Conversation I overheard:
Dad: Don't wipe your nose on your shirt.
Princess: But if I leave it on my finger it would be gross!
Don't you just love kids? They are awesome!!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Tax Return Surprise
We filed our federal taxes online this year at the government site. It worked out easily and we got the check quickly.
BUT, when a tax return comes back $1500 more than you filed for, you get a little worried. You want to be excited, but you think that there HAS to be a problem. We were going to call when they were open again, but before that CM checked the status page online and there was a message that said there were errors and the money was ours!
So, we got a new TV. We got one that isn't too big. We don't like to have the TV be the center of our lives and house. We haven't had a new TV in about 6 years, so we thought it was a good idea.
We're going to put the same amount or more on our debt that we were planning, but now we can watch TV without trying to figure out what's going on in the dark! (It was really going dark and a lot of shows/movies like to do things at night!)
BUT, when a tax return comes back $1500 more than you filed for, you get a little worried. You want to be excited, but you think that there HAS to be a problem. We were going to call when they were open again, but before that CM checked the status page online and there was a message that said there were errors and the money was ours!
So, we got a new TV. We got one that isn't too big. We don't like to have the TV be the center of our lives and house. We haven't had a new TV in about 6 years, so we thought it was a good idea.
We're going to put the same amount or more on our debt that we were planning, but now we can watch TV without trying to figure out what's going on in the dark! (It was really going dark and a lot of shows/movies like to do things at night!)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Long Time No Post
Sorry about the lapse in posts. I had something interesting to write about and I only just remembered what it was as I was typing this sentence!
For the past few weeks, as I have been driving Indy to his karate class, there are several vehicles on the side of the road. All of the people are staring at the mountain. Some have binoculars, one had a camera. I tried to see what they were all looking at. I was driving 55 MPH, so I couldn't really see it. All I can guess is that it is some kind of animal. But, why would that draw so many people for so long? Maybe it's some "religious" group waiting for the Giant Spaghetti Monster to fly out of the mountain!
Any guesses?
For the past few weeks, as I have been driving Indy to his karate class, there are several vehicles on the side of the road. All of the people are staring at the mountain. Some have binoculars, one had a camera. I tried to see what they were all looking at. I was driving 55 MPH, so I couldn't really see it. All I can guess is that it is some kind of animal. But, why would that draw so many people for so long? Maybe it's some "religious" group waiting for the Giant Spaghetti Monster to fly out of the mountain!
Any guesses?
Monday, January 26, 2009
My Mom Toolbox/Bookshelf
Now that I am on my (most likely) last child, I have found all of the books that help me be a better parent. You know how they say that kids don't come with an instruction manual? Well, I think this list of books is really close to being the perfect pregnancy and parenting instruction manual for me!
Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth
This is the best pregnancy book I have ever read. It was produced by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. I love to have books written by people who have researched and know the most about a topic. I wish I had had this book when I was pregnant with all of my children, instead of just Doodle. It is a really informative and helpful guide to know what is normal, and what is not. I also have the "What to Expect..." books, and I don't like them. They always gave me things to be paranoid about. This book is very straightforward and organized well.
Nursing Mother's Companion
Breastfeeding is difficult at first and remains that way for many people. I'd recommend this book and you should start reading it before you have your baby and keep it close by for the first couple of months. It is amazing! I think I would have been able to nurse my first baby for a lot longer if I'd had this book!
Babywearing
Okay, so this isn't so much a book as a way to help take care of kids. I found this when Princess was about 18 months old, so I got to carry her around a bit. She is actually still small enough, so this summer, we may still use them for her. I don't carry Doodle around in a carrier all the time, but when I know we're going to be walking around a lot, I do. I love my Mei Tai ("May Tie")! It is so nice to have her so close. Shopping is wonderful and I don't have to carry a heavy car seat everywhere we go!
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child
No matter how old your kids are, go read this book! It is the best book I have read about sleep. The author teaches why sleep is so important and tells you what to do to make sure your child gets enough quality sleep. I read a little of this book when I was pregnant with Princess and she was a lot better sleeper than Indy, still is! Now, Doodle is a great sleeper. We are still working on night time, but she puts herself to sleep so well! It makes life so much better!
From Baby to Toddler
Again, I like this one better than the "What to expect..." books that I also got. It goes through each month and helps you to know what your child may be doing and how to play with him or her to get them to their full potential.
Diaper Free Before 3
This book is what gave me the confidence to get Princess out of diapers. It is written by a pediatrician and mother of three. She talks a lot about why we potty train the way we do and how it is completely wrong. She says that waiting until the child is "ready" is a bad idea. Instead, she says to start putting your child on a potty when they are six months old. You don't expect them to do anything at that age but get used to it as a normal part of life. Then, at one year old, you get them out of disposable diapers and into cotton underwear. It may sound crazy, but I am going to try it with Doodle. With Princess, it is a little different, but I just get her to "go" every couple of hours. After three weeks, she sometimes tells me when she needs to go. There are still accidents, but it is working! Go read this book!
Supernanny: How to get the Best from your Children
So, this one isn't written by a doctor or anything, but I really like the way that Jo does things. She has a no-nonsense attitude about child rearing. She goes through several "issues" and teaches you how to have control of yourself and teach your children.
Anyway, I hope this helps someone out there. I just wish I could have had these tools all along. I have learned so much and I'm always learning new things. If you have any questions about them, just ask!
What are your favorite parenting "manuals"?
Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth
This is the best pregnancy book I have ever read. It was produced by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. I love to have books written by people who have researched and know the most about a topic. I wish I had had this book when I was pregnant with all of my children, instead of just Doodle. It is a really informative and helpful guide to know what is normal, and what is not. I also have the "What to Expect..." books, and I don't like them. They always gave me things to be paranoid about. This book is very straightforward and organized well.
Nursing Mother's Companion
Breastfeeding is difficult at first and remains that way for many people. I'd recommend this book and you should start reading it before you have your baby and keep it close by for the first couple of months. It is amazing! I think I would have been able to nurse my first baby for a lot longer if I'd had this book!
Babywearing
Okay, so this isn't so much a book as a way to help take care of kids. I found this when Princess was about 18 months old, so I got to carry her around a bit. She is actually still small enough, so this summer, we may still use them for her. I don't carry Doodle around in a carrier all the time, but when I know we're going to be walking around a lot, I do. I love my Mei Tai ("May Tie")! It is so nice to have her so close. Shopping is wonderful and I don't have to carry a heavy car seat everywhere we go!
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child
No matter how old your kids are, go read this book! It is the best book I have read about sleep. The author teaches why sleep is so important and tells you what to do to make sure your child gets enough quality sleep. I read a little of this book when I was pregnant with Princess and she was a lot better sleeper than Indy, still is! Now, Doodle is a great sleeper. We are still working on night time, but she puts herself to sleep so well! It makes life so much better!
From Baby to Toddler
Again, I like this one better than the "What to expect..." books that I also got. It goes through each month and helps you to know what your child may be doing and how to play with him or her to get them to their full potential.
Diaper Free Before 3
This book is what gave me the confidence to get Princess out of diapers. It is written by a pediatrician and mother of three. She talks a lot about why we potty train the way we do and how it is completely wrong. She says that waiting until the child is "ready" is a bad idea. Instead, she says to start putting your child on a potty when they are six months old. You don't expect them to do anything at that age but get used to it as a normal part of life. Then, at one year old, you get them out of disposable diapers and into cotton underwear. It may sound crazy, but I am going to try it with Doodle. With Princess, it is a little different, but I just get her to "go" every couple of hours. After three weeks, she sometimes tells me when she needs to go. There are still accidents, but it is working! Go read this book!
Supernanny: How to get the Best from your Children
So, this one isn't written by a doctor or anything, but I really like the way that Jo does things. She has a no-nonsense attitude about child rearing. She goes through several "issues" and teaches you how to have control of yourself and teach your children.
Anyway, I hope this helps someone out there. I just wish I could have had these tools all along. I have learned so much and I'm always learning new things. If you have any questions about them, just ask!
What are your favorite parenting "manuals"?
Sunday, January 25, 2009
It's Raining, It's Pouring...
And it has been for three days, now! I don't think I've seen this much rain since moving from Florida. Even then, it usually only rained this constantly if there was a hurricane nearby or something! It kind of reminds me of Florida. I usually don't miss the weather there, but I guess once in a while, it's nice to be reminded.
It's crazy!
I'm glad it isn't snow, because we'd really be digging out at this point.
I love feeling like the earth is clean when it rains so much!
It does make it hard to go places, though!
Do you like rain?
It's crazy!
I'm glad it isn't snow, because we'd really be digging out at this point.
I love feeling like the earth is clean when it rains so much!
It does make it hard to go places, though!
Do you like rain?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Doodle's Six Months Old
Sorry about the lateness of this post. I should have done it last month!
Doodle loves to eat anything! She is a great nurser and does well from a spoon and little cup. She'll laugh when you put something extra yummy in her mouth! Not only does she love cereal and mashed fruits and veggies, but paper and wires! It's great fun! We're in BIG trouble when she starts to crawl! Which, won't be too long! She can get up on her hands and feet and hands and knees. She'll rock back and forth a lot. She can pivot, roll and scoot all over the room. She can only go backwards with the occasional and accidental forward movements. I think if she knew that it was possible, she'd be crawling!
Doodle is very curious and loves to find anything she can! She can sit up, but only for short times. She loves to eat her toes, but only when she's not dressed. She usually leaves them alone even when she isn't wearing socks. I don't quite get it!
She loves to babble and is very social. She she still dances when she is going to sleep. She loves to be sung to.
She loves her brother and sister! There is definitely some idol-worship going on between those two!
She has had almost a constant cold since she was 2 months old. Her loving siblings won't stay out of her face. I think the fact that we are exposed to two new schools and a different set of germs in the neighborhood and church make it all that much harder! Hopefully, it will lead to a strong immune system??
She is an awesome napper, but won't sleep for more than 3 to maybe 4 hours at a time at night. I think a lot of that is the stuffy noses she keeps getting!
Anyway, we are loving our little Doodle! She is amazing and such a sweet little girl! I'm so excited to have her in our home!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Another Pottytraining Update
Friday was a horrible day of potty training! I'm not sure Princess "went" in the potty even once. I wanted to quit! It didn't help that the dog had made a huge mess of our carpet the day before with Amish bread starter! She ate almost the entire bag. Bag included! Then, on Friday, she threw it up! Just one more nasty mess on my carpets. I think we may be getting new carpets when our last child is done potty training. OR at least getting them professionally cleaned!
But, we kept going and today has been wonderful! She hasn't had a single accident and even went #2 after telling me she needed to! She went on my MIL's toilet with a potty seat on it and it has been a day to be happy that we are doing this!
But, we kept going and today has been wonderful! She hasn't had a single accident and even went #2 after telling me she needed to! She went on my MIL's toilet with a potty seat on it and it has been a day to be happy that we are doing this!
Inauguration
I am really excited to watch the Presidential Inauguration. I have been the most involved in this election than any in the past. It must be my age. I've been the most informed (though still not as informed as I'd like to be) and the most interested in what happens.
So, tomorrow, I hope to fit the inauguration into my day!
CODE REMOVED
It is always "historic" to see a new president take the oath of office, but this time it is more so. Plus, I think it's really cool!
So, tomorrow, I hope to fit the inauguration into my day!
CODE REMOVED
It is always "historic" to see a new president take the oath of office, but this time it is more so. Plus, I think it's really cool!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Sweetheart
Princess loves to sing. I caught her at a great moment and got her to sing several songs!
Friday, January 09, 2009
"It's Working!!"
***Potty training update!
Things are going well. I think the difference is that I have the confidence, understanding and readiness. She is ready, too. She doesn't want to wear diapers anymore and she is doing great.
We had a couple of days where she just couldn't go on the toilet. She would say, "It's not working." Then, when she was finally able to do it, she exclaimed, "It's working!!" Every time, when she pees on the potty, she says that. It's so cute and we use the terminology, too.
So far, it is working. Yes, I'm mostly the one who is potty trained, but she is so willing and is enjoying it!
Finally!
Things are going well. I think the difference is that I have the confidence, understanding and readiness. She is ready, too. She doesn't want to wear diapers anymore and she is doing great.
We had a couple of days where she just couldn't go on the toilet. She would say, "It's not working." Then, when she was finally able to do it, she exclaimed, "It's working!!" Every time, when she pees on the potty, she says that. It's so cute and we use the terminology, too.
So far, it is working. Yes, I'm mostly the one who is potty trained, but she is so willing and is enjoying it!
Finally!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Two Weeks
I had CM and Indy home for two weeks, well more if you count weekends. It was awesome! I miss them, now. Sure, there were a lot more messes and Doodle is still not back to her normal napping schedule, but it was great. We were able to get the house into order that it hasn't seen since we moved it six months ago. CM also did a ton of projects. We have more outlets, coat racks, a clean basement, and a lot of other things that just aren't coming to mind. I wish he could be home more.
In some ways, it's nice to be back to normal, and Indy needs to go to school, but I loved having them home. I can't wait for the next break.
It's nice when the holidays match up because CM teaches in the same school district where Indy goes to school. Yet another reason I'm glad we moved!
In some ways, it's nice to be back to normal, and Indy needs to go to school, but I loved having them home. I can't wait for the next break.
It's nice when the holidays match up because CM teaches in the same school district where Indy goes to school. Yet another reason I'm glad we moved!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Magic Ernie
When Indy was a baby, we were given a wonderful toy!
It's a magical toy really. It's power is to stop babies from crying.
I don't know what it is about this particular toy, but it is amazing! It plays the Sesame Street theme song. It's hands, feet and ears move back and forth, playing peekaboo with the baby. It is quite cute.
I love it because it works.
Do you have any magical toys?
Monday, January 05, 2009
Woodworking
Indy loves to help his dad. CM recently tore down our coal room (yeah, we still had one!) and turned it into a work bench since he's been doing a lot of projects. This has led to great things. One is that we are REALLY organizing the basement. It is awesome!
Another thing that has come of this is that Indy got the chance to really help on a project. We needed another set of coat hooks for the kids' room.
Indy got to choose the router bit and paint. He had a lot of fun and is learning to work with wood.
Here they are together while Indy uses the drill.
And here is the finished project.
He is so proud!
I'm so glad that CM has the skills to teach the kids these things. I am learning as we go as well! It is so nice to be able to say, "Hmm I'd like a ...." and one of us can usually make something to do the job!
Another thing that has come of this is that Indy got the chance to really help on a project. We needed another set of coat hooks for the kids' room.
Indy got to choose the router bit and paint. He had a lot of fun and is learning to work with wood.
Here they are together while Indy uses the drill.
And here is the finished project.
He is so proud!
I'm so glad that CM has the skills to teach the kids these things. I am learning as we go as well! It is so nice to be able to say, "Hmm I'd like a ...." and one of us can usually make something to do the job!
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Baby Dancing
Doodle has become quite the mover and shaker in our house. She loves it when we sing to her. Usually, she wiggles around, but today she started doing this:
I thought it was too adorable to pass up getting a video of her.
She started getting around by scooting on her back around Christmas time. Now, she has added rolling all over to that and she can get into some decent trouble for a not-yet-six-month-old. It is pretty cute.
I thought it was too adorable to pass up getting a video of her.
She started getting around by scooting on her back around Christmas time. Now, she has added rolling all over to that and she can get into some decent trouble for a not-yet-six-month-old. It is pretty cute.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Sad News...
So, I am designing some crocheted socks for my dad. I got him to measure his foot from various points since I don't have him here to try them on.
Well, I also measured my foot for a reference. My feet are only slightly smaller than his. This is not so say that he has small feet, but that I have large ones!
I wear a women's size 10 shoe. Wide width is usually not wide enough for me and I have never found a cute strappy pair that worked. It is a curse that I have sadly passed to my children.
At least so far, they haven't had trouble with it. Maybe they didn't get them SO wide.
Actually, when Doodle was born, rather than counting her toes, I made sure her feet were narrowish. She may have missed that bullet!
Well, I also measured my foot for a reference. My feet are only slightly smaller than his. This is not so say that he has small feet, but that I have large ones!
I wear a women's size 10 shoe. Wide width is usually not wide enough for me and I have never found a cute strappy pair that worked. It is a curse that I have sadly passed to my children.
At least so far, they haven't had trouble with it. Maybe they didn't get them SO wide.
Actually, when Doodle was born, rather than counting her toes, I made sure her feet were narrowish. She may have missed that bullet!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
The Year of the Potty
This is it! I'm finally going to potty train Princess. Actually, I'm going to start the process with Doodle as well. I know, I know it sounds crazy, but I've been reading a great book about it. (For a later post!)
We have a great little potty from Ikea. And we are ready to go.
Well, I am ready. I just hope my girls are!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Sisters, Sisters
Most times when I see my girls being cute together, I start singing the song "Sisters, Sisters" from White Christmas. Usually just: "Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters."
I got them to be adorable for pictures in their new Christmas dresses. It's really nice to have a MIL that is practically a seamstress. She is amazing! I usually (when I actually sew clothes) go to her for the hard parts. She usually finishes my project for me... It's nice! I feel bad, but they end up better than I would have done it.
She has started making Christmas and Easter dresses. I love it. I don't have to do all the work that I don't know how to do. Perhaps I should get her to teach me more...I guess that would involve actual sewing, from an actual pattern. I do like to sew, but not generally clothes.
And, in case you are unfamiliar with "Sisters, Sisters" here it is!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Funk
Don't worry, I'm only in a blogging funk, not a general funk. Christmas is still in my heart. I'm enjoying the joy and high the kids are still on.
I don't know why, but I just haven't had a lot to write about. I don't feel particularly clever. I don't know why. Maybe I'm just not clever. I think that must be it.
Add to it that I've been crocheting like crazy for Christmas/winter that I haven't had a lot of time to think.
We had a great Christmas and we are now trying to dig out from the storm that hit us yesterday. We definitely got a white Christmas...and then some!
Now, I'm in the mood to (it's scary: ) CLEAN! With all of the cooking, baking and playing that has been going on here, it's a big mess!
So, hopefully I can come up with something fun and exciting for you to read...until then, I'll be cleaning!!
I don't know why, but I just haven't had a lot to write about. I don't feel particularly clever. I don't know why. Maybe I'm just not clever. I think that must be it.
Add to it that I've been crocheting like crazy for Christmas/winter that I haven't had a lot of time to think.
We had a great Christmas and we are now trying to dig out from the storm that hit us yesterday. We definitely got a white Christmas...and then some!
Now, I'm in the mood to (it's scary: ) CLEAN! With all of the cooking, baking and playing that has been going on here, it's a big mess!
So, hopefully I can come up with something fun and exciting for you to read...until then, I'll be cleaning!!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! Keep the spirit of the season in your hearts throughout this day and the whole year! It isn't easy to do, but it is so worth it. There are such hard times and if we can all keep Christ in our hearts, it is so much better!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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