When you set out to start raising little people into adults, they talk about the cute little bundle you will bring home from the hospital. They talk about what kind of diapers to use, cloth or disposable; whether to breastfeed or not; should you wear your baby or use a stroller. They talk about their first teeth, when they might roll over, when they take their first wobbly steps.
What they don't tell you is that they will tell you how they hate you over and over. That they say they wish they were never a part of this family. They don't tell you you will lie in bed crying because of the choices they've made, how their words will be like a knife to your heart.
They don't tell you they will say the most hurtful of things, that they don't care how their actions affect you. They don't tell you they might only do things if it's in their best interest. That they will turn their backs on your affection and spurn your offer of help.
What they don't tell you is that through it all you will still love them with the fiercest love. That you will still put their needs above your own. What they don't tell you is that you will continue to sacrifice for them through the stormiest of attitudes and thickest of negative behaviors. That you will continue to cry for them when they hurt and heal them as best you can.
What they don't tell you is that you will continue to teach them right from wrong, that they could never do anything to loose your love.
Monday, November 19, 2018
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Sleeping
For a while now, probably over a year, I have been waking up between 5:30 and 6:30. Not everyday, but more days than I'd like. Enough days that I wonder if I even need an alarm to make sure I awaken before my get up time of 7:00. Is anybody else with me, that waking before your desired waking time is unacceptable, even if it's three minutes?
It's been driving me crazy! I dislike it greatly. It stinks.
I think the main culprit is the light coming in our window. We have blinds on our windows and slant them down at night, which, of course, directs the light right at my face. When I remember, I slant them up when we go to bed. Take a guess at how often I remember to do that? I don't slant them up right away, because I have this fear that people down on the street driving by at the posted 25 mph or the droves walking by or those living in the building across the street can see in. I have actually gone outside at night to see if you can see in with them slanted up. You can't, but how often does rational override fear? You'd think with my ire of having light in my face while sleeping, I'd remember more. But sadly, it just isn't so.
We could get black out curtains. We aren't really interested in curtains, though. We like the simplistic look of plain white two inch blinds at the windows.
What else? Just move our bed, you're thinking. We've been thinking that, too. Except it isn't like moving doll house furniture, you know. Besides the bed, we have to move a desk, a barrel back chair, two night stands (one of which might not fit in the room with a new furniture configuration,) a dresser, a small bookshelf, plus vacuuming behind said furniture once it's moved. A real undertaking. I am interested in moving our room around just to have a change too. We just haven't figured out how to rearrange everything and then set aside the time to do it.
So, currently my solution is go to bed, hoping I sleep past 7:00 (since it's still summer that is possible. Come work days, that plan is out the window.) A winner of a plan, so far. When I wake up too early, (and let's face it, it's a "when" not an "if") I put on my eye blinders, fluff my pillow and snuggle back down to get some more sleep. At this point, I also have to not move to too much to fool my bladder that I'm not actually awake, lest it decides it needs emptying, before trying for more sleep.
Oh yes, I also have to not think too much. If my brain gets started motoring, my sleep is blown and all I can hope for is to lie in bed wishing for more sleep, not getting it, while thinking about everything under the sun and wondering how long I can stay put before my bladder drives me scurrying down the hall for relief.
It's been driving me crazy! I dislike it greatly. It stinks.
I think the main culprit is the light coming in our window. We have blinds on our windows and slant them down at night, which, of course, directs the light right at my face. When I remember, I slant them up when we go to bed. Take a guess at how often I remember to do that? I don't slant them up right away, because I have this fear that people down on the street driving by at the posted 25 mph or the droves walking by or those living in the building across the street can see in. I have actually gone outside at night to see if you can see in with them slanted up. You can't, but how often does rational override fear? You'd think with my ire of having light in my face while sleeping, I'd remember more. But sadly, it just isn't so.
We could get black out curtains. We aren't really interested in curtains, though. We like the simplistic look of plain white two inch blinds at the windows.
What else? Just move our bed, you're thinking. We've been thinking that, too. Except it isn't like moving doll house furniture, you know. Besides the bed, we have to move a desk, a barrel back chair, two night stands (one of which might not fit in the room with a new furniture configuration,) a dresser, a small bookshelf, plus vacuuming behind said furniture once it's moved. A real undertaking. I am interested in moving our room around just to have a change too. We just haven't figured out how to rearrange everything and then set aside the time to do it.
So, currently my solution is go to bed, hoping I sleep past 7:00 (since it's still summer that is possible. Come work days, that plan is out the window.) A winner of a plan, so far. When I wake up too early, (and let's face it, it's a "when" not an "if") I put on my eye blinders, fluff my pillow and snuggle back down to get some more sleep. At this point, I also have to not move to too much to fool my bladder that I'm not actually awake, lest it decides it needs emptying, before trying for more sleep.
Oh yes, I also have to not think too much. If my brain gets started motoring, my sleep is blown and all I can hope for is to lie in bed wishing for more sleep, not getting it, while thinking about everything under the sun and wondering how long I can stay put before my bladder drives me scurrying down the hall for relief.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Friday, January 20, 2017
What an August.
Obviously, I am not with it enought to post things when I actually write them.
The end of July found us saying yes to having a French young adult named Ismaël, stay with us for a month.
It was quite the experience. One I would do again, but next time with eyes wide open.
The goal for his visit was to practice his English and learn about America. I think we helped him accomplish both. He spoke English rather well. And he got an ear full of American History.
Before his visit, I never really thought about the rich history in the Northeast. Within three hours of our house, we can visit: the city of our nation's beginnings, a winter encampment of our revolutionary solders, our nation's capital, the battlefield of the turning point of the civil war, the city where so many people first entered our country and where a grand symbol of liberty continues to stand. And you can even dip your toes in an ocean.
While Ismaël was here, we took him to see Philadelphia, Washington DC, New York City, Ocean City, NJ, Gettysburg, Valley Forge National Historical Park, the Poconos, Honey Brook, PA. As Gary put it, we took more little vacations in August than we had in several years.
I am also glad Ellie and Josh had another young'un to interact with. The dynamics definitely changed when a teen was with us.
Maybe you too could host a student from another country.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The end of July found us saying yes to having a French young adult named Ismaël, stay with us for a month.
It was quite the experience. One I would do again, but next time with eyes wide open.
The goal for his visit was to practice his English and learn about America. I think we helped him accomplish both. He spoke English rather well. And he got an ear full of American History.
Before his visit, I never really thought about the rich history in the Northeast. Within three hours of our house, we can visit: the city of our nation's beginnings, a winter encampment of our revolutionary solders, our nation's capital, the battlefield of the turning point of the civil war, the city where so many people first entered our country and where a grand symbol of liberty continues to stand. And you can even dip your toes in an ocean.
While Ismaël was here, we took him to see Philadelphia, Washington DC, New York City, Ocean City, NJ, Gettysburg, Valley Forge National Historical Park, the Poconos, Honey Brook, PA. As Gary put it, we took more little vacations in August than we had in several years.
I am also glad Ellie and Josh had another young'un to interact with. The dynamics definitely changed when a teen was with us.
Maybe you too could host a student from another country.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Organization
With the start of school, begins the deluge of papers. Papers for the kids to sign up for things. Papers to provide emergency information. Papers to say I will volunteer. Papers, papers, papers!
Our dining room table collects more clutter then usual.
Both kids come home with a homework notebook, where they write their daily assignments. Which currently needs to be signed every night. We are not suppose to go asking about signing it. That job is the kids' responsibility. We give Josh more leeway with it than Ellie.
I came up with a system. I put a hanging file holder accessible in the dining room with a "to do" folder and a "completed" folder for each child. They are suppose to put the notebook and anything else we need to look at, sign and return in the "to do" folder, then after signing it, we put it in the "completed" folder. There is also a "reference" folder for papers that we need to ... reference. Then when they pack their bags, they can easily get their papers and pack up and not be required to hunt us down.
I thought it was a great system. But it hasn't really been working. Certain children folk don't like it, balked at it emphatically, and don't really use it. And the other one, keeps it in a binder and would rahter not have to remove it each time. There has been a bit of a scramble in the morning, asking us to sign books at pack up time. We need to rethink things.
Another area of striving for better organization is in lunch packing. Myrtle sent me an article showing bins with prepackaged food/snacks for children to grab as they pack their own lunches (plus a whole host of other good lunch articles.) I've tried to do my version of that. Since I don't buy many prepackaged snack bags and such, I've purchased more plastic containers to package our own food. While I'd rather not use plastic at all, I know the limits of our budget. The plastic containers are not as good as stainless steel, but they are better then baggies or buying a lot of prepackaged food. I have decided to just buy containers of yogurt instead of making it, because I know the kids will eat it. I also will be buying granola bars, because again it is just easier to buy them.
I am still planning to make my own fruit leather. It is not hard to make, I have some good recipes and the kids will eat it.
Now the next frontier is cleaning up after themselves. When they go to bed, it is not uncommon to find their treasures strewn about. I remind them throughout the day, but I forget to make sure it happens before they go up to bed. Last night they didn't take care of some things, so I made them come back down after they were already in bed to take care of it. Tonight they also both had to come back down to take of some things.
A little at a time.
Our dining room table collects more clutter then usual.
Both kids come home with a homework notebook, where they write their daily assignments. Which currently needs to be signed every night. We are not suppose to go asking about signing it. That job is the kids' responsibility. We give Josh more leeway with it than Ellie.
I came up with a system. I put a hanging file holder accessible in the dining room with a "to do" folder and a "completed" folder for each child. They are suppose to put the notebook and anything else we need to look at, sign and return in the "to do" folder, then after signing it, we put it in the "completed" folder. There is also a "reference" folder for papers that we need to ... reference. Then when they pack their bags, they can easily get their papers and pack up and not be required to hunt us down.
I thought it was a great system. But it hasn't really been working. Certain children folk don't like it, balked at it emphatically, and don't really use it. And the other one, keeps it in a binder and would rahter not have to remove it each time. There has been a bit of a scramble in the morning, asking us to sign books at pack up time. We need to rethink things.
Another area of striving for better organization is in lunch packing. Myrtle sent me an article showing bins with prepackaged food/snacks for children to grab as they pack their own lunches (plus a whole host of other good lunch articles.) I've tried to do my version of that. Since I don't buy many prepackaged snack bags and such, I've purchased more plastic containers to package our own food. While I'd rather not use plastic at all, I know the limits of our budget. The plastic containers are not as good as stainless steel, but they are better then baggies or buying a lot of prepackaged food. I have decided to just buy containers of yogurt instead of making it, because I know the kids will eat it. I also will be buying granola bars, because again it is just easier to buy them.
I am still planning to make my own fruit leather. It is not hard to make, I have some good recipes and the kids will eat it.
Now the next frontier is cleaning up after themselves. When they go to bed, it is not uncommon to find their treasures strewn about. I remind them throughout the day, but I forget to make sure it happens before they go up to bed. Last night they didn't take care of some things, so I made them come back down after they were already in bed to take care of it. Tonight they also both had to come back down to take of some things.
A little at a time.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Anti-FRT exercises
Every body does it. Some more than others. Unfortunately, I have moved into the category of "more."
It finally occurred to me that while it is a natural thing, it's probably not really normal that often. So I needed to do something about it. Because walking around having to fart much of the time wasn't really working for me. (I burp a lot too, but that is not as socially embarrassing. At least not for me.)
Enter The Bowel Book. Such a handy little book. Chapter 4 - Exercising for Better Bowel Function. Woo hoo! We all could use some better bower function. Bowels are rather neglected, I'd say.
I read through my options and chose 6. I was all excited to get started on eliminating (get it?) my flatulence. My plan was to do these everyday. It's been at least five days and I have done them once. Twice now, with this morning.
I decided to call them my anti-FRT exercises to be discrete. And I wrote them on a green index card so I can think of Myrtle while doing my anti-FRT exercises. I know she'll appreciate that! (Her favorite color is green.) She is the one who so generously gave me the book.
Also, I need to remember not to do these exercises if I am going out in public soon after.
I'm also hoping for a secondary outcome from all this, because the one exercise even says it will improve the waistline!
Here's to hoping and making my eliminatory organs happier!
It finally occurred to me that while it is a natural thing, it's probably not really normal that often. So I needed to do something about it. Because walking around having to fart much of the time wasn't really working for me. (I burp a lot too, but that is not as socially embarrassing. At least not for me.)
Enter The Bowel Book. Such a handy little book. Chapter 4 - Exercising for Better Bowel Function. Woo hoo! We all could use some better bower function. Bowels are rather neglected, I'd say.
I read through my options and chose 6. I was all excited to get started on eliminating (get it?) my flatulence. My plan was to do these everyday. It's been at least five days and I have done them once. Twice now, with this morning.
I decided to call them my anti-FRT exercises to be discrete. And I wrote them on a green index card so I can think of Myrtle while doing my anti-FRT exercises. I know she'll appreciate that! (Her favorite color is green.) She is the one who so generously gave me the book.
Also, I need to remember not to do these exercises if I am going out in public soon after.
I'm also hoping for a secondary outcome from all this, because the one exercise even says it will improve the waistline!
Here's to hoping and making my eliminatory organs happier!
Monday, March 28, 2016
Wolves
While searching for a movie on Netflix for us to watch, I remembered a
movie I saw as a girl, probably when I was a little older than Ellie. "The Journey of Natty Gann."
"America is in the depths of the Great Depression. Families drift apart when faraway jobs beckon. In this masterful, atmospheric adventure, a courageous young girl confronts overwhelming odds when she embarks on a cross-country search for her father. During her extraordinary odyssey, she forms a close bond with two diverse traveling companions: a magnificent, protective wolf, and a hardened drifter."
It occurred to me that this movie, and then Jack London's White Fang, and Farley Mowat's Never Cry Wolf were an integral part in forming my love of wolves. The book Wolves, by Seymour Simon, introduces wolves to elementary school children using beautiful photography.
The wolf is a misunderstood, beautiful creature.
"America is in the depths of the Great Depression. Families drift apart when faraway jobs beckon. In this masterful, atmospheric adventure, a courageous young girl confronts overwhelming odds when she embarks on a cross-country search for her father. During her extraordinary odyssey, she forms a close bond with two diverse traveling companions: a magnificent, protective wolf, and a hardened drifter."
It occurred to me that this movie, and then Jack London's White Fang, and Farley Mowat's Never Cry Wolf were an integral part in forming my love of wolves. The book Wolves, by Seymour Simon, introduces wolves to elementary school children using beautiful photography.
The wolf is a misunderstood, beautiful creature.
Even knowing...
I wrote the below entry back in September. I am unsure as to why I did not post it. I did have to edit it a bit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Even knowing that there is a book and audios to help me be a more patient, calm mother helps me be a more patient calm mother.
Gary and I are taking an 3 month online class by Dr. Laura Markham, called Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids. Dr. Laura also has a book by the same name. For the class, we get an hour long audio lesson, questions to answer about the lesson, 3 minute daily inspirational audios, suggested reading from the book (which came with the course,) and a practice exercise to do with our children. And access to a closed Facebook page for all the parents taking the class.
I've read the book. And we've listened to one and third audio lessons, and a handful of daily inspirations.
I am now the world's most peaceful parent.
That last sentence is a lie.
I am becoming a more peaceful parent.
That one is true.
Gary and I want to listen to the entire audio lessons together in one sitting. But finding an hour together has been proving difficult, without it being so late. We fall asleep while listening or we are so spent mentally, that we have no energy to listen. (I think we will be breaking up the listening.)
I have been frustrated at our lack of progress. But as Dr. Laura says, the audios are ours to download and save. If it takes us longer than three months, it's okay. She's all about not pressuring ourselves into something that will bring stress not peace.
Today I realized that even knowing I read the book and can refer to it again and have the audios saved to listen to when we can, has helped me be more mindful of self regulation and how I talk to the kids and handle their upset.
I also have a mantra. At first the idea of a mantra felt too weird, too touchy-feely. But on the Facebook page, someone asked about what mantras others were using. I skeptically took a look at the comments.
I know have several phrases, repeated over and over again, that I say to myself or out loud if needed, when I am triggered and need to work on self-regulation. (I still don't like the word mantra.) "It's not an emergency." "I choose love." "I can do this." "Breathe." To name a few. These are all in place of yelling at, belittling, shaming, blaming, or making my kids feel guilty. Or any others who are in the line of my upset.
And of course, I get plenty of practice.
So when I blow it one time, there's always a next time to practice my stuff.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update:
I can say that we have not progressed much in the lessons. We still continue to be spent mentally each night, by the time the kids are in bed. And now with Gary's new job, he is even more so. Being an introvert, interactions with people drain him. He has many more interactions at this new position. Many more then he realized.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Even knowing that there is a book and audios to help me be a more patient, calm mother helps me be a more patient calm mother.
Gary and I are taking an 3 month online class by Dr. Laura Markham, called Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids. Dr. Laura also has a book by the same name. For the class, we get an hour long audio lesson, questions to answer about the lesson, 3 minute daily inspirational audios, suggested reading from the book (which came with the course,) and a practice exercise to do with our children. And access to a closed Facebook page for all the parents taking the class.
I've read the book. And we've listened to one and third audio lessons, and a handful of daily inspirations.
I am now the world's most peaceful parent.
That last sentence is a lie.
I am becoming a more peaceful parent.
That one is true.
Gary and I want to listen to the entire audio lessons together in one sitting. But finding an hour together has been proving difficult, without it being so late. We fall asleep while listening or we are so spent mentally, that we have no energy to listen. (I think we will be breaking up the listening.)
I have been frustrated at our lack of progress. But as Dr. Laura says, the audios are ours to download and save. If it takes us longer than three months, it's okay. She's all about not pressuring ourselves into something that will bring stress not peace.
Today I realized that even knowing I read the book and can refer to it again and have the audios saved to listen to when we can, has helped me be more mindful of self regulation and how I talk to the kids and handle their upset.
I also have a mantra. At first the idea of a mantra felt too weird, too touchy-feely. But on the Facebook page, someone asked about what mantras others were using. I skeptically took a look at the comments.
I know have several phrases, repeated over and over again, that I say to myself or out loud if needed, when I am triggered and need to work on self-regulation. (I still don't like the word mantra.) "It's not an emergency." "I choose love." "I can do this." "Breathe." To name a few. These are all in place of yelling at, belittling, shaming, blaming, or making my kids feel guilty. Or any others who are in the line of my upset.
And of course, I get plenty of practice.
So when I blow it one time, there's always a next time to practice my stuff.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update:
I can say that we have not progressed much in the lessons. We still continue to be spent mentally each night, by the time the kids are in bed. And now with Gary's new job, he is even more so. Being an introvert, interactions with people drain him. He has many more interactions at this new position. Many more then he realized.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Falling apart?
I find it interesting that my best friend and I both think the other is a better friend.
Maybe that's what makes us a good friends?
I read her blog today. I know, Myrtle. SHOCKER! I'm not behind.
Well, actually I read today's and finished the one before it.
Myrtle lives with chronic disease. Several in fact. I one that rears its ugly head the most is dysautonomia. (Even spell check doesn't recognize it.) I usually don't know what to do or say to help her. She's told me that just listening is good. Or not seeing her as her illness. Myrtle has referred to another blog (www.livingwithbob.com) written by another (Michelle) with dysautonomia, but I've only read what she has referenced. Today I decided to go to the blog and read. I came across this passage about stress and what constitutes giving up and falling apart:
Illness is stress. Chronic illness often means that stress will never fully go away. People aren't falling apart when their stress levels reach critical levels. They aren't giving up when they voice that stress and can't hold it all together. They are human beings, experiencing real and valid emotions to a prolonged highly stressful situation. We should not be jumping on them with judgements about giving up and the evil of falling apart, but offering them support, a place to voice their fears and sadness, and direction to appropriate mental health groups to help them navigate the complex and stressful world of chronic illness.
In my life, I relate most things to parenting. So for me, it's okay to fall apart in my parenting journey. Michelle says, "There is strength in giving voice to the struggle."
I like that.
Maybe that's what makes us a good friends?
I read her blog today. I know, Myrtle. SHOCKER! I'm not behind.
Well, actually I read today's and finished the one before it.
Myrtle lives with chronic disease. Several in fact. I one that rears its ugly head the most is dysautonomia. (Even spell check doesn't recognize it.) I usually don't know what to do or say to help her. She's told me that just listening is good. Or not seeing her as her illness. Myrtle has referred to another blog (www.livingwithbob.com) written by another (Michelle) with dysautonomia, but I've only read what she has referenced. Today I decided to go to the blog and read. I came across this passage about stress and what constitutes giving up and falling apart:
Illness is stress. Chronic illness often means that stress will never fully go away. People aren't falling apart when their stress levels reach critical levels. They aren't giving up when they voice that stress and can't hold it all together. They are human beings, experiencing real and valid emotions to a prolonged highly stressful situation. We should not be jumping on them with judgements about giving up and the evil of falling apart, but offering them support, a place to voice their fears and sadness, and direction to appropriate mental health groups to help them navigate the complex and stressful world of chronic illness.
In my life, I relate most things to parenting. So for me, it's okay to fall apart in my parenting journey. Michelle says, "There is strength in giving voice to the struggle."
I like that.
Friday, June 19, 2015
The boy with the broken arm, no more
Today, he's whole again. The cast is off. He's FREE!
It's been an interesting journey, this broken arm world. A bit inconvenient, but not unworkable.
It was originally hard for Josh to deal with having his dominant arm in a cast past his elbow. He felt like he couldn't do anything.
But he learned. He adapted. But he didn't really slow down.
It's been an interesting journey, this broken arm world. A bit inconvenient, but not unworkable.
It was originally hard for Josh to deal with having his dominant arm in a cast past his elbow. He felt like he couldn't do anything.
But he learned. He adapted. But he didn't really slow down.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Day 4
Today is Day 4 of summer vacation.
It's been a long 4 days. The three of us being home all day with each other is proving difficult.
I was really looking forward to having the summer with my kids. Last summer, we had the store, and I had a plan for where the kids would be for all 10 weeks. By the end of summer last year, with the kids being gone one at a time or at camp or somewhere else, I felt like I had missed out of a lot with them.
I didn't want that again. Except after Monday and Tuesday, I wanted to ship them off.
But not really. I want to be with Josh and Ellie, I just want a lot less controversy and more cooperation and getting along.
I am still looking forward to having the summer with my kids.
It's been a long 4 days. The three of us being home all day with each other is proving difficult.
I was really looking forward to having the summer with my kids. Last summer, we had the store, and I had a plan for where the kids would be for all 10 weeks. By the end of summer last year, with the kids being gone one at a time or at camp or somewhere else, I felt like I had missed out of a lot with them.
I didn't want that again. Except after Monday and Tuesday, I wanted to ship them off.
But not really. I want to be with Josh and Ellie, I just want a lot less controversy and more cooperation and getting along.
I am still looking forward to having the summer with my kids.
Saturday, February 07, 2015
The bathroom floor is gritty
It was also akin to a pond.
Yesterday, the kids' job was to clean the bathroom sink. They turned it into scrubbing the tile floor.
I asked what they were doing, they evaded the question and shut the door. Since they are not the quietest children, and scrubbing isn't a silent activity, I already knew what they were doing. And I peeked under the door and took a picture.
I let them go. I did remind Ellie of the time, because she wasn't completely ready for school yet.
For half an hour they cleaned.
At 8:30 I told them it was time to clean up. Around 8:50 I hear Ellie frantically calling me from the bathroom. She has just flushed the toilet.
I open the bathroom door. And see water. Covering half the floor. Overflowing the toilet.
I freak out.
And then grab for towels. Lots and lots of towels. I ordered Ellie to get towels. I ran around the house getting towels. And the plunger.
And I start sopping up the water. And incredulously demanding how all this water got on the floor?!?!
Josh got upset with my tone. I got better control of it and ensured him I wasn't mad, just flabbergasted at the amount of water. And both empty containers of cleaner. About three cups of baking soda and borax. And my homemade toilet fizzies on the floor. And the clogged toilet. Again.
And we were supposed to be walking to school, not sopping up gallons of water. And unclogging a toilet.
Somehow I managed to get all the water wiped up, the toilet unclogged and the kids to school on time.
After school, the kids finished cleaning the floor, since while I did get the water sopped up, the copious amounts of baking soda/borax cleaner were still coating the floor.
And although Ellie mopped the floor, I mopped the floor, josh vacuumed the floor and I vacuumed the floor, it is still gritty.
But it is clean and whiter.
Yesterday, the kids' job was to clean the bathroom sink. They turned it into scrubbing the tile floor.
I asked what they were doing, they evaded the question and shut the door. Since they are not the quietest children, and scrubbing isn't a silent activity, I already knew what they were doing. And I peeked under the door and took a picture.
I let them go. I did remind Ellie of the time, because she wasn't completely ready for school yet.
For half an hour they cleaned.
At 8:30 I told them it was time to clean up. Around 8:50 I hear Ellie frantically calling me from the bathroom. She has just flushed the toilet.
I open the bathroom door. And see water. Covering half the floor. Overflowing the toilet.
I freak out.
And then grab for towels. Lots and lots of towels. I ordered Ellie to get towels. I ran around the house getting towels. And the plunger.
And I start sopping up the water. And incredulously demanding how all this water got on the floor?!?!
Josh got upset with my tone. I got better control of it and ensured him I wasn't mad, just flabbergasted at the amount of water. And both empty containers of cleaner. About three cups of baking soda and borax. And my homemade toilet fizzies on the floor. And the clogged toilet. Again.
And we were supposed to be walking to school, not sopping up gallons of water. And unclogging a toilet.
Somehow I managed to get all the water wiped up, the toilet unclogged and the kids to school on time.
After school, the kids finished cleaning the floor, since while I did get the water sopped up, the copious amounts of baking soda/borax cleaner were still coating the floor.
And although Ellie mopped the floor, I mopped the floor, josh vacuumed the floor and I vacuumed the floor, it is still gritty.
But it is clean and whiter.
Friday, February 06, 2015
Poor Lilly
On January 14th, Lilly completely tore her CCL. Her knee ligament.
Josh made her comfortable the next morning.
And wrote her a get well card.
We took her to our vet. A $3000 surgery. I talked with my cousin, a vet. We took her to another vet. $2200 - 2500 surgery.
We decided to have the other vet do the surgery. This past Monday.
Now she gets to wear a fun cone and lay around a lot. Wait. The laying around a lot is not new.
And Ellie wrote her a get well card.
She goes back next week to have the stitches removed.
And in case you were wondering, it's super fun to try and lift a 95 pound dog up and down four steps for her to do her business. Thankfully she didn't take long to go down the steps herself. And last night she went up by herself. She doesn't care for the towel around her middle lifting option.
And until she can walk on the knee well, she doesn't get to go upstairs at night. So one of us has been sleeping downstairs with her.
Josh made her comfortable the next morning.
And wrote her a get well card.
We took her to our vet. A $3000 surgery. I talked with my cousin, a vet. We took her to another vet. $2200 - 2500 surgery.
We decided to have the other vet do the surgery. This past Monday.
Now she gets to wear a fun cone and lay around a lot. Wait. The laying around a lot is not new.
And Ellie wrote her a get well card.
She goes back next week to have the stitches removed.
And in case you were wondering, it's super fun to try and lift a 95 pound dog up and down four steps for her to do her business. Thankfully she didn't take long to go down the steps herself. And last night she went up by herself. She doesn't care for the towel around her middle lifting option.
And until she can walk on the knee well, she doesn't get to go upstairs at night. So one of us has been sleeping downstairs with her.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Not much
My friend is struggling mightily with losing who she used to be.
I struggle with whom I have never really become.
I struggle with whom I have never really become.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
My Peace
I woke this morning at 6:00 am, planning to spend time with God. I wasn't sure exactly what I was going to do . . . but God did.
I started by praying and then singing "You are My Hiding Place" and "You are My Strength When I am Weak." Then I fell back asleep.
I had a dream. I was at my grandparents' church in the Poconos. Of course it looked nothing like it, but I was standing in a hallway and I could hear the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" playing. The specific line was "Oh, what peace we often forfeit." And I fell against the wall in tears, sobbing. I have been denying myself the peace of Christ.
I haven't been trusting Him to work out the struggles I have. Trusting Him to take care of the children he's given me. I've screamed "Why!" I have been struggling with myself and my children, without asking for God's help. I have most assuredly not been at peace.
I got out of bed and set to look up the hymn and some scripture passages about peace.
Philippians 4:4-9 NASB
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
John 14:27 NASB
27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
John 16:33 NASB
23 In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.
25 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 28 I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father.”
29 His disciples *said, “Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech. 30 Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
That last part really hit me. "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Christ has overcome sin, pain, hurt, shame. He has overcome my frustration and anger.
I found these verses to go with "You are my hiding place."
Psalm 32:7
You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
Psalm 119:114
You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
I found these verses to go with "You are My Strength When I am Weak."
Ephesians 6:10-20
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Psalm 28
Col. 2:1-5
1For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
Then I came upon Psalm 30, which in my Bible (ESV) had the heading "Joy comes with the Morning."
1I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up
and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
3 O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.
The "joy comes with the morning" part says to me, I will experience joy. Even if it seems unattainable, it will come.
The Lord is faithful to do all He has promised. To be my peace. To be my strength. To be my all.
I would also like to surround myself with the words of God in music. I am on a hunt for scripture set to music.
I started by praying and then singing "You are My Hiding Place" and "You are My Strength When I am Weak." Then I fell back asleep.
I had a dream. I was at my grandparents' church in the Poconos. Of course it looked nothing like it, but I was standing in a hallway and I could hear the hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" playing. The specific line was "Oh, what peace we often forfeit." And I fell against the wall in tears, sobbing. I have been denying myself the peace of Christ.
I haven't been trusting Him to work out the struggles I have. Trusting Him to take care of the children he's given me. I've screamed "Why!" I have been struggling with myself and my children, without asking for God's help. I have most assuredly not been at peace.
I got out of bed and set to look up the hymn and some scripture passages about peace.
Philippians 4:4-9 NASB
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
John 14:27 NASB
27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
John 16:33 NASB
23 In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.
25 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 28 I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father.”
29 His disciples *said, “Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech. 30 Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
That last part really hit me. "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Christ has overcome sin, pain, hurt, shame. He has overcome my frustration and anger.
I found these verses to go with "You are my hiding place."
Psalm 32:7
You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
Psalm 119:114
You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
I found these verses to go with "You are My Strength When I am Weak."
Ephesians 6:10-20
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Psalm 28
1To you, O Lord, I call;
my rock, be not deaf to me,
lest, if you be silent to me,
I become like those who go down to the pit.
my rock, be not deaf to me,
lest, if you be silent to me,
I become like those who go down to the pit.
2 Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,
when I cry to you for help,
when I lift up my hands
toward your most holy sanctuary.[a]
when I cry to you for help,
when I lift up my hands
toward your most holy sanctuary.[a]
3 Do not drag me off with the wicked,
with the workers of evil,
who speak peace with their neighbors
while evil is in their hearts.
4 Give to them according to their work
and according to the evil of their deeds;
give to them according to the work of their hands;
render them their due reward.
5 Because they do not regard the works of the Lord
or the work of his hands,
he will tear them down and build them up no more.
with the workers of evil,
who speak peace with their neighbors
while evil is in their hearts.
4 Give to them according to their work
and according to the evil of their deeds;
give to them according to the work of their hands;
render them their due reward.
5 Because they do not regard the works of the Lord
or the work of his hands,
he will tear them down and build them up no more.
6 Blessed be the Lord!
For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.
For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.
8 The Lord is the strength of his people;[b]
he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
Be their shepherd and carry them forever.
he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
Be their shepherd and carry them forever.
Col. 2:1-5
1For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
Then I came upon Psalm 30, which in my Bible (ESV) had the heading "Joy comes with the Morning."
1I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up
and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
3 O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.
4 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
6 As for me, I said in my prosperity,
“I shall never be moved.”
7 By your favor, O Lord,
you made my mountain stand strong;
you hid your face;
I was dismayed.
“I shall never be moved.”
7 By your favor, O Lord,
you made my mountain stand strong;
you hid your face;
I was dismayed.
8 To you, O Lord, I cry,
and to the Lord I plead for mercy:
9 “What profit is there in my death,
if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me!
O Lord, be my helper!”
and to the Lord I plead for mercy:
9 “What profit is there in my death,
if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me!
O Lord, be my helper!”
11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
The "joy comes with the morning" part says to me, I will experience joy. Even if it seems unattainable, it will come.
The Lord is faithful to do all He has promised. To be my peace. To be my strength. To be my all.
I would also like to surround myself with the words of God in music. I am on a hunt for scripture set to music.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
My Provider
The Offering of Isaac
22 Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham raised his eyes and saw the place from a distance. 5 Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you.” 6 Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. 7 Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” And he said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together.
9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” 13 Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him
a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the
ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son. 14 Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the Lord it will be provided.”22 Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham raised his eyes and saw the place from a distance. 5 Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you.” 6 Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. 7 Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” And he said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together.
I hold onto my children too hard. I do not always allow God to be my provider. I do not always trust Him to help me. Everyday is a challenge to fight the sinner within, to remember that I am also a saint and a child of God. To remember that I have available to me the power of the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness of my Savior, and the grace and mercy of my God.
Jehovah Jireh
My provider
His grace is sufficient
For me, for me, for me
Jehovah Jireh
My provider
His grace is sufficient
For me
My provider
His grace is sufficient
For me
My God shall supply all my needs
According to His riches in glory
He gives His angels
Charge over me
According to His riches in glory
He gives His angels
Charge over me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me, for me, for me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me
Jehovah Jireh
My provider
His grace is sufficient
For me, for me, for me
My provider
His grace is sufficient
For me, for me, for me
Jehovah Jireh
My provider
His grace is sufficient
For me
My provider
His grace is sufficient
For me
My God shall supply all my needs
According to His riches in glory
He gives His angels
Charge over me
According to His riches in glory
He gives His angels
Charge over me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me, for me, for me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me
My God shall supply all my needs
According to His riches in glory
He gives His angels
Charge over me
According to His riches in glory
He gives His angels
Charge over me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me, for me, for me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me, for me, for me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me, for me, for me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me
My God shall supply all my needs
According to His riches in glory
He gives His angels
Charge over me
According to His riches in glory
He gives His angels
Charge over me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me, for me, for me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me, for me, for me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me, for me, for me
Jehovah Jireh cares for me
The Perfect Plan . . . is NOT my plan.
We can plan. We can sign up Ellie for Medical Assistance to get services. We can go to counseling. We can come up with numerous different systems for managing Josh and Ellie's behavior, and our behavior. We can punish, talk to, and reason with our children.
But if we leave God out, we will fail. If we don't read His Word, pray, and spend time listening for His voice, we will not have the success we could have. We will not be living in the abundance of all he has for us.
God has the Perfect Plan. He is faithful. He is trustworthy. He loves me. He wants to be what I need.
I don't know what His plan is. But I believe I don't have to know it, nor do I need to, because He knows what it is. I have the faith He's given me. I have His word showing me I can trust Him.
His Word is my daily bread, but I haven't been reading it. I have been going this road on my own strength, which is woefully pathetic.
But that is going to change.
But if we leave God out, we will fail. If we don't read His Word, pray, and spend time listening for His voice, we will not have the success we could have. We will not be living in the abundance of all he has for us.
God has the Perfect Plan. He is faithful. He is trustworthy. He loves me. He wants to be what I need.
I don't know what His plan is. But I believe I don't have to know it, nor do I need to, because He knows what it is. I have the faith He's given me. I have His word showing me I can trust Him.
His Word is my daily bread, but I haven't been reading it. I have been going this road on my own strength, which is woefully pathetic.
But that is going to change.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
What I haven't been doing
I have been neglecting my house. Animal hair can be found swirling around constantly. Even if I just vacuumed. It's more than a bit frustrating.
The one household task I do get done is washing and drying our clothes. Notice I didn't say folding or putting them away. It is not uncommon to find a basket (or four) of unfolded clothes sitting around. My Auntie Joanne helped me yesterday. I got a load hung out to dry, and she took it down and folded it. Thank You!
The windows need to be cleaned. The walls need to be wiped of fingerprints and dog slobber.
There is quite a layer of dust collecting as well.
I am also not writing on here as much as I'd like.
By the end of the day, I am usually worn out mentally, and I end up plopping on the couch and watching a TV show. Sometimes while folding laundry.
The one household task I do get done is washing and drying our clothes. Notice I didn't say folding or putting them away. It is not uncommon to find a basket (or four) of unfolded clothes sitting around. My Auntie Joanne helped me yesterday. I got a load hung out to dry, and she took it down and folded it. Thank You!
The windows need to be cleaned. The walls need to be wiped of fingerprints and dog slobber.
There is quite a layer of dust collecting as well.
I am also not writing on here as much as I'd like.
By the end of the day, I am usually worn out mentally, and I end up plopping on the couch and watching a TV show. Sometimes while folding laundry.
Friday, July 11, 2014
What I've Been Making
Wanting to have a healthier, less expensive lifestyle, I have been trying some new things.
My snack bars, made with dates, raisins, almonds, chocolate and chia seeds, are in the container.
My beet kvass is in the pitcher, made by putting beets in water with whey, to ferment for a couple days.
A new recipe I tried. Homemade coconut flour breaded cod, roasted sweet potatoes, salad with homemade ranch dressing.
I have decided to make my own salad dressings again. And condiments- ketchup and BBQ sauce. Next might be mayo and mustard.
We've been trying out some home remedies for Josh's warts. Dandelion, chickweed, banana skin, tea tree oil, lemon oil, propolis, and clay. We are currently on the oils, since they are the easiest to apply, coat the warts, and leave his hands free to use without using a bunch of Band-aids or waiting for it to dry.
It isn't a secret that my legs look awful, what with all the spider and varicose veins I have. I decided to try a vein cream and liniment, before going the chemical dissolving route.
P.S. I hate compression stocking.
I started making kombucha again. The continuous brew kind. Way easier than one batch at a time. Especially since Josh and Ellie will drink it now. They like a fruity flavor. Me too.
I bought yogurt and hung it in cheese cloth. Why? To separate out the whey, making a cream cheese of sorts. And to have whey.
The one jar has elderberry syrup. The other has milk kefir.
My snack bars, made with dates, raisins, almonds, chocolate and chia seeds, are in the container.
Here is the whey and cheese. In the background,
in the bowls are plantain and thyme Josh picked from our yard. I picked more plantain and made a healing salve.
My beet kvass is in the pitcher, made by putting beets in water with whey, to ferment for a couple days.
The white stuff is my homemade marshmallows.
In the small jar is kombucha, sitting for some extra fizziness.
My beef jerky, made with my mesquite seasoning mix.
A new recipe I tried. Homemade coconut flour breaded cod, roasted sweet potatoes, salad with homemade ranch dressing.
I have decided to make my own salad dressings again. And condiments- ketchup and BBQ sauce. Next might be mayo and mustard.
We've been trying out some home remedies for Josh's warts. Dandelion, chickweed, banana skin, tea tree oil, lemon oil, propolis, and clay. We are currently on the oils, since they are the easiest to apply, coat the warts, and leave his hands free to use without using a bunch of Band-aids or waiting for it to dry.
It isn't a secret that my legs look awful, what with all the spider and varicose veins I have. I decided to try a vein cream and liniment, before going the chemical dissolving route.
P.S. I hate compression stocking.
This is my homemade toothpaste.
It is still a work in progress.
I have another recipe to try.
Josh's grain-free train cake, and plant based colored icing. The icing I made with cane sugar that I powdered.
And natural candy decor.
We have vanilla beans and vodka waiting to become vanilla extract.
I have also made my own shampoo and lotion, both works in progress. The shampoo dried out my hair too much and the lotion was too hard. I haven't looked into how to adjust the shampoo yet, but to make the lotion more soft, I need to remelt it and add more coconut oil. I did one remelt, but it still isn't as creamy as I'd like it.
With the elderberry syrup, I made elderberry gummies (which are more jellied then I would like,) and vitamin gummies, where I added to much vitamins and didn't turn out right.
I am making yogurt again, though I still have to get it less runny. I can then use it to make my soft cheese and whey. And all I have to buy is a gallon of milk. So if I am doing the math right, I spend $3.50 (or whatever the price of whole milk is) and get 3 quarts of yogurt, about a pint of whey, and maybe a pint soft cheese. Pretty good use of $3.50, huh?
I have made my own chocolate, another recipe I need to tweak next time I make it. A little less honey and add a little milk, I think.
I am trying to decrease the amount of grains and legumes we eat. And if we eat grains and legumes, I want them to be soaked or sprouted.
I am trying to use more coconut products, non-grain flours, and healthy fats. Follow more of the paleo diet, but not strictly.
I am slowly resuppling our vitamins and supplements - probiotics (though the kombucha and water kefir help with that,) vitamin D and C, fish oil (I want to actually take fermented cod liver oil, but I not sure I am ready for that yet, since it's a gel.) And then we need to remember to take them.
I made beef bone broth, but I plan to make chicken bone broth next. I have some bones waiting in the freezer. It takes half the time and I think I'd like it better.
I want to figure out how to incorporate organ meats into our diet, without opposition. I haven't eaten organ meats before, that I can remember, and the thought doesn't sit well with me. But they may be tasty. I have a frozen liver waiting to become pate, but I haven't been brave enough to try it yet.
I am trying to buy some produce organic if it is on the dirty dozen list, and buy grass-fed beef. Pastured pork and chicken isn't as economical. Though I am wanting to buy whole chickens more than bags of chicken breasts.
I probably missed something, and it doesn't end here. There is always something I find I want to try.
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