Saturday, February 26, 2011

I am NOT Superwoman or am I?

I tend to take on more than I can actually handle. God only made my arms so big. I set really high expectations for myself. I don't know maybe I feel like that is what a stay at home mother is supposed to do? I have to this, and this, and this, and this, and this, and this, and so on. The problem: I am stretching myself thin. I then become upset with when I fail. I have to change this thought process and lower my personal daily expectations.

I never say "NO", because I don't want to hurt some one's feelings. I am a people people pleaser. I will bend over backwards just to please you. . I have to learn to say "NO" and understand that it's not going to hurt your feelings because I need to put that time somewhere else. I could use that time with my family, or in my own home.

I never like asking for help. I don't like it when someone helps me because then I feel like I am doing something wrong. I am not the type to correct putting dishes in the dishwasher, folding the clothes, making the bed, etc. I can accept that you have your way and I have mine. I may go behind you a little and help somewhat. Yet, I can't stand for someone to actually help me. I can't stand it when you hear someone "huff and puff" because they would do it this way or that way. I would rather not have the help. I sabotage myself this way.

There are days that I don't ever eat because I can't seem to make it to the kitchen to do that for myself, (my children eat..just not me). I have issues with my sugar, hypoglycemia to be exact. So this is one that I can't afford to do. I have to eat. I have to make time to sit down and eat. I just hate making the mess and would rather save the cleaning up for something else. I know that sounds silly, but it's true.

I tend to push away people that do try to help, because I feel like I am the one that has to do it all. I don't know why I do this. I know that my husband will help if I ask him to, I just don't want to ask. I guess I feel that I shouldn't always have to ask. However, when he does help, I get defensive. Again, very silly, but I do. I feel like it's expected of me to do it all...laundry, washing dishes, sweeping, moping, cleaning bathrooms, the kitchen, taking care of the kids 24/7, errands, grocery shopping, teaching, taking care of the dogs, and the list continues.

Even though I know that I am NOT superwoman I try really hard to be her. I try to get it all done. I try really hard. I hate failing. I hate disappointing someone. I hate having to stop to take care of me. I hate that I can't do it all. I hate that I have to ask for help. I hate that I try so hard to please.

BUT, I have to stop and realize that I am only one person trying to take care of 3 people (not including me). It will be alright if I have a bad day, just don't allow them to run into each other. It's alright that I didn't finish everything on my list because there is always tomorrow~but did I spend time with my children. Did I make them smile? Did I make them laugh? Did I hold them and tell them that I love them? In the end that's all that really matters....my children. Was I a super hero to them?

Thursday, February 24, 2011

The Bully

Have you ever seen your child be picked on? Left out? Made fun of? Punched? I have. I have come in after a little boy pick my son up and had thrown him into the wall and left him there to cry. I have watched children purposefully leave him out of games because they don't want to play with him. I have heard children make fun of him. I witnessed a child that punched him in the stomach as hard as they could and then laughed; he didn't know how to respond. He did tell the child that it wasn't nice to punch as he laughed and cried at the same time. I just held him what else could I do, the parents of the other child just sat there.

I think what hurts the most is if you were to meet my Little Buddy you wouldn't know right away that he is special needs. He is just like every other little boy. He likes playing with his DS, building with his Lego's, playing on the computer, watching t.v., bakugans, and the list goes continues. He loves to run, swing on the swing, tell jokes, create, help in the kitchen, and have friends. He has a smile and a laughter that can light up a room and it is very contagious! He is so loyal to the kids that he calls his friends. He aims to please you the best that he can. He has the same feelings as anyone else.

Yet, spend time with my Little Buddy and you will start to notice some things. He doesn't carry on conversation like every child his age. He tends to quote movies and television shows. He will laugh out loud sometimes and you really don't know why. He doesn't answer your questions because sometimes he just doesn't understand how to. He tends to play by himself. He is extremely sensitive to loud noises.

I don't believe that he should be picked on because he is a little different but other kids see that as a weakness. Research has proven that children with special needs will be picked on the most, because they are seen as weak. Other children (the "bully") don't think that they will be told on. If your child is like mine he won't tell anyone but live silently until he has had enough.

All of this brings us here: Little Buddy has recently tried to find ways not to go to school. I like any parent (not knowing why) would loving send him to school because that is where he is supposed to be, right? We were told that third grade gets harder near the end because they require so much of them. By the way, the homework is ridiculous! It can take us hours most nights. Most children tell their parents about upcoming test, not mine I find out the night before. I know that he has a para pro and a teacher so I expect that if Little Buddy is in trouble then someone will help, intervene, do something.  At the last IEP meeting that we had (which they are not truly following) they let us know that "bullying" starts up in fourth grade really bad. They just thought we should know.

We've been planning on homeschooling him for fourth grade and beyond, especially since the IEP. We have even thought about pulling him out this year and starting it now because of the fact that they really aren't following the IEP. They say that they are trying but they haven't really fulfilled anything yet, not really. I am, and have been, very frustrated this year. I see him struggling. He tries so very hard and still fails. Instead of making sure that he has it they keep passing him on. I don't like that at all!

I was talking to him today and I asked him is there anything that he didn't like about school. He said he didn't like the fire drill and this one specific boy (he named him, but not posting names here). I asked why he didn't like the little boy. You have to understand that my child LIKES everyone and never tells me he doesn't like someone. He looked down and told me that this little boy is constantly trying to hurt him and it's tearing him into a million pieces.
(I took out the direct quotes, just because.)
My heart sunk literally broke in half. I could hardly breathe as I was asking him questions. I haven't been able to protect him at from other children and the teachers were doing an even worse job. Why hadn't they told me? They know that he isn't ever going to tell me. He never complains. Then I thought about every time that I put him on the bus even though he didn't want to go. Was I to blame? Thousands of questions swarmed me and no answers. I am a little hurt, angry and upset. I talked to my Mr. and he was furious! Needless to say Little Buddy doesn't ever have to go back to school again. I will be homeschooling him from here on out.

I may not be able to protect him all the time, but I don't have to send him to a school where no one will protect or stand up for him. I want him to have a sense of self worth and know that the "bullying" behavior is unacceptable. Pray for us as we begin this new journey. I am excited and a little worried all at the same time. I want him to succeed and I know that he will!  

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Coconut oil

I have read some things about Coconut Oil over the past couple of months. Do you know the benefits of Coconut Oil? Did you know that coconut oil is very effective against a variety of infections due to its antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties?


Our jar of coconut oil.
 I've been using it as a diaper rash cream for baby girl. She is very sensitive and my regular stuff just wasn't cutting it! Plus this is much safer for my cloth diapers. It's not greasy and it almost instantly melts with body heat. I can put this on her and she is so much better within hours! This stuff is amazing. I've used it on my hands, splotches on my face (or son's face), scratches, etc. and it seems to work so much faster than anything that I have used before.

This site (click here) has some really interesting thoughts on coconut oil and what it can do. I was in awe when I read it. I never thought of all the ways that it can really help. Why not try it? I found mine in a whole foods store but I'm sure you can find it somewhere near you!

Tasty Tuesday ~ week 3

I have been craving Fried Green Tomatoes! Yes, this gorgeous weather has me wanting summer foods....

Because it has been a hot minute since I last made Fried Green Tomatoes, I used just one tomatoe.

Whole wheat flour and a little cornmeal to add some crunch.

I just thought this was a pretty neat pic. The green tomatoe with red inside...

Fry the up!

Season with a little salt and pepper. Dip into whatever sauce you like, I use ranch.

These turned out really good. I shared them with baby girl's therapist Monday night and she was so excited! I think we might have to do this again soon. This is a good treat for me:) Hope you enjoyed!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Thirsty Thursday ~ 2

I had the opportunity to teach Sunday School this past Sunday. My husband was sick and had lost his voice somewhat and wanted me to fill in ~after he read my notes...lol. I was scared, but I said yes. I was shaking so hard but I (through the help and guidance of my wonderful God) made it through. Here is my lesson:)

Love - How many types of Love are mentioned in the Bible? Can you name them? There are 3 types of love in the Bible. They all fall under one of these: 1 Agape, 2 Philios, and 3 Storge. (Side note: Eros is another Greek word for love, but it is not found in the Bible.)

Let's start with Storge. This love is a family love. It naturally happens between a parent and a child. When a woman finds out that she is pregnant there is an immediate connection, a love, a bond. This can also be found in siblings. This is also a love shared between a husband and a wife in a good marriage. It is not as conditional as Philios. It is a "I will love you, because I should" type of love.

Next is Philios. It is usually defined as a brotherly love. love that exists between close friends, to have special interest in someone or something, close associations, to have affection for, strong liking, This love is conditional, it usually wants something in return. "I will love you if you do _______." It is a "clique" type love.

Finally is Agape. This love is unconditional. the very nature of God, God's love for man. We are supposed to have this love for people ~including our enemies. Matt 5:44 is where Jesus told us to love our enemies. Agape is love because of what it does NOT because of how it feels.
A mother who loves her sick baby will stay up all night to care for him/her even though she doesn't want to. Agape is not generated from feelings, it is an exercise of the will a deliberate choice.

What is Love? 1 John 4:7-10
Love is NOT our love toward God BUT His love toward us. This is also a demonstration of His Grace!!!

Law says - Matt 22:37-40 (paraphrasing) - Love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and strength.

Grace says  - Jesus loves you with ALL His heart , ALL His mind, and ALL His strength. Jesus went all in on your (sorry I miss playing cards). He put it all on the line just for you! If you were the only one that would have been saved then He would do it all again!!!

The difference between Law and Grace:
Law says that you have to come to Him as a righteous person.
Grace says that He gave you righteousness as a gift when you accepted His Son.

Now lets talk about Peter and John for just a minute:)

Peter - Boasted of his own love for Jesus...I will always follow You. I will NEVER forsake You.
John - called himself the Beloved...He was boasting of God's love for him. He knew how much Jesus loved him!

The night Jesus was taken: Peter ran, cursing, and denying Jesus not just once but 3 times before morning. John was found at Jesus' feet.

After Jesus raised from the dead: John 21:15-17 Jesus comes to them a 3rd time and cooks them breakfast (you need to start your day with Him - I really think that it is super neat that He made them breakfast.) Jesus asks Peter 3x's of he loves Him. Why???? If you research the meaning of the love that is being used you will see that Jesus asked Peter twice if (agape) loved him. He was asking Peter: " Do you love me? Do you really love me the way that I love you? Do you love me unconditionally? Do you love me - you know the way that you boasted about loving me?" Peter's reply was always..."Lord, You know that I (philios) love you. So the last time Jesus asked if he loved Him, He came down to Peter's level and asked if he "philios - loved" Him.

Peter had learned a lesson and knew that he was not able, at that time, to love Jesus the way that He loved him. He finally figured out it was not about how much he loved Him but how much He loves him.

I challenge you to magnify His love for you. Let His love light you on fire and burn you up! It will then spread out and become contagious. When you boast of God's love for you, then you can hear His heartbeat (Joseph Prince). I also want you to personalize the scriptures when you read. Not only will it seem more personal but you will remember it more. He wrote you the longest love letter ever (66 books) and He longs for you to read it!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Smart Mom Teething Bling

Yes, I wrote that right. Did you know there was such a thing as "Teething Bling"? I think this is awesome! You know, if you have babies, that they will eventually discover that you wear that pretty necklace around your neck. One day they will reach up with their tiny little hand all innocent and decide to play with your necklace. Then they go for it...they slobber all over your pretty little necklace as you panic because you know they shouldn't do that! What if it breaks? What are they getting in there mouth? How often do you think about actually cleaning your jewelry???

The many questions that go through you mind and you decide, like most mothers, maybe your jewelry should be put up for a little while...WAIT! Smart Mom has a solution!!! You may have to retire some of your pieces but they have a way for you to still feel "girly" and still have your bling!

Again, And Then There Were Four is having another giveaway! They are giving away a Teething Bling Set From Smart Mom. ( a $34 value!!!)  You HAVE to go to their site and check out all there really cute pieces, they even have things for dad! You do have to hurry on this one...it ENDS on the 19th of February. Why are you still reading, go, go, go!!!

Baby Legs

And Then There Were 4 is hosting an awesome giveaway! She has teamed up with BabyLegs and they are giving away a "Spring Has Sprung Goodie Bag":) The goodie bag is sweet...it includes 2 legwarmers, 1 pair of tights, and 1 pair of socks (2pairs of socks if you have a boy, instead of the tights). The winner gets to choose the size and gender. This is a $50 value...very generous!!!


Here are a couple of items that they carry: (photos copied from their FB page)

                          

Aren't they super cute! I can't wait to win (fingers crossed). If I don't win then I will definitely have to figure out a way to get a couple of things...

So, PLEASE, go see And Then There Were 4, tell her I sent you:) If your not interested in entering to win but still want a pair then still hop on over to her blog because she also has a coupon...why not do both while you are there? Hurry up though because this giveaway ends on the 27th of February!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Tastey Tuesday

I have said it before my Mr. LOVES to eat! He loves it when I am creative with food especially when he asks for something over and over...so he kept telling me he was wanting a super awesome hamburger. I told him I would one day and this was his week!

I think he fell in love with me all over again...lol!
I had him hold baby girl...as I rounded the corner with his plate. His eyes became huge as he smiled from ear to ear. I had layered 3 beef patties (yes, I know 3 - but he has ate the quad stack at burger king, plus the beef was from farm raised cattle not stuff and kill ones). Layered with 2 slices of cheddar and one layer of mozzarella along with onions, mushrooms, and pickles. Then topped it with tomato, lettuce, and coleslaw. I put mayo and A1 on it too! I think it was about six to eight inches tall:)

He "smooshed" it all down and proceeded to eat. Then sat there with his eyes glazed over, lol. He was very content. He decided to name it the "Yaya Triple Decker". I laughed. I think I fulfilled his "Man v. Food" wants for right now. I will have to see what I can come up with over the next week...

Sunday, February 13, 2011

A start of a new week...

I didn't write much last week...sorry:( I was hit with some news that I may share later nevertheless it overwhelmed me. I spent the whole week trying to research something that I don't even know could be a possibility. So anyways, I decided I would write a little tonight.

We have a busy week. Tomorrow is Valentines Day:) Happy Valentines Day to all of you! I hope that you have a great day whether you celebrate or not. I celebrate with my children. My Little Buddy has always loved holidays. I taught him this at a very young age and so we decorate for every single holiday. If he knew when Arbor Day was he would probably celebrate it too...lol! (He knows what the Arbor Day means thanks to Charlie Brown.)

I have a meeting involving Baby Girl tomorrow. I hope that it goes well. It should. It's just a meeting about therapy. She receives Physical Therapy b/c the dr. said she is "floppy". The clinical term is "Hypotonia" which means low muscle tone. I don't think I like that dr. too much just for using the word "floppy". 

Then we have some family things. Clean the house, do some chores that I need to get too, make a menu for the week, shopping, phone calls, etc.. I would love to start packing some more as well. I packed a box over the weekend. We have about one more month before we move, if everything goes through. YAY!!! I will finally have a home of our own:) I can't wait to decorate! I will write more about the house later...right now there are a few hiccups but nothing God can't handle.

I hope to write a few times this week. I already have a "Tasty Tuesday", "Not so Wasteful, Wednesday", and a "Thirsty Thursday" ready to go! I am excited about this week and I can't wait to get it started:)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Tasty Tuesday :P

I love to cook! I love experimenting with new recipes that will just tickle my husband. I feel like I am very creative when it comes to the kitchen. I have made things from scratch and my own creations that actually are really good. I had one of those nights recently....check out these pictures: .

This was Little Buddy's cheese pizza :)

This is my Mr.'s favorite! It is a BBQ Chicken pizza with onions and mushrooms.
This was a great night! The cheese pizza was easy. I used store bought pizza bread in a can (I can't seem to make my own very good yet.) I used a little spagetti sacue and added the cheese...cooked for 15 minutes and DONE! It was delicious. My little buddy loved this pizza:)

The BBQ Chicken pizza was a little more involved. I made it while the cheese pizza was in the oven. I sauteed the onions in a little bit of oil and some garlic, then I added the cooked chicken and let it sit for a few minute while I prepared the bread. I laid the premade pizza bread in a cookie sheet and then drizzled a little BBQ sauce over the top. Then I added the chicken and oinon mixture. Next came the mushrooms (they cook in the oven) and into the oven it went. Fifteen minutes later....Oh my! I thought my husband was in heaven...lol. He even had seconds. That's when I know that it is good.

The next morning we still had some leftover and he ate it cold. He replied, "You know it's good pizza when you can eat it cold the next morning and it is still just as delicious as the night before." I was thrilled. I think this may be something that we do a couple of times during the month. I hope you enjoyed!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

How green are you? Wednesday :)

I have decided to be a little more "green" this year. I have already made some changes this year and I hope to continue. I recently found a site that will grade how green you are, you can click here to find out more. I took the test and scored in the 2000's, which isn't the greatest but better than zero. I would like to change things where I live but I'm in a little apartment. I can't change their windows, water heater and so on, but I could change the light bulbs, and how I do things inside.

I realized earlier this week that I am beginning to run out of cleaning supplies. I dread spending the money on things that break out my skin, smell so strongly, and probably not so good for our environment. I thought to myself, "I wish there was something different without having to spending a lot of money". Well, there is! I can make my own and I already have most of the stuff to do it with.

Here is a list of basic items that you will need: Baking Soda, Vinegar, Rubbing Alcohol, Washing Soda, Borax, and Mild Dish Detergent.

I found these ideas online:

All Purpose Cleaner: 2TBS of vinegar, 1tsp borax, hot water, a few drops of mild dish det., 16 oz. empty spray bottle, and about 10 drops of your preferred oil (optional, used to disguise the smell of the vinegar). Mix: vinegar, borax, and 1/2 hot water until borax is completely dissolved. Then add the rest of water and dish det., and the oil....you're ready!

Soft Scrub: baking soda and dish det., sprinkle the baking soda over the area (tub, sink, counter top, ect.) then add a little dish det and scrub away. This formula shouldn't scratch the surfaces either, just watch what you are scrubbing with.

Window Cleaner: 1tsp of mild dish det., 3TBS of vinegar, 2 cups of water. Mix in a spray bottle and go to town:)

Of course there is a lot more you will just have to do a little research and see what works for you. I found out a lot about other things and how they help clean and deodorize things in my house. I can't wait to share more with you but I will wait until next week:)

If you have some ideas that would help me be "green" around the house while cleaning then please feel free to leave your suggestions!

***Please DO NOT mix any of the above cleaning ideas with bleach! It can cause toxic fumes that can be very dangerous!!!***

 

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

My Baby's First Necklace

I love jewelry. I think that most women do. I don't think it should be worn in over abundance but I do think that accents are good. Since becoming a mom I often forget to put on my jewelry before leaving the house. I feel naked without my wedding ring, bracelet and sometimes earrings.

I think that it is super sweet when a baby is wearing jewelry. I LOVE bald headed babies that have their ears pierced! It is just too cute!!! (just my opinon) I love seeing a baby with a necklace or a bracelet, so very sweet. I actually looked at jewelry for baby girl before she was born...lol. I never thought that I would actually buy anything until she was older...but then I came across this:

A Baltic Amber Necklace from Inspired By Fin.


Doesn't she look absolutely adorable!!! I love her little grin here.


Baby girl has been having a really rough time with teething. She screams constantly, cries in her sleep, refuses to eat, and hits her mouth with her fist. I read about this necklace from Cloth Diaper Addiction. I told my husband about it and we decided to try it...what harm could it do right?

We ordered it last Tuesday and it was here by Saturday! Wow, I was already impressed with the shipping. I took a picture as soon as it arrived. I was super excited and I put it on her immediately! I think it took a couple of days to really start working. She was such a happy baby today! As you can tell from the picture:)

So why this necklace? Well, Baltic Amber has been used in Europe as a natural and traditional remedy and curative for many ailments for centuries. Long ago it was considered one of the leading ‘medicines’ of its time. Baltic Amber is the most esteemed amber in the world, and the healing qualities of Baltic Amber make it unlike any other type of amber found in the world.
When baltic amber is worn on the skin, the skin’s warmth releases trace amounts of healing oils from the amber. These oils contain succinic acid and are absorbed into the skin. Baltic Amber has some of the highest concentrations of Succinic Acid found in nature, and this is what makes it so special. Succinic Acid is a natural component of plant and animal tissues, and it's presence in the human body is beneficial in many ways.

Baltic Amber can help with: pain relief, strengthens the body's immune system, restoring energy, maintaining wellness, and to help break a cycle of (chronic) inflammation.  

I do believe that it has helped. She doesn't sleep in it at night, but I do wrap it around her foot (no clasps to pinch her) and put a long sock over when she does sleep. I love this necklace from Inspired by Fin. I think it is beautiful! Thank you!

***This is also called a teething neckalce, and the lighter the color the better the results will be:)