Camp Chaos

2012-01-30T05:22:00.001-06:00

Boys... I am learning many things as I progress on this wonderful journey called mothering. I am learning that the forrest really does overtake the view sometimes. I am so wrapped up in the parts of my day, how they "should" be and the schedule....I forget to take the proper time to hug, inspire, create and just be. My son is loud, rambunctious, thoughtful, funny and so much more.

I heard it once said "live life with reckless abandon". I have always sided with a bit of caution. I am not one who can easily remove myself completely and just let go. Maybe it is a "female" thing, an "older and wiser" thing, maybe it is just my "nature"; whatever it is.... I wish that I could just let go and see the wonder in thoughtlessness of childhood make believe. Maybe I can be a Jedi, a Knight or even a Quaterback. I need to take heed from my son and play hard because for today, it means everything to him. It might make a difference in what I classify as Chaos....

2012-01-14T08:57:00.000-06:00

Today, I celebrate the birth of my sweet little girl! I am so proud of her. Happy 4th Birthday!!!
She is strong willed, loving, kind and smart as a whip! I sometimes forget that this is a job that I have chosen. She test my every reserve some days and then on others asks "Mommy do you need a snuggle?" She loves school and I hope for her that the love of learning never leaves her. I love that she can play in her imaginary world for a few hours and still retain the wonder of it all. I miss that part of being a kid; I think I have forgotten how to play. She causes the Chaos and helps me put it all in perspective. Most of all this says what I can not:

All my love to you, Fi! You have changed my life. Love, Mommy

A new year...another beginning.

2012-01-03T08:34:00.001-06:00

It seems that I have a problem...... this is me on a not so glamorous day (if I ever had one). Yes, I am the one in the middle. The two ladies on my sides: best friends since High School. I have always been a bit curvier than them but not LARGER. I have made two resolutions this year......to be healthier and kinder to myself. This included going cold turkey on New Years day with smoking and joining Weight Watchers the very next day! It will be tough but I do not want to be the parent that passes on poor habits because I am too lazy to change them.

I am not posting this for all the wrong reasons of look at me but more so to say....I really need help in accomplishing these goals. I have more than 50 pounds to loose and would like to kick the smokey treat habit forever!

So if you happen to read this post and continue to check in....I will post my strides as I make them (good and bad). We are all human and can use a little kindness and courage. So here I am asking for support from the world. Help me harness the Chaos!

2011-10-21T09:49:00.001-05:00

As time flies!

I love that my family has a sense of humor. Sometimes.....I forget how. I am feeling a bit stretched in many directions; my last year of undergrad, parenting, wife, daughter, friends and the one I miss the most.....being fun. The Chaos in my life is very controlled and today the weather is cold outside, a few kids are playing life, one is watching TV, the daddy is off for the week and I am writing. I am thinking some good old fashion fun is in order!

Charades: we allow everyone to place a subject in a paper sack and then we play. It is funny and a great time killer.

Playdough:we do not have this out very often because they tend to spread it across our home. To day I am inclined to say...what the heck!

Lip sync contest: we put on Pandora and let the silliness ensue! Some of the songs they know and others they just like to make up the words.....sometimes that is better than the original.

It may be Fall Break but the learning still continues.

Newspaper Words: I will ask the kids to use the news paper and scissors to compile a paper full of either recognized letters (she is 3 1/2), finding sight words (5 yrs) and to finding words to make a silly story (they are 7 and 11).

If I become super tolerant...we will play Twister! Have a great day and add some Chaos to your life to remember how to be the fun one!

Charts: a way to get positive results...

2011-05-30T22:42:00.002-05:00

I was telling a friend about our new charts. They said "Every parent needs to hear that. Post it on your blog" So, here we are.
"Eat your Fruit and Veggies"
The school sent home a chart to make eating fruit and veg a game. I threw it out with the thought that we eat enough. The next week I asked for another one! The concept is easy and you can make one for yourself.

Take a piece of standard copy paper.
Draw a 2" wide column on the left side; these are for the names.
Follow with 1 " columns for 8 spaces; this is for the days of the week to be labeled at the top.
Be sure to use a ruler and make lines across seperating each person.
If you have access to a lamenator then that is best...if not cover with clear contact paper. Write the names on the line after you laminate so the game can include visitors.
The object is to have each player mark a tally for each serving of fruit or/ and veg eaten each day. At the end of the week the players are tallied and the person with the most WINS! In our home they get bragging rights for a week. Some homes allows the person to choose the next treat or the next menu for either breakfast, lunch or dinner. It has been fun to see how excited the kids get and to know that the game makes us all more nutritious eaters.

"Sleeping the night Away...in your own bed!"
I have battled with the comfort of our children in our beds since they were born. I wanted to be the mom who had the baby who slept 8 hours through. I had all the training and still could not execute the plan. Here we are with a 3 year old and a 4 year old, who still creep every once in a while. I made a new plan! We always had calendars from the companies that I subscribe to their websites. Instead of throwing them out or recycling, I put then in our children's rooms. It helped them have a concept of time, numbers and days as well as months. And really who doesn't like the great pictures of food! Any way, I decided to make another game for our kids. If they could sleep in their bed for a week we would go out for ice cream. (I know this was before the other chart!) Each night they would get to put a sticker on for the previous night if they stayed in their beds. They did it and then we moved forward. We are a few months in and we are almost full for the month!! It is a great way of rewarding them for having self regulation and learning to comfort themselves.

I hope these hints help calm your Chaos!

Parenting...learning as I go.

2011-05-16T20:25:00.003-05:00

A friend gave me a book some several months back (ok, it might have been a year). It is called "Raising your Spirited Child." I do believe that it is the book I have been looking for in the past four years. It talks about how to see and find, how your child gains energy, uses energy and giving them labels that aren't demeaning or deflating. I say this because I have one of those girls who never just cries, she wails. Unbelievably! Because of this book I am learning that she really needs to be around people, it is in her to feed off others energy. She is over the top melodramatic when her energy supply is low (which tells me she needs an outing and then some rest). My son on the other had, needs some personal space after being in school all day. When I ask him what he did in school, I generally get "nothing". If I am the one who puts him to bed and asks him again, I then get the whole story. He needs his space to regain his energy. If he doesn't get it then he becomes cranky. I am loving the insight of this book. By the way, I am only on chapter 6! I encourage everyone to pick up a copy if you can! It may help to calm the Chaos.

The second time around is definately sweeter!

2011-05-09T11:53:00.003-05:00

I am having many successes this time around in school! It makes me wonder why it was so very hard the first time. I always preach that things come in their own time not when we want them. This is a perfect example. No matter how busy my life gets I am constantly striving for a personal best. The assignments mean more, the discussions arre more fulfilling, and most of the professors are not near as intimidating as they were 20 years ago. I am thankful for the courage to go back to school, the support of my loving husband and the wisdom to know that I am capable of A's if I put forth the effort. I would say that is the difference this time...I am willing to put forth the effort. Thank you age for a bit of wisdom!

Family ties

2010-12-14T04:59:00.002-06:00

I buried a friend yesterday. Not a peer but more a father figure. He was one of the most decent men I have ever known. Charles gave more than most, expected more than most were willing to give and exceeded all expectations when possible. He was married the love of his life for 46 years. They wrote notes all the time, notes about where they had gone, what they were doing and how much they loved one another. They weren't notes that were hidden for only their eyes but they were left out for all to see. Almost like a testament of how their family was growing, changing and feeling: all on paper. I was privey to be a part of the note writing for a while. It makes you feel good to know that you always have someones thought down on paper in their own penmanship. It conveys more than a well written novel in a few short words. Now the notes are not only between them, but also their children and grandchildren. I am sure somewhere Marilyn has a few friends notes tucked away for safe keeping. Now, more then ever, I am thinking those notes are a life line of a well lived life of both her son and her husband.

Write a note to someone you love, appologize to someone important before it becomes too late and pray for just one more day. Charles Murphy, you made all the difference in the world. I will miss you terribly.

Funny for the day....

2010-11-23T03:55:00.002-06:00

In a tif this weekend I over heard our 2 and 4 year old's conversation:

Greer: "I am mad at you. You can't come in my room!"

Fiona: "I don't want to....it smells like boys!"

Thank you Olivia....my child now has a defense for her brother.

2010-09-12T14:52:00.002-05:00

Well, our school year is now in its 3rd week. We are definately off and running. Greer is in school Monday-Friday, Fiona is in Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, I am in Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings. Greer has decided he wants to run track for his school. It is do-able. They only run Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2:55-3:10. It will give him a chance to be involved at the school in a bigger than him level. He loves his teacher and she is everything we could have asked for-hanks Ms Eaton!

I was wondering how the other mother's do all of the activities and keep time for their "honey's"? I really feel that my husband puts forth so much of himself and in the end I need to give more of myself to him. Ok, Ok, not in that way but other ways. Help put the Chaos in perspective. Thanks

Homework...everyone get on board.

2010-09-05T05:05:00.003-05:00

For as long as I can remember, I really hated doing homework. I just did not see the importance nor the relevance. I especially could not see any kind of enjoyment. Well, just as my son, I have found a new found love; learning. I am currently enrolled in two classes that at first seemed a bit daunting. They are Classical Sociological Theory and Gender and Women in the Middle East. I am learning that I need to keep an open mind, do the work and believe in myself.

The last part of that has never come easy. I think because I started with such an uphill battle, college always seemed hard. (Mind you the beer had nothing to do with the lack of application either.) I have now changed the way that I study, think about the projects and definitely less intimidated by the professors. I believe that my experience and life knowledge has helped me become a better student.

My son has the opposite problem....he doesn't have homework. Everyone else is in 1st grade or above...hence homework. Greer is so very thankful on the days that he can get the summer bridge book out and "do his homework." I think for him homework has a sense of belonging and of growing up. He only has good feelings about this process. I am so hopeful that we can stay on top of the process so he continues his love for learning.

For now, even the macaroni art makes momma very happy.

New Beginnings

2010-08-26T12:32:00.002-05:00

I sent my G-man to Pre Kindergarten yesterday! I was full of mixed emotions: sad, happy, excited, proud and a bit melancholy. He is my first to enter the world of "school". We went to mother's day out one day a week for the last two years but that is still not the same. He wears a uniform, I pack a lunch everyday and he will inevietably make and lose friends, get his feelings hurt and make great successes. All unseen by me. That is why i am starting to be a wee bit sad.
I love being his person cheerleader. I waited for 36 years to cheer him on. Yes, I still have Fifi to keep me company and see all of her amazing acomplishments but I am giving one of my own to the public school system. The system that is all about test scores; rather than my childs interest and keeping the cafeteria on the bottom dollar; rather than making nutrition non-optional.

I am certainly the same person that I have always been but now I am driven by a purpose greater than myself. I want what is best for my children. I want teachers who genuinely care about children (thank you to Mrs. Eaton, we have that) and know how to appropriately teach them according to their skill level and interest.

My other cause for silliness- nutrition. It is my option as an adult to feed myself crap. It is my duty as a parent to feed my children a very balanced and planned out meal or snack. I am not talking about the elaborate five course dinning experience but a simple plan of offering meat, veg, fruit and minimal starch, sugar and salt at every meal. I am more and more inclined for our front yard to be a garden but I have brown thumbs it seems.
What are the points that cause chaos for you as a parent?

Hot days...Fun activities!

2010-08-02T15:18:00.002-05:00

There comes a point every summer that the good intentions and summer arsonal of activities has been all used up. Well, here we are. I am digging into the arsonal of activities that have yet to be done this summer.

Kool Aid Painting
1 Package of Kool aid (any flavor)
Clear Corn syrup

Mix the two until you reach a consistency of finger paint. It smells wonderful and taste good too. BUT it stains, so make this an outside activity and then use the hose to spray off.

Kool aid can also be added to water and put into spray bottles for some fun color tag. Kind of like laser tag but much less expensive!

The following are websites that the kids have had so much fun on (and are parent approved):

www.clubpenguin.com

www.meddybemps.com

www.enchantedlearning.com

www.coolmath4kids.com

We have gone to vacation bible school this year and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it! The songs were great and we now own them and know them back and forth. It is nice to meet the needs of those 2 1/2 to 10 all in the same move. We have chosen to do different things this year because quiet frankly, I think we are all bored with the Zoo and the Aquarium. It is nice to have the break because they are fun outings after school when everyone is done with homework.

Borders ran a great book give away. If your kids read 10 books they received a paperback for free and they had 10-12 selections to choose from. They were popular books so it made getting the kids book reports done easy! Thank you Borders, we love to read. On Thursday we will finish the library program and go in for our summer loot. I especially love the coupon booklet because this gives us activities for free on fridays after school. Thank you, Tulsa Library!

This weekend is tax free weekend so be sure to get your school list made and organized. We have successfully bought all uniforms (at Academy, of course) and the supply list is marked off and in the back pack. I am not one to save 8% and fight those crowds!

For the next few weeks of summer, we are going swimming, to museums and maybe for a couple of bike rides. Thanks to my Brother in law and sister in law we now have enough bikes for all to ride!

The camp Chaos comes swiftly and calms again just as fast. We all seem to live through to tell another tale of summer fun and look forward to new classmates and showing off our tans. I think I will sit here while the kids nap and smeel their new boxes of crayons. I loved the start of school!

Life is good...

2010-07-27T07:33:00.003-05:00

We have been so very fortunate this summer. We have been on vacation to St. Louis (love this city), had a family reunion for my Mil's side of the family, kids spent a week with cousins, visited with cousins from out of state and just played in a relaxing, summertime way. Oh, we also attended Vacation Bible School and learned some really great songs! We still have the museums in town to do and some of the chaos is going to sleep away camp for the first time! I love when memories are made.

As a Mom, I often wonder if I am doing the right thing? Ok, am I keeping my children from being warped?
I need to report that our family has made great strides in communication this summer. We have learned about "Love and Logic", "Easy to love, Difficult to discipline" and "Respectful Parents, Respectful Children". I am always striving to better myself as a mother, student, wife and just me in general. I think that even with my background it is easy to have the moments of "I really wish I hadn't said that..."
By reading the books, I remembered it is easy as:

remembering to model the behavior wanted
putting the responsibility of choices back onto children
giving hugs even when it is really difficult

These things have made a HUGE difference in our home. Keeping the Chaos to a minimum.

Activist at Large!

2010-06-09T08:36:00.002-05:00

I went to meet the family at the school to play last night. I was passing by the dumpster and .....disappointment, anger and happiness crossed my mind. I found it filled with teaching supplies. They are not inexpensive, to say the least, and I wondered how much of my tax dollars were in the trash. I was happy because it gave me reason to finally dumpster dive. It also gave me 3 bottles of tempura paint, a large container of paste, a large container of sea shells, 2 large bottles of media mix, a very large board book, bulletin board letters, tracing materials and 6 mixing buckets.
Now, I know that teachers spend many of their own dollars on supplies but if the teacher was not in need anymore then why didn't they pass it on to another? It made me selfishly want to go to the other schools and see what was in their trash dumpsters. Not only to see what I could use but to see what kind of waste we have decided was okay. I am so very disturbed by the lack of concern for our wasteful nature in the United States. It is not only bad for our environment but we have become the "Nation of throw away." We throw away everything that is not useful to us anymore. Our food, clothes, furniture, electronics, marriages, friendships. Is there anything that is just not disposable?
Help me make sense of this Chaos.

Making a better life...

2010-04-27T20:16:00.003-05:00

We always thought we had a pretty good diet as far as nutrition goes. Well, that was until we took a serious look at what was being consumed as "special treats". I am by no mean giving up my ice cream for rice dream but we started with planting a garden and trying to make as much as possible from scratch. Our other goal is to clean up our diets in a manner that works for us.

I adore salads, grilled veggies and well made meats. We started investigating our diet and food while taking a Human Ecology class. It turns out that Jamie Oliver also released the "Food Revolution" at the same time. I decided that we had gotten away from what we really stood for. I am by no means the poster child of health. I am over weight, do not exercise and recently quit smoking. It is my turn to give back to myself and my family.

Our garden has: onions, tomatoes, chives, basil, lettuce and green bean seeds (we will see if they come up!). We used a plot of land that is not really good for anything else. Maybe a flower bed.

I would rather have veg. We will see how it goes and I will post pictures to show our progress or demise.

It is my way of calming the inner chaos. What calms your chaos?

Walking on Sunshine

2010-04-15T09:07:00.003-05:00

I have waited a very long time it seems to be able to work outside with my children. They are finally at an age where I can trust them to stay in the yard. I have always wanted to be a gardener; alas I have a brown thumb. My husband and I made a raised box garden in a "wasted space" in our side yard. It now holds about 25 bags of topsoil, manure, and peat. I also has 3 tomato plants, 30 sweet onions, 1 large chive plant and 4 lettuce plants. I am hoping to add some okra and maybe some more tomato plants. I will post pictures as we go. If I can do this ~ anyone can!

It was spurred on by the need for healthier food. We watched Food, Inc. We are not in the position to buy all organic food and this makes it easier to splurge on the things I can not grow. I am considering buying a 1/4 of a cow. This will allow us to have hormone free beef year around.

I have a friend who wants to raise chickens for the eggs. I think I will leave that to her. I only think I could be that kind of a girl. I am by no means a fanatic about this situation, however I am growing great concern for the things that are placed in our home. Maybe it is parenting, maybe it is age, maybe it is knowledge. I am not sure but I do think it is a swing for the better.

Join us in our quest to have healthier and more productive lives. The Chaos is only fun when it benefits you!

A New Birth

2010-04-01T12:28:00.002-05:00

It is Spring, Easter, the Resurrection of Christ and the warm air. All things good. It seems to bring new opprotunites as well. I am continuing on my journey to finish my degree, G-man will be starting Pre-K in the fall and Fifi will start going three days a week to Mother's day out. Greg is working like a mad man at getting the yard and garage cleaned up. I think we are so ready for the simpler things in life. We are planning to install a french drain in our backyard. This will catch the runoff from the yards up the street from us and allow our yard to stay in place. Hopefully this year we will also have a garden and grass in our backyard. What are you doing to calm the Chaos at your home?

Erma Bombeck is my hero!

2010-01-12T20:57:00.002-06:00

Ok, so sometimes the chaos happens after the big kids leave. My daughter has eczema and we apply vaseline every night after her bath to keep her from itching. Tonight I did said activity, got her dressed and hopped on the computer while my husband took a phone call and dressed our son. About 10 minutes after both were dressed I heard my husband say "What is that on your stomach?" My first thought was- Poop! Nope. Vaseline. He had it all over his jammies, hands and stomach but little sister had it in her hair, on her hands, in her mouth, on her face and on her jammies. It was another turn in the shower for both and another pair of jammies. Then I found the Bob the Builder computer- covered inside and out with vaseline! Wow, they had fun. I hope the computer can be salvaged.
This is when the words of Erma Bombeck come swimming through my head to remind me that every parent has these moments, survives and decides whether or not to forge ahead in laughter or to let the moment defeat you and miss out on the memory.
I had a good laugh to myself and noted to myself that the kids are set for the cold weather and we need more vaseline!
Sometime you just have to laugh and enjoy the Chaos.

Ending the year 2009

2009-12-30T22:02:00.002-06:00

When I had my children I wanted to make traditions and memories. I do not know if it is that my children are young or that I can not find a tradition that strikes my fancy. I am not one of those who decorates like mad for every holiday. Truth be told I have a hard enough time keeping up with normal household duties! Any way, I was thinking of all the things that I need to resolve to change in the coming year and thought I should make a list of the things that we are changing for the better.

So here we go:

1) More time together as a family~without media

2) Silliness abound~what happened to the days of laughing because nothing but everything was funny?

3) Kissing and Hugging in front of the children! They need to know how to love someone and we need to put "us" first.

4) Stepping out of my comfort zone a bit more often! I gave my hubby dancing lessons for 2 for Christmas!

5)Letting go of the small stuff and hanging on to the forever.

Yes, they may seem vague and common but they are things that I (and my small family) need to remember. I really want for my family to get back to basics. Not in the roughing it sense but for us to put "us" on the priority list in the #1 slot! What are the resolutions that will help stop the madness and calm the Chaos?

Have we lost the meaning?

2009-12-06T20:23:00.004-06:00

It has been a while since I have had (ok, made) the time to write.
I have begun my journey to obtaining my degree (once again). I only took one class but it was a good one. To boot, I started my Christmas shopping early. In my quest to now be frugal and find the perfect gift; I have found myself with a new found passion~ Goodwill!

Now before you judge think about this:
I bought a pair of j Jill pants-3.99 ( at 1/2 off)= $2.00
a Banana Republic shirt-4.99 (1/2 off)=$2.50
a pair of Nine West Boots-3.99
Bringing the total of my outfit=$8.50 There is no where else that I could have done this! Yes, I had to dig and make sure there was nothing wrong with the items but I saved a lot of money by spending some time. I bought all of our Christmas there and Name Brand Clothing. I bought a Play School barn for $2.25-it retails for $30, a Play school doll house and furniture-$15.50, a Little Tykes Grill for $2.50, a Little Mermaid ride on scooter for $5, a Little Tykes Pirate Boat for $2.50, a Large plastic Pony with moving neck and head-$1!!! Books-we love books! I bought most for a $1 a book but Saturday, I hit the best deal yet-5/$1! I think every child on my list will get a great book this year. Do my kids really need this stuff? No, but it sure beats paying full retail for stuff that still works and cost me a penny on the dollar. I also bought handbags at NBC for $5, house shoes for $2, several ladies blouses for $3-4 each. I love the game but most of all-I love the fact that we were also able to splurge on other things that we wouldn't have if I wasn't being frugal.
I love to find the perfect gift and write a great note. The two are timeless to me. Every time I went to Goodwill, I would not be looking for anything specific but knew who was still on my list. Some days I would win big and others not so much. Yes, Christmas is about celebrating our Saviours birth but my three year old still thinks that it is a party where Santa is the host!
I will tell you, my favorite thing about the holiday is, that I have a bit of time to watch my nephews and nieces play with my children and I in turn get to spend time with my family where the pace is not breakneck speed. There are no schedules. It is the one time of year that everyone clears the calendar for playing games, eating and good ole laughter. Memories are made, wishes are realized and the desire for one more day is built. The Chaos subsides for a moment and family is the most important second to none. Enjoy your holiday and spend time with those you love, reconnect with friends and take time to calm the chaos in your life.

Starting now...

2009-10-23T08:47:00.002-05:00

How many times have we started over in our lives? To stop smoking, loose weight, stop drinking, start exercising, be a better friend...what ever your thought. Maybe it is time to start with..Today I love myself enough. Enough to be a better friend to myself so I can do better. Vices are hard. The little voice from childhood sub-conciously plays in my head everytime I start something new. As some of you know, I started taking classes again to finish my college degree. The first assignment; I made a 68%. The old voices came creeping back in with a vengance. "I can't do this. I am going to fail. I need to drop this class(out of fear)." Then I took a deep breath and did the next assignment. I made a 100%. Some times I think it is our old selves creeping in to knock us down because it is easier than making the change. I had a professor who once said "Change only comes when the fear of staying the same is greater than the fear of change." I am so glad that I listened to my inner strength. I am working towards an A in my class.

On the same vein of starting now, christmas is right around the corner. I have started shopping at Goodwill and Salvation Army for gently used toy for the kids. They are young enough that marketing works but they still can not decifer where the things actually came from. I really have tried hard to focus on needs for my kids this year with a few wants. Guess what? My kids NEED socks and house shoes! Oh, Fiona could use some long sleeve shirts. That is it! Our thought is to buy one gift from the Jolly old man and a few from us. Then if our family wants to fill in the gaps that is great but really, our needs and wants are simple. As for Mommy & Daddy-a night out would be just what the doc ordered!

Are you simplifying this year? How is it working? How are you doing it?

Progress on my self promise!

2009-08-13T08:05:00.002-05:00

I have changed my eating habits and fallen back into old habits. The good news- I am now 10#'s down!!! It has not been as hard as I thought it would be. With that said...I have not been diligent for the last two weeks. I have had ice cream and cupcakes for Greer's birthday. Do I regret it? Not one single bite! I just had to start over the very next meal. I am determined to get this weight off. Like many mother's I put myself second. It is not the only way. I have to think that it is all a delicate balancing act. Mothering, student, wife, and self. All have needs and all have to be met. I just need to do some fancy footwork until it becomes second nature. I am thankful for the friends that are willing to take this journey, supporting me the whole way! I will update again in a few weeks! Until then...take a walk to calm the Chaos!

Happy 3rd Birthday G-man!

2009-08-10T06:15:00.003-05:00

Three years ago at 11:58 pm I gave birth to Greer. He came out with his eyes wide open looking around like "what took you so long?" I cried. Like most mother's I was instantly filled with unbelievable amounts of love for this being. He has a great sense for music and humor. He is very social with a memory like a steel trap. He also has a temper. (He must get that from his daddy!) As all other parents- I can not imagine my life without him! Today is all you little man! Celebrate the big 3!!!!

School's almost here!!!

2009-08-09T08:36:00.002-05:00

Do you hear the groans of the children and the secret (or not so secret hip, hip, hoorays of the parents)? The tax-free weekend is here and that only means one thing-school is about to start!
My kids tell me that they are not ready. I think that it is scary to start school again. You don't know who your teacher is, who is in your class, where you locker is and most importantly is your best friend in your class? I love the smell of new crayons, library books and the feeling of new folders. Yes, I know I am a freak. It comes from years of teaching Pre-school.
I heard thru the grapevine that Walgreen's had their 10 pack pencils for $.19 each! Toys R us had Crayola crayons 4/$1. There are some good deals to be found this week. Stock up. I saw at Hobby Lobby that they had foam board on sale. I can't remember the price though-sorry! Target had water colors $.50 each!
I am starting to think that it might be more cost effective to charge each child $25 and do some central buying. What do you think? Is the ritual better than the convenience?

The Changing Faces of Love-5 years in

2009-08-03T08:41:00.003-05:00

When you start a new relationship EVERYTHING the other person does is wonderful! The electric charge of the slightest touch, the call just to say hello, and the random kisses stolen at 3 am.
I must say that 5 years in-it has changed a little bit.
I still love it that my husband kisses me at 3 am. Now it is because he is leaving for work!
The random phone calls are "How is your morning?" while six children are running around the house.
The slightest touch well lets just say that it is because that is all we can muster up after a day worth of work and kids!

On the other hand, I could not be more in love with my husband! I love the fact the he mows the lawn and still goes to a birthday party for a child-even when he is tired! I love that he likes to experience life with our children. He takes them on bike rides-just the two of them.
The picture is from my week away at Camp D. He took our children to a Children's Museum and the Dallas Zoo. They even rode a metro train to get there and Greer is really into trains!

I love the way he looks when we are coming home from the lake. He is a little bit sunburned. He is unshaven and RELAXED! He wares his hat backwards and looks a little bit like a character out of a sitcom. Only because I am sure that I am not the only person who has this same moment! I love this moment!

We are due to celebrate 5 years in October but I would say "I do" all over again. Burnt suppers, sleepless nights, short words, birth of our children, and all the other ups and downs that this rollercoaster of life has to offer. There is no one else on earth that I would like to have share the Chaos.
I love you Greg!
What are the changing faces in your love life that make it that much sweeter?

Take me out to the ballgame!

2009-08-01T07:58:00.004-05:00

We went to the Drillers (baseball) game last night! It was free courtesy of the library. I can not think of a better free family event. This is the last season for the Drillers in their stadium. The new one is slated to be completed by April 2010. We met friends with children the same age as ours and my MIL came. The kids ate popcorn, parents had a beer and lots of smiles. The evening was perfect. The air was cool with a slight breeze and it was Friday night-bliss. We only stayed until 8:30 but that was plenty of fun for our little family.
I hope that you enjoy the events in your community. They need your support to thrive and make dreams come true for the little ones. My son thinks that he has made the big league when we see the Drillers play. Glad to know that it is still the simple things.
Have you checked out the ticket prices to major league games? Yikes! That alone is enough to start chaos!

Mother's- what would you do without them!?

2009-07-29T12:42:00.002-05:00

I am not talking about being one. I am talking about needing them! I had 4 kids at my home and 2 on the way. One distraught parent (not me) and one kid with an ear ache! What to do?
Call Mom!
I made an appointment with our Pediatrician, mom came to watch the 4 that didn't need to go and off I went with Fiona in tow. Distraught daddy went to work, Gerji occupied 4 and doctor's appointment met without any hitches.
In the real world, I would have had to take all 6 to the doctor. Probably would have lost my mind and pulled some very bad mom moments while waiting for our appointment. For this, and so many other reasons, I am publicly saying "Thanks Mom!" I always have and always will in some way need my mommy!

Keeping a promise

2009-07-19T09:03:00.004-05:00

I made a promise to myself that I would get healthier at 35. Well I am 39 and the promise was never met. I am currently undergoing a "lifestyle" change. I am eating healthier and even went for a 2 mile bike ride with Fiona on the back. For me this is huge! I have been eating a low carb and low sugar "menu" for 1 week now. The scales tell me that I am still not as "healthy" as I need to be. BUT I am down almost 10 pounds. I am certain that this is the wake up call I needed and the change that I had promised myself. I am not wanting to be supermodel thin but I would like to wear the clothes in my closet and be able to play with my children without being extremely winded. I will complete the promise to myself this year.
I owe it to myself to come through with the promise- because if I don't what good is my word.
Fulfill the promises made. Even if it is amid the Chaos!

Mommy Vacations-Highly recommended

2009-07-09T10:42:00.002-05:00

I am on the first lone vacation in three years! I am enjoying friends for four days without children and spouses. It seems a bit selfish but I highly recommend it. The laughter is good for the soul. I have called to speak to my children-they are having such a great time with daddy they didn't want to talk to me. I am so very glad that they are not missing mommy!
Sleep, drinks and friends are just what the doctor ordered. My soul needed to clear away the fog and mundane. Yes, all mother's need a moment to recharge. The sunshine, water, and stories bring me back to the real me. Calm, relaxed, and funny. I am so very thankful for the time to become me again. It is an unimeasureable gift-my heart is singing.
Ask for the time even if it is once a year. I wish for you all to have your heart sing and the laughter to be often. Find yourself in a retreat and not be a mother or wife for a small moment. Chaos is the storm but every storm has a clearing.

Ice cream in a coffee can!

2009-06-25T08:20:00.002-05:00

When I was a Preschool teacher I LOVED this project! It took all day, kept the kids entertained and they took turns willingly!
Ice cream in a coffee can!!!!
You will need a small metal (clean) coffee can, a large (clean) coffee can, ice and rock salt. Mix the following ingredients, trying to get the sugar as smooth as possible.
Ingredients
2 cups milk
1 cup sugar
2 cups whipping cream or half-and-half
2 teaspoons vanilla

Place this mixture in the small can (you will have enough for several) and put the lid on. Put a gallon baggie around the can (in case it leaks) and place it into the large can. Add ice in the area around the small can, add salt. This will need to be replaced periodically. Put the lid on the large can and duct tape closed. Now roll the can back and forth between the children. Checking the product every 1/2 hour. I do not have an exact time as it has been sometime since I have made this. I do remember that it took quite a while. Good luck and good eats!

New Obsession-Oil Cloth Products!

2009-06-18T07:46:00.003-05:00

I took one of my children from the Camp to get a "Girly" gift for her 8th birthday. I decided we should to Tatermash. It gave me an excuse to check it out and my friend Mark was working that day only. I LOVE this store!!! Let me just say the gift is soooooo cute. A black and white paisley print with a HUGE monogrammed letter A in pink. It was the first thing she saw and what she came home with.This mother has turned her garage business into very affordable products. I really hope that she does well. Check out her website http://www.tatermash.com

Free Days

2009-06-14T09:52:00.002-05:00

Our family buys a local Zoo pass each year. I think this is money well spent. We can pack a lunch, be at the gates by 9 and be home tired and fulfilled by 12. It is a wonderful place for my little ones to walk freely discovering things as they go. It also gives us a no fail, no cost entertainment when things are tight. I love sharing the Zoo with my children. They have such wonderful things to discover. The special exhibits, the train (Greer's favorite), the Carousel, the Nature Exchange and of course, the monkeys (Chimpanzees). I encourage everyone to support their local Zoo. They only get better if we support them!

In our house we are discovering the Library! The Summer Reading Program offered by the Tulsa Library has been on my To Do List from my early teaching days. As a parent I love nothing more than Monday mornings at the library. (Our librarians might wish that I took my crew of 6 to another library but we like that one it is small.) Each child is recommended to pick out 6 books. This gives a broad selection for reading at nap time. My two nap for close to 3 hours some days and this gives the older four plenty of time to read. I believe there is not better way to escape. Visit your library and let them know you support them.

I live in a city that has two major museums. Each of them offer children's programs. Gilcrease offers free admission on the first Tuesday of each month. They call it TU Tuesday. I hear that the basement holds all kinds of goodies for children to discover. It is still on our To Do List! Philbrook offers a backpack of things to do for older kids. They are free or minimal while you are there. They have activities and information so kids can learn about the mansion and grounds. It too is on our list.

Local Parks. We have made a goal to visit as many city parks as possible this summer. I would like to say we are doing great but so far- only a couple. They are good for free entertainment and our city has incorporated water feature at almost all of them now. Our goal is to visit and make a log of all the things we enjoyed about each one. This will make it easier when we decide to go visit again!

www.Kidsbowlfree.com is a great website! This allows you 2 games per day, all you pay is shoe rental! In our city that is $3.24/child! I can't think of another activity that can be as fun and as inexpensive! The good thing about this activity is one that my 8 year old like to play and my 17 month old likes to try. I encourage you to check the website and sign up if there is a place close to you. It is nation wide.

I have found that because of liabilities, children are not playing games like Red Rover, Freeze Tag, and such at school. We play Hide and Seek inside quite often. I allow the children to hide anywhere that the little ones can hide and get out of on their own. The favorite is a tall wicker laundry basket with a liner and lid! We also play basketball with a mini ball and a square laundry basket. These are free games that do not take much to play and can be played on rainy days or when it is 100* outside.
I hope this helps you and gives you more ideas of how to make it through the summer on a budget! Enjoy the Chaos and remember soon your house will be quite and you won't know what to do!

Summer time where the living is easy....

2009-05-28T20:35:00.006-05:00

I love summer. I think it has to do with getting out of school, knowing that you get to stay out until the sun goes down and if you are really lucky, you get to stay out and catch fireflies! I love homemade ice cream, cool evenings and warm days. I could, however, go a lifetime without another mosquito bite. I wanted to pass along somethings that have worked for me in the past that might make summer a little bit easier for you and more fun for the kids.

1) Think old school. Kids love to play grown up- yes even your little boys. They can hang a sheet in the back yard and put on a talent show for the parents at the end of the day. If they have the help and the sheets of a parent, anything is possible.
Example: When I was a little girl I wanted to be a singer. My friends and I put on a show in our living room, wearing our matching Underoos!, and singing along to our parents records that we loved. They gave us instruments and paid a small admission fee- which was spent on ice cream. I don't know where those pictures are but I have the greatest memories.

2) Edible Art: There are several ways to make edible art but one of my favorites is to mix corn syrup and food coloring. It is messy and will require a hose afterward so I suggest outside play that day. It does not dry hard but it taste great and looks cool. You can also mix corn starch with water and food coloring. It doesn't taste good but it is a great sensory-especially for little ones. It is an all time favorite at our house!

3) Sponge Fights: When it is hot outside or you have just been couped up it is nice to have a release. I found that a good old fashioned sponge fight turns aggression into fun! It may start out as a fight to the death but it usually ends with laughter. The dollar store has sponges in every shape, color, size, and texture. Each team gets a bucket of water and a set number of sponges. They can make forts with sheets or be out in the open. Moving targets are always good -it also wears them out faster!

4) Scavenger Hunt: I made up a scavenger hunt last spring break. It was great because I only did places that the kids were familiar with. Next time will be a bit more dificult. The age range for our group was 2-10 so everyone can participate.
I made clues such as: "Where do you see diamonds that are not shiny?"
I enclosed a cut out of a bat and ball. The answer was our local Triple A Baseball field.
They had their pictures taken by each clue and we made a scrapbook out of it at the end. I got a photo books from the dollar store and put the clues on one page and the picture on the next. Everyone was so happy and they have asked for another one this summer. It took some planning for a couple of days before hand but it was great for us all.

We started out at the donut store- clue: I cut out the letter D-O-N-U-T-S and his them around the house. They had to bring them back to the table and figure out where we were going. We had breakfast and gave the next clue. It was the ball park. Then we went to an old English style phone booth near by. The clue do not have to be difficult. Just think about things in your area.

I hope this makes the next couple of weeks a bit more enjoyable. I will be putting together a list of things that can be done for Fathers Day next time! Love and joy to you from Camp Chaos.

Reflections of Motherhood

2009-05-08T05:51:00.005-05:00

I am blessed! I know this is a phrase that gets used a lot. But, I am. I have a job that changes daily, is demanding (to say the least), is rewarding and I get to stay at home (some days in my pajamas). Now tell me that I am not blessed.

My job as a Mother started long before the journey with my own children began. I was lead by example by so many strong women. If they weren't I never knew it. My mother had me at 18, that's a hurdle in itself, and she raised me by herself. She had a high school degree and the will to make a better life. Today- that would put most people out of the job market. She persevered. She bought her first house at 21. She worked hard, always. Our home was nice. It had nice things, was clean and I remember always having family or friends over. There were many times that I stayed with my family because my mom was working. Most of the time two jobs and sometimes three. Mind you, these women all contributed to my upbringing but there is only 1 momma!

I stayed a lot with my Aunt Marilyn & Uncle Rick. They had three girls and my Aunt was a stay at home Mom. I always thought she had it made. She watched her Soaps, drank coffee, smoked cigarettes, and did LOADS of laundry. Now, as an adult, I realize that she was keeping the wheels running. She was/is the best at stretching a dollar in her budget! Mimi (as our kids call her now) was the Mom I always wanted to be when I had children. She has many other talents but I'll share those on another day!

I also had two Great Aunts who played a tremendous role in my life.

First, my Great Aunt Carol. She always had a bowl on her coffee table that was filled with Orange slices. The gummy ones with sugar on them. I would not allow my children to have them, unless of course, we went to Aunt Carol's house. There were Ginger snaps and Animal Crackers, too. I have been given a cookie jar just like hers from her sister, Aunt Beverly. I'll talk about her in a minute. I keep it on my counter filled with Animal Crackers-just like Aunt Carol. I also used to love to go to her house because they had this old apple tree. The apples weren't for eating, so I am not sure what kind it was, but I loved to climb that tree. I am not sure if it was very big but to me it was huge. It was a triumph when I could climb it by myself! I always knew that Uncle Earl or Aunt Carol would be there should anything happen.

My Great Aunt Beverly. I remember so many things, so I'll try to limit them. I remember going to her apartment and spending the night. She always let me sleep in her bed. She taught me how to swim and she took me to Disneyland. She had a refrigerator that I marked my own growth on (virtually). It was one of the smallest fridges that I think I have ever seen but I remember thinking that someday I'll be bigger than that! Oh yeah, she and my Mom pierced my ears with an ice cube and a raw potato! They got one side done and I wasn't game for the other but I somehow ended up with two holes! She has been a Hairdresser for as long as I can remember. She used to take me to the beauty shop with her. I loved it! The chairs went around and around, Merritt's bakery was next door, and everyone was happy when they left! My Aunt was notorious for spoiling me. She would let me go to Merritt's and Braums all in one day!

My friend, Robbin. She was a young married woman when I met her. I was 12 and she was maybe, 25?! She was a wonderful role model. She taught me about music, religion, and believing in yourself. I spent a lot of time with Robbin. She listened, gave advice and didn't judge! I lived with Robbin in Paris, France. She was instrumental in helping me find me! Our paths have always crossed time and time again. I think she is one of the strongest women I know. I have had the joy of loving her child in so many ways and he doesn't even know it. He is 16 now. I took care of him for the first 6 months of his life. Then I came across them when he was in 2ND grade. She watched out for me and I watched out for him. This year, they lost her ex-husband to cancer. My first reaction was to take care of them. This I learned from the compassion of a 20 something woman who taught me how to believe in the greater good. Thank you, Robbin!

I know that I could write about so many more but these are the women I choose to pay homage to today. Mother's Day is coming on Sunday. I hope when you see me with my children- you all see a bit of yourselves. I am the mother I am today because of the women of yesterday. Thank you for being the guiding light of yesterday, today and tomorrow! I love you all. Happy Mother's Day!

Earth Day 2009

2009-04-22T05:14:00.002-05:00

I love Earth Day! There are so many ways that 1 person can make a difference in 1 day. I have just a few tips for you.

If you go by Home Depot today here is how they are celebrating:
1) By 1 get 1 on seed packets for your garden
2) 1 free CFL light bulb per customer
3) 1 free water aerator- this makes less water come out of your faucet saving gallons of water and some money along the way.

I was directed to this website by Mamasource this morning:
http://www.knowh2o.org/site/c.jgLLITOFKtF/b.3429435/k.BE42/Home.htm
I thought I knew a lot. Not so much. I think this was very interesting and eye-opening. Take their quiz and see what you know.

Reynolds is now making recycled aluminum foil! If you go to this link you can sign up for a 100% rebate on 1 roll! http://www.reynoldsrecycled.com/print-rebate.html?rebate=9CN9OH

I recieved this email from Evite:
Evite gets even more eco! To celebrate Earth Day, Evite and BRAVO will donate $1 to the National Audubon Society for each invitation sent from our BRAVO celebrity collection.
http://www.evite.com/?src=newsletter_20090421_1&eDialog=true

Whole Foods is having a contest: Make a Simple Green Resolution and Win! It is really nice to read the ways others are changing to help the Earth. The prize is $25 and a Feed 100 bag!
http://blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/2009/04/make-a-simple-green-resolution-and-win/

I am going to turn the air/heat off today, make dinner from things that need minimal processing and not oven/stove, use my cloth diapers, keep the TV and computer off (after this!) and take a walk. I also live across the street from a school. If you have ever seen the amount of trash that Elementary kids produce after school, you know what else I'll be doing. Picking up trash!

I challenge each one of you to do something good for the Earth today. She makes our lives better and we need her to be healthy for us to be healthy. Yes, I am a tree hugger at heart! If nothing else-it is 1 day that can make a huge impact if everyone on Earth just tried to make some little change! Happy Day, Mother Earth!

Working together toward the common goal.

2009-04-07T07:39:00.003-05:00

This picture was taken a few weeks ago when we had an unexpected snow fall in March. To a Northerner-no big deal. To a Southerner-a huge deal! This made me think of the small things that we do that are toward the common goal. My goal is to be the type of parent that my children remember as always there and willing. I don't want to be remembered as the one who sat on the sidelines.

I had a professor once who encouraged her audience of 600 college students to play with pudding. She was teaching a course on sexuality but I still think of her lecture and the ways in which we could all use some pudding in our lives. It keeps us young. It is good for our senses and it taste good! I think we will pudding paint for snack today!

I am reminded today of the way we impact our children on the smallest levels. Our everyday choices make a big difference in the lives of our little ones. The tone of my voice tells my children whether they should or should not be doing what they are doing, it tells them to be cautious, if I am happy or upset. I can tell my children how to be calm by lowering my voice to a whisper. The routines I set in my daily life tells them that I can be depended on. That their needs will be met and they are safe. I also am responsible for teaching my children how to be flexible when need be. To deal with the unexpected with a smile and calmness. Like our snow. It made things different in a good way. It gave us time to play outside as a family without hesitation or worry. It was a spur of the moment happening-which in our life of two little ones is hard to come by.

I also think that by sending your children to school prepared and getting them there on time sets a couple of examples:

1) school is important

2) it is a child's job-it sets the precedence for when they are working. (If you are sick enough to stay at home then you are sick enough for a doctor.)

3) school, like work, has a peer group that depends on your presence every day.

4) the only way that we truely learn to depend on ourselves is to be put in a situation to use our coping skills, big and little. Everyday problems help us grow as people. It all starts in preschool.

I agree with Erma Bombeck that "Everything you need to know, you learned in Kindergarten."

I hope that you work towards your common goal today!

Sustainability vs. Economical

2009-03-27T07:30:00.002-05:00

Okay, I have decided that there are two things I would like to do this summer.
First, I want a garden. I would like to try to grow our own fruit and vegetables. It seems that all groceries are going up and...it is a good learning opportunity that will keep the kids busy!
I have never done this and I also have the attention span of a knat so we will see how it goes. I will update accordingly. I also, see this as an opportunity to pay it forward in a manner that yet again costs little or no money. Sweat equity is always a good investment and yields more than I could give in a lesson.

The second, is that I would like to be more active. Yes, I said it out loud. I am hoping this makes me accountable and gives me the strength to do so. I don't mean active in run a marathon but just getting out and taking a walk with the kids. I am wanting to set a good example for my kids. I just never knew that the little bugges could zap my energy so bad. Yea, yea, I hear my whole family and all of my friends saying a gigantic "We told you!". I am hoping by being more active and the kids being more active, someone is going to get some sleep around here.

I hope that everyone has a great and safe weekend. I am hoping that we do not get the snow that the weatherman is predicting! I love the spring!

What's Cookin'-#2

2009-03-26T04:48:00.009-05:00

I was at the grocery store and found 5.5#'s of 93/7 ground beef for $13.00. Considering I usually pay $3.78/#, I bought it.
So with my 5.5 #'s of Ground, I plan to make:
1) Spaghetti
2) Tacos
3) Vegetable Beef Soup
4) Hamburgers (remember-I have 2 under three, so my meat goes a bit further)
5) Quesadillas
I will keep the other 1/2# frozen for later. I won't serve all of these in one week but I do keep in the back of my mind what is the planned menu.

I also made Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup this week. Remember the chicken stock I made and put in the freezer? Well, I pulled it out. I put it on to boil, added some fresh sliced carrots, onions, celery and 1 can of chicken. Homemade Soup in minutes! The boys ate it after school and Greer took it for lunch yesterday. Greg, Fiona and I are having it for lunch today. It is a quick way to get dinner on the table or just something good for lunch. I made it because everyone has been so sick. It can't hurt, right?!

I was in one of the three grocery stores I visit and they had small packages of brownie mix on sale-10/$10. I like this kind because all you do is add water. I see brownies for Greer! He loves to cook, or watch, no matter how simple. I figure this is a good activity for him. He will also have bragging rights when the kids get out of school! Nothing better for a 2 1/2 year old!

So for this week, we have made the following:
1) Chicken Noodle Soup
2) Pork Tenderloin, steamed Broccoli and carrots served over rice. (ate on this for two nights)
3) Spaghetti & salad
4) Tacos, Black Beans, & rice (I will use the already cooked rice and reuse it to make spanish rice)
This means for the weekend- we are eating leftovers. I love these meals because they make plenty on not a lot. They also provide meals so I can concentrate on other things during the weekend. If we really need- I always keep a frozen pizza in the fridge!

Being-sometimes it just takes an effort.

2009-03-23T05:05:00.005-05:00

This weekend we ran the gammet of yuck at our house. Greer had a virus, Fiona had an ear infection and Daddy had allergies! Mommy-well she had no sleep and space issues-funny how they coincide.
We did get to watch March Madness! Greg and I started filling out brackets when we were dating and it is one of the things we still do. I think it is because we are both so competitive. His looks pretty good-mine, not so much. Can you make a come back in round three?

Greg gave me some interesting information this weekend. Did you know that Tide buys old marine battery liquid and recycles it into detergent. Hmmmm. I am thinking that now I will definitely be using backing soda and vinegar and less detergent in my wash. Could this be the reason that my favorite jeans always end up with holes. It can't be because I love to wear them!

My MIL was telling me of a program the Campbell's Soup is doing. They will send you tomato seeds to plant and they even give instructions. Of course you start with a Campbell's Tomato Soup can (what else). I thought it was a good learning experience and if it fails-you didn't buy the seeds anyway. If it works- well you can check back later for a homemade tomato soup recipe!
Enjoy and check back tomorrow. School is back in session= chaos for the making!

The Children’s Place is having a sale! Spring items are marked down an additional 25% plus if you use code NEXTJ78 you will get an additional 10% off. Shipping is $5!

Kids Games-Back to basics

2009-03-20T04:35:00.006-05:00

Going outside is not yet an option for some. It is hard when your kids are bored. I do have a couple of activities that I keep in reserve:
1)Shaving cream- This is a fun sensory for every age and the clean up is minimal. A dry wash cloth for clothes and wet for the table. My kids like to clean up as much as they like to play in it. 2)Bag Races-I grew up where we had, and went to, home birthday parties. The gunnysack race was/is a family favorite. Take out a pillow case for each child. Draw two lines on your floor with tape and let the races begin!
3)Shoe sort-This works best with a lot of shoes. Take your same lines on the floor, divide the pairs between the two sides and have the children relay to see who can make the most matches.
4)Parachute-Turn on some music, take a top sheet, grab the sides and place a small object in the middle. See if you can go slow when the music goes slow and fast etc. The children can take turns going under the sheet also. This game is loud and gets energy going and out easily!
5)Balloon Tennis- Place a small balloon inside a knee-high (if it pops the pieces will stay inside) and tie yarn to the tied end of the balloon. Be sure to make the yarn long enough to hang from a door frame to your child's swing. Make paddles from a paper plate, tongue depressor or Popsicle stick, and masking tape. This activity is great for teaching hand eye coordination and taking turns. It also gets the energy out. (Thanks to our P.A.T. partner-Arlene.)
My children LOVE this game! I have all the children(8-1) playing this game.
I hope this makes the day a bit easier and gives you some new games to try. If nothing else it will be good family time spent trying! Have a great weekend!

What's cookin'?

2009-03-13T04:03:00.008-05:00

This picture is from quite sometime ago but I love it. I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I think it is where all things come to life. One of my goals as a parent is to make sure that when given the chance my children have the life skills needed to succeed. Cooking being one of them.

In our house it is imperative that we make our budget stretch. I was thinking that some of my cooking tips may help someone else. When cooking, make a bag of things that you would normally throw away (or compost if you are that good). Things like onion skin, celery ends, any veg item. You can put them in a stock pot, cover with water, add salt and pepper, and let simmer for 45 min. Cool and strain. Then freeze. This will make a great veg stock for future recipes. You can also do this with left over chicken bone and skin. This will eliminate the need to buy an item you would already have paid for and didn't know it. I realize that it seems like a lot of work but in the time that it takes to prepare a meal, you can also have homemade stock!

When I make out a menu for the week, or sometimes two if I am lucky (or smart enough). I try to dual purpose my proteins. Meat is so expensive and we just can't seem to give it up. For example:

Monday: Roasted Chicken with potatoes, onions and carrots.

You can cook this in a roasting bag or just buy a wire stand to make your own roasted chicken. Our family eats the breast and we save the rest of the chicken.

Tuesday: Pick the rest of the meat from the bone. Use the skin and bone to make your stock. Use the meat to make Sesame Chicken. I serve this with brown rice and broccoli. We usually have enough that my husband can take the leftovers for lunch. I put the pulled chicken in a skillet with onion, heat and add sauce.

The sauce is made from:

1cup of Soy sauce

2/3 cup brown sugar

1Tbs of minced garlic

1/3 cup ketchup

Place all of this in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Pour over chicken and simmer for 10-15 minutes. The sauce has extra so it can cover the rice.

Wednesday: I will buy 2 1/2 pounds of hamburger at a time. I have the time to make homemade meatballs since Greer goes to school on Wednesday. I use 1/2 # to feed my whole family. I brown them and add them to the crock pot with my sauce. Spaghetti with Meatballs, salad and bread tonight! Greg can take leftovers for lunch again!

Thursday: Since I have 2#'s of meat in the fridge waiting to be cooked I can either make Meatloaf or use the meat in two separate meals. I will stretch a bit further this week. We are having Shepherd's Pie. I like this because it is contained all in one. Pie crust(in a pan), pre bake, brown 1 # meat with onion, place in crust, cover with cheese, add either frozen peas(our favorite) or veg mix, and top with mashed potatoes. You can use the potatoes from the roasted chicken if you have any leftover! Bake for 30 minutes on 375. Serve like this or with cream gravy.

Friday: Vegetable Beef Soup. I like this recipe because it is mostly dump, pour and simmer. Brown the last # of hamburger with onion once again. Add two cups of frozen mixed vegetables and 1 bottle of V-8 juice(64 oz). Then add an all purpose seasoning and let cook for 45 min on med heat. Serve with cornbread.

Saturday: Usually by this point I am either all about it or not at all. Soup and sandwiches are my fallback. Since we happen to have a large pot of Veg/Beef soup left-we are having soup and grilled cheese.

Sunday: If there are leftovers that haven't been eaten to day is the day! If not, then well, frozen lasagna it is! Everyone deserves a day off!

I hope this gives you some new ideas to try over the weekend. I try to do as much cooking as possible on the weekend so I don't have to do it during the week. It saves time and usually money. When I don't have something prepared or at least thawed out -is when we go out and that is a budget buster! Have a good weekend!

Motherhood on the upswing!

2009-03-12T06:04:00.004-05:00

Here I am again, in the wee hours of the morning, writing. It is one of my most valued times. I have been thinking about ways that I can teach my children to be generous without thinking in terms of money. Well, I was able to be an example yesterday. It was kind of nice to know that we are able to pay it forward.

I spent the day with my friend Lynnette and her 1 month old son. Zac. They have had a rough go of it to say the least. Birth, Mom with pneumonia, in the hospital and baby with RSV in the hospital. I am sure Michael was just beside himself. I went to take lunch and hold the dear while mamma got some sleep. Well being a true mom-she didn't sleep! She did get a shower. I really enjoyed spending time with them both. I think it is the best way to pay it forward.

I have a few talents that I am proud of and take forgranted most days. Cooking ( and loving it) is one of them. I would rather have a cleaning crew come in once a month than be able to have a chef eveyday. Cooking is my cathartic activity! It gives my hands something to do and keeps my mind just busy enough to let me sort through and be clear. If you ever see me coming with lots of food-life is either really good or really bad! If you watch Grey's-think Izzie. Muffins for everyone! Life has been good and I am able to cook again.

Birthday update-39 is fabulous! Robin Williams-hilarious! The Pretenders-goodness I so want to be Chrissie Hines in another life! I was surprised from my family with a nice dinner(without children) to one of my favorite sushi resturants!I was also surprised with a birthday cake and balloons from the children after school! I think they loved it as much as I. I had a wonderful week with my husband and felt love from all around.

I am still using my Wednesdays to have some "me" time. It really feels good and makes me a better mommy. I highly suggest it to everyone I know. Even if your kids are too big. I think when they go to school I will save Wed. for a movie date with myself.

My friend Laurie is having a baby on Friday-her 4th! We are keeping the older 2 and the third is sick so he will possibly stay with grandparents! We are excited for them and can't wait to meet Mac. After holding Zac yesterday, I am really looking forward to holding a little one again. Given my children don't throw him out. (We are having bouts of jealousy.)

Fiona is babling up a storm and even says several words: momma, Daddy, ball, baby, banana(baba), and eat. Greer is still working on the potty. We make it to the bathroom on most occassions for pee but poo is still illusive. We are laundry doing fools around here!

We love you all and wish you all the best life has to give. Jana, Greg, Fiona, Greer and Sophie

The next "Carpenters"?

2009-02-12T10:34:00.002-06:00

I love days like these! They are the times that I live for. My children are actually playing with one another. Greer plays and Fiona dances. It is too cute. Greer has now added the harmonica to his repertoire. It is actually pretty good-unless you have a headache.

Greer is potty training and hasn't worn a diaper in almost a week. That doesn't mean we haven't had accidents but we are getting there. Fiona is sleeping in her bed and weaning. She is still waking every four hours thinking that she needs some comfort but I am letting her cry it out. I am done and she is old enough to figure it out. I can't believe that Greer is 2 1/2 and Fiona is 13 months. It just amazes me.

Lynda(Greg's mother) has moved into our garage apartment and is watching Fiona on Wednesdays. It is so nice to have the time to myself. It has been almost three years since I have had a scheduled day to myself. Last week I went to lunch with Laurie and yesterday I had my hair done. I am sure that (once my house is organized) there is a day at the bookstore with a coffee in hand waiting in my near future. It is nice for me to have a break. it seems to make me a bit more sane. I can't imagine with no sleep and no day off for a while why I would be cranky! (note the sarcasm)

I am very excited because next weekend we are going to see Robin Williams on Saturday night and The Pretenders on Sunday night!!!! Two of my favorites! Then Greg is on vacation the next week. Oh yea, I turn 39 on Monday! I think this is going to be a great year. Considering last year was a bit trying I will take it with a smile on my face.

For now, we seem to be on the upside of the rollercoaster ride. Life is good and I am enjoying the ride. We have lots to celebrate and to be thankful for.

A friend of mine passed away this last month. He was a great drummer, an advide reader, wickedly talented painter and extremely intelligent person. I lived with Marco, Robbin and Max in Paris. He passed of Pancreatic, Liver, and lung cancer. I am so glad his passing was quick. I will think of him often. R.I.P. Marco Ogden.

Hope

2009-01-20T21:05:00.006-06:00

Obama may not have been the candidate of your choice but he represents so much more than business as usual. I have spent the day watching the Inauguration. Thinking about all that it represents. It is evident, when I walk out of my house this morning to take advantage of the aid offered to our family, that there is hope. We accept the WIC program because we can use the help. It has been somewhat humiliating to say but it allows us to feed our children and pay our bills.

It is also evident when I pick up my mother and we go to share this experience with my cousin and her family. We have the right to chose how we represent ourselves to our children. I think, we as a country, have chosen to set a better example. I am sure that this is no end all be all but there is hope.

I am thankful that Obama has put his family values on the table. Mine have always been there and my family comes first. I am thankful for the call of service. I think we as a country should take care of one another. I was also called a bleeding heart liberal at one point! The next time you see an elderly person trying to get groceries to their car, maybe we should ask how we can help. Or, instead of assuming the mother who is yelling at her children in the grocery is a bad mom. Wonder if she could just use some help and doesn't know where to turn. These may not be things that hit home for you but for me all of the above make a difference.

I would say that if I can make someone else feel as if they have hope and a purpose then God has granted us both a better life. Maybe that is just my role as a wife and a mother. I think that it is also my role as a citizen. I do not want a hand out but a hand of help.

I am so very thankful that it is in my life time that I am witness to see the Presidency be based on fortitude rather than color. I am thankful that it never occured to me that color was/is an issue. It is a trait that I wish to pass on and hope is the legacy I wish to start with. If nothing else always have hope.

Fiona turns one!

2009-01-19T08:00:00.005-06:00

It is very hard to believe that it has already been a year. I remember all to well the labor that "just happened". I also remember the very small little baby that they only let me see for a couple of seconds before taking me to ICU. It is all very surreal now.

I am so happy to say that she is an amazingly independant dependant. She has a great sense of humor and watches like a hawk! She is starting to climb...I thought it was a boy thing. Not so much! She is a full fledge walker now and says Mamma, Dada, that, bye (with a wave) and lots of babbles.

Fiona obviously LOVED her cake. My mom and I passed on the tradition of a red velvet cake and Aunt Dede was wonderful to decorate it for us.

Thank you to family and friends, we appreciate every step you make with us.

Happy New Year-2009!!

2009-01-01T07:50:00.002-06:00

There are so very many things to contemplate today.

I will soon be 39-my father died at this age.

In a few weeks Fiona will be 1- officially a toddler.

On the 5th of Febuary, Greg and I will have been together for 6 years-longer than I have ever been in a relationship.

My mother has been cancer free for 3 years and has been battling Liver disease for 1 year.

I am so very thankful for all of these things. They let me know that I am loved and capable of loving. I am blessed to have been with Greg this long. After all most, businesses fail within the first 5 years! I am the mother of two children who are healthy, smart, loving, and most of the time, kind. I am in an age where I am no longer consumed with "keeping up with the Jones'." I am content with who I am and what I have become (OK-most days). I have grown to respect the wisdom of my mother and to be able to speak my mind without feeling like a child that has done something wrong. I have wonderful friends that validate me as a mother and woman. I am proud to call them friends because I find each one of them strong and a source of knowledge beyond what they might think. Thank you to my circle of Divas! I am thankful for friendships made so long ago that they now seem like family!

I would like to see my life simplified in 2009. I hope to kiss my husband every day because the reality is that if I lost him I would lose my compass. The journey is more fun when we are together-even when we are lost! I want to play with my children more. I want them to remember that I took time for them not that I was too busy for them. I want to watch less TV or be on the computer less. I think I owe it to my family to set an example of moderation. To get out of the house to take walks or go to the park. I want to use my cloth diapers more. If nothing else to use the investment we made but also to decrease our carbon imprint on the earth. I want enjoy the people in my life more often. I think that I need this as a person-to remember that I am also an individual not just a mother or wife.

I do not expect to be mother Teresa. I will probably lose "Mother of the Year" by noon. I just want to make our lives better and to recognize a few things that I can do to make them happen. I also would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Cheers to 2009!

Motherhood-a sense of humor wanted!

2008-12-05T08:54:00.003-06:00

When you are single and something doesn't go quite as planned it is just not a big deal. Then you get married and something doesn't go right- you move on. When you have children and something goes awry the world seems to fall apart. After talking with my "Mommy" friends, I have discovered that the most important quality for being a mother-a sense of humor. I also realized that there is no such thing as "perfect". I do not know one single mother who has said to me lately that they have a "perfect" life. Things just go wrong sometimes. Not the end of the world wrong but a "oh, I guess plan B is in order" wrong.

I am thankful for the women who have helped me see the realness in parenting. I have had to use the humor in life to get me through more than one day. Like the time Greer decided to see if the contents of his cereal bowl would fit into his bib pocket. They did and he didn't spill any of it! I learned something new. Or the time that he came to me with his hands extended asking

" Mommy, what's this?". Well ,it was Desitin and he had "painted" his dresser with it. We learned that Desitin does indeed make a great removable paint in a pinch. Yes, I am finding the humor in motherhood. Life is just more fun when you laugh in the face of adversity!!! I think I just found a new motto!

By the way, Greer came home from school Wednesday singing Jingle Bells. It came out as "Chicken Bone, Chicken Bone, all the way. Hey!" Sing it you will see- it makes perfect sense to a two year old that has not yet learned about phonetics!

2008-11-13T08:30:00.003-06:00

While I am writing Greer and Fiona are playing . They are playing side by side. I hear giggles and the occasional "No, no sister." He is learning to share and she is learning to be assertive. They are both growing by leaps and bounds.

Greer has started going to Mother's day out on Wednesday. He has made some friends and only thinks that it is good after much protest. It seems to be for my benefit! He is learning colors and can count to five when being lead. He still loves music and we egg that on as much as possible. Greer is so loving and kind. He was at school this week and the class went to watch a movie. The teacher sat him beside a little girl, Jordis. He proceeded to hold Jordis' hand, kiss her cheek and then go in for the big smooch. Evidently, Jordis was not so pleased with her suitor and they had to move Greer because he wouldn't stop. That's our boy!!

He loves to be outside. He has started discovering the stars and moon. He will say"look mommy, moon." He wants to see everything and figure it all out. With this we discovered also comes some really nice screaming and throwing of items! We are convinced that maybe this is good practice for when he plays baseball or football. His other new found passion-Soccer. He wants to play soccer with Julian and Jaxon, daddy, Fiona-anyone who will.

Fiona is really jabbering up a storm. She is pulling up on everything trying to walk. She has stood a couple of times for a few seconds but isn't brave enough yet to take a step. She is good to let Greer know when she wants something or he is too close. She also has two teeth. I am waiting for her to bite Greer. She loves to eat anything she can hold and HATES peas. We have tried them in every form. She will not eat them. Fiona is a very cuddly baby and like her brother is very independent.

We are so lucky to have these little ones in our life. I am truly challenged everyday but in the end there is nothing better for me than laying down with them and feeling their breath as they sleep. I won't have this for too long so people tell me. I am taking full advantage of it now. I hope all are well and we send our love to you.

Realities of being a Mother

2008-07-14T19:00:00.003-05:00

I used to have a concept of what a mother should be. I (when I became a mother) would always look nice and never wear clothes that were out of style. I would go out with my husband on a date at least once a week. I would always look my best and have my hair done.
The reality of it is- that you do sacrifice your clothing allowance, hair allowance and everything in between to give your children what they want and what you want them to have.
I would be glad to give up whatever I had to just to see the smiles when they wake and to hear the new words.
Greer is now 23 months and is funny as all get out. He plays the Guitar like he is Eric Clapton. I must say he also likes to play in the nude. He wears a bath towel, which I have taught him to say "Super Greer." The great part of this is he also says " Super Greer is Super Fly." Yeah- having a toddler is great sometimes. Then there are other times when I ask myself if we will ever make it to three.
Fiona is 6 months. She is rolling around like a roly poly. She is also trying to scoot. She has the most wonderful smile and the most horrible screech. She is very much aware of what she does and doesn't want. And she lets you know. She loves Greer and they are on the verge of having their own little conversations in the back seat of the car. I am sure it is how to over throw the Queen!

Friends of a lifetime.

2008-04-11T09:47:00.003-05:00

There are friends in your life that come and stay and there are some that only come to visit. My friend Kim and I have been friends since 4th and 5th grades. It seems that we counted and it has a span of 30 years! I am amazed that I am even old enough to say this. When she was pregnant with her son, she gave me the honors of naming him. That is huge when it comes to giving a child an identity. She is always there for Greg and I, no matter what else she has going. Her son is like our second son. All of our friends and family know Kim and Suttyn. I am writing this because our son's are having a friendship by design and we hope that it becomes one of choice. Greer LOVES them, knows when I say they are coming and looks for them with excitement at the door. It is reassuring to know that someone outside of your family loves your child as much as you do. I value our friendship so very much. Greg has also formed a lifelong bond with them both. I am glad to say that I have several friends that I know I will grow old with but Kim and Suttyn are family. I look forward to sharing our lives with such good people.

First smiles!

2008-03-22T08:33:00.003-05:00

I was dropping the kids off at my Aunt's house so I could run to the hospital. I had been doing this for a couple of weeks and we had a routine. I woke up and thought it was going to be a beautiful day-Fiona should wear her dress! I dressed my little doll and had a moment where I realized I had a baby girl!

I had propped Fiona up to take a cute picture of her in her dress. She turned and looked at Greer and smiled. It was the most beautiful smile. I realized that at that moment they were bonded for life. She had already begun to love her brother. It was pivotal for me an only child.

Even though she is 9 weeks old, I feel she has been with us from the beginning. Maybe her soul was just a part of Greg and I. Her name was the first one decided on before we ever started trying to have children. We are so very blessed.

Being a family of four!

2008-02-18T16:07:00.002-06:00

There are times when I think to myself "How are we ever going to do this." Then of course right behind it comes the feeling of how did life exsist without our two beautiful children. Life not only changed but became that much richer. Seeing the compassion that Greer has for his sister is wonderful. Since we stay at home some of the social qualities aren't displayed as often. He loves to try to help when she cries. He offerrs a paci or a not so gentle squeeze of her hand. Bless her she has quickly learned to cry out when he comes near. I know before long these will turn to laughter over something her brother has done. For now they serve as a warning signal to us that we need to come quickly!

Greer has so many wonderful qualities. He is so funny and loves to be the center of attention(don't we all). He loves to play peek-a-boo. The funny thing is he only says "Boo". Dancing is his true passion. Any music, from the CD's we own to the music in comercials, to bad polka on satalite-he will drop everthing to dance. He loves to chase the dog around the house with anything he can find. At the moment it is the plastic clothes hamper. She hates it!!!! She loves it when he drops food though!!

Greg and I are learning to live on little sleep and to manage life a bit differently. I will dare to say for now we wouldn't change a thing. Okay-maybe a bit of sleep and a few cocktails!

Fiona arrives!!!!

2008-01-23T12:04:00.001-06:00

Fiona Grace Simmons

arrived on January 15, 2008. She weighed in at a petite 5 pounds and 13 ounces. She was 19 inches long. Coming into the world at 5:58 pm. Mother, Daddy and brother are all so very proud. As you can tell by the picture she has her daddy's feet and long legs. We are now adjusting to life as a family of four. Greer likes his new sister but isn't so sure about sharing the momma. I am sure this just takes time. For now we are just giving a lot of love to everyone in the house. Our family has been so very fortunate to have the love and support of family and friends during this time. Thanks to those who have brought food, clothes and flowers. We appreciate everything!

Holidays!

2007-12-23T08:56:00.000-06:00

The holidays are upon us and the count down begins to Fiona's birth. I am happy to say that this pregnancy has been so much easier than Greer's. Maybe it is because I knew what to expect. I am also thankful that it is almost time for her to be evicted. I am aware that I don't really know what I am asking for but I want my body back!!

We are excited for Christmas and all the wonderful joy it brings. It is especcially fun this year because Greer gets that he is supposed to open the presents and there things inside. He has really become such a little boy as of late. He is climbing on the chairs and onto the table, closes doors with an obcession, and is very independant. We are sad to see the baby leave but welcome the boy that is emerging. We are truely blessed everyday for the union we made.

From our home to yours- We wish you love, joy and peace in your lives. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Greg, Jana, and Greer Simmons

Life is good.

2007-11-30T08:28:00.000-06:00

We are heading into December. I am amazed at how fast this pregnancy has gone. I have also been very reflective of life. (Must be the hormones). My baby, Greer, is turning into a little boy right before my eyes. He plays with Julian and Jaxon, and our neighbors. He used to just watch-now he actually tries to take part. He loves music. He will stop whatever he is doing for the right song just to dance. It thrills my heart!

I don't think that I have ever loved my husband more than I do right now. He is so thoughtful and kind. Not that he hasn't always been but it is being noticed a bit more. I am so lucky to have him for my husband. Not to mention the great father he is! Every time I see him with Greer I fall in love all over again.

Enough sap for one day-just thought these things needed to be said outloud.

Halloween 2007

2007-11-15T08:09:00.000-06:00

We had such a great time. It seems like yesterday we brought Greer home looking forward to all the things he would do "someday". It seems our someday is here. This year we took Greer to a couple of houses in our neighborhood. He wasn't real sure about the whole process, especially since I wasn't giving him any candy. He did enjoy giving out candy and all the people. I was sure the costumes would scare him but not our social bug!!

He was dressed as a Dragon. I tried for weeks to get him to growl but no go. In good fashion it brought tears to my eyes to see our baby getting big enough to walk from house to house (even if it was prompted). Here's to all the things yet to come!!!

It is a girl!!!!

2007-09-26T09:23:00.000-05:00

Well, time has certainly gotten away from me. We found out that we are having a baby girl!!!! We have named her Fiona Grace. I wouldn't even entertain that it was a possibility so when the doctor said girl I started hysterically laughing. She didn't think it was quite that funny.

I have started debating all the questions that go with having two. Do we buy another crib? Do we transition Greer to a toddler bed? Will he be ready? Do we decorate another room or do they share for a bit? It seems to be an endless amount of questions with no true answers.

Greer is walking everywhere and is really wanting to talk but the only coherent words are more, ma, Dada, eat and every once in awhile bye. He has a wonderful sense of humor and typical of a boy LOVES outside. He also loves Julian and Jaxon. I think he has developed a pattern of when they come. He smiles greatly when they arrive! It is wonderful to know he looks forward to them. His other new past time is opening and shutting any door he can! That is the picture above. The front door is his favorite!

Friends

2007-09-10T11:31:00.000-05:00

I am in the process of watching friends adopt their second child, a son. He is from Vietnam and they are there now. I am reading updates through their blog. I have link to their story (click on Hodges). All I can say is after, dare I say, 24 years of friendship it is truely amazing. I wish this family all of the joy and true love that they deserve. I think that this process is the most selfless and gratifing that life has to offer. Much love to the Hodges Family. All of them Chuck, Jean Anne, Lucy and Eli.

Greer's 1st Birthday!

2007-08-24T11:01:00.001-05:00

CAKE IS GOOOOOD!

As you can see Greer had a wonderful time at his first party.

He enjoyed the friends and family, presents and of course the cake.

It was such a nice time for all of us.

I think Greg and I were so amazed at his patience when opening gifts.

It is very strange to think that this beautiful being came into our lives a year ago. It seems like he has alway been a part of us. He is so curious and observant. He is also very funny and outgoing but he tends to try to be shy when first meeting people. It doesn't last long. I can say that this has been the most rewarding yet challenging year of my life.

I think from here on out each one will bring its own challenges and rewards. I can't wait!

Happy First Birthday, Greer!!!!!!

Thoughts from July

2007-08-01T12:33:00.000-05:00

So here we are. I have made it thru the first trimester of pregnancy! Yeah me! (Greg and the kids).
Greer is fastly approaching his first birthday! We are celebrating his actual birthday at the beach! I can't wait-Gulf Shores here we come! When we return, we are having our friends and family over for cake and ice cream. What else I am not sure yet-maybe something will hit me at the beach.
I am amazed at how fast this time has gone by. I know everyone tries to tell you. He is trying to be brave enough to take a few steps. Maybe by his birthday.
The funny or not so funny stage that he's entered-screaming and the tantrums on the floor. Yes our son has mastered the art of throughing oneself to the floor while crying and looking up to see if anyone is looking before carring on! Who knew it happen this early?!
The cute stage is that he is really wanting to say words-bye-bye, Da Da and E(which we think might be Sophie). Not so much for the Mama.
He is so very happy and loves to smile and laugh. His smile can make me laugh even at the most inappropriate times. Like when he is throwing dinner over the side of his tray to feed Sophie while screaming EEEEEEE! Moments I really hope to never forget.
I am glad that he will have a sibling to play with but I am also afraid of the trouble these two are going to cause and get into! What have we done to ourselves?
My sister in law assures me I will be fine if I can make it to two years. Cocktail hour may be instated after I finish breastfeeding.
No, seriosly, we are so very blessed and couldn't ask for more in life. A happy marriage full of love, a healthy happy baby boy and another baby to join us. Can you really want more out of life?

The gifts just keep comming!

2007-05-30T12:30:00.000-05:00

Well, if you work hard enough and long enough good things will come. We are now expecting #2!!! It took eight months to become pregnant with Greer and it only took two months for this blessing. We are so very blessed (and hopeful) with another baby to enter our family. It seems, like our friends, we are going from a family of three to four. What a wonderful blessing!!! I will be sure to update as news becomes available.
Greer is now pulling up on everything! He amazes us at how fast he is growing!

Mother's Day

2007-05-13T12:10:00.000-05:00

Today is the first official Mother's day at our home. It seems just a bit sunnier, the air is just a bit nicer today and seeing the face of my son makes everything in the world just right. I waited so long it seems for this day to apply to me-more than a celebration of my mother-who by the way is a wonder woman in my eyes. I am taking it easy and enjoying the company of my mother in law and husband. Later we will be joined by my mother, great aunt and my neighbor, Linda for a luncheon cooked by Greg. All of these women are remarkable to me. They all have influence in my mothering. It is nice to be in the not so secret society called mother. I celebrate the fact that I myself have given life to the most extrodinary human that exsist in my world-Greer. There is not possibly a sweeter sound not yet heard-Momma. Til that moment I relish the gift that God has given to Greg and I for his safe keeping. Hail,Hail all the Mom's. I love you all.

9 Months

2007-05-09T05:07:00.000-05:00

Greer turns 9 months tomorrow.
I am looking forward to the doctor visit because it assures me his growth is on track but I dread it because he gets shots. I think that is worse than getting one myself because he has no idea why it is happening.
So, all in the matter of a weekend, Greer has decided to sit up by himself and try to pull up on things. I am so excited and terribly afraid at the same time. I guess he is tired of being left behind by the big kids.
He is exclusively on table food. He will not tolerate anything remotely resembling baby food. He loves anything green-peas, green beans, spinach, sweet snap peas and avocado. He also loves to chew. It is the funniest thing. He either shaves it with his front teeth or gums it to death.
He also makes a great face doing it.
Because he has the eight teeth, and they are slow to move down, he takes great time to investigate with his tongue. If you have ever watched a dog eat peanut butter- it is similar.
He is just too cute-of course. I'm his mom! It has been the most wonderful jorney thus far.

Being the new "me".

2007-04-30T12:35:00.000-05:00

In the quiet time in my house, I have time to reflect. I am thinking of all the changes that have occurred in the past 5 years.
1)I used to be so lonely and wait for the day I would meet my "Mr. Right". Then out of the blue I met him. I am truely blessed just by his presence in a room. I feel happy, safe, loved and hopelessly giddy. I pray that this feeling stays forever.
2) I used to go to the bar or out for fun. Now I am content to stay at home and just be. I find that there is more entertainment and fulfillment here.
3) I, for so long, felt that I would forever take care of others children and never be a mother myself. Now I look at my son and thank god everyday that he found me worthy of being a parent.
4) I had several last names in my life. None of which felt like mine. Now I share one with a family. My family. Not that I didn't have a place to belong before but there was an identity crisis for those around me. Now I just simply share a name. It ties me to my husband, son and the family unit that surrounds us.
5) I often wondered what I'd be when I grew up. Yes, I know, those of you who have known me for a long time wondered exactly when this was going to happen. I figured it out. I am going to be me with a little bit of wife and mother mixed in.
These aren't profound statements just a bit of what I am thinking for today. Being thankful for the person that I have become. Anticipating who I will grow into next. Always pondering the meaning of my own life and the person I strive to be. If you are reading this-know that you are part of the reason I am who I have become. You have great influence on my life. Thank you.

Things I hope to never forget

2007-04-13T13:13:00.000-05:00

I was rocking Greer to sleep today and thought to myself " One day he will be too big to sit in my lap and rock." That will certainly be a sad day. I treasure the days of rocking. Especially the end of the day. I know, or presume, he has had a good day when he lays his head on my shoulder and coos himself to sleep, and in the midst of his sleep sometimes, I notice that he is smiling. I take this as a good memory on the days events. One day he will no longer be so willing to share his thoughts so openly and I am praying that the small smiles now will carry me back when that time comes.

8 months

2007-04-10T05:58:00.000-05:00

I can't believe Greer is 8 months old today. It seems only yesterday we announced we were pregnant. I didn't have the most graceful pregnancy, as most of you know, and then a c-section. Well, now we are on our way to sleeping through the night, crawling or walking and Greer has 8 teeth!!! He wants so badly to eat real food and does every now and again. But we have to watch for allergic reactions. He finds his own humor in life and loves the boys(Julian and Jaxon). He is so very outgoing for a baby. He is also nosey-which I am pretty sure he got from me! He might miss something good. He is good for a cuddle and loves to feel soft materials. I am so amused by him everyday and can't wait to see what lies ahead but now know what parents mean about it all going so very fast. I am watching ,and before my eyes, I no longer have a baby-I have a baby who's turning into a little boy.

2007-04-09T13:58:00.000-05:00

Daddy and Greer for the first ride around the cove!!

Easter Egg Dyeing!

2007-04-09T13:44:00.000-05:00

Easter 2007

2007-04-09T13:28:00.000-05:00

Easter is about family. We went to the lake and celebrated where Gerji(my mom) joined us for the day Saturday,. It seems that our family is in transition as there were no children, who were either old enough or young enough, to hunt the eggs. Although Teresa did say" If you can find someone to hunt-I'll hide 'em." I was tempted to ask once everyone had had enough drink to see who the real kids are in the cove!
I had to take the excitement from being a kid to having a kid. Greer dyed eggs and tasted the vinegar(which didn't seem to phase him) and ended up with pink fingers. He recieved a basket with a golden egg, shirts and some plastic eggs. Mimi gave him a new toy that turns this way and that making a clack sound as it moves. He is very entertained. Uncle Chet gave Greer his first Nascar sippy cups! I am sure that they will hold all sorts of delights in the future! Speaking of first-Greer tried his first bits of sweet tea(and hopefully his last for a while). Thanks Aunt Teresa!!! He also went for his first ride on the 4 wheeler! It was cold and Daddy made one lap around the cove. I am pretty sure he will be like the rest of the Simmons clan grow to love the ride!!
Greer also broke out in hives thanks to his over zealous mother. I fed him strawberries, cantalope, grapes and blueberries. I am pretty sure it was the cantalope. I am on the line of elimination now. He is better now.
We can also report that the amazing flying Greer will not be making anymore appearances at the cove. He has been grounded by the flight crew of Mom & Dad. Yes, we have the done the thing that I have feared for awhile-Greer was left to nap on the bed WITH pillows and fell off. He has a slight little scrape on his nose and is fine!
It was truely a wonderful weekend of friends and family!

Greer-The funniest thing.

2007-04-05T07:11:00.000-05:00

Well, we are entering into the phase of parenting where it really gets fun. Last night Greg was playing with Sophie with Greer in his arms. Out of nowhere our son decided this was the funniest thing ever!!! He laughed a big hearty laugh and squeeled with delight every time Greg kicked the toy and Sophie ran after it. It made my heart melt and of course, in true fashion, we have it on video. These are the moments I live for. It is good to be a mom.