Life in a Nutshell
I updated the reading sidebar at right, and will try to do so from now on. The first selection will be what I (or DH) is reading, then out-loud reading to kids, then DS#1-age 8, then DS#2-age 6. Although this time I messed up and put DS#1's selection above the out-loud selection.
We are a reading family. I love-love-love to read, always have. I started reading at an early age, and still devour everything in sight.
Except for Moby Dick.
That was Junior year in college.
Anyway, DH is the same. Except I think he read Moby Dick. When we find a book we both want to read, it's a race to see who gets it first. Usually, I win, since I am home all day, and will happily order pizza for dinner, just so that I can find out the ending all the quicker. I am a fast reader, but DH remembers things in better detail. He can still remember the intricacies of Aristotle's Metaphysics. I'm all, we read that, right?? LOL
Luckily, the kids seem to be following in our love of reading. When DS#1 started to read, he took off like a shot. I could not keep his bookshelf up-to-date fast enough. Whenever I bought new books, he wasn't heard from for hours. And his enthusiasm is contagious.
All of the kids (except #5) have lamps clipped onto their headboards. They get into bed 15-20 min early, just to have time to "read". (in most cases, it's just looking at pictures) And this is after the story time we have as a family!
I am so grateful that, amidst all of my other parenting failures (and there is a plethora, trust me!) there is at least one area that I have thus far succeeded in passing on that is positive. This love of the printed word, and the worlds and times that are made accessible to my little ones...
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Tom *Pouce*
Life in a Nutshell
Weird title, I know. I shall 'splain......(I was reminded of this piece of our history in Texas by DS #2 who informed me today that he and Papa went to Tom Pouce....it made me laugh in rememberance)
We first moved to this godforsaken, I mean, *animated* area of the country in August of '96 so that DH could begin an MBA program. On the first day of orientation, he met a French fellow, Jean, who was new to the country and living in a hotel while trying to find housing. So, what does my generous DH do? Invite him to share our 750sq.ft. one-bedroom apartment!
Now, this apartment was not furnished in the least. Our kitchen "table" was a humongous box that had held our larger shipped items. Our living room "couch" was a chaise lounge. Our "bed" had been just some blankets on the floor, but upgraded to a box and mattress on the floor. We had no dressers, just piles of clothes everywhere (some things never change...heh).
And so, we decide to share our "bounty" with a complete and utter stranger....from France.
Of course.
That first night, as we closed our bedroom door (and thus effectively shutting out his only access to the bathroom....) we felt a bit uncertain as to whether or not we'd be dead or stereo-less (that being the only thing worth taking.....you know, priorities) by morning.
Well. Jean remained. He stayed with us for about 2-3 weeks. Our friends got used to dropping by and finding Jean in his boxers, listening to music in our oh-so-comfy living room. He and DH would drive to school together, and run errands together.....
And thus, the title of this post.
We have a grocery chain down here'un called Tom Thumb. It's got a great little advertising jingle:
Thumbs up, it's Tom Thumb friendly.
Hands down, it'll make you smile.
Thumbs up, it's Tom Thumb friendly,
Tom Thumb value, Texas style.
Like you wanted/needed to know that.
Anyway, Jean thought the name was hilarious, and would substitute the French word for "thumb" (pouce....pronounced pooos) for the second word.
Hence, the name of that grocery chain has been, and forever will be, for us......
Tom Pouce.
:)
Weird title, I know. I shall 'splain......(I was reminded of this piece of our history in Texas by DS #2 who informed me today that he and Papa went to Tom Pouce....it made me laugh in rememberance)
We first moved to this godforsaken, I mean, *animated* area of the country in August of '96 so that DH could begin an MBA program. On the first day of orientation, he met a French fellow, Jean, who was new to the country and living in a hotel while trying to find housing. So, what does my generous DH do? Invite him to share our 750sq.ft. one-bedroom apartment!
Now, this apartment was not furnished in the least. Our kitchen "table" was a humongous box that had held our larger shipped items. Our living room "couch" was a chaise lounge. Our "bed" had been just some blankets on the floor, but upgraded to a box and mattress on the floor. We had no dressers, just piles of clothes everywhere (some things never change...heh).
And so, we decide to share our "bounty" with a complete and utter stranger....from France.
Of course.
That first night, as we closed our bedroom door (and thus effectively shutting out his only access to the bathroom....) we felt a bit uncertain as to whether or not we'd be dead or stereo-less (that being the only thing worth taking.....you know, priorities) by morning.
Well. Jean remained. He stayed with us for about 2-3 weeks. Our friends got used to dropping by and finding Jean in his boxers, listening to music in our oh-so-comfy living room. He and DH would drive to school together, and run errands together.....
And thus, the title of this post.
We have a grocery chain down here'un called Tom Thumb. It's got a great little advertising jingle:
Thumbs up, it's Tom Thumb friendly.
Hands down, it'll make you smile.
Thumbs up, it's Tom Thumb friendly,
Tom Thumb value, Texas style.
Like you wanted/needed to know that.
Anyway, Jean thought the name was hilarious, and would substitute the French word for "thumb" (pouce....pronounced pooos) for the second word.
Hence, the name of that grocery chain has been, and forever will be, for us......
Tom Pouce.
:)
Friday, May 26, 2006
Yesterday.....
Here is a sure-fire way to enjoy one's 10th anniversary with your DH......
1. Set up large-ish pool in miniscule backyard.
2. Ensure that it has right chemical balance and is fairly clean.
3. Buy big package of cheap water pistols from Wal-mart...
4. And a strawberry daiquiri frozen mix....
5. Sit relaxing in the living room watching your 5 blessings have a wonderful afternoon in the sun!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
About those gas prices.....
Life in a Nutshell
This guy tells it like it is for those of us whose children will most certainly cause us bankruptcy due to their unbelieveable over-consumption of COLD BREAKFAST CEREAL......
Personally, we buy as much generic brands as possible, and my kids just think that every store has a different colored box for Cheerios and Rice Krispies, along with different names for each.... LOL!
;)
This guy tells it like it is for those of us whose children will most certainly cause us bankruptcy due to their unbelieveable over-consumption of COLD BREAKFAST CEREAL......
Personally, we buy as much generic brands as possible, and my kids just think that every store has a different colored box for Cheerios and Rice Krispies, along with different names for each.... LOL!
;)
Excitement!
DS #2 lost his first tooth yesterday.... Luckily, the tooth fairy remembered the first time around!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Things I want to remember about DD #3...
Life in a Nutshell
* the baby smell that clings to DD#3's baby blankie
* the way her chubby hand caresses my face after she accidentally hits me with a toy...
* ...and the way she says "dorry, Mama"
* the way she yells "SHOE-Y!!" when she wants her shoes put on
* her obsession with the Wiggles
* that she calls all animals "fuff-fuffs" (doggy)
* how she greets DH when he comes home: "PAPA!" and runs out the front door
* her pudgy, dimpled elbows and knees
* her intense concentration when coloring or "doing" a puzzle
* those eyes and that mischievous smile!
* and (DH's favorite) how she says "toot" when she passes gas....
* the baby smell that clings to DD#3's baby blankie
* the way her chubby hand caresses my face after she accidentally hits me with a toy...
* ...and the way she says "dorry, Mama"
* the way she yells "SHOE-Y!!" when she wants her shoes put on
* her obsession with the Wiggles
* that she calls all animals "fuff-fuffs" (doggy)
* how she greets DH when he comes home: "PAPA!" and runs out the front door
* her pudgy, dimpled elbows and knees
* her intense concentration when coloring or "doing" a puzzle
* those eyes and that mischievous smile!
* and (DH's favorite) how she says "toot" when she passes gas....
Monday, May 22, 2006
Saturday, May 20, 2006
What to do?
Life in a Nutshell
I've talked about our elderly neighbor, Miss Ginny, before.
Last week, Miss Ginny pulled up to the curb in front of her house, front end dragging, with a cop car following her, lights a-blazing. Turns out she blew a tire, didn't realize it, and dragged her car all the way up the main road that our street hooks up with. The cops tried to pull her over, but she never saw or heard them, she just kept right on truckin' completely destroying the rim of the now stripped tire.
We called her daughter and son-in-law, and since the cops said that Miss Ginny should not be driving, they took her car away. Well, that seems safer, eh?
Not really.
For the past two days, we have intercepted her on her way to the "store" (a good 3 mile walk, at least) wearing her fur coat, winter hat, and heavy shoes.....in 95+ heat. DH has taken her to the store both times, and instructed her repeatedly that she simply cannot walk to the store, she needs to come see us.
I feel so badly for her. She is so independent, and not having a car really makes her feel imprisoned. I know she shouldn't be driving, heck, she really shouldn't even be living by herself. But, did I mention she is independent?
DH called her daughter today, to tell her what has been going on. He is now walking around the neighborhood telling the neighbors to keep an eye out. That seems to be the most we can do at this point.
I don't know what the answer is. I don't envy the daughter in all of this. Miss Ginny has lived by herself for so long, been so involved in the community, how can one make the decision to take away her car, her house, her life as she knows it. All in the name of what is best for her, for her safety!
I'm glad we live here so we can keep an eye on her. But we are not always home.....
And then what?
I've talked about our elderly neighbor, Miss Ginny, before.
Last week, Miss Ginny pulled up to the curb in front of her house, front end dragging, with a cop car following her, lights a-blazing. Turns out she blew a tire, didn't realize it, and dragged her car all the way up the main road that our street hooks up with. The cops tried to pull her over, but she never saw or heard them, she just kept right on truckin' completely destroying the rim of the now stripped tire.
We called her daughter and son-in-law, and since the cops said that Miss Ginny should not be driving, they took her car away. Well, that seems safer, eh?
Not really.
For the past two days, we have intercepted her on her way to the "store" (a good 3 mile walk, at least) wearing her fur coat, winter hat, and heavy shoes.....in 95+ heat. DH has taken her to the store both times, and instructed her repeatedly that she simply cannot walk to the store, she needs to come see us.
I feel so badly for her. She is so independent, and not having a car really makes her feel imprisoned. I know she shouldn't be driving, heck, she really shouldn't even be living by herself. But, did I mention she is independent?
DH called her daughter today, to tell her what has been going on. He is now walking around the neighborhood telling the neighbors to keep an eye out. That seems to be the most we can do at this point.
I don't know what the answer is. I don't envy the daughter in all of this. Miss Ginny has lived by herself for so long, been so involved in the community, how can one make the decision to take away her car, her house, her life as she knows it. All in the name of what is best for her, for her safety!
I'm glad we live here so we can keep an eye on her. But we are not always home.....
And then what?
Friday, May 19, 2006
Impressions
Life in a Nutshell
I wrote the previous post to help me "vent" in a way......... but I didn't really vent on the topic I wanted to vent on.
So, guess what?
Yup, you're going to get to hear exactly what peeved me.
Bet you couldn't tell I was peeved, could you?
Sometimes I amaze myself.
Those two women who engaged me in conversation Wednesday have never initiated a conversation with me all year. They chat together, give me the once over and turn away. And so I chat with the other Moms and have a smashing time and never give it a second thought.
Until Wednesday afternoon, when I had more time to reflect on that odd exchange, wondering why they started up the conversation in the first place.
No, I'm not overly-analytical, why do you ask?
It struck me that "Sara" and "Jen" (not their real names) both knew what the other thought of this topic, but wanted to tell me in order to........ I don't know........ convert me? Engage me in the errors of our modern culture? Point out the errors of my ways?
Yes, I dress trendy. Yes, I care about my hair and make-up. I go for the "natural look" though, not the big Dallas Hair look. But I like to look put together, and not caught in the 1980's. Not saying that they do.....b/c I don't know for sure, just saying. (ahem)
Does that mean that I am totally immersed in all the evils of society? I hope not!
I'd like to think that it makes people think that being a stay-at-home Mom of 5 does not come with 5 outfits of jean skirts, button-down shirts and tennis shoes. It does not mean that your hair has to be unkempt or never updated. You are allowed to wear make-up, and (gasp) jewelry other than just your wedding ring. You can actually still be attractive and a stay-at-home Mom of 5.
Furthermore, dressing your children in cute outfits with hair done and faces clean will make strangers smile at their mischievous adventures rather than frown. They will see the joy of 5 kids right along with you. And you will be glad to share that with the world.
Impressions can go both ways. I live my faith through my actions. Strangers are more willing to engage me in conversation if I "look like one of them" (to an extent) and then I can witness to the Faith. They will only look down on me if I am unkempt and out of fashion, and my children look dirty and uncombed.
Should I dress drab so that other Catholic moms don't feel threatened? Most of my friends feel the same way I do....so it's usually not a problem. But for those who don't know me.....sometimes it seems they never left high school!
What say y'all?
I wrote the previous post to help me "vent" in a way......... but I didn't really vent on the topic I wanted to vent on.
So, guess what?
Yup, you're going to get to hear exactly what peeved me.
Bet you couldn't tell I was peeved, could you?
Sometimes I amaze myself.
Those two women who engaged me in conversation Wednesday have never initiated a conversation with me all year. They chat together, give me the once over and turn away. And so I chat with the other Moms and have a smashing time and never give it a second thought.
Until Wednesday afternoon, when I had more time to reflect on that odd exchange, wondering why they started up the conversation in the first place.
No, I'm not overly-analytical, why do you ask?
It struck me that "Sara" and "Jen" (not their real names) both knew what the other thought of this topic, but wanted to tell me in order to........ I don't know........ convert me? Engage me in the errors of our modern culture? Point out the errors of my ways?
Yes, I dress trendy. Yes, I care about my hair and make-up. I go for the "natural look" though, not the big Dallas Hair look. But I like to look put together, and not caught in the 1980's. Not saying that they do.....b/c I don't know for sure, just saying. (ahem)
Does that mean that I am totally immersed in all the evils of society? I hope not!
I'd like to think that it makes people think that being a stay-at-home Mom of 5 does not come with 5 outfits of jean skirts, button-down shirts and tennis shoes. It does not mean that your hair has to be unkempt or never updated. You are allowed to wear make-up, and (gasp) jewelry other than just your wedding ring. You can actually still be attractive and a stay-at-home Mom of 5.
Furthermore, dressing your children in cute outfits with hair done and faces clean will make strangers smile at their mischievous adventures rather than frown. They will see the joy of 5 kids right along with you. And you will be glad to share that with the world.
Impressions can go both ways. I live my faith through my actions. Strangers are more willing to engage me in conversation if I "look like one of them" (to an extent) and then I can witness to the Faith. They will only look down on me if I am unkempt and out of fashion, and my children look dirty and uncombed.
Should I dress drab so that other Catholic moms don't feel threatened? Most of my friends feel the same way I do....so it's usually not a problem. But for those who don't know me.....sometimes it seems they never left high school!
What say y'all?
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
"Othercott", or not?
Life in a Nutshell
As we all know, this Friday marks the opening weekend of that horrendous movie, "The DaVinci Code". Many Christian groups are advocating an "othercott" versus a boycott of the movie.
I thought (and still do think) that this is a great idea.
A mother at the Catechesis that I take my kids to once a week asked if anyone was going to the movies this weekend, and I said that I still need to find a sitter. She just smirked and shook her head. Her friend told me that she (this woman) had written an e-mail against this "othercott". And so, always up for a new perspective, I asked her about it.
Her answer was a simple refutation of supporting anything from secular society. She thinks that spending money at a Catholic bookstore, instead of playing the worldly game the worldly way, would be money best spent.
Well, of course it would!
But, would Hollywood notice, or even care, that the weekend the "DaVinci Code" opened, Catholic bookstores around the globe experienced a spike in sales? Certainly not. Especially if said movie took first place at the box office.
In fact, Hollywood might even attribute the spike in sales (if they ever found out) to the "DaVinci Code", and think that people are interested now in finding out for themselves all the secrecy and errors behind the Church! Furthermore, those producers would be encouraged to make more blasphemous erroneous movies about our beloved Church.
I think the woman I spoke to was trying to say something more than this particular movie. I think she was getting on her soapbox about secularism in general. I don't know if I understand completely where she is coming from. I just hope she is not denouncing all that is in our culture. I hope she is not saying that as Catholics we cannot engage our culture in order to help to cure it, or redeem it.
Yes, things are bad. But if we do not get involved, if we do not voice our preferences, if, in fact, we seem to acquiesce by our silence, then it will only get worse....and we will be to blame. Denouncing what is unacceptable is our duty. Throwing the baby out with the bath water is irresponsible, and furthers the stereotype that the Church and all of it's members are hopelessly behind the times. We need to be prepared, and we need to be smart.
"Wise as serpents, and gentle as doves"
:)
Here is an article from Catholic Exchange yesterday on this very topic!
Oh! And here are the first reviews........ Thank God!
As we all know, this Friday marks the opening weekend of that horrendous movie, "The DaVinci Code". Many Christian groups are advocating an "othercott" versus a boycott of the movie.
I thought (and still do think) that this is a great idea.
A mother at the Catechesis that I take my kids to once a week asked if anyone was going to the movies this weekend, and I said that I still need to find a sitter. She just smirked and shook her head. Her friend told me that she (this woman) had written an e-mail against this "othercott". And so, always up for a new perspective, I asked her about it.
Her answer was a simple refutation of supporting anything from secular society. She thinks that spending money at a Catholic bookstore, instead of playing the worldly game the worldly way, would be money best spent.
Well, of course it would!
But, would Hollywood notice, or even care, that the weekend the "DaVinci Code" opened, Catholic bookstores around the globe experienced a spike in sales? Certainly not. Especially if said movie took first place at the box office.
In fact, Hollywood might even attribute the spike in sales (if they ever found out) to the "DaVinci Code", and think that people are interested now in finding out for themselves all the secrecy and errors behind the Church! Furthermore, those producers would be encouraged to make more blasphemous erroneous movies about our beloved Church.
I think the woman I spoke to was trying to say something more than this particular movie. I think she was getting on her soapbox about secularism in general. I don't know if I understand completely where she is coming from. I just hope she is not denouncing all that is in our culture. I hope she is not saying that as Catholics we cannot engage our culture in order to help to cure it, or redeem it.
Yes, things are bad. But if we do not get involved, if we do not voice our preferences, if, in fact, we seem to acquiesce by our silence, then it will only get worse....and we will be to blame. Denouncing what is unacceptable is our duty. Throwing the baby out with the bath water is irresponsible, and furthers the stereotype that the Church and all of it's members are hopelessly behind the times. We need to be prepared, and we need to be smart.
"Wise as serpents, and gentle as doves"
:)
Here is an article from Catholic Exchange yesterday on this very topic!
Oh! And here are the first reviews........ Thank God!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Wherever you can find a quiet spot......
Here's DD# 3, having a little reading time, parked on the kitchen floor....
Dig the fairy duds? Gotta love big sisters!
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Franz, my hairdresser
Life in a Nutshell
There is a lot of pain out there in the real world.
I discovered this during my latest trip to my hairdresser. I hadn't seen him in about 4 months or so. And since DD#1's hair desperately needed a trim, I made appointments for the both of us. I have been going to Franz for a long time..........about 5 years or so. He has seen me very pregnant, very tired with a nursing newborn, and back to my old self; numerous times! He has always been very open to chatting about familes, kids, religion. He, with his wacky spiked hair, thick glasses, or long hair pulled back in a ponytail, ripped jeans, and rings.... etc. We've always had great discussions.
Our chats took us through his vacations with his wife and her daughter, their eventual divorce, his heartache and pain, her successful career and weight loss, and last year, the birth of his son he had with a girl much younger than himself. Franz was so excited.....he seemed to really "dig being a Dad" as he told me.
But there was abuse; emotional and physical, from the girl friend.
There were drugs, lots of them. He was high on speed everyday.
He got kicked out of the house. He lost a lot of clients. He couldn't afford a car.
He had no money for anything.
Enter God. Franz is so grateful he hit rock bottom. How else could he have known how destructive his behavior was? He credits God for "knocking him on his butt" and now tells everyone that they can't do it alone. A voice crying out in the wilderness of froofy-trendy Las Colinas, TX.
Now Franz is at a new location, working for friends, saving up to regain custody of his son. His son, who is living with his Mom, her drug-dealing boy friend, and the only saving grace is the grandmother, or else Franz said he'd get CPS involved. Franz went literally on his knees to the manager of the apartments he knew, just to get an apartment even though his credit is bad. He is rebuilding his life, one small step at a time. How very hard.
I gave him a big tip, told him I'd pray for him, and gathered up my precious girl, and went home to my amazing husband and children.......
But for the grace of God, go I.......
There is a lot of pain out there in the real world.
I discovered this during my latest trip to my hairdresser. I hadn't seen him in about 4 months or so. And since DD#1's hair desperately needed a trim, I made appointments for the both of us. I have been going to Franz for a long time..........about 5 years or so. He has seen me very pregnant, very tired with a nursing newborn, and back to my old self; numerous times! He has always been very open to chatting about familes, kids, religion. He, with his wacky spiked hair, thick glasses, or long hair pulled back in a ponytail, ripped jeans, and rings.... etc. We've always had great discussions.
Our chats took us through his vacations with his wife and her daughter, their eventual divorce, his heartache and pain, her successful career and weight loss, and last year, the birth of his son he had with a girl much younger than himself. Franz was so excited.....he seemed to really "dig being a Dad" as he told me.
But there was abuse; emotional and physical, from the girl friend.
There were drugs, lots of them. He was high on speed everyday.
He got kicked out of the house. He lost a lot of clients. He couldn't afford a car.
He had no money for anything.
Enter God. Franz is so grateful he hit rock bottom. How else could he have known how destructive his behavior was? He credits God for "knocking him on his butt" and now tells everyone that they can't do it alone. A voice crying out in the wilderness of froofy-trendy Las Colinas, TX.
Now Franz is at a new location, working for friends, saving up to regain custody of his son. His son, who is living with his Mom, her drug-dealing boy friend, and the only saving grace is the grandmother, or else Franz said he'd get CPS involved. Franz went literally on his knees to the manager of the apartments he knew, just to get an apartment even though his credit is bad. He is rebuilding his life, one small step at a time. How very hard.
I gave him a big tip, told him I'd pray for him, and gathered up my precious girl, and went home to my amazing husband and children.......
But for the grace of God, go I.......
Friday, May 12, 2006
Budgeting.........oh joy!
Life in a Nutshell
So, today is payday. And we all know what that means! I must try to re-stock the supply shelves in the Nut-house and not spend any money..... or, at least, not very much money.
It's a delicate dance every two weeks.
I'm very uptight about eating well. Not as uptight as I could be. We can't afford free-range eggs and chicken, unpasteurized milk, and all things organic and whole grain. But I do keep our fruit bowl well-stocked and lots of yogurt in the fridge. The kids have pretzels and popcorn (light) and veggies and dip for snacks. They prefer watermelon over potato chips, and cherry tomatoes or strawberries are a real treat!
Of course, they love brownies and cake and ice cream, and we indulge in these things more often than we should....
For meals, I'm a meat and potatoes kind of cook. Must be the Irish in me. I plan my meals around the meat. And so, we must have meat..........and lots of it! So, off I truck to Sam's every two weeks to stock my freezer with all things protein. I'm always looking for new recipes for chicken and ground beef. (Not together!--yuck) Any of you have some winners to share?
Pasta dishes are very cheap and easy to make. I have discovered quite a few Italian recipes from my friend Lisa who lived in Italy for awhile. Our favorite is the Pancetta Pasta. My 3 year old is a carb queen....and this pasta recipe is a staple for her.
But anyway. Back to the budgeting nightmare. It's difficult to buy nutritious food for this many kiddos, constantly rationing..... "remember (so-and-so) only two snacks between meals".... yet making sure that they are satisfied enough to be content and rational. (nothing worse than a hungry 3 year old!)
And so I plug along as best I can. I try to stick to the allotted amount by maximizing my planning ahead, and minimizing my trips to the grocery store during the week. I shop at three different stores to get the best deals, so my kids can get the food they like best..... very tiring, but very rewarding when I hear squeals of delight at a bowl overflowing with delicious red strawberries and cream.
So, what's your secret?
So, today is payday. And we all know what that means! I must try to re-stock the supply shelves in the Nut-house and not spend any money..... or, at least, not very much money.
It's a delicate dance every two weeks.
I'm very uptight about eating well. Not as uptight as I could be. We can't afford free-range eggs and chicken, unpasteurized milk, and all things organic and whole grain. But I do keep our fruit bowl well-stocked and lots of yogurt in the fridge. The kids have pretzels and popcorn (light) and veggies and dip for snacks. They prefer watermelon over potato chips, and cherry tomatoes or strawberries are a real treat!
Of course, they love brownies and cake and ice cream, and we indulge in these things more often than we should....
For meals, I'm a meat and potatoes kind of cook. Must be the Irish in me. I plan my meals around the meat. And so, we must have meat..........and lots of it! So, off I truck to Sam's every two weeks to stock my freezer with all things protein. I'm always looking for new recipes for chicken and ground beef. (Not together!--yuck) Any of you have some winners to share?
Pasta dishes are very cheap and easy to make. I have discovered quite a few Italian recipes from my friend Lisa who lived in Italy for awhile. Our favorite is the Pancetta Pasta. My 3 year old is a carb queen....and this pasta recipe is a staple for her.
But anyway. Back to the budgeting nightmare. It's difficult to buy nutritious food for this many kiddos, constantly rationing..... "remember (so-and-so) only two snacks between meals".... yet making sure that they are satisfied enough to be content and rational. (nothing worse than a hungry 3 year old!)
And so I plug along as best I can. I try to stick to the allotted amount by maximizing my planning ahead, and minimizing my trips to the grocery store during the week. I shop at three different stores to get the best deals, so my kids can get the food they like best..... very tiring, but very rewarding when I hear squeals of delight at a bowl overflowing with delicious red strawberries and cream.
So, what's your secret?
Friday, May 05, 2006
Lest you think.......
Life in a Nutshell
That the new genera of this blog will be the study of;
Weather: it's effects and influences on a mother of 5 small children.......
I found this last week on a few different blogs, and thought my vast (cough cough) readership would enjoy it.
As appears on Whiskey's blog:
I can't decide if this is scandalous or not, but it sure as heck is funny.
That the new genera of this blog will be the study of;
Weather: it's effects and influences on a mother of 5 small children.......
I found this last week on a few different blogs, and thought my vast (cough cough) readership would enjoy it.
As appears on Whiskey's blog:
I can't decide if this is scandalous or not, but it sure as heck is funny.
About that storm....
Life in a Nutshell
The infamous storm actually did show up last night...around 2:30 a.m. And a couple other somebodies showed up in our bed around the same time. Quite the coincidence!
I really don't mind having the littles come and snug during a thunder storm, but these storms don't usually last 3 hours...........no joke. Just when we thought the storm was letting up, and the rumbles were fading into the distance.......
<CRRRRRRRAAAAAAAACCKKK>
Another blinding flash of lightning, another crash of thunder, and the kiddos would dive back under the covers, fingers firmly shoved into their ears. Which, by the way, makes conversation very interesting:
Me:(whispering) guys, it's letting up, take your fingers out---
DD#1: (loudly) Whaaat?
Me: (whispering) shhhhh! I said... (trying to pull her fingers away from her ears)
DD#1: (loudly) NO MAMA!
Needless to say, not much sleep was to be had. Of course, most of the little peanuts slept in. But the eldest had school, and the rest of us had our homeschool co-op to get ready for, since we were hosting it today. Lots of coffee was in order this morning as we rushed around.
And I checked the weather forecast for tonight.....
80% chance of thunderstorms..........
starting at 1 a.m.
;)
The infamous storm actually did show up last night...around 2:30 a.m. And a couple other somebodies showed up in our bed around the same time. Quite the coincidence!
I really don't mind having the littles come and snug during a thunder storm, but these storms don't usually last 3 hours...........no joke. Just when we thought the storm was letting up, and the rumbles were fading into the distance.......
<CRRRRRRRAAAAAAAACCKKK>
Another blinding flash of lightning, another crash of thunder, and the kiddos would dive back under the covers, fingers firmly shoved into their ears. Which, by the way, makes conversation very interesting:
Me:(whispering) guys, it's letting up, take your fingers out---
DD#1: (loudly) Whaaat?
Me: (whispering) shhhhh! I said... (trying to pull her fingers away from her ears)
DD#1: (loudly) NO MAMA!
Needless to say, not much sleep was to be had. Of course, most of the little peanuts slept in. But the eldest had school, and the rest of us had our homeschool co-op to get ready for, since we were hosting it today. Lots of coffee was in order this morning as we rushed around.
And I checked the weather forecast for tonight.....
80% chance of thunderstorms..........
starting at 1 a.m.
;)
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Where's the storm?
Life in a Nutshell
Today was shaping up to be a crazy day, I decided on Monday, as I read an e-mail from my soccer captain that informed we would be playing the make-up game with the team-guaranteed-to-squash-us-merciliessly tonight at 8pm. DS#2 and DD#1 have a t-ball game at 6:30pm, and with my estimated departure time somewhere around 7:30 or so, it promises to be a bit hectic.
But! The weather forecast was going to save me! "Strong Storms" have been in the hourly forecast all day; first starting at 2pm, 80% chance; then 3pm, 60% chance; then 4pm 50% chance......see where this is going?
It is now 5pm.
The "Strong Storms" with their ohsothreatening thunder, lightening and hail are nowhere to be seen.
The sun is beating down.
It is 85 degrees and muggy.
Soccer, anyone?
<sigh>
Today was shaping up to be a crazy day, I decided on Monday, as I read an e-mail from my soccer captain that informed we would be playing the make-up game with the team-guaranteed-to-squash-us-merciliessly tonight at 8pm. DS#2 and DD#1 have a t-ball game at 6:30pm, and with my estimated departure time somewhere around 7:30 or so, it promises to be a bit hectic.
But! The weather forecast was going to save me! "Strong Storms" have been in the hourly forecast all day; first starting at 2pm, 80% chance; then 3pm, 60% chance; then 4pm 50% chance......see where this is going?
It is now 5pm.
The "Strong Storms" with their ohsothreatening thunder, lightening and hail are nowhere to be seen.
The sun is beating down.
It is 85 degrees and muggy.
Soccer, anyone?
<sigh>
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Paycheck?
Life in a Nutshell
According to this, the work I do at home is worth a whopping $155 thousand a year.
Somebody needs to let the payroll people in HR know...........
I wonder if it's retro-active?
LOL
According to this, the work I do at home is worth a whopping $155 thousand a year.
Somebody needs to let the payroll people in HR know...........
I wonder if it's retro-active?
LOL
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Recent Exchanges:
Life in a Nutshell
Here are few glimpses into the mind of my 3 year old
Conversation #1
Me: Beth, please don't draw on the house with the chalk.
Beth: But, Mom, Mae has a poo!
Conversation #2:
Me: Beth, please stop banging on the bedroom door.
Beth: But I want a snack!
Conversation #3:
Me: Beth, why are the pots and pans all over the livingroom?
Beth: Because I need to go pee!
Is it any wonder that by the end of the day not only can I not entertain a complete thought, but I have an inordinate desire for a large (blended) fuzzy navel?
Here are few glimpses into the mind of my 3 year old
Conversation #1
Me: Beth, please don't draw on the house with the chalk.
Beth: But, Mom, Mae has a poo!
Conversation #2:
Me: Beth, please stop banging on the bedroom door.
Beth: But I want a snack!
Conversation #3:
Me: Beth, why are the pots and pans all over the livingroom?
Beth: Because I need to go pee!
Is it any wonder that by the end of the day not only can I not entertain a complete thought, but I have an inordinate desire for a large (blended) fuzzy navel?
Monday, May 01, 2006
Peer Influence (aka: bratty kids in the neighborhood)
Life in a Nutshell
We seem to be having a bit o' trouble down yonder here these days. Our neighborhood seems safe for the most part. The kids can wander in the front a few houses on each side without me worrying too much. Our rules are simple. No going out front without letting an adult know, and no going out front alone. Oh, and shoes are required. (my kids are southern kids....)
There are two houses across the street that have kids roughly the same age as our oldest who is eight. The boy, Andrew, is nine. And the girl next door to him, Sara, is nine as well. Andrew is the youngest in his family, and Sara is an only child. Every family has it's problems, and theirs are no exception. But the kids seem fairly well-adjusted for the most part.
Except. They sometimes get it in their respective heads that this or that day is a good day to play tricks on my kids, lie to them, or just plain scare the sh*t out of them. And then my little ones come inside in tears, in extreme anger, or just plain confused. You see, my kids don't know how to play mean tricks on other people and it would never enter their heads to do so. Sometimes I'm really tempted to bring to their attention that they significantly out number those two "lovely children of God" (said through clenched teeth) and maybe they should take advantage of that!
But no. I just gently explain, without getting too emotional, that some friends just aren't the best kind of friends. That some people don't know how to be a good friend....etc. And those kind of friends aren't really worth our time and effort. We are to always be kind, but not seek them out. It's hard to understand why they are acting this way, so we just walk away when they decide to be nasty.
Of course, in all of my motherly wisdom, I knw why these kids are acting this way. They are jealous. Yeah, right, my inner teenager retorts, rolling my eyes and exclaiming with false conviction, "OH! Right (Dad! -I used to say) It must be that! I'm soo d**m gorgeous with a stunning wit and beautiful clothes, and the most amazing athletic ability!" But, I have to admit, I think that these neighborhood kids are jealous of my kids. Not because of what we own. (little Andrew has his own mini-motorcycle and in-ground pool for heaven's sake) Not because we are super-rich. (hahahahahaha) I think it's because of our family life. I think they see stability and boundaries and formation. They see joy and laughter in numbers, and excitement in the little things, especially in relation to our youngest.
The best I can hope for my kids is the maturity, grace and charity to deal with these problems.
With a healthy dose of standing up for oneself.
:)
We seem to be having a bit o' trouble down yonder here these days. Our neighborhood seems safe for the most part. The kids can wander in the front a few houses on each side without me worrying too much. Our rules are simple. No going out front without letting an adult know, and no going out front alone. Oh, and shoes are required. (my kids are southern kids....)
There are two houses across the street that have kids roughly the same age as our oldest who is eight. The boy, Andrew, is nine. And the girl next door to him, Sara, is nine as well. Andrew is the youngest in his family, and Sara is an only child. Every family has it's problems, and theirs are no exception. But the kids seem fairly well-adjusted for the most part.
Except. They sometimes get it in their respective heads that this or that day is a good day to play tricks on my kids, lie to them, or just plain scare the sh*t out of them. And then my little ones come inside in tears, in extreme anger, or just plain confused. You see, my kids don't know how to play mean tricks on other people and it would never enter their heads to do so. Sometimes I'm really tempted to bring to their attention that they significantly out number those two "lovely children of God" (said through clenched teeth) and maybe they should take advantage of that!
But no. I just gently explain, without getting too emotional, that some friends just aren't the best kind of friends. That some people don't know how to be a good friend....etc. And those kind of friends aren't really worth our time and effort. We are to always be kind, but not seek them out. It's hard to understand why they are acting this way, so we just walk away when they decide to be nasty.
Of course, in all of my motherly wisdom, I knw why these kids are acting this way. They are jealous. Yeah, right, my inner teenager retorts, rolling my eyes and exclaiming with false conviction, "OH! Right (Dad! -I used to say) It must be that! I'm soo d**m gorgeous with a stunning wit and beautiful clothes, and the most amazing athletic ability!" But, I have to admit, I think that these neighborhood kids are jealous of my kids. Not because of what we own. (little Andrew has his own mini-motorcycle and in-ground pool for heaven's sake) Not because we are super-rich. (hahahahahaha) I think it's because of our family life. I think they see stability and boundaries and formation. They see joy and laughter in numbers, and excitement in the little things, especially in relation to our youngest.
The best I can hope for my kids is the maturity, grace and charity to deal with these problems.
With a healthy dose of standing up for oneself.
:)
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