There's nothing like the crises of life to remind me how much I value the daily grind. The "normal." The wonderfully mundane, ebb and flow, ups and downs; the good and the tough days.
I reminds me to be CONTENT. Here. Now.
This summer (sans paint job!!), that's what life became for me. I feel ... settled. Not always happy, but deeply joy-filled. Not always without worry, but generally calm. (A tad edgy and grumpy too somedays, just to keep it really real :P.) It's a lovely plateau for me and I enjoy it.
This week, I am grateful for those seemingly unremarkable things that make my day delightful.
1. Climbing into bed with freshly laundered jammies (knowing that the rest of the laundry is folded and put away is an added - albeit not exactly necessary!! - bonus :P!!).
2. Taking time to play the piano. This is something I seldom do unless I am preparing to lead music in church. I miss it. To sit and play can be discouraging, because I am no where NEAR as technically "refined" as I used to be when I was taking lessons. But a few hard shakes in life have added depth to the music that cannot be learned. It is that expression that adds dimension.
3. Enjoying my morning cup of coffee, journal and bible in hand, before any one else in the house is up. During the work week, J is now up earlier than I am, and so it's not quite the same. However, on the weekends, it is sheer delight to get up before the sun, before the peeps :), and listen and learn.
4. A bubble bath. Sheer heaven!!
5. A day that actually "unfolds" like I've planned!! I tackle the things on my list, I make time for the girlies and J :P, we fit in some ABCs and developmental learning AND the ever-awaited for afternoon nap. Most days are not like this. And that's okay. But some days are. I like those :).
6. For the first summer in a very very veerrry long time, I wore t-shirts, shorts and bare feet 99.9% of the time! KUDOS goes out to whoever brought Bermuda shorts fashionably back into style!! Bye bye short shorts!! However, now that the cooler days are back (well, in MB they never really left this year, but now our nights are accompanied by frost!!), I enjoy my slippers. On in the morning, off at bedtime; very very cozy.
7. Phone chats. Really, what's a day without any outside social contact!? I love having time in the day to visit with a friend or sister or mom :) while I tackle the mundane chores.
8. Easy reading. AKA surfing my favorite blogs and websites :). Always a nice little "coffee break" :).
9. Disciplining. Not that I ENJOY it :) - but I am GRATEFUL for it. Teaching little ones teaches me. Whether it's practicing sharing, speaking with kind words, correction for wrong-doing, learning our ABCs, or fitting in development exercises, shaping little hearts takes prayer, intentionality, rest :) and more prayer!!! And since this takes up a good chunk of my day these days :).... best to come at it with the most optimistic attitude one can muster :P.
10. People. I am so blessed by the people in my life. Friends, family, J, the girlies, Jesus. They've sustained me through crisis times and graced my life with laughter and love in good times. Love makes the world go 'round, right :)?
I am thankful for the normalcy of these days.
I cherish it as a gift.
You never know when tomorrow might be different.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Buzz buzz buzz buzz
My ears are ringing.
I think all ability to think straight has been (hopefully only temporarily!!) suspended.
Aside from nap time, I don't think Little M stopped talking all. day. long.
Really, it's generally a witty commentary, and the fact that she's requesting "It's A Great Day to Be Alive" - Travis Tritt - during our van rides is slightly hilarious. Poor J. He's not into country music a.t. a.l.l. and is not quite as amused :P.
But somehow, by the end of a day, my ears need no sound.
Simple quiet.
I recall, back in the day, when I'd arrive at home after a lively day at the office and I walk around the house completely quiet. I'd let myself in, actually say out loud (to my lovely self, who was the only one home at that time in the afternoon :P) - "Shhhhh. Everyone quiet." And I'd proceed around the house, prepping for supper, maybe squeezing in a pilates routine or a nap, as silently as possible. It was heaven :). By dinner time I was ready for conversation again.
These days there is very little quiet (unless I am up later than every one else at night. I used to think insomnia was a curse. And it surely can be. But I'm starting to see the beauty in the stillness of the night!), no energy for pilates and fairly constant companionship.
Some days, my ears ache from listening and my mouth hurts from talking so much.
But the times are pure gold and I wouldn't change them for anything.
It's a good life!!
I think all ability to think straight has been (hopefully only temporarily!!) suspended.
Aside from nap time, I don't think Little M stopped talking all. day. long.
Really, it's generally a witty commentary, and the fact that she's requesting "It's A Great Day to Be Alive" - Travis Tritt - during our van rides is slightly hilarious. Poor J. He's not into country music a.t. a.l.l. and is not quite as amused :P.
But somehow, by the end of a day, my ears need no sound.
Simple quiet.
I recall, back in the day, when I'd arrive at home after a lively day at the office and I walk around the house completely quiet. I'd let myself in, actually say out loud (to my lovely self, who was the only one home at that time in the afternoon :P) - "Shhhhh. Everyone quiet." And I'd proceed around the house, prepping for supper, maybe squeezing in a pilates routine or a nap, as silently as possible. It was heaven :). By dinner time I was ready for conversation again.
These days there is very little quiet (unless I am up later than every one else at night. I used to think insomnia was a curse. And it surely can be. But I'm starting to see the beauty in the stillness of the night!), no energy for pilates and fairly constant companionship.
Some days, my ears ache from listening and my mouth hurts from talking so much.
But the times are pure gold and I wouldn't change them for anything.
It's a good life!!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
A bit controversial: feelings on infant formula...
A little moment of truth here - I never breast-fed my babies.
For the most part, I am okay with that.a
I had to be. I had absolutely no milk to give. (Don't even ASK me how I feel about a breast pump -- shudder -- shudder --).
I'm finding, however, that often it's OTHER people who aren't okay with that! I can't tell you how many glares I got when I had to whip out a bottle. Or how my poor little sister got raked over the coals publicly because of the choice she made to bottle feed too.
There's nothing like parenting, religion and politics to bring out v.e.r.y. strong opinions in people!!
And people assumed that I wallow in guilt over the whole matter.
Guess what - I didn't!!
It was the way it was. And, even with all the post-partum emotional upheaval, I was okay with that.
Sometimes I envied people who could nurse their babes. It seemed so -- maternal (not to mention, waaaay more convenient when there are no possible means of warming up a bottle and that babe is HUNGRY!!). But it never drove me into guilt or shame.
And I didn't even resort to "name-brand formula" only. I was flexible. I had a doctor who reminded me that no-name brands are often just the same as name brands, only waaaaay less expensive! (Check the labels and make sure to compare the same types of formula.) If you're interested in this option, check out store brand formula for more details.
Is breast best? Absolutely. No doubt about it. However, if this is not an option for whatever reason (low/non-existent supply, personal choice) - I hope that guilt is not a part of the equation.
After all, I was raised on formula too, and I turned out fine. Well, nothing that I can blame on formula, anyway :P.
PS - if you ARE looking for a way to improve your milk supply, give "Blessed Thistle" and Fenugreek" (herbs, found at a health food store) a try. Chase those down with a 1/2 a dark malt beer (think Guinness) JUST AFTER a feeding (any alcohol should be out of the system by the next feeding). It works!!
PS - if you ARE looking for a way to improve your milk supply, give "Blessed Thistle" and Fenugreek" (herbs, found at a health food store) a try. Chase those down with a 1/2 a dark malt beer (think Guinness) JUST AFTER a feeding (any alcohol should be out of the system by the next feeding). It works!!
Warning flags...
I think I'm catching onto these warning flags that pop up in my life.
Takes me while. I'm a slow learner :).
This past week I noticed a high degree of irritability and fatigue. Double-checking the calendar, I realized it's been a long while (too long, apparently!) since I've been out and about for the day without the wee ones. While I do enjoy non-stop chatter, company and a wide variety of opportunities to practice patience :P, I also relish a day out. Alone.
And so, without further delay, I rounded up the childcare troops (both sets of parents are very gracious) and planned a day out.
I'm proud of myself. This time it only took me a couple of days to catch on and do something about it! Usually it takes a month!! Also, I think I secretly hope that someone will help me take care of me, make the arrangements and gift me with time away. :)
So, next week Wednesday, J's parents will come in the afternoon, and I will be out for the r.e.s.t. of the d.a.y. No rushing. Supper to myself (I'm thinking something oriental, yes I usually dream about this a week ahead!!) with a good book and possibly a journal! A day to pick up a few things that I need for this post-painting project task I'm on :P and a day to just breathe.
Because, folks, breathing is very important. If you don't have it scheduled on your calendar, stop whatever you are doing and write it in now!!!
Did I mention that I get to return after bedtime :)!?
It's taken me time and effort to recognize all sorts of warning flags in my life. Things that require attention and intentionality. But, thankfully, I am learning. The effort is worth it.
Takes me while. I'm a slow learner :).
This past week I noticed a high degree of irritability and fatigue. Double-checking the calendar, I realized it's been a long while (too long, apparently!) since I've been out and about for the day without the wee ones. While I do enjoy non-stop chatter, company and a wide variety of opportunities to practice patience :P, I also relish a day out. Alone.
And so, without further delay, I rounded up the childcare troops (both sets of parents are very gracious) and planned a day out.
I'm proud of myself. This time it only took me a couple of days to catch on and do something about it! Usually it takes a month!! Also, I think I secretly hope that someone will help me take care of me, make the arrangements and gift me with time away. :)
So, next week Wednesday, J's parents will come in the afternoon, and I will be out for the r.e.s.t. of the d.a.y. No rushing. Supper to myself (I'm thinking something oriental, yes I usually dream about this a week ahead!!) with a good book and possibly a journal! A day to pick up a few things that I need for this post-painting project task I'm on :P and a day to just breathe.
Because, folks, breathing is very important. If you don't have it scheduled on your calendar, stop whatever you are doing and write it in now!!!
Did I mention that I get to return after bedtime :)!?
It's taken me time and effort to recognize all sorts of warning flags in my life. Things that require attention and intentionality. But, thankfully, I am learning. The effort is worth it.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Irksome...
Ya know what is frustrating?
Getting to the end of a big, fat book, investing time, energy and some degree of imagination,
and wondering...
Was it worth the read!?
I just finished a novel co-written by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. Normally, I don't mind Peretti's novels, and I've never read any TD (though they've been recommended). I was expecting something a little - more.
Getting to the end of a big, fat book, investing time, energy and some degree of imagination,
and wondering...
Was it worth the read!?
I just finished a novel co-written by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. Normally, I don't mind Peretti's novels, and I've never read any TD (though they've been recommended). I was expecting something a little - more.
Honestly, the first (and lingering, sad to say) word that came to mind - OVERKILL. (Pardon the pun if you read the book :P.) I kept waiting for them to "get on with it, already." And they finally do. Sort of.
With two young ones, I don't have much time to read (one of my favorite ways to relax :) ESPECIALLY if it includes a good snack!...) and so when I feel like I've wasted time on a book (had to finish though, ya know, to see how it ended!!), it really irks me.
A librarian friend once reminded me - "Pick your books wisely; for every one you read, there are thousands you can't."
If I had $20,000....
I was asked today, "if you had $20,000 to remodel your kitchen, what would you do...."
This, on the heels, of a major re-paint. :)
Ooooh. I'm no Betty Crocker, but there are DEFINITELY a few things I'd love to add to a "dream kitchen..."
- Attractive track lighting. Right now we just have a standard ceiling fixture. Bor-ring. :)
- An ISLAND! Oooh la la. With nice, covered and padded bar stools, lots of storage, etc. AND a space to organize garbage, recycling, composting, etc.
- If I wasn't into composting, I'd have a garberator.
- When we were in Florida, our kitchen had a small tv with cable. I'd have one of those so I could watch cooking shows and "be inspired." Or just play holiday music with the weather channel :).
- A flat top stove with self-cleaning oven.
- A fridge with an ice dispenser. Just for fun :).
- A fancy coffee maker. With digital do-dads. And a frother.
- A lazy susan in my corner cabinets. It's hard to reach to the back.
- Different flooring. I'm not sure what kind yet, tile maybe. With a nice, small area carpet by the sink. Dark flooring. No more white. Shows alllll the spots :).
- Very organized drawers and cabinets. Like with dividers purchased from IKEA.
- A whole new set of dishes. I like my set, but it's 10+ years old, and I feel like I've morphed in my 20's and have outgrown it in some ways.
- And maybe someone to wash all the dishes!!!
If you're interested in winning a $20,000 Dream Kitchen Contest, check out Dr. Oetker Kitchen Makeover Contest. Simply grab a PIN from any participating Casa di Mama Pizza boxes and you could be the winner :P. Plus, there's a host of secondary prizes like lovely Whirlpool appliances! Hey, while you're at it, sign up to be a Savory Moments Member. For Canadian Residents Only.
What would you include in your dream kitchen makeover :)?
This, on the heels, of a major re-paint. :)
Ooooh. I'm no Betty Crocker, but there are DEFINITELY a few things I'd love to add to a "dream kitchen..."
- Attractive track lighting. Right now we just have a standard ceiling fixture. Bor-ring. :)
- An ISLAND! Oooh la la. With nice, covered and padded bar stools, lots of storage, etc. AND a space to organize garbage, recycling, composting, etc.
- If I wasn't into composting, I'd have a garberator.
- When we were in Florida, our kitchen had a small tv with cable. I'd have one of those so I could watch cooking shows and "be inspired." Or just play holiday music with the weather channel :).
- A flat top stove with self-cleaning oven.
- A fridge with an ice dispenser. Just for fun :).
- A fancy coffee maker. With digital do-dads. And a frother.
- A lazy susan in my corner cabinets. It's hard to reach to the back.
- Different flooring. I'm not sure what kind yet, tile maybe. With a nice, small area carpet by the sink. Dark flooring. No more white. Shows alllll the spots :).
- Very organized drawers and cabinets. Like with dividers purchased from IKEA.
- A whole new set of dishes. I like my set, but it's 10+ years old, and I feel like I've morphed in my 20's and have outgrown it in some ways.
- And maybe someone to wash all the dishes!!!
If you're interested in winning a $20,000 Dream Kitchen Contest, check out Dr. Oetker Kitchen Makeover Contest. Simply grab a PIN from any participating Casa di Mama Pizza boxes and you could be the winner :P. Plus, there's a host of secondary prizes like lovely Whirlpool appliances! Hey, while you're at it, sign up to be a Savory Moments Member. For Canadian Residents Only.
What would you include in your dream kitchen makeover :)?
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