But she said "All better" when she finished, so I guess in almost 2 year old world markers to the eyes = pink eye remedy.
So now, Baby Girl should be immune to pink eye and I got to throw one marker away. Everyone wins!
I have been cooped up in this house with pink eyed kid for days. And days. And days. I have been administering drops and breast milk to the eyes like you cannot imagine. And in an effort to avoid an abundance of TV, we have been coloring A LOT.
So today, Peanut found a marker and colored Babygirl's eyes while she slept in the bouncy chair. She was quite pleased with herself. I was less pleased. But she said "All better" when she finished, so I guess in almost 2 year old world markers to the eyes = pink eye remedy.
So now, Baby Girl should be immune to pink eye and I got to throw one marker away. Everyone wins!
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