Well, this month was a drastic change from last month! Ten books in March, one in April. Such is the way free time works out when you're preparing to move.
Girl Soldier: A Story of Hope for Northern Uganda's Children, by Faith J. H. McDonnell and Grace Akallo
The two authors alternate chapters with McDonnell writing about the history of Northern Uganda and Akallo sharing her story of being a child soldier. I must admit, my eyes started to glaze over while reading McDonnell's portion. Too many names to keep straight. Akallo's part was an easier read though. I've read other books about child soldiers and people caught in the midst of horrible political or war-related circumstances and this one was the hardest one for me to finish, simply because of the way it was written. Important topic, but not my favorite book. I do, however, have a friend who lives in Northern Uganda, working for one of the organizations mentioned in the book. So, understanding what life in her neck of the woods is like was the one redeeming factor of the book.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
4/29/10 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful for the gift card and coupon that will allow our family to eat out very inexpensively at Bugatti's tonight. Perfect after the last day of packing and when our kitchen is all in boxes!
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
TWO EARS, ONE MOUTH
You often hear people say that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason - that we'd listen twice as much as we talk. I think that's great in theory, but hard to put into practice. I was reminded of that expression over the weekend when I was reading James. This verse, which I have highlighted because I often struggle with keeping my mouth shut and ears open, stood out to me.
James 1:19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
Good stuff. This week I'm really working on the "quick to listen" part when it comes to parenting. Far too often I assume that I know what my kids are going to say/do without really listening to them. I'm making a concerted effort to really hear them out this week. Now, this does not mean they get to negotiate the things I've told them to do, argue, or other such nonsense. It just means that I'm taking less of a "buck up and move on" approach to their frustrations and trying harder to understand where they're coming from.
What about you? Can you think of some situations where you could work on listening more, speaking less, or keeping your temper in check? Most of us could work on all three - not formulating our response to someone before hearing them out, choosing not to take offense at stuff, not asking questions that aren't any of our business, etc.
You don't have to tell me where you're failing, but I challenge you to pick one of the three areas and deliberately work to improve.
James 1:19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
Good stuff. This week I'm really working on the "quick to listen" part when it comes to parenting. Far too often I assume that I know what my kids are going to say/do without really listening to them. I'm making a concerted effort to really hear them out this week. Now, this does not mean they get to negotiate the things I've told them to do, argue, or other such nonsense. It just means that I'm taking less of a "buck up and move on" approach to their frustrations and trying harder to understand where they're coming from.
What about you? Can you think of some situations where you could work on listening more, speaking less, or keeping your temper in check? Most of us could work on all three - not formulating our response to someone before hearing them out, choosing not to take offense at stuff, not asking questions that aren't any of our business, etc.
You don't have to tell me where you're failing, but I challenge you to pick one of the three areas and deliberately work to improve.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
PICS THAT MAKE ME SMILE
Exhibit A - Amy, owner of Insomnia Coffee Company (yes, that's a little plug for their place), swung by several days ago to pick some stuff up from our house and left us with a loaf of bread. Not just any bread. Homemade. Rosemary. Braided. Warm. Delicious. Oh my! It was so pretty I had to take a picture. Salivating?
.
.
.
.
..
Exhibit B - We got a flier in the mail for a dentist's office. No big deal, junk mail comes all the time. This one, however, had a scratch in the paper that cracked Silas and I up. Check it out.
.
.Nothing like a snot rocket shooting from a dad's nose to his daughter's mouth to make the whole family smile. Ha! I realize the fact we found that funny makes us a little immature, but that's all right.
.
.
.
Exhibit C - Silas told me to close my eyes, then led me into his bedroom. He'd been shut up in there playing with cubes for a while, just enjoying some time alone. Here's what I discovered when I opened my eyes. My name in cubes. Love it!
.
.
Friday, April 23, 2010
WHEW! I'M POOPED!
And the only reason I'm saying so is because Naomi's not here to ask, "Mommy, you pooped in your pants?"
I've worked my tail off this week to get the rest of our packing done. We're almost down to the things we need up til the last minute, like dishes to eat off and soap to bathe with. I intended to get everything else finished up today, but I just couldn't do it. The morning was spent running errands and I was tired all afternoon. So, it was a dud of a day in the "get ready to move" department. That's all right. We're still ahead of the game enough that we'll be able to have some play time next week. I really didn't want to be in a packing and cleaning frenzy right up to the last minute ... and we won't be.
Anyway, I just wanted to pop in here for a minute. So, let's see what I can tell you.
Marshmallow Gun Wars - We've had so many people ask if we're going to continue these after we move. In fact, it's been the knee-jerk response for several people when they first hear we're moving. The answer is yes. We'll start them in late May or in June. Stay tuned.
Guacamole - I'm not a picky eater, but I hate avocados. They're slimy and disgusting. However, I want my kids to know that I'm willing to do the same things I expect of them ... like eating foods I'm not crazy about. So, I decided to make some guac. We had it tonight and I survived. In fact, I really liked it (just a thin layer, of course) on the new enchilada recipe we tried. Now, I don't imagine I'll be making it often or ordering it in restaurants, but it wasn't too bad. Plus, my kids know I don't expect anything of them that I'm not willing to do myself. I think that earns me some "good mom" points. Good thing, as I've earned a bunch of "slacker mom" points for parking my kids in front of library movies for ... well, let's just say it's been way more than I would normally let them veg out. But I've done lots of cleaning and packing in that time!
Shower - Remember my friend Cheri? Well, they finally got a referral! A couple friends and I are planning a baby shower for her. So fun!
Coughing - My fever struck two weeks ago. It last three days, with a cough starting on day two. That cough is still hanging on by a thread. It's not too bad during the day, but kicks into high gear at night. I rarely use drugs, but there have been a few nights that NyQuil has been my best friend. I'm so thankful that sickness is not the norm at our house!
School - We do school all year and I love it. Right now I'm particularly enjoying it. Why? Because when this week started we had five weeks of school to get done and nine weeks to do them in (assuming we finish our year when Tim does). That means we don't have the pressure of getting school done while in the middle of packing. We got a little done this week and I packed up the books today. We'll take next week off and probably the following week ... and we'll still have some wiggle room left for the last stretch!
Delight - We popped in at our new apartment today and I saw a beautiful sight. Linoleum. You see, the unit we'd originally looked at had a carpeted dining room. I've been stressing about that ever since. While the offspring aren't total slobs, they definitely drop stuff on the ground. Particularly one of them. Well, our unit has linoleum in the dining area!!! It's the little things, folks, that keep you from losing your sanity. I'm one happy mom. As a sidenote, I am totally baffled by the thought process that would lead anyone in their right mind to carpet an area that has food brought over it at least three times a day. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
Sugar - Tim just set a bag down next to me. It has a maple glazed doughnut in it. I think I'm going to go sit on the couch and eat it while the two of us watch a library movie.
I've worked my tail off this week to get the rest of our packing done. We're almost down to the things we need up til the last minute, like dishes to eat off and soap to bathe with. I intended to get everything else finished up today, but I just couldn't do it. The morning was spent running errands and I was tired all afternoon. So, it was a dud of a day in the "get ready to move" department. That's all right. We're still ahead of the game enough that we'll be able to have some play time next week. I really didn't want to be in a packing and cleaning frenzy right up to the last minute ... and we won't be.
Anyway, I just wanted to pop in here for a minute. So, let's see what I can tell you.
Marshmallow Gun Wars - We've had so many people ask if we're going to continue these after we move. In fact, it's been the knee-jerk response for several people when they first hear we're moving. The answer is yes. We'll start them in late May or in June. Stay tuned.
Guacamole - I'm not a picky eater, but I hate avocados. They're slimy and disgusting. However, I want my kids to know that I'm willing to do the same things I expect of them ... like eating foods I'm not crazy about. So, I decided to make some guac. We had it tonight and I survived. In fact, I really liked it (just a thin layer, of course) on the new enchilada recipe we tried. Now, I don't imagine I'll be making it often or ordering it in restaurants, but it wasn't too bad. Plus, my kids know I don't expect anything of them that I'm not willing to do myself. I think that earns me some "good mom" points. Good thing, as I've earned a bunch of "slacker mom" points for parking my kids in front of library movies for ... well, let's just say it's been way more than I would normally let them veg out. But I've done lots of cleaning and packing in that time!
Shower - Remember my friend Cheri? Well, they finally got a referral! A couple friends and I are planning a baby shower for her. So fun!
Coughing - My fever struck two weeks ago. It last three days, with a cough starting on day two. That cough is still hanging on by a thread. It's not too bad during the day, but kicks into high gear at night. I rarely use drugs, but there have been a few nights that NyQuil has been my best friend. I'm so thankful that sickness is not the norm at our house!
School - We do school all year and I love it. Right now I'm particularly enjoying it. Why? Because when this week started we had five weeks of school to get done and nine weeks to do them in (assuming we finish our year when Tim does). That means we don't have the pressure of getting school done while in the middle of packing. We got a little done this week and I packed up the books today. We'll take next week off and probably the following week ... and we'll still have some wiggle room left for the last stretch!
Delight - We popped in at our new apartment today and I saw a beautiful sight. Linoleum. You see, the unit we'd originally looked at had a carpeted dining room. I've been stressing about that ever since. While the offspring aren't total slobs, they definitely drop stuff on the ground. Particularly one of them. Well, our unit has linoleum in the dining area!!! It's the little things, folks, that keep you from losing your sanity. I'm one happy mom. As a sidenote, I am totally baffled by the thought process that would lead anyone in their right mind to carpet an area that has food brought over it at least three times a day. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
Sugar - Tim just set a bag down next to me. It has a maple glazed doughnut in it. I think I'm going to go sit on the couch and eat it while the two of us watch a library movie.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
4/22/10 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful for the bulbs that bloom in spring - crocus, hyacinth, daffodil, tulip. So bright and cheery!
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
NURSEMAID'S ELBOW
On a cold and dreary afternoon in January, Naomi's arm got hurt. She had nursemaid's elbow (partial dislocation of the elbow, for those who have never heard of it). She ended up going to the ER the next morning, but her arm stopped hurting somewhere between our home and the hospital. I've heard several moms say that their child's elbow popped back into place while getting into the carseat on the way to get medical care. Maybe that happened to Naomi. We'll never know. Anyway, we forked out a couple hundred bucks to the ER for a problem that had resolved itself by the time the patient arrived. Bummer.
On a warm and sunny evening in April, Sunday night to be exact, I was shopping with Naomi. She was holding my hand as we stood in line and calmly turned to look at a display of goldfish crackers. Suddenly she started wailing. Please keep in mind that our kids don't throw fits in stores. Ever. And also keep in mind that nothing dangerous, careless, or otherwise dramatic, had happened. We were just standing there.
I tried to comfort her and see what was wrong, but she was not calming down. Once she could speak intelligibly through her tears, I was able to understand that her arm hurt. I immediately knew she had nursemaid's elbow and figured it had happened when she turned to look at the display. Stinkin' goldfish.
She finally stopped crying and we went home. Remembering the last round of nursemaid's elbow, I decided to give her some Tylenol and send her to bed. I was hoping she'd just pop her elbow back into place while moving in her sleep. No such luck.
She was still keeping the arm immobile, though she was otherwise her normal, chipper self, when she woke on Monday morning. So, I called the doc's office and explained the situation to the receptionist. The nurse called me back, confirmed my diagnosis and told me just to come on in.
Now, I've read instructions online for putting the elbow back in place and I've had a gazillion people tell me that they've done it or had it done to them. It's a simple procedure, but I was afraid I'd make the situation worse.
So, the doc came in the room and I asked him to show me how to fix it. Evidently Naomi has wimpy elbows and I really don't want to have to go to the ER or doc's office when she does this again. At the same time, I wanted a supervised attempt at fixing it myself. I told him that if I tried it there and messed it up, then he could fix it. Plus, I wanted a professional witness, just in case I made matters worse, that I was trying to help Naomi, not abuse her. Got to cover my bases!
Anyway, he "fixed" Naomi's healthy arm to show me how it's done, then let me do the injured one. Oh my. So easy! Any five year old could do it.
Let me pause for a moment to solicit some compliments. You see, medical problems that involve intact skin, but body parts that aren't where they should be or that feel wrong, majorly gross me out. Dislocations, lumps, torn Achilles tendons that have retracted up a leg (yeah, that happened to Tim when Silas was a baby), etc ... those are not my department. I told Tim early in our marriage that I'd be all over it if our kids had "blood and guts" injuries, but that he was responsible for caring for any "neat and tidy, but not in the right place" situations.
Needless to say, holding onto Naomi's elbow as I felt the clicking of body parts returning to their proper place made my stomach turn a little. But I did it. And it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. And now I'll know how to fix it in the middle of Rite Aid, if it were to happen there again.
Anyway, back to the doc's office. As he was leaving the room, the doc told me that I'm the first parent he's ever taught to fix the problem. He said no one had ever asked to be taught. Imagine that. The "wimpy about dislocations" mom is the first of his patients to want to handle the dislocated area. I think I deserve an award.
On a warm and sunny evening in April, Sunday night to be exact, I was shopping with Naomi. She was holding my hand as we stood in line and calmly turned to look at a display of goldfish crackers. Suddenly she started wailing. Please keep in mind that our kids don't throw fits in stores. Ever. And also keep in mind that nothing dangerous, careless, or otherwise dramatic, had happened. We were just standing there.
I tried to comfort her and see what was wrong, but she was not calming down. Once she could speak intelligibly through her tears, I was able to understand that her arm hurt. I immediately knew she had nursemaid's elbow and figured it had happened when she turned to look at the display. Stinkin' goldfish.
She finally stopped crying and we went home. Remembering the last round of nursemaid's elbow, I decided to give her some Tylenol and send her to bed. I was hoping she'd just pop her elbow back into place while moving in her sleep. No such luck.
She was still keeping the arm immobile, though she was otherwise her normal, chipper self, when she woke on Monday morning. So, I called the doc's office and explained the situation to the receptionist. The nurse called me back, confirmed my diagnosis and told me just to come on in.
Now, I've read instructions online for putting the elbow back in place and I've had a gazillion people tell me that they've done it or had it done to them. It's a simple procedure, but I was afraid I'd make the situation worse.
So, the doc came in the room and I asked him to show me how to fix it. Evidently Naomi has wimpy elbows and I really don't want to have to go to the ER or doc's office when she does this again. At the same time, I wanted a supervised attempt at fixing it myself. I told him that if I tried it there and messed it up, then he could fix it. Plus, I wanted a professional witness, just in case I made matters worse, that I was trying to help Naomi, not abuse her. Got to cover my bases!
Anyway, he "fixed" Naomi's healthy arm to show me how it's done, then let me do the injured one. Oh my. So easy! Any five year old could do it.
Let me pause for a moment to solicit some compliments. You see, medical problems that involve intact skin, but body parts that aren't where they should be or that feel wrong, majorly gross me out. Dislocations, lumps, torn Achilles tendons that have retracted up a leg (yeah, that happened to Tim when Silas was a baby), etc ... those are not my department. I told Tim early in our marriage that I'd be all over it if our kids had "blood and guts" injuries, but that he was responsible for caring for any "neat and tidy, but not in the right place" situations.
Needless to say, holding onto Naomi's elbow as I felt the clicking of body parts returning to their proper place made my stomach turn a little. But I did it. And it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. And now I'll know how to fix it in the middle of Rite Aid, if it were to happen there again.
Anyway, back to the doc's office. As he was leaving the room, the doc told me that I'm the first parent he's ever taught to fix the problem. He said no one had ever asked to be taught. Imagine that. The "wimpy about dislocations" mom is the first of his patients to want to handle the dislocated area. I think I deserve an award.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
CUTE STUFF FROM NAOMI
Sometimes I have to work at making sure I don't blog more about Naomi than I do the boys. The problem with that is she's at an age where she's constantly saying and doing cute things and the boys have passed that stage. Oh well. Today I'm going to roll with it. Ready?
Papa - One day I was cooking and Naomi was in the kitchen with me. I had my back to her and she said "Papa can't see." Or maybe it was "Papa no see." Anyway, you get the idea. Papa, that would be my dad, wasn't at our house and lives hundreds of miles away, so I wondered what she was talking about. I turned around and saw this.
That's a picture of my dad with magnets that Naomi had put over his eyes. Here's another view.
Silly girl. She thought that was hilarious.
Crazy - Naomi and I were running errands tonight and she was goofing off. I don't remember what she said, but I responded with "you're crazy." She shot back with "I'm not crazy! I'm funny!!
Bike - Naomi has a tricycle that she often rides to and around the park. She loves it. Well, today Tim put training wheels on our smallest two-wheeler, one that both of our boys used in their younger years. Needless to say, she loved that bike too. Tim took all three kids to the park later in the afternoon and this is how she spent her time.
I can't believe she's riding a two-wheeler!! I realize it has training wheels, but it's still a two-wheeler. When did she get so big?!
Papa - One day I was cooking and Naomi was in the kitchen with me. I had my back to her and she said "Papa can't see." Or maybe it was "Papa no see." Anyway, you get the idea. Papa, that would be my dad, wasn't at our house and lives hundreds of miles away, so I wondered what she was talking about. I turned around and saw this.
That's a picture of my dad with magnets that Naomi had put over his eyes. Here's another view.
Silly girl. She thought that was hilarious.
Crazy - Naomi and I were running errands tonight and she was goofing off. I don't remember what she said, but I responded with "you're crazy." She shot back with "I'm not crazy! I'm funny!!
Bike - Naomi has a tricycle that she often rides to and around the park. She loves it. Well, today Tim put training wheels on our smallest two-wheeler, one that both of our boys used in their younger years. Needless to say, she loved that bike too. Tim took all three kids to the park later in the afternoon and this is how she spent her time.
I can't believe she's riding a two-wheeler!! I realize it has training wheels, but it's still a two-wheeler. When did she get so big?!
MENU - SECOND HALF OF APRIL 2010
Well, this may be the most ridiculous menu I've made in a while. I've got a handful of restaurant nights, a newbie, plus a few new meals I never made the last time around because I was so sick.
BREAKFASTS
oatmeal with the following topping options - brown sugar, raisins, milk, & sauce
granola (crockpot)
oat & almond breakfast bars (make night before)
morning glory muffins (freezer)
pumpkin bread (double batch, three loaves to freezer - never made them last time)
stuffed french toast (make night before)
sweet potato & buttermilk waffles
eggs & bacon
DINNERS
leftovers x2
tacos x2
baked chicken teriyaki/coleslaw/rice/asparagus
fish tacos with chipotle dressing/beans (crockpot/freezer)
easy enchiladas/chips/guacamole
new crockpot recipe (not a total flop, but not good enough to share)/garlic bread
upside down pizza/frozen veggie
noodles with pesto/asparagus
tomato & navy bean soup/garlic bread
Bugatti's (coupon for two free kids and a gift card)
Chuck E. Cheese (my dad's coming up and always takes the kids)
mystery restaurant (whatever sounds good after a full day of moving)
DESSERTS
rice krispy treats
apple cinnamon caramel crumble/vanilla ice cream (never got around to this one)
BREAKFASTS
oatmeal with the following topping options - brown sugar, raisins, milk, & sauce
granola (crockpot)
oat & almond breakfast bars (make night before)
morning glory muffins (freezer)
pumpkin bread (double batch, three loaves to freezer - never made them last time)
stuffed french toast (make night before)
sweet potato & buttermilk waffles
eggs & bacon
DINNERS
leftovers x2
tacos x2
baked chicken teriyaki/coleslaw/rice/asparagus
fish tacos with chipotle dressing/beans (crockpot/freezer)
easy enchiladas/chips/guacamole
new crockpot recipe (not a total flop, but not good enough to share)/garlic bread
upside down pizza/frozen veggie
noodles with pesto/asparagus
tomato & navy bean soup/garlic bread
Bugatti's (coupon for two free kids and a gift card)
Chuck E. Cheese (my dad's coming up and always takes the kids)
mystery restaurant (whatever sounds good after a full day of moving)
DESSERTS
rice krispy treats
apple cinnamon caramel crumble/vanilla ice cream (never got around to this one)
Friday, April 16, 2010
A NEW ADDRESS
We haven't moved yet, but we know our new address! That's right, folks, we've signed the lease for our place in Wilsonville. Ironically, our new street is "Ashland Loop". Funny, huh?
Moving day will be 5/1/10. That's just two weeks from tomorrow!
Remember that we'll be loading one truck for us and one for my grandma (she lives a couple blocks from us) in Beaverton and driving them both to the same apartment complex (different units) in Wilsonville. My dad and Tim will each be at one Beaverton home overseeing the loading of a truck on Saturday morning. Those who want to help on the loading end of things will get split up between the two homes. My dad and Tim will then drive the trucks down to Wilsonville and we'll split up the helpers on that end of things too. We'll need one person who would be willing to drive our van from Beaverton to Wilsonville.
Those who have offered to help can let me know which end you want to work on so that I can send you to a specific home. If you only want to work on the Wilsonville end, then be sure to let me know your phone number and I can call you on 5/1 when we have an idea of what time we'll be arriving there.
My spreadsheet is ready, so claim your shift!
Moving day will be 5/1/10. That's just two weeks from tomorrow!
Remember that we'll be loading one truck for us and one for my grandma (she lives a couple blocks from us) in Beaverton and driving them both to the same apartment complex (different units) in Wilsonville. My dad and Tim will each be at one Beaverton home overseeing the loading of a truck on Saturday morning. Those who want to help on the loading end of things will get split up between the two homes. My dad and Tim will then drive the trucks down to Wilsonville and we'll split up the helpers on that end of things too. We'll need one person who would be willing to drive our van from Beaverton to Wilsonville.
Those who have offered to help can let me know which end you want to work on so that I can send you to a specific home. If you only want to work on the Wilsonville end, then be sure to let me know your phone number and I can call you on 5/1 when we have an idea of what time we'll be arriving there.
My spreadsheet is ready, so claim your shift!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
4/15/10 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful that my dad has offered to exchange his annual "rototill the W garden" trip for a "help the Ws & Granny move" trip.
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
Monday, April 12, 2010
A GREAT HUSBAND & THREE AWESOME LADIES
Saturday morning I woke up with a fever. It lasted all day. Sunday morning the fever was still there. Again, it lasted all day. Thankfully, Tim was home both of those days. He was basically a single parent for two days in a row, as I sat on the couch fighting chills and aching all over. I'm sure it's not how he'd hoped to spend his weekend, but he pulled his weight and mine without complaint. A great husband.
Today I woke up with a fever. Day three with a temperature in the triple digits. Tim went to work and I accepted that today would be about survival. I wasn't going to worry about my dirty house or getting all of our school done for the day. We'd just do what we could.
Well, about 9:30 this morning I got a phone call from Mary Lou. She announced that she was bringing dinner over. Not only did she do that, but she also brought me a carton of really yummy juice that I don't have to share with anyone. An awesome lady.
About an hour later I got an e-mail from Brianne. She was asking me to choose between two types of brownies for her to bake for us. I made my selection and she walked over with Rowen this afternoon to deliver them. An awesome lady.
Another hour later I saw my grandma pull into the driveway. She came to the door with a ton of KFC for our lunch. I didn't have to use any brain power thinking of what to serve for lunch or any energy preparing it. An awesome lady.
Before I go, I'll leave you with this little bit of good news. My temperature has been in the mid-101s since Saturday morning, except for when it shoots to the mid-102s in the evening. Some nurse friends of mine told me that an adult can go three days with a fever before they need to call a doctor. This is my third day and since lunchtime my temp has stayed below 101. In fact, it's been in the low 100s. I still don't feel great, but that one degree has made me feel a little less miserable. Maybe, just maybe, it will drop the rest of the way before tomorrow morning!
Today I woke up with a fever. Day three with a temperature in the triple digits. Tim went to work and I accepted that today would be about survival. I wasn't going to worry about my dirty house or getting all of our school done for the day. We'd just do what we could.
Well, about 9:30 this morning I got a phone call from Mary Lou. She announced that she was bringing dinner over. Not only did she do that, but she also brought me a carton of really yummy juice that I don't have to share with anyone. An awesome lady.
About an hour later I got an e-mail from Brianne. She was asking me to choose between two types of brownies for her to bake for us. I made my selection and she walked over with Rowen this afternoon to deliver them. An awesome lady.
Another hour later I saw my grandma pull into the driveway. She came to the door with a ton of KFC for our lunch. I didn't have to use any brain power thinking of what to serve for lunch or any energy preparing it. An awesome lady.
Before I go, I'll leave you with this little bit of good news. My temperature has been in the mid-101s since Saturday morning, except for when it shoots to the mid-102s in the evening. Some nurse friends of mine told me that an adult can go three days with a fever before they need to call a doctor. This is my third day and since lunchtime my temp has stayed below 101. In fact, it's been in the low 100s. I still don't feel great, but that one degree has made me feel a little less miserable. Maybe, just maybe, it will drop the rest of the way before tomorrow morning!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
ODE TO A FEVER
Roses are red
Pumpkins are not
When I woke this morning
My body was hot
A stick in my mouth
Soon told me why
In triple digits
My temperature was high
I didn't eat breakfast
Which is incredibly rare
Had no appetite
Despite delicious fare
Cancelled a class
I was supposed to teach
My feverish germs
To students shouldn't reach
But the biggest proof
That my health is gone
Is that I asked Tim
To mow the lawn
Oh, how I love
That household chore
After our move
It won't exist anymore
Letting him do it
Is a pretty big sign
That my poor body
Is not feeling fine
Maps off the wall
And sandwiches made
That's all I could do
Til I felt energy fade
Read "I Spy" with Naomi
Watched a flick on the couch
All in all
Been a total slouch
I'm hoping by bedtime
That the fever is done
My temp shouldn't start
With one-oh-one
Pumpkins are not
When I woke this morning
My body was hot
A stick in my mouth
Soon told me why
In triple digits
My temperature was high
I didn't eat breakfast
Which is incredibly rare
Had no appetite
Despite delicious fare
Cancelled a class
I was supposed to teach
My feverish germs
To students shouldn't reach
But the biggest proof
That my health is gone
Is that I asked Tim
To mow the lawn
Oh, how I love
That household chore
After our move
It won't exist anymore
Letting him do it
Is a pretty big sign
That my poor body
Is not feeling fine
Maps off the wall
And sandwiches made
That's all I could do
Til I felt energy fade
Read "I Spy" with Naomi
Watched a flick on the couch
All in all
Been a total slouch
I'm hoping by bedtime
That the fever is done
My temp shouldn't start
With one-oh-one
Thursday, April 8, 2010
HANDY CARSEAT INFORMATION
Out with the old - As you know, we recently got new carseats for the offspring. That means we now have three carseats to get rid of. They're pretty bulky to put in our garbage can and my online searching didn't lead me to any alternative. So, I did a little sleuthing and talked to someone at ACTS Oregon. They use expired carseats for training purposes with law enforcement and other carseat installers. While their training stash is set at the moment, they also serve as a dropoff for carseat recycling.
Here's the scoop. You can go to their office Monday through Friday from 9-4 (tomorrow is an exception and they'll be open 12-4) to leave an expired carseat. You do not need to call in advance. The harness, fabric, and foam need to be removed from the carseat before you bring it, as they don't have a way to recycle those items. It's the plastic "bones" of the carseat that they'll take. Their office is located at 8059 SW Cirrus Drive, building #20 in the Parkside Business Center, in Beaverton.
In with the new - My friend Tiffany told me about a cool program for families who need booster seats for their kids. Turns out it's also through ACTS Oregon. You can click here for a coupon that's good for a $5.00 booster seat. The coupon is good through 6/26/10 and there are two more event dates between now and then. The seats are part of the "Safe Routes to School" program and you have to write in the name of your school, so I'm not sure that homeschooling families are eligible. It's fine if they're not, as the whole purpose is to get kids to and from school safely. If they are, then that's awesome.
Here's the scoop. You can go to their office Monday through Friday from 9-4 (tomorrow is an exception and they'll be open 12-4) to leave an expired carseat. You do not need to call in advance. The harness, fabric, and foam need to be removed from the carseat before you bring it, as they don't have a way to recycle those items. It's the plastic "bones" of the carseat that they'll take. Their office is located at 8059 SW Cirrus Drive, building #20 in the Parkside Business Center, in Beaverton.
In with the new - My friend Tiffany told me about a cool program for families who need booster seats for their kids. Turns out it's also through ACTS Oregon. You can click here for a coupon that's good for a $5.00 booster seat. The coupon is good through 6/26/10 and there are two more event dates between now and then. The seats are part of the "Safe Routes to School" program and you have to write in the name of your school, so I'm not sure that homeschooling families are eligible. It's fine if they're not, as the whole purpose is to get kids to and from school safely. If they are, then that's awesome.
4/8/10 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful that I slept well last night.
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
WANT A PIANO?
Update - Several people, both here and on Facebook, have encouraged us to keep the piano with us and given some practical suggestions for making it work. Tim had left the decision up to me as the piano was my mom's and since I'd be the one responsible for monitoring how often it got played for most hours of the day. I'm going to hash it out with him a little more. If we still decide to loan it out, then we've found a family who will take it.
This is the piano my mom got as a kid. It's also the one our boys have just recently, like over the last couple months, become interested in playing. Unfortunately, we can't take it with us when we move. Well, technically we can, but there is no way we could be pleasant neighbors with it in our apartment. It's just not polite to be playing a piano when you share walls with other families. I'm hoping there is someone who would be interested in having it on a long-term (I have no idea how long we'll be in an apartment) loan. Anyone?
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
A WORTHY CAUSE
Cheri is a good friend of mine who is adopting soon. Really soon. In fact, the phone could ring any day with a referral. Needless to say, their family is pretty excited. In the midst of their excitement they're also trying to raise the rest of the money they need to bring their daughter home. That amount, which was already high, was recently raised even more when the Ethiopian courts decided to have adoptive parents come once to meet the child, then again to bring the child home. That's a lot of unexpected, extra travel expenses!
Why am I telling you this? I'm so glad you asked. You see, Bob (that would be Cheri's husband) and Cheri are putting together an online auction fundraiser. Knowing that I have crafty, creative, & resourceful friends and blog readers, I asked if I could put a call out for donors. They obviously gave their approval.
So, I'm asking you to help Bob & Cheri bring their daughter home. Here are some ideas - items (jewelry, sewn items, paintings, collectible items, etc), services (massage, haircuts, photography session, housekeeping - they live in the Portland/Hood River area, so services in that area would be great, as a large portion of their circle of friends, family, & potential auction customers live there), entertainment (tickets to professional sporting events, symphonies, weekends at a beach house, etc), or the classic car in mint condition that's taking up space in your garage. Anything (well, anything that people would be willing to pay for) goes!!
You can live anywhere in the country to participate and will arrange the details with the highest bidder through the auction website. If you're interested (and you should be!), then let me know in the comment section or e-mail me at (with spaces removed) bethanyandtim @ yahoo .com and I'll put you in touch with Cheri.
If you'd like to read more about Bob & Cheri's adoption journey, then head over to their website, Bringing Love Home.
Why am I telling you this? I'm so glad you asked. You see, Bob (that would be Cheri's husband) and Cheri are putting together an online auction fundraiser. Knowing that I have crafty, creative, & resourceful friends and blog readers, I asked if I could put a call out for donors. They obviously gave their approval.
So, I'm asking you to help Bob & Cheri bring their daughter home. Here are some ideas - items (jewelry, sewn items, paintings, collectible items, etc), services (massage, haircuts, photography session, housekeeping - they live in the Portland/Hood River area, so services in that area would be great, as a large portion of their circle of friends, family, & potential auction customers live there), entertainment (tickets to professional sporting events, symphonies, weekends at a beach house, etc), or the classic car in mint condition that's taking up space in your garage. Anything (well, anything that people would be willing to pay for) goes!!
You can live anywhere in the country to participate and will arrange the details with the highest bidder through the auction website. If you're interested (and you should be!), then let me know in the comment section or e-mail me at (with spaces removed) bethanyandtim @ yahoo .com and I'll put you in touch with Cheri.
If you'd like to read more about Bob & Cheri's adoption journey, then head over to their website, Bringing Love Home.
Monday, April 5, 2010
NO MORE DRAMA
Remember how frustrated I recently was with certain people and behaviors? Well, I was telling a couple people this morning how I've had a month-ish without any drama and figured I should let you guys know it too.
Obviously life isn't perfect. In fact, today I've barked at my kids all day long and they've been disobedient, bickering, and whining. But I haven't had to deal with adult drama in a while. In fact, when I went back to link the venting post I realized it was more than a month old. Considering that those behaviors were happening every week or two, I've really enjoyed the lack of them. It's been wonderful!
So, what changed? I think it's been three things.
Space - I very rarely see two of the people who were part of my frustration and I haven't spent time with a group where those things were frequently happening. If you aren't around people who behave in those ways, then you can't be frustrated by them.
Time - As in anything that generates an emotional response, time tends to tone everything down. While those behaviors, generally speaking, still drive me batty, I'm not fired up about the specific situations anymore. They were what they were and I've moved on.
God - For quite a while I'd have imaginary conversations with these people while I was washing dishes (or doing whatever) and just mentally let loose with all the snarky things I wanted to say to them. I decided to stop myself in those moments and just pray, asking God to give me peace & forgiveness about the situations. He has.
I no longer spend my days fuming about people who act in those ways. I've even bumped into a couple of them over the last few weeks and it was fine. I smiled, said hi, and went on my way. A month or two ago I'd have spent the rest of the day stewing on what they had done. My overall mood is better. I'm not taking out my frustrations with adults on my kids.
I like the drama-free life.
Obviously life isn't perfect. In fact, today I've barked at my kids all day long and they've been disobedient, bickering, and whining. But I haven't had to deal with adult drama in a while. In fact, when I went back to link the venting post I realized it was more than a month old. Considering that those behaviors were happening every week or two, I've really enjoyed the lack of them. It's been wonderful!
So, what changed? I think it's been three things.
Space - I very rarely see two of the people who were part of my frustration and I haven't spent time with a group where those things were frequently happening. If you aren't around people who behave in those ways, then you can't be frustrated by them.
Time - As in anything that generates an emotional response, time tends to tone everything down. While those behaviors, generally speaking, still drive me batty, I'm not fired up about the specific situations anymore. They were what they were and I've moved on.
God - For quite a while I'd have imaginary conversations with these people while I was washing dishes (or doing whatever) and just mentally let loose with all the snarky things I wanted to say to them. I decided to stop myself in those moments and just pray, asking God to give me peace & forgiveness about the situations. He has.
I no longer spend my days fuming about people who act in those ways. I've even bumped into a couple of them over the last few weeks and it was fine. I smiled, said hi, and went on my way. A month or two ago I'd have spent the rest of the day stewing on what they had done. My overall mood is better. I'm not taking out my frustrations with adults on my kids.
I like the drama-free life.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
NAOMI'S NEW (& FREE) CARSEAT
Naomi desperately needed a new carseat. So, being the frugal person that I am, I got a free one for her. She was so excited about it!! She wanted to look at it online a gazillion times a day between the moment I ordered it and the day it arrived. She actually hugged the box when it came.
.
.
.
So, how did I get a brand new Graco Nautilus for free? Swagbucks, of course! I'd been saving up the Amazon gift cards I earned for a while and used them to purchase the seat. Awesome, huh? Check out how cute she is in it!! We don't allow drinks in the car, but she had to try out the cup holder in the house. The girl loves her carseat!
.
.
.
Wait! It gets better. The boys were also due for new carseats, but I had used up all my Amazon gift cards on Naomi's. So, I did the next best thing. I used the "shop & earn" option from Swagbucks to order the boys' seats online, which earned me two swagbucks for every dollar I spent.
.
I love Swagbucks! I know I've mentioned that little fact a lot, but it's such a cool program! And I love cute girls in free carseats. And I love cute boys in carseats that helped me earn more bucks.
.
..
So, how did I get a brand new Graco Nautilus for free? Swagbucks, of course! I'd been saving up the Amazon gift cards I earned for a while and used them to purchase the seat. Awesome, huh? Check out how cute she is in it!! We don't allow drinks in the car, but she had to try out the cup holder in the house. The girl loves her carseat!
.
.
.
Wait! It gets better. The boys were also due for new carseats, but I had used up all my Amazon gift cards on Naomi's. So, I did the next best thing. I used the "shop & earn" option from Swagbucks to order the boys' seats online, which earned me two swagbucks for every dollar I spent.
.
I love Swagbucks! I know I've mentioned that little fact a lot, but it's such a cool program! And I love cute girls in free carseats. And I love cute boys in carseats that helped me earn more bucks.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
A SECRET CONTEST
I've done various contests on here, but this morning I did a secret one. I wanted to give away one of my favorite candles, but didn't feel like doing a regular contest. So, I decided to give it to someone who had commented on my blog last month.
I went to random.org and generated a random number between 1 and 31 (the number of days in March). It came up with 11. Then I went to my post from 3/11 to see how many comments were left. There were three, so the next random number I generated was between 1 and 3. The number that came up was 1. The first commenter on that post was Rachel, so she wins a Glade 2 in 1 creamy custard & blushing apple candle. Smells so good!!
I went to random.org and generated a random number between 1 and 31 (the number of days in March). It came up with 11. Then I went to my post from 3/11 to see how many comments were left. There were three, so the next random number I generated was between 1 and 3. The number that came up was 1. The first commenter on that post was Rachel, so she wins a Glade 2 in 1 creamy custard & blushing apple candle. Smells so good!!
Friday, April 2, 2010
TRAINS, PIANOS, SLIDES, & DOUGHNUTS
We had two dates in our family today.
First, the boys and the mom. The three of us hopped on the crowded MAX this morning and headed into downtown Portland. This was only the third time they'd ridden in the four and a half years we've lived here, so that was an adventure in and of itself. About twenty minutes later we stepped off and walked a couple blocks to the Schnitz. We met several other kids (private schoolers with Good Friday off & some homeschoolers) and parents for Ten Grands For Kids. It was awesome! I highly recommend teachers to take their classes and homeschoolers to get a group together when next year's performances roll around.
I think this morning was the first time our boys have been downtown. We just never have a reason to head that way. Anyway, Silas asked me, after passing the gazillionth person lighting up, why so many people smoke in Portland, but hardly anyone does in Beaverton. I assured him that plenty of people in Beaverton also smoke, but when your in the center of a city you see more of it simply because there are more people. You just see more of everything, for better or worse. It was cute.
Another ride back to our neighborhood, a little walk home, and our date was done.
You may be noticing that one of our children was missing in the first date. I had asked Tim a while ago if I should get a sitter for Naomi while we were at the concert or if he wanted to take a personal day off of work. He chose to have some time alone with the little lady. So, while the boys and I were out, date number two was going on. A date with the daughter and dad.
It was pouring rain when we left this morning, so Tim and Naomi had given us a ride (in their jammies, I might add) to the MAX, then headed home. They ate, got dressed, then headed to Washington Square. Why the mall? For Bucky's, of course! Naomi got some wiggles out, then they headed to Beaverton Bakery. They brought their bakery purchase home and arrived shortly after we'd walked in the door.
Naomi was so cute! I opened the front door for her and she was carrying the bakery bag. I asked her where she'd been and she responded, with excitement and a trace of gloating, "Date!" Then I asked what was in her bag and she clutched it tight, smirked, and said "Doughnut!" She and Tim sat down at the table with us (we were already eating) and ate their doughnuts for lunch, Naomi obviously realizing that her lunch was better than ours. It was hilarious.
Fun morning for the Ws!
First, the boys and the mom. The three of us hopped on the crowded MAX this morning and headed into downtown Portland. This was only the third time they'd ridden in the four and a half years we've lived here, so that was an adventure in and of itself. About twenty minutes later we stepped off and walked a couple blocks to the Schnitz. We met several other kids (private schoolers with Good Friday off & some homeschoolers) and parents for Ten Grands For Kids. It was awesome! I highly recommend teachers to take their classes and homeschoolers to get a group together when next year's performances roll around.
I think this morning was the first time our boys have been downtown. We just never have a reason to head that way. Anyway, Silas asked me, after passing the gazillionth person lighting up, why so many people smoke in Portland, but hardly anyone does in Beaverton. I assured him that plenty of people in Beaverton also smoke, but when your in the center of a city you see more of it simply because there are more people. You just see more of everything, for better or worse. It was cute.
Another ride back to our neighborhood, a little walk home, and our date was done.
You may be noticing that one of our children was missing in the first date. I had asked Tim a while ago if I should get a sitter for Naomi while we were at the concert or if he wanted to take a personal day off of work. He chose to have some time alone with the little lady. So, while the boys and I were out, date number two was going on. A date with the daughter and dad.
It was pouring rain when we left this morning, so Tim and Naomi had given us a ride (in their jammies, I might add) to the MAX, then headed home. They ate, got dressed, then headed to Washington Square. Why the mall? For Bucky's, of course! Naomi got some wiggles out, then they headed to Beaverton Bakery. They brought their bakery purchase home and arrived shortly after we'd walked in the door.
Naomi was so cute! I opened the front door for her and she was carrying the bakery bag. I asked her where she'd been and she responded, with excitement and a trace of gloating, "Date!" Then I asked what was in her bag and she clutched it tight, smirked, and said "Doughnut!" She and Tim sat down at the table with us (we were already eating) and ate their doughnuts for lunch, Naomi obviously realizing that her lunch was better than ours. It was hilarious.
Fun morning for the Ws!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
MENU - FIRST HALF OF APRIL 2010
This menu took me so long to figure out. I was totally uninspired and unmotivated. However, inspiration and motivation were irrelevant ... the job had to be done. I think it turned out all right, even if it took all day to get it done.
BREAKFASTS
oatmeal with the following topping options - brown sugar, raisins, milk, & sauce
granola (crockpot)
baked oatmeal (make the night before)
oat & almond breakfast bars
morning glory muffins (double batch, half to freezer)
pumpkin bread (double batch, three loaves to freezer)
DINNERS
leftovers x2
tacos x2
new chicken recipe/coleslaw/rice
easy baked ham/rice/mandarin salad
new taco recipe/beans (crockpot/freezer)
split pea soup/biscuits
tomato & navy bean soup/garlic bread
egg salad pitas/fruit
Cajun chicken pasta/frozen veggie
tuna couscous salad/garlic bread
black bean & couscous salad/chips
new enchilada recipe/chips/salad
veggie stir fry/sesame noodles
rice cooker mac & cheese/frozen veggie
teriyaki burgers (Tim will make them)/potato wedges/salad
DESSERTS
yum yum cake (Silas will make it)
apple cinnamon caramel crumble/vanilla ice cream
kettle corn - regular & cinnamon crunch (taking to a party)
MISCELLANEOUS
taco seasoning (quadruple batch)
BREAKFASTS
oatmeal with the following topping options - brown sugar, raisins, milk, & sauce
granola (crockpot)
baked oatmeal (make the night before)
oat & almond breakfast bars
morning glory muffins (double batch, half to freezer)
pumpkin bread (double batch, three loaves to freezer)
DINNERS
leftovers x2
tacos x2
new chicken recipe/coleslaw/rice
easy baked ham/rice/mandarin salad
new taco recipe/beans (crockpot/freezer)
split pea soup/biscuits
tomato & navy bean soup/garlic bread
egg salad pitas/fruit
Cajun chicken pasta/frozen veggie
tuna couscous salad/garlic bread
black bean & couscous salad/chips
new enchilada recipe/chips/salad
veggie stir fry/sesame noodles
rice cooker mac & cheese/frozen veggie
teriyaki burgers (Tim will make them)/potato wedges/salad
DESSERTS
yum yum cake (Silas will make it)
apple cinnamon caramel crumble/vanilla ice cream
kettle corn - regular & cinnamon crunch (taking to a party)
MISCELLANEOUS
taco seasoning (quadruple batch)
4/1/10 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful for my 60 year old dad, the man whose April Fool's birthday instilled in him an inherent love of practical jokes. Head over to his blog to see a pictorial review of his life up to this point.
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
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