Breakfast is Served

Today our sweet Benjamin woke up, dressed himself, and served breakfast for the two big kids. They had a delightful breakfast of milk over cereal without a single grouchy word. I was pleasantly surprised when I went downstairs to get breakfast started and found my kiddos had already eaten breakfast. No messes occurred and Benjamin was all ready for school so we went out and played in the snow.

Mommy and Me Dates

I have found I really enjoy having individual time with my children. Especially when it is just two of us, me and one child, going somewhere. It doesn't matter if it is the park, a grocery store, shoe store, a walk, the libray, the post office, or a museum. I really like spending one on one time being silly and talking with my children and learning about their perspective on the world around them. I'm pretty sure they each enjoy it too because my children listen and communicate better when they aren't trying to compete with their siblings for attention. When I have the opportunity to spend time like this with my kids I am reminded of how beautiful the world is and the joys that come from being a full time mom. I need these reminders every now and then to remind me the day to day chaos is worth it and not an absolute constant. Thank you, Michael, for letting me have one on one time with our children by taking care of the other two. Love you!

Immitating Lady and the Tramp

We watched "Lady and the Tramp" on Friday and made doughnuts on Sunday. Bekah asked if we could eat our doughnuts with hot chocolate like Lady and so we had hot chocolate and doughnuts for breakfast today.

Brotherly Love

Ryan has reached a very interactive stage where he loves attention and smiles from others. He has already began to idolize his older brother. Ryan loves it when Benjamin talks to him or makes funny sounds. He just smiles and laughs. Benjamin loves it when he can make others feel special and he will sit and smile and talk with the baby as long as Ryan is smiling and interacting with him. We love to watch the precious interactions between our boys.

I Want to Be Like You

Bekah is going through a stage where she wants to do everything that Mom, Dad, and Benjamin are doing. Sometimes it is cute, sometimes it can be frustrating. On Monday, Benjamin was dressing up for his Valentine's party at school and Bekah wanted to do it too. So they each found belts, swords, and pirate gear. Then they dueled until it was time for Benjamin to go to school.

Sidewalk Chalk

Michael and I were browsing through some old pictures tonight and I came across this one from when we moved into our house in 2008. Not only are these two cuter now than they were in this picture, I realized that the sidewalk chalk in this picture was finished off in October. A nice three dollar investment to last for three whole summers and two springs. Yep, that's going back on the shopping list for this year so we can have three more years of artistic fun on our driveway.

The World from My Perspective

I find myself often thinking, "Don't they understand what I mean?" or "Don't you know me better than that?" at people I don't even know. Not in a complaining sort of way, like they are out to get me, but more like "Don't you know that I am a mother of three small children and that is why I look so flustered?" or "Don't you know that I'm mostly deaf in one ear and I can't hear you when you whisper or talk on my right side?" And ever time I stop to think about what I am "saying," I laugh and remind myself that the person might be thinking the same thing about me from their personal perspective.

I think we spend a lot of time measuring others by our own standards and perceptions without remembering their experiences are different from our own. I know when I put my measuring stick away and try to get to know the other person from their perspective I develop relationships I wouldn't otherwise consider. I also develop a better understanding of why they see the world the way they do.

There are a few people whose world perspective I have a hard time understanding because of communication barriers and their stage of development. My children are at such a different point in their world experience than I am that I often find it hard to understand what they are trying to communicate and what they understand. I find myself stopping and staring at them as I try to understand what they meant and why they said that. It makes every day a challenge, but it gives me something to work on. I can't quite remember what the world was like when I was three or five or younger. To me, I have always been me with the same challenges, personality, and desires. I often forget about the growing process and how even though two people can have the same experience they each can come away with a totally different perspective. I guess one could say, it's all relative.

To Playgroup, Or Not to Playgroup

Since the beginning of the school year we have been trying to make it to our neighborhood playgroup every week and it was great for awhile. The last few weeks have involved a lot of fighting and frustration to try to go to playgroup which usually ends up with me in my pajamas or being 30 minutes late for a 60 minute group. And I'm so agitated by the time we get there, I don't really enjoy going anymore.

Yesterday was the last straw. I got up early to make sure I had enough time to be ready to go. It took me three hours to get Bekah to cooperate in the simple tasks of bathing, eating, and dressing herself, Ryan, and myself. Then we had to drive 20 minutes to get to this week's outing. I was so frustrated and upset when I arrived all I could do was sit by myself trying not to cry, which I did not succeed at doing the whole time. Bekah, however, had a blast.

Which brings me to the question: Do I continue to try to go to playgroup? Or do I just stop going because of all the challenges involved in trying to get Bekah to cooperate to leave (pajamas having no sway in this matter)?

Mountains of Laundry

Since the baby was born we have started having mountains of laundry every week. Up to eight to twelve loads from four to six. I can't totally blame this change totally on the baby. Yes, we have more laundry that consists of blankets, spit rags, and an extra person's tiny clothes, but we just seem to be having a lot of laundry to do. To try to even out and simplify this huge task I have made two big changes. The first change is to do laundry twice a week. I hate doing laundry more than once a week, but it just isn't feasible anymore so I do three or four loads every third or fourth day. The second change is to purchase individual baskets for each family member.

When I had other friends talk about doing this I thought it was obnoxious and unnecessary. Now, I am grateful for the idea because instead of having piles of folded laundry all over my family room that then have to be carried upstairs one pile at a time, I fold all of the laundry belonging to one person and put it in the basket to be transported upstairs all at once. For example, Benjamin's basket contains all of Benjamin's clothes and/or blankets. When all of his clothes are folded or the basket is full he takes the basket upstairs and puts all of his clothes away. It takes about the same time to sort the folded clothes into drawers as it would to carry the individual piles up the stairs one at a time. The other nice thing about individual baskets is if I don't get the laundry put away I only have to look through one large basket for one person instead of going through everyone's clothes to find something for say, Ryan. Just a couple of minor changes, but they have helped reduce our mountain of laundry to rolling hills that are much easier to conquer.

I Prefer Small Crowds

What an oxymoron! But, so true. I do not mind "crowds" that include two or three other couples and their children, but when it gets to be more than three or four couples total I have a hard time dealing with it. With that many people it is hard to have a conversation that includes everyone, feel like you actually were able to visit with someone in between taking care of children, or even hear in my particular case. Maybe it is because I wore a hearing aid for so many years that I pick up on the vibrations of the noise level more acutely with more people. Maybe it is because my right ear is 90 or so % deaf and more people make it harder to hear and concentrate on what is being said. Maybe it is because I like to feel connected to the people I am spending time with rather than just an extra body taking up space. For one reason or another, I really to prefer small "crowds" not massive groups where every member of the living generation of family has to come or parties where five to ten (or more) couples and their children are present. That's just me and it has become an interesting challenge with our growing circle of friends and family.

Snuggly Bear

Ryan is Mommy's little snuggly bear. He loves to be held, played with, fed, talked to, and held (did I mention this already?). Lately, his favorite way to go to sleep if for Mommy to wrap him up in a snug blanket, burrito style, tucked against my chest, and held firmly in my arms. Most of the time it will only take him a matter of minutes to go to sleep this way. Once or twice a day he might go to sleep in his bed, but he prefers Mom to put him to sleep.

Last night was an extra snuggly night. Ryan received his four month shots yesterday and so he was not as comfortable as most nights. He woke up twice last night and just wanted to be held, not fed. The first time, I held him while Michael and I finished our "Valentine's" movie and then put him back in his own bed. The second time it was a lot later and I just tucked him in next to me and went back to sleep for the rest of the night. I am so glad that I can provide such comfort to our little baby and that he loves me so much. I am also extremely grateful that he lets me sleep and hold him at the same time when he needs snuggles in the middle of the night. He, like all of my children, is too precious for words and I love to snuggle and love him.

Tamara is NOT a Picky Eater

My friend, Tamara, posted the following menu items to contest she is not a picky eater. I would have to agree, especially since I like many of the same menu items. I loved her post so much that I asker her permission to copy it. With her persmission I post it here with one small change at the end. :D

Tamara: "I've always been told I"m a picky eater. I didn't like odd textures or flavors as a kid. I swear I lived off peanut butter and honey. But as an adult I'm much less picky... "

"Indian. mmmmm....yummy."

"Italian is always delicious!"

"And I loooove Mexican. :)"

"Chinese is good, when I'm in the mood and it's got some hot kung fu kick..."

"And Korean, every so often."

"I've never tried Puerto Rican, but it sure looks scrumptious!"

"But American is my favorite. I eat it every day. :D Soooooooo delicious!"

(pictured changed to reflect my personal preference)

T: "See how much more diverse I've become? Now please, don't call me picky again. ;)~"

I have to say American is my favorite, too! Thanks for the laugh and letting me repost it so I can remember to smile.

Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's from Grandparents delivered to Grandchildren - check

Presents from Mom and Dad given to children - check

Benjamin sent to school with class valentine's, napkins, and costume for party - check

Bekah dressed up because Benjamin is dressed up - check

Ryan taken to the doctor for check up and immunizations (26 inches & 14 lbs) - check

Picked up Benjamin from school to go to the park for lunch (yes, it is that warm today) - check

Picked up take out from one of our favorite restaurants for said lunch with Dad - check

Answered the door several times to Bekah's friends bringing her valentines - check

Naps - starting now

Cooking Rosemary Chicken for dinner - we'll look into that about 4 this afternoon

Making and decorating cookies - later during Family Home Evening (FHE)

Addressing and mailing Valentine's to family - also later, during FHE

Corn Chowder

I am a recipe kind of person. I like to know exact measurements and exact times. Because of this need, I did not learn to cook much of anything until after I married Michael. I have learned to adapt and combine recipes as well as come up with things on my own. Now, I have a few recipes I keep in my head that I have trouble writing down because the recipes are not exact. My recipe for corn chowder is one of the recipes I have stored in my head rather than my recipe box. I will attempt to share it below.

Corn (and Potato) Chowder

1/4 c cooked ham or bacon (crumbled)
1 tsp margarine (if needed to add moisture to the meat)
cornstarch (as needed)
1 (10 3/4 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (14 oz) can evaporated milk
2 (15 oz) cans kernel corn, undrained
3 to 6 c chopped and boiled potatoes*
1/2 to 1 c sour cream (optional)
basil to taste*
black pepper to taste*
garlic powder to taste*
chopped or dehydrated onions to taste*
salt (optional)*
milk (optional)*

Brown (cook) ham or bacon. Add margarine or butter if needed to moisten meat. Add enough cornstarch to absorb moisture. Slowly add evaporated milk to create sauce base. Add seasonings (basil, black pepper, garlic, onions, salt), sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, liquid from canned corn, and milk as needed to make the sauce rich and creamy. It is best to add the liquids a little at a time and allow the sauce to thicken before adding more. Add more spices as necessary. When the desired amount of sauce is thick and creamy, add canned corn and heat thoroughly. Add potatoes and serve immediately or pour into a crockpot and leave on warm for up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

*For a larger batch increase potatoes, milk, and spices. For a smaller batch, use less potatoes, milk, and spices.

I really enjoy this creamy soup and my kids (5 and 3) do too. I hope it turns out for you as yummy as it turns out for us. Enjoy!

Three Little Fishies

Today we took our children swimming and discovered we not only have two little fishies, we have three. Ryan enjoyed his first time at the pool after he got over the extra commotion from a lot of people swimming today. Two hours later we had an exhausted baby and decided it was time to go. Benjamin has become such a good swimmer that he went down the two story slide all by himself three times. Bekah was brave enough to try floating on her back in her life vest. We had a lot of fun going swimming as a family. Thank you, Dad, for taking us and playing with us at the pool.

Please Read and Follow the Instructions

Today Michael and I went to the gym to use the track with the two youngest kiddos. The instructions for using the track are clearly posted by both entrances. Each lane has a different designation in order to be most beneficial to all track users. Lane 1: Walking/Strollers, Lane 2: Walking, Lane 3: Jogging/Running, Lane 4: Running/Circuit Training; and at the bottom of these designations it says "Pass on the outside." Seems pretty clear cut to me, but I've come to the conclusion that some people don't know how to read or follow instructions. We encountered quite a few "traffic jams" because slow walkers were not using the slow lane(s) or because walkers were walking in the jogging/running lanes. Runners either had to stop running or weave in and out of walkers to try to pass. It looked quite frustrating. Do the inconsiderate ones not know how to read? Or is it that hard to follow the instructions and be courteous to others? I guess it just makes me more conscious about how I am treating others and if I am trying to be courteous to and thoughtful of those around me. Or, maybe I'm just too much of a stickler about obeying the rules and following instructions.

Homework Books

Benjamin is becoming an awesome reader. Every weekday we get a new book for him to read. Most of the books Benjamin brings home he reads all on his own. His teacher says he is where he needs to be at the end of the year right now. It is so much fun to have him read to me every day. I greatly appreciate this program that helps him become fluent in using the words he is learning in his Kindergarten class.

"Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert

I recently finished reading "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. She presented some interesting ideas on spirituality, healing, and moving forward after a devastating trial. While I do not agree with a lot of the things she said or did, it was interesting to read about someone's desire to improve herself and take a fresh view on life. I look forward to watching the move with our book club and comparing the differences between the movie and the book. The two things I I found most interesting, and very important, are that she realized she need a spiritual leader (a Guru for her) for her to follow and direct her journey and she had to rely and recieve help from others to help her clarify some of her patterns of thinking in order to overcome some of her challenges. An engaging read. Not a book I would own, but an engaging read I would recommend to someone who wants to learn about a spiritual journey if you can handle some crass language.

Packages in the Mail

I love to get packages in the mail. It doesn't matter to me whether it is something I ordered or something someone else sent to me, I am delighted to recieve packages. However, I find it rather expensive to pay for shipping when ordering some things online. I try to find places that offer free shipping or really cheap shipping. My favorite online store lately is thriftbooks.com. Shipping is included in the cheap prices. I love their website because I can buy used, hardcover books for less than $10 that are in excellent condition. For example, I just bought the entire Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer, in hardcover, for less $20. That means I purchased 4 hardcover books and had them shipped to me for less than the price of one book from the store, and I received packages in the mail! Next time I feel like getting a package in the mail I can order a book for around $5 and receive a package within two weeks.

The Power of Pink

Bekah eating pink cookies with her milk in a pink bowl.

Our pink chocolate chip cookies surrounded by leftover sprinkles from our pink frosted cookies.

We have a little pink monster at our house. Her name is Bekah. Why is she a pink monster? Because she insists that everything be pink, as much as possible or feasible and when she cannot get something pink we usually endure a meltdown or temper tantrum of some kind. That, and when she gets all of her snow gear on she looks like a moving mountain of pink in her pink coat, pink boots, pink gloves, and pink snowsuit.

Can you guess which holiday would be her current favorite? That's right, Valentine's day which is being heavily advertised in every store we go into. Her favorite things to ask for are the sugar cookies decorated with pink frosting and sprinkles. After weeks of asking and begging for pink frosted cookies we finally made some at home but they were eaten so fast that I didn't quite get a chance to take pictures of them. Then yesterday I made chocolate chip cookies and I had the request for pink ones so I added some food coloring to the mix and made them pink. I will be glad when Valentine's is over and everything starts turning green so I won't be so overwhelmed with pink.

I love the color pink in its variety of hues, shades, and tints. I just prefer it in small doses or as an accent to other colors. Bekah is a bold pink person, she likes pink everywhere. Not because we have forced it on her, she has a variety of clothes, books, and toys that are not pink, but because she loves the color and since we let our children make choices whenever possible she almost always chooses pink when it comes to color choices. It also helps that a large portion of girls clothing come in pink or with pink accents.

The other pink thing we have found is a series of books by Victoria Kann about a girl who's favorite color is pink. Her books are titled Pinkalicious, Purplicious, and Goldilicious among others. We have two of the three and when Benjamin's school has a book fair these are the books she has picked out.

We love our little girl and her passion for pink!