Amazingly, our kids manage to TALK while they are vomiting. (Actually, I guess this isn't all that amazing. Our kids seem to be able to talk while they are doing everything.)
Here are a few of the things Rhyle said tonight. Keep in mind, these are either when he was sitting at the dinner table with us (in high anticipation of Tate's birthday cake) or when he was sitting on the couch late after bedtime. And WHILE he was throwing up, he managed to say:
"No cake now, right?"
"I don't like this. It isn't f-----un."
"Did you ever throw up like this?"
"I bet you weren't as brave as me."
"My throat is feeling kind of spicy now."
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Unexpected Expenses
We're working on our budget. After this week, I'm thinking that the unexpected expenses category needs to be MUCH larger. Earlier, I wasn't thinking of things like:
$15 to dry clean our bed skirt of vomit
$150 (or more!) to replace the cd player stolen from our van
$15 to replace the science cd that was IN the cd player that was stolen from the van
$60 for supplies to create a patio (using stones that were given to us)
$20 for salad and other perishable ingredients purchased for our party tonight (which was cancelled due to sick children)
$10 to purchase a new garage sale toy for Tate to walk behind after his breaks
$5 for replacement cleaning supplies after the boys clean the bathroom
$5 for more paper towels, too
$15 to dry clean our bed skirt of vomit
$150 (or more!) to replace the cd player stolen from our van
$15 to replace the science cd that was IN the cd player that was stolen from the van
$60 for supplies to create a patio (using stones that were given to us)
$20 for salad and other perishable ingredients purchased for our party tonight (which was cancelled due to sick children)
$10 to purchase a new garage sale toy for Tate to walk behind after his breaks
$5 for replacement cleaning supplies after the boys clean the bathroom
$5 for more paper towels, too
Tate's Birthday
Yesterday was Tate's first birthday. What joy we have had because of his one year of life! He is generally cheerful (as his name implies) and easy-going. He laughs easily and causes us to laugh. He gives sweet, lingering hugs and rides my hip like a little monkey upon it's mama. (I barely need to hold on at all!) He is a BLESSING. (The words of the Scripture are true, "Children are a gift of the Lord.") We are all exceedingly glad to have Tate in our family and his birthday is cause for great rejoicing.
What actually happened on Tate's birthday: He woke early, by 6:15 a.m. and woke the rest of the kids by 6:30. Braden and I decided to l linger in bed until 7 a.m. (the normal time that the children are excused from their rooms) and clearly asked the children to quietly play in their rooms. When we rose at 7 a.m. I went to get Tate in the boys' room at the same time I heard Braden ask, "Is that Tate downstairs?" Yes, indeed, it was. Tate was not in the bedroom with the other children where I expected him to be. He had crawled downstairs (he does this adeptly), apparently looking for me. He had crawled into the laundry room and somehow closed the door and was unable to reopen it. There he was, his teary face down upon the dirty floor, crying for us ("MAMAMAMAMA"). This isn't generally how we treat someone on their birthday!
His birthday also included a law school function, with dressed-up attire and dessert. Unfortunately, in the rush of finishing our patio steps and baking cookies for said law function, we ran short of time. We took four hungry and tired children to the Ad Fontes ceremony (the pizza I baked was cooked but we didn't have time to eat it!). The evening ended with another episode of vomiting and cleaning up- Livia again. (this has been going on for nearly two weeks intermittently!) I regret that we took her out, even though we didn't know she was still not well. More sheets to clean, a late night shower for her, and Braden and I wearily crawled into bed late, again. Tate was up in the night, too, and I suspect that his tummy isn't feeling quite right, either, or that the four teeth coming in right now are bothering him. More birthday joys.
Truly, we love Tate. So much has changed in the last year of our lives. Our love of him has increased exceedingly. (Just don't make any judgements based upon his birth DAY celebration!)
What actually happened on Tate's birthday: He woke early, by 6:15 a.m. and woke the rest of the kids by 6:30. Braden and I decided to l linger in bed until 7 a.m. (the normal time that the children are excused from their rooms) and clearly asked the children to quietly play in their rooms. When we rose at 7 a.m. I went to get Tate in the boys' room at the same time I heard Braden ask, "Is that Tate downstairs?" Yes, indeed, it was. Tate was not in the bedroom with the other children where I expected him to be. He had crawled downstairs (he does this adeptly), apparently looking for me. He had crawled into the laundry room and somehow closed the door and was unable to reopen it. There he was, his teary face down upon the dirty floor, crying for us ("MAMAMAMAMA"). This isn't generally how we treat someone on their birthday!
His birthday also included a law school function, with dressed-up attire and dessert. Unfortunately, in the rush of finishing our patio steps and baking cookies for said law function, we ran short of time. We took four hungry and tired children to the Ad Fontes ceremony (the pizza I baked was cooked but we didn't have time to eat it!). The evening ended with another episode of vomiting and cleaning up- Livia again. (this has been going on for nearly two weeks intermittently!) I regret that we took her out, even though we didn't know she was still not well. More sheets to clean, a late night shower for her, and Braden and I wearily crawled into bed late, again. Tate was up in the night, too, and I suspect that his tummy isn't feeling quite right, either, or that the four teeth coming in right now are bothering him. More birthday joys.
Truly, we love Tate. So much has changed in the last year of our lives. Our love of him has increased exceedingly. (Just don't make any judgements based upon his birth DAY celebration!)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Learning
The children and I have embarked on an educational journey together. I am expecting to learn at least as much as they will learn- even this year when I have a 6 year old, a 4 year old, and a 3 year old (and a 1 year old!). We are studying using the classical method and I am realizing many gaps in my own learning.
I don't think I EVER had geography (wasn't that a huge oversight?!). My children will be able to label the states and capitols this year. I don't have a good grasp of how historical events fit together, or even of how the Biblical accounts fit with ancient history. After this year, our family will have rough timeline in our heads which puts these things in context. Phonics has never been something I enjoyed. I distinctly remember disliking it from about first grade on. Unfortunately, (not really) I will even be learning rules of grammar and phonics. (I like to write and I like language but I don't like to be all fussy about parts of speech and such!). We will be learning Latin, which I have never even considered studying (I don't think that was an option, to be honest). Thanks to Mona Brooks, we will be learning drawing technique and I may even outdo my own stick figures. The children and I have already begun a methodical memorization of Scripture and poetry. We are loving it!
What impresses me most at this very early embarking is that we are surrounded by information. There is more to learn than we ever possibly could. I'm not as excited about all the things we will be learning as I am that we have a purposeful plan to learn. Braden and I are directing our children (and ourselves) to the Source of all wisdom, so that we will all know how to apply discretion and understanding to the things we learn. Having a plan and goals that are measurable and attainable is empowering.
Abigail Adams said, "Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought with ardor and attended with diligence." Here's to ardor and diligence this new school year!
I don't think I EVER had geography (wasn't that a huge oversight?!). My children will be able to label the states and capitols this year. I don't have a good grasp of how historical events fit together, or even of how the Biblical accounts fit with ancient history. After this year, our family will have rough timeline in our heads which puts these things in context. Phonics has never been something I enjoyed. I distinctly remember disliking it from about first grade on. Unfortunately, (not really) I will even be learning rules of grammar and phonics. (I like to write and I like language but I don't like to be all fussy about parts of speech and such!). We will be learning Latin, which I have never even considered studying (I don't think that was an option, to be honest). Thanks to Mona Brooks, we will be learning drawing technique and I may even outdo my own stick figures. The children and I have already begun a methodical memorization of Scripture and poetry. We are loving it!
What impresses me most at this very early embarking is that we are surrounded by information. There is more to learn than we ever possibly could. I'm not as excited about all the things we will be learning as I am that we have a purposeful plan to learn. Braden and I are directing our children (and ourselves) to the Source of all wisdom, so that we will all know how to apply discretion and understanding to the things we learn. Having a plan and goals that are measurable and attainable is empowering.
Abigail Adams said, "Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought with ardor and attended with diligence." Here's to ardor and diligence this new school year!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Notes on Nutrition
I finished a very quick read (some skimming!) of T. Colin Campbell's The China Study. I have wanted to read this for some time and I wasn't disappointed. It was excellent! Here are a few quick notes that particularly stood out to me. Of course, they are out of context, but I wanted to remember these nuggets, as well as share them so you, Dear Reader, may also be inspired to pick up his informative book.
1) "The results showed that high-fiber intake was consistently associated with lower rates of cancers of the rectum and colon. High-fiber intakes also were associated with lower levels of blood cholesterol. Of course, high-fiber consumption reflected high plant-based food consumption; foods such as beans, leafy vegetables and whole grains are all high in fiber." (p 92) I think of fiber from whole foods as the steel wool scrubbing out my insides. It's necessary and GOOD!
2)From a section on "the Atkins Crisis": "Americans consumed thirteen pounds more added fats and oils per person in 1997 than in 1970, up from 52.6 to 65.6 pounds." (p 95) There is a lot more I want to add on this, namely that I agree with Dr. Campbell that the Atkins "diet" is a very bad idea. I'm shocked by how dramatically our consumption has increased.
3) On breast cancer: "It is true that if you have a family history of breast cancer, you are at an increased risk of getting the disease. However, one research group found that less than 3% of all breast cancer cases can be attributed to family history." (p161) Family history is a SMALL indicator of one's susceptibility for breast cancer. What we are eating is so much more important! (Remember the post about broccoli and breast cancer?)
4) Relating to menopause: "During the reproductive years, hormone levels are elevated, although the levels among women who eat plant-based diets are not as elevated. When women reach the end of their reproductive years, it is entirely natural for reproductive hormones of all women to drop to a low 'base' level. As reproductive years come to an end, the lower hormone levels among plant eaters don't crash as hard as they do among animal eaters. These abrupt hormone changes in the body are what cause menopausal symptoms. Therefore, a plant-based diet leads to less severe hormone crash and a gentler menopause." (p 167-168) By the way, this relates to something I heard Wendy Campbell, RN, say in a lecture. She alluded that women who consume plant-based diets (mainly in Asia) do not experience menopause and it's symptoms like Americans do. The China Study research explains this well for me.
5) On milk consumption and osteoporosis: "Americans consume more cow's milk and its products per person than most populations in the world. So Americans should have wonderfully strong bones, right? Unfortunately not. A recent study showed that American women aged fifty and older have one of the highest rates of hip fractures in the world. The only countries with higher rates are in Europe and in the south Pacific (Australia and New Zealand) where they consume even more milk than the United States." (p204)
6) Regarding kidney stones: "A substantial and convincing effect on stone formation has been demonstrated for animal-based foods. Recent research also shows that kidney stone formation can be initiated by the activity of free radicals, and may thus be prevented by consumption of antioxidant-containing plant-based foods." (p 213) My response: Yeah, JuicePlus+!
1) "The results showed that high-fiber intake was consistently associated with lower rates of cancers of the rectum and colon. High-fiber intakes also were associated with lower levels of blood cholesterol. Of course, high-fiber consumption reflected high plant-based food consumption; foods such as beans, leafy vegetables and whole grains are all high in fiber." (p 92) I think of fiber from whole foods as the steel wool scrubbing out my insides. It's necessary and GOOD!
2)From a section on "the Atkins Crisis": "Americans consumed thirteen pounds more added fats and oils per person in 1997 than in 1970, up from 52.6 to 65.6 pounds." (p 95) There is a lot more I want to add on this, namely that I agree with Dr. Campbell that the Atkins "diet" is a very bad idea. I'm shocked by how dramatically our consumption has increased.
3) On breast cancer: "It is true that if you have a family history of breast cancer, you are at an increased risk of getting the disease. However, one research group found that less than 3% of all breast cancer cases can be attributed to family history." (p161) Family history is a SMALL indicator of one's susceptibility for breast cancer. What we are eating is so much more important! (Remember the post about broccoli and breast cancer?)
4) Relating to menopause: "During the reproductive years, hormone levels are elevated, although the levels among women who eat plant-based diets are not as elevated. When women reach the end of their reproductive years, it is entirely natural for reproductive hormones of all women to drop to a low 'base' level. As reproductive years come to an end, the lower hormone levels among plant eaters don't crash as hard as they do among animal eaters. These abrupt hormone changes in the body are what cause menopausal symptoms. Therefore, a plant-based diet leads to less severe hormone crash and a gentler menopause." (p 167-168) By the way, this relates to something I heard Wendy Campbell, RN, say in a lecture. She alluded that women who consume plant-based diets (mainly in Asia) do not experience menopause and it's symptoms like Americans do. The China Study research explains this well for me.
5) On milk consumption and osteoporosis: "Americans consume more cow's milk and its products per person than most populations in the world. So Americans should have wonderfully strong bones, right? Unfortunately not. A recent study showed that American women aged fifty and older have one of the highest rates of hip fractures in the world. The only countries with higher rates are in Europe and in the south Pacific (Australia and New Zealand) where they consume even more milk than the United States." (p204)
6) Regarding kidney stones: "A substantial and convincing effect on stone formation has been demonstrated for animal-based foods. Recent research also shows that kidney stone formation can be initiated by the activity of free radicals, and may thus be prevented by consumption of antioxidant-containing plant-based foods." (p 213) My response: Yeah, JuicePlus+!
Monday, August 18, 2008
How Today Went Down
I didn't get my run in today. Or a walk.
But I did get to clean up unpleasantness, such as feces, off the floor. I spent a good while endeavoring to clean vomit off of Livia's rug (without vomiting myself, which is the real test). I had the privilege of using a pick ax and shovel to relocate my hydrangea and level the ground around our back steps in the hope that I will be able to lay a small patio later this week. There were throw-ups on my clothes that needed attended to. Emergency soaks in the washing machine.
We don't get sick much around here. (Thank you, Lord! For Your mercy and for educating us and giving us JuicePlus+!). When we are sick it usually doesn't last very long. Long enough, though, to remind me that it isn't very important if I get my run in. I WANT to. I want my few peaceful minutes outside, alone. But those minutes can't compare with the honor it is to serve and love my family. So, for today, I spent my moments cleaning up and wiping up and washing up and cuddling and kissing and doing all the things that mommies do. (By the way, the best part of all of that today was a conversation over lunch about lying. The boys and I were having a pretty serious and pertinent discussion that ended with Rhyle (4) looking at me imploringly and asking me to "pray and ask God for the blood of Jesus to cover over" him.)
Maybe I'll get a run tomorrow.
But I did get to clean up unpleasantness, such as feces, off the floor. I spent a good while endeavoring to clean vomit off of Livia's rug (without vomiting myself, which is the real test). I had the privilege of using a pick ax and shovel to relocate my hydrangea and level the ground around our back steps in the hope that I will be able to lay a small patio later this week. There were throw-ups on my clothes that needed attended to. Emergency soaks in the washing machine.
We don't get sick much around here. (Thank you, Lord! For Your mercy and for educating us and giving us JuicePlus+!). When we are sick it usually doesn't last very long. Long enough, though, to remind me that it isn't very important if I get my run in. I WANT to. I want my few peaceful minutes outside, alone. But those minutes can't compare with the honor it is to serve and love my family. So, for today, I spent my moments cleaning up and wiping up and washing up and cuddling and kissing and doing all the things that mommies do. (By the way, the best part of all of that today was a conversation over lunch about lying. The boys and I were having a pretty serious and pertinent discussion that ended with Rhyle (4) looking at me imploringly and asking me to "pray and ask God for the blood of Jesus to cover over" him.)
Maybe I'll get a run tomorrow.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Spicy Gum
Daddy gave the kids gum this afternoon. (I had declared that we were done with gum for awhile after our summer trips and my discoveries of gum on the van floor, in the cup holders, on the seats, etc.) The kids were very happy to have green, "spicy" gum to chew while we took a walk/scooter ride/ stroller excursion on the Blackwater Creek Trail. (Rhyle has called gum spicy from his earliest chewings. He usually likes it, but sometimes has decided that particular gums are TOO spicy-usually cinnamon. It is fairly common to hear Rhyle and Owen discussing gum in regard to how spicy it is.)
We reminded them that gum that comes out of mouths is gum that they are finished with, and gum needs to be PROPERLY disposed of. I was keeping pretty close watch on that green gum!
As we returned to the van, Braden asked if the kids were finished with their gum.
"Yeah," Rhyle said. "I'm spicy enough."
A moment later he added, "My whole body is spicy already!"
We reminded them that gum that comes out of mouths is gum that they are finished with, and gum needs to be PROPERLY disposed of. I was keeping pretty close watch on that green gum!
As we returned to the van, Braden asked if the kids were finished with their gum.
"Yeah," Rhyle said. "I'm spicy enough."
A moment later he added, "My whole body is spicy already!"
Monday, August 11, 2008
August Thinking
I like August. I like working on new schedules and systems, figuring out and getting down a new or updated routine. I like new books, textbooks, and school supplies. I like the challenge and excitement of (the prospect of!) learning new things. August seems to me like nearly the end of summer. In my mind, a scene plays out: I look summery; I can almost feel the warm bronzy-ness of my skin. My hair is up and I have on shorts and a tank top. In the sunshine, I run down a pier toward a beautiful, rippling blue lake, where there are dancing reflections of leaves about to change color. August is the exhilarated moment when I am in the air, warm and glowing, a split second from plunging into the cold, clear, refreshing water. I feel awake, alive, hopeful, a bit daring. Wonderful, really. About to leave the familiar, languid days of summer and enter something equally enjoyable, albeit different.
(Maybe I'm just revealing that I'm not much of a swimmer? The dock is more comfortable for me than the water. . . but I still find the water enticing.)
I have been busy cleaning out and organizing, rearranging, thinking through my systems, planning school, and trying out new aspects of our daily schedule. Whew! It's fun and exciting for me. It reminds me of a conversation I had with my cousin last week. She is a teacher and is preparing for the school year. I asked her if it has gotten easier each year and she said it should, but that because she loves this season of preparation the work hasn't really decreased. I understand that! There is something so energizing to me about preparing for the next season.
Ah, but then there is implementation. That's the difficulty, right? To set us up for success, we will be adding things in gradually over the next few weeks. Our home-centered education will be more intense this fall than it has ever been. (This is both fun and daunting for me.) Already I see the boys balking at copy work and math drills. Still, they did pick up their new handwriting books today and started working on them, without my knowledge! My children are learning to do chores diligently and well. (I simply can not keep up with everything and need more - free- help!) This is a training period, but I must say I love having someone else clean the toilets for me! Braden starts class again next week and I want to do all I can to support him this final year of law school. More transitions are looming on the horizon. I guess I should hang on to my August thinking.
(Maybe I'm just revealing that I'm not much of a swimmer? The dock is more comfortable for me than the water. . . but I still find the water enticing.)
I have been busy cleaning out and organizing, rearranging, thinking through my systems, planning school, and trying out new aspects of our daily schedule. Whew! It's fun and exciting for me. It reminds me of a conversation I had with my cousin last week. She is a teacher and is preparing for the school year. I asked her if it has gotten easier each year and she said it should, but that because she loves this season of preparation the work hasn't really decreased. I understand that! There is something so energizing to me about preparing for the next season.
Ah, but then there is implementation. That's the difficulty, right? To set us up for success, we will be adding things in gradually over the next few weeks. Our home-centered education will be more intense this fall than it has ever been. (This is both fun and daunting for me.) Already I see the boys balking at copy work and math drills. Still, they did pick up their new handwriting books today and started working on them, without my knowledge! My children are learning to do chores diligently and well. (I simply can not keep up with everything and need more - free- help!) This is a training period, but I must say I love having someone else clean the toilets for me! Braden starts class again next week and I want to do all I can to support him this final year of law school. More transitions are looming on the horizon. I guess I should hang on to my August thinking.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Boys Say. . .
Things like, "Call me Horsepower, Mom. I know you can't believe how strong I am."
That was Owen today. He's feeling especially inflated because he has been competing with Braden to see who can do the most push-ups. . .
I don't think that- Well, I was going to say that I don't think girls would want to be called HORSEPOWER. Then I was going to say LIVIA wouldn't ask to be called Horsepower. Then, I remembered that she DID actually ask me to feel her muscles twice today, too. So strike that thought. Maybe this should be titled, "My Kids Say?"
That was Owen today. He's feeling especially inflated because he has been competing with Braden to see who can do the most push-ups. . .
I don't think that- Well, I was going to say that I don't think girls would want to be called HORSEPOWER. Then I was going to say LIVIA wouldn't ask to be called Horsepower. Then, I remembered that she DID actually ask me to feel her muscles twice today, too. So strike that thought. Maybe this should be titled, "My Kids Say?"
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Chickpea Mac
I'm tired of making a roux for my macaroni and cheese, but I like the creaminess that a roux gives. Even though a friend gave me an easy oven macaroni and cheese recipe, it still wasn't quite right for our family. I liked how fast it was to make, but didn't like the macaroni swimming in butter. Last week, however, I saw a recipe in a cookbook that I thought looked interesting. The family tested his new macaroni and cheese version this week- and it was a success. We were ALL happy. Taste was satisfactory and I was pleased with the ingredients. It was still creamy (but I admit it wasn't totally creamy!) and it still had butter in it (a concern for some of my family!). The kids were glad that I didn't add tomatoes or peas or other veggies that I have sometimes added in a not-very-sneaky way. I was pleased to serve comfort food that had hidden nutritional benefits. I'm not settled on a name, however, and I don't think that "Chickpea Mac" quite conveys what I want it to. Any suggestions?
Here is what I did:
Cook 1 box of whole grain macaroni.
Puree 1 can of garbanzo beans (chickpeas) in the food processor, slowly adding 1 cup of milk. Add cheese (I used Mexican blend and Parmesan), about a cup.
Drain the macaroni. Add a little bit of butter and salt and pepper. (I added herbs, too.) Add puree mixture and warm over low heat until the cheese is all melty and delicious. Serve with other fresh fruits and veggies!
Here is what I did:
Cook 1 box of whole grain macaroni.
Puree 1 can of garbanzo beans (chickpeas) in the food processor, slowly adding 1 cup of milk. Add cheese (I used Mexican blend and Parmesan), about a cup.
Drain the macaroni. Add a little bit of butter and salt and pepper. (I added herbs, too.) Add puree mixture and warm over low heat until the cheese is all melty and delicious. Serve with other fresh fruits and veggies!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Income Reality
These are lean years. . . but in the eight years we have been married, Braden and I have never had much income. God has always provided for our needs, and so the only thing I desire others to hear is how very thankful we are for all we have. We have wonderful families, delightful and generous friends, food, clothing, a home. . . all of our needs have been supplied. God has also exceeded our needs time and again.
Still . . . sometimes we dream.
Just yesterday our family was in the van and the males were noticing other motorized vehicles around them, including a 4-wheeler for sale by the road. (To their chagrin, I care very little about what I drive or ride in or on!) I heard several sighs from my husband as he admired other automobiles.
"The problem is," he said, "that I have BMW taste. . . and SCHWincome."
Still . . . sometimes we dream.
Just yesterday our family was in the van and the males were noticing other motorized vehicles around them, including a 4-wheeler for sale by the road. (To their chagrin, I care very little about what I drive or ride in or on!) I heard several sighs from my husband as he admired other automobiles.
"The problem is," he said, "that I have BMW taste. . . and SCHWincome."
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