This Mom's New Foot Forward

The last few weeks have been a HUGE (yes, I really do mean the emphasis on that word) eye opener for me. Right after the 4th of July I came down with something that knocked me down so hard I thought it may be hospital time. Stupidly, as I was sick - and in pain- I kept trying to get up and do homework, clean, or do anything else that I knew was on my growing "to-do" list. Shockingly, every time I tried to do something I ended up even worse off than I had been a few hours earlier.

What is the point of sharing this with all of you? Well, after I slowly accepted that sleeping/wasting away on the couch was what was required, I had a lot of time to think. While thinking, I made some decisions. The biggest one was that school, though a large priority, was not something that I need to power through. After accepting that, and taking some new medication, I started feeling better in less than 24 hours. My second decision was that some job changes may be in order. While I am blessed beyond measure to have a job, and one that will help me further my career, it stresses me out to work so far from home, having opposite breaks from my kids, and certain situations that make it a stomach ache daily. So the resume has been dusted off, and job hunting has commenced.

The day after all of these decisions I celebrated my feeling well by laying on the trampoline with a friend and talking over the changes I've decided to make. That was immediately followed by an hour of jumping on the trampoline with my kids. The looks on their faces was absolutely priceless, along with the laughing about "mommy jumping" as well.

I guess what I am trying to get at is what my Grandmother summed up so well after I told her the news that I will not be finishing school early. She basically said "well, you're only one person after all. You can let go of the pride and be that one person". And you know what, she's right. We are all only one person. And, whether we like to admit it or not, we do not have to be as swamped as most of us have let our lives become.

Priorities are expected and needed. The thing about them, though, is that they are easily adjusted. What was important, say, six months ago may not be as important now. Just as what is needed to be focused on now might not further on down the road. If we don't stop and evaluate those things every so often, we get run down, over worked, stressed out, and can also develop the martyr syndrome.

Let me also say that I am all for being busy, I will probably always have things going on in my life. I also have become aware, though, that it is okay to accept graduating six months later in order to stay healthy. It is okay to not have a completely spotless house and instead take an hour a day to work out to improve my over all well being. It is also okay to tell the church I will teach on Sundays but not as much as before because I need that recharge time, and time to not snap at my children because I am worried how the other parents at the church will perceive me.

This may sound like my post about saying no, but it's really not. Instead, it's my way of saying to choose and switch things out as they're needed. Oh, and by the way, it's also okay to have time just staring at the TV if it's needed to mentally work things out and just shut the brain off.

Lastly, I am horrible at this, but I learned that I have to carve out more time to laugh with my kids, and have in depth conversations about nonsense. I always believed that my being busy was for their well being, that I'd end up making more money, and provide a more secure life for them. Or that my stress level meant I deserved taking extra time for me in order to not react to them. Or that if I did do the mommy snap on them, that it was understandable (some times it is) because "all mom's do it" and "I'm really stressed right now". All of that may make sense, and be completely true, but it doesn't take away from my kids growing up, and growing up fast. Part of my priorities was realizing that I'd rather my kids have memories of us being silly together, and completely poor, than having extra things with a scatter brained mom who yelled a lot.

I can't promise I won't yell anymore, or become stressed (I am the queen of it, after all), I am, after all, a work in progress by God who reminds me with twinges of guilt whenever those things happen. What I can say is that I will no longer have an excuse because each choice I make has led me to whatever action, or reaction, I choose to have. So, I'm choosing to be a less busy mom who can set aside her pride and graduate December 2015 instead of March 2015, who's house may look sometimes like a bomb went off inside it, and who does not have the current "ideal" job, but I will be the mom who has more time to read books to her kids, listen to their decisions on pretending to be vampires, sleep in tents in the backyard, actually comprehend the homework I'm doing instead of just cranking work out to complete and move on, and possibly have a job I like a bit less but that gets me home much sooner.

If I can make these choices, so can you. What will your new priorities be to make your life less draining and scary?

Silly times in the tent

Vampire fangs ha ha!

Summer Fun - Homemade Ice Cream

Last summer, my kids and I had fun trying different science experiments every Saturday - the one that was the most fun was making our own ice cream. I know, I know, ice cream is not what comes to mind when many people think of experiments, but if you think about it cooking and baking go hand in hand with science.

 Growing up, my parents owned an ice cream maker which was wonderful and quite the experience. I am in no way saying that the method I am about to share is a replacement to the creamy, deliciousness of a professional ice cream maker. That being said, this is something where my kids can see the process of liquid turning to solid and also get some exercise in at the same time. Plus, who doesn't love eating what they themselves have made? In doing things this way, each child is responsible for their own serving, and are able to add in their own flavors and mixings.

You will need:

1 pint sized zip lock bag
1 gallon sized zip lock bag
Ice cubes (enough to fill the larger bag to the halfway point)
1/2 cup of rock salt (any salt will do, but rock salt is the best and is fairly reasonable in price)
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 cup half and half
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
Any extras that you would like to mix in (candy, chocolate chips, cookie dough, etc)

*please keep in mind, this list is just for one serving. You will need to have this amount per bag of ice cream!

In the pint sized zip lock bag, place the sugar, half and half, and vanilla together. Make certain this bag is now sealed very tightly (if not, it will become a leaky mess!).

Then, place the ice cubes and salt inside the gallon sized zip lock bag, and also put in the ingredient bag. Seal well, and shake for a minimum of five minutes. Make certain to check from time to time to see if the ice cream is at your desired consistency - if you prefer it on the firmer side then it will take longer than the 5 minutes of shaking.

Once the ice cream is done, remove the bag and stir in any of the candies and what not that you would like.

My daughter having a blast shaking away

Summer Reading the Painless Way

One of the best children's books ever written!

The summer months are upon us, which should mean days filled with sunshine, laughter, sprinklers, and playing outside. It also means a break from school, which can lead to a loss of learning by the time August/September comes around.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am the first person to line up and say kids should be kids. Let them be free to develop their imaginations, and play before adult hood hits. As a teacher-in-training, though, I also feel bound to keeping my children from the summer slide which inevitably will leave them with questions and confusion the first few weeks of school.

In my house, we have found a solution with an earning system: 20 minutes of reading a day earns them technology time, as that is what they view as a treat. 20 simple minutes is enough to keep their brains wired for learning, not forget the word patterns their teachers mercilessly drilled into their heads, and as an added bonus it will also open their worlds up to an even bigger land of imagination.

It's such an easy thing to do, head to the local library and check out some cool, new books (I personally recommend Molly Lou Melon, she's the best!), quickly review the book before your child starts, then set the timer and be prepared to as them for a minute recap when they're done to assure they actually read the book instead of staring blankly at the pages. Work together to come up with a free reward that can be earned with reading, maybe it's daily, or maybe 5 days in a row earns them staying up an hour past bedtime. It's a way to be creative, yet easily achieve greatness!



What about you, what are some of your summer tips to keep your little ones mentally active?

And the Word of the Day Is...

Let me say that I firmly believe in helping out when possible. Communities thrive when people pitch in and volunteer, churches become stronger, and families are saved from loads of stress when a few hours of time are given to them. This, in fact, is something that I have tried to instill in my children: Time is a gift, and is important to give others.  I feel so strongly about this that I volunteer at our church, and can be found teaching Sunday school, assisting other Sunday school teachers, helping out with the Christmas musical, help out at the annual sports camp, and babysit when needed - to me, children learn by seeing almost more than hearing and I intend that they see me practicing what I preach.

In saying all of this, I have become very aware recently that I need to teach myself, and my kids, that saying no is important as well. To be a successful busy mom means that I know how to look at everything I have selected in my life, and divide my time out to things I value, things with a high return for my family, and things I am able to rejuvenate myself from. Not only that, but I need to remember that God did not give me a cape and label me "Super-Mom", I will not wreck the world if I choose to limit my "yes"es.

Recently, I have become tired in just thinking about all I have to do every day. Deadlines loom in my mind, dreams have flooded my nights about the things that are waiting for me. Irritability is the mommy crown I wear daily (as proof, my daughter told me the other day "it's okay you're grouchy, mommy, some moms are like that when they're really busy"). On top of it all, it feels like I am getting requests daily for more pieces of myself. Pieces that would be simple to give if I had more available. As I released about all of this to two friends, I was told to just say no. How simple is that? One word with two letters, and no apologies attached. A guilt free, powerful (but small) statement to start throwing the mental stress off a cliff.

So, for any of you mom's out there that may feel like you're drowning, don't let your mouth say the opposite of your mind. As more comes to you that is not a necessity, declare, without guilt, that no you will not be taking part in whatever it is that will take precious, sanity saving, moments away from you. Repeat after me "no", and end it there.

photo credit to www.chicagonow.com

With any of you reading this that know me personally, yes this means that I am off the table for any extra anything for the next two months. Any favor or volunteer requests may be submitted to me September first, until then the answer is "no" with no apologies :)

The Season of Being Content

Photo credit to www.bloggingpro.com

2013 was a very fulfilling year for me in almost all aspects. Were there down moments? Of course, life wouldn't be complete without them, but the majority of the time was filled with growth and happiness.

I cannot say the same for this current year. Though only a few weeks in, the whole dynamic of work and home life has shifted drastically. What was harmonious no longer is, what seemed simple and second nature is now full of second guessing. Needless to say, I have NOT been a happy camper! And, I'm pretty certain, everyone knows it.

I have been internally stewing over the causes, and with all the stewing, and praying, I've been doing I am certain that I am not misplacing blame; however, I am starting to question the benefits of being in a blame filled state. You see, blame leads to irritation, which leads to anger, and then moves on to resentment. No matter how valid the initial points are/were these emotions are not how God would have us walking around on earth. Religious or not, I am assuming everyone is on the same page about not walking around with loads of negative baggage hanging around our shoulders. It's bad, it's icky, it keeps others from seeing the glories of God, it keeps self and others from seeing the positive. As I was praying before bed last night, something happened that caused me to realize that all that's really needed is contentment. I may not like how hard a new curriculum at work is, but I can be content in the fact that I have work. I may be irritated with my husband playing games and hanging out with friends, but I can be content with the life we have created with one another. I may be stressed to the max with school, but I can be content in knowing that in a short year I will be able to provide for my family twice as well as I am able to right now. And, lastly, I may be frustrated with certain friend situations, but I can be content that I have found out who will be in my inner circle and support me and my family through anything.

In other words, 2014 may not be as grand as last year, but I choose contentment for now, instead of dwelling on everything I wish I had, and wish could be.

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need." - Philippians 4:11-12

Kiddo Corner: American Girl Kiflis

Decked out in Grandma's work apron

My daughter was a lucky recipient of a Rebecca American Girl Doll this last Christmas.She received the doll from my parents, and they are doing their best to foster culture and history from the doll for her. The other day, my mom asked if she could see some of the foods that were mentioned in Rebecca. From the books we had, the list was fairly short, so we decided to Google and see what else we could come up with. A yummy link showed us Kiflis, and the recipe was directly from the American Girl magazine. Not only that, but this is something that someone of Eastern European Jewish decent would have eaten (just like Rebecca).

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup cream cheese
• pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 2 cups flour
• jam (we used raspberry)

Cream in together the butter, cream cheese, and sour cream. Then, add the flour and salt, at this point it is best to mix everything together by hand. The dough will be crumbly (like a biscuit dough), but do not worry. Simply remove from the bowl, and place on a lightly floured surface and knead. Once the dough is smooth, chill in the refrigerator for three hours. 

Once the dough has chilled, roll out on a lightly floured surface until approximately 1/8" thick. Now, cut the dough into squares that are about three inches. Place the squares on a cookie sheet (do not grease it), and spread jam diagonally across the square. Then fold two corners together, like a crescent, and bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees (word of warning, some times these come unrolled from the heat in the oven). If a more sweet taste is desired, dust with powdered sugar after they have cooled off.

Just before baking

Finished baking!

 She had an absolute blast making these with Grandma. Not only was it a learning experience, but she was able to bond with us and hear stories about how we learned to cook as kids. Definitely something we will be doing again, but with a different character!

Finished product!

Fit: Finally, an Exercise Room

Photo Credit to www.123rf.com

As said yesterday, I am working away at making one room in the house my workout haven. I do not like (really do not like) working out in front of other people. Even when I was thin and belonged to a gym, I hated people watching me and would prefer to zone out and just get things done.

The thought/goal is that if I have my own space to do what I need to do, privately, I will have more incentive to work out with things that aren't on our Kinect. While my Your Shape Fitness and Zumba on the Kinect are awesome, I also know it does not replace weight lifting, biking, and other activities of the sort. Not only that, but it is a waste to own these things, and let them collect dust.

Since I December I have been telling people I was going to make an exercise room with our bike, weight bench, scale, and other workout equipment we have. I finally decided it was today, or never. I got into our guest room, vacuumed, steam cleaned, had the hubby haul the bike upstairs, threw away items we don't need, and below is the end result. It's not quite done yet, we still have the guest bed in there, but for now I can workout around it. I love that the bike is facing the window so that I have a view of outside (nothing worse than biking with the view of a white wall), or can prop up our Surface and watch a show whilst burning calories and shredding inches.

 

 I have not exercised yet today, but I vote cleaning up should count for something. I will bike a few minutes this evening, after the kids go to bed, and will adjust the weights to something I can use. Once the bed is out of the way, I am going to set up a mini stretching/yoga center. Yippy!