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Holiday Time!

Last night we had our annual graham cracker house party and today and tomorrow I’m making snacks for gift baskets for my husband’s co-workers. I don’t think I’ve had a day without something going on in weeks! Starting sometime week before last we’ve had an event every single evening or afternoon. By the time my kids finish their end of year stuff, we go to our holiday parties, we throw holiday parties, plus any last minute shopping, December is the busiest month of the year.

Adding to it this year, I picked up 3 projects to start and complete in December. Now, these are for paying customers so I’m happy to do them, but my time is now totally maxed out! Every night after the kids go to bed I’m working to get as much done as possible.

Now, I’m enough of an extrovert that I LOVE all the activity! Come January when NOTHING is going on, I’m going to be bored…

Fortunately, as much as I love shopping, I really hate shopping with crowds so I had almost all my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving. There’s no Christmas Eve shopping for me. (which is good, because by the time we go to the Christmas Eve service, do our last Advent Calendar pocket, eat dinner, get the kids in bed, and set up the train set, I wouldn’t make it to the store before midnight).

However, all this stuff can make it so hard to focus on really enjoying Christmas. I’m constantly reviewing my schedule for the week, making sure that all the pieces fit. Trying to keep the house clean around all the activity. Our decorations went up the Monday after Thanksgiving so it looks like Christmas around here. I’m even playing Christmas music while I blog but I’m just not convinced that I’m ready for Christmas day. I haven’t figured out what I’m making for Christmas breakfast, I don’t know what time my Mother-in-law is planning Christmas dinner, and since I love planning I feel that I should pick out the songs we’ll sing Christmas morning before opening our presents.

My goal for next week, just relax and enjoy a few days (and of course clean the house in preparation for the ensuing onslaught of new toys and wrapping paper everywhere).

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Death

Death, such an ominous title. I remember once reading an entire chapter on death in a Charles Dickens book. I don’t remember what it said, I just remember being terribly confused about the chapter and getting to the end and realizing it was about death. I decided it was too confusing to bother trying to read again now that I knew what it was about – which is probably why I don’t remember a word of the chapter.

Charles Dickens isn’t the topic though. Actually, I was watching an episode or two of Torchwood the other day and I was struck by their approach to death. I noticed the same opinion repeated through at least 3 different episodes (I’m still working on season one so I haven’t seen that many episodes, so I find it interesting that the topic has been discussed so much already) If you’re not familiar with the show it’s a SciFi. I love SciFi. I’ve seen all the Stargates, all the original Star Trek and most of Star Trek Next Generation. I’m pretty much up to date on my Dr. Who and one of these days I’ll try the Big Bang Theory. Right now though, I’m working on Torchwood.

So, if you don’t like SciFi just stick with me here and it’ll all makes sense. In Torchwood the main character Jack can’t die (why is complicated so I won’t try to explain that). Basically, he’s going to live forever. Yet, oddly, he’s terrified of death. He died once and it terrified him. Basically, the belief in Torchwood is that after death there is nothing, just darkness, and you’re aware of this darkness, it’s terrifying and it goes on forever. In one episode one of the characters come back to life and she’s so terrified of dying again that she’ll do anything – including killing her friends – to stay alive for as long as she can.

So, what struck me as interesting was the way the characters approach life because of their belief in what happens after death. Basically, they believe nothing happens after death, yet they are somehow aware of this nothing and it’s unbearable, so you never want to die.

Contrast that to my faith in Christ and living forever with God after death. I actually have a bright outlook on death.

Your belief about death greatly impacts your approach to life.

If there’s nothing after death and it’s the worst thing of all then you live your life for yourself because this is all you get and when people die you mourn your loss AND their loss. And you do everything you can to avoid death. Jack is cursed because he has to live, he has to see all his friends die, make more friends, watch them die, etc. Yet he’s afraid to die, because death is worse than living forever. Really, who wants the pain of loosing that many friends. Living forever would be terrible!

With heaven after death I still work to achieve whatever I can in this life but I don’t do it at the expense of my soul because my soul lives on after my body dies so I have to think about the affect things I do have on those around me and what affect they have on my morality. Because when I die, I want to leave those behind me blessed by me and I want to go to heaven having lived well. Death isn’t a thing to be feared. I fear it because it’s unknown but not because it’s terrible. I want to see my children grow up, meet my grandchildren, and live a nice long life, and at the end I want to look forward to meeting my savior.

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Door to Door Salesman

So, I had this door to door salesman drop by the other day. Now, construction companies in our area must really need some new customers because this is the the 3rd salesman this week trying to sell me something for my house. I thought once we got the new gutters up they might leave us alone, but no, he wanted to know how often we get them cleaned…

Around my house, we get a lot of packages. So, when the doorbell rang, the girls answered the door, hoping for a box. It’s about 40 out and there’s one child dressed and the other is in her swimsuit (I’m still trying to convince her that this time of year, even around the house a swimsuit is a bit chilly). I hear someone ask the girls if their mommy is home. My oldest replies that I am home and that I am working on my computer. (I need to have a talk with her about offering too much information) I arrive at the door with the baby.

He starts with looking at me kind of funny and says “are you the homeowner?”. (At which point I should have said, “no, I’m the babysitter”) but I didn’t. Of course I’m the homeowner. Do I really look too young to own a house? Every single salesman asks me that. It must be on their script, but still, he could have asked the question as if he assumed I was and just wanted to verify. “yes, I’m the homeowner”.

Next question, so, how often do you clean your gutters? Me, oh, we just had them done a month ago and haven’t gotten the gutter guards up yet. He continues to survey the outside of my house, and is clearly confused by my small child in a swimsuit who keeps hopping inside and then outside the front door. I think he was trying to pick something to ask me about doing on my home. Siding and windows is about all that’s left to do outside so his choices were slim.

He next question had to be from his script…or he forgot his script because he seems nervous like he had never done this before. Really, buddy, you’re the third person this month, you’re probably not going to get a very good response in this neighborhood. “So, what times are you home?” Now, I really hate questions like this, if I was looking to rob a neighborhood, what better way than to send around a salesman and find out when people are not home. I’m sure I’m thinking much too sophisticated for any robber that would bother with the homes in my neighborhood. But you never know. My reply, “I’m in and out pretty much every day”. Yes, that was vague, but I’m definitely NOT giving my schedule to some random salesperson at my front door. And, why does he need to know my schedule?

Next question, “is there a man of the house?”, with a hopeful glance at the door, hoping that if there is the man is home and he can do his full sales pitch right then. Really, if you can’t just leave me a flyer or give me a quick quote, I’ve got 3 kids, I do not have time for an hour long demonstration. Not that the salesman had anything more than a few papers and a clipboard. I guess I nodded or he assumed there was because I didn’t get to answer before he asked “what’s his schedule, when is he home?”.

Now, at this point I’m a little irritated. I really don’t see why my husband has to be home unless you’re trying to sell me on something right this very second. Even if he was, if we wanted something done, we would get a few quotes and discuss it before making a decision. Repeat, I do not have time for a lengthy demonstration. Also, I don’t give out his schedule to complete strangers at my front door. So, I defaulted to my get rid of the annoying home repair salesman response. “Well, I have a good friend who’s a contractor and he does all my work, so I’ll give hime a call if I need anything done”

The salesman basically nodded and walked off.

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Green Mountain Coffee

Thanks to Bzzagent for some free Green Mountain Coffee! First of all, I love the taste of Green Mountain Coffee. I discovered it last year and it’s currently my favorite coffee brand.

Not only is Green Mountain Coffee delicious, it’s also fair trade. You can find out more at their website.

Basically, with fair trade coffee, the company works directly with the farmers who produce the beans. They pay them a guaranteed minimum for their beans which enables the farmers to invest in their crops, producing good coffee crops. Also, the farmers are able to make money and then use their money to support their local community. What this means for me is that Green Mountain Coffee beans are purchased right where they are grown – this must be why the coffee tastes so good!

I love that fair trade allows farmers to earn their own living and empowers them to help their own communities!

So, while I’m enjoying my tasty coffee I can think of the farmers and their communities that I’m supporting!

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I Am Thankful

It being that Thanksgiving time of year, I feel I should do a post about what I’m thankful for. Let’s go with the first 10 things I think of.

1. My husband. So, I’ll admit, it hasn’t exactly been a terrific year for him. We added a new baby and with 3 young children I’m pretty maxed out. By the time we get them all in bed for the last time it’s 10pm or later and I’m just ready for bed. He’s so sweet, longsuffering, and patient. He tries hard to understand, but you know ladies, even I don’t understand myself half the time, I don’t see how he possibly has a chance! He’s still staying with it though and I’m really hoping that with the baby getting older I’ll be a better wife this coming year (hmm…let’s add this to the list of New Years resolutions…I’ll get back to this in a month)

2. My kids. Yes, they wear me out. Like last night I just wanted a little before dinner nap but the baby was cranky for 3 hours and just wanted to be held. Really, baby, can you not play with your mobile for 15 minutes! Poor little fella, I did enjoy snuggling him and snoozing on the couch though. Of course, those time when they come up and give you a kiss, hug, or just tell you that they love you make it all worth it!

3. The Holidays. I really love this time of year. We get Thanksgiving to review what we’re thankful for. Christmas to celebrate Christ’s birth and to spend lots of time with family. And then New Year’s so we can stay up till midnight watching some random show that we’ll then decide was the worst one we’d seen all year. Mainly, this is because my husband and I cannot agree on our holiday movie selection so we watch something non-holiday related and we always wish we’d just watched one of the holiday movies. (we’ve been doing this since the first year we were married, so why switch it up now)

4. Horrible Movies. Speaking of movies, if you want to see something laughably terrible try Santa Clause Conquers the Martins (I won this at a White Elephant Party) or Soylent Green. Either one of these will leave you wondering why you even bothered and give you something to laugh about for years to come.

5. Family. As in, lots and lots of family. I can always call one of my relatives when I need help or advice. I’m so grateful for a wonderful family and wonderful in-laws.

6. Sunshine. I love sunshine, and especially this time of year I wish for more of it. I’m a summer person so I could totally do without the cold weather and I’m grateful for any warm days I can get this time of year.

7. Music. I love my music. I love playing my instrument, watching my kids learn to play, and participating in my Church Band. It’s always a place of relaxation and refreshment for me.

8. Food. I love steak, eggs, veggies, fruits, fish, chicken (but not when I’m pregnant), licorice (I love those black licorice holiday or party canisters), milk chocolate, and coconut. I’m picky about my desserts, I don’t like my ice cream to touch my cake and I do not like it when someone dips cookies in my milk. I love to cook and I love teaching my children to cook. I’m looking forward to the day when they can do more than stir the ingredients that I put in the bowl, I can’t wait to see what they come up with (I may regret this statement in a few years…I hope they’re good cooks). Food is fuel for living and something to get everyone together for a good time. It’s so much more than just eating, it’s fun!

9. Creativity. I love trying new recipes, making things for the house, decorating (but not rearranging furniture), and anything else that strikes me as fun. Life would be so boring (and probably a lot less messy) if I never got the urge to create.

10. Friendships. What would I do without my friends? I have friends who are in the same place I am, several little children, no time for themselves, but still loving life. We can cry together, laugh together, or just sympathize. They know how it is and we give each other lots of grace because we know we all need it. I have friends who are way past me with kids all grown and they fondly remember these days (one day I’ll be there). I have friends who don’t have kids and I try not to give them too much information, seriously, I don’t want to scare them too much, they may want kids one of these days…Friendships keep me balanced, in touch with the world, and their kids are friends with my kids so we’re just perpetuating this friendship trend!

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Too Busy

I was driving down the road the other day with a drink on my lap, an open barbecue packet in one hand and a hamburger in the other. And I needed to hand a napkin back to my child because she had spilled the barbecue sauce on herself (which is why I had it in my hand). My drink would’t fit in my drink holder, and I was trying to eat my hamburger. Fortunately my child had her chicken nuggets already or something probably would have been dropped on the floor.

Sometimes, I wonder if this is how I run my life. I’m heading 45 mph in heavy traffic trying to balance everything in my little world and sooner or later something is bound to fall. The tough thing is, what do I get rid of? My child likes barbecue sauce with her chicken nuggets (most of the time I think she eats more sauce than nugget), I obviously want my hamburger and a drink to wash it down. I’m smart enough to leave my fries in the bag on the seat next too me, so they’re there but I’m not dealing with them at the moment.

I’m heading through life, making sure my kids get to participate in the opportunities and events they like, maintaining the things I need to do (cleaning the house, cooking, managing our small business, etc.) and washing it down with the things I like (sewing, reading, etc.) and then keeping my dreams in a bag on the seat (I don’t have time for them right now, but I’ll make a grab towards them every time I get a hand free from my other stuff).

Sometimes I have to ask myself if this is healthy. Do I let go of what I want to fulfill the things I need to do, or do I minimize the things I need to do and pursue my dreams. And how do I encourage my children to succeed and follow their dreams? How do I help my husband with his dreams? And where’s the balance, because dropping anything makes a mess!

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Maggi So Juicy

Another free product from Bzz Agent! I always love trying the food products since I love trying different foods! Maggi So Juice chicken bags and seasonings. Basically, they’re an oven safe bag (kind of like a turkey bag, just smaller) that you place your chicken breast in and bake. The bag comes with a season packet that you sprinkle over the chicken before sealing the bag and cooking.

So easy to do, just put the chicken and seasoning in the bag, shake, seal, place on a pan and bake. All the juice and such stays in the bag so there’s really no mess afterwards either. The bag keeps the moisture in so the chicken is nice and moist and there’s some sauce created at the bottom of the bag.

I’ve tried 3 of their flavors so far and have loved all of them!

  • Italian Countryside Herb Blend
  • Savory Garlic & Tomato with a Hint of Chili
  • Mediterranean Herb Medley with Rosemary

My husband even made dinner for me one night when I had some errands to run. His specialty in the kitchen is kraft Mac & Cheese so for him to make something with raw meat is a big deal! It turned out great and he said it was pretty easy.

These were very tasty, very easy, and great to have on hand for an easy meal!

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Goals

So, now that the baby is 5 moths old I feel that I should be getting back into the swing of things. By “swing of things” I mean adding more things to my schedule. On the list of goals,

1. At least one blog post a week

2. Creating at least 12 websites a year (for paying customers)

3. Whittling down my supply of fabric (this is proving really hard to do since people keep giving me fabric)

4. Teaching my oldest child to read, sing, add, and subtract

5. Increasing my music skills

6. Scrubbing my showers

7. Mopping my floors

8. Getting a full night’s sleep

I’m not being at all unrealistic here am I? 🙂

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What is Perfect

Recently, I found this great “cooking” project idea in a magazine.

Looks delicious and not too hard. I purchased the supplies, well…most of the supplies, cleaned off the counter, and got everything ready to make these beautiful halloween snacks.

Well…about halfway through melting the chocolate the baby decided to wake up, so I finished melting the chocolate and set everything out on the counter while I got the baby.

I was gone for less than 2 minutes and when I returned the girls had chairs pulled up and were ready to get to work. I held the baby and “supervised” the work. Supervised being defined as, pouring sprinkles, instructing the girls to share the sprinkles, showing them how to keep the marshmallows on the sticks, instructing the girls to share the chocolate, pouring more sprinkles, requesting that the girls please try to keep the sprinkles on the counter or on the marshmallows, pouring more sprinkles…

And…this is the result of my terrific halloween project!

I call the first picture “melted ghost”. The marshmallow with the green sprinkles is the Frankenstein, the orange ones are pumpkins, and I guess the purple one is a bat.

My husband got home shortly after we completed our project and commented that he had been hoping that I was going to make the marshmallows…well, I had intended to make at least a couple of them…

But, it wasn’t a big deal, the girls had fun, my oldest noticed that hers didn’t look quite like the picture but it was close enough.

There are those days that all I really want is perfection. I want my house to be clean, I want the kids to always obey, I want the kids to be clean, I want to be able to find my makeup (I’d even settle for finding a hair rubberband without having to dig through one of the kid’s drawers), I want to drink my cup of coffee while it’s hot, I’d like to sit down to drink my coffee, I want to work on my projects, I want to watch my shows instead of “Leap Frog” for the thousandth time, and on and on my list goes…

I get a few days like this every now and then. Like the day my husband watched all the kids so I could do something I really wanted to do for a few hours.

But most days look like the “melted ghost”, all the right ingredients are there they’ve just been touched by little fingers.

They’ve also been loved by little fingers, enjoyed by little fingers, and we’ve created memories for the little children with the little fingers.

I could have spent a long time working on these marshmallows and shooing the kids out of the kitchen so I could get my marshmallows just right. But in the end, they would be MY marshmallows. I would take pictures, post them on instigram and show everyone my success and then they would just sit on my counter uneaten just like these marshmallows did (because come to find out, no one in my house actually likes giant marshmallows dipped in chocolate).

Instead we had a huge mess, a child who was so proud of the eyes on her ghost, and girls who giggled for an hour making these marshmallows that no one ate. But no one cared that no one ate them…it was how we made them that was important.

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My Child’s Heart

Sometimes I think that as a parent I seek out too much information on child rearing.  And so much of it is conflicting that it’s easy for me to get wrapped up in whether I’m parenting right or wrong.

First there’s the argument over whether you should let your infant cry or pick up your infant instantly. Do I nurse or bottle feed? Do I feed my infant on demand or on a schedule? How do I stop toddler temper tantrums? Is spanking my child appropriate? How about time outs, do they give my child too much time to pout? How much TV should I let my children watch? Is it ok to give them candy? How soon can I give them peanut butter? Shouldn’t my child be reading at 3? Do I tell my child “no” enough? Do I tell her “yes” enough? Am I spending enough time with them? Should I be playing instead of cleaning the kitchen? Should I be cleaning my house instead of playing? Am I too indulgent? Am I too strict?

There are hundreds of parenting books, blogs, and articles. I can also get opinions and advice from friends, family, and complete strangers. And people often disagree.

It’s so easy for me to focus on am I parenting “right”. Do my children have the right environment for learning? Do I have clear rules? Do I allow them the freedom to be creative? Am I feeding them healthy food? Am I teaching them to be polite? Do they obey me in public – yes, in public, I’m not embarrassed if they don’t obey me in private. Do we spend enough family time together?

I focus on all of this and forget to focus on what’s really important. My child’s heart. I’m focusing on what I can see and often ignoring what I can feel. Why is my child not obeying? Am I guiding her to a strong relationship with God? Am I honest when I fail? Am I teaching good behavior because it’s good or because it’s socially expected?

I’m not saying the physical things aren’t important. I take my kids to meetings and expect them to sit quietly for an hour. I don’t allow temper tantrums. My oldest takes music and dance lessons. We go to the park often. The kids help me in the kitchen. Two of my kids know their alphabet, and one is almost reading. We eat peanut butter and candy. I often play with the kids instead of clean up the house.

It’s just so easy for me to focus on these. I want to see my kids achieve. I want to see them excel. And I want to see them behave. But really, what good does this all do me if I raise a child who is well behaved, well educated, successful, and self centered.

If I teach my child that life is all about success, looking good, and getting what you want, what have I really accomplished?

I really want to teach my children to seek the Lord, serve God, glorify God, and serve others. And this, I’m discovering, is immeasurably more difficult than just teaching my children to be good.