In my youth, my mother's favorite saying when things seemed to be spiraling out of control was, "Saint Jude, sit on my shoulders." I'm not quite sure what that really meant, but I knew that whenever she said that, I backed away slowly and quietly without any sudden moves. My favorite saying is, "Lord, give me strength." And at the time that I say it, it's more like a demand then a request. Well, today was one of those, "Lord, give me strength" days.
Things were settled with the little one. She was playing quietly. (Hooray! A silent victory parade marched through my mind.) When the doors to chaos seemed to open wide. Slowly, we managed to get everything back on track after I broke into a cold sweat and some blood vessels popped deep in my brain. And then I said it, "Lord, give me strength."
I realized that by saying this, what I really do is take a deep breath, stand back. and reevaluate what the real problem is in the middle of all the craziness. AH. Then slowly, with some divine intervention, things seem to right themselves temporarily. Sometimes, I need to talk about it, write about it, or just do something different for my nerves to settle down. When all the dust settled today, I did have strength.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Challenging, But Up.
When things seems too frustrating to handle, I try to look forward toward the future. For us, we have an opportunity to take some time and plan a brief and an inexpensive (I mean dirt cheap) mini-vacation this spring. Just the idea of taking some time to get away from the three needy dogs, the snow that never seems to stop this year, my husband's crazy work schedule, and weeks that seem to already plan themselves before you even get to them, sounds divine! I love the idea of taking some family time. Sometimes you don't even have to leave the house to feel like you have gone somewhere. As a family, little things like pitching a tent in the living room and pretending like you are camping with picnic food and games, while it snows outside, can do the trick. Or if you can, give the kids to grandma for the night and create a theme night for you and your spouse, with ethic food and movies.
We also have an opportunity to finally replace the car that was totalled in the November accident. Car buying can be hard on a family. There is usually a tight budget and the stamp on your forehead that says, "I have no idea about car shopping." This time we have done the research and we are very certain about the terms and agreements that we want to make. This is the first car buying experience where I will to be apart of the "negotiations committee." With God on our side, I hope to walk away from this month with a new car. (Darn it!) But my good mood started with the purchase of a shelving unit with a left over gift card. I didn't even pay for it, but it is helping to clean-up the craziness. So use those old gift cards and certificates. It's a ball.
And it has been a tantrum-free day. We have had some close calls, but no blown fuses yet. Things are looking up. Challenging, but up.
We also have an opportunity to finally replace the car that was totalled in the November accident. Car buying can be hard on a family. There is usually a tight budget and the stamp on your forehead that says, "I have no idea about car shopping." This time we have done the research and we are very certain about the terms and agreements that we want to make. This is the first car buying experience where I will to be apart of the "negotiations committee." With God on our side, I hope to walk away from this month with a new car. (Darn it!) But my good mood started with the purchase of a shelving unit with a left over gift card. I didn't even pay for it, but it is helping to clean-up the craziness. So use those old gift cards and certificates. It's a ball.
And it has been a tantrum-free day. We have had some close calls, but no blown fuses yet. Things are looking up. Challenging, but up.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Tantrums
I always knew that deep inside we are all capable of a tantrum if we let ourselves. Well, today the little one had her first full-fledged tantrum. Scared me to pieces. Her father tried to handle it the best way he thought, but it may not have been as effective as he hoped.
In times of crisis, such as today, I take a deep breath, pray a small prayer, and stay strong, but compassionate. Then, I read. I have always been the most at home in a library. In fact, the people close to me might say that I have turned my house into a library, but I suppose their are worse things. So today, I turned to Penelope Leach's Your Baby and Child. (She has never failed me yet.) I love this book. I bought it in my fourth month of pregnancy with the little one when my OB suggested that, as an academic person, I should focus less on the child birth classes, which he claimed come naturally, and study parenting. It was one of the best $20 I ever spent. She tells you the physical and mental needs behind eating and growing, teething, sleeping, crying, playing and so much more. And then gives practical advice that can guide a parent to handling situations positively. We have gone through some difficult times with our little one's growth and this book has never been wrong.
After reading it, I explained to my husband that we could have done better. I suggested that he read it as well. After which we both feel like we can handle the next tantrum a bit better now that we know where they are coming from. In parenting as in life, I suppose you will always make mistakes. But the hope is to learn from the mistakes and be a better person and therefore, be a better parent.
In times of crisis, such as today, I take a deep breath, pray a small prayer, and stay strong, but compassionate. Then, I read. I have always been the most at home in a library. In fact, the people close to me might say that I have turned my house into a library, but I suppose their are worse things. So today, I turned to Penelope Leach's Your Baby and Child. (She has never failed me yet.) I love this book. I bought it in my fourth month of pregnancy with the little one when my OB suggested that, as an academic person, I should focus less on the child birth classes, which he claimed come naturally, and study parenting. It was one of the best $20 I ever spent. She tells you the physical and mental needs behind eating and growing, teething, sleeping, crying, playing and so much more. And then gives practical advice that can guide a parent to handling situations positively. We have gone through some difficult times with our little one's growth and this book has never been wrong.
After reading it, I explained to my husband that we could have done better. I suggested that he read it as well. After which we both feel like we can handle the next tantrum a bit better now that we know where they are coming from. In parenting as in life, I suppose you will always make mistakes. But the hope is to learn from the mistakes and be a better person and therefore, be a better parent.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Oh, What A Night!
"In mid-January, back in '08.." (Doesn't have quite the same ring as the original, "Oh, What A Night!") Anyway, the little one has been really under the weather. On Thursday, when we almost had this cold knocked out of her, she caught it again from her father. AHAHAHAH! So, I give up. We are going to the doctor first thing in the morning and if they don't give me an early appointment, so help me God, I will reach through the phone and explain the fires of Hell to that nurse. (Can you tell that I haven't gotten any sleep in two nights?)
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Knitting Knutts
I have to admit it. I am a knitting nut! I love to play around with new stitches and yarns. I love to spin wools and other fibers for a real homespun look.
When I was an adolescent, not a pretty time in my past, I latched on to the fiber arts like most teenagers latch on to parties. I was small and socially awkward. I hadn't yet figured out my own personal style. ( And don't think that I have quite mastered style even still.) My parents did not have much, but for a time they owned a small store on Main Street in our small town. A sister of our neighbor often demonstrated fiber arts and my parents invited her to demonstrate at the store. I was fascinated. I asked to learn how to spin right away, but the response was, "What would you do with all that yarn if you do not know how to knit?" So I learned how to knit first. My mother and I went to all kinds of knitting and spinning club meetings and bees for years. It's a great hobby to share with kids. I can't wait till my little is old enough, but I sure do love the baby sweater phase, too.
As an adult, I just do not have the time or resources to donate to the cause anymore. But I still try new patterns and yarns. This year I have decided that everyone next Christmas is going to get something hand knitted. I started the day after this past Christmas and so far no real progress. With all the sickness running around our family, I haven't knitted much, but I am still committed. Maybe soon I'll have a scarf or something to show for all the hard work.
When I was an adolescent, not a pretty time in my past, I latched on to the fiber arts like most teenagers latch on to parties. I was small and socially awkward. I hadn't yet figured out my own personal style. ( And don't think that I have quite mastered style even still.) My parents did not have much, but for a time they owned a small store on Main Street in our small town. A sister of our neighbor often demonstrated fiber arts and my parents invited her to demonstrate at the store. I was fascinated. I asked to learn how to spin right away, but the response was, "What would you do with all that yarn if you do not know how to knit?" So I learned how to knit first. My mother and I went to all kinds of knitting and spinning club meetings and bees for years. It's a great hobby to share with kids. I can't wait till my little is old enough, but I sure do love the baby sweater phase, too.
As an adult, I just do not have the time or resources to donate to the cause anymore. But I still try new patterns and yarns. This year I have decided that everyone next Christmas is going to get something hand knitted. I started the day after this past Christmas and so far no real progress. With all the sickness running around our family, I haven't knitted much, but I am still committed. Maybe soon I'll have a scarf or something to show for all the hard work.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Who's Excited for Lent
Lent was never my favorite season in the Church calendar. As a kid, it always seemed so solemn. All I knew was that I had to give something up as Jesus had given his life. One year, the Sisters at school said that we should give up something that we really loved. So I gave up cucumbers, my favorite snack in the whole world. (My mother was a health-nut like I am today.) When she asked what I had given up, and I told her cucumbers, she protested. She said I had to pick something else. I never could find a satisfactory substitute.
As I become older, I sacrificed on a grander scale. I once gave up television. (I had the best grades ever during that quarter.) I gave up candy once. (The dentist was happy about that.) It wasn't until I became a twenty-something that the sacrifices became more about cleansing myself of negativity and giving of myself more and more to God. I pledged to be more prayerful. I pledged to me more understanding. I pledged to be more giving of my material goods. (Though there was never much to give, especially in college.) When my husband and I married, our first Lent together was spent largely apart. I was pregnant and miserable and he was working. So I have grown to almost dread this season. I lose my husband to a landslide of work commitments and I have to work harder spiritually and physically.
But this year, something is different. I'm looking forward to Lent. I can't really explain it except to say that there is a normalcy in this ritual cleansing that I am craving this year. Our family has experienced some abnormalities this last year and I like knowing what I can expect, to some degree, this Lent. It's like a spring cleaning for the spirit where I am able to do more and be more for others. Plus, the little one can understand more this year, so maybe it will have even more meaning for our family. I invite everyone to get more excited about Lent as an opportunity rather than an obligation.
As I become older, I sacrificed on a grander scale. I once gave up television. (I had the best grades ever during that quarter.) I gave up candy once. (The dentist was happy about that.) It wasn't until I became a twenty-something that the sacrifices became more about cleansing myself of negativity and giving of myself more and more to God. I pledged to be more prayerful. I pledged to me more understanding. I pledged to be more giving of my material goods. (Though there was never much to give, especially in college.) When my husband and I married, our first Lent together was spent largely apart. I was pregnant and miserable and he was working. So I have grown to almost dread this season. I lose my husband to a landslide of work commitments and I have to work harder spiritually and physically.
But this year, something is different. I'm looking forward to Lent. I can't really explain it except to say that there is a normalcy in this ritual cleansing that I am craving this year. Our family has experienced some abnormalities this last year and I like knowing what I can expect, to some degree, this Lent. It's like a spring cleaning for the spirit where I am able to do more and be more for others. Plus, the little one can understand more this year, so maybe it will have even more meaning for our family. I invite everyone to get more excited about Lent as an opportunity rather than an obligation.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The Kitchen
Ah, the kitchen. The center of our house. Maybe it's because with two adults and a growing toddler we eat constantly. Maybe it's because of the yummy meals that come from love. Maybe because it is one of the few times we all sit still and enjoy each other all day. Maybe it's because if you ever want to talk to me for any length of time, you'll find me in the kitchen. Maybe its because we watch too much Food Network. I'm not exactly sure what the recipe was, but I'm sure glad that it has worked out that way.
No matter how hard I try, I cannot keep the little one out of the kitchen. I panic when I am cooking and she is anywhere close to the kitchen. I think it is just too dangerous. But she is curious and wants to be with mommy. When she was little I could give her a plastic spatula and a bowl and she would go to town. We even bought her her very own kitchen. She has little interest in it. She wants to be in the real kitchen. After I have regained some patience, I usually try and have her help in the kitchen. She has been helping prepare meals and baked goods for about 6 months now. I put her in her booster seat, strap her in, and let her mix ingredients. Recently, she has become really good at pouring and cracking eggs. She loves it.
As she gets older, and bigger, she has become a climber. She can get on, over, under, between anything in our house. Yesterday, she decided that the booster seat was just not going to cut it. Within two seconds, she hopped up on a dining room chair, knelt, put her elbows on the table and asked what she could help with. After my heart leaped in panic, I couldn't help but smile. (She has a way of making me do that.) She seemed steady. So I cut some oven baked potato fries and had her season them while we talked and snacked on broccoli stems. When daddy came home for dinner, I told him that Emma made the fries. He asked her if this was true. She smiled and casually said, "Yeah." As if to say, "No big deal, wait till you see what I will do when I get older." We all can't wait for that.
No matter how hard I try, I cannot keep the little one out of the kitchen. I panic when I am cooking and she is anywhere close to the kitchen. I think it is just too dangerous. But she is curious and wants to be with mommy. When she was little I could give her a plastic spatula and a bowl and she would go to town. We even bought her her very own kitchen. She has little interest in it. She wants to be in the real kitchen. After I have regained some patience, I usually try and have her help in the kitchen. She has been helping prepare meals and baked goods for about 6 months now. I put her in her booster seat, strap her in, and let her mix ingredients. Recently, she has become really good at pouring and cracking eggs. She loves it.
As she gets older, and bigger, she has become a climber. She can get on, over, under, between anything in our house. Yesterday, she decided that the booster seat was just not going to cut it. Within two seconds, she hopped up on a dining room chair, knelt, put her elbows on the table and asked what she could help with. After my heart leaped in panic, I couldn't help but smile. (She has a way of making me do that.) She seemed steady. So I cut some oven baked potato fries and had her season them while we talked and snacked on broccoli stems. When daddy came home for dinner, I told him that Emma made the fries. He asked her if this was true. She smiled and casually said, "Yeah." As if to say, "No big deal, wait till you see what I will do when I get older." We all can't wait for that.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
The Dream
The dream is to have a medium sized family with children well spaced out so that everyone feels special and appreciated without driving mommy to the pscych ward at the local hospital.
The dream is to have a small well maintained home with low ceilings to breed closeness.
To have the children share bedrooms and learn the difficulties and the joys of respecting each others space.
The dream is to have the children do their homework around the dining room table every afternoon and evening, asking questions about topics that we have long since forgot.
The dream is to have the older children read to and grow closer to their younger siblings rather than resent their existence for their whole life.
The dream is to have family breakfast and dinner at least 4 days out of 5.
The dream is to look outside and see children playing on the lawn.
The dream is to have well adjusted and polite children that enjoy doing family activities together.
The dream is to mention the idea of a vacation and everyone puts in their two cents, and begins to get truly excited.
The dream is to go to so many concerts, recitals, games, matches, and shows that we know the teachers, classmates, families, and layout of every building by heart.
The dream is to be making dinner and have little hands trying to snatch a taste before its ready.
The dream is for the children to never see a boundary between going to church and living the Church.
The dream is for the children to love and respect their grandparents and absorb their goodness.
The dream is for my husband and I to have such close relationships with our children that they miss us when they leave.
The dream is to have our children choose their vocations with the confidence that we will respect and support their decisions.
The dream is to have a long and loving marriage as a gift to our children.
That's the dream.
The dream is to have a small well maintained home with low ceilings to breed closeness.
To have the children share bedrooms and learn the difficulties and the joys of respecting each others space.
The dream is to have the children do their homework around the dining room table every afternoon and evening, asking questions about topics that we have long since forgot.
The dream is to have the older children read to and grow closer to their younger siblings rather than resent their existence for their whole life.
The dream is to have family breakfast and dinner at least 4 days out of 5.
The dream is to look outside and see children playing on the lawn.
The dream is to have well adjusted and polite children that enjoy doing family activities together.
The dream is to mention the idea of a vacation and everyone puts in their two cents, and begins to get truly excited.
The dream is to go to so many concerts, recitals, games, matches, and shows that we know the teachers, classmates, families, and layout of every building by heart.
The dream is to be making dinner and have little hands trying to snatch a taste before its ready.
The dream is for the children to never see a boundary between going to church and living the Church.
The dream is for the children to love and respect their grandparents and absorb their goodness.
The dream is for my husband and I to have such close relationships with our children that they miss us when they leave.
The dream is to have our children choose their vocations with the confidence that we will respect and support their decisions.
The dream is to have a long and loving marriage as a gift to our children.
That's the dream.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
We Have a Chest Cold
I have to admit that I am a scared-y-pants when it comes to bacteria and viruses. Their potential is endless, and as a mom all I want to do is exterminate them immediately.
For three weeks during the Christmas season I had the worst chest cold. It just wanted to be bronchitis. But I wouldn't let it. Now, the little one has it and we are fighting it every step of the way. After my doctor recommended some over the counter medicines we have taken the offensive. Lots of water, plain but nutritious food, lots of sleep, restful activities, and some old fashion tried and true remedies. And slowly, but surely we are winning the war.
I panic inside, but I show an outer composure of nurturing confidence. My husband has chronic asthma that is always one cold away from a hospital visit. So when a germ invades our house we go on high alert. Washing sheets, changing toothbrushes, disinfecting, no touching eyes or nose. We must conquer.
For three weeks during the Christmas season I had the worst chest cold. It just wanted to be bronchitis. But I wouldn't let it. Now, the little one has it and we are fighting it every step of the way. After my doctor recommended some over the counter medicines we have taken the offensive. Lots of water, plain but nutritious food, lots of sleep, restful activities, and some old fashion tried and true remedies. And slowly, but surely we are winning the war.
I panic inside, but I show an outer composure of nurturing confidence. My husband has chronic asthma that is always one cold away from a hospital visit. So when a germ invades our house we go on high alert. Washing sheets, changing toothbrushes, disinfecting, no touching eyes or nose. We must conquer.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Labeling
Alright, mommy moment.
It is very obvious to anyone who watches my family, and I really don't suggest it for long periods of time, that we do not fit in any sort of mold. I'm 4 feet ten inches tall and my husband is six feet tall. (Dancing is a struggle.) And our little one has a projected growth curve at around five feet six inches tall. I have black hair, my husband has blond, and our little one has brown. I have brown eyes, my husband has green, and the little one has blue. It goes around and around this way.
I would venture that as varied as human beings are, so are parenting styles. My husband and I parent differently then our parents did us. There are many reasons why we have chosen a different path. We have different priorities, struggles, environments, and life experiences. I do not think less of my parents simply because they did things differently. I have faith that they did the best they could under the circumstances. As I also feel about other more contemporary families.
However, there has been great buzz in "mommy cyberspace" about attachment parenting theory and other Catholic models of parenting. I have to be honest, I had never heard of such a thing till recently. I'm not a psychologist, but as a teacher, as a mom, as a fairly academic person, I think this is an open-ended war. Parents are running into dangerous territory.
It is healthy for different theories to present themselves and to also be academically evaluated. However, I do not think that it is healthy for parents to criticize each other over the theories that they prescribe to unless there is harm done to the child. When the issues are boiled down it seems to be a case of labeling. Parents want to label their parenting styles and their children so that others can easily contrast them to the greater public. In education, as well as in life, labeling can be a dangerous action. It can be good to label, to a degree, such as labeling a child learning disabled so that the child can receive services to better the learning process. However, the danger comes in the prescribing of the same services to that child no matter the need. Services are provided to the child based on an individual education plan. Then there comes the stigma. The stereotype. Labeling can hurt.
I firmly believe that each child has an individual education plan as well as an individual parenting plan. Sure there are some generalities that can be drawn for some families, but as varied as a humans physical appearance, so is their emotional, social, and spiritual needs that we as parents must tune into and tune out of all this right way/wrong way nonsense. Even if you do not verbalize it, parents still fell the implications.
It is very obvious to anyone who watches my family, and I really don't suggest it for long periods of time, that we do not fit in any sort of mold. I'm 4 feet ten inches tall and my husband is six feet tall. (Dancing is a struggle.) And our little one has a projected growth curve at around five feet six inches tall. I have black hair, my husband has blond, and our little one has brown. I have brown eyes, my husband has green, and the little one has blue. It goes around and around this way.
I would venture that as varied as human beings are, so are parenting styles. My husband and I parent differently then our parents did us. There are many reasons why we have chosen a different path. We have different priorities, struggles, environments, and life experiences. I do not think less of my parents simply because they did things differently. I have faith that they did the best they could under the circumstances. As I also feel about other more contemporary families.
However, there has been great buzz in "mommy cyberspace" about attachment parenting theory and other Catholic models of parenting. I have to be honest, I had never heard of such a thing till recently. I'm not a psychologist, but as a teacher, as a mom, as a fairly academic person, I think this is an open-ended war. Parents are running into dangerous territory.
It is healthy for different theories to present themselves and to also be academically evaluated. However, I do not think that it is healthy for parents to criticize each other over the theories that they prescribe to unless there is harm done to the child. When the issues are boiled down it seems to be a case of labeling. Parents want to label their parenting styles and their children so that others can easily contrast them to the greater public. In education, as well as in life, labeling can be a dangerous action. It can be good to label, to a degree, such as labeling a child learning disabled so that the child can receive services to better the learning process. However, the danger comes in the prescribing of the same services to that child no matter the need. Services are provided to the child based on an individual education plan. Then there comes the stigma. The stereotype. Labeling can hurt.
I firmly believe that each child has an individual education plan as well as an individual parenting plan. Sure there are some generalities that can be drawn for some families, but as varied as a humans physical appearance, so is their emotional, social, and spiritual needs that we as parents must tune into and tune out of all this right way/wrong way nonsense. Even if you do not verbalize it, parents still fell the implications.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Your Name?
My husband's job is a rather public one, well, at least it is public to the over 1,500 families that attend our parish. With four solidly attended masses every weekend, daily mass, weddings, funerals, retreats, sacraments, a vibrant youth community, committees, and ministries growing every year, my husband comes in contact with a few people. He manages music for all liturgies, an average 30 member choir (which swells to 40 members during Christmas and Easter, go figure), children's choir, nearly 20 cantors, and a folk ensemble every week. He's amazing.
But aside from his nearly superhero-like schedule, the strangest thing keeps happening to the both of us. Let me give you a taste......One day, in city far far from here, my family and I were taking an annual Christmas shopping trip to a book and toy store. We stopped at a coffee shop to settle down for some homemade meatloaf sandwiches from "Spaeth Catering" when some nice older folks loudly proclaimed that they had spied the, "piano player, from church." They came right up to our family and told us all about their day and how much they enjoy church and the music. It was nice, but they never introduced themselves. And before we knew, they we gone.
In the book store, I had some lovely lady pop up behind me and tell me how much my little one has grown. She remembered when she was an infant and enjoys watching her at mass. ("And you are?") And the next thing I know, she was called over to help a customer. Apparently, she was working at the book store. My husband gets incidents like this all the time at mass. People come up to him and talk to him, good or bad, they more often then not, never give a name. And the next thing you know they are off and running someplace else.
We understand that because my husband, and therefore our family, is apart of so many special moments, and as regular as the sun coming up on the weekends, he is a constant for parishioners. They feel like they know him. Sometimes, if we are lucky, we able to ask for a name before people hop along. From now on, I make a conscious effort to introduce myself to people, even if they have done some ground work and already know who I am, I introduce myself. It's polite. And it doesn't take much effort to be just a little kinder. You never know.
But aside from his nearly superhero-like schedule, the strangest thing keeps happening to the both of us. Let me give you a taste......One day, in city far far from here, my family and I were taking an annual Christmas shopping trip to a book and toy store. We stopped at a coffee shop to settle down for some homemade meatloaf sandwiches from "Spaeth Catering" when some nice older folks loudly proclaimed that they had spied the, "piano player, from church." They came right up to our family and told us all about their day and how much they enjoy church and the music. It was nice, but they never introduced themselves. And before we knew, they we gone.
In the book store, I had some lovely lady pop up behind me and tell me how much my little one has grown. She remembered when she was an infant and enjoys watching her at mass. ("And you are?") And the next thing I know, she was called over to help a customer. Apparently, she was working at the book store. My husband gets incidents like this all the time at mass. People come up to him and talk to him, good or bad, they more often then not, never give a name. And the next thing you know they are off and running someplace else.
We understand that because my husband, and therefore our family, is apart of so many special moments, and as regular as the sun coming up on the weekends, he is a constant for parishioners. They feel like they know him. Sometimes, if we are lucky, we able to ask for a name before people hop along. From now on, I make a conscious effort to introduce myself to people, even if they have done some ground work and already know who I am, I introduce myself. It's polite. And it doesn't take much effort to be just a little kinder. You never know.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
The Gopher
Years ago, during a long season of duress, my cousin-in-law, gave us a Gopher.
No, not a real one, thank God. One of those handy helping tools sold on the T.V., the Gopher is like an arm extension, so that with a squeeze of a trigger you can grab almost anything. She gave everyone a Gopher that year. She's a physical therapist and doesn't believe in over extending. We laughed and teased her for a whole year about this obviously unusual gift.
This was about five years ago and since then we haven't the heart to throw it away. Recently, bending hasn't been a pleasurable experience so I dusted off the old Gopher and tried it out. Before this, the Gopher was only used to dispose of dead mice that lost their battles during the winter season. So I disinfected it and ever since it has been a life saver. I grab everything with that thing: toys, clothes, stuffed animals, crayons, dog bowls, you name it.
So the moral of the story is: We live in a throw away culture. So often we chuck anything that isn't of the most use at that very moment with little forethought. Think carefully. Some strange gift that you get one day could be helpful later on, especially if it is given out of love and concern. A little wacky, no doubt, but my cousin-in-law was thinking of our best interest. So think carefully this new year, as you consider the clutter and spring cleaning around the corner. There may be use for something yet.
No, not a real one, thank God. One of those handy helping tools sold on the T.V., the Gopher is like an arm extension, so that with a squeeze of a trigger you can grab almost anything. She gave everyone a Gopher that year. She's a physical therapist and doesn't believe in over extending. We laughed and teased her for a whole year about this obviously unusual gift.
This was about five years ago and since then we haven't the heart to throw it away. Recently, bending hasn't been a pleasurable experience so I dusted off the old Gopher and tried it out. Before this, the Gopher was only used to dispose of dead mice that lost their battles during the winter season. So I disinfected it and ever since it has been a life saver. I grab everything with that thing: toys, clothes, stuffed animals, crayons, dog bowls, you name it.
So the moral of the story is: We live in a throw away culture. So often we chuck anything that isn't of the most use at that very moment with little forethought. Think carefully. Some strange gift that you get one day could be helpful later on, especially if it is given out of love and concern. A little wacky, no doubt, but my cousin-in-law was thinking of our best interest. So think carefully this new year, as you consider the clutter and spring cleaning around the corner. There may be use for something yet.
Friday, January 4, 2008
The Eye Doctor
"Can you see me now?"
When we had our little girl, my husband and I decided that we should make certain that we were comfortable and satisfied with all of our family doctors so that from a young age, our little one could also feel comfortable. That seemed reasonable to me. So we made sure we were comfortable with all our doctors, but the optometrist was last on the list because his appointments only come around every two years.
We thought that our little one might benefit from something a little less high traffic than our usual eye care center in the mall. We were concerned, however, because our eye coverage isn't the most comprehensive. But we saved and were finally ready to get the show on the road.
It is so important for infants and toddlers to see an eye doctor as early as possible. Most doctors recommend that an infant see an eye doctor within the first year of life, sometimes through the InfantSEE program, but we felt that our little one wasn't ready for that. She was quite terrified of the doctor then. We felt that by forcing her into a scary situation with instruments coming at her in the dark might not be the best confidence building outcome that we could hope for. Plus we both felt that her vision didn't seem conpromised and there was no real sign to worry.
But today we have SUCCESS!! The eye doctor is wonderful. He's professional and gentle, and most of all caters to families. We are so blessed to have finally rounded up a group of professional doctors and nurses that we feel comfortable with and that our little one feels comfortable with. Being your family's advocate is one of the most important jobs a parent has.
When we had our little girl, my husband and I decided that we should make certain that we were comfortable and satisfied with all of our family doctors so that from a young age, our little one could also feel comfortable. That seemed reasonable to me. So we made sure we were comfortable with all our doctors, but the optometrist was last on the list because his appointments only come around every two years.
We thought that our little one might benefit from something a little less high traffic than our usual eye care center in the mall. We were concerned, however, because our eye coverage isn't the most comprehensive. But we saved and were finally ready to get the show on the road.
It is so important for infants and toddlers to see an eye doctor as early as possible. Most doctors recommend that an infant see an eye doctor within the first year of life, sometimes through the InfantSEE program, but we felt that our little one wasn't ready for that. She was quite terrified of the doctor then. We felt that by forcing her into a scary situation with instruments coming at her in the dark might not be the best confidence building outcome that we could hope for. Plus we both felt that her vision didn't seem conpromised and there was no real sign to worry.
But today we have SUCCESS!! The eye doctor is wonderful. He's professional and gentle, and most of all caters to families. We are so blessed to have finally rounded up a group of professional doctors and nurses that we feel comfortable with and that our little one feels comfortable with. Being your family's advocate is one of the most important jobs a parent has.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
The Tree
I'm sorry, but the tree must come down!
I know that the Christmas season is still upon us, but the tree has to come down. Every year we leave the tree up through Epiphany, but this year, it's too cluttered. There are still remains of Christmas wrapping scraps, glitter, and newly acquired toys blossoming all over the living room. Half of the lights spontaneously went out around December 15th and the dogs have eaten all the macaroni garland from the bottom of the tree. It's a sad looking beast at this very moment.
We still have our Jessie Tree and the Nativity on display. Aren't those the true Christmas symbols, anyway? My little girl understands more so that Christmas is "Jesus' Birthday" rather than why we have this large plastic tree that lights up in the middle of the living room restricting her play space. (We have to have an artificial tree because my husband is allergic to the real thing. That's right. He sneezes uncontrollably if he is within 30 feet of those green rascals. I wonder what it would be like to take him on a hike?)
So, if you have a tree and you can still keep it up, buy all means, keep the Christmas tree for all to enjoy. But if you have to take it down, let's not let the true meaning of Christmas be put away or thrown to the side of the road for garbage pick-up. God gave his only son, in his most vulnerable form, for us to know and love. Let's treasure this.
I know that the Christmas season is still upon us, but the tree has to come down. Every year we leave the tree up through Epiphany, but this year, it's too cluttered. There are still remains of Christmas wrapping scraps, glitter, and newly acquired toys blossoming all over the living room. Half of the lights spontaneously went out around December 15th and the dogs have eaten all the macaroni garland from the bottom of the tree. It's a sad looking beast at this very moment.
We still have our Jessie Tree and the Nativity on display. Aren't those the true Christmas symbols, anyway? My little girl understands more so that Christmas is "Jesus' Birthday" rather than why we have this large plastic tree that lights up in the middle of the living room restricting her play space. (We have to have an artificial tree because my husband is allergic to the real thing. That's right. He sneezes uncontrollably if he is within 30 feet of those green rascals. I wonder what it would be like to take him on a hike?)
So, if you have a tree and you can still keep it up, buy all means, keep the Christmas tree for all to enjoy. But if you have to take it down, let's not let the true meaning of Christmas be put away or thrown to the side of the road for garbage pick-up. God gave his only son, in his most vulnerable form, for us to know and love. Let's treasure this.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Life in the Great Northeast
This is how you know you live East of Nowhere.....
This morning my husband had to crank up the snow-blower as the sun was rising to clear the driveway. Not too uncommon. But he had a bit of trouble getting out because the dirt road that our driveway is adjacent to had not been plowed. So he snow blowed that, too. It's not so much that it hadn't been plowed, but that it was never going to be plowed. See, the town refuses to plow this road for some unknown reason and the only way we can get out is if a 70 year old neighbor of ours that bears a striking resemblance to Santa Claus, encourages his 50 year old Jeep Wrangler, which he coaxes with sweet nothings to get up the hill. However, he mainly plows because his younger sister must use this dirt road as well. So if she doesn't need him to plow he might not, or in the very best do it when he is ready and able, rather than at our family's convenience. Although this situation is good for a laugh, the Church my husband works at cannot stop masses, funerals, and meetings simply because it snowed. So we make the best of it. My husband is usually covered in a cloud of snow from the snow blower, our daughter knows the sound of it almost instantly, and we all pray for small scrapper banks and warm sun to melt our troubles away.
This morning my husband had to crank up the snow-blower as the sun was rising to clear the driveway. Not too uncommon. But he had a bit of trouble getting out because the dirt road that our driveway is adjacent to had not been plowed. So he snow blowed that, too. It's not so much that it hadn't been plowed, but that it was never going to be plowed. See, the town refuses to plow this road for some unknown reason and the only way we can get out is if a 70 year old neighbor of ours that bears a striking resemblance to Santa Claus, encourages his 50 year old Jeep Wrangler, which he coaxes with sweet nothings to get up the hill. However, he mainly plows because his younger sister must use this dirt road as well. So if she doesn't need him to plow he might not, or in the very best do it when he is ready and able, rather than at our family's convenience. Although this situation is good for a laugh, the Church my husband works at cannot stop masses, funerals, and meetings simply because it snowed. So we make the best of it. My husband is usually covered in a cloud of snow from the snow blower, our daughter knows the sound of it almost instantly, and we all pray for small scrapper banks and warm sun to melt our troubles away.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
First Day
First day of the new year and we have another 8 inches of snow! And of course, my husband had to play for the Holy Day today and had to drive through the unplowed roads. My heart skips a beat every time he sleds home in this weather. We live about an hour away from church so just going to work on a clear day can be an adventure. But he is finally home, safe and secure. We are going to spend the rest of the day with each other and who ever is brave enough to push the limits of automobile safety to get to our little house. I wish all of you a Happy New Year.
Monday, December 31, 2007
The New Year
Everyone deserves a fresh start. This year, my family and I could certainly use a clean slate. Full of challenges and stresses that would rival the building of the Great Wall of China, this year is one that we can be proud to have made it through, but for the grace of God. Now that we put some of that behind us, we are looking toward making New Year's resolutions.
Resoultions can seem silly because so many people make unrealistic goals and demands on themselves that they have no hope of ever accomplishing, but I look it as an opportunity. An opportunity to set small goals for yourself and your family to improve. This year my goal is to pay more attention to this blog. It has been a bit neglected lately, and that's not fair. My husband's resolution was semi-forced on him by his doctor and his cholestorol test: to be more active. (The damage done to his body was done before I was involed in "Spaeth Catering" everyday. lol) The bottom line is that both of our goals will help us be a better family, by improving our mental and physical health we can be better parents.
So make a resolution, a small realistic one. And if you feel so bold....share it with us.
Resoultions can seem silly because so many people make unrealistic goals and demands on themselves that they have no hope of ever accomplishing, but I look it as an opportunity. An opportunity to set small goals for yourself and your family to improve. This year my goal is to pay more attention to this blog. It has been a bit neglected lately, and that's not fair. My husband's resolution was semi-forced on him by his doctor and his cholestorol test: to be more active. (The damage done to his body was done before I was involed in "Spaeth Catering" everyday. lol) The bottom line is that both of our goals will help us be a better family, by improving our mental and physical health we can be better parents.
So make a resolution, a small realistic one. And if you feel so bold....share it with us.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Cold and Flu Season
I think I'm a germaphobe. Ever since my husband and I had our first child, I have been manic about germs. For a while I taught in a public school, where children came to school sneezing and coughing and felt the need to share their misfortune with anyone within a mile radius.
Our child was born in October, which is the height of cold and flu season. This only indulged my germaphobia. The doctor that saw our baby in the hospital said that we should not feel the need to let everyone hold her, especially if they seemed to be germy. That sealed it for me. Everyone had to sanitize their hands the second they walked in the door. My poor husband could not get within feet of the baby until he changed his shirt and sanitized his hands. I would take scalding hot showers before I would hold her if I went out. The showers may be a bit crazy, but the truth be told, she never had more than a cold for the last two years, and neither have we.
It seems that people seem to feel that germs are just a natural part of the winter season and we should just learn to get through it. Well, maybe not. Yes, there may be more germs when the human race is huhddled up in their cozy houses waiting for the big chill to where off, but shouldn't we be more considerate? Shouldn't we know not to shake hands with someone when our noses are leaking more fluids than the Panama Canal? Shouldn't we know that if we have a fever or cannot stop coughing that it would be best to stay home rather than infect the populus? Shouldn't we know that we should use tissues rather than our shelves?
Well, the truthis that there are people who just cannot avoid being sick and still have to work, go shopping, and circulate among the masses. So here are a couple tips from one mom to the world:
1) Always carry a small container of hand saniziter or saniziting wipes. Wipe everyone in the families hands clean after you have visited a public place like a library, museum, or resturant.
2) Wipe down grocery store carts or department store carts, especially during the shopping season.
3) Through diaper bags, changing pads, floppy seats, car seat liners, and winter gear in the wash as much as possible. Think of all the places that you have set down your bags or winter gear and then all the places in your home that you have set them down. Yuck!
4) Make an effort not to touch your face when you have touched public doorknobs, gone shopping, or pets.
Anymore tips? Please let us know. This the season.
Our child was born in October, which is the height of cold and flu season. This only indulged my germaphobia. The doctor that saw our baby in the hospital said that we should not feel the need to let everyone hold her, especially if they seemed to be germy. That sealed it for me. Everyone had to sanitize their hands the second they walked in the door. My poor husband could not get within feet of the baby until he changed his shirt and sanitized his hands. I would take scalding hot showers before I would hold her if I went out. The showers may be a bit crazy, but the truth be told, she never had more than a cold for the last two years, and neither have we.
It seems that people seem to feel that germs are just a natural part of the winter season and we should just learn to get through it. Well, maybe not. Yes, there may be more germs when the human race is huhddled up in their cozy houses waiting for the big chill to where off, but shouldn't we be more considerate? Shouldn't we know not to shake hands with someone when our noses are leaking more fluids than the Panama Canal? Shouldn't we know that if we have a fever or cannot stop coughing that it would be best to stay home rather than infect the populus? Shouldn't we know that we should use tissues rather than our shelves?
Well, the truthis that there are people who just cannot avoid being sick and still have to work, go shopping, and circulate among the masses. So here are a couple tips from one mom to the world:
1) Always carry a small container of hand saniziter or saniziting wipes. Wipe everyone in the families hands clean after you have visited a public place like a library, museum, or resturant.
2) Wipe down grocery store carts or department store carts, especially during the shopping season.
3) Through diaper bags, changing pads, floppy seats, car seat liners, and winter gear in the wash as much as possible. Think of all the places that you have set down your bags or winter gear and then all the places in your home that you have set them down. Yuck!
4) Make an effort not to touch your face when you have touched public doorknobs, gone shopping, or pets.
Anymore tips? Please let us know. This the season.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving
We have so much to be grateful for this year. My family and I have survived a nasty car accident with an unlicensed driver almost two weeks ago now. It was a crazy time, but we are all so thankful to God that we are all here and healthy enough to celebrate a wonderful Thanksgiving. We also want to thank everyone for their well wishes from our family at St. Peter's to our friends and close family here at home. Thank you!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
School Days
Alright, so I have to get something off my chest! As a former teacher, I have seen all kinds of parents doing what they think is best for their children's education. And now that I am a parent doing the very same thing, the best for my child, my husband and I frequently make sure that we are doing just that, and not pushing our child into something that doesn't fit!
Education is such a valuable gift that we can give to our children. Like faith, education and the love of learning walk with a person through their entire lives. How can we ensure that we are providing all that we can for our children? Money certainly isn't the answer, contrary to some opinions. The best way that we can ensure that our children's education is meeting their needs is to become an advocate for our children. This can be super difficult when grandparents, societal norms, and labeling push parents into prematurely identifying something that isn't there.
Listening and teaching people were two of the most outward examples of God's love and mercy that Jesus portrayed on earth. Understanding and exemplifying compassion toward our children, and their learning, may be two ways that we can model Christ to our children. Once we are able to truly identify the areas of strength and improvement, we are better able to provide assistance to children in the form of classes, professionals, methods, technology, or especially our presence may be the most helpful to a child's learning. Instead of pushing children into learning, we as parents and teachers must guide our children's learning and support them. Children instinctively want to learn. We must not damper that enthusiasm with pressure from outside sources.
As a teacher, I found the most profound learning advances always came when students worked together and felt that they were in a safe environment to express themselves and appreciate others. Parents that were concerned about their child's education were always welcomed by teaching professionals. It was obvious that learning first started in the homes of many students, with their parents as models. It is critical to a solid education that parents of children of all needs be reminded that their child's first teachers and classrooms start in their homes. And it is critical that parents take their role as teacher seriously enough to ensure the gift of education remains sacred and valued. Thanks, for letting me get that off my chest!
Education is such a valuable gift that we can give to our children. Like faith, education and the love of learning walk with a person through their entire lives. How can we ensure that we are providing all that we can for our children? Money certainly isn't the answer, contrary to some opinions. The best way that we can ensure that our children's education is meeting their needs is to become an advocate for our children. This can be super difficult when grandparents, societal norms, and labeling push parents into prematurely identifying something that isn't there.
Listening and teaching people were two of the most outward examples of God's love and mercy that Jesus portrayed on earth. Understanding and exemplifying compassion toward our children, and their learning, may be two ways that we can model Christ to our children. Once we are able to truly identify the areas of strength and improvement, we are better able to provide assistance to children in the form of classes, professionals, methods, technology, or especially our presence may be the most helpful to a child's learning. Instead of pushing children into learning, we as parents and teachers must guide our children's learning and support them. Children instinctively want to learn. We must not damper that enthusiasm with pressure from outside sources.
As a teacher, I found the most profound learning advances always came when students worked together and felt that they were in a safe environment to express themselves and appreciate others. Parents that were concerned about their child's education were always welcomed by teaching professionals. It was obvious that learning first started in the homes of many students, with their parents as models. It is critical to a solid education that parents of children of all needs be reminded that their child's first teachers and classrooms start in their homes. And it is critical that parents take their role as teacher seriously enough to ensure the gift of education remains sacred and valued. Thanks, for letting me get that off my chest!
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