Slade and his mom and my mom often tell stories to the boys.
Slade used to tell Russ and Randall about the penny robot. He's told stories about the rubber band boy. We even sing a song about the rubber band boy; we've been singing it for years. There are stories about Speck (my niece and nephew still enjoy a good Speck story when they spend the night), stories about the rainbow fish and, Judson's newest contribution, Buggy.
The grandmas sometimes tells stories from their childhoods and Slade's mom will make up stories like Slade.
All of our boys have loved to sit and listen to story after story. I don't know how Slade does it. I have tried and I am just not able to think of good stories. Maybe because I think the stories need a good moral or to teach an important truth. It's the mom in me.
This morning, sitting at the table for breakfast, I was singing a Sunday School type song. I can't even remember which one. I sang while I cleared the table, waiting for Judson (the world's slowest eater) to finish his strawberries. When I finished, Judson said, "Tell me about Jesus."
So, I started by clarifying that a story about Jesus was real and not made up, like stories about Buggy or Speck. I told him that a story about Jesus could be read in the Bible and that everything in the Bible is true.
Then I told him about how Jesus fed 5,000 people with a little boy's lunch. When I finished, he said, "Tell me about Jesus again!" So, I told him about a man whose legs didn't work, but when Jesus' friends, his disciples, spoke to him, they gave him a better gift than gold or silver, because God used them to make the man's legs all better.
I teared up as I told him stories about Jesus. It isn't the first time I've told him about Jesus or shared stories from the Bible, but it's the first time he's requested them. And he listened so intently. I told him that God made the man's legs all better and the man was so excited and was jumping around, praising God and telling Him thank you and Judson threw both his hands up and cheered. It makes me cry just typing it.
I am so thankful to be blessed with three sweet and wonderful boys. I often feel inadequate to the task, but this Mother's Day, I was reminded that God has equipped me and is guiding me. And that He has been so good to give me such a wonderful man to help raise these boys. I am going to record Slade and Nanny and Grammy telling their fun and creative stories so we can enjoy them for years and years. And I'm so thankful that the stories of Jesus have been recorded for us, too.
Showing posts with label parenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parenting. Show all posts
Monday, May 13, 2013
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Potty Training Judson
I'm still going back a bit to catch up. I think little boys in underwear are so adorable, so while potty training Judson, I had to get a few pictures.
We started the actual training in September when he was 22 months. He has done well, but has not caught on as quickly as Russell and Randall had at this point. Oh, well. He will use the bathroom any time I take him and almost always holds it between trips, but he rarely tells us he has to go. I know that'll come someday...
Monkey and a cute kid.
Nothing cuter than an "underwear baby" with an evil grin.
Eating on the back porch.
He's still in diapers at night time and doesn't wake at all for us to take him during the night. He wakes up soaked. Not sure how to train that, but I figure I'll worry about the day time first. He has the cutest little "squishy tushy" and all of us have a hard time not giving him a little pinch whenever he wears underwear around the house. He doesn't seem to mind.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Big Boy Bed
One day last week, on a particularly busy day, I was thinking back to when we first moved into our house. Russ was about 18 months old and I was pregnant with Randall. We decided to take down the crib when we left our apartment and go ahead and just switch Russ to a toddler bed so that when Randall came, Russell wouldn't care that the baby got the crib. It worked out perfectly. Russ did great in his big boy bed.
When I realized that Russ was 18 months when we switched him, I decided we should switch Judson. Not that we're moving (altho we're trying!) and not that there's a baby on the way (altho I wish there was!), simply because it crossed my mind and, before I could think it through, I had the tools out. The day was still busy and I still had things on my To Do list that needed to be done and there I was, converting Judson's crib to a toddler bed.
Because of the big age gap between the two big boys and Judson, Judson is more like an oldest child and less like a youngest. He is confident, but also compliant. Altho, he is more like a youngest in that he's laid-back and a bit of a clown. I was pretty sure he would do well, altho I was ready for any training and walking back to bed that might be necessary.
The first nap he took went wonderfully. He slept great, woke up and stayed in bed until I came to get him. The first few nights were a little rough because he kept falling out of bed! 2 or 3 times, he'd wake us up, crying and disoriented as he tried to get back into bed with Monkey.
We debated putting the side back up, but I'm a bit stubborn (I think I'm more like a youngest child than a middle child in that respect...) and since I had taken (wasted) the time to take the side off, I didn't want to put it back up! I had the idea to use the little wedge we sometimes use when he's congested and has trouble sleeping. I wedged it a little bit under the mattress on the open side and it gave just enough of a slope to keep him in bed. It worked like a charm! After a few days, I took the wedge out and he hasn't fallen out of bed since!
He absolutely loves having his bed the way it is. When I ask him if he wants to go get in his bed for a nap, he grins this huge grin and takes off running for his bed. He has a little plastic bin (for his cars) that he pulls over to the side of his bed to climb up onto the mattress. He will grab his Monkey, stick his fingers in his mouth and say, "Night-night, Mommy." He really loves it when someone sits on his bed with him to rub his back or sing.
When I realized that Russ was 18 months when we switched him, I decided we should switch Judson. Not that we're moving (altho we're trying!) and not that there's a baby on the way (altho I wish there was!), simply because it crossed my mind and, before I could think it through, I had the tools out. The day was still busy and I still had things on my To Do list that needed to be done and there I was, converting Judson's crib to a toddler bed.
Because of the big age gap between the two big boys and Judson, Judson is more like an oldest child and less like a youngest. He is confident, but also compliant. Altho, he is more like a youngest in that he's laid-back and a bit of a clown. I was pretty sure he would do well, altho I was ready for any training and walking back to bed that might be necessary.
The first nap he took went wonderfully. He slept great, woke up and stayed in bed until I came to get him. The first few nights were a little rough because he kept falling out of bed! 2 or 3 times, he'd wake us up, crying and disoriented as he tried to get back into bed with Monkey.
We debated putting the side back up, but I'm a bit stubborn (I think I'm more like a youngest child than a middle child in that respect...) and since I had taken (wasted) the time to take the side off, I didn't want to put it back up! I had the idea to use the little wedge we sometimes use when he's congested and has trouble sleeping. I wedged it a little bit under the mattress on the open side and it gave just enough of a slope to keep him in bed. It worked like a charm! After a few days, I took the wedge out and he hasn't fallen out of bed since!
The night I took these pictures, he happened to be holding his "Baby Tiny Monkey" in his hand. Baby Tiny Monkey is a little monkey with a blanket that his Grammy got for him. He loves it and he named it himself.
I know we moms say this all the time, but he is just growing up too fast!
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Father's Day
I'm finally motivated to blog, so I figure I ought to keep going until I run out of steam!
Father's Day! I am thankful for Slade, who is a wonderful father. He is very involved in the kids' lives. He prays with me about how we can parent better or how to be intentional about shepherding our boys' hearts. He prays with the boys about how to glorify God with their lives at home, at church and at school. He teaches, by example, how to love others, how to be patient even when frustrated and how to laugh wildly while wrestling on the floor.
Russell enjoys it when Slade throws a football or plays catch with him outside. Randall loves playing with him with Legos on the floor. Judson calms down when Slade sings and will take a bottle from Slade like a pro. All three boys love to be with Slade and he loves to be with them.
I'm so thankful that God has blessed me with someone that helps me to be a better person. He is patient, whereas I am impatient. He thinks things through, whereas I can be impetuous (not to be confused with spontaneous, which neither of us are).
One day, we will have to record him telling a "Speck" story or a "Penny Robot" story or singing about the "Rubberband Boy". He is so creative and fun and blesses my life in so many ways.
I love parenting with him and can't imagine life without him. God has been so good to us and I am so thankful.
I'm also thankful for my dad, who is and always has been an encouragement to me...
...and a wonderful grandpa to my kids.
I am thankful for Slade's dad, Ken (Kenneth Randall, who died a week before Randall was born), and for the dad he was to Slade. Slade has many good memories and Ken is missed, especially on Father's Day.
I am blessed beyond measure and my cup runneth over.
Father's Day! I am thankful for Slade, who is a wonderful father. He is very involved in the kids' lives. He prays with me about how we can parent better or how to be intentional about shepherding our boys' hearts. He prays with the boys about how to glorify God with their lives at home, at church and at school. He teaches, by example, how to love others, how to be patient even when frustrated and how to laugh wildly while wrestling on the floor.
Russell enjoys it when Slade throws a football or plays catch with him outside. Randall loves playing with him with Legos on the floor. Judson calms down when Slade sings and will take a bottle from Slade like a pro. All three boys love to be with Slade and he loves to be with them.
I'm so thankful that God has blessed me with someone that helps me to be a better person. He is patient, whereas I am impatient. He thinks things through, whereas I can be impetuous (not to be confused with spontaneous, which neither of us are).
One day, we will have to record him telling a "Speck" story or a "Penny Robot" story or singing about the "Rubberband Boy". He is so creative and fun and blesses my life in so many ways.
I love parenting with him and can't imagine life without him. God has been so good to us and I am so thankful.
I'm also thankful for my dad, who is and always has been an encouragement to me...
...and a wonderful grandpa to my kids.
I am thankful for Slade's dad, Ken (Kenneth Randall, who died a week before Randall was born), and for the dad he was to Slade. Slade has many good memories and Ken is missed, especially on Father's Day.
I am blessed beyond measure and my cup runneth over.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Seeing Qualities of Christ
Lately, parenting has been very, very difficult. If I'm not dealing with one kid rolling his eyes at me, I'm correcting another for his tone of voice. Or I'm telling them both to stop arguing with each other, with me, with Slade, with the dog. Oh, wait, we don't have a dog. Well, that's a good thing because if we did, it would give me one more "person" to referee.
All that to say, yesterday God gave me a glimpse of Russell and Randall maturing and making good choices.
I was in the kitchen, mixing icing for some St. Patrick's Day cookies that I was going to glaze and I managed to spill it. And by "spill", I mean "fling". Yes. It was on me, on the counters, on the toaster and on the top cabinets.
When it happened, I just sort of gasped and stood there frozen and irritated with myself. Enter sweet boy #1--Randall. He saw me standing there and saw the bright orange frosting everywhere and grabbed a napkin to start cleaning it up. I said I needed to go change my clothes and offered him a wet washcloth so he didn't turn my mess into a bigger one while trying to help.
I came back in clean clothes (and with slightly damp hair where I had to rinse the icing out). I was surprised to see Randall still hard at work. In my absense, he had cleaned up every area he could reach and said, apologetically, "I can't reach the high cabinets."
I told him he was just like Daddy, helping Mommy clean up some spill or another. I can't tell you how many times Slade has come to my rescue after I've dropped a glass plate, spilled a glass of milk or even exploded a baking dish full of what should have been dessert. Slade is very good at holding me while I cry (or stomp my foot) and then just quietly helping me clean up.
Then yesterday afternoon, I was dealing with Randall (who was not being nearly as nice as he had been earlier) and it was very close to time to go to get Russ' hair cut. I heard Judson fuss in the livingroom and called to Russ that I would be there shortly and it was almost time to go.
When I finished dealing with Randall, I came out and found that Sweet boy #2, Russ, had calmed Judson and was buckling him into his carseat. He did it without me asking and just to help me out.
What a gift it was to see qualities like being helpful, being kind, thoughtfulness, taking initiative and selflessness in both boys. It was like God was telling me that all the hard work truly is worth it. As they get older, we will see more of their personalities and God-given gifts coming out. I pray that we see more and more of the qualities of Christ in them.
Lord, may they have Your heart.
All that to say, yesterday God gave me a glimpse of Russell and Randall maturing and making good choices.
I was in the kitchen, mixing icing for some St. Patrick's Day cookies that I was going to glaze and I managed to spill it. And by "spill", I mean "fling". Yes. It was on me, on the counters, on the toaster and on the top cabinets.
When it happened, I just sort of gasped and stood there frozen and irritated with myself. Enter sweet boy #1--Randall. He saw me standing there and saw the bright orange frosting everywhere and grabbed a napkin to start cleaning it up. I said I needed to go change my clothes and offered him a wet washcloth so he didn't turn my mess into a bigger one while trying to help.
I came back in clean clothes (and with slightly damp hair where I had to rinse the icing out). I was surprised to see Randall still hard at work. In my absense, he had cleaned up every area he could reach and said, apologetically, "I can't reach the high cabinets."
I told him he was just like Daddy, helping Mommy clean up some spill or another. I can't tell you how many times Slade has come to my rescue after I've dropped a glass plate, spilled a glass of milk or even exploded a baking dish full of what should have been dessert. Slade is very good at holding me while I cry (or stomp my foot) and then just quietly helping me clean up.
Then yesterday afternoon, I was dealing with Randall (who was not being nearly as nice as he had been earlier) and it was very close to time to go to get Russ' hair cut. I heard Judson fuss in the livingroom and called to Russ that I would be there shortly and it was almost time to go.
When I finished dealing with Randall, I came out and found that Sweet boy #2, Russ, had calmed Judson and was buckling him into his carseat. He did it without me asking and just to help me out.
What a gift it was to see qualities like being helpful, being kind, thoughtfulness, taking initiative and selflessness in both boys. It was like God was telling me that all the hard work truly is worth it. As they get older, we will see more of their personalities and God-given gifts coming out. I pray that we see more and more of the qualities of Christ in them.
Lord, may they have Your heart.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Growing
When I typed "Growing" as the title of this post, I had to smile because I've gotten so many comments about how I am really looking pregnant now. In just the last few weeks, this little guy has really popped out (making my belly button pop out, too, of course...)
But, that wasn't the "growing" I was going to talk about.
My sweet friend, Kara, made a comment on her blog that struck a cord with me. She said, "I am always learning and I hope I continue forever." I had to stop and think about that because I don't really feel that way. My Type A personality says that I don't want to be learning forever. I want to get it figured out at some point so the learning can stop and I can enjoy what I know or where I am.
We've really been struggling around the Rinehart household as of late. We have disrespect and rudeness from one child and screaming and flipping out from another. Then we have rude tone of voice and impatience from one Mama. Add all those together, and you get our house lately... lacking in peace and joy and love.
I sometimes roll my eyes and say that if my kids would just obey and behave then I would be a much nicer Mom. But I know in my heart, that my struggle to be a nice Mom isn't my children's fault, it's mine. I am a sinful person with sinful tendencies. I want to be perfect and not mess up and not rush my kids or hurt them with my words over and over again. And yet, I keep failing again and again. But, I'm not going to accept the failure because I know that being impatient with my kids or short in my tone of voice or easily frustrated (and on and on and on) is not God's plan for me.
Some days, it's easier to deal with difficult children or the recognition of my own sinfulness and then other days, it makes me so discouraged and disappointed. I don't mean to expect perfection (out of them or myself), but often I do when what we really need to be striving for is positive growth in the right direction.
We have a lot on our plates right now and sometimes I feel overwhelmed. Slade is crazy busy with school and work. The craft barn has been put on hold while he tries to keep his head above water with 5-page book reports due every week (not to mention reading the book first), discussion questions, 18-page finals and the list goes on and on. I feel discouraged that I'm not able to prepare the baby's room because the craft barn isn't ready for all my craft junk yet. And the kids... yeah, I don't know what their problem is, to be honest. They have it easy and yet they whine and complain with the best of them. Some days, I correct the bad attitudes the right way and sometimes I do it totally in my own strength. And, unfortunately, it doesn't seem to matter how I correct them, they aren't open to it and they don't like to hear/obey what I say.
Slade and I have been praying for wisdom to know how to best parent the kids. We pray that the Holy Spirit will soften their hearts to accept our correction and that there will be remorse when they are disciplined. We pray that we will parent with love and grace to guide their hearts, not just their behavior. And, yet, day after day, I fall into bed, discouraged and feeling like it's hopeless. I continue to raise my voice. I continue to be impatient with the kids. I continue to be selfish with my time and my energy. And they continue to disrespect me, disobey me, treat each other unkindly, holler...
I remember the words to a song I heard when I was a teenager: I'm growing. I don't like it. I'm growing... and it hurts. That's how I feel right now. I want God to bring these sinful areas to my awareness so that, with His help, I can grow and change. But, it's so hard to see the ugliness over and over and feel like I'm not making progress. Again, my Type A personality, I want to fix the problem and move on. But, God is teaching me that this growth takes time and prayer and dependence on Him. I can't control my temper on my own. I can't remember to love my boys the way God loves me on my own. I can't do it.
But, God has been so good to encourage me through family and friends and through my BSF study of Isaiah. He reminds me again and again that He is correcting me and making me aware of my sin because He loves me and He wants me to be the woman, wife and mom that He has made me to be.
I am thankful that it's not a hopeless situation. As a believer, I have the hope that one day, we will be with Jesus and we will be made perfect as He is perfect. And for right now, I have the assurance that God is with me, guiding me, giving me wisdom, growing me and loving me. And God doesn't only give children to perfect people. In fact, I think it was having children that really showed me my sinful habits and tendencies! But, God gives grace and His grace will help my children to grow and mature as He desires, in spite of my imperfect parenting.
I started this post feeling very discouraged, but after writing it (and Slade coming home for lunch and us having a chance to talk and brainstorm), I feel much better and more hopeful. So, I guess I can say, "I am always learning and I hope I continue forever." ...most of the time.
But, that wasn't the "growing" I was going to talk about.
My sweet friend, Kara, made a comment on her blog that struck a cord with me. She said, "I am always learning and I hope I continue forever." I had to stop and think about that because I don't really feel that way. My Type A personality says that I don't want to be learning forever. I want to get it figured out at some point so the learning can stop and I can enjoy what I know or where I am.
We've really been struggling around the Rinehart household as of late. We have disrespect and rudeness from one child and screaming and flipping out from another. Then we have rude tone of voice and impatience from one Mama. Add all those together, and you get our house lately... lacking in peace and joy and love.
I sometimes roll my eyes and say that if my kids would just obey and behave then I would be a much nicer Mom. But I know in my heart, that my struggle to be a nice Mom isn't my children's fault, it's mine. I am a sinful person with sinful tendencies. I want to be perfect and not mess up and not rush my kids or hurt them with my words over and over again. And yet, I keep failing again and again. But, I'm not going to accept the failure because I know that being impatient with my kids or short in my tone of voice or easily frustrated (and on and on and on) is not God's plan for me.
Some days, it's easier to deal with difficult children or the recognition of my own sinfulness and then other days, it makes me so discouraged and disappointed. I don't mean to expect perfection (out of them or myself), but often I do when what we really need to be striving for is positive growth in the right direction.
We have a lot on our plates right now and sometimes I feel overwhelmed. Slade is crazy busy with school and work. The craft barn has been put on hold while he tries to keep his head above water with 5-page book reports due every week (not to mention reading the book first), discussion questions, 18-page finals and the list goes on and on. I feel discouraged that I'm not able to prepare the baby's room because the craft barn isn't ready for all my craft junk yet. And the kids... yeah, I don't know what their problem is, to be honest. They have it easy and yet they whine and complain with the best of them. Some days, I correct the bad attitudes the right way and sometimes I do it totally in my own strength. And, unfortunately, it doesn't seem to matter how I correct them, they aren't open to it and they don't like to hear/obey what I say.
Slade and I have been praying for wisdom to know how to best parent the kids. We pray that the Holy Spirit will soften their hearts to accept our correction and that there will be remorse when they are disciplined. We pray that we will parent with love and grace to guide their hearts, not just their behavior. And, yet, day after day, I fall into bed, discouraged and feeling like it's hopeless. I continue to raise my voice. I continue to be impatient with the kids. I continue to be selfish with my time and my energy. And they continue to disrespect me, disobey me, treat each other unkindly, holler...
I remember the words to a song I heard when I was a teenager: I'm growing. I don't like it. I'm growing... and it hurts. That's how I feel right now. I want God to bring these sinful areas to my awareness so that, with His help, I can grow and change. But, it's so hard to see the ugliness over and over and feel like I'm not making progress. Again, my Type A personality, I want to fix the problem and move on. But, God is teaching me that this growth takes time and prayer and dependence on Him. I can't control my temper on my own. I can't remember to love my boys the way God loves me on my own. I can't do it.
But, God has been so good to encourage me through family and friends and through my BSF study of Isaiah. He reminds me again and again that He is correcting me and making me aware of my sin because He loves me and He wants me to be the woman, wife and mom that He has made me to be.
I am thankful that it's not a hopeless situation. As a believer, I have the hope that one day, we will be with Jesus and we will be made perfect as He is perfect. And for right now, I have the assurance that God is with me, guiding me, giving me wisdom, growing me and loving me. And God doesn't only give children to perfect people. In fact, I think it was having children that really showed me my sinful habits and tendencies! But, God gives grace and His grace will help my children to grow and mature as He desires, in spite of my imperfect parenting.
I started this post feeling very discouraged, but after writing it (and Slade coming home for lunch and us having a chance to talk and brainstorm), I feel much better and more hopeful. So, I guess I can say, "I am always learning and I hope I continue forever." ...most of the time.
Saturday, September 04, 2010
The Randler
Randall had a hard time the first week of school with getting ready to go. He gets easily distracted and it was a battle every morning. The second week was much better, but not without it's bumps, too.
Sometimes I feel like I get to see the worst of my kids while others get to see the good. I often say, "Would you talk to your teacher the way you just talked to me?" and they always say they wouldn't. I am glad they don't talk that way to their teachers, but I want them to think about how they talk to me. It makes me sad sometimes.
Randall handed me a letter yesterday when he got home from school. It read:
"Dear mommy I hope your haveing a great day at home. I am haveing a great day at scool. love Randall. I love you so much!" And it had lots of red hearts, one with a smiley face inside.
I am putting it on the fridge so that when I feel discouraged with the not so fun part of disciplining and training, I can remember that it's all worth it.
Sometimes I feel like I get to see the worst of my kids while others get to see the good. I often say, "Would you talk to your teacher the way you just talked to me?" and they always say they wouldn't. I am glad they don't talk that way to their teachers, but I want them to think about how they talk to me. It makes me sad sometimes.
Randall handed me a letter yesterday when he got home from school. It read:
"Dear mommy I hope your haveing a great day at home. I am haveing a great day at scool. love Randall. I love you so much!" And it had lots of red hearts, one with a smiley face inside.
I am putting it on the fridge so that when I feel discouraged with the not so fun part of disciplining and training, I can remember that it's all worth it.
Russell Man
Last night, we had Small Group at our house and Russell was in the livingroom with the adults. I told him he ought to go play with the other kids. He said he didn't want to because he didn't want to have to help clean up all the mess they would make with the toys. I told him he would have to help even if he didn't play with them because A.) he knows where they go since they're his toys and B.) we all chip in and help so it goes faster.
He did eventually go in and play. When Small Group was over, he came up and sat next to me, smiled and said, "I helped clean up the toys without you telling me to." I told him I appreciated that and thanked him.
When we were getting the boys ready for bed, Russ said, "We played a game in PE today to learn about honesty. Coach Floyd rolled a ball and if it hit our feet, we were supposed to be honest and step out of the circle. I thought about that tonight when it was time to clean up the toys after Small Group. I thought about sitting in the bedroom while everyone else cleaned up and then coming out and acting like I had helped like you said. But, then I decided to help clean up instead so I could tell you that I had helped and not be lying."
I was so surprised not only to get such a long speech out of him, but also all that he had thought about. He recognized that he had a choice. I probably wouldn't have known he was lying if he said he cleaned up but really hadn't. Small Group nights are usually a little chaotic and I just assume the kids are doing what they're supposed to be doing (good parenting, eh?). So, he knew he could've gotten away with it and, obviously, cleaning up the toys was something he didn't want to do. But, he made the right choice, even after considering the wrong choice.
I told him that I was so proud of him for doing the right thing, especially in a situation where I might not have realized he was lying. I told him that I appreciated his honesty and that doing the right thing even when no one knows is called integrity. Being a person of integrity is one of the most important qualities anyone can have. I also told him that even if I didn't see him do the right or wrong thing, God did. And, I know that God was very proud of him for doing the right thing.
It's neat to get glimpses of their character developing.
He did eventually go in and play. When Small Group was over, he came up and sat next to me, smiled and said, "I helped clean up the toys without you telling me to." I told him I appreciated that and thanked him.
When we were getting the boys ready for bed, Russ said, "We played a game in PE today to learn about honesty. Coach Floyd rolled a ball and if it hit our feet, we were supposed to be honest and step out of the circle. I thought about that tonight when it was time to clean up the toys after Small Group. I thought about sitting in the bedroom while everyone else cleaned up and then coming out and acting like I had helped like you said. But, then I decided to help clean up instead so I could tell you that I had helped and not be lying."
I was so surprised not only to get such a long speech out of him, but also all that he had thought about. He recognized that he had a choice. I probably wouldn't have known he was lying if he said he cleaned up but really hadn't. Small Group nights are usually a little chaotic and I just assume the kids are doing what they're supposed to be doing (good parenting, eh?). So, he knew he could've gotten away with it and, obviously, cleaning up the toys was something he didn't want to do. But, he made the right choice, even after considering the wrong choice.
I told him that I was so proud of him for doing the right thing, especially in a situation where I might not have realized he was lying. I told him that I appreciated his honesty and that doing the right thing even when no one knows is called integrity. Being a person of integrity is one of the most important qualities anyone can have. I also told him that even if I didn't see him do the right or wrong thing, God did. And, I know that God was very proud of him for doing the right thing.
It's neat to get glimpses of their character developing.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
First Day of School--Dr. Seuss Style
I had a few minutes before calling it a night Sunday evening and I was feeling kinda weird about the first day of school for the boys.
I was feeling torn about them starting back up. This has been a wonderful summer and I feel like we've had a great time and, in some ways, I don't want it to end. We did forget to have our "play the Wii all day" day, but we'll make it up some Saturday.
While the summer went by too quickly and I'm not yet at the point of thinking that school had better start or someone around here is going to die, I confess I am excited about all the changes for this year.
Some things I'm looking forward to:
* Randall and Russ will be at the same school, which makes drop off and pick up so convenient.
* Russ can look out for Randall and be there should Rand have any questions or anything.
* Watching the boys make good decisions about friends and hearing all about their days.
* Watching how God works in their hearts as they go through temptations and scary or new situations.
* Volunteering at PEP and getting to know their teachers and classmates.
* Watching them grow--physically, emotionally and, I pray, spiritually.
Some things I am struggling with:
* Worrying about how Randall will do in the face of so many changes--new school, bigger classes, a lunchroom, etc.
* Feeling bummed that they didn't get the teachers that *I* thought would be best for them and yet knowing that God is big and He is good and He is with them.
* Imagining the worst-case scenarios of the boys making bad decisions and getting labeled by teachers or others in authority.
* Wondering if Randall will get overwhelmed with everything and have a lovely meltdown.
The whole homeschool/private school/public school debate always weighs on my mind as a new year approaches. I don't think that public school is always the best decision for every child, but right now, at this point, we feel like Hudson PEP is the best place for the boys. Will it be the best place next year? We don't know. We will prayerfully make the best decision when next year gets here.
But, every year, I find myself feeling sad that I won't be a part of their experiences at school. It's how it should be because they need to learn independence. But, it's scary to let go every year. However, I am comforted with the complete knowledge that God is with them, that He has led us to this point, that He loves Russell and Randall more than I ever could and that He desires to grow them and not hurt them.
So, with that said...
I have to also confess that there is a part of me that is really looking forward to having my days to myself. I know I will miss the kids, but since I don't work, I get to be a stay-at-home mom with no kids at home for the whole day. And, with this new little one on the way, I know that it will be at least another 5 years before I get to experience this again.
So, in not-so-true Dr. Seuss fashion, I have written a little poem that expresses a little of what I am feeling.
First Day of School
'Twas the night before the first day of school and all through the house,
Not a child was stirring, they were quiet as a mouse.
Lunchboxes were packed in the fridge with care;
Hope they eat what I packed, even though I'm not there.
Uniforms were chosen, laid out on the floor;
Mama peeked in to kiss them and then shut the door.
Then out in the hallway, there rose such a clatter,
I hope Daddy didn't hear me, he'd wonder what was the matter.
It was Mama dancing and singing with joy,
Knowing she would get 7 hours with nary a boy.
Daddy shook his head to see such a sight...
Happy Day Before School Starts and to all a good night!
*grin* I will enjoy my free time while I have it.
I was feeling torn about them starting back up. This has been a wonderful summer and I feel like we've had a great time and, in some ways, I don't want it to end. We did forget to have our "play the Wii all day" day, but we'll make it up some Saturday.
While the summer went by too quickly and I'm not yet at the point of thinking that school had better start or someone around here is going to die, I confess I am excited about all the changes for this year.
Some things I'm looking forward to:
* Randall and Russ will be at the same school, which makes drop off and pick up so convenient.
* Russ can look out for Randall and be there should Rand have any questions or anything.
* Watching the boys make good decisions about friends and hearing all about their days.
* Watching how God works in their hearts as they go through temptations and scary or new situations.
* Volunteering at PEP and getting to know their teachers and classmates.
* Watching them grow--physically, emotionally and, I pray, spiritually.
Some things I am struggling with:
* Worrying about how Randall will do in the face of so many changes--new school, bigger classes, a lunchroom, etc.
* Feeling bummed that they didn't get the teachers that *I* thought would be best for them and yet knowing that God is big and He is good and He is with them.
* Imagining the worst-case scenarios of the boys making bad decisions and getting labeled by teachers or others in authority.
* Wondering if Randall will get overwhelmed with everything and have a lovely meltdown.
The whole homeschool/private school/public school debate always weighs on my mind as a new year approaches. I don't think that public school is always the best decision for every child, but right now, at this point, we feel like Hudson PEP is the best place for the boys. Will it be the best place next year? We don't know. We will prayerfully make the best decision when next year gets here.
But, every year, I find myself feeling sad that I won't be a part of their experiences at school. It's how it should be because they need to learn independence. But, it's scary to let go every year. However, I am comforted with the complete knowledge that God is with them, that He has led us to this point, that He loves Russell and Randall more than I ever could and that He desires to grow them and not hurt them.
So, with that said...
I have to also confess that there is a part of me that is really looking forward to having my days to myself. I know I will miss the kids, but since I don't work, I get to be a stay-at-home mom with no kids at home for the whole day. And, with this new little one on the way, I know that it will be at least another 5 years before I get to experience this again.
So, in not-so-true Dr. Seuss fashion, I have written a little poem that expresses a little of what I am feeling.
First Day of School
'Twas the night before the first day of school and all through the house,
Not a child was stirring, they were quiet as a mouse.
Lunchboxes were packed in the fridge with care;
Hope they eat what I packed, even though I'm not there.
Uniforms were chosen, laid out on the floor;
Mama peeked in to kiss them and then shut the door.
Then out in the hallway, there rose such a clatter,
I hope Daddy didn't hear me, he'd wonder what was the matter.
It was Mama dancing and singing with joy,
Knowing she would get 7 hours with nary a boy.
Daddy shook his head to see such a sight...
Happy Day Before School Starts and to all a good night!
*grin* I will enjoy my free time while I have it.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Doing the right thing
Some issues that come up in parenting are more difficult than others and have the potential to be important life lessons. We recently had one such issue.
I received a letter in the mail from Russell's school saying that he had scratched his name and a friend's name into a library table. He was sent to the principal's office, the counselor's office, and got lunch detention and no recess. Woah.
And we knew nothing of this, even though it had happened a week and a half before. It happened on a Thursday, Russ was sick and missed school Friday and then the next week was Spring Break. So, I'm assuming it got mailed the Monday after Spring Break and we received it Tuesday. Whew.
Everything in me just thought, "There is no way this is my child. There must be some mistake. Maybe someone else blamed him." But, I knew the school wouldn't make a mistake, so it needed to be dealt with.
I think the hardest part was that Russ hadn't told us. The school handled it and I was okay with how they handled it and I think he deserved the lunch detention and lack of recess, but I felt so sad that Russell hadn't told us. It felt like he was being sneaky and dishonest and that isn't normal for him.
I thought and prayed about it all the way to school to pick kiddos up and then asked my mom's advice, too. I felt like this was a big deal and I wanted to make sure I handled it well because it was a good teaching opportunity. I didn't want to shame Russ, but I did want him to feel ashamed of what he had done. I didn't want to guilt him, but I wanted to see remorse.
I decided spanking wasn't necessary, I would just use natural consequences. So, when we got home, I handed him the letter I had received and let him read it. "Is that familiar," I asked. He said yes quietly. I told him to go to his room and joined him after I had gotten everyone else a snack.
As soon as I walked in and said, "What was that all about?" he said, "I didn't know it was going to permanently scratch it" and began to cry. I can't tell you how much that encouraged me. He felt badly for what he had done. If he hadn't, then the consequence might not have been accepted as being fair and not just me being mean.
I sat on his bed with him and we talked through what had happened. He said his friend told him to do it. I skipped the if-your-friend-told-you-to-jump-off-a-cliff-would-you? angle and simply said, "Sometimes our friends tell us to do things and we need to think it through and decide if it's a good idea or a bad idea. I think this was one of those times where it was a bad idea." He agreed.
He told me what had happened and how he had gone to the principal's office and the counselor's office and what they had said. We talked for a while and I told him that even though it was an accident that it scratched the table, he had purposefully marked on the table and he knew better than to do that. And, accident or not, he had scratched the table and the school had to replace it.
So, I told him that he was going to have to write three letters of apology (to his teacher, principal and counselor) and then hand deliver them with a verbal apology as well. Then he would have to do extra chores to earn some of the money for the table. He nodded. I asked if he thought it was fair and he said no. I asked what he thought would be fair and he said nothing. I told him that no, it would not be fair or okay for him to do nothing. He had made a bad choice and he needed to make it right. He nodded again and I was pleased to see that he wasn't angry, just sad and maybe a little embarrassed. I made sure to let him know that Slade and I loved him and that him making a bad decision didn't change our love one bit. But, because we loved him, we wanted to teach him how to handle the situation the best way.
Here are his apology letters. I am not trying to embarrass him by posting these or even by posting this whole experience, but it was a big deal and I was very proud of how he reacted and with the lesson he learned through it. He wrote the letters all by himself, with no coaching from me (except to add to each one at the end that he wouldn't do it again).
To his teacher, Ms. Whitaker.
To the principal, Mrs. Wilson. I love his closing...
To the counselor, Mrs. Adams.
So, yesterday, I went and talked with the principal before having lunch with him. She was very nice and yet didn't act like it was no big deal. I told her that Russ had a note of apology for her and that he was going to do extra chores to earn some of the money for the table. She said it was costing the school $120 to replace the laminate on the table. Ouch! She didn't expect us to pay anything, but I told her we wanted to. So, I think we'll have Russ earn $10 and we'll pay the remaining $50 to at least pay half. Russ only gets a doller a week for his allowance, plus a quarter for each extra chore he does, so he's going to work hard for his $10.
Mrs. Wilson was very understanding and very proud of Russ for how he had responded when she talked with him. When he gave her his apology letter, she shook his hand and said that she hoped he had learned his lesson and that she was proud of how brave he had been to do the right thing. He got a little teary-eyed when she walked away. This whole thing has made a big impact on him.
So. We survived our first big school mishap. He survived his first trip to the principal's office. Hopefully his last unless he's going in to simply say hi.
I was surprised at how much this whole situation affected me emotionally. I don't always react the way I want to when I am in a difficult parenting situation, but I really feel like God gave Slade and me wisdom as we dealt with this and that the Holy Spirit softened Russell's heart to accept the consequences as well as to have the desire to do the right thing. We don't always see remorse or sadness in Russell when he sins and that has concerned us at times, but we did this time and if it took a difficult school situation to soften his heart, I say we'll take it. God is good and He has given us a wonderful little guy that we pray continues to grow and mature spiritually to be the man God desires him to be.
I received a letter in the mail from Russell's school saying that he had scratched his name and a friend's name into a library table. He was sent to the principal's office, the counselor's office, and got lunch detention and no recess. Woah.
And we knew nothing of this, even though it had happened a week and a half before. It happened on a Thursday, Russ was sick and missed school Friday and then the next week was Spring Break. So, I'm assuming it got mailed the Monday after Spring Break and we received it Tuesday. Whew.
Everything in me just thought, "There is no way this is my child. There must be some mistake. Maybe someone else blamed him." But, I knew the school wouldn't make a mistake, so it needed to be dealt with.
I think the hardest part was that Russ hadn't told us. The school handled it and I was okay with how they handled it and I think he deserved the lunch detention and lack of recess, but I felt so sad that Russell hadn't told us. It felt like he was being sneaky and dishonest and that isn't normal for him.
I thought and prayed about it all the way to school to pick kiddos up and then asked my mom's advice, too. I felt like this was a big deal and I wanted to make sure I handled it well because it was a good teaching opportunity. I didn't want to shame Russ, but I did want him to feel ashamed of what he had done. I didn't want to guilt him, but I wanted to see remorse.
I decided spanking wasn't necessary, I would just use natural consequences. So, when we got home, I handed him the letter I had received and let him read it. "Is that familiar," I asked. He said yes quietly. I told him to go to his room and joined him after I had gotten everyone else a snack.
As soon as I walked in and said, "What was that all about?" he said, "I didn't know it was going to permanently scratch it" and began to cry. I can't tell you how much that encouraged me. He felt badly for what he had done. If he hadn't, then the consequence might not have been accepted as being fair and not just me being mean.
I sat on his bed with him and we talked through what had happened. He said his friend told him to do it. I skipped the if-your-friend-told-you-to-jump-off-a-cliff-would-you? angle and simply said, "Sometimes our friends tell us to do things and we need to think it through and decide if it's a good idea or a bad idea. I think this was one of those times where it was a bad idea." He agreed.
He told me what had happened and how he had gone to the principal's office and the counselor's office and what they had said. We talked for a while and I told him that even though it was an accident that it scratched the table, he had purposefully marked on the table and he knew better than to do that. And, accident or not, he had scratched the table and the school had to replace it.
So, I told him that he was going to have to write three letters of apology (to his teacher, principal and counselor) and then hand deliver them with a verbal apology as well. Then he would have to do extra chores to earn some of the money for the table. He nodded. I asked if he thought it was fair and he said no. I asked what he thought would be fair and he said nothing. I told him that no, it would not be fair or okay for him to do nothing. He had made a bad choice and he needed to make it right. He nodded again and I was pleased to see that he wasn't angry, just sad and maybe a little embarrassed. I made sure to let him know that Slade and I loved him and that him making a bad decision didn't change our love one bit. But, because we loved him, we wanted to teach him how to handle the situation the best way.
Here are his apology letters. I am not trying to embarrass him by posting these or even by posting this whole experience, but it was a big deal and I was very proud of how he reacted and with the lesson he learned through it. He wrote the letters all by himself, with no coaching from me (except to add to each one at the end that he wouldn't do it again).
To his teacher, Ms. Whitaker.
To the principal, Mrs. Wilson. I love his closing...
To the counselor, Mrs. Adams.
So, yesterday, I went and talked with the principal before having lunch with him. She was very nice and yet didn't act like it was no big deal. I told her that Russ had a note of apology for her and that he was going to do extra chores to earn some of the money for the table. She said it was costing the school $120 to replace the laminate on the table. Ouch! She didn't expect us to pay anything, but I told her we wanted to. So, I think we'll have Russ earn $10 and we'll pay the remaining $50 to at least pay half. Russ only gets a doller a week for his allowance, plus a quarter for each extra chore he does, so he's going to work hard for his $10.
Mrs. Wilson was very understanding and very proud of Russ for how he had responded when she talked with him. When he gave her his apology letter, she shook his hand and said that she hoped he had learned his lesson and that she was proud of how brave he had been to do the right thing. He got a little teary-eyed when she walked away. This whole thing has made a big impact on him.
So. We survived our first big school mishap. He survived his first trip to the principal's office. Hopefully his last unless he's going in to simply say hi.
I was surprised at how much this whole situation affected me emotionally. I don't always react the way I want to when I am in a difficult parenting situation, but I really feel like God gave Slade and me wisdom as we dealt with this and that the Holy Spirit softened Russell's heart to accept the consequences as well as to have the desire to do the right thing. We don't always see remorse or sadness in Russell when he sins and that has concerned us at times, but we did this time and if it took a difficult school situation to soften his heart, I say we'll take it. God is good and He has given us a wonderful little guy that we pray continues to grow and mature spiritually to be the man God desires him to be.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Destruct-o Man
Destruct-o Man, who can destroy tall buildings and shrivel hot air balloons with just a glance, and who, disguised as Randall Rinehart, mild-mannered kindergartener, fights a never-ending battle to tear up, crush and cream anything in his path.
This is what I saw when I picked Randall up from my mom's after school today:
When he left for school, he did have a hole in one knee. But, both his khakis have holes in the knees. I'm not sure what that kid does at school, but he wears out the knees. I haven't had a chance to look for another pair (why don't they sell school uniforms throughout the school year?!), so I just sent him in the pair with the holes.
Randall is very good at putting emotions into words and he has said before that his "body is telling him to do something". What he means is that he has a huge desire or impulse to do something he knows he shouldn't do. For example, he has a little plastic dog with ears that move. He said the other day that his body was telling him to see if he could break off the ears. Now, most kids would simply break off the ears and not think twice. But, Randall knew he shouldn't break the toy and yet the desire to do it was there. I'm very proud of him that he is aware of it and wants help to control himself. So, sometimes he'll bring me a toy and say he needs me to hold it because he really wants to see if he can break it.
At some point, I think during recess in the gym, he accidentally tore the hole bigger and that must've made him want to see if he could tear it more. He could. And then it got ugly.
Like I said, I do understand having that desire, but it's still important for him to learn self-control and that it's not okay to do something just because you want to. Even if you want to very badly.
After the initial shock wore off, I wasn't angry. But, it's not okay to destroy your clothes. So, as a natural consequence (I've been reading Kevin Leman's book Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours and he's big on natural consequences), Randall had to give me all his money (he had $3 that he was saving up for some dog toy he wanted to buy) and it will go toward buying a new pair of school pants. He cried, but he understood and accepted it.
So, hopefully, this is the last we will hear of Destruct-o Man.
This is what I saw when I picked Randall up from my mom's after school today:
When he left for school, he did have a hole in one knee. But, both his khakis have holes in the knees. I'm not sure what that kid does at school, but he wears out the knees. I haven't had a chance to look for another pair (why don't they sell school uniforms throughout the school year?!), so I just sent him in the pair with the holes.
Randall is very good at putting emotions into words and he has said before that his "body is telling him to do something". What he means is that he has a huge desire or impulse to do something he knows he shouldn't do. For example, he has a little plastic dog with ears that move. He said the other day that his body was telling him to see if he could break off the ears. Now, most kids would simply break off the ears and not think twice. But, Randall knew he shouldn't break the toy and yet the desire to do it was there. I'm very proud of him that he is aware of it and wants help to control himself. So, sometimes he'll bring me a toy and say he needs me to hold it because he really wants to see if he can break it.
At some point, I think during recess in the gym, he accidentally tore the hole bigger and that must've made him want to see if he could tear it more. He could. And then it got ugly.
Like I said, I do understand having that desire, but it's still important for him to learn self-control and that it's not okay to do something just because you want to. Even if you want to very badly.
After the initial shock wore off, I wasn't angry. But, it's not okay to destroy your clothes. So, as a natural consequence (I've been reading Kevin Leman's book Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours and he's big on natural consequences), Randall had to give me all his money (he had $3 that he was saving up for some dog toy he wanted to buy) and it will go toward buying a new pair of school pants. He cried, but he understood and accepted it.
So, hopefully, this is the last we will hear of Destruct-o Man.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Getting into the new routine
We've been busy with both boys in school and getting into the new routine. Slade drops Russell and our neighbor, Danielle, off at school in the mornings because it's on his way to work. Then I take Randall around 8:20. It's nice to be able to go a little slower with him because... well, he just goes a little slower, in general.
After school, my mom will be picking Randall and Julia up (I picked Rand up last week since it was his first week and I wanted to make sure he was adjusting well and all) and I pick up Russ and Josh. I also pick up Danielle and a friend from church who lives just a few streets over named Jennie. I was only going to pick the girls up on Tuesdays and Thursdays because their moms work, but I figured since I had to pick Russ and Josh up anyway, I might as well just pick them up, too. It's not out of my way, I have lots of room in the van and they both have younger kiddos that really need to be napping during that time anyway.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the girls come to our house until their Moms come get them, so we don't get to chores until after dinner on those days. I wondered how the boys would do getting back into the routine of only 10-15 minutes of Wii a day and only if your chores are finished. They've done wonderfully. They play outside or eat a snack or whatever and then when it's time for chores, both have just hopped right to it.
I debated making their chores easier once school started because I didn't want them to lose play time just to empty the dishwasher or whatever, but then I decided that it's still important for them to learn to balance responsibilities with fun, so we kept all the same chores. The boys have surprised me because they've gotten quicker with their chores to make up for the loss of extra time. And, their attitudes are wonderful. Russ has had a great attitude starting back to piano after a summer of no lessons or practicing and he's even enjoying it.
Our first MOPS meeting of the year is tomorrow and I'm very, very excited about it. I think this is going to be a great year and I'm looking forward to it. This next week is unusual with Labor Day today, but I think I'm getting into a routine that will hopefully include blogging on a more regular basis.
Since no post is complete without a photo, here's Randall putting away clean dishes from the dishwasher.
After school, my mom will be picking Randall and Julia up (I picked Rand up last week since it was his first week and I wanted to make sure he was adjusting well and all) and I pick up Russ and Josh. I also pick up Danielle and a friend from church who lives just a few streets over named Jennie. I was only going to pick the girls up on Tuesdays and Thursdays because their moms work, but I figured since I had to pick Russ and Josh up anyway, I might as well just pick them up, too. It's not out of my way, I have lots of room in the van and they both have younger kiddos that really need to be napping during that time anyway.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the girls come to our house until their Moms come get them, so we don't get to chores until after dinner on those days. I wondered how the boys would do getting back into the routine of only 10-15 minutes of Wii a day and only if your chores are finished. They've done wonderfully. They play outside or eat a snack or whatever and then when it's time for chores, both have just hopped right to it.
I debated making their chores easier once school started because I didn't want them to lose play time just to empty the dishwasher or whatever, but then I decided that it's still important for them to learn to balance responsibilities with fun, so we kept all the same chores. The boys have surprised me because they've gotten quicker with their chores to make up for the loss of extra time. And, their attitudes are wonderful. Russ has had a great attitude starting back to piano after a summer of no lessons or practicing and he's even enjoying it.
Our first MOPS meeting of the year is tomorrow and I'm very, very excited about it. I think this is going to be a great year and I'm looking forward to it. This next week is unusual with Labor Day today, but I think I'm getting into a routine that will hopefully include blogging on a more regular basis.
Since no post is complete without a photo, here's Randall putting away clean dishes from the dishwasher.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed...
Today was Randall's first day of Kindergarten. I have to pause and think about what that means and how that makes me feel. Bear with me, I'm feeling all thoughtful this morning. Maybe because the house is quiet and I have time to myself to think.
Today was the first day of school for my youngest. I will never have a preschooler at home again. No one to run to Wal-Mart with me. No one to ask if we can go get donuts. No one to ask again if we can go get donuts. No one to cry and ask why we never get to get donuts.
Part of me is excited right now. I'm excited because I know Randall is in a wonderful environment. We knew, back when we started thinking about what to do for Kindergarten, that we didn't plan on sending Randall to the Kindergarten in our district. Back when Russ started Kindergarten, we could just request a transfer and go to any other school in the Longview ISD. Well, the rule changed and we couldn't do that for Rand. So, we prayerfully considered our options. Homeschool or private school. I agonized over it because I wanted to make the best decision, not just the easiest (for me) decision.
I checked out private Kindergartens in the area and just knew, when I visited Alpine Christian Academy (a ministry of Alpine Church of Christ), that I wanted Randall to get to go there. The director was wonderful. It's amazing how the director really sets the tone for the school. We chose Elmira Chapel back when Russell was going into pre-school because I was so pleased with the director, too.
Then I got to meet with the Kindergarten teacher, Miss Brenda, and I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I wanted Randall in her class. She is soft-spoken, but self-assured, and she loves what she does and wants to do the best she can. I called Slade and told him that I felt really, really good about ACA, but it was the most expensive of the options.
I'm sure I've shared all this before, but I can't find the post in my archives, so I'm going to share it all again.
Anyway, to make a long story, well, even longer...
Meet the Teacher was Tuesday and like the good mom I am... I forgot my camera! I had charged the battery and it was ready and I forgot it. Oh, well..
Randall was really not excited or nervous. He had accepted his fate. About a week ago, I asked him what he was most excited about and what he was the least excited about. He said he was most excited about "getting to have Julia in my class" and least excited about "having to have a new teacher". If that's his biggest worry, I know he'll have no problems today!
I was going to take a picture of Russell and Randall for Randall's first day like I've done every year for Russell's first day, but Russell seemed to forget how to smile and was stuck in "scowl and grumble mode", so he got kicked out of the picture.
Randall wasn't totally ready yet, but I wanted to catch them before Russ left for school. Unfortunately, that ended up not being necessary since there's not a Russell in this picture after all...
Once Randall was completely ready, we posed again. First, here's Randall just smiling a little...
I asked him to smile a real smile and he grinned really big (not exactly natural, but still cute) and said, "This is my big smile!"
Randall with his customary thumbs up:
When we got to school, Julia came running down the hall to greet Randall. She, in her sweet way, grabbed his arm and started chatting. I got a cute picture of the two of them and I thought it was funny that they were dressed alike. Such big kids!!
Since I forgot my camera at Meet the Teacher, I made sure to snap a picture of Randall and Miss Brenda.
Then Randall put his lunch bag in his cubby:
Headed over to the "job list" (aka: Which center do I start out in today?)
And discovered that he was in the Math Center.
And, after that, there are no more pictures because he was off on his own. He smiled a sweet smile, waved, and started his day. No tears, no asking when I would come back, no saying he didn't want to go to school. Just a happy kid.
And, that makes a happy Mom. It was bittersweet, though. Now it's just me here at home. In some ways, that is bitter. They are growing up and I don't get to change that. They are experiencing things that I'm not a part of and meeting people that I don't know. They are making their own choices and will sometimes suffer the consequences of those choices. They are learning to be organized, disciplined, obedient, submissive, friendly, competitive, and so many other things. I'm very proud of them, even though I often miss them when they're not here.
However, in this bittersweetness does come the sweetness. I can eat cookies any time I want! I can play at the computer, get caught up on blogs and facebook, list new items on my etsy and so much more! And, I don't have to try to divide my time between kids and other interests. Wa-hoo!
And, I plan to stay busy. I hope to volunteer at both boys' schools, continue to co-coordinate MOPS, be a Discussion Leader in the Evening Women's BSF class here, and many, many other things.
No more monkeys jumping on the bed...
...until the weekends!
Today was the first day of school for my youngest. I will never have a preschooler at home again. No one to run to Wal-Mart with me. No one to ask if we can go get donuts. No one to ask again if we can go get donuts. No one to cry and ask why we never get to get donuts.
Part of me is excited right now. I'm excited because I know Randall is in a wonderful environment. We knew, back when we started thinking about what to do for Kindergarten, that we didn't plan on sending Randall to the Kindergarten in our district. Back when Russ started Kindergarten, we could just request a transfer and go to any other school in the Longview ISD. Well, the rule changed and we couldn't do that for Rand. So, we prayerfully considered our options. Homeschool or private school. I agonized over it because I wanted to make the best decision, not just the easiest (for me) decision.
I checked out private Kindergartens in the area and just knew, when I visited Alpine Christian Academy (a ministry of Alpine Church of Christ), that I wanted Randall to get to go there. The director was wonderful. It's amazing how the director really sets the tone for the school. We chose Elmira Chapel back when Russell was going into pre-school because I was so pleased with the director, too.
Then I got to meet with the Kindergarten teacher, Miss Brenda, and I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I wanted Randall in her class. She is soft-spoken, but self-assured, and she loves what she does and wants to do the best she can. I called Slade and told him that I felt really, really good about ACA, but it was the most expensive of the options.
I'm sure I've shared all this before, but I can't find the post in my archives, so I'm going to share it all again.
Anyway, to make a long story, well, even longer...
Meet the Teacher was Tuesday and like the good mom I am... I forgot my camera! I had charged the battery and it was ready and I forgot it. Oh, well..
Randall was really not excited or nervous. He had accepted his fate. About a week ago, I asked him what he was most excited about and what he was the least excited about. He said he was most excited about "getting to have Julia in my class" and least excited about "having to have a new teacher". If that's his biggest worry, I know he'll have no problems today!
I was going to take a picture of Russell and Randall for Randall's first day like I've done every year for Russell's first day, but Russell seemed to forget how to smile and was stuck in "scowl and grumble mode", so he got kicked out of the picture.
Randall wasn't totally ready yet, but I wanted to catch them before Russ left for school. Unfortunately, that ended up not being necessary since there's not a Russell in this picture after all...
Once Randall was completely ready, we posed again. First, here's Randall just smiling a little...
I asked him to smile a real smile and he grinned really big (not exactly natural, but still cute) and said, "This is my big smile!"
Randall with his customary thumbs up:
When we got to school, Julia came running down the hall to greet Randall. She, in her sweet way, grabbed his arm and started chatting. I got a cute picture of the two of them and I thought it was funny that they were dressed alike. Such big kids!!
Since I forgot my camera at Meet the Teacher, I made sure to snap a picture of Randall and Miss Brenda.
Then Randall put his lunch bag in his cubby:
Headed over to the "job list" (aka: Which center do I start out in today?)
And discovered that he was in the Math Center.
And, after that, there are no more pictures because he was off on his own. He smiled a sweet smile, waved, and started his day. No tears, no asking when I would come back, no saying he didn't want to go to school. Just a happy kid.
And, that makes a happy Mom. It was bittersweet, though. Now it's just me here at home. In some ways, that is bitter. They are growing up and I don't get to change that. They are experiencing things that I'm not a part of and meeting people that I don't know. They are making their own choices and will sometimes suffer the consequences of those choices. They are learning to be organized, disciplined, obedient, submissive, friendly, competitive, and so many other things. I'm very proud of them, even though I often miss them when they're not here.
However, in this bittersweetness does come the sweetness. I can eat cookies any time I want! I can play at the computer, get caught up on blogs and facebook, list new items on my etsy and so much more! And, I don't have to try to divide my time between kids and other interests. Wa-hoo!
And, I plan to stay busy. I hope to volunteer at both boys' schools, continue to co-coordinate MOPS, be a Discussion Leader in the Evening Women's BSF class here, and many, many other things.
No more monkeys jumping on the bed...
...until the weekends!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Slave Labor
Well, we've started consistently doing chores around here. Okay, I already was doing them, but now I've allowed my children to partake in the great joy that one receives as a result of doing chores on a daily basis.
Ever since I posted about wanting the boys to have regular chores, I've been "testing" them to see what they can do. I have been pleasantly surprised to see all that they are capable of and how eager they are!
I'm also wondering why I didn't start this sooner! These kids are a huge help!
I took popsicle sticks and wrote the boys' chores out, one on each stick. Then I used baby food jars (the large ones) and decorated them. I know, I know, that step was unnecessary, but it was fun!
Russell got an alien in a space ship:
And Randall got a rocket ship:
As you can see, each boy gets two jars. One has "To Do" on it and the other has "Done". I choose the chores each morning and put them in the "To Do" jar. As they finish them, they, obviously, move the popsicle sticks to the "Done" jar.
I also have extra chores that they can do (after they've finished their regular ones) and they can earn extra money for doing them. They are marked with a red dot so I remember that they are extra. And, I have an extra jar for the chores that aren't necessary that day (like emptying the trash or putting away clean clothes, etc).
I still haven't decided how much they will get for an allowance (One dollar? Two dollars?), so I don't know how much the extra chores should be worth either. Ten cents each? A quarter?
I'm going to list out what each boy has for chores and I'd love advice if anyone has other chores that their kids are doing at my boys' ages!
Russell (7):
Make bed
Put dirty clothes away (this is done throughout the day and moved to "Done" at the end)
Put clean clothes away (when I do laundry, he takes his clean clothes and hangs them up or puts them in drawers--neatly)
Gather and take out recycling
Take trash out
Empty dishwasher
Help load dishwasher
Water garden (Russ and Rand rotate between the veggie garden in the back and the flower garden--if you can call it that--in the front)
Set table
Clear table
Pick up toys (throughout the day)
Read (for 20-30 minutes)
Write in journal (this one is just during the summer to keep his brain sharp) :-)
Practice piano (this one won't be done much during the summer because he gets a break while his piano teacher has and gets adjusted to a baby!)
Some of his "chores" (like practice piano or read) aren't really chores, but they are in there to remind him and help make them good habits.
Randall (5):
Make bed
Put dirty clothes away
Put clean clothes away
Empty small trashcans (we have two in the bathrooms and one in the computer desk; he empties them all into the lightest, empties that into the kitchen trash and returns all cans to their original spots)
Empty dishwasher (silverware and stacking bottom rack items on the counter for Russ to put in the cabinets)
Water garden
Set table
Clear table
Pick up toys
Read (with me listening for 10-15 minutes)
Practice handwriting (again, just during the summer)
Extra chores:
Wipe prints off around light switches
Help make a meal
Clean toilet
Sweep bathroom
Vacume bedroom
Wipe down kitchen table
Read extra (they can also do this for extra Wii minutes)
Fold towels
Some of these still require my supervision, but I've been so pleased with their willingness to help and with how teachable they've been to my instruction on how to do the chores!
Friday was our "first official day of summer vacation" and it was a great day! The rule for the summer will be that chores must be done and kids dressed (teeth brushed, etc) before anyone can play the Wii, ride bikes, etc. Monday, everything (minus reading and "school work") was finished by about 8:15! I was shocked! I know that not all days will go that smoothly and that some days, it might be a battle to get them to do what they're supposed to do, but I feel like our summer is off to a great start!
The kids also help get the mail, dust and whatever other things I think to ask them to do. I don't know why I didn't start this sooner. Maybe I didn't realize what they were capable of.
Last night, Slade and I went to Shreveport to celebrate our 10-year anniversary (a month late, but better late than never!) and the boys packed their bag with no help from me! Then when we got home today, they both unpacked their things *and* put them where they belonged. Normally, I just do things like that myself because it's easy and I don't think to have them do it.
I'm so proud of them!
Any tips on other chores they can add to their repertoire? What about allowances? I was thinking a dollar in quarters, with .25 going to church and .25 going to savings, leaving them with fifty cents of their own. Or two dollars, one in quarters, one a dollar bill, with .50 going to church, .50 to savings and one dollar for them. I know it's not an even 10%, but they don't understand percentages yet and it's easier to divide out that way.
Well, we're enjoying blasting off to chores!
And, I leave you with a joke.
What did the alien say to the rose bush?
Take me to your weeder!
Ba-da-dum!
Ever since I posted about wanting the boys to have regular chores, I've been "testing" them to see what they can do. I have been pleasantly surprised to see all that they are capable of and how eager they are!
I'm also wondering why I didn't start this sooner! These kids are a huge help!
I took popsicle sticks and wrote the boys' chores out, one on each stick. Then I used baby food jars (the large ones) and decorated them. I know, I know, that step was unnecessary, but it was fun!
Russell got an alien in a space ship:
And Randall got a rocket ship:
As you can see, each boy gets two jars. One has "To Do" on it and the other has "Done". I choose the chores each morning and put them in the "To Do" jar. As they finish them, they, obviously, move the popsicle sticks to the "Done" jar.
I also have extra chores that they can do (after they've finished their regular ones) and they can earn extra money for doing them. They are marked with a red dot so I remember that they are extra. And, I have an extra jar for the chores that aren't necessary that day (like emptying the trash or putting away clean clothes, etc).
I still haven't decided how much they will get for an allowance (One dollar? Two dollars?), so I don't know how much the extra chores should be worth either. Ten cents each? A quarter?
I'm going to list out what each boy has for chores and I'd love advice if anyone has other chores that their kids are doing at my boys' ages!
Russell (7):
Make bed
Put dirty clothes away (this is done throughout the day and moved to "Done" at the end)
Put clean clothes away (when I do laundry, he takes his clean clothes and hangs them up or puts them in drawers--neatly)
Gather and take out recycling
Take trash out
Empty dishwasher
Help load dishwasher
Water garden (Russ and Rand rotate between the veggie garden in the back and the flower garden--if you can call it that--in the front)
Set table
Clear table
Pick up toys (throughout the day)
Read (for 20-30 minutes)
Write in journal (this one is just during the summer to keep his brain sharp) :-)
Practice piano (this one won't be done much during the summer because he gets a break while his piano teacher has and gets adjusted to a baby!)
Some of his "chores" (like practice piano or read) aren't really chores, but they are in there to remind him and help make them good habits.
Randall (5):
Make bed
Put dirty clothes away
Put clean clothes away
Empty small trashcans (we have two in the bathrooms and one in the computer desk; he empties them all into the lightest, empties that into the kitchen trash and returns all cans to their original spots)
Empty dishwasher (silverware and stacking bottom rack items on the counter for Russ to put in the cabinets)
Water garden
Set table
Clear table
Pick up toys
Read (with me listening for 10-15 minutes)
Practice handwriting (again, just during the summer)
Extra chores:
Wipe prints off around light switches
Help make a meal
Clean toilet
Sweep bathroom
Vacume bedroom
Wipe down kitchen table
Read extra (they can also do this for extra Wii minutes)
Fold towels
Some of these still require my supervision, but I've been so pleased with their willingness to help and with how teachable they've been to my instruction on how to do the chores!
Friday was our "first official day of summer vacation" and it was a great day! The rule for the summer will be that chores must be done and kids dressed (teeth brushed, etc) before anyone can play the Wii, ride bikes, etc. Monday, everything (minus reading and "school work") was finished by about 8:15! I was shocked! I know that not all days will go that smoothly and that some days, it might be a battle to get them to do what they're supposed to do, but I feel like our summer is off to a great start!
The kids also help get the mail, dust and whatever other things I think to ask them to do. I don't know why I didn't start this sooner. Maybe I didn't realize what they were capable of.
Last night, Slade and I went to Shreveport to celebrate our 10-year anniversary (a month late, but better late than never!) and the boys packed their bag with no help from me! Then when we got home today, they both unpacked their things *and* put them where they belonged. Normally, I just do things like that myself because it's easy and I don't think to have them do it.
I'm so proud of them!
Any tips on other chores they can add to their repertoire? What about allowances? I was thinking a dollar in quarters, with .25 going to church and .25 going to savings, leaving them with fifty cents of their own. Or two dollars, one in quarters, one a dollar bill, with .50 going to church, .50 to savings and one dollar for them. I know it's not an even 10%, but they don't understand percentages yet and it's easier to divide out that way.
Well, we're enjoying blasting off to chores!
And, I leave you with a joke.
What did the alien say to the rose bush?
Take me to your weeder!Ba-da-dum!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Chores, chores!
I've been trying to think ahead and plan for the summer and have decided that we're going to start a routine of chores that will continue on into the school year and on until the end of time (or until the boys move out, whichever comes first). They help with chores and do whatever I ask of them, but they don't have any chores that they are to do without being asked. I know, I know, I'm a bad mom! But, it's always just been easier to do it myself. But, I know it is good for kids to learn that responsibility and that someday, their wives will thank me.
Now, before you think I never have my kids do chores, here's a post from a few years ago (wow, have I really been blogging this long?!) of Randall "doing chores".
So, I searched for a list of what kids can do at what ages. I remember finding a perfect chart a while back, but, for whatever reason, I didn't save it.
Here are a few links I found that might be helpful, if anyone else is looking for some guidance on chores for your kids. If you have a list or website that has been helpful to you, please, please share! I'm also curious what others do about allowances. I want to start weekly allowances, but I am not planning to "pay" them for doing their chores. Larry Burkett has a book, Money Matters for Kids, that I paged through years ago and I remember one thing he stressed was that if you give your kids an allowance (and he encourages you to do so), it shouldn't be based on doing chores. Chores are a part of being in this family and are done, period. Allowance is a privilege of being in this family and, thusly, can be taken away as a consequence of other issues. Don't you like my use of the word "thusly"?
Anyway, I need to re-read the book because I remember him having great advice!
Okay, links...
This first one is a website of the niece of a friend of my mom's. How's that for confusing?! I have mentioned Nina on my blog before and the helpful advice she has offered for Russell with his piano practice. She is a professional musician and, I believe, that she is currently teaching piano teachers how to teach their students? Anyway, this website is her niece's. www.organizeitmom.com and she has a great chore chart, too. I am debating whether I want to take the time to make my own or just enjoy the fruits of her labors.
A few links with age-appropriate lists:
www.chores-to-help-kids.com
www.blissfullydomestic.com
a post from the hubpages.com
I was the most pleased with this list that I found on myparentime.com, so I thought I'd list it out:
Ages 2 to 3: Put toys away, fill pet's food dish, put clothes in hamper, wipe up spills, dust, pile books or magazines, choose clothes and dress self.
Ages 4 to 5: Above plus, make own bed, empty wastebaskets, bring in mail or newspaper, clear table, pull weeds, use hand-held vacuum to pick up crumbs, water flowers, unload utensils from dishwasher, wash plastic dishes at sink, fix bowl of cereal.
Ages 6 to 7: Above plus, sort laundry, sweep floors, handle personal hygiene, set and clear table, help make and pack lunch, weed, rake leaves, keep bedroom tidy, pour own drinks, answer telephone.
Ages 8 to 9: Above plus, load dishwasher, put away groceries, vacuum, help make dinner, make own snacks, wash table after meals, put away own laundry, sew buttons, run own bath, make own breakfast, peel vegetables, cook simple food (such as toast), mop floor, take pet for a walk, pack own suitcase.
Ages 10 and up: Above plus, unload dishwasher, fold laundry, clean bathroom, wash windows, wash car, cook simple meal with supervision, iron clothes, do laundry, baby-sit younger siblings (with adult in the home), mow lawn, clean kitchen, clean oven, change bed, make cookies or cake from box mix, plan birthday party, have neighborhood job - such as pet care or yard work, or have a paper route.
What do you guys think? Sometimes the best advice just comes from a friend already implementing a certain plan. What do y'all do and what works or doesn't work? Do you reward for completing so many chores or so many days of chores? I want to reward, but within reason. Any tips?
While I'm at it, maybe I ought to make a chore chart for Slade, too...
Now, before you think I never have my kids do chores, here's a post from a few years ago (wow, have I really been blogging this long?!) of Randall "doing chores".
So, I searched for a list of what kids can do at what ages. I remember finding a perfect chart a while back, but, for whatever reason, I didn't save it.
Here are a few links I found that might be helpful, if anyone else is looking for some guidance on chores for your kids. If you have a list or website that has been helpful to you, please, please share! I'm also curious what others do about allowances. I want to start weekly allowances, but I am not planning to "pay" them for doing their chores. Larry Burkett has a book, Money Matters for Kids, that I paged through years ago and I remember one thing he stressed was that if you give your kids an allowance (and he encourages you to do so), it shouldn't be based on doing chores. Chores are a part of being in this family and are done, period. Allowance is a privilege of being in this family and, thusly, can be taken away as a consequence of other issues. Don't you like my use of the word "thusly"?
Anyway, I need to re-read the book because I remember him having great advice!
Okay, links...
This first one is a website of the niece of a friend of my mom's. How's that for confusing?! I have mentioned Nina on my blog before and the helpful advice she has offered for Russell with his piano practice. She is a professional musician and, I believe, that she is currently teaching piano teachers how to teach their students? Anyway, this website is her niece's. www.organizeitmom.com and she has a great chore chart, too. I am debating whether I want to take the time to make my own or just enjoy the fruits of her labors.
A few links with age-appropriate lists:
www.chores-to-help-kids.com
www.blissfullydomestic.com
a post from the hubpages.com
I was the most pleased with this list that I found on myparentime.com, so I thought I'd list it out:
Ages 2 to 3: Put toys away, fill pet's food dish, put clothes in hamper, wipe up spills, dust, pile books or magazines, choose clothes and dress self.
Ages 4 to 5: Above plus, make own bed, empty wastebaskets, bring in mail or newspaper, clear table, pull weeds, use hand-held vacuum to pick up crumbs, water flowers, unload utensils from dishwasher, wash plastic dishes at sink, fix bowl of cereal.
Ages 6 to 7: Above plus, sort laundry, sweep floors, handle personal hygiene, set and clear table, help make and pack lunch, weed, rake leaves, keep bedroom tidy, pour own drinks, answer telephone.
Ages 8 to 9: Above plus, load dishwasher, put away groceries, vacuum, help make dinner, make own snacks, wash table after meals, put away own laundry, sew buttons, run own bath, make own breakfast, peel vegetables, cook simple food (such as toast), mop floor, take pet for a walk, pack own suitcase.
Ages 10 and up: Above plus, unload dishwasher, fold laundry, clean bathroom, wash windows, wash car, cook simple meal with supervision, iron clothes, do laundry, baby-sit younger siblings (with adult in the home), mow lawn, clean kitchen, clean oven, change bed, make cookies or cake from box mix, plan birthday party, have neighborhood job - such as pet care or yard work, or have a paper route.
What do you guys think? Sometimes the best advice just comes from a friend already implementing a certain plan. What do y'all do and what works or doesn't work? Do you reward for completing so many chores or so many days of chores? I want to reward, but within reason. Any tips?
While I'm at it, maybe I ought to make a chore chart for Slade, too...
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Deceptively Delicious Sloppy Joes
I borrowed a book from a friend recently, titled Deceptively Delicious. I read a few reviews about the book online before I tried any recipes. I heard complaints like, "Isn't that lying to your children to hide veggies in their food?" and "How are they ever going to learn to like veggies if they are disguised in their meals?".
I am very pleased with the book so far and wanted to share my answers to the complaints as well as a recipe.
"Isn't that lying to your children to hide veggies in their food?" I suppose you could call it lying, but do you sit down and tell your child every ingredient you've put in every meal they eat? I think that if my kids knew there was sour cream in one of my cookie recipes that they love, they would think I was crazy. Unless they are cooking with you (which isn't a bad idea because they might think it's fun to know that there are "secret ingredients" that no one else knows are there since you can't taste them), I don't think it matters if they know what's "hidden" in the recipe or not.
"How are they ever going to learn to like veggies if they are disguised in their meals?" There are certain foods that I don't like by themselves. Red bell peppers are one. Yuck. However, in certain recipes, I love them. Pimiento cheese dip, for one! Mmmm! Also, I plan to serve the same veggies I already do along with the ones in the dinner. I'm not trying to sneak veggies into them as much as just trying to help them get more healthy foods with the extra good stuff they need. They both eat lots of veggies, usually without complaining, but a little more won't hurt anyone. It's practically impossible to get all the fruits and veggies into our kids that are recommended. Well, especially veggies.
That's what I liked about the book. It seems to give delicious recipes with extra good stuff inside. I made banana bread with cauliflower and no one was the wiser--Slade and Russell gobbled it up (Randall hasn't ever liked banana bread, the strange child). I, unfortunately, didn't care so much for it... You win some, you lose some, I guess. I think it was just because it wasn't my normal recipe and seemed "wetter" than I like. But, maybe this will be a good chance to play around with recipes and see what I can add to get the taste I like with the nutrition I want. That sounded like a line from a commercial, didn't it? :-)
So, here's the recipe for Sloppy Joes.
Sloppy Joes (with sweet potato and butternut squash or red pepper)
Ingredients:
nonstick cooking spray
1 T olive oil
1/2 C chopped red onion (I used my Pampered Chef whopper chopper thingy to get them chopped really small)
1/2 C chopped celery (chopped super small, again)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground turkey or sirloin (I used regular ground hamburger meat)
1/2 C sweet potato puree
1/2 C butternut squash or red pepper puree (I used the red pepper because I can't find butternut squash right now)
raw, finely chopped (used my whopper chopper again) carrots (optional)
1/2 C reduced-fat low-sodium beef broth (I don't know if mine was reduced-fat, low-sodium, but it was what I had in the pantry)
1/4 C tomato paste
1 T Worcestershire sauce
1 t chili powder, or to taste (I used about 1/2 t because I wasn't sure if it might be too spicy?)
1/2 t salt
1/8 t pepper
6-8 whole grain hamburger or hotdog buns (I used hotdog buns because I thought they would be easier for the boys to hold, plus it would be different and fun)
Directions:
1. Coat a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray and set it over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the oil. Add the onion, celery and garlic, and cook until the onion starts to soften (not brown), 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until no longer pink, 4-5 minutes. I had to drain mine after it had cooked all the way. You don't usually need to drain ground turkey.
3. Add the vegetable purees, raw chopped carrot (if using), beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the liquid is reduced by about one-half, 15-20 minutes.
4. Spoon the mixture over buns and serve.
We had celery sticks and potato chips with them. I was surprised at how much I liked the sloppy joes. I've never been much of a sloppy joe person, but this was very flavorful (probably the sauteed onions, celery and garlic). Slade really liked it although he didn't care for the chopped carrots. He's not a texture person. Russell liked it okay, although not as much as I thought he would, being our carnivore. :-) Randall ate the number of bites needed to get dessert and not a bite more. But, he didn't cry or gag, so I guess that counts for something. Slade also said he'd like to take leftovers for lunches. That's always a good sign! :-)
I'm hoping that as I do more of the recipes, I'll learn which flavors go with what and be able to tweak other favorite recipes to include healthier ingredients. I'm not very good at tweaking recipes, though, so we'll see... I'm too much of a rule-follower.
I was pleasantly surprised and look forward to trying a few other recipes, too.
Now, just don't tell my family, okay? What happens on the blog stays on the blog, right?! You never heard this from me...
This message will self-destruct in...
Five...
Four...
Three...
I am very pleased with the book so far and wanted to share my answers to the complaints as well as a recipe.
"Isn't that lying to your children to hide veggies in their food?" I suppose you could call it lying, but do you sit down and tell your child every ingredient you've put in every meal they eat? I think that if my kids knew there was sour cream in one of my cookie recipes that they love, they would think I was crazy. Unless they are cooking with you (which isn't a bad idea because they might think it's fun to know that there are "secret ingredients" that no one else knows are there since you can't taste them), I don't think it matters if they know what's "hidden" in the recipe or not.
"How are they ever going to learn to like veggies if they are disguised in their meals?" There are certain foods that I don't like by themselves. Red bell peppers are one. Yuck. However, in certain recipes, I love them. Pimiento cheese dip, for one! Mmmm! Also, I plan to serve the same veggies I already do along with the ones in the dinner. I'm not trying to sneak veggies into them as much as just trying to help them get more healthy foods with the extra good stuff they need. They both eat lots of veggies, usually without complaining, but a little more won't hurt anyone. It's practically impossible to get all the fruits and veggies into our kids that are recommended. Well, especially veggies.
That's what I liked about the book. It seems to give delicious recipes with extra good stuff inside. I made banana bread with cauliflower and no one was the wiser--Slade and Russell gobbled it up (Randall hasn't ever liked banana bread, the strange child). I, unfortunately, didn't care so much for it... You win some, you lose some, I guess. I think it was just because it wasn't my normal recipe and seemed "wetter" than I like. But, maybe this will be a good chance to play around with recipes and see what I can add to get the taste I like with the nutrition I want. That sounded like a line from a commercial, didn't it? :-)
So, here's the recipe for Sloppy Joes.
Sloppy Joes (with sweet potato and butternut squash or red pepper)
Ingredients:
nonstick cooking spray
1 T olive oil
1/2 C chopped red onion (I used my Pampered Chef whopper chopper thingy to get them chopped really small)
1/2 C chopped celery (chopped super small, again)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground turkey or sirloin (I used regular ground hamburger meat)
1/2 C sweet potato puree
1/2 C butternut squash or red pepper puree (I used the red pepper because I can't find butternut squash right now)
raw, finely chopped (used my whopper chopper again) carrots (optional)
1/2 C reduced-fat low-sodium beef broth (I don't know if mine was reduced-fat, low-sodium, but it was what I had in the pantry)
1/4 C tomato paste
1 T Worcestershire sauce
1 t chili powder, or to taste (I used about 1/2 t because I wasn't sure if it might be too spicy?)
1/2 t salt
1/8 t pepper
6-8 whole grain hamburger or hotdog buns (I used hotdog buns because I thought they would be easier for the boys to hold, plus it would be different and fun)
Directions:
1. Coat a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray and set it over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the oil. Add the onion, celery and garlic, and cook until the onion starts to soften (not brown), 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until no longer pink, 4-5 minutes. I had to drain mine after it had cooked all the way. You don't usually need to drain ground turkey.
3. Add the vegetable purees, raw chopped carrot (if using), beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the liquid is reduced by about one-half, 15-20 minutes.
4. Spoon the mixture over buns and serve.
We had celery sticks and potato chips with them. I was surprised at how much I liked the sloppy joes. I've never been much of a sloppy joe person, but this was very flavorful (probably the sauteed onions, celery and garlic). Slade really liked it although he didn't care for the chopped carrots. He's not a texture person. Russell liked it okay, although not as much as I thought he would, being our carnivore. :-) Randall ate the number of bites needed to get dessert and not a bite more. But, he didn't cry or gag, so I guess that counts for something. Slade also said he'd like to take leftovers for lunches. That's always a good sign! :-)
I'm hoping that as I do more of the recipes, I'll learn which flavors go with what and be able to tweak other favorite recipes to include healthier ingredients. I'm not very good at tweaking recipes, though, so we'll see... I'm too much of a rule-follower.
I was pleasantly surprised and look forward to trying a few other recipes, too.
Now, just don't tell my family, okay? What happens on the blog stays on the blog, right?! You never heard this from me...
This message will self-destruct in...
Five...
Four...
Three...
Monday, March 23, 2009
Two Deaths
We cut our mini vacation to Dallas this past weekend a little short so that we could be at the funeral of a friend. When we attended First Assembly of God in Hawkins, her husband was the associate pastor. He is now the pastor of a Nazarene church near Hawkins. Slade has known them for many years, almost twenty, I believe, and we both think the world of Brother and Sister Karlson. In the Assemblies, everyone is Brother and Sister So-and-So; it was a little weird for me to get used to at first, but I like it and the reminder that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.
I believe that, if I remember correctly, Shirley Karlson has had health issues for many years after contracting Hepititis B (or C?) from a blood transfusion years and years ago. The last few years it had really begun to affect her liver and that, of course, affected many other areas. She had been in a lot of pain and was on a liver transplant list. She passed away on Wednesday.
Her two sons are my age and her husband is a neat guy with a goofy sense of humor. I know that Shirley is no longer suffering and I am so thankful for that, but my heart goes out to her family.
The funeral was bittersweet, but very honoring of her life and glorifying to God. It was the boys' first experience with death. The fact that they didn't know Sister Karlson made it easier for them.
After the funeral was over, I explained to the boys that we would be walking by Sister Shirley's casket and that her body was inside. I reminded them that her spirit is no longer in her body because it is in Heaven with God, and that a dead body might look a little strange. I told them that they could look if they wanted to, but it would be okay if they didn't. I just wanted them to be prepared.
Randall said, "It might look a little gross." I explained that when someone dies, the funeral home makes the body look as much like the person had looked when they were alive as possible. I said it might look weird simply because it would look like she was sleeping when she was really dead, but it wouldn't be gross at all. Both decided to look.
As we were leaving the church, Randall became frantic and said (very loudly), "I forgot to look at her! I wanted to look at her!" I guess he got distracted and forgot to look when we walked past the casket. Or he might not have known what the casket was or that her body was in it. I calmed him down by showing him her picture and telling him that she looked a lot like the picture. He accepted it and got over it pretty quickly. I was glad that we had gone out the back door and none of the family was around. I wouldn't want them to feel awkward or bothered by his innocent outburst.
We had a very good talk on the way home about death and heaven and hell and both boys really listened and seemed to understand (as much as can be understood at their ages--although, even at my age, I don't understand it all).
Then when we got home, Slade went inside the house first to check the mouse trap that we had set up to catch a "visitor" we had discovered a day or two before we left. We had been unsuccessful at catching it prior to leaving, so we left the traps set up while we were gone.
It was successful.
So, I told both boys that the trap had caught the mouse and it was dead. I told them they could go look at (not touch!) the mouse if they wanted to, but that they didn't have to and that it might be a little sad to see the mouse dead. Surprisingly, both boys raced to the kitchen to see it. Boys.
So, we have had two unexpected times to talk about life and death this weekend. I'm thankful that God has given us wisdom to know what to say and how to say it and that both boys have shared their thoughts and have been open with us.
Death is hard. I am thankful for the hope I have in Christ that death is not the end, but, rather, is the wonderful beginning. I love getting to share that hope with Russell and Randall and watch as their minds are beginning to grasp so many big concepts, like heaven and hell.
I believe that, if I remember correctly, Shirley Karlson has had health issues for many years after contracting Hepititis B (or C?) from a blood transfusion years and years ago. The last few years it had really begun to affect her liver and that, of course, affected many other areas. She had been in a lot of pain and was on a liver transplant list. She passed away on Wednesday.
Her two sons are my age and her husband is a neat guy with a goofy sense of humor. I know that Shirley is no longer suffering and I am so thankful for that, but my heart goes out to her family.
The funeral was bittersweet, but very honoring of her life and glorifying to God. It was the boys' first experience with death. The fact that they didn't know Sister Karlson made it easier for them.
After the funeral was over, I explained to the boys that we would be walking by Sister Shirley's casket and that her body was inside. I reminded them that her spirit is no longer in her body because it is in Heaven with God, and that a dead body might look a little strange. I told them that they could look if they wanted to, but it would be okay if they didn't. I just wanted them to be prepared.
Randall said, "It might look a little gross." I explained that when someone dies, the funeral home makes the body look as much like the person had looked when they were alive as possible. I said it might look weird simply because it would look like she was sleeping when she was really dead, but it wouldn't be gross at all. Both decided to look.
As we were leaving the church, Randall became frantic and said (very loudly), "I forgot to look at her! I wanted to look at her!" I guess he got distracted and forgot to look when we walked past the casket. Or he might not have known what the casket was or that her body was in it. I calmed him down by showing him her picture and telling him that she looked a lot like the picture. He accepted it and got over it pretty quickly. I was glad that we had gone out the back door and none of the family was around. I wouldn't want them to feel awkward or bothered by his innocent outburst.
We had a very good talk on the way home about death and heaven and hell and both boys really listened and seemed to understand (as much as can be understood at their ages--although, even at my age, I don't understand it all).
Then when we got home, Slade went inside the house first to check the mouse trap that we had set up to catch a "visitor" we had discovered a day or two before we left. We had been unsuccessful at catching it prior to leaving, so we left the traps set up while we were gone.
It was successful.
So, I told both boys that the trap had caught the mouse and it was dead. I told them they could go look at (not touch!) the mouse if they wanted to, but that they didn't have to and that it might be a little sad to see the mouse dead. Surprisingly, both boys raced to the kitchen to see it. Boys.
So, we have had two unexpected times to talk about life and death this weekend. I'm thankful that God has given us wisdom to know what to say and how to say it and that both boys have shared their thoughts and have been open with us.
Death is hard. I am thankful for the hope I have in Christ that death is not the end, but, rather, is the wonderful beginning. I love getting to share that hope with Russell and Randall and watch as their minds are beginning to grasp so many big concepts, like heaven and hell.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
A Smattering of Happenings
I'm playing catch up here as I post happenings from the last few weeks in no particular order.
1. We went to Shreveport to spend a gift card (from my mom last year for Christmas) for Monjuni's, my all-time favorite restaurant. We decided to make a mini vacation out of the trip and spent the night at a hotel, shopped all day at the Boardwalk, watched Bolt at the Boardwalk theatre and then ate dinner at Monjuni's.
We planned to meet our friends, the Simcoxes, there and then got a fun surprise when we ran into our other friends, the Hampers. We couldn't have planned it better. We all walked around and shopped, ate lunch, and then headed our separate ways in the afternoon.
The Boardwalk was beautifully decorated for Christmas.
What a great photo op, right? Well...
Waiting for the hubbies to do some shopping at the Nike shop.
Everyone's smiling and laughing, let's take a group photo, right? Poor Audrey, she's the only one that looks normal.
The whole crew:
I thought this one was cute of Randall. It's a good thing I got this cute one because otherwise you might think he always looked like he does in the other pictures...
Practicing their aim at the Pro Bass Shop.
Enjoying (I think) the ride on the trolley. We had one heckuva time catching the trolley!
On the way home, I called my sister (who had been in Florida for the week) just to chat and happened to mention that we were on our way home from Shreveport. She said they were on their way back to Texas from Florida and they were just leaving Shreveport, too. Turns out, we were within minutes of each other and we got to wave at them (although Josh and Julia were sleeping from the long, tiring drive) as they passed us. We couldn't have planned that better, either! We got a good laugh about that!
2. Our new appliances are finally installed (except for the microwave which is waiting on the new countertops) and the boys had a blast playing in the box that the dishwasher came in. They colored on it, climbed in it, tipped it over, hit under it and more!
3. We've had some issues to deal with, mainly fighting and speaking unkindly (aka yelling at the top of their lungs) to each other.
One day, I was so tired of it, I sent both kids outside. I didn't realize it was raining until the boys came back in. When I asked why they were back inside, they said, "We were just getting our hoodies. It's raining." I told them they could just go in the garage. I was that fed up with the arguing. Luckily, they enjoyed the light drizzle and the cold outdoor weather.
As you can see, Russell has had to write sentences recently. That seemed to really help him improve his attitude. He was more sincere when he apologized after writing the sentences. He was instructed to use his best handwriting and think about how he was supposed to speak to Randall as he wrote.
He wrote beautifully (he didn't realize he had copied 'kindly' until the very end) and even seemed proud of his sentences. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
I'll save Thanksgiving and Christmas programs/parties for another post.
Whew, we've been busy!
1. We went to Shreveport to spend a gift card (from my mom last year for Christmas) for Monjuni's, my all-time favorite restaurant. We decided to make a mini vacation out of the trip and spent the night at a hotel, shopped all day at the Boardwalk, watched Bolt at the Boardwalk theatre and then ate dinner at Monjuni's.
We planned to meet our friends, the Simcoxes, there and then got a fun surprise when we ran into our other friends, the Hampers. We couldn't have planned it better. We all walked around and shopped, ate lunch, and then headed our separate ways in the afternoon.
The Boardwalk was beautifully decorated for Christmas.
What a great photo op, right? Well...
Waiting for the hubbies to do some shopping at the Nike shop.
Everyone's smiling and laughing, let's take a group photo, right? Poor Audrey, she's the only one that looks normal.
The whole crew:
I thought this one was cute of Randall. It's a good thing I got this cute one because otherwise you might think he always looked like he does in the other pictures...
Practicing their aim at the Pro Bass Shop.
Enjoying (I think) the ride on the trolley. We had one heckuva time catching the trolley!
On the way home, I called my sister (who had been in Florida for the week) just to chat and happened to mention that we were on our way home from Shreveport. She said they were on their way back to Texas from Florida and they were just leaving Shreveport, too. Turns out, we were within minutes of each other and we got to wave at them (although Josh and Julia were sleeping from the long, tiring drive) as they passed us. We couldn't have planned that better, either! We got a good laugh about that!
2. Our new appliances are finally installed (except for the microwave which is waiting on the new countertops) and the boys had a blast playing in the box that the dishwasher came in. They colored on it, climbed in it, tipped it over, hit under it and more!
3. We've had some issues to deal with, mainly fighting and speaking unkindly (aka yelling at the top of their lungs) to each other.
One day, I was so tired of it, I sent both kids outside. I didn't realize it was raining until the boys came back in. When I asked why they were back inside, they said, "We were just getting our hoodies. It's raining." I told them they could just go in the garage. I was that fed up with the arguing. Luckily, they enjoyed the light drizzle and the cold outdoor weather.
As you can see, Russell has had to write sentences recently. That seemed to really help him improve his attitude. He was more sincere when he apologized after writing the sentences. He was instructed to use his best handwriting and think about how he was supposed to speak to Randall as he wrote.
He wrote beautifully (he didn't realize he had copied 'kindly' until the very end) and even seemed proud of his sentences. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
I'll save Thanksgiving and Christmas programs/parties for another post.
Whew, we've been busy!
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