Okay, Christmas Day is nearly over (that's another blog on it's own-- later, later). It's time to make a plan. Let's organize!
Today, I was "tied up" (pumping) and looking through a magazine. The cover says, "Get Organized! 50+ ways to --Pare Down, Cut Clutter, Store More" etc, etc, etc. Okay, this is it. This is the kick in the butt I need. So I started reading like a motivated little Tenessa does. Well, it seems now-a-days, you must read a magazine near a computer. They are FULL of web addresses that show awesome sites. These sites are wonderfully helpful. And one must visit them all, of course. So, what used to take about an hour of reading/browsing through a magazine, now takes days! :)
Here is a website that has inspired me at the 8th hour in the night: Perfect Box Instructions. Now I'm sure you are wondering what I'm going to do with "perfect sized boxes". Well, I don't know. BUT! I can do so much! I was thinking for starters, I would organize my junk drawer. I need to clean it out and keep only what I need in there (who needs 50 gazillion magnets anyhow?) and make little dividers. I also want to make boxes for McCoy's socks, slippers and shoes for his hanging basket holder in his closet. And maybe my own socks. I won't be getting that fancy stuff though, I'm thinking cardboard will do and some strong glue-- maybe rubber cement or duco cement? We'll try it out and see what works. I have gobs of fabric that isn't being used. What better way to use my fun fabric?
Okay, sometimes my ambition is larger than life, but hey, we can always set goals. It's what keeps me entertained!
New's Years Resoltions. Coming soon!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas! (eve!)
It's such a busy time of the year. Add a baby on top of that, and good luck! I can't believe that I got done all my Christmas shopping, finish wrapping, baking, cooking and cleaning all before today (okay, the cleaning is not that great, but hey! "I HAVE A BBAAAAABBBBYYY") I even separated out the gifts into three piles-- pile for tonight's gifts, pile for tomorrow's gifts (my family) and one more for Saturday's gifts (Whit's family). I feel so organized! I even have a stocking for Mr. McCoy. Yep, that's right, handmade (mostly by my mom, but I ironed on his name-- that counts for something!) Here it is 1:55, and I just need to pack up McCoy and have make Whit load up the car, and leave by 3:45. That's right, I have almost TWO hours to spare. Go me, again!
Last night, we went to Pat's house for dinner. You will never guess who showed up? SANTA! I guess he was taking the reindeer out for a spin or a practice run or something, but he stopped by Pat's house and saw Peyton, Parker and McCoy. He even had gifts for us all!
Here are a few pictures of my Christmas tree, fire place, and stockings!
Merry Christmas!!
Last night, we went to Pat's house for dinner. You will never guess who showed up? SANTA! I guess he was taking the reindeer out for a spin or a practice run or something, but he stopped by Pat's house and saw Peyton, Parker and McCoy. He even had gifts for us all!
Here are a few pictures of my Christmas tree, fire place, and stockings!
Merry Christmas!!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Joys of Baking
I love Christmas! I have spent so many countless hours in the kitchen, baking up lovely treats during this time of year. I took McCoy to daycare today, went to the commissary to get 6 boxes of butter, two pounds of sugars, flour and a "baking to do" list. I plan on making treat boxes for the families (Whit's family) and bringing over dessert to our dinner party tomorrow night. For our New Year's Eve party, I'm bringing over dessert as well... I can sort of cook, but man I LOVE to bake!
Today's agenda:
Homemade Toffee
Butter Mint Cookies
Ranger Cookies
Pictures to follow.
***Update: 10:50 pm-- Holy Moly! I got everything done on that list! Whoo-hoo!
Toffee before it's cut into pieces:
Butter Mint Cookies: (yum! These are so good!)
Ranger Cookies: (I've never made these before, but they have corn flakes, coconut, and oatmeal in them... weird)
I forgot to mention, I also made Fudge Meltaways for tomorrow night's dinner! Go me!
Today's agenda:
Homemade Toffee
Butter Mint Cookies
Ranger Cookies
Pictures to follow.
***Update: 10:50 pm-- Holy Moly! I got everything done on that list! Whoo-hoo!
Toffee before it's cut into pieces:
Butter Mint Cookies: (yum! These are so good!)
Ranger Cookies: (I've never made these before, but they have corn flakes, coconut, and oatmeal in them... weird)
I forgot to mention, I also made Fudge Meltaways for tomorrow night's dinner! Go me!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Book Review: Growing Up Green!
I don't normally review things, especially books. I'm not sure when the last time I actually sat down and read an entire book. I've started many, but finished them? I'm not sure.
I recently read "Growing Up Green!" by Deirdre Imus.
My first initial thought before reading this book was that I hoped it would teach me a few tricks on how to make my life greener, especially for McCoy. Maybe it would help me save some money in the long run, and give me ideas on how to change the things that I'm doing already that are no so green.
My first initial thought after reading the book, was "oh man, I feel bad." This book not only made me feel bad about the world that we've become, but it really made me feel bad for things that I already do. After making me feel bad a bit, I turned upset. There is no way I can change everything that was mentioned in the book. It was almost like the author was accusing me of being a bad mother! I know that was not the intent, but the writing and wording made me feel like I was.
The author discussed a lot about the chemical gasses and population in our atmosphere, both inside and out. And she talked about how to eat ALL organic food, use natural cleaning solutions and even that we should not buy plastic toys-- especially toys that have been made outside the USA. Now, I'm all for buying wholesome foods, but come on-- I can't afford to buy ALL organic. I just can't. Am I a bad mother because I eat regular bananas? Am I a bad mother because I like the "occasional" (hahaha) chocolate chip cookie? I'd like to think that I'm not a bad mother for those things. But this book made me feel like I'm horrible!
The book talked about school lunches-- how the school lunches in America's schools are filled with horrible, fattening choices. We should pack our child's lunch everyday (which I probably will anyways, BUT), don't forget to use PVC-free plastic wrappings, like the healthy cellophane wrap made from cottonwood trees (WTF?) and don't use brown paper sacks-- use cotton canvas lunch bags to reuse. (Okay, I can do that, but what about little lunch pails?) "Avoid vinyl lunch boxes and bags, which may contain lead-- look for the 'lead safe' label if you choose a vinyl product. And instead of high-sugar boxed drinks, send your kids off to school with water in a reusable bottle. Stainless steel bottle are the safest, as reusable bottles made out of hard plastic #7 might leach bisphenol A." (pg. 172). Oh my.
Then it talks about vaccinations. Let me just say, I have to take McCoy to daycare. Daycare INSISTS on having vaccinations. No argument there. But you can imagine what the author states about vaccinations.
Now before this sounds all too bad, there was one section that I liked. The book listed a lot of wonderful resources with websites (I just love that now-a-days. Books, magazines, etc. doing the dirty work by looking up cool websites that we can all benefit from). This particular section was on toys. It listed websites like Willow Tree Toys, Magic Cabin, and Hazelnut Toys. These are toys that are handmade, not plastic, and doesn't require battieries! Now, I do agree with that. I want McCoy to use his imagination, and not let the toys do the thinking for him.
The book also contained an entire section of resources which included healthy recipes, foods that should be substituted, recommended further reading, buying green products (for hair, cleaning, building, clothing, etc). It also has a section on medical stories about chemicals and children's health and doctor's biographies.
Okay, so the book talked a lot about the stuff that is bad in the environment, but it sure did make me feel bad. I want to change the things we do in this household, but come on-- I would have to order EVERYTHING online. And I'm simply not ready to change my lifestyle to that extreme. Slowly but surely I might get there.
Yikes!
I recently read "Growing Up Green!" by Deirdre Imus.
My first initial thought before reading this book was that I hoped it would teach me a few tricks on how to make my life greener, especially for McCoy. Maybe it would help me save some money in the long run, and give me ideas on how to change the things that I'm doing already that are no so green.
My first initial thought after reading the book, was "oh man, I feel bad." This book not only made me feel bad about the world that we've become, but it really made me feel bad for things that I already do. After making me feel bad a bit, I turned upset. There is no way I can change everything that was mentioned in the book. It was almost like the author was accusing me of being a bad mother! I know that was not the intent, but the writing and wording made me feel like I was.
The author discussed a lot about the chemical gasses and population in our atmosphere, both inside and out. And she talked about how to eat ALL organic food, use natural cleaning solutions and even that we should not buy plastic toys-- especially toys that have been made outside the USA. Now, I'm all for buying wholesome foods, but come on-- I can't afford to buy ALL organic. I just can't. Am I a bad mother because I eat regular bananas? Am I a bad mother because I like the "occasional" (hahaha) chocolate chip cookie? I'd like to think that I'm not a bad mother for those things. But this book made me feel like I'm horrible!
The book talked about school lunches-- how the school lunches in America's schools are filled with horrible, fattening choices. We should pack our child's lunch everyday (which I probably will anyways, BUT), don't forget to use PVC-free plastic wrappings, like the healthy cellophane wrap made from cottonwood trees (WTF?) and don't use brown paper sacks-- use cotton canvas lunch bags to reuse. (Okay, I can do that, but what about little lunch pails?) "Avoid vinyl lunch boxes and bags, which may contain lead-- look for the 'lead safe' label if you choose a vinyl product. And instead of high-sugar boxed drinks, send your kids off to school with water in a reusable bottle. Stainless steel bottle are the safest, as reusable bottles made out of hard plastic #7 might leach bisphenol A." (pg. 172). Oh my.
Then it talks about vaccinations. Let me just say, I have to take McCoy to daycare. Daycare INSISTS on having vaccinations. No argument there. But you can imagine what the author states about vaccinations.
Now before this sounds all too bad, there was one section that I liked. The book listed a lot of wonderful resources with websites (I just love that now-a-days. Books, magazines, etc. doing the dirty work by looking up cool websites that we can all benefit from). This particular section was on toys. It listed websites like Willow Tree Toys, Magic Cabin, and Hazelnut Toys. These are toys that are handmade, not plastic, and doesn't require battieries! Now, I do agree with that. I want McCoy to use his imagination, and not let the toys do the thinking for him.
The book also contained an entire section of resources which included healthy recipes, foods that should be substituted, recommended further reading, buying green products (for hair, cleaning, building, clothing, etc). It also has a section on medical stories about chemicals and children's health and doctor's biographies.
Okay, so the book talked a lot about the stuff that is bad in the environment, but it sure did make me feel bad. I want to change the things we do in this household, but come on-- I would have to order EVERYTHING online. And I'm simply not ready to change my lifestyle to that extreme. Slowly but surely I might get there.
Yikes!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Martin Christmas List 2009
Whit:
*Sports Tickets: KU Football, Basketball, Chiefs tickets
*KU funny shirts
*KU hats
*Beer
*Gift cards to Best Buy, Cabelas, Bass Pro
*XBOX 360 Games: WET, Section 8, Call of Duty: World at War, Gears of War 2 (YEA! Got it!), Resident Evil 5, Saints Row 2, Assasin's Creed II, Prototype, NCAA Football 10, Prince of Persia, Mirror's Edge
*Wii Games: EA Sports Active
*Money Clip
*Poker Books: Harrington on Hold 'Em: Expert Strategy, Harrington on Tournament End Game, Gus Hansen: Every hand revealied, Full Tilt Poker Strategy, Cash Games Vol 1, Hold 'Em for Advanced Players, Phil Gordon's Little Handbooks
Tenessa:
*clear glasses these ones please (YEA! Got it!)
*wireless mouse for laptop much like this one (YEA! Got it!)
*Black Current Vanilla hand soap from Bath and Body Works
*Gift cards to Wal-Mart, Target (YEA! Got it!), JC Penny (YEA! Got it!) for clothes
*Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince DVD (YEA! Got it!)
McCoy:
*Frog Humidifier-- please, please, please!!! (YEA! Got it!)
**Money towards a high chair** (YEA! Got it!)
*Extenders-- like this
*Carter's/Babies R Us/Target/Walmart Gift Cards--
*Cloth diapers--
-bumGenius cloth diapers 3.0 one size-- Boy colors, please
-FuzziBunz cloth diapers One Size-- Fuzzi Bunz
-Happy Heiny cloth diapers one size-- Happy Heinys
*G-diapers-- G-Diapers
-refill packs-- Medium and large
-gPants
*Books--
-Green Baby-- Green Baby
-Cooking for Baby-- Cooking for Baby
*Swing for outside-- one like this one, please (has to be for 6 months and above)
*Foam Bath Numbers and Letters-- like this (YEA! Got it!)
*Burp Cloths-- like this
*Size 6 months and up (sleepers, please)
*short sleeved plain white onesies
*Sports Tickets: KU Football, Basketball, Chiefs tickets
*KU funny shirts
*KU hats
*Beer
*Gift cards to Best Buy, Cabelas, Bass Pro
*XBOX 360 Games: WET, Section 8, Call of Duty: World at War, Gears of War 2 (YEA! Got it!), Resident Evil 5, Saints Row 2, Assasin's Creed II, Prototype, NCAA Football 10, Prince of Persia, Mirror's Edge
*Wii Games: EA Sports Active
*Money Clip
*Poker Books: Harrington on Hold 'Em: Expert Strategy, Harrington on Tournament End Game, Gus Hansen: Every hand revealied, Full Tilt Poker Strategy, Cash Games Vol 1, Hold 'Em for Advanced Players, Phil Gordon's Little Handbooks
Tenessa:
*clear glasses these ones please (YEA! Got it!)
*wireless mouse for laptop much like this one (YEA! Got it!)
*Black Current Vanilla hand soap from Bath and Body Works
*Gift cards to Wal-Mart, Target (YEA! Got it!), JC Penny (YEA! Got it!) for clothes
*Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince DVD (YEA! Got it!)
McCoy:
*Frog Humidifier-- please, please, please!!! (YEA! Got it!)
**Money towards a high chair** (YEA! Got it!)
*Extenders-- like this
*Carter's/Babies R Us/Target/Walmart Gift Cards--
*Cloth diapers--
-bumGenius cloth diapers 3.0 one size-- Boy colors, please
-FuzziBunz cloth diapers One Size-- Fuzzi Bunz
-Happy Heiny cloth diapers one size-- Happy Heinys
*G-diapers-- G-Diapers
-refill packs-- Medium and large
-gPants
*Books--
-Green Baby-- Green Baby
-Cooking for Baby-- Cooking for Baby
*Swing for outside-- one like this one, please (has to be for 6 months and above)
*Foam Bath Numbers and Letters-- like this (YEA! Got it!)
*Burp Cloths-- like this
*Size 6 months and up (sleepers, please)
*short sleeved plain white onesies
101 Things in 1001 Days (Update)
Just an update on my ginormous list... I have completed 19 tasks. I am working on doing more, but with the new baby and all... I'm doing good to get these done. I just wanted to repost my list to show that I am still doing it all.
The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in 1001 days
Start Date: August 2, 2009
End Date: April 29, 2012
House:
1. Organize the master room closet
2. Organize the baby’s closet
3. Move stuff back into the basement
4. Install doors and trim in basement
5. Organize the Tubberware cabinet
6. Buy new pots and pans (Paula Dean)
7. Wallpaper master bathroom
8. Paint hallway bathroom and hang up mural
9. Keep the kitchen clean
10. Replace all burnt out light bulbs
11. Organize under the sink in the master bathroom
12. Clean out refrigerator once a month
13. Clean out the pantry
14. Donate old coats/jackets to Project Warmth
15. Organize drawers in kitchen
16. Re-organize red shelf in dining room
17. Clean out storage under stairs
18. Reorganize seasonal decorations
19. Get new tires (Elantra)
20. Keep car clean for at least a month (clean it first!)
21. Plant trees
Hobbies:
22. Finish wedding scrapbook
23. Make homemade birthday cards
24. Scrapbook for the baby at least 2-4 pages per month
25. Sew (by myself) baby’s 1st Halloween costume
26. Finish Whit’s stocking
27. Decorate the fireplace mantel
28. Make homemade Christmas gifts
29. Learn to pickle cucumbers
30. Learn to sew a zipper
31. Take a photography class
32. Take a cake decorating class
33. Start and finish baby’s Christmas stocking
Personal Enrichment:
34. Get a new hairstyle
35. Start photography 365
36. Keep a blog
37. Use the library more
38. Send birthday cards to every family member
39. Start/continue to use reusable shopping bags every time
40. Send Christmas treats to families
41. Make a compost pile
42. Make a rain barrel
43. Join a church
44. Frame Whit and Tenessa’s baby pictures and hang them in the hallway
45. Start Master’s Degree
46. Take Level II Orff Training
47. Read Chronicals of Narina
Entertainment:
48. Attend a local festival
49. Go to a pumpkin patch
50. Organize a Progressive Dinner
51. Have a fondue party
52. Go to a wine tasting party
53. Go to a dinner theater
54. Go on a picnic
55. Take a nature walk with Whit and baby
Baby:
56. Join a “story time” with baby
57. Buy an Air Purifier
58. Make baby food and freeze
59. Cloth diaper at least part time
60. Teach baby sign language
61. Read the Bradley Book
62. Give birth naturally (sort of!)
Music:
63. Learn to play a difficult piece on the piano
64. Practice piano at least once a week
65. Keep better records for piano lessons
66. Start hand bells/chimes at school
67. Log all piano books and put them in order
68. Paint piano drawers
Wellness:
69. Don’t go out to eat for a week
70. Don’t go out to eat for two weeks
71. Don’t go out to eat for a month
72. Drink only one soda a week for at least a month
73. Walk at least three times per week
74. Lose 25 pounds
75. Take trips to the park weekly (when baby is born and weather is nice)
76. Use up all shower gels and lotions before buying new
77. Participate in a Benefits walk
Cooking/Baking:
78. Make a dinner plan for the month
79. Bake a pie from scratch
80. Decorate baby’s 1st Birthday cake
81. Cook less from a box or frozen bag
82. Bake a cake from scratch
83. Use the cookbooks more
84. Use the vegetables from the garden to cook
Financial:
85. Pay off at least three credit cards
86. Pay off at least half of student loan (as of September 2009)
87. Keep a log of gas spending for four months
88. Get all bills automatically taken from bank
89. Start using coupons
90. Sell books on Amazon.com
91. Read Dave Ramsey’s book/information
92. Make a savings plan and stick to it
93. Borrow items from friends and family instead of insisting on buying new
94. Buy a camera
95. Pay off the Yaris
96. Have a yard sale
97. Start an IRA or CD type of savings
Travel:
98. Plan a summer vacation
99. Stay at a Bed and Breakfast
100. Go camping with baby
101. Use the cabin at the lake five times
The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in 1001 days
Start Date: August 2, 2009
End Date: April 29, 2012
House:
1. Organize the master room closet
4. Install doors and trim in basement
5. Organize the Tubberware cabinet
7. Wallpaper master bathroom
8. Paint hallway bathroom and hang up mural
9. Keep the kitchen clean
11. Organize under the sink in the master bathroom
12. Clean out refrigerator once a month
14. Donate old coats/jackets to Project Warmth
15. Organize drawers in kitchen
17. Clean out storage under stairs
18. Reorganize seasonal decorations
20. Keep car clean for at least a month (clean it first!)
21. Plant trees
Hobbies:
22. Finish wedding scrapbook
23. Make homemade birthday cards
24. Scrapbook for the baby at least 2-4 pages per month
25. Sew (by myself) baby’s 1st Halloween costume
26. Finish Whit’s stocking
28. Make homemade Christmas gifts
29. Learn to pickle cucumbers
30. Learn to sew a zipper
31. Take a photography class
32. Take a cake decorating class
33. Start and finish baby’s Christmas stocking
Personal Enrichment:
35. Start photography 365
37. Use the library more
38. Send birthday cards to every family member
41. Make a compost pile
42. Make a rain barrel
44. Frame Whit and Tenessa’s baby pictures and hang them in the hallway
45. Start Master’s Degree
46. Take Level II Orff Training
47. Read Chronicals of Narina
Entertainment:
48. Attend a local festival
49. Go to a pumpkin patch
50. Organize a Progressive Dinner
51. Have a fondue party
52. Go to a wine tasting party
53. Go to a dinner theater
54. Go on a picnic
55. Take a nature walk with Whit and baby
Baby:
56. Join a “story time” with baby
58. Make baby food and freeze
59. Cloth diaper at least part time
60. Teach baby sign language
Music:
63. Learn to play a difficult piece on the piano
64. Practice piano at least once a week
65. Keep better records for piano lessons
66. Start hand bells/chimes at school
67. Log all piano books and put them in order
68. Paint piano drawers
Wellness:
69. Don’t go out to eat for a week
70. Don’t go out to eat for two weeks
71. Don’t go out to eat for a month
72. Drink only one soda a week for at least a month
73. Walk at least three times per week
74. Lose 25 pounds
75. Take trips to the park weekly (when baby is born and weather is nice)
76. Use up all shower gels and lotions before buying new
77. Participate in a Benefits walk
Cooking/Baking:
78. Make a dinner plan for the month
79. Bake a pie from scratch
80. Decorate baby’s 1st Birthday cake
81. Cook less from a box or frozen bag
82. Bake a cake from scratch
83. Use the cookbooks more
Financial:
85. Pay off at least three credit cards
86. Pay off at least half of student loan (as of September 2009)
87. Keep a log of gas spending for four months
92. Make a savings plan and stick to it
93. Borrow items from friends and family instead of insisting on buying new
95. Pay off the Yaris
96. Have a yard sale
97. Start an IRA or CD type of savings
Travel:
98. Plan a summer vacation
99. Stay at a Bed and Breakfast
100. Go camping with baby
101. Use the cabin at the lake five times
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Eat At "Mom's"!
Eat at "Mom's"!!!
Open 24 hours a day-- 7 days a week!
2 convenient locations!
FREE REFILLS!!
Okay, okay. I didn't make this up. It's a onesie I'd love to purchase one day... "Eat At Mom's"
Open 24 hours a day-- 7 days a week!
2 convenient locations!
FREE REFILLS!!
Okay, okay. I didn't make this up. It's a onesie I'd love to purchase one day... "Eat At Mom's"
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Bonding Time
After you have a baby, everyone thinks they need to offer advice. While I'm all ears, some of it is taken with a grain of salt.
People have told me that the best bonding time comes from nursing. I agree but my favorite time with McCoy is actually when he is through nursing. When he is full and satisfied, he pushes away from me with his little lips pursed. He often has milk smeared all over his tiny face. And then, he always does the sweetest thing. He smiles with gratitude and lays his head on my breast before I have a chance to put it away. He falls asleep with his head resting on my skin. And we rock and rock until I know he has drifted to dreamland. My mother has told me a number of times not to rock him to sleep, because he will get used to it and not go to bed any other way. This is my bonding time with him. I know that when I rock him, he will feel safe, secure and comforted. And the feeling is mutal. I feel so comforted when I hold him close to my heart and rock him to sleep. I love this time I can spend with McCoy. He has proven to me when he falls asleep in the bouncer seat, in the swing, on the floor, that this is not always the case. He can fall asleep without me, I just want to cherish every moment I have with him right now.
People have told me that the best bonding time comes from nursing. I agree but my favorite time with McCoy is actually when he is through nursing. When he is full and satisfied, he pushes away from me with his little lips pursed. He often has milk smeared all over his tiny face. And then, he always does the sweetest thing. He smiles with gratitude and lays his head on my breast before I have a chance to put it away. He falls asleep with his head resting on my skin. And we rock and rock until I know he has drifted to dreamland. My mother has told me a number of times not to rock him to sleep, because he will get used to it and not go to bed any other way. This is my bonding time with him. I know that when I rock him, he will feel safe, secure and comforted. And the feeling is mutal. I feel so comforted when I hold him close to my heart and rock him to sleep. I love this time I can spend with McCoy. He has proven to me when he falls asleep in the bouncer seat, in the swing, on the floor, that this is not always the case. He can fall asleep without me, I just want to cherish every moment I have with him right now.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Thankfulness
I am thankful for:
65. clearance sales
66. Children's Orchard
67. Dr. Pepper
68. long stretches of sleep
69. milk burps
70. saving 20% on online orders
71. co-workers who care
72. getting items on a to-do list done
73. good doctor's visits
74. clean laundry
75. crock pots full of stew
76. watermelon
77. hot cider
78. magazines with cool website information
79. CDC daycare
80. decorating for Christmas
81. fresh fruit
82. gardens that grow in the backyard
83. ice cold water
84. relatives who are kind
85. high speed internet
86. walks around the block
87. potty trained dogs
88. fluffy pillows
89. piano music
90. organization
91. meals with family
92. free HBO (and other movie channels) during the weekend
93. maternity leave
94. story time with baby
95. my big brother
96. air purifiers
97. cloth diapers
98. amazon.com
99. our church
100. love
During this time of thanks, I list the things that I am thankful for. When things aren't going as well as I'd like, I look at the many things that I'm thankful for and remember that my life is great! I can truly say I am thankful to be alive and to be a part of this wonderful world. Even when people constantly argue about the economy and the horrible things about work and how busy they can get, I will remember all things that make my life happy. Happy Thanksgiving!
65. clearance sales
66. Children's Orchard
67. Dr. Pepper
68. long stretches of sleep
69. milk burps
70. saving 20% on online orders
71. co-workers who care
72. getting items on a to-do list done
73. good doctor's visits
74. clean laundry
75. crock pots full of stew
76. watermelon
77. hot cider
78. magazines with cool website information
79. CDC daycare
80. decorating for Christmas
81. fresh fruit
82. gardens that grow in the backyard
83. ice cold water
84. relatives who are kind
85. high speed internet
86. walks around the block
87. potty trained dogs
88. fluffy pillows
89. piano music
90. organization
91. meals with family
92. free HBO (and other movie channels) during the weekend
93. maternity leave
94. story time with baby
95. my big brother
96. air purifiers
97. cloth diapers
98. amazon.com
99. our church
100. love
During this time of thanks, I list the things that I am thankful for. When things aren't going as well as I'd like, I look at the many things that I'm thankful for and remember that my life is great! I can truly say I am thankful to be alive and to be a part of this wonderful world. Even when people constantly argue about the economy and the horrible things about work and how busy they can get, I will remember all things that make my life happy. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thankfulness
I am thankful for:
37. text messaging
38. filtered water
39. electricty
40. HDTV
41. nice carpetting
42. Christmas decorations
43. new flavors of yogurt
44. free return address labels
45. a fenced in back yard
46. DVR
47. soft blankets
48. an awesome camera
49. baby gas relief medicine
50. my laptop
51. the possibility of a new car
52. good friends
53. a dining room table with a leaf
54. blue skies
55. crisp mornings
56. marigolds still in bloom in November
57. service men like trash picker-upers
58. no broken bones
59. good advice
60. 7+ mothers
61. my role models
62. red hair
63. curious eyes
64. baby soft skin
37. text messaging
38. filtered water
39. electricty
40. HDTV
41. nice carpetting
42. Christmas decorations
43. new flavors of yogurt
44. free return address labels
45. a fenced in back yard
46. DVR
47. soft blankets
48. an awesome camera
49. baby gas relief medicine
50. my laptop
51. the possibility of a new car
52. good friends
53. a dining room table with a leaf
54. blue skies
55. crisp mornings
56. marigolds still in bloom in November
57. service men like trash picker-upers
58. no broken bones
59. good advice
60. 7+ mothers
61. my role models
62. red hair
63. curious eyes
64. baby soft skin
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Thankfulness
I am thankful for:
1. a roof over my head
2. babbles and coos
3. a nice washing machine and dryer
4. a two car garage
5. a husband who is faithful to me and who loves me
6. a supportive family
7. a sense of humor
8. a lighthearted best friend
9. a dog who is smart
10. an awesome job
11. the gift of music
12. Mom's chocolate oatmeal cookies
13. baking knowledge
14. life insurance
15. good friends
16. piano students
17. food to eat
18. a beautiful baby boy
19. ice cream at night
20. a good book
21. time to read a good book
22. collegaues with good advice
23. family that lives nearby
24. troops overseas and at homeland
25. a nice neighborhood
26. entertainment
27. trees with leaves that turn gorgeous colors in fall
28. Thanksgiving parades
29. fresh notebooks
30. the sounds of bells
31. the ability to read and write
32. the internet and it's many wonderful highways of information
33. Christmas letters and pictures of friends
34. fireplaces
35. the little things that bring my family closer (like dinner, taking a walk, watching football together, taking a ride, etc.)
36. life
1. a roof over my head
2. babbles and coos
3. a nice washing machine and dryer
4. a two car garage
5. a husband who is faithful to me and who loves me
6. a supportive family
7. a sense of humor
8. a lighthearted best friend
9. a dog who is smart
10. an awesome job
11. the gift of music
12. Mom's chocolate oatmeal cookies
13. baking knowledge
14. life insurance
15. good friends
16. piano students
17. food to eat
18. a beautiful baby boy
19. ice cream at night
20. a good book
21. time to read a good book
22. collegaues with good advice
23. family that lives nearby
24. troops overseas and at homeland
25. a nice neighborhood
26. entertainment
27. trees with leaves that turn gorgeous colors in fall
28. Thanksgiving parades
29. fresh notebooks
30. the sounds of bells
31. the ability to read and write
32. the internet and it's many wonderful highways of information
33. Christmas letters and pictures of friends
34. fireplaces
35. the little things that bring my family closer (like dinner, taking a walk, watching football together, taking a ride, etc.)
36. life
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Well, well, well... Welcome to Motherhood, Tenessa
Well, I sit here and type, with a baby in a car seat on the kitchen floor beside my foot. I'm rocking him gently, turning my head after every sentence I type, making sure the dog is still sleeping on the kitchen rug a few feet beside him. The Lord has blessed me with none other than a beautiful baby boy. Quite unexpected timing (not that he was unexpected, but I was hoping for at least two more weeks), but very welcomed into this world. My beautiful son is here, healthy and happy. I couldn't ask for a better situation.
We have had so many visitors in the last couple of days-- mainly family and Brushettes. They have been bringing us food and love, clothes and toys. Sometimes I think Whit is getting tired of all these people coming in and out of the house, but he knew that it would be like this. We are a very loved family and people can't get enough of babies. I have been getting tired of telling the story over and over to different people. It's been almost a week since I went into labor and I'm scared I've forgotten the most important details. So, it's time to blog about it. Bear with me, it could get graphic. :)
Whit and I went over to Mom and Dad's house for Nick's birthday dinner on Sunday night. We always go over to their house nearly every Sunday, and this week was no different. I told everyone I was getting kind of tired and I wanted to get some sleep before the next week began, so Whit and I took off about 8:45 or so. When I got home, I quickly jumped in the shower and took a nice, hot, hot shower. Sometimes when the water is hot like that, I like to cool off by laying in bed, naked. This night was no exception. So, I am laying naked on the bed for about 10-15 minutes. Whit came into the bedroom and started undressing so he could take a shower as well. I jumped up to put my PJs on and did one final dry off with the towel. I went to wipe-- down there-- and my towel was covered in blood. OH MY GOSH! I was so scared. I called for Whit-- CALL MY MOM! Oh my gosh, oh my gosh. I was getting so terrified. Whit kept reasurring me that everything was going to be okay, get dressed and we are going to Labor and Delivery. Funny thing is, while I was in the shower, Whit was putting my hospital bags in my car. I got dressed, attempted to put a pad in, threw the dog outside, and away we went. I was freaking out the whole way to the hospital (a good 10 minute car ride!). We called my mom on the way and she was on her way as well. When we got to Labor and Delivery, they checked to see how much I was dialated-- only 1 1/2 cm. Dang. But maybe that means I can go home and finish the week at school (don't forget, I had a program scheduled for Tuesday). They hooked up the external baby heart monitor and the external contraction montior and told me to lay on my side so they can check on me for about 30 minutes. I was talking to Whit and the cold I've been battling for the last two weeks got the best of me and I let out a giant cough. Well, that's when my water broke. Holy cow! What a weird feeling. So, to the delivery room I went.
The nurses checked my vitals about every two hours... no change. 6:30 a.m. The nurse came in and said she was going to start the pitocin drip in my I-V to get the contractions going. The nurse's name was Melody and she said that I was going to have this baby before the end of her shift... "what time are you going home?" "7 p.m." she told me. Okay. I think I can do that! The next 6 hours or so were waiting around for the contractions to get stronger and closer together-- which they were, just at a very slow rate. Every now and then Melody would come in and check my vitals, then she was "up the pitocin". About 5 cm dialated, I was in a lot of slow and constant pain. I could find a way to get comfortable. I couldn't concentrate. They told me about their pain medication options. Of course, I could go ahead and get the epiderial or I could get a pain medication through the I-V. I could also get both should I want it. I could also get the pain medication through the I-V more than one time, so by the time it wore off, I could get more. Although Melody said that it isn't as effective the second or third time around. I probably wouldn't have gotten the pain medication had it not been for the PAINFUL cough I was having and stuffy nose that caused me to breathe only through my mouth. And we all know what happens when you are constantly breathing through your mouth, it gets dry and is more painful to cough. Boy, oh boy. So, I asked for the pain medication through the I-V. I fell asleep! Aw. Wonderful. I was having my contractions in my sleep but it was nice to finally get some rest! :)
By the time the hard labor started, the medication had worn off. Whit and Mom were so wonderful. They were very encouraging and very helpful. Whit was especially calm when he needed to be. Finally the last push or three away and the doctor came in. I think it is silly that the doctor gets to claim that delivery-- Melody did more than the doctor! She should be on my birth certificate instead! The doctor gave me orders for the last push. And snip, snip-- there went the episiomtomy. One last push. And out it went. Did Whit get to cut the cord? No... he was already out and in the heating table. What's wrong? The baby had the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck and needed oxygen to get his little lungs going. He was with the neonatal nurses for about an hour before I even got to hold him. Well, that wasn't how I pictured that! Finally, I got to bond with him for about ten minutes before he needed to go get more oxygen. His blood pressure was down. He was white as a ghost. He didn't start crying right away. But his big eyes were open and looking around at everything. He was very alert. I claim it is because I didn't have the epiderial and the I-V had already worn off. The nursery nurse came in and told me that he needed more fluids in his system. They could give him a bottle with 1/2 oz of formula or they could give him an I-V. Now, what do you think I told them to do? Of course, give him a bottle! About twenty minutes after the bottle, he was doing so much better. Blood pressure was up, he was crying and getting enough oxygen on his own. He was doing wonderful! A little trauma coming through the birth canal but all in all, he was doing great!
I used to laugh at people who stared at their babies faces for long periods of time. Now, I find myself doing that same thing. I can't get enough of my little McCoy. He is perfect in every way. I cannot understand the amount of love that I have for one little person who has only been around for five days. I can't keep it inside. I'm overcome with joy and pride. My family is so perfect.
We have had so many visitors in the last couple of days-- mainly family and Brushettes. They have been bringing us food and love, clothes and toys. Sometimes I think Whit is getting tired of all these people coming in and out of the house, but he knew that it would be like this. We are a very loved family and people can't get enough of babies. I have been getting tired of telling the story over and over to different people. It's been almost a week since I went into labor and I'm scared I've forgotten the most important details. So, it's time to blog about it. Bear with me, it could get graphic. :)
Whit and I went over to Mom and Dad's house for Nick's birthday dinner on Sunday night. We always go over to their house nearly every Sunday, and this week was no different. I told everyone I was getting kind of tired and I wanted to get some sleep before the next week began, so Whit and I took off about 8:45 or so. When I got home, I quickly jumped in the shower and took a nice, hot, hot shower. Sometimes when the water is hot like that, I like to cool off by laying in bed, naked. This night was no exception. So, I am laying naked on the bed for about 10-15 minutes. Whit came into the bedroom and started undressing so he could take a shower as well. I jumped up to put my PJs on and did one final dry off with the towel. I went to wipe-- down there-- and my towel was covered in blood. OH MY GOSH! I was so scared. I called for Whit-- CALL MY MOM! Oh my gosh, oh my gosh. I was getting so terrified. Whit kept reasurring me that everything was going to be okay, get dressed and we are going to Labor and Delivery. Funny thing is, while I was in the shower, Whit was putting my hospital bags in my car. I got dressed, attempted to put a pad in, threw the dog outside, and away we went. I was freaking out the whole way to the hospital (a good 10 minute car ride!). We called my mom on the way and she was on her way as well. When we got to Labor and Delivery, they checked to see how much I was dialated-- only 1 1/2 cm. Dang. But maybe that means I can go home and finish the week at school (don't forget, I had a program scheduled for Tuesday). They hooked up the external baby heart monitor and the external contraction montior and told me to lay on my side so they can check on me for about 30 minutes. I was talking to Whit and the cold I've been battling for the last two weeks got the best of me and I let out a giant cough. Well, that's when my water broke. Holy cow! What a weird feeling. So, to the delivery room I went.
The nurses checked my vitals about every two hours... no change. 6:30 a.m. The nurse came in and said she was going to start the pitocin drip in my I-V to get the contractions going. The nurse's name was Melody and she said that I was going to have this baby before the end of her shift... "what time are you going home?" "7 p.m." she told me. Okay. I think I can do that! The next 6 hours or so were waiting around for the contractions to get stronger and closer together-- which they were, just at a very slow rate. Every now and then Melody would come in and check my vitals, then she was "up the pitocin". About 5 cm dialated, I was in a lot of slow and constant pain. I could find a way to get comfortable. I couldn't concentrate. They told me about their pain medication options. Of course, I could go ahead and get the epiderial or I could get a pain medication through the I-V. I could also get both should I want it. I could also get the pain medication through the I-V more than one time, so by the time it wore off, I could get more. Although Melody said that it isn't as effective the second or third time around. I probably wouldn't have gotten the pain medication had it not been for the PAINFUL cough I was having and stuffy nose that caused me to breathe only through my mouth. And we all know what happens when you are constantly breathing through your mouth, it gets dry and is more painful to cough. Boy, oh boy. So, I asked for the pain medication through the I-V. I fell asleep! Aw. Wonderful. I was having my contractions in my sleep but it was nice to finally get some rest! :)
By the time the hard labor started, the medication had worn off. Whit and Mom were so wonderful. They were very encouraging and very helpful. Whit was especially calm when he needed to be. Finally the last push or three away and the doctor came in. I think it is silly that the doctor gets to claim that delivery-- Melody did more than the doctor! She should be on my birth certificate instead! The doctor gave me orders for the last push. And snip, snip-- there went the episiomtomy. One last push. And out it went. Did Whit get to cut the cord? No... he was already out and in the heating table. What's wrong? The baby had the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck and needed oxygen to get his little lungs going. He was with the neonatal nurses for about an hour before I even got to hold him. Well, that wasn't how I pictured that! Finally, I got to bond with him for about ten minutes before he needed to go get more oxygen. His blood pressure was down. He was white as a ghost. He didn't start crying right away. But his big eyes were open and looking around at everything. He was very alert. I claim it is because I didn't have the epiderial and the I-V had already worn off. The nursery nurse came in and told me that he needed more fluids in his system. They could give him a bottle with 1/2 oz of formula or they could give him an I-V. Now, what do you think I told them to do? Of course, give him a bottle! About twenty minutes after the bottle, he was doing so much better. Blood pressure was up, he was crying and getting enough oxygen on his own. He was doing wonderful! A little trauma coming through the birth canal but all in all, he was doing great!
I used to laugh at people who stared at their babies faces for long periods of time. Now, I find myself doing that same thing. I can't get enough of my little McCoy. He is perfect in every way. I cannot understand the amount of love that I have for one little person who has only been around for five days. I can't keep it inside. I'm overcome with joy and pride. My family is so perfect.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Regrets
I have a problem.
I have known about this problem for a while. Maybe about 10 years or so. It's a problem that has its ups and downs. Mostly downs. It gets me into trouble. Makes me feel bad inside. Gets me into fights with the people I love. Takes me away from the things I cherish most.
I need to get better. For good. Not just a year or so but forever more.
I can't say no.
I am a member of KCMTA again this year. And I **agreed** to handle the Multi-Piano enrollments for the big concert in February. The deadline is October 31. I have about 30 people emailing me all day asking me for this or that or whatnot. I knew that the baby was due the same time. And what did I do? I said "SURE!! I'D LOVE TO BE IN CHARGE OF THAT! I CAN HANDLE THAT! NO PROBLEM!" Well, I have regrets.
I don't want to do it anymore-- but only because I don't think I'm doing my best. The "boss" lady was supposed to call and chat it up with me today about things, and I'm going to bed instead.
I need a constant reminder that when people ask me to do stuff-- big stuff, I need to really think about it. Is this what I want to do? For real? Can I do it without feeling overwhelmed or stressed out? Can I do it to the best of my ability?
Needless to say, MP will be great and I will do a fine job. It's just not a "Tenessa-Fine" job. You know what I mean.
I have known about this problem for a while. Maybe about 10 years or so. It's a problem that has its ups and downs. Mostly downs. It gets me into trouble. Makes me feel bad inside. Gets me into fights with the people I love. Takes me away from the things I cherish most.
I need to get better. For good. Not just a year or so but forever more.
I can't say no.
I am a member of KCMTA again this year. And I **agreed** to handle the Multi-Piano enrollments for the big concert in February. The deadline is October 31. I have about 30 people emailing me all day asking me for this or that or whatnot. I knew that the baby was due the same time. And what did I do? I said "SURE!! I'D LOVE TO BE IN CHARGE OF THAT! I CAN HANDLE THAT! NO PROBLEM!" Well, I have regrets.
I don't want to do it anymore-- but only because I don't think I'm doing my best. The "boss" lady was supposed to call and chat it up with me today about things, and I'm going to bed instead.
I need a constant reminder that when people ask me to do stuff-- big stuff, I need to really think about it. Is this what I want to do? For real? Can I do it without feeling overwhelmed or stressed out? Can I do it to the best of my ability?
Needless to say, MP will be great and I will do a fine job. It's just not a "Tenessa-Fine" job. You know what I mean.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Free Bananas!!
This morning Whit and I went to church. The first Sunday of the month is always Communion. But they also have a group of people who volunteer to feed the hungry in Kansas City on the first Sunday of the month. Most people bring items to the church before they take off to feed, and this poor little old man came late and missed the group before they left. He had a box full of bananas with him for the cause. Of course, he didn't want to follow them out to Kansas City just for the bananas, as he was also to give a little speech about the finanical plans of the church. So, free bananas! He said they must go, because they are very ripe. So, making Whit take advantage of bananas at our fingertips, I made him go grab a bundle. Thus, my first attempt at making banana bread will be revealed.
Here is the recipe I am using:
Banana Bread Recipe (I am doubling the recipe and freezing a loaf)
Ingredients (this recipe is NOT doubled)
3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
(I think I might also add a bit of cinnamon to the recipe and then add some brown sugar on top before baking. We'll see how that goes.)
Method
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.
Here is my attempt at pictures with this beautiful bread.
A Bunch of Bananas
Mix it up!
Put it in the pans with a little brown sugar on top...
Wait for it...
Wait for it...
Alas, Banana Bread!! Looks, smells and tastes wonderful! Thank you, little Old Man, for running late this morning, so I could have some free bananas!
Here is the recipe I am using:
Banana Bread Recipe (I am doubling the recipe and freezing a loaf)
Ingredients (this recipe is NOT doubled)
3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
(I think I might also add a bit of cinnamon to the recipe and then add some brown sugar on top before baking. We'll see how that goes.)
Method
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.
Here is my attempt at pictures with this beautiful bread.
A Bunch of Bananas
Mix it up!
Put it in the pans with a little brown sugar on top...
Wait for it...
Wait for it...
Alas, Banana Bread!! Looks, smells and tastes wonderful! Thank you, little Old Man, for running late this morning, so I could have some free bananas!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Saturday.... aww...
Well, here it is. Saturday, at 8:30. No where to be, nothing on my to-do list, no one asking me to go here or there, or finish this or that. I am relaxing.
YEA RIGHT!
I can't do that! Not even if I tried. I have all day to sleep in and what time did I get up? 8:00! That's not sleeping in! What happened to the good ol' days of sleeping in until 11 or 12? I'll tell you where they went. They went away about 5 years ago. But that's alright. I know my body is preparing for something better. I'm going to need to function on minimal sleep and honestly, I think I can do it! For the last two months, I have been getting up at 5:30 a.m. and running errands/work/stuff that needs to be done until bedtime around 10:30 or 11:00 p.m. And that is while I'm getting nice and fat with a squirming baby boy who only wants to play all day (in my belly, that is).
So for today-- my first day of nothing-ness in a while, I think I'll make this following to do list:
1. put out the rest of the fall decorations
2. fix my iPod stuff
3. go to Michael's and get that pumpkin light up thing for Whit
4. do the laundry (baby laundry, that is. Who cares aobut mine and Whits?!)
5. tidy up the kitchen
6. pay the bills
7. catch up on Multi-Piano
8. paint the baby's shelves (green??)
9. gather up Rezound polos and clothes
10. relax!
I had to get to 10. You know a list is not complete wihtout at least 10 things on there. Let's see how much I actually do. And if I don't do it, oh well! Because this is a Saturday that I don't have to do ANYTHING!!
YEA RIGHT!
I can't do that! Not even if I tried. I have all day to sleep in and what time did I get up? 8:00! That's not sleeping in! What happened to the good ol' days of sleeping in until 11 or 12? I'll tell you where they went. They went away about 5 years ago. But that's alright. I know my body is preparing for something better. I'm going to need to function on minimal sleep and honestly, I think I can do it! For the last two months, I have been getting up at 5:30 a.m. and running errands/work/stuff that needs to be done until bedtime around 10:30 or 11:00 p.m. And that is while I'm getting nice and fat with a squirming baby boy who only wants to play all day (in my belly, that is).
So for today-- my first day of nothing-ness in a while, I think I'll make this following to do list:
1. put out the rest of the fall decorations
2. fix my iPod stuff
3. go to Michael's and get that pumpkin light up thing for Whit
4. do the laundry (baby laundry, that is. Who cares aobut mine and Whits?!)
5. tidy up the kitchen
6. pay the bills
7. catch up on Multi-Piano
8. paint the baby's shelves (green??)
9. gather up Rezound polos and clothes
10. relax!
I had to get to 10. You know a list is not complete wihtout at least 10 things on there. Let's see how much I actually do. And if I don't do it, oh well! Because this is a Saturday that I don't have to do ANYTHING!!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Birthday-- 26 Years Young
Tuesday was my 26th birthday. My, how I feel old. I cannot believe that I made it this far! My birthday was like every other one from the last few years. Nothing out of this world, went to work, taught piano lessons. But I did recieve flowers and a beautiful card from Whit when I woke up that morning. I usually always get flowers on my birthday and Valentine's day. The card was especailly special. It made my day. That night, I got a candle from the twins (Rachel and Elizabeth) and a DR.PEPPER from Barb and Elizabeth. And then Whit made me dinner (pork tenderloin and mashed potatoes). We decided we didn't need a cake since we were planning on having another little get together on Saturday night with my folks and Codi and Nick, so Whit put my candle in my mashed potatoes. :) He's so clever.
Whit got me an air purifier for my birthday! This particular one had two of them included. One big tower and one little one for a smaller room. We put the tower in the bedroom and right now the little one is in the living room. But we will probably end up putting the small one in the baby's room. I could tell a difference when I got up the next morning. Nice and clear sinuses and I felt more rested. This air purifier has a permanment filter so I just have to rinse it off and then replace it when it needs cleaning. I wanted that kind because I am so scared of things updating so fast, their replacement parts and products become hard to find. Then you have to order them online and it becomes more expensive then the product itself. I think that's how they get you. But alas, this one doesn't need anymore parts!
On Thursday, Nancy and Joe came over to take us out to dinner. They took me to Stix, a habici Japanese grill. It was very good and very entertaining. I had been to Stix once before but not for the grill. It was great fun! They also got me some odds and ends stuff, and some birthday money (which I will use ON MYSELF!!). I was very grateful for that!
Last night, we went over to Mom and Dad's house for my birthday dinner. I wanted Potato Soup!! I know, everyone was like, "uh, potato soup?" My dad makes world class dishes and I wanted soup. Well, that's what I wanted, so lay off!! :) Dad made me an awesome cake-- he decorated it and everything. Super cute! It was a picture of me and the baby in a rocking chair, with all his little stuff in his room. He even put Barone on there!! I took pictures with Mom's camera so soon I will post them, probably on Facebook. Dad and Mom got me the new Paula Deen cookware!!!! I'm soooo happy! I have been wanting new cookware for about 10 months and I was going to be patient, finally and wait until we absoultly needed them and I got it for my birthday! And... Nick and Codi got one of the most unique gifts of all-- a pregnancy massage! I am calling first thing Monday morning to set up my appointment. I cannot WAIT to get that thing. What a cool gift! And so needed right now, as my back is started to ache a bit and my legs are feeling the weight. I can't wait to blog about that experience. Thank you Nick and Codi!
So, my birthday was very good this year!
Whit got me an air purifier for my birthday! This particular one had two of them included. One big tower and one little one for a smaller room. We put the tower in the bedroom and right now the little one is in the living room. But we will probably end up putting the small one in the baby's room. I could tell a difference when I got up the next morning. Nice and clear sinuses and I felt more rested. This air purifier has a permanment filter so I just have to rinse it off and then replace it when it needs cleaning. I wanted that kind because I am so scared of things updating so fast, their replacement parts and products become hard to find. Then you have to order them online and it becomes more expensive then the product itself. I think that's how they get you. But alas, this one doesn't need anymore parts!
On Thursday, Nancy and Joe came over to take us out to dinner. They took me to Stix, a habici Japanese grill. It was very good and very entertaining. I had been to Stix once before but not for the grill. It was great fun! They also got me some odds and ends stuff, and some birthday money (which I will use ON MYSELF!!). I was very grateful for that!
Last night, we went over to Mom and Dad's house for my birthday dinner. I wanted Potato Soup!! I know, everyone was like, "uh, potato soup?" My dad makes world class dishes and I wanted soup. Well, that's what I wanted, so lay off!! :) Dad made me an awesome cake-- he decorated it and everything. Super cute! It was a picture of me and the baby in a rocking chair, with all his little stuff in his room. He even put Barone on there!! I took pictures with Mom's camera so soon I will post them, probably on Facebook. Dad and Mom got me the new Paula Deen cookware!!!! I'm soooo happy! I have been wanting new cookware for about 10 months and I was going to be patient, finally and wait until we absoultly needed them and I got it for my birthday! And... Nick and Codi got one of the most unique gifts of all-- a pregnancy massage! I am calling first thing Monday morning to set up my appointment. I cannot WAIT to get that thing. What a cool gift! And so needed right now, as my back is started to ache a bit and my legs are feeling the weight. I can't wait to blog about that experience. Thank you Nick and Codi!
So, my birthday was very good this year!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Baby's Room
Last night, Mom came over to help with some finishing touches on the baby's room walls. We still have more to do, but it started to really look like a room. We hung up the wall hanging that we made over the summer, hung up these CUTE little boxes and the three pictures I found at Jo-Ann's. Mom is going to make some shelves (four of them) and I still want to make vinyl letters of his name using the cricut. That, of course, can't be done until I figure out what we are going to name him!! When I'm on maternity leave, I'm going to come to Mom's painting class and make a sign for above his door. I can't decide what it should say though: "Boys Rhyme with Noise!" or "Boy... a Noise with Dirt On It!" or "Frogs and snails, and puppy dog tails" or "Boy... automatic sprinkler". I like the first and second one, but the other make me smile too.
I washed one load of baby clothes- mostly 0-6 months sizes. His closet is clean, changing table ready to go, the crib is currently filled with misc items from my first shower. I still have several thank you cards to write. I got a curtain rod from my aunt Laura that has DARLING trucks on the ends. She got it from Pottery Barn Kids! That will be the ONLY thing that child owns from Pottery Barn! :) Here is a link. Yeah, I know. Expensive! But so darling.
Things I still have to do: recover the glider (probably not until next month), wash more clothes, put on the drawer knobs, clean out the crib, fix the cradle, stain the nightside table, put a light bulb in the lamp, make shelves and paint them, re-paint the bookcase (maybe), and wait for the baby to come out! I still have a lot to do, but what doesn't get done will be okay. Afterall, he is not going to know what it's supposed to be like anyways. Not for awhile at least. But I think this whole process is more for the parents anyways. I like having everything in its place, ready to go for him. I'm sure he will appreciate my efforts.
I washed one load of baby clothes- mostly 0-6 months sizes. His closet is clean, changing table ready to go, the crib is currently filled with misc items from my first shower. I still have several thank you cards to write. I got a curtain rod from my aunt Laura that has DARLING trucks on the ends. She got it from Pottery Barn Kids! That will be the ONLY thing that child owns from Pottery Barn! :) Here is a link. Yeah, I know. Expensive! But so darling.
Things I still have to do: recover the glider (probably not until next month), wash more clothes, put on the drawer knobs, clean out the crib, fix the cradle, stain the nightside table, put a light bulb in the lamp, make shelves and paint them, re-paint the bookcase (maybe), and wait for the baby to come out! I still have a lot to do, but what doesn't get done will be okay. Afterall, he is not going to know what it's supposed to be like anyways. Not for awhile at least. But I think this whole process is more for the parents anyways. I like having everything in its place, ready to go for him. I'm sure he will appreciate my efforts.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Homemade Stuff-- Frugal Living
Homemade Stuff
Brown Sugar
1. Measure one cup of granulated sugar and one tablespoon of molasses into a mixing bowl.
2. Stir with a fork until completely mixed. Your brown sugar is now ready for use!
Tips:
1. To make dark brown sugar, increase the molasses to two tablespoons.
Homemade Dryer Sheets
1. Dip several wash clothes in fabric softener.
2. Then, ring them out, and allow them to dry.
3. Toss one in the dryer each time you have a load of laundry to dry.
Tips:
1. You should be able to use each dryer sheet a dozen times or more, before it needs to be dipped and dried again.
Brown Sugar
1. Measure one cup of granulated sugar and one tablespoon of molasses into a mixing bowl.
2. Stir with a fork until completely mixed. Your brown sugar is now ready for use!
Tips:
1. To make dark brown sugar, increase the molasses to two tablespoons.
Homemade Dryer Sheets
1. Dip several wash clothes in fabric softener.
2. Then, ring them out, and allow them to dry.
3. Toss one in the dryer each time you have a load of laundry to dry.
Tips:
1. You should be able to use each dryer sheet a dozen times or more, before it needs to be dipped and dried again.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Getting Out of Debt
This morning at church, I noticed an announcement in the bulletin. It was a class that is being offered every Sunday night for 13 weeks (basically until the beginning of December) on Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. The class is offered (I think) through videos and a number of workbooks that will help you eventually become debt free and learn the ways of living with "Financial Peace" (hence the title of his classes). I went home and started to research Dave Ramsey and weather or not this class would benefit Whit and me at this time in our life. Well, I should rephrase that-- I KNOW it would benefit us, but are we going to do it? I have been logging our expenses (mostly bills and debt) in the computer and keeping very good track of it since we moved into the house. I'm paying extra on ALL my credit cards and even Whit's student loans and the mortgage. I mean we are paying an extra $200.00 to the principal every month! That's amazing for as little as we make! :)
Anyways, I was searching online about Dave Ramsey to see if there were books I could purchase and/or borrow from the library, but I'm completely overwhelmed. I don't know what to get! "Baby Steps", "Total Money Makeover", "Financial Peace University," the list goes on and on about the number of books he has written on this subject. I can't wrap my mind around all that! I need a "Idiot's Guide to Getting Debt Free". So, I looked up on google Debt Calculators.
The one I found is the best (so far) is What's the Cost. I was able to register on it and make it "remember" my information (no credit card account numbers or anything like that) just simple numbers. The amount I owe, the interest rate, the minimum amount due and then I push the little calculate button and VIOLA! It told me we would be DEBT free in 24 months! (Now, I did NOT include the house mortgage because let's face it, that would another 25 years or so...) I did cheat a little-- on some of our bills, we have it automatically taken out of the bank account and it is more than the min. balance. Instead of putting the min balance owed, I just put the amount that we pay each month. The calculator thinks that's how much we HAVE to pay, but it's how much we want to pay (ie the Yaris, and Nebraska Furniture Mart). I was able to cut and paste the awesome little chart into excel, so I can look at it when I pay bills. The same amount of money we are spending on our bills, just broken up differently to finally pay off the amounts. It's called Snowballing.
Can't wait to see if this actually works! Better yet, I can't wait to see if I actually stick with it!
So, even though I did not READ a book from Dave Ramsey's massive collection of books, I'm going to mark it off my list of 101 Things to Do in 1001 Days. I might even be marking off "paying off credit cards" and "pay of the Yaris" soon too!!
And just as a side note, I think it is really intersting that Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" costs nearly $200.00... is that saving money?! I can't afford that right now!
Anyways, I was searching online about Dave Ramsey to see if there were books I could purchase and/or borrow from the library, but I'm completely overwhelmed. I don't know what to get! "Baby Steps", "Total Money Makeover", "Financial Peace University," the list goes on and on about the number of books he has written on this subject. I can't wrap my mind around all that! I need a "Idiot's Guide to Getting Debt Free". So, I looked up on google Debt Calculators.
The one I found is the best (so far) is What's the Cost. I was able to register on it and make it "remember" my information (no credit card account numbers or anything like that) just simple numbers. The amount I owe, the interest rate, the minimum amount due and then I push the little calculate button and VIOLA! It told me we would be DEBT free in 24 months! (Now, I did NOT include the house mortgage because let's face it, that would another 25 years or so...) I did cheat a little-- on some of our bills, we have it automatically taken out of the bank account and it is more than the min. balance. Instead of putting the min balance owed, I just put the amount that we pay each month. The calculator thinks that's how much we HAVE to pay, but it's how much we want to pay (ie the Yaris, and Nebraska Furniture Mart). I was able to cut and paste the awesome little chart into excel, so I can look at it when I pay bills. The same amount of money we are spending on our bills, just broken up differently to finally pay off the amounts. It's called Snowballing.
Can't wait to see if this actually works! Better yet, I can't wait to see if I actually stick with it!
So, even though I did not READ a book from Dave Ramsey's massive collection of books, I'm going to mark it off my list of 101 Things to Do in 1001 Days. I might even be marking off "paying off credit cards" and "pay of the Yaris" soon too!!
And just as a side note, I think it is really intersting that Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" costs nearly $200.00... is that saving money?! I can't afford that right now!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Spaetzle, Ham and Mushrooms & Balsamic Chicken Breasts
Tomorrow's dinner plan--
"For a mouth watering casserole, combine cooked Spaetzle with sauteed quartered mushrooms, onions, and diced ham in a baking dish. Top with bread rumbs moisentened in melted butter. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 30 minutes."
Cleaning out my pantry and found only three things to throw away. Not bad. I have bread crumbs that will officially expire in December 2009, but this recipe calls for bread crumbs. How perfect can that get! I have canned mushrooms, but I think I might stop by the grocery store tomorrow afternoon and pick up some fresh. I know fresh mushrooms taste better than canned.
Whit gave tonight's dinner 4 out of 5 stars... Balsmic chicken with rice and garden fresh green beans. I will update this post with the recipe that I got out of HEALTHY COOKING magazine by Taste of Home. I cooked healthy! :)
balsamic chicken breats
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. salt
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz. each)
1 Tbsp. canola oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup water
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/8 tsp. dried rosemary, crushed
1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, pepper and salt. Add chicken, one piece at a time, and shake to coat.
2. In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook chicken in oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. Remove and keep warm.
3. In the same pan, cook onion until tender. Add water, stirring to loosen browned bits. Ad the vinegar, thyme and rosemary; cook and stir for 3-4 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened. Serve with chicken.
My organized pantry:
"For a mouth watering casserole, combine cooked Spaetzle with sauteed quartered mushrooms, onions, and diced ham in a baking dish. Top with bread rumbs moisentened in melted butter. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 30 minutes."
Cleaning out my pantry and found only three things to throw away. Not bad. I have bread crumbs that will officially expire in December 2009, but this recipe calls for bread crumbs. How perfect can that get! I have canned mushrooms, but I think I might stop by the grocery store tomorrow afternoon and pick up some fresh. I know fresh mushrooms taste better than canned.
Whit gave tonight's dinner 4 out of 5 stars... Balsmic chicken with rice and garden fresh green beans. I will update this post with the recipe that I got out of HEALTHY COOKING magazine by Taste of Home. I cooked healthy! :)
balsamic chicken breats
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. salt
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz. each)
1 Tbsp. canola oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup water
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/8 tsp. dried rosemary, crushed
1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, pepper and salt. Add chicken, one piece at a time, and shake to coat.
2. In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook chicken in oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. Remove and keep warm.
3. In the same pan, cook onion until tender. Add water, stirring to loosen browned bits. Ad the vinegar, thyme and rosemary; cook and stir for 3-4 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened. Serve with chicken.
My organized pantry:
Sunday, August 9, 2009
so far, so good
Well, it's been about a week since I posted about my 101 things to accomplish in 1001 days. Not too bad, I think I crossed off about three things. I think that this week I will try and tackle some more. I really need to reorganize my kitchen and there are about five things on that list assoicated with my kitchen. Under the sink, tubberware cabinet, the red shelf in the dining room, the drawers... I think I might be able to knock that out in one or two afternoons. Then I'm moving on to the closets.
We are going to have one of my baby showers at my house at the end of September so I'm doing some "fall cleaning". I need to desperatly and I better start now! I usually start something but never finish. Now that I get to cross it off on my online list, I feel more motivated to finish. I think I can do it. And who knows? I might have to change a few things on my list. Like the buy a new car thing and start a handbell choir at church-- I don't even belong to a church! So how I can start one in two years?! Yea, that's not possible.
We are going to have one of my baby showers at my house at the end of September so I'm doing some "fall cleaning". I need to desperatly and I better start now! I usually start something but never finish. Now that I get to cross it off on my online list, I feel more motivated to finish. I think I can do it. And who knows? I might have to change a few things on my list. Like the buy a new car thing and start a handbell choir at church-- I don't even belong to a church! So how I can start one in two years?! Yea, that's not possible.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
101 Things in 1001 Days
The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in 1001 days
Start Date: August 2, 2009
End Date: April 29, 2012
House:
1. Organize the master room closet
2. Organize the baby’s closet
3. Move stuff back into the basement
4. Install doors and trim in basement
5. Organize the Tubberware cabinet
6. Buy new pots and pans (Paula Dean)
7. Wallpaper master bathroom
8. Paint hallway bathroom and hang up mural
9. Keep the kitchen clean
10. Replace all burnt out light bulbs
11. Organize under the sink in the master bathroom
12. Clean out refrigerator once a month
13. Clean out the pantry
14. Donate old coats/jackets to Project Warmth
15. Organize drawers in kitchen
16. Re-organize red shelf in dining room
17. Clean out storage under stairs
18. Reorganize seasonal decorations
19. Get new tires (Elantra)
20. Keep car clean for at least a month (clean it first!)
21. Plant trees
Hobbies:
22. Finish wedding scrapbook
23. Make homemade birthday cards
24. Scrapbook for the baby at least 2-4 pages per month
25. Sew (by myself) baby’s 1st Halloween costume
26. Finish Whit’s stocking
27. Decorate the fireplace mantel
28. Make homemade Christmas gifts
29. Learn to pickle cucumbers
30. Learn to sew a zipper
31. Take a photography class
32. Take a cake decorating class
33. Start and finish baby’s Christmas stocking
Personal Enrichment:
34. Get a new hairstyle
35. Start photography 365
36. Keep a blog
37. Use the library more
38. Send birthday cards to every family member
39. Start/continue to use reusable shopping bags every time
40. Send Christmas treats to families
41. Make a compost pile
42. Make a rain barrel
43. Join a church
44. Frame Whit and Tenessa’s baby pictures and hang them in the hallway
45. Start Master’s Degree
46. Take Level II Orff Training
47. Read Chronicals of Narina
Entertainment:
48. Attend a local festival
49. Go to a pumpkin patch
50. Organize a Progressive Dinner
51. Have a fondue party
52. Go to a wine tasting party
53. Go to a dinner theater
54. Go on a picnic
55. Take a nature walk with Whit and baby
Baby:
56. Join a “story time” with baby
57. Buy an Air Purifier
58. Make baby food and freeze
59. Cloth diaper at least part time
60. Teach baby sign language
61. Read the Bradley Book
62. Give birth naturally (sort of!)
Music:
63. Learn to play a difficult piece on the piano
64. Practice piano at least once a week
65. Keep better records for piano lessons
66. Start hand bells/chimes at school
67. Log all piano books and put them in order
68. Paint piano drawers
Wellness:
69. Don’t go out to eat for a week
70. Don’t go out to eat for two weeks
71. Don’t go out to eat for a month
72. Drink only one soda a week for at least a month
73. Walk at least three times per week
74. Lose 25 pounds
75. Take trips to the park weekly (when baby is born and weather is nice)
76. Use up all shower gels and lotions before buying new
77. Participate in a Benefits walk
Cooking/Baking:
78. Make a dinner plan for the month
79. Bake a pie from scratch
80. Decorate baby’s 1st Birthday cake
81. Cook less from a box or frozen bag
82. Bake a cake from scratch
83. Use the cookbooks more
84. Use the vegetables from the garden to cook
Financial:
85. Pay off at least three credit cards
86. Pay off at least half of student loan (as of September 2009)
87. Keep a log of gas spending for four months
88. Get all bills automatically taken from bank
89. Start using coupons
90. Sell books on Amazon.com
91. Read Dave Ramsey’s book/information
92. Make a savings plan and stick to it
93. Borrow items from friends and family instead of insisting on buying new
94. Buy a camera
95. Pay off the Yaris
96. Have a yard sale
97. Start an IRA or CD type of savings
Travel:
98. Plan a summer vacation
99. Stay at a Bed and Breakfast
100. Go camping with baby
101. Use the cabin at the lake five times
Start Date: August 2, 2009
End Date: April 29, 2012
House:
1. Organize the master room closet
4. Install doors and trim in basement
5. Organize the Tubberware cabinet
7. Wallpaper master bathroom
8. Paint hallway bathroom and hang up mural
9. Keep the kitchen clean
11. Organize under the sink in the master bathroom
12. Clean out refrigerator once a month
14. Donate old coats/jackets to Project Warmth
15. Organize drawers in kitchen
17. Clean out storage under stairs
18. Reorganize seasonal decorations
20. Keep car clean for at least a month (clean it first!)
21. Plant trees
Hobbies:
22. Finish wedding scrapbook
23. Make homemade birthday cards
24. Scrapbook for the baby at least 2-4 pages per month
25. Sew (by myself) baby’s 1st Halloween costume
26. Finish Whit’s stocking
27. Decorate the fireplace mantel
28. Make homemade Christmas gifts
29. Learn to pickle cucumbers
30. Learn to sew a zipper
31. Take a photography class
32. Take a cake decorating class
33. Start and finish baby’s Christmas stocking
Personal Enrichment:
34. Get a new hairstyle
35. Start photography 365
37. Use the library more
38. Send birthday cards to every family member
40. Send Christmas treats to families
41. Make a compost pile
42. Make a rain barrel
43. Join a church
44. Frame Whit and Tenessa’s baby pictures and hang them in the hallway
45. Start Master’s Degree
46. Take Level II Orff Training
47. Read Chronicals of Narina
Entertainment:
48. Attend a local festival
49. Go to a pumpkin patch
50. Organize a Progressive Dinner
51. Have a fondue party
52. Go to a wine tasting party
53. Go to a dinner theater
54. Go on a picnic
55. Take a nature walk with Whit and baby
Baby:
56. Join a “story time” with baby
58. Make baby food and freeze
59. Cloth diaper at least part time
60. Teach baby sign language
Music:
63. Learn to play a difficult piece on the piano
64. Practice piano at least once a week
65. Keep better records for piano lessons
66. Start hand bells/chimes at school
67. Log all piano books and put them in order
68. Paint piano drawers
Wellness:
69. Don’t go out to eat for a week
70. Don’t go out to eat for two weeks
71. Don’t go out to eat for a month
72. Drink only one soda a week for at least a month
73. Walk at least three times per week
74. Lose 25 pounds
75. Take trips to the park weekly (when baby is born and weather is nice)
76. Use up all shower gels and lotions before buying new
77. Participate in a Benefits walk
Cooking/Baking:
78. Make a dinner plan for the month
79. Bake a pie from scratch
80. Decorate baby’s 1st Birthday cake
81. Cook less from a box or frozen bag
82. Bake a cake from scratch
83. Use the cookbooks more
Financial:
85. Pay off at least three credit cards
86. Pay off at least half of student loan (as of September 2009)
87. Keep a log of gas spending for four months
92. Make a savings plan and stick to it
93. Borrow items from friends and family instead of insisting on buying new
95. Pay off the Yaris
96. Have a yard sale
97. Start an IRA or CD type of savings
Travel:
98. Plan a summer vacation
99. Stay at a Bed and Breakfast
100. Go camping with baby
101. Use the cabin at the lake five times
Monday, March 16, 2009
4 stitches
My worst fear came true on Thursday. I sliced my finger cutting potatoes and have 4 stitches in my index finger. Playing piano is on hold.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Free Chartiable Contributions
Feel like giving back? I do sometimes. There are a lot of things that you can do that don't cost any money at all!
Here are two of my favorite websites:
www.freerice.com (Suzie, you will love this site!)
www.thehungersite.com
All you have to do is click the button and it donates food or health care. There are mulitple tabs at the top of the website. I like to click once a day and then click for every cause (Breast Cancer, Animal Rescue, Hunger, Literacy, Healthcare...)
Am I stingy for looking for free ways to contribute? Nah, I think it's great that at least I'm trying.
Here are two of my favorite websites:
www.freerice.com (Suzie, you will love this site!)
www.thehungersite.com
All you have to do is click the button and it donates food or health care. There are mulitple tabs at the top of the website. I like to click once a day and then click for every cause (Breast Cancer, Animal Rescue, Hunger, Literacy, Healthcare...)
Am I stingy for looking for free ways to contribute? Nah, I think it's great that at least I'm trying.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A Political Review
I am venturing out. I never thought I was well-versed or ablet o write well, but today I am stepping out of my comfort zone. I am going to comment on a political cartoon.
I don't normally comment on anything related to politics, mainly because I don't feel like i have taken the time to become educated. But today I feel I can successfully share my two cents on the situation.
Earlier this week, a pet chimp was shot to death because he attacked a person, causing severe damages to their face. Later a politcal cartoon was published in the New York Post.
Immediatly contraversies arose, saying the chimp represents President Obama and the cartoon was blantly racist.
My view? First of all, our country has elected a "mixed" President (an African-American/white). We, as a country are trying to overcome the horrible hold of racism that has ben present for so many years. We cannot, however look toward an optimist future if people/critics keeping pointing out how it could be seen as racist. We will never get past racism if people continue to plant ideas in other people's heads.
Okay, here's my interpration of the politcal cartoon:
The chimp doesn't represent President Obama at all, but government as a whole. Afterall it wasn't Obama who wrote the stimulus plan at all. The artist is simply stating that government is acting like a monkey, in which they propose is just a "dumb animal" (even though monkeys are one of the smartest of all mammals). The cartoon is also representing the latest news of the chimp being shot from earlier this week.
If I recall correctly, President Bush was compared to a picture of a chimp over twenty times! We didn't refer to that as racist.
I don't normally comment on anything related to politics, mainly because I don't feel like i have taken the time to become educated. But today I feel I can successfully share my two cents on the situation.
Earlier this week, a pet chimp was shot to death because he attacked a person, causing severe damages to their face. Later a politcal cartoon was published in the New York Post.
Immediatly contraversies arose, saying the chimp represents President Obama and the cartoon was blantly racist.
My view? First of all, our country has elected a "mixed" President (an African-American/white). We, as a country are trying to overcome the horrible hold of racism that has ben present for so many years. We cannot, however look toward an optimist future if people/critics keeping pointing out how it could be seen as racist. We will never get past racism if people continue to plant ideas in other people's heads.
Okay, here's my interpration of the politcal cartoon:
The chimp doesn't represent President Obama at all, but government as a whole. Afterall it wasn't Obama who wrote the stimulus plan at all. The artist is simply stating that government is acting like a monkey, in which they propose is just a "dumb animal" (even though monkeys are one of the smartest of all mammals). The cartoon is also representing the latest news of the chimp being shot from earlier this week.
If I recall correctly, President Bush was compared to a picture of a chimp over twenty times! We didn't refer to that as racist.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
One Down, Five To Go
At the end of last year, I emailed my prinicpal and "demanded" more opportunities for programs. Last year, the programs were divided into two grade chunks-- K, 1, 2 in one program and 3, 4, 5 in another. I absoultely hated that! Too many kids, not enough speaking opportunities and not enough room on the risers. So, I came up with a solution-- divide the kids up more. I proposed several different program ideas, the first one was granted to me. It was divided into K (by themselves), 1-2, 3-4, and 5 (by themselves). So far, I am loving that idea! It is making my life easier, less teachers to worry about, and less kids. Less props, less costumes... etc. Every program performs twice in one day. One at 10:00 a.m. for the students and staff, and again at 1:00 p.m. for parents and family. So, if you count up all that I have left, I have five more. I thought I was almost done!
My Program Schedule:
Feb. 18-- one more at 1:00 p.m.
Mar. 11-- 3-4 Program "I Need a Vacation"
10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
Apr. 22-- 5th Grade Program "Drummin' with Orff"
10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
Oh and then there is the Elementary Music Festival on May 4 and 5th.... but that's not as big of a deal for me. This doesn't even include piano recitals or piano competitions or Rezound concerts.... there are many more where that came from!
And amongst all this busy-ness.... I want to make my life more complicated by taking piano lessons, and starting a family. I can handle it though, because what stays at work, stays at work. I usually don't stress over work when I'm at home. I just walk through the building and then I'm like, "OH MY GOSH, I HAVE A PROGRAM TODAY, ARG!!!" But when I'm at home, I just enjoying spending time with Whit and teaching piano lessons and watching TV and playing on the computer and the like.
So, one program down, five to go!
My Program Schedule:
Feb. 18-- one more at 1:00 p.m.
Mar. 11-- 3-4 Program "I Need a Vacation"
10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
Apr. 22-- 5th Grade Program "Drummin' with Orff"
10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
Oh and then there is the Elementary Music Festival on May 4 and 5th.... but that's not as big of a deal for me. This doesn't even include piano recitals or piano competitions or Rezound concerts.... there are many more where that came from!
And amongst all this busy-ness.... I want to make my life more complicated by taking piano lessons, and starting a family. I can handle it though, because what stays at work, stays at work. I usually don't stress over work when I'm at home. I just walk through the building and then I'm like, "OH MY GOSH, I HAVE A PROGRAM TODAY, ARG!!!" But when I'm at home, I just enjoying spending time with Whit and teaching piano lessons and watching TV and playing on the computer and the like.
So, one program down, five to go!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Multi-Piano Part 1
Here is some pictures from Multi-Piano. I'm going to upload video later. The video is not that great though, but it's pretty good! My brother took all of these photos. Thank you Nick Schale!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Valentine's Day
My lovely husband just surprised me with a dozen pink roses on the counter! How wonderful! I know it's Valentine's Day and what better day to give flowers than today, but I haven't gotten flowers in a really long time. I think Whit saves his surprises for when I think I'm not going to get anything. Plus he is really good at saying he won't do something to make me think otherwsie.
It will be a Happy Valentine's Day for sure. We are going to play poker tonight with Jay and Priscilla (not what I would like to do, but it's alright, I guess.) I think they are having a BBQ also.
We actually went out to Olive Garden last night for a "pre-Valentine's Day" dinner. I think a lot of couples were doing that last night. Mom Martin gave us a gift card for Valentine's Day so we used that! How sweet of her!
Today I have to go "work" at the Multi-Piano function and then I have to play like six duets with my former teacher, Mickey and several students. It is a lot of fun, I just thought it came by too fast. I was supposed to practice! What happened!?
It will be a Happy Valentine's Day for sure. We are going to play poker tonight with Jay and Priscilla (not what I would like to do, but it's alright, I guess.) I think they are having a BBQ also.
We actually went out to Olive Garden last night for a "pre-Valentine's Day" dinner. I think a lot of couples were doing that last night. Mom Martin gave us a gift card for Valentine's Day so we used that! How sweet of her!
Today I have to go "work" at the Multi-Piano function and then I have to play like six duets with my former teacher, Mickey and several students. It is a lot of fun, I just thought it came by too fast. I was supposed to practice! What happened!?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
I cannot believe my ears
On Monday, something terrible happened in my school district. This something is so horrible, I have a hard time even now explaining how I feel. I cannot believe what I heard is true, and how it has affected the teachers I work with, and especially the students I teach.
Monday afternoon, around 3:00 p.m., three boys were walking near ME Pearson Elementary School. This elementary school is not far from Whittier, and very close to Central Elementary School (the school I taught at last year). Two of these boys were in 7th grade (from Central Middle School-- adjacant to Whittier Elementary School), and I believe one was in 9th grade (from Washington High School). The boys were just North of Pearson and were shot at from a car coming down the street. From what I understand, the boys were involved in a gang called F-13. The people who shot at them were also in a gang called FL. One boy was shot in the head and died on his 14th birthday. This was a student from Central Middle School-- just across the walkway from Whittier.
My friend Jack is the music teacher at Pearson. When this took place, he was teaching 1st graders who recongized the sound of gunshots. Can you believe that? A bunch of first graders knowing what guns sound like? It is instances like this that hurts my heart. I cannot begin to tell you what kind of impact this has brought to our lives as educators. My friend was so baffled it was hard for him to talk about the instance. Today I teach at Whittier and the building is on lock down for today and especially tomorrow.
Tomorrow might just seem like an ordinary day-- besides the fact that it is Friday the 13th, but this is something that boys' gang will like. Those two boys were injured, well one died. So retailation is in order. The gang's name is F-13, I believe they live near or on 13th Street, and they are Hispanic. It just so happens that this is Friday, the 13th, what better why to show them who's boss, then to retailiate on Friday the 13th. Needless to say, our buildings are on lock down, no one allowed to play outside, even if the weather is nice.
I cannot believe my ears. This morning, a 5th grader told her friend that "they are going to shot up Whittier tomorrow." These kids know more than I will ever know. Thank goodness I am not at Whittier tomorrow, but I feel for these kids. I don't know what they must be going through, and the teachers, and especially the prinicpal. How can she live with herself knowing that her students are not 100% safe? I cannot believe my ears.
I just keep saying this to myslef, as I shake my head in confusion. I cannot believe my ears.
The Kansas City Start News Story
http://www.kansascity.com/news/neighborhood/wyandotte_county/story/1025457.html
Monday afternoon, around 3:00 p.m., three boys were walking near ME Pearson Elementary School. This elementary school is not far from Whittier, and very close to Central Elementary School (the school I taught at last year). Two of these boys were in 7th grade (from Central Middle School-- adjacant to Whittier Elementary School), and I believe one was in 9th grade (from Washington High School). The boys were just North of Pearson and were shot at from a car coming down the street. From what I understand, the boys were involved in a gang called F-13. The people who shot at them were also in a gang called FL. One boy was shot in the head and died on his 14th birthday. This was a student from Central Middle School-- just across the walkway from Whittier.
My friend Jack is the music teacher at Pearson. When this took place, he was teaching 1st graders who recongized the sound of gunshots. Can you believe that? A bunch of first graders knowing what guns sound like? It is instances like this that hurts my heart. I cannot begin to tell you what kind of impact this has brought to our lives as educators. My friend was so baffled it was hard for him to talk about the instance. Today I teach at Whittier and the building is on lock down for today and especially tomorrow.
Tomorrow might just seem like an ordinary day-- besides the fact that it is Friday the 13th, but this is something that boys' gang will like. Those two boys were injured, well one died. So retailation is in order. The gang's name is F-13, I believe they live near or on 13th Street, and they are Hispanic. It just so happens that this is Friday, the 13th, what better why to show them who's boss, then to retailiate on Friday the 13th. Needless to say, our buildings are on lock down, no one allowed to play outside, even if the weather is nice.
I cannot believe my ears. This morning, a 5th grader told her friend that "they are going to shot up Whittier tomorrow." These kids know more than I will ever know. Thank goodness I am not at Whittier tomorrow, but I feel for these kids. I don't know what they must be going through, and the teachers, and especially the prinicpal. How can she live with herself knowing that her students are not 100% safe? I cannot believe my ears.
I just keep saying this to myslef, as I shake my head in confusion. I cannot believe my ears.
The Kansas City Start News Story
http://www.kansascity.com/news/neighborhood/wyandotte_county/story/1025457.html
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Much To Do
Here I sit, at my computer, while my first graders are watching a movie. I have things to do-- that's my justification for sticking in a video. I know that it is not quality teaching, but I have to get stuff done for my programs tomorrow (and one next week). And yet, here I sit, half writing a post on this blog site, half watching the movie I put in-- and the funny thing is, I'm not getting my stuff done. What was the point of that!? We had a rehearsal this morning and performed for the preschool kids. My Kindergarteners did fine. Of course, they have a lot going for them-- they are cute and they are five. It can't get much easier than that. No, they did okay. I'm happy, I just want that program to be over. In attempts to make each program "BIGGER AND BETTER" I decided to make a PowerPoint presentation of the lyrics and pictures to the songs we sing. This way, my Hispanic children's parents will be able to follow along better. I have about 80% of it done. But that program is tomorrow. So I figured I would do it today... while I show videoes. Am I a bad teacher for periodically let my kids watch a video? As long as my answer is no, then I guess I'm okay.
I need to get my applications out. I have a feeling that this is going to be another let down year. I need to keep my head on straight and my positive mind set. Otherwise nothing will happen. I just know that it would be perfect to teach-- let's say, Post! What I want for my future, it would work out so well to be there. I just hope that my personality comes out on the paper application and they want to see more. If not, I guess I'll just continue where I'm at. Job hunting really sucks and I need to get to my ideal job soon. Before I get burnt out.
I need to get my applications out. I have a feeling that this is going to be another let down year. I need to keep my head on straight and my positive mind set. Otherwise nothing will happen. I just know that it would be perfect to teach-- let's say, Post! What I want for my future, it would work out so well to be there. I just hope that my personality comes out on the paper application and they want to see more. If not, I guess I'll just continue where I'm at. Job hunting really sucks and I need to get to my ideal job soon. Before I get burnt out.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Clothes
I really need/want to go shopping for new clothes. But I'm sort of in a tough spot. I am trying to lose weight, yet everything I have doesn't look good on me. I'm running out of short sleeved shirts that don't show my belly-button "swimming hole" or shows my butt crack. I need long shirst. I think I'm okay on pants, although I would like a new pair of jeans. I just need some better shirts. This is a weird thing to write about but I feel like I can't go shopping for clothes without losing weight first. And of course, the weight hasn't come off yet, so therefore I'm not buying any clothes. It's a Catch-22. And I'm not happy about it.
Maybe I'll go shopping this weekend after Multi-Piano rehearsal. Oh wait, that's Valentine's day, so I better just go back home. I think Whit and I are going to make dinner together and just spend the night together. We'll see what happens. I know that Jay and Priscilla asked us over for poker, but really? On Valentine's Day? I'm sure it will just turn into us babysitting the girls while they go out and have fun.
I can't wait to start a family of my own.
P.S. I'm 3 for 3!
Maybe I'll go shopping this weekend after Multi-Piano rehearsal. Oh wait, that's Valentine's day, so I better just go back home. I think Whit and I are going to make dinner together and just spend the night together. We'll see what happens. I know that Jay and Priscilla asked us over for poker, but really? On Valentine's Day? I'm sure it will just turn into us babysitting the girls while they go out and have fun.
I can't wait to start a family of my own.
P.S. I'm 3 for 3!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Running errands
Today I spent the majority of my lunch hour running errands for my upcoming programs. The first is on Thursday-- the K kiddos at Whittier. Then I have another one at Caruthers-- the K kiddos next Wednesday. Putting on a program takes so much time and energy. And basically I thought I would love it, but I'm beginning to see why so many music teachers don't really care for them. I'm not as stressed out with these programs, just because they are Kindergarteners and well, they are just too cute! So, I've done all I can and they are as ready as they'll ever be!
I went to IARC to get the sound equipment, and then went over to Caruthers to drop it all off. Whittier has their own set of equipment, so it's not needed there. I just grabbed two 5th graders to help load it out of the car. Thank goodness for a few good kids.
I'm 2 for 2 so far! Good job, Tenessa!
I went to IARC to get the sound equipment, and then went over to Caruthers to drop it all off. Whittier has their own set of equipment, so it's not needed there. I just grabbed two 5th graders to help load it out of the car. Thank goodness for a few good kids.
I'm 2 for 2 so far! Good job, Tenessa!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
New at this....
I've started so many blogs. What's wrong with me? Why can't I update on a regular basis? I want to write, but sometimes I find myself not wanting to take the time to say what's on my mind.
When I start afresh, I feel like I'm going to be better with this one. Hee hee! Good thing about blogger is I can get to it from school. I did have LiveJournal.com, but then KCK blocked it.
I will try. Until tomorrow...
When I start afresh, I feel like I'm going to be better with this one. Hee hee! Good thing about blogger is I can get to it from school. I did have LiveJournal.com, but then KCK blocked it.
I will try. Until tomorrow...
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