I'm not even sure how to start this post... there's a lot to say, however I want to keep it positive. I could quote A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickons and say "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times". That wouldn't be entirely accurate though because it's definitely not the worst of times. Not even close. However, it has felt like the devil has been hard at work overtime to attack my family lately.
The great part of this is that it's also felt like God has been at work overtime to not only stop the devils attacks but also replace them with blessings.
We took the summer off from fostering. We wanted to spend some time with the girls and our Mini Jedi. We'd never spent anytime with our core 5 before, vacationing and having fun. We took a month off after a particularly hard placement last fall. Other than that we'd been fostering nonstop for over 2 years. We'd added 9 kids to our family, adopted 2 and said goodbye to 7. It's a lot and we needed a break. We had the best time, it was truly an amazing summer.
It really has felt like since we started back again in September though that fostering has presented one obstacle after another. We have dealt with a broken tooth, which included an almost investigation (thank you Jesus it was only almost) and a surgery. It feels like we've had to deal with so many negative attitudes toward us from numerous people, strangers, people we thought were friends, etc. We said goodbye to 2 kids and welcomed 2 more. We're now dealing with a very hurt parent who wants to take it out on us as the foster parents and every week brings some type of accusation or drama. Not to mention other things happening outside foster care, like my grandpa being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I already lost one grandpa to cancer this year. There's much more, too much to list (remember, I'm trying to keep it positive??) Add in 5 kids and a husband. It gets discouraging and it's all been in the span of 2 months, it's just so much. The thought of how much stress would be gone in an instant if we closed our home and just didn't foster anymore has crossed my mind. More than once.
In spite of all this, I feel like my life is so full of joy! Every second? Well, maybe not on the surface but the joy is down there... sometimes way down. But it is there!!!
I realized a few weeks ago that each time an issue comes up a blessing pops up as well. I may get a sweet card in the mail or an encouraging note on facebook. A friend stops by with a coffee or a drink from Sonic (my friends really must think I'm thirsty because I think every one of the has brought me a Sonic at one point or another!!) Each time it's just been a pure blessing, a moment when I really did need not only a drink but a friendly gesture. In the past 2 weeks we've been blessed overwhelmingly by someone paying for our portrait session this past weekend and today a box was left on our porch with a new gliding rocker in it!!! I'd used my old rocker for almost 12 years and it squeaks horribly. Each time I pick it up it seems something falls off. I love my rocker but I'd finally admitted it was time for a new one. I wasn't quite sure how we'd be able to afford it, or when. Today we were blessed with a new one, I'm sitting in it as I type this.
God is so good. I am just overwhelmed by the people he's put in our lives. It's so much more than these gifts and kind words. If you've ever been blessed by a random act of kindness then you know what I mean. It leaves your heart feeling so full of joy, so overwhelmed by the kindness of others. (And now I'm crying!) So incredibly blessed. It's knowing that the moment you need God to reach out to you He makes a way.
I really hate to make myself look important or special in any way. It's just not comfortable for me. But I need to say - what I do is hard work. Fostering is not easy. Emotionally it is exhausting. I am constantly being drained. It is not in any way "parenting" in its usual definition. This village that God has surrounded me with is what keeps me going. The encouragement. And it doesn't have to be anything monetary. We certainly appreciate our (ok, MY) beautiful new rocker and are thrilled about our family photos, but it's the kindness that is what fuels us. It's encouraging, it keeps us going. It helps to bring that joy back to the surface and realize whatever the devil throws our way God has our back and these kids are worth it.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
A couple recipes
Here are a few of the things we've eaten this week -
So we got a rotisserie chicken this last week and ate it with some salad. I decided to make it go a little further and make some chicken broth from it. I boiled it down with some leftover herbs I had in the fridge. Yesterday I made some soup with the broth. I just threw it in the crockpot with some cubed chicken, carrots, celery, onion and some spices. It smelled super yummy, however about half way through the day I realized I was more in the mood for something more spicy. So I threw in a can of tomatoes. All I had was whole, so I cut them up and threw them in. I also threw in some black beans I had frozen and a can of corn. About 30 minutes before we ate I threw in 5 or 6 cloves of crushed garlic (the longer you cook garlic, the less flavor). It turned out so colorful and yummy!! Tony and I topped ours with canned jalapenos and a little bit of sour cream. Everyone loved it!
I've been making a higher fat version of this for years, but tonight I cut some fat out and it was just as good! I came up with this years ago when I thought I might have a wheat allergy but wanted this Pampered Chef sandwich ring with similar ingredients. This recipe is super easy to adjust to the size of your family
1 piece of chicken per person (or 1 per 2 kids)
1 slice of low fat Swiss cheese per person
2 slices of Canadian bacon per person
3 slices of tomato per person
Place the chicken in an oven proof dish (or on a stone, I use the bar pan) and top with Canadian bacon, cheese, then tomatoes. Bake at 350 until the chicken is 175F. Turn the broiler on to crisp up the cheese for about 5 minutes.
We served this with a baby spinach salad, sliced tomatoes and marinated fresh mozzarella balls.
The kids LOVE this for lunch!!
1 box mac and cheese, prepared as directed on the package
1 egg
1 small can tomato paste with basil, garlic and oregano
2 cups of mozzarella cheese, shredded
pepperoni (I use mini turkey)
Prepare your mac and cheese, mix in one egg. Spread in oven proof dish. Mix tomato paste with water to make a pizza sauce consistency. Spread on top of macaroni, top with cheese and peperoni. Bake in oven at 350 until the cheese is nice and bubbly!
You could probably sneak some veggies into the macaroni as well!! Any veggie you could put on a pizza.
Enjoy!
Southwestern Chicken Soup
So we got a rotisserie chicken this last week and ate it with some salad. I decided to make it go a little further and make some chicken broth from it. I boiled it down with some leftover herbs I had in the fridge. Yesterday I made some soup with the broth. I just threw it in the crockpot with some cubed chicken, carrots, celery, onion and some spices. It smelled super yummy, however about half way through the day I realized I was more in the mood for something more spicy. So I threw in a can of tomatoes. All I had was whole, so I cut them up and threw them in. I also threw in some black beans I had frozen and a can of corn. About 30 minutes before we ate I threw in 5 or 6 cloves of crushed garlic (the longer you cook garlic, the less flavor). It turned out so colorful and yummy!! Tony and I topped ours with canned jalapenos and a little bit of sour cream. Everyone loved it!
I also sliced up some potatoes, soaked them in salt water for about 15 minutes. I then melted 4 tablespoons of butter, added some Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and a couple splashes of olive oil. Tossed the potatoes in the butter/spice mixture and baked them at 425 for about 30 minutes until they were crispy!
Almost Cordon Bleu
I've been making a higher fat version of this for years, but tonight I cut some fat out and it was just as good! I came up with this years ago when I thought I might have a wheat allergy but wanted this Pampered Chef sandwich ring with similar ingredients. This recipe is super easy to adjust to the size of your family
1 piece of chicken per person (or 1 per 2 kids)
1 slice of low fat Swiss cheese per person
2 slices of Canadian bacon per person
3 slices of tomato per person
Place the chicken in an oven proof dish (or on a stone, I use the bar pan) and top with Canadian bacon, cheese, then tomatoes. Bake at 350 until the chicken is 175F. Turn the broiler on to crisp up the cheese for about 5 minutes.
We served this with a baby spinach salad, sliced tomatoes and marinated fresh mozzarella balls.
Peppy Macaroni
1 box mac and cheese, prepared as directed on the package
1 egg
1 small can tomato paste with basil, garlic and oregano
2 cups of mozzarella cheese, shredded
pepperoni (I use mini turkey)
Prepare your mac and cheese, mix in one egg. Spread in oven proof dish. Mix tomato paste with water to make a pizza sauce consistency. Spread on top of macaroni, top with cheese and peperoni. Bake in oven at 350 until the cheese is nice and bubbly!
You could probably sneak some veggies into the macaroni as well!! Any veggie you could put on a pizza.
Enjoy!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Ready For Kids? Take this test
So I found this paper as I was going through all our foster folders and I thought I'd share :)
How to know whether or not you are ready to have kids (Author Unknown)
Mess Test -
Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains
Place a fish stick behind the couch and leave it there all summer
Toy Test -
Obtain a 55 gallon box of Legos (or you may substitute roofing tacks). Have a friend spread them all over the house. Put on a blindfold. Try to walk to the bathroom or kitchen. Do not scream because this would wake a child at night.
Grocery Store Test -
Borrow one or two small animals (goats are best) and take them with you as you shop. Always keep them in sight and pay for anything they eat or damage.
Dressing Test -
Obtain one large, unhappy, live octopus. Stuff into a small net bag, making sure that all the arms stay inside.
Feeding Test -
Obtain a large plastic milk jug. Fill halfway with water. Suspend from the ceiling with a cord. Start the jug swinging. Try to insert spoonfuls of soggy cereal into the mouth of the jug, while pretending to be an airplane. Now dump the contents of the jug on the floor.
Night Test -
Prepare by obtaining a small cloth bag and fill it with 8-12 pounds of sand. Soak it thoroughly in water. At 3:00 p.m. begin to waltz and hum with the bag until 9:00 p.m. Lay down your bag and set your alarm for 10:00PM. Get up, pick up your bag and sing every song you have ever heard. Make up about a dozen more and sing these too until 4:00 a.m. Set alarm for 5:00 a.m. Get up and make breakfast. Keep this up for 5 years. Look cheerful.
Ingenuity Test -
Take an egg carton. Using a pair of scissors and pot of paint, turn it into an alligator. (Oh my, I have done this!!) Now take a toilet paper tube and turn it into an attractive Christmas candle. Use only scotch tape and a piece of foil. Last, take a milk carton, a ping-pong ball, and an empty box of cocoa Puffs. Make an exact replica of the Eiffel Tower.
Automobile Test -
Forget the BMW and buy a station wagon. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put in the glove compartment. Leave it there. Get a dime. Stick it into the cassette player. Take a family size package of chocolate chip cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car. There, perfect.
Physical Test (women) -
Obtain a large bean bag chair and attach it to the front of your clothes. Leave it there for 9 months. Now remove 10 of the beans. And try not to notice your closet full of clothes. You won't be wearing the for awhile.
Physical Test (men) -
Go to the nearest drug store. Set your wallet on the counter. Ask the clerk to help himself. Now proceed to the nearest food store. Go to the head office and arrange for your paycheck to be directly deposited to the store. Purchase a newspaper. Go home and read it quietly for the last time.
Final Assignment -
Find a couple who already have a small child. Lecture them on how they can improve their discipline, patience, tolerance, toilet training and child's table manners. Suggest many ways they can improve. Empathize to them that they should never allow their children to run wild. Enjoy this experience, it will be the last time.
(you know, even so, I'd still sign up for it - wouldn't you???)
How to know whether or not you are ready to have kids (Author Unknown)
Mess Test -
Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains
Place a fish stick behind the couch and leave it there all summer
Toy Test -
Obtain a 55 gallon box of Legos (or you may substitute roofing tacks). Have a friend spread them all over the house. Put on a blindfold. Try to walk to the bathroom or kitchen. Do not scream because this would wake a child at night.
Grocery Store Test -
Borrow one or two small animals (goats are best) and take them with you as you shop. Always keep them in sight and pay for anything they eat or damage.
Dressing Test -
Obtain one large, unhappy, live octopus. Stuff into a small net bag, making sure that all the arms stay inside.
Feeding Test -
Obtain a large plastic milk jug. Fill halfway with water. Suspend from the ceiling with a cord. Start the jug swinging. Try to insert spoonfuls of soggy cereal into the mouth of the jug, while pretending to be an airplane. Now dump the contents of the jug on the floor.
Night Test -
Prepare by obtaining a small cloth bag and fill it with 8-12 pounds of sand. Soak it thoroughly in water. At 3:00 p.m. begin to waltz and hum with the bag until 9:00 p.m. Lay down your bag and set your alarm for 10:00PM. Get up, pick up your bag and sing every song you have ever heard. Make up about a dozen more and sing these too until 4:00 a.m. Set alarm for 5:00 a.m. Get up and make breakfast. Keep this up for 5 years. Look cheerful.
Ingenuity Test -
Take an egg carton. Using a pair of scissors and pot of paint, turn it into an alligator. (Oh my, I have done this!!) Now take a toilet paper tube and turn it into an attractive Christmas candle. Use only scotch tape and a piece of foil. Last, take a milk carton, a ping-pong ball, and an empty box of cocoa Puffs. Make an exact replica of the Eiffel Tower.
Automobile Test -
Forget the BMW and buy a station wagon. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put in the glove compartment. Leave it there. Get a dime. Stick it into the cassette player. Take a family size package of chocolate chip cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car. There, perfect.
Physical Test (women) -
Obtain a large bean bag chair and attach it to the front of your clothes. Leave it there for 9 months. Now remove 10 of the beans. And try not to notice your closet full of clothes. You won't be wearing the for awhile.
Physical Test (men) -
Go to the nearest drug store. Set your wallet on the counter. Ask the clerk to help himself. Now proceed to the nearest food store. Go to the head office and arrange for your paycheck to be directly deposited to the store. Purchase a newspaper. Go home and read it quietly for the last time.
Final Assignment -
Find a couple who already have a small child. Lecture them on how they can improve their discipline, patience, tolerance, toilet training and child's table manners. Suggest many ways they can improve. Empathize to them that they should never allow their children to run wild. Enjoy this experience, it will be the last time.
(you know, even so, I'd still sign up for it - wouldn't you???)
Friday, November 19, 2010
Yay inspection time!
Difference #542 between regular families and foster families - inspections.
I got the dreaded phone call yesterday, we have been randomly selected for an inspection. Yay us. I totally understand why they do these. However, as "regular" parents we never had to worry about someone coming in and making sure all our medications were locked up or that there was food in our fridge for the kids, etc. We had an inspection the same day Fancy Pants joined our family. I think it's interesting that 3 or 4 families from our agency were "randomly" selected at the same time... and last time I had an inspection 3 or 4 from our agency were randomly selected at the same time as well. Our agency is very small so what a coincidence... hmm....
So this weekend I will be busy scouring the house, which needed to be done anyhow. It will be nice to have everything nice and clean before the holidays start. I will also need to go over all my paperwork and make sure the proper things are posted in the house, like our license and disaster plan. Everything is up, I will just need to look it over, I somehow got my friend's phone number wrong on our disaster plan. She points out every time she comes over that the number on there isn't even close to her phone number. I am pretty sure it's someone's phone number...lol.
So far in almost 3 years of fostering the only thing I've ever gotten even a "talking to" about is posting names or info on facebook :( So I'm not very worried about the inspection, it's just not the most fun thing having someone come into your home and make sure you're following all their rules. I am a bit of a stickler for rules, I'm pretty sure everything is how it is supposed to be. It could just be a little more clean is all :) In the end though, it's worth it to have someone come inspect my home and my life if it means I get to care for the kids... if I didn't adore the kids I sooooo wouldn't go through it!
I got the dreaded phone call yesterday, we have been randomly selected for an inspection. Yay us. I totally understand why they do these. However, as "regular" parents we never had to worry about someone coming in and making sure all our medications were locked up or that there was food in our fridge for the kids, etc. We had an inspection the same day Fancy Pants joined our family. I think it's interesting that 3 or 4 families from our agency were "randomly" selected at the same time... and last time I had an inspection 3 or 4 from our agency were randomly selected at the same time as well. Our agency is very small so what a coincidence... hmm....
So this weekend I will be busy scouring the house, which needed to be done anyhow. It will be nice to have everything nice and clean before the holidays start. I will also need to go over all my paperwork and make sure the proper things are posted in the house, like our license and disaster plan. Everything is up, I will just need to look it over, I somehow got my friend's phone number wrong on our disaster plan. She points out every time she comes over that the number on there isn't even close to her phone number. I am pretty sure it's someone's phone number...lol.
So far in almost 3 years of fostering the only thing I've ever gotten even a "talking to" about is posting names or info on facebook :( So I'm not very worried about the inspection, it's just not the most fun thing having someone come into your home and make sure you're following all their rules. I am a bit of a stickler for rules, I'm pretty sure everything is how it is supposed to be. It could just be a little more clean is all :) In the end though, it's worth it to have someone come inspect my home and my life if it means I get to care for the kids... if I didn't adore the kids I sooooo wouldn't go through it!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Time for a new routine?
In case you were wondering, I am still here! We're just trying to get the new little ones settled in and having 5 kids doesn't leave a lot of time for blogging. Not to mention, I'm often too exhausted by the end of the day to come up with anything interesting to say.
I'm hoping to get into a better routine soon so that the girls still get to do fun crafts and stuff. When we're settling new kids in we lack in the craft area for weeks sometimes. It's not really fair to the girls, but I haven't come up with a solution. I'm thinking if I could just exert a little bit more energy to get some all set up to just pull out and go... maybe one more cup of coffee a day??
Another area that is lacking is exercise. I love to go walking, however it's not possible for me to push 4 kids at once. So I need to find an alternative. Walking is easy, the kids love it, they are contained... it's perfect for me when I can go. I have a Wii fit, however with kids running around it's not always a good option. I also could just exert a little bit more energy and do it at nap time. But that is the only time I get to sit during the day, so I usually do next to nothing during nap time. Or menu planning, paperwork, anything I can sit and do!
I think my routine really just needs an overhaul! Hmmm...
I'm hoping to get into a better routine soon so that the girls still get to do fun crafts and stuff. When we're settling new kids in we lack in the craft area for weeks sometimes. It's not really fair to the girls, but I haven't come up with a solution. I'm thinking if I could just exert a little bit more energy to get some all set up to just pull out and go... maybe one more cup of coffee a day??
Another area that is lacking is exercise. I love to go walking, however it's not possible for me to push 4 kids at once. So I need to find an alternative. Walking is easy, the kids love it, they are contained... it's perfect for me when I can go. I have a Wii fit, however with kids running around it's not always a good option. I also could just exert a little bit more energy and do it at nap time. But that is the only time I get to sit during the day, so I usually do next to nothing during nap time. Or menu planning, paperwork, anything I can sit and do!
I think my routine really just needs an overhaul! Hmmm...
Friday, November 12, 2010
He gives and takes away...
I haven't had any time this week to update.. Tuesday morning my little boys left for a new home. This was so bitter sweet for us because we were losing our children, however we were excited about their future. We weren't happy a few weeks ago with the judge's decision, however it could have gone 2 ways and God provided the way we knew would be best for the boys. God is so good, I always have to remind myself - God loves my children far more than I do. The thought is amazing to me because I do adore them.
While I was packing the boys up the phone rang. It was my worker. She was offering us a 5 month old girl and 17 month old boy. Wow! I wasn't sure... that's a lot of little. I called Tony who answered but quickly cut me off, you know he has that job he has to do and can't always talk. So I waited ever so patiently (he,he) for him to call me back so we could discuss this. While I waited I prayed. A few things I wasn't sure about - I have 2 dr. appts next week and it's hard enough to find a sitter for 2, let alone 4. And we are going to moms for Thanksgiving, and again... taking 3 kids is far different than taking 5 kids. So I was prepared to say no. However, when Tony called me back he said "what are you thinking?" and I said "I'm thinking that lately we seem to be trying to fit our ministry into our lifestyle, not our lifestyle into our ministry." Wait, what!? Where did that come from!? It must have come from God because it wasn't what I was going to say.
In the end we said yes and I am very glad we did. The kids are so sweet and adorable. I didn't realize when I said yes they were coming from a friend's home who had passed away in her sleep that morning. I knew the foster mother had passed away, however I did not know that it was my friend. I didn't know her well, however we chatted on facebook 3 or 4 times a week. I'd chatted to her about these kids quite a bit over the last few weeks. When she got them she told me a bit about where they were developmentally and it is so great to see how well they are doing now, that her love and support of them just helped them to blossom and grow. My heart aches for my friend, however I do wonder if she and God worked together to get them to me.
So Tuesday afternoon around 3:45 the boys left. It was heart breaking. Little Man did not want to go, he gave me some excuses. He said he was hungry and wanted to go sit and eat more. Then he said "I just want to go to church with you." (He'd heard us talking about going to church that evening.) My heart still aches for him, I always wonder - do they think I'm leaving them? That I don't love them? I sure hope not. When they left I went into the room and cried for about 2 minutes, that's really all the time I had. Then Tony walked in and I realized we needed the infant seat out of the attic since the other kids were arriving any minute. They got her about 4:30. It really was an emotional day and I'm still not sure I've dealt with the boys leaving. However... we're settling the new kids in, so what can I do? I have to just keep going...
Our baby girl we are calling Raspberry, because she blows raspberries non stop. Our little boy, I'm not sure yet. I'm thinking "Chewy" since he sounds like Chewbacca and is very particular about his food. He has to chew his food very carefully and will not take another bite if there's even a speck of food left in his mouth!! They are very sweet and just at the beginning of their case, so we may have them for quite some time. My living room is full of clothes I am still sorting and inventorying. I'm determined to finish today so we have a peaceful weekend!
While I was packing the boys up the phone rang. It was my worker. She was offering us a 5 month old girl and 17 month old boy. Wow! I wasn't sure... that's a lot of little. I called Tony who answered but quickly cut me off, you know he has that job he has to do and can't always talk. So I waited ever so patiently (he,he) for him to call me back so we could discuss this. While I waited I prayed. A few things I wasn't sure about - I have 2 dr. appts next week and it's hard enough to find a sitter for 2, let alone 4. And we are going to moms for Thanksgiving, and again... taking 3 kids is far different than taking 5 kids. So I was prepared to say no. However, when Tony called me back he said "what are you thinking?" and I said "I'm thinking that lately we seem to be trying to fit our ministry into our lifestyle, not our lifestyle into our ministry." Wait, what!? Where did that come from!? It must have come from God because it wasn't what I was going to say.
In the end we said yes and I am very glad we did. The kids are so sweet and adorable. I didn't realize when I said yes they were coming from a friend's home who had passed away in her sleep that morning. I knew the foster mother had passed away, however I did not know that it was my friend. I didn't know her well, however we chatted on facebook 3 or 4 times a week. I'd chatted to her about these kids quite a bit over the last few weeks. When she got them she told me a bit about where they were developmentally and it is so great to see how well they are doing now, that her love and support of them just helped them to blossom and grow. My heart aches for my friend, however I do wonder if she and God worked together to get them to me.
So Tuesday afternoon around 3:45 the boys left. It was heart breaking. Little Man did not want to go, he gave me some excuses. He said he was hungry and wanted to go sit and eat more. Then he said "I just want to go to church with you." (He'd heard us talking about going to church that evening.) My heart still aches for him, I always wonder - do they think I'm leaving them? That I don't love them? I sure hope not. When they left I went into the room and cried for about 2 minutes, that's really all the time I had. Then Tony walked in and I realized we needed the infant seat out of the attic since the other kids were arriving any minute. They got her about 4:30. It really was an emotional day and I'm still not sure I've dealt with the boys leaving. However... we're settling the new kids in, so what can I do? I have to just keep going...
Our baby girl we are calling Raspberry, because she blows raspberries non stop. Our little boy, I'm not sure yet. I'm thinking "Chewy" since he sounds like Chewbacca and is very particular about his food. He has to chew his food very carefully and will not take another bite if there's even a speck of food left in his mouth!! They are very sweet and just at the beginning of their case, so we may have them for quite some time. My living room is full of clothes I am still sorting and inventorying. I'm determined to finish today so we have a peaceful weekend!
Friday, November 5, 2010
12 New Things: October
I want you to know, I did not forget about the 12 New Things!! The issue was I got 2 new little beings, which puts the 12 New Things on the back burner! I did however make pasta last month! Twice. Which isn't as many times as I'd hoped, but it's 2 more than I'd ever made before.
I left my pasta maker out, hoping that I will be more inclined to make it fresh in the future, instead of making it from a box. I'd like to master a whole wheat version or at least a more healthy version. It really was very easy and it tasted SOOOO much better than boxed pasta. I made just noodles the first time. The second time I made ravioli...kinda. That story is for another day. The filling was very yummy, I just need some practice making stuffed pasta!
I used the recipe in Jamie Oliver's "Jamie's Italy" cookbook. I love this cookbook, it is full of fairly authentic Italian recipes, which are just so much better than "American Italian" recipes. I did use semolina flour instead of "00" flour, simply because I have no idea where to get "00" flour in the US. I remember seeing it in stores all over Europe though!
(My Helper!)
Of course we needed some taste testers -
I tried to dry some, it turned out well, but I need to look up how long it's ok to keep it dried since it has raw eggs in it...
Thursday, November 4, 2010
I Caught You!
I am sure not all little girls think about what kind of mom they are going to be when they grow up. I however did, and often. All I really wanted to be when I grew up was a mom! For those who do dream of being a mom and what kind of mom they wanted to be... I can almost guarantee in their thoughts they did far less yelling and scolding than in real life.
In my dream world I was the type of mom to sit out in a grassy field with my little kids running around me... now that I typed that out it sounds much like the Sound of Music. But we could transfer the scene to a nice beach somewhere :) The point is, harmony and love were all that we had. In my dream world I was just so sweet that my children never wanted to disobey their kind and patient mother. (Gag)
Then reality struck. And struck hard! We have one of the most nontraditional families out there. Love does abound, however harmony... well sometimes it's sorely lacking. When harmony does grace us with her presence it is amazing. (Maybe that way we appreciate it more?)
Anyhow, my point being - I want to parent positively. I know my childish ideas aren't really possible, but we can cultivate a positive environment in our home. That way harmony is more likely to show up!
Each of the kids has a few behaviors we'd like to see changed. One has been wetting the bed. One whines non-stop, despite our asking them to use big kid words and trying never to give in to whining. One is the most determined child ever and we'd like to turn that determination around from determined to be destructive and get our own way to determined to bring peace into the home and listen. I don't want to change these behaviors by punishing or belittling or lecturing. I just don't want to be that parent (I am often, I struggle with this.) So this week we made a "Caught Being Good" box!
I got this great chest at Hobby Lobby. They also have hat boxes. Go with the hat box. I won't ever do a chest like this again!!! It's $11.99, however I showed them their weekly coupon on my iPhone so I got it for 40% off!
I bought papers, but ended up using some I already had. I did get some letters and other fun accessories. It was hard to think of ways to make a gender neutral one! I didn't want it to be too girlie or boyish. After sitting on the floor for about 4 hours decorating it, wondering if I should rip everything off just about every step of the way, here is the end result -
I went to Target and raided their little $1 section at the front! I love that section and right now it's full of $1 stocking stuffers! I got books, puzzles, wooden cars and airplanes, balls, Slinky's, and also added in some Halloween candy.
Right now the kids each have specific goals and things I want to "catch" them being good at. However, if I see one being particularly helpful or sweet I may tell them they can pick something.
Hopefully soon my kids will all realize how much fun it is to obey the rules and be helpful and kind to one another!
In my dream world I was the type of mom to sit out in a grassy field with my little kids running around me... now that I typed that out it sounds much like the Sound of Music. But we could transfer the scene to a nice beach somewhere :) The point is, harmony and love were all that we had. In my dream world I was just so sweet that my children never wanted to disobey their kind and patient mother. (Gag)
Then reality struck. And struck hard! We have one of the most nontraditional families out there. Love does abound, however harmony... well sometimes it's sorely lacking. When harmony does grace us with her presence it is amazing. (Maybe that way we appreciate it more?)
Anyhow, my point being - I want to parent positively. I know my childish ideas aren't really possible, but we can cultivate a positive environment in our home. That way harmony is more likely to show up!
Each of the kids has a few behaviors we'd like to see changed. One has been wetting the bed. One whines non-stop, despite our asking them to use big kid words and trying never to give in to whining. One is the most determined child ever and we'd like to turn that determination around from determined to be destructive and get our own way to determined to bring peace into the home and listen. I don't want to change these behaviors by punishing or belittling or lecturing. I just don't want to be that parent (I am often, I struggle with this.) So this week we made a "Caught Being Good" box!
I bought papers, but ended up using some I already had. I did get some letters and other fun accessories. It was hard to think of ways to make a gender neutral one! I didn't want it to be too girlie or boyish. After sitting on the floor for about 4 hours decorating it, wondering if I should rip everything off just about every step of the way, here is the end result -
I went to Target and raided their little $1 section at the front! I love that section and right now it's full of $1 stocking stuffers! I got books, puzzles, wooden cars and airplanes, balls, Slinky's, and also added in some Halloween candy.
Hopefully soon my kids will all realize how much fun it is to obey the rules and be helpful and kind to one another!
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