In our family, we have some anger problems. It's not so much that we get angry more than most people. I believe that everyone gets angry at times. I do think that we need better ways to deal with the anger when it comes. The Apostle Paul said "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath (Ephesians 4:26)." This tells me that it is not a sin to be angry. It is a sin, however, to let your anger influence your behavior in a bad way. Any behavior that hurts someone (physically or emotionally) or damages something (yours or someone else's) is sinful.
Popular psychology says that holding in your anger is harmful to your body. I believe this is true. Holding on to anything bad is going to cause something bad to happen. It's kind of like holding a burning match. If you don't let go, you will get burned. This same psychology suggests that you should find a non-harmful way to release the anger. Children are told to go to their room and punch their pillow. Of course, it is really hard to damage a pillow by punching it, so on the surface, this would seem like a good idea. However, is transferring the anger to something else really helpful? Does it actually release the anger? In my experience, the answer is NO. It's just exchanging your match for a different one. As a young adult, I took several years of Tae Kwon Do classes. I enjoyed the challenge of using my body in new ways, and the mental aspects of having to concentrate so that my brain got a rest from my day-to-day problems. There were times that I was frustrated with people or situations at work. I tried to release my anger by taking it out on the punching bags at the dojang. I got a good workout, and did well with my punching and kicking at those times, but I did NOT get rid of the anger. It was still there the next time I went to work and had to deal with the same person or situation.
So, if we can't take our anger out on the person or thing we are angry at, and we can't take our anger out on something else in their place, what is left for us to do? We could complain to someone, a psychologist or friend who would listen and feel bad for us. But, does this really help? Maybe, but many times it just gets another person angry in addition to ourselves. Or, it makes us look bad to the person we are talking to. (Let's face it, sometimes our anger is just a tad bit irrational or misplaced). So, while this may help us to "get it off our chest," it's not always the wisest path.
I believe the best thing to do when you're angry is actually a really radical idea. On the surface, it makes no sense at all. To most of the world, it seems totally stupid. I believe that the best thing you can do, is to do something nice for the person or pray for them (not that they'll do what's right, but that they will be blessed!) WHAT?!!! you may be asking. Why would I want to do something NICE for someone who just made me ANGRY? Hear me out, here. First of all, I believe that our words are important. (Don't worry, I'm preaching to myself, here!) Jesus said "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (Matthew 12: 36&37)." What can be more "idle" than "blowing off steam?" We many times say things in anger that we don't really mean, and wouldn't generally say to or about the person we are angry with. So, we should watch our tongues and "Be angry, and sin not." Okay, so we aren't supposed to do something BAD with our anger. How does this mean that we should do something utterly GOOD? We're going to listen to Jesus again. In Matthew 5: 39, He said: "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." See what I mean by radical? This is NOT what I learned in Tae Kwon Do class! I think if someone hit me in the face, I would be pretty angry, wouldn't you? But instead of hitting him back, or going home and hitting my pillow, Jesus says, just let him do it again. Bear with me, here. It gets worse. In verses 43 - 45, He says: "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thy shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." In other words, don't take it personally! It is not about you. However, as a follower of Christ, you have a responsibility to do the right thing. You have the power to show the world the love of God. When Jesus came, he came to show us the Father in a tangible way. When he ascended to Heaven, he left that responsibility to us, his followers. In Matthew 5:16, He says: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." Someone once said that we are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is our chance to shine!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Why?
Why, oh, why, do people invent some things?!!! Yesterday, I had to go to Joann Fabrics to get some elastic for a pair of shorts I'm making for Rory. Of course, I could find absolutely no elastic near our house, so off we go on a trek. I brought the kids, and I must say they were very good! I also found a very pretty piece of pink and white plaid material, and patterns for a dress for Lily and one for me. We can match! (hee, hee!) She's too little yet to realize that she doesn't want to match her mom....I hope. I'm a little nervous about making the dresses, because I haven't really made anything with a directional print like that, but if you don't try...
So, after the fabric store we got a slice of pizza, and then on to the grocery store. I usually get groceries close to home, but there was a SUPER STOP & SHOP near the fabric store, so I decided to go there. As we were going to get a cart, the kids noticed a CAR CART! Now, they have a car cart at the CVS near home, but it only holds one child, and has a very small shopping basket attached. This one has a double-seater car, and a HUGE basket with two seats instead of one. It crossed my mind that I didn't know who would want to bring four children who were small enough to ride in shopping carts grocery shopping, but I guess it's good that they have accommodations for them, right? Well, the cherubs convince me that this car cart will be perfect for us, so they get in and away we go. First of all, the thing barely fits through the door, and it really should come motorized. MUCH harder to push than the reel mower! Also, it is almost impossible to turn unless you have a parking-lot sized area to do it in. But, the kids are happy and contained, so we continue. All of a sudden, the kids are trying to switch seats (kind of like a Chinese Fire Drill effect). No, Rory is trying to switch seats because he has realized that his horn doesn't work, but Lily's does. (Why would they have put horns on these things to begin with?) Lily is quite happy with her seat, and doesn't want to switch, probably because she has realized that Rory's horn doesn't work. I lay down the law and say they have to stay in their own seats, and it's too bad, but Rory had rough luck with horns. We're okay until we get to the cereal aisle. What kind of cereal do you want? Well, they have to get out of the car. Now, they're loose, and I can't move very fast because I have this stupid car cart. Now we're sideways in the aisle, blocking everyone else from both directions. Get straightened around, get both kids back in car, I pick out the cereal. We're off again. Lily gets her foot out of the car. Get her back in. Repeat. Repeat. Rory gets out of the car. I tell him he has to get back in, or stay out. He gets back in. Out. Stay out, then. Lily gets out. She's tired and wants to be carried. Okay, Rory push the cart. Grunt, Groan. Rory can't push the cart because it weighs 20 tons. Clear out child seat in cart, put Lily in. Rory has to use the bathroom. It's on the other side of the store (you know, the side we had STARTED on). Go to bathroom. Rory pulls the soap dispenser apart because he can't figure out how to get the soap out. He's in the men's room, so I can't go in and help. Tell him to leave it and someone will figure it out. Go back through store to find things we forgot because the store is set up differently from our usual store, finally get to checkout. Can't unload cart because car is in the way. Finally get car pushed into line far enough to unload, check out, debit card doesn't work right, have to start over using credit card, escape (very slow escape, kind of like the O.J. car chase, if you remember that one), get groceries and kids in car, open candy because we're all stressed out, Lily goes to sleep, we all go home. Next time, I'm shopping at the little piddly local store with no car carts!
So, after the fabric store we got a slice of pizza, and then on to the grocery store. I usually get groceries close to home, but there was a SUPER STOP & SHOP near the fabric store, so I decided to go there. As we were going to get a cart, the kids noticed a CAR CART! Now, they have a car cart at the CVS near home, but it only holds one child, and has a very small shopping basket attached. This one has a double-seater car, and a HUGE basket with two seats instead of one. It crossed my mind that I didn't know who would want to bring four children who were small enough to ride in shopping carts grocery shopping, but I guess it's good that they have accommodations for them, right? Well, the cherubs convince me that this car cart will be perfect for us, so they get in and away we go. First of all, the thing barely fits through the door, and it really should come motorized. MUCH harder to push than the reel mower! Also, it is almost impossible to turn unless you have a parking-lot sized area to do it in. But, the kids are happy and contained, so we continue. All of a sudden, the kids are trying to switch seats (kind of like a Chinese Fire Drill effect). No, Rory is trying to switch seats because he has realized that his horn doesn't work, but Lily's does. (Why would they have put horns on these things to begin with?) Lily is quite happy with her seat, and doesn't want to switch, probably because she has realized that Rory's horn doesn't work. I lay down the law and say they have to stay in their own seats, and it's too bad, but Rory had rough luck with horns. We're okay until we get to the cereal aisle. What kind of cereal do you want? Well, they have to get out of the car. Now, they're loose, and I can't move very fast because I have this stupid car cart. Now we're sideways in the aisle, blocking everyone else from both directions. Get straightened around, get both kids back in car, I pick out the cereal. We're off again. Lily gets her foot out of the car. Get her back in. Repeat. Repeat. Rory gets out of the car. I tell him he has to get back in, or stay out. He gets back in. Out. Stay out, then. Lily gets out. She's tired and wants to be carried. Okay, Rory push the cart. Grunt, Groan. Rory can't push the cart because it weighs 20 tons. Clear out child seat in cart, put Lily in. Rory has to use the bathroom. It's on the other side of the store (you know, the side we had STARTED on). Go to bathroom. Rory pulls the soap dispenser apart because he can't figure out how to get the soap out. He's in the men's room, so I can't go in and help. Tell him to leave it and someone will figure it out. Go back through store to find things we forgot because the store is set up differently from our usual store, finally get to checkout. Can't unload cart because car is in the way. Finally get car pushed into line far enough to unload, check out, debit card doesn't work right, have to start over using credit card, escape (very slow escape, kind of like the O.J. car chase, if you remember that one), get groceries and kids in car, open candy because we're all stressed out, Lily goes to sleep, we all go home. Next time, I'm shopping at the little piddly local store with no car carts!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Thinking and Praying
For those of you who don't know me, I tend to be a "thinker". Those of you who do know me have already probably figured this out. My Mom must have said "Someday I hope you have a child just like you" at some point, though possibly under her breath, because I seem to have a "thinker" son. Unfortunately, we both tend toward thinking about whatever it is we are NOT doing at the time. This can lead to some rather dangerous situations if you're not careful!
I have recently been convicted in this area. (No, not by the judge, silly, by God!) Because I am usually thinking ahead or thinking back or thinking aside from what I am actually doing, my inward and outward lives are pretty disjointed.
I am trying to get my house in order. I have found some of Flylady's ideas to be helpful in this area (not the SHOES, but...) such as the idea that anything you do is better than nothing. This would seem to be a no-brainer, but I think I always felt that if I didn't have time to finish the job, why even start? I have tried to force this concept onto my son, also. He is doing better now that I am not forcing him to finish huge jobs in one shot. We both seem to need to develop the habit of focusing well and working hard for shorter periods of time. Funny, that's also a Charlotte Mason concept. I have tried it with schoolwork with some success. Maybe it works well in all areas! I wonder if Flylady has read Charlotte Mason?
It would seem that since I live so much inside my head, I would be able to spend a lot of time in prayer. Not the case. Thinking and praying are not the same thing! I actually spend more time thinking about having to pray for someone or about something than actually praying. I spend a lot of time thinking about God without actually spending time with him! Maybe if I can use the same methods for my spiritual life as my physical life, I could get my spiritual "house" in order at the same time as my physical house.
I have recently been convicted in this area. (No, not by the judge, silly, by God!) Because I am usually thinking ahead or thinking back or thinking aside from what I am actually doing, my inward and outward lives are pretty disjointed.
I am trying to get my house in order. I have found some of Flylady's ideas to be helpful in this area (not the SHOES, but...) such as the idea that anything you do is better than nothing. This would seem to be a no-brainer, but I think I always felt that if I didn't have time to finish the job, why even start? I have tried to force this concept onto my son, also. He is doing better now that I am not forcing him to finish huge jobs in one shot. We both seem to need to develop the habit of focusing well and working hard for shorter periods of time. Funny, that's also a Charlotte Mason concept. I have tried it with schoolwork with some success. Maybe it works well in all areas! I wonder if Flylady has read Charlotte Mason?
It would seem that since I live so much inside my head, I would be able to spend a lot of time in prayer. Not the case. Thinking and praying are not the same thing! I actually spend more time thinking about having to pray for someone or about something than actually praying. I spend a lot of time thinking about God without actually spending time with him! Maybe if I can use the same methods for my spiritual life as my physical life, I could get my spiritual "house" in order at the same time as my physical house.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Good Morning!
Good Morning, everyone! Yes, I actually managed to get up BEFORE the kids! Don't ask me how, as I was actually up pretty late last night. I did have some motivation, because I realized that Mike was not up yet when I first woke up, and this is his early day for work. So, I got up and started his coffee, realizing in the process that I had forgotten to start the dishwasher last night before bed like I intended. It is a portable one that has to be plugged in to the kitchen sink, so I will now have to wait until after breakfast to run it. At least I don't have any laundry that needs to be done immediately!
Yesterday was absolutely beautiful! It was (finally) warm outside, and sunny, and the kids and I got to go out and get some fresh air! Lily seems to be feeling much better, though she woke up coughing yesterday morning. Our push lawn mower broke a few weeks ago, so I asked Mike if we could get a reel mower (non-motorized) to replace it, as he mows most of the lawn with a lawn tractor, anyway. So, when he and Rory went to get the plywood for the chicken coop (he has the frame finished) the other day, they checked at Home Depot, and there was actually a reel mower. They got it, so I'm trying to teach Rory how to mow the lawn. It really needs to be "hayed" with the tractor before we get too far, because some of it is just too high for the reel mower to handle, but we got a little of it done, and Rory got some practice. He feels very proud of himself for being able to do a "man's job."
I went into the garage to get the chickens and take them outside, and they were really all over the place! I actually had a hard time catching them to bring them out, because they kept flying over things I had to go around to get to them. One stayed in the garage quite a while before Rory managed to chase it out so we could catch it and get it into the fence! The good thing is, since Mike at least got the frame done on the coop, I decided that I could put a tarp over it so they would have some shelter, so I don't have to try to transport them back and forth anymore! It is probably just as warm outside as in our unheated garage at this point, and
probably safer for them, too. The garage is full of bunches of stuff that chickens really shouldn't get into.
Even with the beautiful weather, I had a hard time keeping on schedule and getting anything accomplished. Mike's younger brother had a pretty serious surgery, so even though I was at home with the kids, my mind was at the hospital, hoping everything was alright. Praise God the surgery went well, and by supper time he was up and able to eat!
Well, today is supposed to be another beautiful day. I found a different way to print a schedule with Google Calendar. I read about using it for family scheduling on an internet site. I have used it for a general calendar for myself, but didn't realize that you can include calendars for different people and display them all together. It's even color-coded! Cool! So, I was able to schedule myself, Lily, Rory, and Mike, and print them out all on one page. I put this in the clear front of my house notebook (something I'm trying to develop), so I can see at a glance what everyone is supposed to be doing. I also printed Rory his own schedule, and then wrote in specifics, such as what his school assignments were for the different blocks of time. I had previously been making color-coded schedules with Microsoft Word, but then I would have to go back in and change them all the time, or disregard them if a particular day had something else thrown in (like a doctor's appointment, for example). This way, it can be specific for each day, and I can do them ahead of time and just print them up if I want to. Or, I can keep it up on the computer to refer to. So many options!
As I look at my colorful schedule, I realize that I am now supposed to be getting dressed and making breakfast, so I think I'd better get to it.
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
Yesterday was absolutely beautiful! It was (finally) warm outside, and sunny, and the kids and I got to go out and get some fresh air! Lily seems to be feeling much better, though she woke up coughing yesterday morning. Our push lawn mower broke a few weeks ago, so I asked Mike if we could get a reel mower (non-motorized) to replace it, as he mows most of the lawn with a lawn tractor, anyway. So, when he and Rory went to get the plywood for the chicken coop (he has the frame finished) the other day, they checked at Home Depot, and there was actually a reel mower. They got it, so I'm trying to teach Rory how to mow the lawn. It really needs to be "hayed" with the tractor before we get too far, because some of it is just too high for the reel mower to handle, but we got a little of it done, and Rory got some practice. He feels very proud of himself for being able to do a "man's job."
I went into the garage to get the chickens and take them outside, and they were really all over the place! I actually had a hard time catching them to bring them out, because they kept flying over things I had to go around to get to them. One stayed in the garage quite a while before Rory managed to chase it out so we could catch it and get it into the fence! The good thing is, since Mike at least got the frame done on the coop, I decided that I could put a tarp over it so they would have some shelter, so I don't have to try to transport them back and forth anymore! It is probably just as warm outside as in our unheated garage at this point, and
probably safer for them, too. The garage is full of bunches of stuff that chickens really shouldn't get into.
Even with the beautiful weather, I had a hard time keeping on schedule and getting anything accomplished. Mike's younger brother had a pretty serious surgery, so even though I was at home with the kids, my mind was at the hospital, hoping everything was alright. Praise God the surgery went well, and by supper time he was up and able to eat!
Well, today is supposed to be another beautiful day. I found a different way to print a schedule with Google Calendar. I read about using it for family scheduling on an internet site. I have used it for a general calendar for myself, but didn't realize that you can include calendars for different people and display them all together. It's even color-coded! Cool! So, I was able to schedule myself, Lily, Rory, and Mike, and print them out all on one page. I put this in the clear front of my house notebook (something I'm trying to develop), so I can see at a glance what everyone is supposed to be doing. I also printed Rory his own schedule, and then wrote in specifics, such as what his school assignments were for the different blocks of time. I had previously been making color-coded schedules with Microsoft Word, but then I would have to go back in and change them all the time, or disregard them if a particular day had something else thrown in (like a doctor's appointment, for example). This way, it can be specific for each day, and I can do them ahead of time and just print them up if I want to. Or, I can keep it up on the computer to refer to. So many options!
As I look at my colorful schedule, I realize that I am now supposed to be getting dressed and making breakfast, so I think I'd better get to it.
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Home Keeper's Journal
Here’s What’s Happening ………….
In My Kitchen …… fried polenta, lunch cleanup!
In My Kitchen …… fried polenta, lunch cleanup!
On My Mind ….. sick baby, brother-in-law in hospital
One Big Goal For This Week …. clean playroom
Something I Would Like To Do …. get a system going for my paperwork/desk
It Means A Lot To Me ……to get some time to myself
I am looking forward to …… better weather!
On the Back Burner of my mind …… feeling stressed, there seems to be too much to do and I just want it to be done! Husband not feeling well, friends with cancer, money....I think I'd better stop probing now before I find anything else!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Some Progress
Hello. I'm back (even if you didn't know I was gone!) We have had a few "technical difficulties" around here. First, our electricity was out for two days, and then our phone was out for one. Hence, no internet. The time in between these events was used trying to get ourselves back in order. "Camping" in the house is not all it's cracked up to be. It did get me out of cooking any meals on Mother's Day, however! The frigid weather (and frigid house) also gave us the excuse to go shopping and get our vacuum cleaner head fixed.
Just so you know...current chicken count is still 6 (as of noon today).
Rory has actually been coming when called most of the time! Lily comes when she sees Rory coming. Basically, Lily does everything Rory does. Rory even came the other night when he was in the middle of reading a comic book with Dad! I wanted him to set the table, so I called him. He said "Yes, Ma'am" and came right away. I told him it was time to set the table, and he asked if he could finish the comic book first. I said yes, so he went back in and finished the book, then came and finished the table. No crying! Yay! We're still doing our schedule part of the time (of course it didn't work particularly well during our power outage). It also didn't work very well yesterday, because Lily was sick. She's still sick, today, but is a little better and hasn't needed to be held all day at least. I am really annoyed about the doctor. It's not her fault, but Lily is hardly ever sick. Every time I take her for a "well-child" visit, however, she ceases being a "well-child," and ends up with a cold or flu or something. Maybe that's why she cries so much at the doctor's office. She knows what is coming.
I'm still trying to follow Flylady. Of course, it is an internet-based thing, so I missed a few days with the whole non-internet period. It's probably just as well, because I'm still trying to get used to doing the little bit that I have started already. The hardest part is wearing SHOES all the time! I can see her point to a degree, as it keeps you from lounging around instead of working, but I'm pretty used to doing everything without shoes, so wearing them doesn't really motivate me to work any harder. The only good thing is that I don't have to find shoes when I want to go outside for some reason, but then if it's raining or I'm gardening or feeding the chickens, I come in with dirty shoes and need to change them anyway. I think I'm going back to my usual slippers or bare feet. Sorry, Flylady! At least I've been mostly keeping my sink clean - I even got all my kitchen counters cleaned off! Now for the desk...............
Just so you know...current chicken count is still 6 (as of noon today).
Rory has actually been coming when called most of the time! Lily comes when she sees Rory coming. Basically, Lily does everything Rory does. Rory even came the other night when he was in the middle of reading a comic book with Dad! I wanted him to set the table, so I called him. He said "Yes, Ma'am" and came right away. I told him it was time to set the table, and he asked if he could finish the comic book first. I said yes, so he went back in and finished the book, then came and finished the table. No crying! Yay! We're still doing our schedule part of the time (of course it didn't work particularly well during our power outage). It also didn't work very well yesterday, because Lily was sick. She's still sick, today, but is a little better and hasn't needed to be held all day at least. I am really annoyed about the doctor. It's not her fault, but Lily is hardly ever sick. Every time I take her for a "well-child" visit, however, she ceases being a "well-child," and ends up with a cold or flu or something. Maybe that's why she cries so much at the doctor's office. She knows what is coming.
I'm still trying to follow Flylady. Of course, it is an internet-based thing, so I missed a few days with the whole non-internet period. It's probably just as well, because I'm still trying to get used to doing the little bit that I have started already. The hardest part is wearing SHOES all the time! I can see her point to a degree, as it keeps you from lounging around instead of working, but I'm pretty used to doing everything without shoes, so wearing them doesn't really motivate me to work any harder. The only good thing is that I don't have to find shoes when I want to go outside for some reason, but then if it's raining or I'm gardening or feeding the chickens, I come in with dirty shoes and need to change them anyway. I think I'm going back to my usual slippers or bare feet. Sorry, Flylady! At least I've been mostly keeping my sink clean - I even got all my kitchen counters cleaned off! Now for the desk...............
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Prodigal Chicken
Okay, this is weird. When hubby got home from work, we all went out to get an apple tree ( my early mother's day gift - thanks, honey!) When we all got home, hubby went to check on the chickens, and there were....SIX! Yes, six. How did this happen? We have no idea. Our first theory is that the chicken was running around in the garage the whole time. This is not likely, as you would think she would have gone back to her roost at some time before now, but if you have seen our garage, you would realize that there are umpteen places for a half-grown chicken to hide, so it is possible. The other theory, which is a little disturbing, is that someone actually took her for two days and finally brought her back while we were gone. We may never know what happened, but at least all of our Lucy's are safe again. Now, Rory has to add to his picture of his family, and write "Lucy 8."
I tried a suggestion from the blog I wrote about last night, today. I told Rory and Lily that they are privates in boot camp, and their first assignment is to learn to come as soon as I call them. So, we played a "game," and I called them from different rooms in the house. They had to say "Yes, Ma'am," and come to me as soon as they heard me. They did great! They were actually upset when we had to stop playing and get on to something else. I told them that I would keep doing it periodically throughout the day. They still did very well. They missed it once, but that was the time I was planning on giving them candy when they got to me. I showed them that I had candy in my hand, and they had missed it. I called them again a few minutes later, and they both came quickly. I plan to keep this up until it stops becoming a game and becomes a habit. Please pray for me! I just hope that if I can get Rory to realize he can do something even if he doesn't want to, he may be able to apply the concept to other things (like cleaning his room and getting his school work done). Hopefully, we can work on the habit of doing everything he's told right away.
We stayed on schedule much better, today. Rory got all of his work done except for his handwriting page before school was over. He's really enjoying his newfound reading ability, and is reading everything in sight. He was reading "Sam The Minuteman" for school today. It's a pretty long book for him, so when he was about halfway through I told him he could stop there and read the rest on Monday. He said, "NO! I want to find out what happens!" and continued reading until he finished the book! He also picked out a library book to read.. He asked if he could read it for reading time in school. I reminded him that he was finished with reading for the day, so he read the book to himself during quiet time.
We got to the farm market today. The market we go to is right on a vegetable farm a couple towns north of us. They sell all of their own plants and vegetables, and also some local items like milk, cheese, eggs, and baked goods. They have been closed for the summer, and just reopened last weekend. I have been there enough over the years, that the owner recognized me, and welcomed me with a big smile on her face, asking how my winter had been. I told her that I'd missed them, and she said she had missed all the people, too. I've been waiting for them to open for at least a month now! The grocery store produce from California and South America starts to get old after a while. I've really started to appreciate the ability to be personally connected to the people who produce my food.
Both kids actually went to bed decently tonight, so I am going to start soaking some beans, soak myself, and get to bed. Tomorrow is Rory's first baseball game if it doesn't rain too much, and I want to can the beans and some rhubarb that I got from the market. I also peeked ahead at the "Flylady" babysteps, and found that I am supposed to spend two minutes putting out a "hot spot" tomorrow. Now, I just have to decide which spot is most likely to erupt first!
I tried a suggestion from the blog I wrote about last night, today. I told Rory and Lily that they are privates in boot camp, and their first assignment is to learn to come as soon as I call them. So, we played a "game," and I called them from different rooms in the house. They had to say "Yes, Ma'am," and come to me as soon as they heard me. They did great! They were actually upset when we had to stop playing and get on to something else. I told them that I would keep doing it periodically throughout the day. They still did very well. They missed it once, but that was the time I was planning on giving them candy when they got to me. I showed them that I had candy in my hand, and they had missed it. I called them again a few minutes later, and they both came quickly. I plan to keep this up until it stops becoming a game and becomes a habit. Please pray for me! I just hope that if I can get Rory to realize he can do something even if he doesn't want to, he may be able to apply the concept to other things (like cleaning his room and getting his school work done). Hopefully, we can work on the habit of doing everything he's told right away.
We stayed on schedule much better, today. Rory got all of his work done except for his handwriting page before school was over. He's really enjoying his newfound reading ability, and is reading everything in sight. He was reading "Sam The Minuteman" for school today. It's a pretty long book for him, so when he was about halfway through I told him he could stop there and read the rest on Monday. He said, "NO! I want to find out what happens!" and continued reading until he finished the book! He also picked out a library book to read.. He asked if he could read it for reading time in school. I reminded him that he was finished with reading for the day, so he read the book to himself during quiet time.
We got to the farm market today. The market we go to is right on a vegetable farm a couple towns north of us. They sell all of their own plants and vegetables, and also some local items like milk, cheese, eggs, and baked goods. They have been closed for the summer, and just reopened last weekend. I have been there enough over the years, that the owner recognized me, and welcomed me with a big smile on her face, asking how my winter had been. I told her that I'd missed them, and she said she had missed all the people, too. I've been waiting for them to open for at least a month now! The grocery store produce from California and South America starts to get old after a while. I've really started to appreciate the ability to be personally connected to the people who produce my food.
Both kids actually went to bed decently tonight, so I am going to start soaking some beans, soak myself, and get to bed. Tomorrow is Rory's first baseball game if it doesn't rain too much, and I want to can the beans and some rhubarb that I got from the market. I also peeked ahead at the "Flylady" babysteps, and found that I am supposed to spend two minutes putting out a "hot spot" tomorrow. Now, I just have to decide which spot is most likely to erupt first!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Updates
Sadly, we lost one of our "Lucy's". I left the garage door open for a little while yesterday while I weeded the garden. The next thing I know, Rory is running out the door after the cat, who is after one of the chickens. We got that chicken rescued, but then realized that there were only four left in the garage. We searched for the lost one off and on for the rest of the day, but we never found her. So, we are down to...5 chickens, 7 Lucy's, 8 pets. Rory had to draw a picture of his family in his handwriting book today, and then practice writing their names. He wrote: Lily, Rory, Mom, Dad, Teddy, Lucy 1, Lucy 2, Lucy 3, Lucy 4, Lucy 5, Lucy 6, Lucy 7. He shouldn't forget how to write Lucy any time soon.
This is an article I read on another blog. Help! My Child Does Not See Me As An Authority I think I'm going to try some of the suggestions. Rory still doesn't want to come, or do anything else, when told. Maybe he would learn easier if it was a "practice."
Our schedule is working moderately well. The one day that we managed to follow it almost perfectly was a pretty good day. We didn't stay on too well today, because I realized that we had put going to the Library when Lily is supposed to take her nap. So, I decided to go this morning instead. Of course, Lily didn't take a nap, anyway. She fell asleep at 7:00 after almost falling asleep in her soup. Then, she got up at 9:00 and is still up, now, at 11:00. To Be Continued...
I've decided to try Flylady. It is a web-based group that helps you step by step to get control over your home. They will hopefully help me to stay on track. At least they seem to be real enough to realize that it won't all be done in one day. That's comforting.
My canned chicken stock seems to have worked - I used some, and it was good! So, I got some more jars, and am going to try black beans, and maybe asparagus and rhubarb, depending on their price at the farm stand tomorrow. If I ever get to bed tonight. 11:53, and Lily is still going strong. So much for schedules.
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This is an article I read on another blog. Help! My Child Does Not See Me As An Authority I think I'm going to try some of the suggestions. Rory still doesn't want to come, or do anything else, when told. Maybe he would learn easier if it was a "practice."
Our schedule is working moderately well. The one day that we managed to follow it almost perfectly was a pretty good day. We didn't stay on too well today, because I realized that we had put going to the Library when Lily is supposed to take her nap. So, I decided to go this morning instead. Of course, Lily didn't take a nap, anyway. She fell asleep at 7:00 after almost falling asleep in her soup. Then, she got up at 9:00 and is still up, now, at 11:00. To Be Continued...
I've decided to try Flylady. It is a web-based group that helps you step by step to get control over your home. They will hopefully help me to stay on track. At least they seem to be real enough to realize that it won't all be done in one day. That's comforting.
My canned chicken stock seems to have worked - I used some, and it was good! So, I got some more jars, and am going to try black beans, and maybe asparagus and rhubarb, depending on their price at the farm stand tomorrow. If I ever get to bed tonight. 11:53, and Lily is still going strong. So much for schedules.
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Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Happy Birthday, Dear Lily!
It has been a busy weekend for my little girl! Yes, she is officially a 2 year old girl, not so much a baby anymore. Sometimes it is hard to believe she has been around so long, and sometimes it seems that she's been here forever. She spent yesterday (her birthday) watching her brother play baseball (she thinks she's part of the team), eating at a restaurant overlooking the Hudson River, getting "milk from the cows" (we buy our milk at a local dairy farm), and watching "The Muppet Show." Today, she went to church, had lunch (spaghetti, her favorite) and birthday cake with Grandma, Aunt Cammie, and Uncle Chris, played, and watched "The Muppet Show." Yes, "The Muppet Show" is her current favorite thing in the world. She was a bit upset that I only let her watch it once today. She also managed to use the potty once today, after being dry for about 15 hours straight. I do not know how she managed that one. Anyway, by tonight she was completely worn out. This was the first night in several that I had no trouble getting her into bed!
Tomorrow is Monday, and back to normal life. I am trying out a new schedule. I realized that I had scheduled myself and Rory, but not Lily. She doesn't really have any responsibilities, but her activities do need to be taken into account. So she now has her own schedule. I also hadn't provided Rory with a time to do his chores, so he basically didn't get any done. Now, he has chore time built in. I also scheduled daily devotions for myself in the morning, which is something I tend to not find time for. We'll see how this works. I've actually been looking into "Managers of Their Homes" from Titus 2.com. Is that what you were trying, Stephanie? Has it been helpful? Or, has anyone else tried it? It looks like it might be helpful. I am determined to get organized, somehow! My next project (other than the chicken coop), is getting my desk in order...again...it seems to be the worst spot in the house, for some reason.
My schedule says I need to get up at 6:00 tomorrow morning, so I think I had better end this post and get ready for bed! Goodnight!
Tomorrow is Monday, and back to normal life. I am trying out a new schedule. I realized that I had scheduled myself and Rory, but not Lily. She doesn't really have any responsibilities, but her activities do need to be taken into account. So she now has her own schedule. I also hadn't provided Rory with a time to do his chores, so he basically didn't get any done. Now, he has chore time built in. I also scheduled daily devotions for myself in the morning, which is something I tend to not find time for. We'll see how this works. I've actually been looking into "Managers of Their Homes" from Titus 2.com. Is that what you were trying, Stephanie? Has it been helpful? Or, has anyone else tried it? It looks like it might be helpful. I am determined to get organized, somehow! My next project (other than the chicken coop), is getting my desk in order...again...it seems to be the worst spot in the house, for some reason.
My schedule says I need to get up at 6:00 tomorrow morning, so I think I had better end this post and get ready for bed! Goodnight!
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