Full-time, working Mom.
Many challenges...
Many joys...
A few frustrations...
Enjoying time...
Letting the little things go...
I've learned...
* grocery shop on the weekend
* do MASSIVE laundry on the weekend
* get the kids to help
* make lunches the night before {darn... forgot that again!}
All in all, we are transitioning with out too much difficulty.
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Blast from the Past!
It's a snow day... I sat down at the computer {the one I don't use often} and started looking at pictures. I came across these and I just sat in amazement. This was the first time I let the boys go down a BIG ride by themselves... the were 8 and 6 {respectively}. Look at how little they look. They loved it... I remember this day vividly... the entire time thinking and wondering if I'd done the right thing. I stood in line with them until I had to let them be on their own and then I headed to the viewing area. Listening to them scream all the way down the drop was scary... the smiles and joy on their faces... PRICELESS!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Week 1 -- FAIL
So much for my daily list... but I'm not giving up... I'm determined to make it happen. Now if everyone would give me some time to implement my new system all would be grand. HA! With family, work and Bike First! commitments I was lucky this week to hang on for the ride. I've "rejected" 3 teaching assignments for today in order to spend some time on my home duties (should the Christmas tree come down yet?)
Here's to another week of TRYING!
Here's to another week of TRYING!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
It's the first week of January... have you heard?
The first week of January always brings about change... get organized, lose weight, etc. And it's no different around here. Some major changes need to happen. Our life is full, and we love it like that, but we are at a point with the ages of our kids to help teach more responsibility. If we can get organized together, it will help them in so many areas of their lives as they grow (physically, mentally and emotionally). Normally, I'm a pretty organized person, yet, lately my house/garage seems to prove otherwise... yikes!
I'm aiming to do a project a day... I found a great site with a free printable that is keeping me focused (for the moment). I'd love to share it with you, but I can't find it... even with pinterest, I can't find it. This is what I'm talking about... organization. I think it's saved on my other computer... frustrating!
This week's organization help:
Sunday:: Think about who you want to be this year
Monday:: Set up a donation station
Tuesday:: Declutter the top of your cabinets and dust
Wednesday:: Declutter the top shelf of one of your cabinets
Thursday:: Go through your spices to discard expired and old ones
Friday:: Put all your cans together on a shelf
Saturday:: Go through your freezer to let go of old, freezer burned food
Simple and focused... just what I need.
So along with organizing this blog may become all about weight loss... it's that time of year to!
I found a blog I'm really enjoying and exploring daily... I can't do it all at once, but I'm incorporating ideas daily. I want my kids to understand the importance of food and how it makes them feel and move. I didn't ever learn this and I've paid for it. Most of 2011 I felt yucky (for a very technical term)... I've realized that I'm the only one that can help myself so I'm starting in the food department.... one day at a time... I also love visiting this blog for inspiration.
Simple & focused... I think I just found my 2012 motto!
I'm aiming to do a project a day... I found a great site with a free printable that is keeping me focused (for the moment). I'd love to share it with you, but I can't find it... even with pinterest, I can't find it. This is what I'm talking about... organization. I think it's saved on my other computer... frustrating!
This week's organization help:
Sunday:: Think about who you want to be this year
Monday:: Set up a donation station
Tuesday:: Declutter the top of your cabinets and dust
Wednesday:: Declutter the top shelf of one of your cabinets
Thursday:: Go through your spices to discard expired and old ones
Friday:: Put all your cans together on a shelf
Saturday:: Go through your freezer to let go of old, freezer burned food
Simple and focused... just what I need.
So along with organizing this blog may become all about weight loss... it's that time of year to!
I found a blog I'm really enjoying and exploring daily... I can't do it all at once, but I'm incorporating ideas daily. I want my kids to understand the importance of food and how it makes them feel and move. I didn't ever learn this and I've paid for it. Most of 2011 I felt yucky (for a very technical term)... I've realized that I'm the only one that can help myself so I'm starting in the food department.... one day at a time... I also love visiting this blog for inspiration.
Simple & focused... I think I just found my 2012 motto!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
My Night
I snore... or so I'm told.
Over the last 6 months I've become increasingly tired (and I'm always tired, so this is bad). I'm not rested. My poor husband complained quietly and now loudly. It was time to do something.
Last night I headed in to the doctor's office for a sleep study. Kind of crazy to show up at the doctor's office at 8:30 at night!
I was led to the "Spirit Lake" room where I was met with a cozy bed, pillows and tv. Lying across the bed were a MASS of wires. It took about 30 minutes for the technician, Natassia, to hook me up. She then told me to sleep normally... yay, right... with all of these wires.
Surprisingly enough, I fell asleep quickly... I was tired, had dealt with a headache all day, hosted a party the night before and run like a crazy person all day.
Over the last 6 months I've become increasingly tired (and I'm always tired, so this is bad). I'm not rested. My poor husband complained quietly and now loudly. It was time to do something.
Last night I headed in to the doctor's office for a sleep study. Kind of crazy to show up at the doctor's office at 8:30 at night!
I was led to the "Spirit Lake" room where I was met with a cozy bed, pillows and tv. Lying across the bed were a MASS of wires. It took about 30 minutes for the technician, Natassia, to hook me up. She then told me to sleep normally... yay, right... with all of these wires.
Surprisingly enough, I fell asleep quickly... I was tired, had dealt with a headache all day, hosted a party the night before and run like a crazy person all day.
 | |
| Imagine that this is me! I wanted to take a photo of myself, but I chickened out! |
Friday, November 18, 2011
A lovely Friday morning
Finally a few minutes at home to just BE... linger, waste time on the computer, listen to the quiet. Oh, how I've needed this. It's been a couple of weeks of just go, go, go...
I do have to work today, and grocery shop, and run the vacuum through the house and tackle two more bathrooms, but I needed this morning for an hour to just BE.
Enjoy your weekend!
I do have to work today, and grocery shop, and run the vacuum through the house and tackle two more bathrooms, but I needed this morning for an hour to just BE.
Enjoy your weekend!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Missing in Action ?!?!!
No, not missing, just missing from my blog. It has been a whirlwind of adventures and I'm trying to enjoy (and keep my sanity) with each and everyone!
Fall soccer has ended, basketball has begun, indoor soccer is in swing and the list goes on and on.
I've found some new challenges at the University in writing a new undergraduate level class as well as preparing to teach two classes in January. Social studies boards, tutoring, supervising... not to mention being a MOM!
The kids are doing great... we have a preteen which is making life interesting and a 10 year birthday rapidly approaching.
They always ask to do more, and while we welcome new opportunities (Mad Science, Swimming, Piano) it's important to keep life in check.
Wishing I had more time... time to foster and develop friendships further, time to clean my house better, time to craft, time to attend bible study... this is my life in this moment... and I love it!
Fall soccer has ended, basketball has begun, indoor soccer is in swing and the list goes on and on.
I've found some new challenges at the University in writing a new undergraduate level class as well as preparing to teach two classes in January. Social studies boards, tutoring, supervising... not to mention being a MOM!
The kids are doing great... we have a preteen which is making life interesting and a 10 year birthday rapidly approaching.
They always ask to do more, and while we welcome new opportunities (Mad Science, Swimming, Piano) it's important to keep life in check.
 |
| We "squeezed in" the pumpkin patch between soccer games. |
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Frugal -- Cheap -- You decide
So, I'm always looking for ways to cut my big costs down. As my kids get older and eat more and their acitvities cost more, I'm looking for ways to cut out excess but still provide a wonderful life. Here are a few ideas that I've tried lately!
Shopping... One of my big methods is to stay out of the stores! The longer I can wait, the better I do. I've attached a magnetic pad of paper to my refrigerator and I'm training everyone in the house to write down what we need. Then, when I do head into a store I can choose to pick up the items if they are a great price, or I can choose to wait for another time.
Cash... I'm also trying to use more cash when shopping... it makes me more accountable to my budget.
In the kitchen... with the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm right now, I don't want anything to go to waste. We have some wonderful tomatoes that were beginning to go bad. Instead of letting them continue to rot, my friend told me about freezer pasta sauce. I gave it a try... it is so easy! {Olive oil and garlic in a pan, huge chunks of tomatoes, seasoning and let cook down for about an hour and a half. When finished puree and freeze.} I've made several batches and even purchased more tomatoes so that we will benefit from our homemade sauce for several months.
I also picked blackberries at my sisters house {for free!} I brought home a huge bowl and got to work making jelly. My husband kids are not fans of seeds, so I spent time straining the seeds from the blackberries, but it wasn't too much work and they will all be happy. The kids even helped with a few batches which gave them pride and satisfaction of making something for our family.
{With my thought of being frugal I also want to provide healthy meals for my family... I don't know that my tomato sauce adventure is really frugal... I'm sure I could find sauce with coupons and on sale for much cheaper, however, my sauce is full of other "stuff"... however, I may have thrown in some eggplant and such :)}
Laundry... I do massive amounts of laundry! I've seen recipes for making laundry soap and decided to give it a try. I made the liquid soap with the kids... we had a great time and it didn't take too long. I started using it yesterday and I must say it smells good and our clothes look clean, so I must declare it's working. I'm keeping track of the number of loads of wash I'm able to do. The supplies cost me about $6 and I'm told it should do 576 loads of laundry... so cool!!!
What ideas do you have?
Shopping... One of my big methods is to stay out of the stores! The longer I can wait, the better I do. I've attached a magnetic pad of paper to my refrigerator and I'm training everyone in the house to write down what we need. Then, when I do head into a store I can choose to pick up the items if they are a great price, or I can choose to wait for another time.
Cash... I'm also trying to use more cash when shopping... it makes me more accountable to my budget.
In the kitchen... with the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm right now, I don't want anything to go to waste. We have some wonderful tomatoes that were beginning to go bad. Instead of letting them continue to rot, my friend told me about freezer pasta sauce. I gave it a try... it is so easy! {Olive oil and garlic in a pan, huge chunks of tomatoes, seasoning and let cook down for about an hour and a half. When finished puree and freeze.} I've made several batches and even purchased more tomatoes so that we will benefit from our homemade sauce for several months.
I also picked blackberries at my sisters house {for free!} I brought home a huge bowl and got to work making jelly. My husband kids are not fans of seeds, so I spent time straining the seeds from the blackberries, but it wasn't too much work and they will all be happy. The kids even helped with a few batches which gave them pride and satisfaction of making something for our family.
{With my thought of being frugal I also want to provide healthy meals for my family... I don't know that my tomato sauce adventure is really frugal... I'm sure I could find sauce with coupons and on sale for much cheaper, however, my sauce is full of other "stuff"... however, I may have thrown in some eggplant and such :)}
 |
| How cute is Phinneous!??!?! |
 |
| My supplies |
 |
| Finished product |
What ideas do you have?
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Ooops.
This is what can happen with "helpers" in the kitchen. Not a big deal... we learned to be more patient, take our time, clean up our messes and try again. I think it was a good lesson for everyone involved.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
And... it's another birthday!
 |
| Mt. Hood... playing in lots of snow! |
 |
| Goofy Girl |
 |
| Found an Anaconda exhibit at Newport Aquarium... she was so excited as she wrote a report on Anaconda's in first grade. |
 |
| Running down the dunes in Newport! She was nervous to jump. |
 |
| Found a crab claw in Seaside. |
 |
| This girl likes her whip cream! |
 |
| A diva in Maui! |
Friday, September 2, 2011
Birthday Boy
It's time to celebrate Joe... it's his birthday! As much as he doesn't need or want a bunch of attention, it's still his special day!
Tonight we will celebrate with a Mexican fiesta with some friends and the kids. It should be a nice evening... just the way he likes it.
I've watched him over the last year go through many ups (Maui, work success, kid success, etc. and downs (the death of his mother, work stress, kid stress, etc)... you know the routine. But through all of it, he somehow manages to keep it all together.
Wishing you a very happy birthday... I love you!
Tonight we will celebrate with a Mexican fiesta with some friends and the kids. It should be a nice evening... just the way he likes it.
I've watched him over the last year go through many ups (Maui, work success, kid success, etc. and downs (the death of his mother, work stress, kid stress, etc)... you know the routine. But through all of it, he somehow manages to keep it all together.
Wishing you a very happy birthday... I love you!
 | ||
| First night in Maui |
 |
| Wipeout in Kaanapali |
 |
| Snorkel cruise |
 |
| Hang loose |
 |
| In front of Papkea -- out resort. |
Monday, August 29, 2011
Countdown to School
The kids are headed back to school is 2 days and counting.
As we prepare for the big day (hair cuts, supplies, nerves, etc) I wonder ... did we slow down and enjoy our summer? Did we spend time together? Did we get to just "be"?
I don't know that we slowed down... it seems that life is always a bit hectic around here.
We did spend time together... Maui, soccer fields, driving to many soccer tournaments, swimming, etc.
I think I would have prefered more time at home to just be... I certainly know my yard would too.
The comment I heard last night was, "I think I'm ready to go back... it will be fun." I guess that means we've done well with our summer fun. Now, to make it through the first day jitters!
As we prepare for the big day (hair cuts, supplies, nerves, etc) I wonder ... did we slow down and enjoy our summer? Did we spend time together? Did we get to just "be"?
I don't know that we slowed down... it seems that life is always a bit hectic around here.
We did spend time together... Maui, soccer fields, driving to many soccer tournaments, swimming, etc.
I think I would have prefered more time at home to just be... I certainly know my yard would too.
Ready to snorkel.
Playing together.
Mama watching the kids play in the pool at night.
Joey working hard with his team (they took 2nd place 2x this summer).
Stefan working hard with his team (they took first place 2x this summer).
Mirror Lake... look at this beauty!
Wildwood at Mt. Hood
2nd annual 3-on-3 tournament for Stefan and his buddies... they took 3rd place in their division.
Putting up the shots!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The Daniel Plan 50 Best Brain Foods
- Almond milk, unsweetened
- Almonds, raw
- Apples
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Barley
- Beans
- Beets
- Bell peppers
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Bok choy
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cherries
- Chicken, skinless
- Coconut
- Coconut oil
- Egg whites -- DHA enriched
- Gojiberries
- Grapefruit
- Green tea
- Herring
- Kiwi
- Lemons
- Lentils
- Limes
- Oats
- Olive oil
- Oranges
- Peaches
- Pears
- Peas
- Plums
- Pomegranates
- Quinoa
- Raspberries
- Red grapes
- Salmon, wild
- Soybeans
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Tuna
- Turkey, skinless
- Walnuts
- Water
- Yams/sweet potatoes
- Yogurt, low-fat, sugar- and artificial sweetener-free (sweeten with stevia and/or low-glycemic fruit, like blueberries, raspberries or strawberries)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The best birthday surprise EVER!
And I got it on video... except I really didn't... and I'm bummed... but if you could of seen her face. We told her she was holding our friends new puppy and she oohed and ahhed over her and then... I told her Happy Birthday... this is your new puppy and she just lit up... she couldn't believe it... and I had it all on video... except I didn't.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
The coupon craze...
So, I'm reading blogs, printing coupons, organizing them {{ha}}, reading books, more blogs, watching video posts, etc. I think it all comes down to what works for me!!! I'm not exactly sure what that looks like... yet... but I'm getting there.
I think I'm going to try the "shop with cash & a calculator" method... could be interesting. I've noticed that there are certain items I buy in which there are so many coupons it is just WRONG if I purchase them without saving any money... yogurt, cereal, etc.
I've also been reading more about cooking ahead and freezing meals. I believe this is going to be essential in my life. My boys are eating... a LOT! And they want food... snacks are not cutting it. I think I'd like to implement a day of cooking... I don't think once a week is realistic for my life, but every 2 weeks I'm envisioning spending a day in the kitchen... prepping.
Any ideas?!?!?
I think I'm going to try the "shop with cash & a calculator" method... could be interesting. I've noticed that there are certain items I buy in which there are so many coupons it is just WRONG if I purchase them without saving any money... yogurt, cereal, etc.
I've also been reading more about cooking ahead and freezing meals. I believe this is going to be essential in my life. My boys are eating... a LOT! And they want food... snacks are not cutting it. I think I'd like to implement a day of cooking... I don't think once a week is realistic for my life, but every 2 weeks I'm envisioning spending a day in the kitchen... prepping.
Any ideas?!?!?
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Friends
I think I have a reputation in which I make friends easily... I'm pretty easy to get along with, helpful, caring, funny (ok... so maybe I'm the only one that thinks I'm funny, but I am!), etc. That being said I really have a handful of friends that are part of my inner circle. I am so grateful for those ladies.
One of my inner circle friends just moved back into town and I couldn't be more thrilled. We had a wonderful afternoon together with the kiddos... kid lunch, our lunch, kid hot tubbing, kid bike riding, ice-ee, iced coffee, and nail painting... what a great afternoon!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Today ... in the life of...
Kiss -- Kiss
- One child is at the zoo with a friend.
- One child is unloading and loading the dishwasher... he came to me to tell me he wasn't sure if he's done it "right"... as far as I'm concerned if he is doing it then it is "right"!
- One child is taking all laundry back upstairs.
- Jeep is running around crazy with the excitement of the doorbell and the neighbor stopping by.
- I hear a baseball game in the background noise of my home.
- I see a few more areas of my house that need to be organized.
- I'm excited and anticipating my husband coming home... tomorrow.
Life is good.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Today I'm Loving...
1. The sun streaming in on my face
2. The quiet of the morning (although the fish tank is really loud... must add water)
3. Watching Jeep explore the backyard in the morning sun
4. The anticipation of the bathroom remodel(s) beginning
5. My neighbors... whom always smile, go the extra mile (cleaning off the bottom of my driveway)... they are great.
6. My book
7. My sore legs... (mental note... avoid stairs today)
8. Watching my children grow through tough experiences (although this can be very painful)
9. My husband
10. My camera... and the need to capture more of our daily memories.
2. The quiet of the morning (although the fish tank is really loud... must add water)
3. Watching Jeep explore the backyard in the morning sun
4. The anticipation of the bathroom remodel(s) beginning
5. My neighbors... whom always smile, go the extra mile (cleaning off the bottom of my driveway)... they are great.
6. My book
7. My sore legs... (mental note... avoid stairs today)
8. Watching my children grow through tough experiences (although this can be very painful)
9. My husband
10. My camera... and the need to capture more of our daily memories.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Do you have one yet?
REVOLUTIONARY!After many of my friends had recommended it, I caved today and purchased the Shark at Costco. This is awesome!
- I was able to put it together by myself!
- I quickly swept/vacuumed
- Plugged in the shark and went to town.
- I did my hardwoods and then moved right to the tile -- I didn't change anything... just kept mopping.
My floors look great and they feel clean!
Friday, March 4, 2011
I *love* this... who's joining me?
Has anyone done this?
I think it's genius!
40 bags in 40 days Challenge
The gist of it: During Lent (40 days) rid your house of 40 bags of stuff...things you don't love, don't use, junk, accumulated stuff, clutter, garbage.
Who's joining me? This is really motivating me... happy bagging!
I think it's genius!
40 bags in 40 days Challenge
The gist of it: During Lent (40 days) rid your house of 40 bags of stuff...things you don't love, don't use, junk, accumulated stuff, clutter, garbage.
Who's joining me? This is really motivating me... happy bagging!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)