The kittens have grown up, but that hasn't stopped Rosebud from hauling them around and riding them! If cats could talk, ..........
Monday, November 1, 2010
Line up, sheeple!
It's that time of year again....flu shots for everybody! No matter your age, health condition, or medical history, and no matter what is contained in the ingredients, "they" insist that you need it. ("They" would be the Pharmacy Industry that gets rich off fear mongering and getting you to take medicines that cause you to need more of their medicines....um....there might be a conflict of interest there!)
"Thimerasol-containing vaccines are considered hazardous waste and can't be thrown into a garbage can, poured down a sink or flushed down a toilet because of the mercury—they're considered environmentally toxic....... Why would anyone.....want to be injected with a substance that is too toxic to dispose of down a drain?"
Click here to read the entire article by Dr. Mercola called "New Proof That This Common Medical Treatment is Unnecessary and Ineffective". Please do your homework before jumping on the bandwagon!
"Thimerasol-containing vaccines are considered hazardous waste and can't be thrown into a garbage can, poured down a sink or flushed down a toilet because of the mercury—they're considered environmentally toxic....... Why would anyone.....want to be injected with a substance that is too toxic to dispose of down a drain?"
Click here to read the entire article by Dr. Mercola called "New Proof That This Common Medical Treatment is Unnecessary and Ineffective". Please do your homework before jumping on the bandwagon!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Potty Training 101
In 1999, when I began to think about potty training Caleb, I went to the library to get some information (back in the old days before I carried the internet around in my pocket!). My main concern with potty training was that I did not want to drag it out. I grew up in a daycare center that my mother operated in our home, and I had seen kids wear pull-ups for a year or more while they were "training". This seemed so ridiculous to me, and I knew there had to be a better way. Thankfully, I checked out a wonderful book called Toilet Training in Less Than a Day. Though I haven't followed this book to the letter, it gave me the foundation that I needed to come up with a plan. Now, five toddlers later, I think I can successfully say that I do know how to potty train kids. With every single one of them, I began on Monday and took them to church the next Sunday with underwear/panties on, and there was no looking back. That sure beats hauling spare clothes and pull-ups around for months! If you're interested in following this plan, I encourage you to read the book, but I will briefly outline the method.
First, however, there are some signs of readiness that you need to observe. You should notice your child going for at least 2 hours during the day without wetting his/her diaper. This indicates control over the bladder. The second indicator (and this is as much for the parent as for the child), is that your child will follow simple commands, such as "come", "sit", "clean up", "hush". This indicates that your child is mature enough to understand your instructions (and obviously this is a discipline/training issue as well).
Now, there are a few things to work on for the week prior to training:
1. Every day, find several occasions to teach your child "wet/dry" and "clean/dirty". For example, after a bath, you might pick up her dirty clothes out of the wet floor: "Yuck, feel these. They're wet. Gross! Let's put them here with the dirty clothes."
2. CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULE and eliminate distractions. This is the #1 tip for success. It may be hard, but if you devote a week to successful training, it will definitely be worth it! Somewhere around Day 4 or 5, you may want to schedule a visit to Grandma's or church or somewhere familiar to let the child check out someone else's toilet. Don't be afraid to turn the ringer off, and don't schedule any company.
3. Decide on consistent names for the process and share these with everyone involved. If your child understands "peepee toilet", and Grandma asks if she needs to "potty in the commode", it could cause some confusion.
4. Let the child observe Dad/brothers (for boys) or Mom/sisters (for girls) sitting on the toilet. Sounds funny, but some children are truly terrified of sitting on a water-filled tank with a hole in the bottom that makes a loud noise, so this can help them get used to the idea. Though some children truly are scared, it has been my honest observation that most 2-year-olds are more terrified that their mom might realize they can actually be made to sit for a few minutes at a time! They'll act like they're dying a slow, horrible death just to keep that secret from coming out!
5. Things to gather:
--a stepping stool and toilet insert. You can use a potty chair, as the book suggests, but it isn't necessary unless you just enjoy carrying poop around in a pot. The stool is to climb easily onto the toilet and also to wash hands.
--training pants, in a size larger than normal. This is so the child can easily pull his own pants up and down independently.
--snacks and drinks, salty type stuff that will cause her to drink more and create more training opportunities
--a timer
--pull-ups for nap and bedtime
Major ideas from the book that I did not use: a wetting baby doll. My boys don't do dolls. Period. So I just never went there. Also, the potty chair. It just made more sense to me to train them directly on the toilet with an insert. It's easily portable and makes it possible to potty anywhere you go. Plus I do NOT enjoy carrying poop around in a pot.
Here's the gist of the method: On Day 1, expect a rough day. It's going to be cold turkey! Let the child throw away her diaper and put her own training pants on. Have her feel the panties and confirm that they are "clean!" and "dry!" just like ____________ (Mama, Daddy, siblings, favorite people, etc.). Every 5 minutes, make her stop and feel her panties to inspect if they are clean and dry. Take her to the toilet and let her sit for a while to try to potty. Don't make her sit for more than 10 minutes at a time, as this can be torture for a 2 year old. When she does wet her panties, take her to the toilet immediately and say "potty toilet" or whatever, to establish that this is the goal. Then, have her get up, feel her wet panties ("gross!" "wet!"), put them in the dirty hamper, have her get a towel and clean up her own mess. This may sound extreme, but the whole point is to make the child responsible for keeping herself clean and dry. Obviously, you clean up thoroughly behind her, but she will begin to understand that she has made a mess. This is only TRAINING time, no discipline.
Have your child only wear a t-shirt and panties/underwear, so she can easily feel her panties and pull them up and down by herself. The book actually shows how to teach the child to reach their hand in the back and pull the pants up that way more easily. The independence is a key to this training. After an hour or two of checking every 5 minutes, go to 10 minutes, then 15. After a successful potty in the toilet (which may or may not even occur on Day 1...don't be disheartened if it doesn't!), go to checking every 30 minutes and toilet tries every hour. Watch your child closely for signs (you'll begin to recognize that look on her face), and be absolutely consistent with the timer and with the clean-up process. Guard against constipation, as the child will be tempted to hold back on going. You may want to add lots of juice or slip some probiotics into their milk to give more teachable moments in that area.
By Day 3 or 4, you should be seeing some real progress, but DON'T LET UP on the timer and bathroom trips. Be consistent and stay focused. ONLY use pull-ups for naptime and bedtime. Summer's have Woody on them, and we call them "Woody panties". If they are wet when she awakes, just quickly pull them off and put on real panties. This will come with time. Summer is in her 4th week of being trained, and we already skip the naptime pull-up.
Try to keep the mood in the house cheerful, and provide lots of fun activities to do. Movies probably aren't the best entertainment at this point, because they tend to put the child in passive mode. When you know your child has to poop, you may want to pull up a chair beside the toilet and just keep her entertained for a while. This is the biggest step, but a couple of successes should seal the deal.
When it's all said and done, you will have given your child something more than just the knowledge of peeing in the toilet, but also the gift of personal responsibility. Since training, Summer has become obsessed with "hosh hands" (translated: wash hands) and dressing herself and cleaning up spills. It's such a joy to watch! Mission accomplished!
First, however, there are some signs of readiness that you need to observe. You should notice your child going for at least 2 hours during the day without wetting his/her diaper. This indicates control over the bladder. The second indicator (and this is as much for the parent as for the child), is that your child will follow simple commands, such as "come", "sit", "clean up", "hush". This indicates that your child is mature enough to understand your instructions (and obviously this is a discipline/training issue as well).
Now, there are a few things to work on for the week prior to training:
1. Every day, find several occasions to teach your child "wet/dry" and "clean/dirty". For example, after a bath, you might pick up her dirty clothes out of the wet floor: "Yuck, feel these. They're wet. Gross! Let's put them here with the dirty clothes."
2. CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULE and eliminate distractions. This is the #1 tip for success. It may be hard, but if you devote a week to successful training, it will definitely be worth it! Somewhere around Day 4 or 5, you may want to schedule a visit to Grandma's or church or somewhere familiar to let the child check out someone else's toilet. Don't be afraid to turn the ringer off, and don't schedule any company.
3. Decide on consistent names for the process and share these with everyone involved. If your child understands "peepee toilet", and Grandma asks if she needs to "potty in the commode", it could cause some confusion.
4. Let the child observe Dad/brothers (for boys) or Mom/sisters (for girls) sitting on the toilet. Sounds funny, but some children are truly terrified of sitting on a water-filled tank with a hole in the bottom that makes a loud noise, so this can help them get used to the idea. Though some children truly are scared, it has been my honest observation that most 2-year-olds are more terrified that their mom might realize they can actually be made to sit for a few minutes at a time! They'll act like they're dying a slow, horrible death just to keep that secret from coming out!
5. Things to gather:
--a stepping stool and toilet insert. You can use a potty chair, as the book suggests, but it isn't necessary unless you just enjoy carrying poop around in a pot. The stool is to climb easily onto the toilet and also to wash hands.
--training pants, in a size larger than normal. This is so the child can easily pull his own pants up and down independently.
--snacks and drinks, salty type stuff that will cause her to drink more and create more training opportunities
--a timer
--pull-ups for nap and bedtime
Major ideas from the book that I did not use: a wetting baby doll. My boys don't do dolls. Period. So I just never went there. Also, the potty chair. It just made more sense to me to train them directly on the toilet with an insert. It's easily portable and makes it possible to potty anywhere you go. Plus I do NOT enjoy carrying poop around in a pot.
Here's the gist of the method: On Day 1, expect a rough day. It's going to be cold turkey! Let the child throw away her diaper and put her own training pants on. Have her feel the panties and confirm that they are "clean!" and "dry!" just like ____________ (Mama, Daddy, siblings, favorite people, etc.). Every 5 minutes, make her stop and feel her panties to inspect if they are clean and dry. Take her to the toilet and let her sit for a while to try to potty. Don't make her sit for more than 10 minutes at a time, as this can be torture for a 2 year old. When she does wet her panties, take her to the toilet immediately and say "potty toilet" or whatever, to establish that this is the goal. Then, have her get up, feel her wet panties ("gross!" "wet!"), put them in the dirty hamper, have her get a towel and clean up her own mess. This may sound extreme, but the whole point is to make the child responsible for keeping herself clean and dry. Obviously, you clean up thoroughly behind her, but she will begin to understand that she has made a mess. This is only TRAINING time, no discipline.
Have your child only wear a t-shirt and panties/underwear, so she can easily feel her panties and pull them up and down by herself. The book actually shows how to teach the child to reach their hand in the back and pull the pants up that way more easily. The independence is a key to this training. After an hour or two of checking every 5 minutes, go to 10 minutes, then 15. After a successful potty in the toilet (which may or may not even occur on Day 1...don't be disheartened if it doesn't!), go to checking every 30 minutes and toilet tries every hour. Watch your child closely for signs (you'll begin to recognize that look on her face), and be absolutely consistent with the timer and with the clean-up process. Guard against constipation, as the child will be tempted to hold back on going. You may want to add lots of juice or slip some probiotics into their milk to give more teachable moments in that area.
By Day 3 or 4, you should be seeing some real progress, but DON'T LET UP on the timer and bathroom trips. Be consistent and stay focused. ONLY use pull-ups for naptime and bedtime. Summer's have Woody on them, and we call them "Woody panties". If they are wet when she awakes, just quickly pull them off and put on real panties. This will come with time. Summer is in her 4th week of being trained, and we already skip the naptime pull-up.
Try to keep the mood in the house cheerful, and provide lots of fun activities to do. Movies probably aren't the best entertainment at this point, because they tend to put the child in passive mode. When you know your child has to poop, you may want to pull up a chair beside the toilet and just keep her entertained for a while. This is the biggest step, but a couple of successes should seal the deal.
When it's all said and done, you will have given your child something more than just the knowledge of peeing in the toilet, but also the gift of personal responsibility. Since training, Summer has become obsessed with "hosh hands" (translated: wash hands) and dressing herself and cleaning up spills. It's such a joy to watch! Mission accomplished!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Stand therefore!
Is there anything more precious than a snaggle-toothed kindergartener quoting scripture?
(and yes, that is a snake skin in the background....)
- Posted using my iPhone
(and yes, that is a snake skin in the background....)
- Posted using my iPhone
Night Night!
One of the best things about having kids ranging in ages from 2 to 13, is seeing that precious interaction between them. Summer is everyone's pet around here! Sis and KK have a nightly ritual with her, and I was able to capture Sis on video last night. So cute! (That's "hotdog!" that Summer is saying there at the end.)
Monday, October 11, 2010
God wants His rainbow back!
What a great article! I love Dr. Hutcherson. He says what he means and means what he says. (I borrowed that blog post title from a line in his article below. So true!)
Transgender, Transsexual, and Trans Fats: Are Any of Them Good for America? by Dr. Ken Hutcherson
Transgender, Transsexual, and Trans Fats: Are Any of Them Good for America? by Dr. Ken Hutcherson
More Inner Tomboy
I have to admit that I've enjoyed Frogger as much as Seth has. I just love to watch him eat!
--Posted using my iPhone
--Posted using my iPhone
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Staying Focused
”The woman who makes a sweet, beautiful home, filling it with love and prayer and purity, is doing something better than anything else her hands could find to do beneath the skies.”
~ J. R. Miller
- Posted using my iPhone
~ J. R. Miller
- Posted using my iPhone
Fruit Pizza - Yummy!
Here's one of my favorite new desserts, fruit pizza! It's so delicious, and I meant to take a picture last time I made it (forgot), but it's just as beautiful as it is delicious. Here's the recipe:
Crust:
1 18 oz. package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 7 oz. jar marshmallow cream
Topping:
fresh fruit of your choice (strawberries, grapes, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries) NOT bananas (they turn brown)
Glaze:
1/2 c. sugar
pinch of salt
1 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 c. orange
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 c. water
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Slice cookie dough and arrange onto greased 12 in. pizza pan, pressing dough to edges. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, until lightly brown. Cool. In bowl, mix cream cheese and marshmallow cream. Spread over cooled crust. Chill while preparing glaze. In saucepan, combine glaze ingredients over medium heat, bringing to a boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and prepare fruit. After fruit is sliced, you can EITHER dip fruit in the glaze and then arrange on the pizza, OR place the fruit on the pizza and brush with the glaze.
Don't skip the glaze! It really makes this dessert special. Just to estimate, I made 2 of these pizzas using 1 quart of strawberries, 4 kiwis, and 1 large bunch of grapes.
Crust:
1 18 oz. package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 7 oz. jar marshmallow cream
Topping:
fresh fruit of your choice (strawberries, grapes, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries) NOT bananas (they turn brown)
Glaze:
1/2 c. sugar
pinch of salt
1 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 c. orange
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 c. water
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Slice cookie dough and arrange onto greased 12 in. pizza pan, pressing dough to edges. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, until lightly brown. Cool. In bowl, mix cream cheese and marshmallow cream. Spread over cooled crust. Chill while preparing glaze. In saucepan, combine glaze ingredients over medium heat, bringing to a boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and prepare fruit. After fruit is sliced, you can EITHER dip fruit in the glaze and then arrange on the pizza, OR place the fruit on the pizza and brush with the glaze.
Don't skip the glaze! It really makes this dessert special. Just to estimate, I made 2 of these pizzas using 1 quart of strawberries, 4 kiwis, and 1 large bunch of grapes.
Young Woman
Somehow, when I wasn't looking, my little girl grew into a beautiful young lady!
This is Madelyn at a History Fair put on by our local Baptist homeschool group.
Friday, October 8, 2010
You Know This Is Funny
Celebrity Look Alikes: Granny Clampett and Harry Reid
- Posted using my iPhone
- Posted using my iPhone
Monday, October 4, 2010
Blessed are the poor in spirit...
My heart is full today. I have a lot to blog about, I just can't seem to get my thoughts focused on anything except getting ready for revival tonight. Jason is preaching, and last night, he preached and the Lord moved in a mighty way. Our Caleb finally got things right with God, and got saved. He made a profession of faith when he was 7 years old, and Jason and I felt good about it. We did not push him; in fact, we made him beg. Caleb has always been the kind of child whose heart was directed toward the Lord. He's always asked deep, theological questions, and always wanted to serve God. Perhaps that's why he made a move so early, but a couple years ago, he began to have doubts. I've never seen a child be so "poor in spirit", truly seeking God. It's been an agonizing time, watching him struggle, but we were determined to stay out of it, pray for him, and let him make peace with His Creator on his own. Thank God that He still saves and answers prayers! And I'm so thankful for my church family. Jason dismissed everyone to go home, but every single person stayed, praying with him and for him, determined to wait it out until he got what he needed. THAT'S what church is all about. It's not an organization, it's a family of believers, dedicated to building a wall of prayer around our young ones, trusting God for each other to keep them in His fold.
Can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for tonight!
Can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for tonight!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Blessed Week
We've had a busy but blessed weekend around here. My Caleb turned 13 on Friday. Jason and I had always planned to do something special with each of the children as they turned 13, but it always just seemed like something far off into the future. Now it's already in the past. Truly, this life on earth just flies by. Reminds me to be investing in what's ETERNALLY important!
For his birthday, we took him to buy a new set of Carhartt's (in men's sizes, I might say!), and then we left the other kids with grandparents and took KK out to eat. Jason and I had each written a letter to him, and he was so sweet and thankful for the extra attention. The world has given such a fearful reputation to "teenagers". A few weeks ago, somebody asked KK how old he was, and said, "You'll soon be a teenager!" Later he said, "Mom, what's a teenager?" I thought it was cute, and I know some would criticize me and Jason for sheltering him so, but we've never allowed him to watch movies, listen to music, or hang out with other kids or adults who think that it's a "rite of passage" for kids to turn into monsters for a few years during their teens. We're grooming him for manhood, not hedonism; therefore, we have carefully and purposefully fashioned his world to enforce what we're teaching. Very few people approve of it, but when I look into this young man's eyes, and I see a live personality and not an apathetic stare...I don't give a care about what anybody else thinks.
Here's a pic of KK and Sis on Sunday evening. Few things in life please me more than watching the relationship between these two.
Then on Saturday, we went to Lake Winnie Amusement Park. I didn't take a lot of pictures because I actually rode rides! Summer was old enough to ride and enjoy the day, and that freed me up to actually enjoy myself! It was the first time in 3 kids that I got to ride a roller coaster. I can testify that roller coasters in your 30s are different than roller coasters in your 20s, but I had a great time.
And now for the really fun news: I am potty training Summer Rose this week! Monday was a disaster, but today has been good. I'll give a report of this experience later. Wish me luck!
The Break-Up
This is hilarious, but good news. I've seen this among my own family and FB friends as well. I'm thankful some eyes are being opened, but I just hope it isn't too late!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Boys!
Seth captured a stick bug and made it a clay backpack. I'm sure Mr. Stickbug is thrilled.
- Posted using my iPhone
- Posted using my iPhone
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Deep Sea Cake
My children think they can just name a theme, and their mom can bake a cake that tastes good and looks just like whatever they imagine. It's a tall order, but I have fun trying. Some turn out better than others! This year, Seth didn't just want an ocean cake (I've done one of those before for him), but he wanted a deep sea ocean cake with a scuba diver!
I actually had high hopes for this cake, and was going to do a lot more with it...until Summer woke me up by bringing me my glasses...
Migraine + blurred vision = mediocre cake, but Seth liked it so that's all that matters.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Happy Birthday, Sunshine!
My little Seth turned 7 years old yesterday. He's changed so much over this past year, and it's been a joy to watch him grow and discover who God wants him to be. Seth has never been into guns and knives and cowboy hats like my other boys, and I've had so much fun trying to find ways to feed his insatiable curiosity about everything there is to know about God's creation. Seth has been a challenge to me from Day 1, and he continues to cause me to do lots of soul-searching as I go down this uncertain road of parenting.
A few days ago, we were at the Wal-Mart vision center having KK's eyes examined. One of the associates was watching all the kids seated quietly, and he came over and said, "What?! All your brothers and sisters have on cowboy and cowgirl boots. You have on tennis shoes! You are not a cowboy?" To which Seth replied in a humble, quiet voice, "No sir, I'm a scientist." So cute, and indeed, he IS a scientist. This year, he had his heart set on this deluxe insect collector's backpack for his birthday.
He has had so much fun already with it.
Here he is having his birthday morning monkey bread.
For his birthday supper, I cooked one of Seth's favorite meals: chicken fingers and macaroni and cheese. I'll share my recipes below. These chicken fingers are the one and only reason that I even own a deep fryer. I threw it away several years ago, and went without one for about a year. The kids and Jason just kept on asking about chicken fingers, so I purchased another one just for this one meal. I spent quite a while tweaking the seasoning on these, and they are so delicious!
CHICKEN STRIPS
Mix together:
2 sleeves of saltine crackers, finely crushed
1 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. paprika
1 1/2 tsp. onion salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
Preheat deep fryer to about 365 degrees. Beat together 1 egg and 1/2 c. milk. Dip chicken tenderloins (about 3 lbs) into milk mixture, then cracker mixture, and deep fry about 4 pieces at a time for 4 minutes, or until desired crispiness. (1 chicken finger = 3 Weight Watchers points)
HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE
8 oz. elbow macaroni, prepared according to directions
In saucepan, stir in:
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 can evaporated milk
1 c. water
2 Tbsp. butter
Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
Stir in 1 1/2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Add macaroni and mix thoroughly. Pour into greased small casserole dish (7 x 11, 9 x 9, etc.). Sprinkle with 1/2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Enjoy! (1/9 of dish = 6 Weight Watchers points)
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Forgotten Man
I did a blog post several months ago about artist Jon McNaughton's amazing painting, "One Nation Under God".
Now, McNaughton has painted another amazing piece of work called, "The Forgotten Man". Notice what our President is standing on. See this video below:
Click here for the amazing interactive painting where you can scroll over each person and read the information about each one. It also has McNaughton's explanation of why he painted this picture, and his response to its critics.
Click here for Jon McNaughton's website, where you can purchase copies of his paintings. Truly, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Now, McNaughton has painted another amazing piece of work called, "The Forgotten Man". Notice what our President is standing on. See this video below:
Click here for the amazing interactive painting where you can scroll over each person and read the information about each one. It also has McNaughton's explanation of why he painted this picture, and his response to its critics.
Click here for Jon McNaughton's website, where you can purchase copies of his paintings. Truly, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
The Little Terrorist☺
Summer Rose really does love her "babies". Really, she does.
Seth rescued this one from its baptism in the water dish. We're Baptists, so that means full immersion!
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Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Leave it to Tara (music playing in background)
Some days I feel like I'm the secret star of a sit com, and that there's a hidden camera somewhere and an audience laughing behind the scenes. I've occasionally shared some of these experiences , and I'd like to share another that happened yesterday.
We had piano lessons yesterday evening, and toward the end of the session, Summer dirtied her diaper (note to self: potty train this child!). I was so busy packing her bag to keep her occupied, happy, and quiet during an hour of lessons that I forgot to pack one little important item: a diaper. No sweat. I always keep extra in the van.
Well, at least MOST of the time. But, as luck would have it, there wasn't a spare in the van either. I didn't realize this until after I had cleaned her up in the church parking lot (where we have lessons), so I just put her in her seat with no diaper and headed to Wal-Mart.
Yes, Wal-Mart. I go to the store once per week, while I am already out with everybody dressed and ready. I was not about to go all the way home without picking up my groceries while I was out.
I'm thinking.....I could buy diapers at Wal-Mart and put one on her. No, too much running around and time wasted, besides I just paid $16 for a case last week and diapers are not on my list. Still thinking.....
It was then that I discovered some little handy sized trash bags in the console, and an extra burp cloth in the drawer underneath the passenger's seat. Well, as they say...Necessity is the mother of invention, and here's what she looked like as we ran through Wal-Mart.
And here are the good sports who helped their crazy mom rig this up:
What a day!
Join us again next week for another exciting episode of "Leave it to Tara".
We had piano lessons yesterday evening, and toward the end of the session, Summer dirtied her diaper (note to self: potty train this child!). I was so busy packing her bag to keep her occupied, happy, and quiet during an hour of lessons that I forgot to pack one little important item: a diaper. No sweat. I always keep extra in the van.
Well, at least MOST of the time. But, as luck would have it, there wasn't a spare in the van either. I didn't realize this until after I had cleaned her up in the church parking lot (where we have lessons), so I just put her in her seat with no diaper and headed to Wal-Mart.
Yes, Wal-Mart. I go to the store once per week, while I am already out with everybody dressed and ready. I was not about to go all the way home without picking up my groceries while I was out.
I'm thinking.....I could buy diapers at Wal-Mart and put one on her. No, too much running around and time wasted, besides I just paid $16 for a case last week and diapers are not on my list. Still thinking.....
It was then that I discovered some little handy sized trash bags in the console, and an extra burp cloth in the drawer underneath the passenger's seat. Well, as they say...Necessity is the mother of invention, and here's what she looked like as we ran through Wal-Mart.
And here are the good sports who helped their crazy mom rig this up:
What a day!
Join us again next week for another exciting episode of "Leave it to Tara".
The Gay Old Party
I don't have cable TV. I don't get my news or my views from New York City (or Sodom, to be more accurate), so I was not as devastated as some to hear Glenn Beck spewing out the ignorance in the video above. From the outside looking in, I can appreciate his stand against intrusive government, the progressives/Marxists takeover, and a return to the Founding Fathers. But, from the outside looking in, I knew that he was a Mormon (not Christian), and that we wouldn't be holding hands for long if he ventured out of the realm of history and into the spiritual. It was bound to happen, however, since our worldview is shaped by our spiritual beliefs. And so now, besides giving some really, really weird Mormon history lessons on the Bat Creek Stone, he has turned to Pluralism with the upcoming 8/27 and 8/28 events, which he has self-titled "Glenn's Divine Destiny". We conservatives really need to re-think who we so readily elect as our poster child.
What I wanted to address in this blog is the notion that gay marriage "neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg", therefore we shouldn't be concerned about it.
First of all, I'll say that it DOES pick our pockets in many ways, the most obvious being that we have to pay for all their strange diseases they contract and spread. (I could go on about defending ourselves against politically correct lawsuits, paid benefits for "partners", etc.).
Then there's the notion of "breaking my leg". It's been argued a million times about the agressive promiscuity of this group of people, as well as the undeniable links between homosexuality and pedophilia. And let's not forget that God did do more than break legs when he rained down fire and brimstone and destroyed 2 entire cities for practicing this abomination. However, the elephant in the room that no one wants to discuss about homosexual sodomy is that it is, by definition, an assault. I'm trying to word this carefully because I know I have readers of all ages. Without painting a picture, the act of homosexaulity is in itself a violent act. It's unnatural. For it to be carried out, one must violate the laws of nature and simple mechanics! Okay, enough said. People, this is not complicated.
Glenn, what about this poor grandma in the video below?
Her leg is in serious danger of being broken!
You've shown your true rainbow colors now, along with most of the other GOP. Perhaps it will now stand for the "Gay Old Party". Both parties have become so corrupt, they have really become one because they are on the same side. I like what Benjamin Rush, a member of the Continental Congress, had to say, "I have alternately been called an aristocrat and a democrat. I am neither. I am a Christocrat."
Viva La Difference!
As I've said before, this country is truly going to the dogs! And in light of current events, it's more important than ever for the redeemed of God to speak up and declare the truth of it! What current events am I speaking of? Namely that even the "conservative" spokespersons of America (at least that's their claim) are caving in to pressure and showing their true rainbow colors. Rush Limbaugh, who paid Elton John to sing at his (4th) wedding, Glenn Beck tells Bill O'Reilly that gay marriage is not a big issue or a threat to American family values, and Ann Coulter agrees to speak at Homocon, a fundraising rally for GoProud ("gay conservatives?").
Well, I may be the last conservative hauled off to prison for hate crimes, but I'm NOT caving in on this issue....and I think this article below is one of the most spiritually indepth, and intellectually thought out, articles I've read in a long time that explains why:
The Gospel for 21st Century Sodom by Peter Jones
Please take time to read this article and forward it.
Well, I may be the last conservative hauled off to prison for hate crimes, but I'm NOT caving in on this issue....and I think this article below is one of the most spiritually indepth, and intellectually thought out, articles I've read in a long time that explains why:
The Gospel for 21st Century Sodom by Peter Jones
Please take time to read this article and forward it.
Friday, August 20, 2010
WARNING!
Some smarty pants executive at Crayola, in order to trick parents who run through the grocery store quickly throwing items in the buggy and hurriedly marking them off their lists, has advised Wal-Mart to stock the new Neon Color Explosion marker sets RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE of all the miraculous Color Wonder products (that only color on Color Wonder paper, a parent's dream!). The packaging is exactly the same as well. Cute.
You can't say you haven't been warned.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
All Pilled Up
A friend posted this on her Facebook. If only people would realize that Pharmacy is a business! A huge, largely crooked business, full of executives who wouldn't take their own medicines, and "regulators" with padded pockets. It's time to take charge of your own health care, change your diet and exercise, stop eating from the frozen section and fast food, and get back to nature! If ObamaCare is our best hope, we are going to be hurting.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
They Don't Make 'em Like They Used To!
Jason's aunt (whose age I won't guess in case she reads this) found a dress that her mother ("MawMaw" to us, who passed away in 2006) had made for her over 50 years ago. The dress was made to look like a flower petal, and unfortunately the hat that was made to match it was lost. She washed it and pressed it and wanted to see if it would fit Summer.
What a shame! Makes me wish I had sense enough to learn to sew well!
(That's not a stain on the dress, it's water where I sprayed her hair to fix it)
Funny note: Jason's aunt wore this dress when she was about 5 years old. Summer just turned 2 and it fits her like a glove.
My line of Stringers runs a little big. :-)
Monday, August 16, 2010
Home Sweet Homeschool
I've been so busy trying to "tweek" our daily schedules lately. If there's one thing I've learned after 8 years of homeschooling, it's that it is 10% instruction and 90% structure, especially when you have several students. The way it happens in larger families, is that you gradually add and adjust to new students as you go. For us, however,with my boys being so close in age , I went from 2 students to 4 students, with 1 lively baby in the background to add to the fun! It has certainly been a challenge, but then...I love a challenge!
Seth and Bubbie could not be more different in personalities, and I've always conducted what Gregg Harris calls "delight directed" study. I've never followed a particular curriculum, but taken the eclectic approach, tailoring it to whatever interests my children have at the time. The boys do much of their study together, and I'm finding it quite difficult to teach (in a fun, contagious way) to a scientist and a cowboy at the same time. (and did I mention that we have a lively baby in the background??) Most people have no clue as to the skills it requires to be a homeschool mom!
One thing I've been working on is to make sure that the boys get the same experiences of music and reading and art that Caleb and Madelyn had (back when I had more time to devote to fun school stuff). I've compiled them an assortment of history and science encyclopedias, animal picture books, and art books, and of course...pioneer and cowboy books, that they may choose from in the mornings after they finish lessons. I've gathered photos of famous composers that I display and let them sit and listen to music from that one particular composer for an hour each day (one composer per week). They are not allowed to talk (for boys that age, talking = play fighting). I've been delighted at how much they've enjoyed this time, and they've already learned a lot. Bub actually recognized Tchaikovsky in the store the other day. It has helped keep down the chaos while I do harder subjects with the big kids, and the boys are learning the skill of concentration as well.
In the afternoons, while I finish up with the big kids and Summer naps, the boys get to do art. Now, I HATE CRAFTS (bad homeschool mom!), and I'm not going to sit and glue popsicle sticks and fuzz balls all afternoon, but I do have a little tolerance for art and creativity. Here's my rule: If you can clean it up yourself, you can do it. So, they have paint, markers, drawing paper, clay, as well as magnet sets and other constructive toys that they can play with QUIETLY during this time. I also made them some play-doh, and I'll share a recipe below.
I'm going to post their school schedules soon, just simply because as a hs mom, I always enjoy seeing how other people do things and getting new ideas for our family. Hope everyone is getting geared up and ready for a new calender school year. Don't get bogged down with the daily grind, and just remember what a privilege and responsibility it is to mold and shape little hearts and minds.
Here's a cool twist to the usual play-doh recipe. You don't have to take time to try and color the play-doh with dye, the Jell-O colors the play-doh, and it's also scented! Fun! It takes under 10 minutes to make this.
Combine dry ingredients in a skillet. Whisk in oil and water. Cook over medium to high heat with a spatula until mixture thickens. Remove from heat and knead on wax paper until smooth. Wrap in wax paper to cool. Store in airtight container or ziploc bag.
Seth and Bubbie could not be more different in personalities, and I've always conducted what Gregg Harris calls "delight directed" study. I've never followed a particular curriculum, but taken the eclectic approach, tailoring it to whatever interests my children have at the time. The boys do much of their study together, and I'm finding it quite difficult to teach (in a fun, contagious way) to a scientist and a cowboy at the same time. (and did I mention that we have a lively baby in the background??) Most people have no clue as to the skills it requires to be a homeschool mom!
One thing I've been working on is to make sure that the boys get the same experiences of music and reading and art that Caleb and Madelyn had (back when I had more time to devote to fun school stuff). I've compiled them an assortment of history and science encyclopedias, animal picture books, and art books, and of course...pioneer and cowboy books, that they may choose from in the mornings after they finish lessons. I've gathered photos of famous composers that I display and let them sit and listen to music from that one particular composer for an hour each day (one composer per week). They are not allowed to talk (for boys that age, talking = play fighting). I've been delighted at how much they've enjoyed this time, and they've already learned a lot. Bub actually recognized Tchaikovsky in the store the other day. It has helped keep down the chaos while I do harder subjects with the big kids, and the boys are learning the skill of concentration as well.
In the afternoons, while I finish up with the big kids and Summer naps, the boys get to do art. Now, I HATE CRAFTS (bad homeschool mom!), and I'm not going to sit and glue popsicle sticks and fuzz balls all afternoon, but I do have a little tolerance for art and creativity. Here's my rule: If you can clean it up yourself, you can do it. So, they have paint, markers, drawing paper, clay, as well as magnet sets and other constructive toys that they can play with QUIETLY during this time. I also made them some play-doh, and I'll share a recipe below.
I'm going to post their school schedules soon, just simply because as a hs mom, I always enjoy seeing how other people do things and getting new ideas for our family. Hope everyone is getting geared up and ready for a new calender school year. Don't get bogged down with the daily grind, and just remember what a privilege and responsibility it is to mold and shape little hearts and minds.
Here's a cool twist to the usual play-doh recipe. You don't have to take time to try and color the play-doh with dye, the Jell-O colors the play-doh, and it's also scented! Fun! It takes under 10 minutes to make this.
Jell-O Playdoh
1 c. flour
1/2 c. salt
2 Tbsp. cream of tartar
3 oz. box jell-o, any flavor
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 c. warm water
Combine dry ingredients in a skillet. Whisk in oil and water. Cook over medium to high heat with a spatula until mixture thickens. Remove from heat and knead on wax paper until smooth. Wrap in wax paper to cool. Store in airtight container or ziploc bag.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Quotable
"The very least you could do for me is not write a book about me when you're grown."
- Me to my oldest son, after a very exasperating day of homeschooling
- Posted using my iPhone
- Me to my oldest son, after a very exasperating day of homeschooling
- Posted using my iPhone
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Friends
You know you've got a friend in Summer when she lets you hold Doodle.
- Posted using my iPhone
- Posted using my iPhone
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Field Trip!
Heritage Baptist Homeschoolers visited the Pine Mountain Gold Museum yesterday. We actually broke our "Moms don't sweat" rule, but we still had lots of fun.
Macey, don't be mad at me, but I just had to post this hilarious picture of you trying to make Summer Rose behave. Um, group pictures are not her strong point...but thanks for being such a good sport and always helping out with the little stinker anyway! We both love you for it.
- Posted using my iPhone
Macey, don't be mad at me, but I just had to post this hilarious picture of you trying to make Summer Rose behave. Um, group pictures are not her strong point...but thanks for being such a good sport and always helping out with the little stinker anyway! We both love you for it.
- Posted using my iPhone
Birthday Fun
Today is possibly B. Hussein Obama's 49th birthday. If only he would produce a genuine birth certificate, he could get a free ice cream at Baskin Robbins, or even get free admission into Ripley's Aquarium or Disney World! Ah well, I guess he'll have to settle for being the leader of the free world since there are no pesky forms to show for it!
- Posted using my iPhone
- Posted using my iPhone
Monday, August 2, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
I can laugh at myself too!
Hello, my name is Tara, and I am in love with my iPhone. There. I said it.
As my iFamily and I were watching Arthur the other day on Netflix, an episode aired where Fern got a new cell phone and had to learn how to use it in moderation. The climax of her phone addiction leads her to sing this song about her love for her "special purple friend". We were laughing so hard and of course my smarty-britches iKids pointed out that Fern reminded them of me and my best iFriend. (She shares my fascination with technology and gadgets.). I sent this to her (on our iPhones, of course) and she got a kick out of it. Just had to share it here too. (The song part only lasts about a minute.)
Friday, July 30, 2010
Special Treat!
I wanted to share this recipe for one of our favorite treats. They are so easy to make. Everywhere I take them, someone always asks for the recipe. I'm going to include the recipe for homemade whipped cream, but if you don't have a high speed mixer you can just use Cool Whip. (Of course if you ever taste homemade whipped cream, you'll go buy a heavy duty mixer just to make it!) For a variation, you can use vanilla sandwich cookies and a fruit topping instead. Enjoy!
Oreo Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Ingredients:
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
18 Oreo cookies + extra to crush for topping
Preheat oven to 350. Place a cupcake liner in 18 muffin cups, and fill each one with a cookie. Beat cream cheese with mixer until fluffy. Add sugar and vanilla, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookies. Bake for 20 minutes. Allow tarts to cool completely. Top with whipped cream and crushed Oreo. Refrigerate.
Homemade Whipped Cream:
1 c. whipping cream
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Chill mixing bowl and utensils for about 10 minutes. Beat cream on high speed until it begins to thicken. Gradually add sugar and vanilla. (Don't beat too much or you'll have butter!)
Oreo Cream Cheese Cupcakes
Ingredients:
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
18 Oreo cookies + extra to crush for topping
Preheat oven to 350. Place a cupcake liner in 18 muffin cups, and fill each one with a cookie. Beat cream cheese with mixer until fluffy. Add sugar and vanilla, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookies. Bake for 20 minutes. Allow tarts to cool completely. Top with whipped cream and crushed Oreo. Refrigerate.
Homemade Whipped Cream:
1 c. whipping cream
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Chill mixing bowl and utensils for about 10 minutes. Beat cream on high speed until it begins to thicken. Gradually add sugar and vanilla. (Don't beat too much or you'll have butter!)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Good Morning!
Don't you wish you could sleep this soundly?
- Posted using my iPhone
Check out Summer's "built-in eyeshadow". (She has a vein above her right eye that really stands out! She's had it since birth and everyone always wants to know if it's a bruise. She'll probably hate it when she's older, but we think it's cute.)
- Posted using my iPhone
Friday, July 23, 2010
I'm Still Alive!
(barely)
After 1 week of vacation (conclusion: There's no place like home), 1 week of recovering from vacation (conclusion: Routine is what makes home so sweet), and then a stomach virus to top it all off (conclusion: Bunk Beds seem like a great idea until a stomach virus hits), I haven't been very inspired to blog. Trust me, there's NOTHING inspiring about 7 people puking in 1 house. I often wondered this week about Michelle Duggar...how many times has she cleaned up puke?
Sorry for the boring "blahg" and I am praying for an inspiring weekend!
After 1 week of vacation (conclusion: There's no place like home), 1 week of recovering from vacation (conclusion: Routine is what makes home so sweet), and then a stomach virus to top it all off (conclusion: Bunk Beds seem like a great idea until a stomach virus hits), I haven't been very inspired to blog. Trust me, there's NOTHING inspiring about 7 people puking in 1 house. I often wondered this week about Michelle Duggar...how many times has she cleaned up puke?
Sorry for the boring "blahg" and I am praying for an inspiring weekend!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
American Exceptionalism
Enjoy this beautiful explanation from an American patriot who believes that America is an exceptional nation in the history of the world.
Happy Independence Day!
Fresh Salsa
I just made one of my very favorite summer treats, straight from our garden! I absolutely love this salsa. It's great with tortilla chips (and sour cream, of course), and I also like to put it on a flour tortilla with cheese, lunch meat, and sour cream, for a delicious sandwich wrap. This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups. The corn came from our garden, but you can also substitute canned white shoepeg corn, preferrably the vacuum sealed kind for this recipe. Also, this year we have an abundance of Roma tomatoes, and I used about 10 of them instead of the 2 larger tomatoes. And lastly, the cilantro is what makes this salsa. If you've never used fresh cilantro, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? The best way to chop it is to cut all the leaves into a small glass bowl, discard the stems, and chop the leaves with kitchen shears. This salsa is best when you allow it to chill for a few hours and let all the flavors blend.
Fresh Garden Salsa
1/4 c. whole corn
2 medium cluster tomatoes, seeds removed, and diced
2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 of a medium sized Vidalia onion, diced
3 tsp. lime juice
1 tsp. sea salt
1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
15 sprigs fresh cilantro, chopped, stems discarded
Enjoy!
My Helper
As you can clearly see, Summer Rose always helps out on cleaning day.
- Posted using my iPhone
- Posted using my iPhone
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