My children do not take naps. It started with Porgie, which I expected, but now Izzy won't nap either. It isn't a huge deal, but I am a firm believer in well-rested children (or maybe I am just a firm believer in mommy having free time?). I am highly distraught about this new development. Admittedly, I do like having a little free time during the day, but that is not my only problem. Izzy is my baby, and babies need to nap gosh darn it!
Okay, I guess Izzy isn't a tiny baby anymore. My little man is going to be 3 years old in November. THREE YEARS OLD. That just sounds so old. Where did my baby boy go. He is suddenly so tall, and he has so much hair! I am happy that Izzy is becoming an independent little boy, but I am sad that the baby phase is gone. It went by too fast. I blinked my eyes, and he grew a foot.
Izzy very well might be my last baby. And this phase of his life is already gone. It makes me sad. Makes me wish I had rocked him to sleep even more. Nursed him longer. Carried him on my hip more often.
This parenting thing sure is hard.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Miss frugual breeches
Carrie left a comment on Friday's post about me using the GPS on my cell phone. I don't have a cell phone. I know it is hard to believe, but I manage to function just fine without talking to my friends all day or obsessively texting people. The main reason that I don't have a cell phone is the cost. We have a home phone, and my husband's work pays for his cell phone, so getting myself a cell phone just feel frivolous and goofy.
Not having a cell phone often makes me feel like an odd ball. People always say things like, "YOU DON'T HAVE A CELL PHONE?! I couldn't live with my cell phone!" Ummm...really? I think talking on the phone is overrated. Additionally, I have grown to hate how other people seem to always be distracted by their damn phones. JUST PUT IT AWAY! Geez people. And my number one pet peeve is spouses who call each other constantly. My friend Karla's husband calls her no less than 20 times in the course of an hour. If John called me that much, I would probably divorce him.
Other times, I really wish I had a cell phone. For example, the farm we visited for apple picking is about 40 minutes from my house. To get there, I have to drive through a HUGE state forest. There are no businesses or houses for miles and miles. Everytime I drive on that stretch of road I get nervous. What would I do if my van broke down? It definitely wouldn't be safe to walk with the kids on that winding country road. How long would I have to wait before a police officer happened to drive by? In those instances, I really want a cell phone, and I curse my frugality.
But despite my irrational fears, I think I will continue to go without a cell phone for now.
Not having a cell phone often makes me feel like an odd ball. People always say things like, "YOU DON'T HAVE A CELL PHONE?! I couldn't live with my cell phone!" Ummm...really? I think talking on the phone is overrated. Additionally, I have grown to hate how other people seem to always be distracted by their damn phones. JUST PUT IT AWAY! Geez people. And my number one pet peeve is spouses who call each other constantly. My friend Karla's husband calls her no less than 20 times in the course of an hour. If John called me that much, I would probably divorce him.
Other times, I really wish I had a cell phone. For example, the farm we visited for apple picking is about 40 minutes from my house. To get there, I have to drive through a HUGE state forest. There are no businesses or houses for miles and miles. Everytime I drive on that stretch of road I get nervous. What would I do if my van broke down? It definitely wouldn't be safe to walk with the kids on that winding country road. How long would I have to wait before a police officer happened to drive by? In those instances, I really want a cell phone, and I curse my frugality.
But despite my irrational fears, I think I will continue to go without a cell phone for now.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Apples, apples everywhere
Because we are busybodies over here in Cakerwakerville, we are going apple picking today. This week turned out completely different than I had imagined (but in a good way)...
1. John ended up not having to go out of town. YIPEE!
2. Our nature class was a huge success this week. No screaming like a maniac about bugs!
3. I completely forgot about the FREE blogger day at The Please Touch Museum until 2 days before. So, that was a fun mid-week activity that I hadn't considered at the start of the week.
4. We had two friends approach us about going apple picking. Get ready for apple pie pictures! And maybe even apple butter!
5. I made homemade tomato sauce with tomatoes from my garden! Why yes, I am awesome.
So, it has been a fun and busy week for me and the kiddos.
In other news, my GPS is broken. It seriously makes me never want to leave the house. I have become so dependent on that nice lady telling me where to go, and then rerouting me when (not if) I make a mistake. When I got in my car on Monday, the GPS screen was white. As I was driving the screen flickered in and out, but eventually it started to work again. On Tuesday the screen stayed white. My husband decided that he would take the GPS apart to see if there was a loose connection. At this point, I knew the GPS was as good as dead.
So, I am GPS-less and not loving it. I have to print out directions online before I leave the house. How inconvenient is that? And then I actually have to pay attention to street names. Oh the horror! Since we are on a strict budget, we are going to have to find a super duper fabulous deal on a GPS before we buy it. This could take a while, so be prepared for lots of stories where I recount getting lost in my own backyard.
1. John ended up not having to go out of town. YIPEE!
2. Our nature class was a huge success this week. No screaming like a maniac about bugs!
3. I completely forgot about the FREE blogger day at The Please Touch Museum until 2 days before. So, that was a fun mid-week activity that I hadn't considered at the start of the week.
4. We had two friends approach us about going apple picking. Get ready for apple pie pictures! And maybe even apple butter!
5. I made homemade tomato sauce with tomatoes from my garden! Why yes, I am awesome.
So, it has been a fun and busy week for me and the kiddos.
In other news, my GPS is broken. It seriously makes me never want to leave the house. I have become so dependent on that nice lady telling me where to go, and then rerouting me when (not if) I make a mistake. When I got in my car on Monday, the GPS screen was white. As I was driving the screen flickered in and out, but eventually it started to work again. On Tuesday the screen stayed white. My husband decided that he would take the GPS apart to see if there was a loose connection. At this point, I knew the GPS was as good as dead.
So, I am GPS-less and not loving it. I have to print out directions online before I leave the house. How inconvenient is that? And then I actually have to pay attention to street names. Oh the horror! Since we are on a strict budget, we are going to have to find a super duper fabulous deal on a GPS before we buy it. This could take a while, so be prepared for lots of stories where I recount getting lost in my own backyard.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Tie Shoes
My daughter loves tacky things. If ever in doubt on what to buy her, just pick something that is sparkly, neon colored, and gaudy. Trust me, she will love it.
My kids have suddenly developed a love for shoes with laces. Izzy already had a pair of "tie shoes," but Porgie did not. She got so darn excited about getting "tie shoes," that I ended up buying her a new pair, even though she didn't really need them. And in true fashion, Porgie picked the flashiest, pinkest shoes in the whole store...
Too bad my kids don't know how to tie their own shoes!
My kids have suddenly developed a love for shoes with laces. Izzy already had a pair of "tie shoes," but Porgie did not. She got so darn excited about getting "tie shoes," that I ended up buying her a new pair, even though she didn't really need them. And in true fashion, Porgie picked the flashiest, pinkest shoes in the whole store...
Too bad my kids don't know how to tie their own shoes!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Breakfast
I don't usually eat breakfast. When I was a kid, I never woke up early enough to have breakfast. When I was working, I actually tried to start eating breakfast, but I just wasn't hungry at 7 o'clock in the morning. So once again, I skipped breakfast. When I was pregnant with Porgie, John made me eat breakfast every morning. Since I seemed so resistant to food in the morning, he would make me strawberry smoothies. Yum! But after I gave birth, I reverted back to my breakfast-less ways. With Izzy, I developed an intense love of cereal. I seriously ate 2 to 3 bowls of cereal every morning for 9 months. Once again, after I gave birth, I gave up breakfast.
But now, in my old age, I feel like I need to start eating breakfast. I have been super crabby in the mornings lately. And I keep overeating at lunchtime. Not good friends. Not good. In my defense, I am starving by lunchtime, so I just shovel in any food in my general vicinity.
Now, not being a breakfast person, I would like some help. What are some good, healthy options for breakfast? I don't want to eat empty calories and sugar (like waffles or pancakes). I am also trying to avoid cereal (because I am really just a huge 6 year old, who only likes sugary cereal with cartoon characters on the front). I want something that will keep me full until lunch, without being loaded with sugar, carbs, or fat. Enlighten me internet. What do you eat for breakfast?
But now, in my old age, I feel like I need to start eating breakfast. I have been super crabby in the mornings lately. And I keep overeating at lunchtime. Not good friends. Not good. In my defense, I am starving by lunchtime, so I just shovel in any food in my general vicinity.
Now, not being a breakfast person, I would like some help. What are some good, healthy options for breakfast? I don't want to eat empty calories and sugar (like waffles or pancakes). I am also trying to avoid cereal (because I am really just a huge 6 year old, who only likes sugary cereal with cartoon characters on the front). I want something that will keep me full until lunch, without being loaded with sugar, carbs, or fat. Enlighten me internet. What do you eat for breakfast?
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Shoot me now
I have another fucking yeast infection. I went my entire life without any yeast infections, yet in the past 5 months, I have had 2 of them. It doesn't make any sense. I have been eating yogurt almost everyday. I never wear damp clothing. I only wear cotton underwear. I don't wear tight fitting pants. Basically, I have been doing everything I can to avoid another fucking yeast infection. But despite my efforts, I am currently itchy and miserable. WHAT THE FUCK?
Friday, September 17, 2010
This week and next
This week, our homeschooling adventure did not go as well as last week. My daughter seems to be under the impression that she is incredibly smart, while I am incredibly stupid. If I try to correct a mistake she is making, all hell breaks loose. She cried and whines and refuses to finish whatever project she was in the middle of doing. If she has told me once, she has told me a million times that she doesn't need my help. GAH. I swear, dealing with my 4 year old is the equivalent of working with a 13 year old. She is so damn moody.
However, I have been making some progress with Izzy. He can now successfully identify all of the letters in his name! I am so proud. My little guy isn't really very interested in learning letters or numbers, so this is HUGE for him. The best part is the proud look he gets on his face after he spells his name.
Next week is really going to be a struggle. John is going out of town, all of our friends are at preschool in the morning, and we have no money to do anything fun:( BOO!
However, I have been making some progress with Izzy. He can now successfully identify all of the letters in his name! I am so proud. My little guy isn't really very interested in learning letters or numbers, so this is HUGE for him. The best part is the proud look he gets on his face after he spells his name.
Next week is really going to be a struggle. John is going out of town, all of our friends are at preschool in the morning, and we have no money to do anything fun:( BOO!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Like a Virgin
I had another orthodontist appointment last week. Holy shit, I thought the dental assistant was going to pull my damn teeth out. When taking off and putting on my powerchains, she manhandled my highly sensitive teeth. It was a nightmare. The good news this that I am FINALLY starting to see some progress!
I have noticed that a few of my gaps are slowly (very very very slowly) starting to close. Now, these aren't big dramatic changes. In fact, my husband hasn't noticed any changed at all. But I stare at my teeth in the mirror several times per day (I am a little obsessed with my teeth lately), and I have noticed some improvements. First, the gap between my two front teeth is slightly smaller. For a girl who hates her gapped teeth, this is AWESOME! Second, one of my pre-molars has rotated to the correct position. This tooth was turned at an odd angle, but it looks perfect now. And finally, my bite is feeling much better. For the past month or two, my canine tooth on the top was hitting my first pre-molar on the bottom, which prevented me from closing my teeth correctly. It was an annoying sensation. But that problem seems to have been resolved, because my bite feels normal again. YAY!
I was telling my cousin about my gap closing, and she commented that she would miss my gap. I was a little baffled. She went on to explain that my gap was like my trade mark. And then she compared me to Madonna. Ummm...I am so not Madonna. Madonna manages to have a gap and still look fabulous. All I manage to do is look retarded. So although my family might miss my gap, I can't wait to be rid of it.
I have noticed that a few of my gaps are slowly (very very very slowly) starting to close. Now, these aren't big dramatic changes. In fact, my husband hasn't noticed any changed at all. But I stare at my teeth in the mirror several times per day (I am a little obsessed with my teeth lately), and I have noticed some improvements. First, the gap between my two front teeth is slightly smaller. For a girl who hates her gapped teeth, this is AWESOME! Second, one of my pre-molars has rotated to the correct position. This tooth was turned at an odd angle, but it looks perfect now. And finally, my bite is feeling much better. For the past month or two, my canine tooth on the top was hitting my first pre-molar on the bottom, which prevented me from closing my teeth correctly. It was an annoying sensation. But that problem seems to have been resolved, because my bite feels normal again. YAY!
I was telling my cousin about my gap closing, and she commented that she would miss my gap. I was a little baffled. She went on to explain that my gap was like my trade mark. And then she compared me to Madonna. Ummm...I am so not Madonna. Madonna manages to have a gap and still look fabulous. All I manage to do is look retarded. So although my family might miss my gap, I can't wait to be rid of it.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Freaking out
Our first class at the nature center was a bust. The teacher was awesome. We caught butterflies! We found caterpillars! We looked at butterfly eggs! But my daughter acted like she was completely insane. First, she cried and whined for a butterfly. After the teacher caught a butterfly and put it in her bug catcher, Porgie refused to carry it. Shortly after the tantrum about butterflies, Porgie started to freak the fuck out about every single bug she seen. If a fly landed on a tree 10 feet away from her, she let out a blood curdling scream and took off running. It was embarrassing and annoying. So, although the class was great, my child was not.
I am partly to blame for Porgie's insane attitude toward bugs. I tend to be a little over dramatic about bugs in our house - especially spiders. The worst part is that in mid-October, they will be studying spiders in her nature class. I think we might just skip that week, because I will be just as likely as Porgie (if not more) to be running around screaming like a maniac.
I am partly to blame for Porgie's insane attitude toward bugs. I tend to be a little over dramatic about bugs in our house - especially spiders. The worst part is that in mid-October, they will be studying spiders in her nature class. I think we might just skip that week, because I will be just as likely as Porgie (if not more) to be running around screaming like a maniac.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Back to school
Today the kids start a pre-school class at our local nature preserve. They will be learning about a new science theme every week. This week they will be studying butterflies. The teacher emailed a list of supplies needed, which included a bug catcher and a net. Let me tell you, these are not easy items to find in the September. I remember seeing lots of bug collecting stuff in the summer, but apparently the stores have decreed that summer is officially over. I went to four different stores before I finally found a bug catcher. FOUR DIFFERENT STORES! I never did find the nets. So, I am just going to let them use the nets from our Elefun game. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they don't break them or lose them or drop them in the mud.
In related news, we have officially started "school" in my house. My husband really wants me to homeschool, so I am testing the waters this year with preschool. If we like it, we'll probably continue to homeschool. If we don't, then Porgie will head off to Kindergarten next year. I came up with some lesson ideas last week, and the kids really liked it! We learned about the sun and the moon. We did letter A activities. We learned about top, middle, and bottom. We did calendar time and sang some new songs. And to my surprise and delight, we all had a really good time. Porgie begs me to do "school" as soon as she wakes up in the morning. This week we are going to learn about the planet Earth. We will study the letter B. We are going to learn about over, under/above, below. We also have some lacing and cutting activities planned. I hope this week goes as smoothly as last week!
So, that is what we have been up to lately. Anything new with you?
In related news, we have officially started "school" in my house. My husband really wants me to homeschool, so I am testing the waters this year with preschool. If we like it, we'll probably continue to homeschool. If we don't, then Porgie will head off to Kindergarten next year. I came up with some lesson ideas last week, and the kids really liked it! We learned about the sun and the moon. We did letter A activities. We learned about top, middle, and bottom. We did calendar time and sang some new songs. And to my surprise and delight, we all had a really good time. Porgie begs me to do "school" as soon as she wakes up in the morning. This week we are going to learn about the planet Earth. We will study the letter B. We are going to learn about over, under/above, below. We also have some lacing and cutting activities planned. I hope this week goes as smoothly as last week!
So, that is what we have been up to lately. Anything new with you?
Friday, September 10, 2010
Ballet 2010
Yesterday Porgie started her level 2 ballet/tap class. She was very excited about starting a new class and making new friends.
However, she was even more excited about getting to try out her new tap shoes in the dance studio. Since she needed to bring both her ballet and tap shoes to class, we put her tap shoes in her backpack...
My baby girl is getting so darn BIG!
And she is beyond adorable:)
However, she was even more excited about getting to try out her new tap shoes in the dance studio. Since she needed to bring both her ballet and tap shoes to class, we put her tap shoes in her backpack...
My baby girl is getting so darn BIG!
And she is beyond adorable:)
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Philly area residents
You’re invited to a free Blogger’s Day at Please Touch Museum!
Wednesday, September 22, at 10 a.m.
Bring the kids and join us for Mom (and Dad) Bloggers Day at Please Touch Museum! You’re invited to sample the museum’s fall schedule of parent-child workshops, titled You & Me Playdates, offering parents and children an opportunity to join together to create music, art, puppetry and creative play in joyful sessions facilitated by museum educators.
After the playdates, you are invited to explore all of Please Touch Museum’s exhibits, catch a ride on the century-old Dentzel Carousel, and learn about all of the fun planned for fall!
This event may fill up, so RSVP by Friday, Sept. 17 to dmccunney@pleasetouchmuseum.
Please share this invitation with other bloggers in your network. For more information about Please Touch Museum visit http://www.pleasetouchmuseum.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Baked Goods
This week I baked vegan chocolate mocha muffins for my husband's breakfast...
These are John's favorite muffins, so I bake them frequently. They are tasty, and you should definitely try them.
My daughter kept asking me to bake her some chocolate chip cookies, so I finally relented...
These are also vegan. They are, without a doubt, the best chocolate chip cookies EVER. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the recipe online. Sorry friends.
These are John's favorite muffins, so I bake them frequently. They are tasty, and you should definitely try them.My daughter kept asking me to bake her some chocolate chip cookies, so I finally relented...
These are also vegan. They are, without a doubt, the best chocolate chip cookies EVER. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the recipe online. Sorry friends.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sick, but entertained
We are sick. Well, I am not really sick, but my kids are. Remember when I was whining about feeling depleted last week? Well, I guess that was my version of this particular cold, because I am feeling all better now. But my kids? They have runny noses, sore throats, and coughs. Izzy has even vomited a few times. Not good friends. Not good.
In other news, I have been busy being crafty again. This time I made some file folder games for the kids to play...
Since we are going to be confined to the house for the next few days, these little games will certainly come in handy. Here is a website with lots of file folder games. I printed the games in color, glued them to cardstock (I would have printed them on white cardstock, but I only have colored paper), and them cut them out. Easy, cheap, and fun activities for the kiddos.
In other news, I have been busy being crafty again. This time I made some file folder games for the kids to play...
Since we are going to be confined to the house for the next few days, these little games will certainly come in handy. Here is a website with lots of file folder games. I printed the games in color, glued them to cardstock (I would have printed them on white cardstock, but I only have colored paper), and them cut them out. Easy, cheap, and fun activities for the kiddos.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Go fly a kite
Thanks to Hurricane Earl, we had some pretty strong winds yesterday. I promised the kids that we would go fly our kites. They were super excited. But then life got in the way. I need to clean the house, run some errands, go grocery shopping, etc. By the time we finally got around to flying our kites, the wind had mostly died down. I suck.
Fortunately the kids didn't seem to mind...
Fortunately the kids didn't seem to mind...
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Life
The budget is super tight for the next two weeks. I wasn't expecting to have a HUGE vet bill last month, and I really didn't want to dip into savings, so we are trying to make up the difference by not spending money on anything frivolous until John's next pay period. Gah. It really sucks knowing that despite the fact that he JUST got paid, we have absolutely no money until mid-month.
__________
Porgie starts her ballet lessons next weeks. I am excited to get back into the swing of things. This summer seems like it has dragged on FOREVER. I know that most people lament the passing of summer, but I am ready for the Fall. I am ready for temperatures below 95 degrees. I am ready for sweaters and jeans. I am ready to hear the rustling of leaves in the wind. I am ready for a change.
__________
I have been feeling like crap lately. I have been getting bad headaches, and I have no energy. I think I need to start taking a multi-vitamin or something. I feel so depleted.
__________
My grandmother's birthday just passed. I wrote a lengthy post about her life, but then I ended up deleting it. Her story is not mine to tell - especially on the internet. My grandmother is such a strong woman. She has experienced more heartache than I can even bear to think about. But despite her trials, she still manages to be the loveliest, sweetest, and most optimistic person I know.
__________
Porgie starts her ballet lessons next weeks. I am excited to get back into the swing of things. This summer seems like it has dragged on FOREVER. I know that most people lament the passing of summer, but I am ready for the Fall. I am ready for temperatures below 95 degrees. I am ready for sweaters and jeans. I am ready to hear the rustling of leaves in the wind. I am ready for a change.
__________
I have been feeling like crap lately. I have been getting bad headaches, and I have no energy. I think I need to start taking a multi-vitamin or something. I feel so depleted.
__________
My grandmother's birthday just passed. I wrote a lengthy post about her life, but then I ended up deleting it. Her story is not mine to tell - especially on the internet. My grandmother is such a strong woman. She has experienced more heartache than I can even bear to think about. But despite her trials, she still manages to be the loveliest, sweetest, and most optimistic person I know.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
My little man
I don't like to talk about this much, but sometimes I worry about my son. He stutters a lot. He pauses inappropriately during sentences, making conversations difficult to follow. His pronunciation is off, and it is difficult to understand him. I know that everyone is different, so I try to take it all in stride. But I still worry.
The hardest part is not comparing him to Porgie. She has no speech problems, and she talks a mile a minute. But I know that he has other skills that she lacks. Izzy is VERY physical. He can do all kinds of stuff that Porgie struggles with. For example, he can buckle himself into his carseat! He is only two, how does he know how to do that? He can dress himself, and he even knows how to button up his own shirts/pants. Why am I still buttoning Porgie's clothes? He potty trained himself. I would like to take credit, but he honestly just started doing it all by himself. Basically, my little boy is physically active. He is a mover and a shaker! If there is a physical skill to be conquered, he will work on it continuously until he has mastered it.
Although I know that he is ahead of the game in lots of little ways, his speech always worries me. And his complete lack of interest in all things academic worries me too. He is much too busy to sing the ABC song. And besides, those 26 letters are so boring. Numbers? Why bother learning to count to 10, when you can just label EVERYTHING as the number two?
I don't really know where I am going with this post. I just worry about my little buddy sometimes. But then I remind myself that he is only 2, and that my children are not carbon copies of one another. They are different people, with different personalities, different strengths, different weaknesses. He will get there eventually, and I will be there cheering him on every step of the way.
The hardest part is not comparing him to Porgie. She has no speech problems, and she talks a mile a minute. But I know that he has other skills that she lacks. Izzy is VERY physical. He can do all kinds of stuff that Porgie struggles with. For example, he can buckle himself into his carseat! He is only two, how does he know how to do that? He can dress himself, and he even knows how to button up his own shirts/pants. Why am I still buttoning Porgie's clothes? He potty trained himself. I would like to take credit, but he honestly just started doing it all by himself. Basically, my little boy is physically active. He is a mover and a shaker! If there is a physical skill to be conquered, he will work on it continuously until he has mastered it.
Although I know that he is ahead of the game in lots of little ways, his speech always worries me. And his complete lack of interest in all things academic worries me too. He is much too busy to sing the ABC song. And besides, those 26 letters are so boring. Numbers? Why bother learning to count to 10, when you can just label EVERYTHING as the number two?
I don't really know where I am going with this post. I just worry about my little buddy sometimes. But then I remind myself that he is only 2, and that my children are not carbon copies of one another. They are different people, with different personalities, different strengths, different weaknesses. He will get there eventually, and I will be there cheering him on every step of the way.
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