It is dusk, but the darkest kind.
There is rich grass backed by the spires of evergreens, framed in precisely outlined clouds.
It is dusk.
The daylight whispers goodbye in a feathered sky.
The air is sweet and still....sweet country air.
They run by.
Chasing the prize of a firefly. Or two.
It is dark.
But what a treasure....
a night, still and sweet
spiced by the sound of children laughing
when they catch their prize.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Saturday, May 3, 2014
School Planning
I have just finished planning our school materials and calendar from now through June 2015. I had to adjust our calendar as my brother's wedding is taking place on September 13, and we have planned a family vacation for the entire week prior to his wedding. Normally, this second week of September would be our second week of school. As I did not want to start school, finish a week, then leave for vacation, I've opted to start the second week of August and do a four- week- on, one- week- off rotation. There is a three week block in between Thanksgiving and Christmas, however this is unavoidable. I've learned we need to take whole weeks off when there is a holiday. As in other years, I am aiming for a four- day school week, but am now open to doing school on Saturdays if the need arises.
Planning our calendar was simple, but planning our materials was a very long, sometimes agonizing process. In January, we planned to use enrollment with Seton. By March, when 'The Winter that Would Not End' was taking its full toll on our house and bank account, I came to terms with reality: using Seton was not a financially valid option. I went back to the beginning of the planning and researching phase, and wallowed there, unmoving, for some time. I vacillated between returning to Sonlight, as I own most of the materials, and designing my own courses with free materials. The spot where I came to rest was really a blend of these two approaches. For content subjects, we are using Creek Edge Press, beginning with Geography and Cultures. I have not decided whether we will do Life Science or Nature Study, as I am, for the first time, refusing to schedule too much. We can certainly add more later. I have drawn from Sonlight's book lists to use with Geography and Cultures. For faith, we are reading through 'Tell Me About the Catholic Faith', and have two saint stories as part of geography. For skill subjects, I have made peace with my favorites. Below is the outline for each child.
Grade Roughly Four
Math Mammoth 3/4
Logic of English, Dictation Day by Day (archive.org text)
Sonlight 4/5 readers
Speaking and Writing 4 (archive.org text), Sonlight 4/5 creative prompt monthly
Latina Christiana
MODG 4 poetry memorization
Grade Somewhat 2
Math Mammoth 2
Little Angel Readers
Dictation Day by Day
whiteboard cursive
Sonlight 1/2 readers
Speaking and Writing 3
MODG Latin flashcards
MODG 3 poetry memorization
Grade Approaching 1
Miquon
Little Angel Readers
whiteboard handwriting
MODG 1 poetry memorization
Planning our calendar was simple, but planning our materials was a very long, sometimes agonizing process. In January, we planned to use enrollment with Seton. By March, when 'The Winter that Would Not End' was taking its full toll on our house and bank account, I came to terms with reality: using Seton was not a financially valid option. I went back to the beginning of the planning and researching phase, and wallowed there, unmoving, for some time. I vacillated between returning to Sonlight, as I own most of the materials, and designing my own courses with free materials. The spot where I came to rest was really a blend of these two approaches. For content subjects, we are using Creek Edge Press, beginning with Geography and Cultures. I have not decided whether we will do Life Science or Nature Study, as I am, for the first time, refusing to schedule too much. We can certainly add more later. I have drawn from Sonlight's book lists to use with Geography and Cultures. For faith, we are reading through 'Tell Me About the Catholic Faith', and have two saint stories as part of geography. For skill subjects, I have made peace with my favorites. Below is the outline for each child.
Grade Roughly Four
Math Mammoth 3/4
Logic of English, Dictation Day by Day (archive.org text)
Sonlight 4/5 readers
Speaking and Writing 4 (archive.org text), Sonlight 4/5 creative prompt monthly
Latina Christiana
MODG 4 poetry memorization
Grade Somewhat 2
Math Mammoth 2
Little Angel Readers
Dictation Day by Day
whiteboard cursive
Sonlight 1/2 readers
Speaking and Writing 3
MODG Latin flashcards
MODG 3 poetry memorization
Grade Approaching 1
Miquon
Little Angel Readers
whiteboard handwriting
MODG 1 poetry memorization
Friday, November 1, 2013
I left my baby with you. My tiny, fragile, dependent baby was left in your care.
It wasn't really care, was it?
Lies.
I sensed them from the beginning...
...sensed something wasn't right...
But there was no concrete example to which I could point
for the source of my unease.
Perhaps it was what you were doing to her in the shadows.
Or the other infants left alone, in playpens, swings, and seats.
Or the constant illness.
Or the constant dirty diapers.
(We did speak with you about that)
No- wait- it was when you 'hid' my children so you would pass inspection.
(I thought that situation was suspicious)
My baby. He cried before and after going to you, when he was old enough to understand where he was going.
Oh! But you made everything look so good!
You cunningly hid.
You manipulated.
That you could lie so brazenly and believe your lies is fascinating.
Queen of the preemptive strike, as well.
Was it fun, thrilling, to trick the doctors?
They didn't always do what you wanted, did they?
My baby is okay. And no longer a baby. I know he wasn't abused, but likely neglected when tiny.
I often look at him and wonder if the differences are from that crucial time.
I hope she has peace, both now and later in life as she grapples with her memories.
You?.....There are no more words....
It wasn't really care, was it?
Lies.
I sensed them from the beginning...
...sensed something wasn't right...
But there was no concrete example to which I could point
for the source of my unease.
Perhaps it was what you were doing to her in the shadows.
Or the other infants left alone, in playpens, swings, and seats.
Or the constant illness.
Or the constant dirty diapers.
(We did speak with you about that)
No- wait- it was when you 'hid' my children so you would pass inspection.
(I thought that situation was suspicious)
My baby. He cried before and after going to you, when he was old enough to understand where he was going.
Oh! But you made everything look so good!
You cunningly hid.
You manipulated.
That you could lie so brazenly and believe your lies is fascinating.
Queen of the preemptive strike, as well.
Was it fun, thrilling, to trick the doctors?
They didn't always do what you wanted, did they?
My baby is okay. And no longer a baby. I know he wasn't abused, but likely neglected when tiny.
I often look at him and wonder if the differences are from that crucial time.
I hope she has peace, both now and later in life as she grapples with her memories.
You?.....There are no more words....
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Out of Candlelight
I am trying to figure out how to be the adult child of a mentally ill parent. Until tonight, I think I believed it was a lie. If he could just snap out of it. If he could just be the good person I know he is. In my mind, he is the top- level administrator at a major organization. He goes on active duty, arming himself with skills to defend our nation. He teaches, he strives, he aspires. The Great Books collection grows. He carries my school books through the halls on his fingers tipped in leather gloves, black wool coat flowing, inspiring the rumor that I am a 'rich kid'.
I feel so poor tonight.
Dads are not supposed to do this. Dads are supposed to be the rock when we need to crumble, the sense when we are senseless. They are supposed to tell us when we are wrong, not the other way around. Dads are supposed to cheer at our swim meets, move us out of college, walk us down the aisle.
He did do that, actually. He walked me down the aisle four days after I checked him out of the psychiatric unit. I'm glad he was there. It is almost my favorite picture of the two of us. My favorite is one of me, as an infant, sleeping on his chest. It is a dark photo, but you can still see the smile, the security, that seeps forward.
It is dark tonight. It is dark in my heart, and dark in my soul. He is gone- or, perhaps, he was never there. Was he? That is what I need to know. Those signs of his illness, almost imperceptible, were real. How can my hero and my sadness exist in the same person? They do, they do.
So tonight I sit. I watch the flames, hear the silence, miss my father. I miss the notion of who I thought he was, and who he has fought against being. Part of the sadness is knowing he, too, misses who he thought he was. He thought he was a father. He is, but now we must care for him. How do we do that and let him keep that dignity?
I wait, I watch. Perhaps the answer will come out of the candlelight.
I feel so poor tonight.
Dads are not supposed to do this. Dads are supposed to be the rock when we need to crumble, the sense when we are senseless. They are supposed to tell us when we are wrong, not the other way around. Dads are supposed to cheer at our swim meets, move us out of college, walk us down the aisle.
He did do that, actually. He walked me down the aisle four days after I checked him out of the psychiatric unit. I'm glad he was there. It is almost my favorite picture of the two of us. My favorite is one of me, as an infant, sleeping on his chest. It is a dark photo, but you can still see the smile, the security, that seeps forward.
It is dark tonight. It is dark in my heart, and dark in my soul. He is gone- or, perhaps, he was never there. Was he? That is what I need to know. Those signs of his illness, almost imperceptible, were real. How can my hero and my sadness exist in the same person? They do, they do.
So tonight I sit. I watch the flames, hear the silence, miss my father. I miss the notion of who I thought he was, and who he has fought against being. Part of the sadness is knowing he, too, misses who he thought he was. He thought he was a father. He is, but now we must care for him. How do we do that and let him keep that dignity?
I wait, I watch. Perhaps the answer will come out of the candlelight.
Friday, April 13, 2012
The Devil in the Screen
Have you seen him? He's there. I keep trying to get a glimpse of him, but I never seem to catch him. Well, not until his damage is done, that is.
It all starts innocently enough. Mama has dishes and laundry to do, the boys beg for a movie or some such passive, screen- oriented entertainment, and I cave. That's when he gets us. That sneaky devil oozes out through the flickering images in front of my children's eyes and turns them into little demons who cannot manage their behavior, speech, or emotions. They can't be nice and they can't find anything constructive to do with themselves for the remainder of the day.
Darn that devil.
I'm not really serious. I mean, I don't really think that the devil resides within my television. I do, however, notice a marked difference in my kids after they've had any amount of screen- type entertainment. They do become whiny, argumentative, unimaginative, and...well...kind of mean! I notice this pattern the most when they have watched anything with any form of violence or aggression, although not only when they have done so. It is the norm for them to finish a movie and then walk around, allowing the walls to hold them up while saying, "I have nothing to do!"
This week I decided to change their alloted 'screen time' to the evening. The amount of screen time didn't change, but the time of day when they could use it did. It was a bit awkward at first, but then this beautiful thing happened: they played. They played creatively and physically and intensely and, for the most part, kindly. They played so deeply that they- and I- forgot about 'screen time' several of those days. Not that we suddenly had some utopia of creative sibling playtime, but we did have something far better than whiny, bored, irritated children.
Hope you all have a lovely weekend. If you spot the devil in your screen, leave me a little comment below. Better yet, grab him and throw him right out of your house.
hugs and love,
Mama
It all starts innocently enough. Mama has dishes and laundry to do, the boys beg for a movie or some such passive, screen- oriented entertainment, and I cave. That's when he gets us. That sneaky devil oozes out through the flickering images in front of my children's eyes and turns them into little demons who cannot manage their behavior, speech, or emotions. They can't be nice and they can't find anything constructive to do with themselves for the remainder of the day.
Darn that devil.
I'm not really serious. I mean, I don't really think that the devil resides within my television. I do, however, notice a marked difference in my kids after they've had any amount of screen- type entertainment. They do become whiny, argumentative, unimaginative, and...well...kind of mean! I notice this pattern the most when they have watched anything with any form of violence or aggression, although not only when they have done so. It is the norm for them to finish a movie and then walk around, allowing the walls to hold them up while saying, "I have nothing to do!"
This week I decided to change their alloted 'screen time' to the evening. The amount of screen time didn't change, but the time of day when they could use it did. It was a bit awkward at first, but then this beautiful thing happened: they played. They played creatively and physically and intensely and, for the most part, kindly. They played so deeply that they- and I- forgot about 'screen time' several of those days. Not that we suddenly had some utopia of creative sibling playtime, but we did have something far better than whiny, bored, irritated children.
Hope you all have a lovely weekend. If you spot the devil in your screen, leave me a little comment below. Better yet, grab him and throw him right out of your house.
hugs and love,
Mama
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Week's End- March 17, 2012
This weekend was my scheduled time to do our school progress check- in. I have this scheduled three times a year, and have.....
*Wait, before I go further, I must post a disclaimer. Mama's dependent upon organization. I have charts for my charts, forms for my forms, and a pie graph depicting what percent of my organization is in forms, charts, graphs, or 'other'. This post is a reflection of that. *
....forms made up so I can simply fill in the blank and answer the questions I have laid out for myself. (Gracious, that sounds obnoxious.)
Saturday, I sat down to do our weekly planning and progress check in. I do the check in quarterly. Frankly, I am just tickled. We are on track to be finished with our basics by the end of July. Dante will finish his K work at the end of April and move to G1 work. He is a bit behind in reading. No, I take that back. If he were in the public school system as it exists currently, he would be "behind" in reading. If he were in the public school system when I was in it, he would be ahead and would be playing and napping in Kindergarten. Which is what he does at home, and is what he needs to do. The point is that he's doing well.
Alli is doing quite well, also. I think she is needing some more 'friends time' than she is getting. We took the winter off of all co-op type activities. While she has still have several other activities regularly, she seems to need more. She is a very social creature, unlike her brother who could stay in his room with his legos indefinitely. Thankfully, we start the spring session of co-op in Greenville in about three weeks. We all will benefit from this. It was good to take the time off, but it will be great to get back!
I had hoped we would finish by the end of July as we anticipate moving in August. We will take all of the move time off, used as a summer break. Reading and math review will still happen in the evenings. This helps to keep the rhythm and routine going.
It was incredibly satisfying to fill in my progress sheet, hole punch it, and file it away in the 2011-2012 binder. I love that I have the information in an easy access spot, and can reference it for lesson planning.
Wishing everyone an organized homeschool,
Erin
*Wait, before I go further, I must post a disclaimer. Mama's dependent upon organization. I have charts for my charts, forms for my forms, and a pie graph depicting what percent of my organization is in forms, charts, graphs, or 'other'. This post is a reflection of that. *
....forms made up so I can simply fill in the blank and answer the questions I have laid out for myself. (Gracious, that sounds obnoxious.)
Saturday, I sat down to do our weekly planning and progress check in. I do the check in quarterly. Frankly, I am just tickled. We are on track to be finished with our basics by the end of July. Dante will finish his K work at the end of April and move to G1 work. He is a bit behind in reading. No, I take that back. If he were in the public school system as it exists currently, he would be "behind" in reading. If he were in the public school system when I was in it, he would be ahead and would be playing and napping in Kindergarten. Which is what he does at home, and is what he needs to do. The point is that he's doing well.
Alli is doing quite well, also. I think she is needing some more 'friends time' than she is getting. We took the winter off of all co-op type activities. While she has still have several other activities regularly, she seems to need more. She is a very social creature, unlike her brother who could stay in his room with his legos indefinitely. Thankfully, we start the spring session of co-op in Greenville in about three weeks. We all will benefit from this. It was good to take the time off, but it will be great to get back!
I had hoped we would finish by the end of July as we anticipate moving in August. We will take all of the move time off, used as a summer break. Reading and math review will still happen in the evenings. This helps to keep the rhythm and routine going.
It was incredibly satisfying to fill in my progress sheet, hole punch it, and file it away in the 2011-2012 binder. I love that I have the information in an easy access spot, and can reference it for lesson planning.
Wishing everyone an organized homeschool,
Erin
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Wait- What Am I?
Below are some thoughts I had after my husband referred to me as 'prudish'. I realized that as a progressive, he sees me as prudish, while a conservative would see me (on the surface) as....well, just a conservative. I've decided that I'd vastly prefer a different label. How about Traditional Progressive? Hmm, no that doesn't work. Stuffy Progressive? Amish Progressive? Appropriate Progressive? I'm getting nowhere. You decide. What am I?
I like 'family values'. I like unconditional love, healthy relationships, and time spent together in meaningful and fun ways. I believe it takes two parents to raise children, and that, generally speaking, the family unit functions better when one parent is a homemaker. But I don't at all care what a family is made of. Two dads are just fine. I also think the decision about which spouse is the homemaking parent ought to be based on strengths and available resources, not gender.
I think homeschooling is a wonderful way to preserve the family unit and childhood. I believe it affords a unique opportunity to nurture our children's souls, minds, and future. But I do not hate public school, and I think the teachers are doing the best they can in a very challenging system.
With the exception of abuse, which can take many forms, I am opposed to divorce. I think marriage is sacred and a whole lot of hard work. I believe this applies to life partner situations as well. I think it matters much more that there is commitment, monogamy, and love than marriage as defined by 'one man and one woman', or marriage defined by the law.
I dislike what I believe birth control has done to our society's view of sex and life. But I support the existence of Planned Parenthood, and recognize that doing away with birth control is unrealistic and often detrimental.
I am embarrassed by most Victoria's Secret ads, and feel uncomfortable when I hear the lyrics of many secular songs. I value modesty of body and spirit. There is no 'but' here.
I want social programs such as food stamps, WIC, and a national health care plan to exist. But I want them to have a cost for recipients. I don't mean a financial cost necessarily, and I have no idea how to make that applicable on a large scale.( There probably isn't a way as it would have to be evaluated on a case by case basis). I just mean that if I am receiving $400 a month in food stamps, I am also doing something to warrant that expenditure.
I love wearing skirts and appreciate the chapel veil, but the only meaning they have is the one I give them. With skirts I feel pretty, with veiling, an increased focus on prayer.
I love my faith. I am a content Catholic. But I can't say I am 100% faithful to the Magisterium. 99.8% perhaps. I believe that 100% equals blind obedience. For a faith still reeling from a decades- long sex scandal, I would hope that more of the faithful would reserve that .2%.
Thanks for reading. I'm looking forward to your suggestions. Mama needs a new label. Prudish need not apply.
I like 'family values'. I like unconditional love, healthy relationships, and time spent together in meaningful and fun ways. I believe it takes two parents to raise children, and that, generally speaking, the family unit functions better when one parent is a homemaker. But I don't at all care what a family is made of. Two dads are just fine. I also think the decision about which spouse is the homemaking parent ought to be based on strengths and available resources, not gender.
I think homeschooling is a wonderful way to preserve the family unit and childhood. I believe it affords a unique opportunity to nurture our children's souls, minds, and future. But I do not hate public school, and I think the teachers are doing the best they can in a very challenging system.
With the exception of abuse, which can take many forms, I am opposed to divorce. I think marriage is sacred and a whole lot of hard work. I believe this applies to life partner situations as well. I think it matters much more that there is commitment, monogamy, and love than marriage as defined by 'one man and one woman', or marriage defined by the law.
I dislike what I believe birth control has done to our society's view of sex and life. But I support the existence of Planned Parenthood, and recognize that doing away with birth control is unrealistic and often detrimental.
I am embarrassed by most Victoria's Secret ads, and feel uncomfortable when I hear the lyrics of many secular songs. I value modesty of body and spirit. There is no 'but' here.
I want social programs such as food stamps, WIC, and a national health care plan to exist. But I want them to have a cost for recipients. I don't mean a financial cost necessarily, and I have no idea how to make that applicable on a large scale.( There probably isn't a way as it would have to be evaluated on a case by case basis). I just mean that if I am receiving $400 a month in food stamps, I am also doing something to warrant that expenditure.
I love wearing skirts and appreciate the chapel veil, but the only meaning they have is the one I give them. With skirts I feel pretty, with veiling, an increased focus on prayer.
I love my faith. I am a content Catholic. But I can't say I am 100% faithful to the Magisterium. 99.8% perhaps. I believe that 100% equals blind obedience. For a faith still reeling from a decades- long sex scandal, I would hope that more of the faithful would reserve that .2%.
Thanks for reading. I'm looking forward to your suggestions. Mama needs a new label. Prudish need not apply.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Week's End
What do I say about school this week? That it was sub- par? That at least we read ALOT of books to our children (because we accomplished approximately nothing else)? That playtime predominated and they were introduced to vintage television, aka Green Acres? All of that would be true. Yes, we did the very basic work. We managed five days' worth of math, phonics practice, and handwriting. To make myself feel better, I like to remember that the public schooled children had a day off for President's Day and then a snow day today. And we didn't. What all of this really comes down to is that we are in the Yearly Seasonal Homeschooler's Funk. That title sounds like a fun, quirky game day or dance. It isn't. It is the time of year when homeschoolers feel blah, run down, unenthused, drifting, spent....none of which are good things.
This is where we are. But so are most other homeschoolers. It can be an appropriate time for a conference or to abandon the curriculum for awhile and explore an interest in depth. It can be an even better time to sit in a friend's living room with a bowl of popcorn while the children, dressed as butterflies and batmen, run free. Regardless of how one approaches the Yearly Seasonal Homeschooler's Funk, it is most important to keep in mind that it is normal and it will pass. The sun will soon peak out a bit more, the trees will bud, the days will warm. Homeschoolers will venture out to enjoy the spring, and in so doing will find the life returned to their learning.
Truly, this is not far off. By the end of next month we will see the hints of Spring. It is in this knowldge that I think we'll enjoy the remainder of our hibernation. There are so many great library books begging to be read, several interests we'd like to explore further. If all that should fail, we have a love of vintage television festering. Besides, as Alli said prior to bed, "Green Acres could be the place to be".
This is where we are. But so are most other homeschoolers. It can be an appropriate time for a conference or to abandon the curriculum for awhile and explore an interest in depth. It can be an even better time to sit in a friend's living room with a bowl of popcorn while the children, dressed as butterflies and batmen, run free. Regardless of how one approaches the Yearly Seasonal Homeschooler's Funk, it is most important to keep in mind that it is normal and it will pass. The sun will soon peak out a bit more, the trees will bud, the days will warm. Homeschoolers will venture out to enjoy the spring, and in so doing will find the life returned to their learning.
Truly, this is not far off. By the end of next month we will see the hints of Spring. It is in this knowldge that I think we'll enjoy the remainder of our hibernation. There are so many great library books begging to be read, several interests we'd like to explore further. If all that should fail, we have a love of vintage television festering. Besides, as Alli said prior to bed, "Green Acres could be the place to be".
Monday, January 2, 2012
Welcome, 2012
Since our Christmas celebrations were re- scheduled this year, I didn't have the usual mental break between Christams and New Year's. While I've never been one to make specific resolutions, I often have general objectives for the new year. This morning, sitting in the dark in our living room, gazing at the un- lit Christmas tree, I have found myself whispering hello to the new year. I am ready to take the Christmas decorations down, to return the tree to the outdoors, and to move forward.
But into what? In years past, I have conciously decided what I would like to bring in the new year. There was no concious decision this year, rather the year whispered to me, 'It is time'.
It is time to do some thigns that seem a bit trite in the grand scheme of things, but I now see as critical. It is time to return to running like I used to. Also, I admit, to lifting weights. (I care very little for this!) It is time to embrace austerity and a marathon of savings. We need an emergency fund, a down payment, and to whittle away at our student debt. It is time for me to nurture my creativity. I need to write, draw, learn photography and learn how to sew. I also need to find some small way to be in service to others outside of my family. For me, this is a spiritual neccessity. These are critical because my body, family, and soul cannot go on without them. I'll probably blog here about everything except our financial journey. That will be chronicled at http://www.lilalittlecents.blogspot.com/.
So today I am going to put last year away, go for a walk, and ponder how to work those objectives into everyday life. Blessings to you and yours in 2012.
E
But into what? In years past, I have conciously decided what I would like to bring in the new year. There was no concious decision this year, rather the year whispered to me, 'It is time'.
It is time to do some thigns that seem a bit trite in the grand scheme of things, but I now see as critical. It is time to return to running like I used to. Also, I admit, to lifting weights. (I care very little for this!) It is time to embrace austerity and a marathon of savings. We need an emergency fund, a down payment, and to whittle away at our student debt. It is time for me to nurture my creativity. I need to write, draw, learn photography and learn how to sew. I also need to find some small way to be in service to others outside of my family. For me, this is a spiritual neccessity. These are critical because my body, family, and soul cannot go on without them. I'll probably blog here about everything except our financial journey. That will be chronicled at http://www.lilalittlecents.blogspot.com/.
So today I am going to put last year away, go for a walk, and ponder how to work those objectives into everyday life. Blessings to you and yours in 2012.
E
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The Vegan Diabetic- An Intro and Menu
Ok, I'm not officially diabetic. I had gestational diabetes with all pregnancies, and I have Hyperinsulinemia, which is a pre-cursor to diabetes. I treat myself as though I am diabetic in the hopes that acting preemptively will be preventative. I am also not a vegan, although I'd really like to be. The one thing that has prevented me (aside from my coffee with half and half) is my need to control my blood sugar. I do this by balancing carbohydrates and protien within meals, and, as a vegan, it is tough to find pure protien sources and not be eating soy all day.
But I have great news! I think I am slowly compiling some menus that allow me to eat a vegan diet and control my blood sugar. I decided to start posting some of them since my own internet search for 'menus for vegan diabetics' gave me.....nothing.
I plan my meals based on grams of carbohydrate per meal/snack. 15 grams of carbohydrate is roughly one serving. Examples of one serving would be one piece of bread, 1/2 c. rice, pasta, potatoes, one small piece of most fruits. This then needs to be balanced by protien and/or fat to decrease the rate at which insulin is secreted. This is what it looks like:
Breakfast 2-3 servings
Snack 1 serving
Lunch 3 servings
Snack 2 servings
Dinner 4 servings
If I have done a longer run, I bump the first snack and the lunch up by one serving. I occasionally break the two snacks into three.
Below I have posted today's menu.
Breakfast- 1c. taco salsa black beans
Snack- homemade coconut yogurt mixed with NOW brand Vegan Support (like a protien powder and multi-vitamin in one. plus it tastes like berries!)
Snack- wheat thins
Lunch- alphabet cabbage soup w/ vegan bacon bits
Snack- orange, peanut butter
Dinner- potato pancakes (these were sooooo good!), brussels sprouts, salad
Blessings,
E
But I have great news! I think I am slowly compiling some menus that allow me to eat a vegan diet and control my blood sugar. I decided to start posting some of them since my own internet search for 'menus for vegan diabetics' gave me.....nothing.
I plan my meals based on grams of carbohydrate per meal/snack. 15 grams of carbohydrate is roughly one serving. Examples of one serving would be one piece of bread, 1/2 c. rice, pasta, potatoes, one small piece of most fruits. This then needs to be balanced by protien and/or fat to decrease the rate at which insulin is secreted. This is what it looks like:
Breakfast 2-3 servings
Snack 1 serving
Lunch 3 servings
Snack 2 servings
Dinner 4 servings
If I have done a longer run, I bump the first snack and the lunch up by one serving. I occasionally break the two snacks into three.
Below I have posted today's menu.
Breakfast- 1c. taco salsa black beans
Snack- homemade coconut yogurt mixed with NOW brand Vegan Support (like a protien powder and multi-vitamin in one. plus it tastes like berries!)
Snack- wheat thins
Lunch- alphabet cabbage soup w/ vegan bacon bits
Snack- orange, peanut butter
Dinner- potato pancakes (these were sooooo good!), brussels sprouts, salad
Blessings,
E
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Ode to My Closet
Once, you were stuffed with clothes
some delightful, some spiteful I suppose.
And the laundry would double
Increasing my trouble
at finding peace and repose.
Well, what is one to do?
When quite clearly and so nearly
each shirt
must match
each shoe?
"Purge!" said I with determination.
So then commanded my station
and sorted sweaters, shirts, and pants.
"Be gone with you!" I cried.
"In this bag you will hide!"
Then in my closet, I did a dance.
Yup, I finally realized that finding the magic laundry system was not the problem. The problem was having too many clothes to manage. And this applies to 4/5 of my household! No wonder I couldn't keep up! Inspired by another blogger, whose name and blog I of course can't now remember, I realized I needed to drastically downsize our wardrobes. I've completed my closet and Alli's so far. I will finish the boys' sometime this week. I'm not sure how many of each item I kept. I think it was something like this:
7 pairs of bottoms (skirts, jeans, etc.)
9 tops
4 shirts for layering (we have cold winters and live in a very drafty house)
3 sweatshirts
5 sweaters
a couple dresses for church
3 pair jammies
1 pair grubby clothes
4 pair running clothes (me), dance stuff for Alli
That looks like a lot, but was still a significant reduction in our clothing. I filled three large garbage bags between my clothes and Alli's. While I'm not getting rid of them now, if I find we really don't need anything I took out, I will pass them along.
Here were my reasons for doing this:
1. I couldn't keep up with laundry.
2. I re-evaluated my reasons for having all of it to begin with and found those reasons were not valid at this time.
3. I was constantly fighting the clothes battle- keeping it washed, picked up, folded, organized, and put away.
4. I want to wash less clothing so I save on all the costs associated with laundry- environmental and otherwise.
5. I'd like to start line- drying again. Fewer clothes might make it more doable.
This seemed a bit overwhelming to me at first, but this was how I did it. I'll use the same strategy in the future.
1. Identified 3 pair jammies
2. Decided which bottoms to keep.
3. Decided which tops, sweatshirts, sweaters to keep to coordinate. I pretty much made sure the tops could be worn with at least 3 different bottoms.
4. Found layering shirts to go with tops and bottoms.
It wasn't too painful, but that may have been because I was still numb from doing (pre- purge)laundry for three days straight. : )
Anyway, that is my VERY exciting closet news. I'm thrilled.....I think I'll go pick out clothes for tommorrow. Or maybe just dance in my closet.
Blessings,
E
some delightful, some spiteful I suppose.
And the laundry would double
Increasing my trouble
at finding peace and repose.
Well, what is one to do?
When quite clearly and so nearly
each shirt
must match
each shoe?
"Purge!" said I with determination.
So then commanded my station
and sorted sweaters, shirts, and pants.
"Be gone with you!" I cried.
"In this bag you will hide!"
Then in my closet, I did a dance.
Yup, I finally realized that finding the magic laundry system was not the problem. The problem was having too many clothes to manage. And this applies to 4/5 of my household! No wonder I couldn't keep up! Inspired by another blogger, whose name and blog I of course can't now remember, I realized I needed to drastically downsize our wardrobes. I've completed my closet and Alli's so far. I will finish the boys' sometime this week. I'm not sure how many of each item I kept. I think it was something like this:
7 pairs of bottoms (skirts, jeans, etc.)
9 tops
4 shirts for layering (we have cold winters and live in a very drafty house)
3 sweatshirts
5 sweaters
a couple dresses for church
3 pair jammies
1 pair grubby clothes
4 pair running clothes (me), dance stuff for Alli
That looks like a lot, but was still a significant reduction in our clothing. I filled three large garbage bags between my clothes and Alli's. While I'm not getting rid of them now, if I find we really don't need anything I took out, I will pass them along.
Here were my reasons for doing this:
1. I couldn't keep up with laundry.
2. I re-evaluated my reasons for having all of it to begin with and found those reasons were not valid at this time.
3. I was constantly fighting the clothes battle- keeping it washed, picked up, folded, organized, and put away.
4. I want to wash less clothing so I save on all the costs associated with laundry- environmental and otherwise.
5. I'd like to start line- drying again. Fewer clothes might make it more doable.
This seemed a bit overwhelming to me at first, but this was how I did it. I'll use the same strategy in the future.
1. Identified 3 pair jammies
2. Decided which bottoms to keep.
3. Decided which tops, sweatshirts, sweaters to keep to coordinate. I pretty much made sure the tops could be worn with at least 3 different bottoms.
4. Found layering shirts to go with tops and bottoms.
It wasn't too painful, but that may have been because I was still numb from doing (pre- purge)laundry for three days straight. : )
Anyway, that is my VERY exciting closet news. I'm thrilled.....I think I'll go pick out clothes for tommorrow. Or maybe just dance in my closet.
Blessings,
E
The Math Manipulatives Are On The Floor...
All over the floor, actually. My sweet Kai emptied out the (very cute) storage basket that held said math supplies, interspersing them with our still- unopened Christmas gifts. He topped that with our basket of completed school work. Of course, this was the year I used the most sustainable wrapping I could think of. I used brown paper bags with handles and wrote people's names on the tissue paper so the bags could be re- used. These brown paper bags are open on the top, so my family will now be gifted with their intended present plus dominoes...or Math-U-See blocks....or clock faces. I can see it now, "Yes, Uncle Howie, we do love you, but that is not really one hundred dollars....No, see, right here, it says, 'school money' ". At least I know where the 1000 cubes are. They were too big to fall in the bags.
Now, it has occured to me that I could go through each gift bag and take the math materials out. But you know what? I think I won't. I'm a bit sleep -deprived, I'm still in a funk over this year's Christmas (see previous post), and this may provide a laugh once it is gift exchanging time. Plus, I just purged our closets, and I wouldn't want my chaos v. organized balance to tip too far.
More on the closets later. It is really VERY exciting and requires its own post. I'm so excited that 'later' may be in about 15 minutes. Cheers!
Now, it has occured to me that I could go through each gift bag and take the math materials out. But you know what? I think I won't. I'm a bit sleep -deprived, I'm still in a funk over this year's Christmas (see previous post), and this may provide a laugh once it is gift exchanging time. Plus, I just purged our closets, and I wouldn't want my chaos v. organized balance to tip too far.
More on the closets later. It is really VERY exciting and requires its own post. I'm so excited that 'later' may be in about 15 minutes. Cheers!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Don't Know Where To Start
It's been awhile since I've posted and I don't know where to start. Maybe a general update is the way to go and then I can dig into some things I've been stewing about.
We've just celebrated Christmas. We were able to give our kids some good quality toys this year- a first for our family. It was really exciting, and it is a good thing the toys are truly sturdy. The kids have been playing pretty much non- stop since Christmas morning.
We didn't go to Mass as B was on call and I ended up getting sick. In fact, because I was sick, my family didn't come over. We were expecting 21 people total, including my brother who lives out- of- state. They all went to my sister's instead. While I am truly glad they were able to get together despite the change of plans, and while I certainly wouldn't want to pass my 'bug' on to them, there was a bit of a hole left. That was the first time I had missed our family gathering in my whole life. Fortunately, several of them are coming over this weekend. I am really excited about that, and appreciate their willingness to make the trip! Normally, I take all of our Christmas decorations down on the 26th. I feel a bit confused as I am leaving them up until Jan 1, 2012.
We finally got snow today. The kids are so excited. In fact, they are out with B right now building forts, snowmen, and igloos. I have this fantastic book about traditional homes that shows a floor plan of igloo and hte process utilized to build one. I am really excited to read that with them! In other schooly news, we are taking this week completely off. While laying ill in bed, I went through all of our books and calculated how many days we needed to finish. It looks like we are right on target for June 29. This is fortunate as we anticipate spending the first week of July looking at houses and, assuming we find something, putting an offer in shortly thereafter. I think I've finally rested with the fact that we are, truly, Sonlight people. It just fits. We don't use it exactly as laid out, but I know very few Sonlighters who do. I think I finally figured out that it is such a high- quality curriculum that even using just the read- alouds and readers provides a challenging, thorough learning experience.
The things I'd like to post about soon include reversing the real damage to the earth; sustainable living and political agendas; modesty, Christians who choose headcovering, the definition of women's lib, what Christ was really asking us to do as Christians, and how those things converge. You know, light topics. : )
Well, that was a good start. Blessings.
We've just celebrated Christmas. We were able to give our kids some good quality toys this year- a first for our family. It was really exciting, and it is a good thing the toys are truly sturdy. The kids have been playing pretty much non- stop since Christmas morning.
We didn't go to Mass as B was on call and I ended up getting sick. In fact, because I was sick, my family didn't come over. We were expecting 21 people total, including my brother who lives out- of- state. They all went to my sister's instead. While I am truly glad they were able to get together despite the change of plans, and while I certainly wouldn't want to pass my 'bug' on to them, there was a bit of a hole left. That was the first time I had missed our family gathering in my whole life. Fortunately, several of them are coming over this weekend. I am really excited about that, and appreciate their willingness to make the trip! Normally, I take all of our Christmas decorations down on the 26th. I feel a bit confused as I am leaving them up until Jan 1, 2012.
We finally got snow today. The kids are so excited. In fact, they are out with B right now building forts, snowmen, and igloos. I have this fantastic book about traditional homes that shows a floor plan of igloo and hte process utilized to build one. I am really excited to read that with them! In other schooly news, we are taking this week completely off. While laying ill in bed, I went through all of our books and calculated how many days we needed to finish. It looks like we are right on target for June 29. This is fortunate as we anticipate spending the first week of July looking at houses and, assuming we find something, putting an offer in shortly thereafter. I think I've finally rested with the fact that we are, truly, Sonlight people. It just fits. We don't use it exactly as laid out, but I know very few Sonlighters who do. I think I finally figured out that it is such a high- quality curriculum that even using just the read- alouds and readers provides a challenging, thorough learning experience.
The things I'd like to post about soon include reversing the real damage to the earth; sustainable living and political agendas; modesty, Christians who choose headcovering, the definition of women's lib, what Christ was really asking us to do as Christians, and how those things converge. You know, light topics. : )
Well, that was a good start. Blessings.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Rental Schmental
Have any of you previously rented?
Did you fill out one of those little checklists where you are supposed to document flaws in the house upon moving in? Were you aware that this is a sneaky tactic by landlords to be able to charge you for things you didn't do to the house because there is no way to document every single flaw a home has?
I decided, upon receiving the follow- up of this process from our previous residence, that I would like to send my own itemized list to the landlords.
If you are new here, read the previous two posts to familiarize yourself with our ordeal. You will be a bit lost without doing that, first.
Oh- I am going to use the rate of $25 an hour- as that is apparently what the landlord paid himself, and I also am charging for 'time spent doing ____' as that was used as a line item.
mopping up floor after first flooding.....................................$25
moving items in garage to avoid damage after first flooding.....$15
removing baseboards and cleaning up mold .....................$25
cleaning mold out of dishwasher............................$10
cleaning mold off bathroom ceiling..................$10
time spent trapping mice and cleaning up mouse poop in kitchen........$50
first refill of inhaler.....................................$20
mopping up after second, third, fourth, and fifth floodings...................$75
re- cleaning moldy areas in laundry......................$10
time spent wondering why I couldn't breathe.......$125
cost of trip when it was neccessary to vacate house- gas $30 food $18 drive time $50
doctor's appointment.................................$30
prescriptions...............................................$180
time spent in communication with landlord........$40
eye doctor appointment...........................$45
eye prescriptions........................................$10
time spent at doctor and eye doctor.......$50
time husband spent away from work......$50
cost of moving (again).........$200
time spent looking for different housing........$75
Total..........................................................$1128
Please pay upon receipt.
Did you fill out one of those little checklists where you are supposed to document flaws in the house upon moving in? Were you aware that this is a sneaky tactic by landlords to be able to charge you for things you didn't do to the house because there is no way to document every single flaw a home has?
I decided, upon receiving the follow- up of this process from our previous residence, that I would like to send my own itemized list to the landlords.
If you are new here, read the previous two posts to familiarize yourself with our ordeal. You will be a bit lost without doing that, first.
Oh- I am going to use the rate of $25 an hour- as that is apparently what the landlord paid himself, and I also am charging for 'time spent doing ____' as that was used as a line item.
mopping up floor after first flooding.....................................$25
moving items in garage to avoid damage after first flooding.....$15
removing baseboards and cleaning up mold .....................$25
cleaning mold out of dishwasher............................$10
cleaning mold off bathroom ceiling..................$10
time spent trapping mice and cleaning up mouse poop in kitchen........$50
first refill of inhaler.....................................$20
mopping up after second, third, fourth, and fifth floodings...................$75
re- cleaning moldy areas in laundry......................$10
time spent wondering why I couldn't breathe.......$125
cost of trip when it was neccessary to vacate house- gas $30 food $18 drive time $50
doctor's appointment.................................$30
prescriptions...............................................$180
time spent in communication with landlord........$40
eye doctor appointment...........................$45
eye prescriptions........................................$10
time spent at doctor and eye doctor.......$50
time husband spent away from work......$50
cost of moving (again).........$200
time spent looking for different housing........$75
Total..........................................................$1128
Please pay upon receipt.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
The Statistics of Moving
I have decided that every time we move it puts us behind by about 6 months. If you've read previously, you know we have moved 7 times in our almost 8 years of marriage. Let's do some quick computing.....ah, yes, we are 3.5 years behind right now. I can admit that a portion of this delay is because I am an 'interiors' kids of gal. Let me explain.
Did you know I was once an interior design major for three years? Yes, well, I was, and that is my passion. Because of that, I can't stand it when my living space is in shambles, when things are not organized to promote efficiency, when the toys are running the household, and when things are ugly. When we move, it takes time to figure out how our family uses the new space and how to use my decor to pretty- up the space. For example, I thought it would make great sense to do most of our schooling upstairs. The kids are all sharing one (large) bedroom, and we had a third room open for a school room. Except that, as it turns out, we like to do school downstairs and Mommy develops insomnia when she equates her bedroom with math and language arts. Which is why I am up at 11:30 blogging. For another example, the hideous floral wallpaper in the kitchen simply had to go and the space needed to be balances with some cool colors.
Well, it did.
The greater point here is that I think we (I) have come to grips with our space, and that we seem to be settling in to life in that space. On a truly bright note, it is happening about 3 months ahead of schedule. If this were any other move, we'd all still be walking around trying to remember the shortest distance from the yard to the potty. And that includes the grown- ups.
Yes, we've all settled in quite nicely. I found a tiny leak in the bathroom by the shower the other day. Alli immediately said, " We had better be able to fix it 'cause I don't want to move out of here!"
That was encouraging, heart- warming, soul- filling even. I agree with her, I love our house. We have trees. We have a great yard, bike riding space, a quiet neighborhood, a phenominal garage, a basement that is still pretty much empty, an awesome porch, and drywall. Can you believe it? We have drywall! We live across the street from a convent and have nuns as neighbors. Really, as a Catholic, can it get better? Christ in the Eucharist and nuns for neighbors. For my fellow Catholics, I needn't say more. ; )
So I guess that what it all comes down to is that even though we had a really bad expereince at our last residence, we are glad it brought us to where we are now. We hope to stay for a long time, to enjoy evenings on our porch, and to put up many Christmas trees in the front window. I think that potential is worth every move. Even if we are 3.5 years behind right now.
Did you know I was once an interior design major for three years? Yes, well, I was, and that is my passion. Because of that, I can't stand it when my living space is in shambles, when things are not organized to promote efficiency, when the toys are running the household, and when things are ugly. When we move, it takes time to figure out how our family uses the new space and how to use my decor to pretty- up the space. For example, I thought it would make great sense to do most of our schooling upstairs. The kids are all sharing one (large) bedroom, and we had a third room open for a school room. Except that, as it turns out, we like to do school downstairs and Mommy develops insomnia when she equates her bedroom with math and language arts. Which is why I am up at 11:30 blogging. For another example, the hideous floral wallpaper in the kitchen simply had to go and the space needed to be balances with some cool colors.
Well, it did.
The greater point here is that I think we (I) have come to grips with our space, and that we seem to be settling in to life in that space. On a truly bright note, it is happening about 3 months ahead of schedule. If this were any other move, we'd all still be walking around trying to remember the shortest distance from the yard to the potty. And that includes the grown- ups.
Yes, we've all settled in quite nicely. I found a tiny leak in the bathroom by the shower the other day. Alli immediately said, " We had better be able to fix it 'cause I don't want to move out of here!"
That was encouraging, heart- warming, soul- filling even. I agree with her, I love our house. We have trees. We have a great yard, bike riding space, a quiet neighborhood, a phenominal garage, a basement that is still pretty much empty, an awesome porch, and drywall. Can you believe it? We have drywall! We live across the street from a convent and have nuns as neighbors. Really, as a Catholic, can it get better? Christ in the Eucharist and nuns for neighbors. For my fellow Catholics, I needn't say more. ; )
So I guess that what it all comes down to is that even though we had a really bad expereince at our last residence, we are glad it brought us to where we are now. We hope to stay for a long time, to enjoy evenings on our porch, and to put up many Christmas trees in the front window. I think that potential is worth every move. Even if we are 3.5 years behind right now.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Much Ado About Moving
Well, we're at it again. Moving, that is. The other night while trying to fall asleep, and in an incredibly stressed- out state, I tried to count how many times we've moved in our marriage. Want to guess? Come on, whoever is closest wins Dante's leftover dinner. No takers? Ok....drumroll......7 times. When I say it I hear the voice from Ferris Buehler's Day Off (I am that old, yes). Seven Times.....the Snooks have moved Seven Times. Understand we are not even a military family. Or research biologists. Or anthropologists. Or gypsies. No, we just move our entire household an average of once a year. We've been married for seven years ( or eight depending on which wedding you count from....which is another post entirely, sorry) and we've moved an average of every one of those years.
Yikes.
I am not going to go into the details of all the previous moves. I am going to provide a brief chronological outline of the events which led to this move because this was going to be our last move and it is kind of fun to see what derailed those plans. Here is a hint: I have horrid allergies and asthma. Also, my asthma had been completely controlled for 19 years.
Feb 2011 Moved in at 323 W Saginaw. Whole family immediately succombed to flu.
End of Feb 2011 Noticed I was using my inhaler all the time. I was up during the night wheezing. Decided that was one nasty flu virus.
March 2011 Still wheezing. Couldn't believe how long it was taking to recover from illness.
March 22 2011 Woke up to find laundry room full of water following heavy rain. Notified landlord.
April 2011 Decided I was either really out of shape or had a lung tumor since I continually couldn't breathe while running. (I've been running for 12 years ) Really missed a good run.
April/May 2011 Water continued to flood laundry room with rain. Re- notified landlord.
May 2011 More water.
June 2011 We were home more due to the end of the school year. Had a really heavy rain that flooded the laundry room again. Began having trouble making it through even a 2 mile run due to asthma symptoms. If you're a runner you know how awful this is. Started suspecting something wasn't quite right. Checked behind baseboards in laundry to reveal thick, black mold. E-mailed landlord to let him know we wouldn't be buying the house due to water problems and that I have a severe mold allergy.
July 2011 Asthma symptoms progressed to the point that I was not even going three hours between using my resuce inhaler. Unable to run.
July ( 20? ) 2011 By the time B got home, I had to either go the ER or leave the house for the weekend. I left. Began breathing normally after about 12 hours away.
July 2011 Notified landlord of severity of situation. Went to doctor who told me not to go back to the house. Landlord came that weekend and removed flooring, drywall, and insulation. I found more mold in another location in house. They bleached and painted over it. Spent $210 on prescriptions and doctor's appointments.
July 31- August 3 Went on vacation. Stopped all medications to see if I could breathe without them while away. I could.
August 3 Returned home at 7 p.m.
August 4 Woke up at 5:00 a.m. wheezing. Realized ( again ) that something was very wrong, and living in this house was not an option.
August 8-ish Informed landlord of previous and that we needed to find different housing. Landlord indicated he had a home opening up. Noticed that even with medications I had the sensation that a book was laying on my lungs. Intentionally left house as needed to relieve symptoms.
August 11-ish Symptoms worsening. Started two additional medications. Ever the mold sleuth, found more areas in laundry room. Informed landlord. Landlord indicated someone would be there to remove said areas.
August 15 Landlord's tenant supposed to move out of house that would be opening for us to move into. We had started packing.
August 16 E-mailed landlord about status of potential house. Received response that there had been a delay, was trying to figure out how long it would take, and would let me know.
August 17 Left house to relieve symptoms. No update from landlord. Drove by house with "for rent" sign. Called owner when we arrived home. Immediately solidified owner's impression of me as mentally unstable and emotionally volatile as I babbled about my concern about leaking homes and my inability to breathe. Went to look at house anyway. Liked it.
August 18 Went back to look at house. Stuck my nose in the wall of the ( damp) basement. Breathed fine.
August 19 Per owner's suggestion, went back to house after stopping my medications. They had given me a key and said I could stay for several hours to see how I breathed. Had stopped meds the night before. Felt bad by the time we were leaving our house. Felt better after sitting in potential house for two hours. Called B to tell him. Called owners to tell them we would take house. Very relieved and happy. Still no feedback from current landlord.
And that is it! Whew..... it was tiring writing it. So at this moment, I am writing away with 2 vans loaded in the driveway, a truck and trailer being delivered tomorrow to pack, and the potential of feeling normal looming in front of me. I can't even imagine what that will be like. Actually, I can. And I think I'll celebrate by going for a run.
Yikes.
I am not going to go into the details of all the previous moves. I am going to provide a brief chronological outline of the events which led to this move because this was going to be our last move and it is kind of fun to see what derailed those plans. Here is a hint: I have horrid allergies and asthma. Also, my asthma had been completely controlled for 19 years.
Feb 2011 Moved in at 323 W Saginaw. Whole family immediately succombed to flu.
End of Feb 2011 Noticed I was using my inhaler all the time. I was up during the night wheezing. Decided that was one nasty flu virus.
March 2011 Still wheezing. Couldn't believe how long it was taking to recover from illness.
March 22 2011 Woke up to find laundry room full of water following heavy rain. Notified landlord.
April 2011 Decided I was either really out of shape or had a lung tumor since I continually couldn't breathe while running. (I've been running for 12 years ) Really missed a good run.
April/May 2011 Water continued to flood laundry room with rain. Re- notified landlord.
May 2011 More water.
June 2011 We were home more due to the end of the school year. Had a really heavy rain that flooded the laundry room again. Began having trouble making it through even a 2 mile run due to asthma symptoms. If you're a runner you know how awful this is. Started suspecting something wasn't quite right. Checked behind baseboards in laundry to reveal thick, black mold. E-mailed landlord to let him know we wouldn't be buying the house due to water problems and that I have a severe mold allergy.
July 2011 Asthma symptoms progressed to the point that I was not even going three hours between using my resuce inhaler. Unable to run.
July ( 20? ) 2011 By the time B got home, I had to either go the ER or leave the house for the weekend. I left. Began breathing normally after about 12 hours away.
July 2011 Notified landlord of severity of situation. Went to doctor who told me not to go back to the house. Landlord came that weekend and removed flooring, drywall, and insulation. I found more mold in another location in house. They bleached and painted over it. Spent $210 on prescriptions and doctor's appointments.
July 31- August 3 Went on vacation. Stopped all medications to see if I could breathe without them while away. I could.
August 3 Returned home at 7 p.m.
August 4 Woke up at 5:00 a.m. wheezing. Realized ( again ) that something was very wrong, and living in this house was not an option.
August 8-ish Informed landlord of previous and that we needed to find different housing. Landlord indicated he had a home opening up. Noticed that even with medications I had the sensation that a book was laying on my lungs. Intentionally left house as needed to relieve symptoms.
August 11-ish Symptoms worsening. Started two additional medications. Ever the mold sleuth, found more areas in laundry room. Informed landlord. Landlord indicated someone would be there to remove said areas.
August 15 Landlord's tenant supposed to move out of house that would be opening for us to move into. We had started packing.
August 16 E-mailed landlord about status of potential house. Received response that there had been a delay, was trying to figure out how long it would take, and would let me know.
August 17 Left house to relieve symptoms. No update from landlord. Drove by house with "for rent" sign. Called owner when we arrived home. Immediately solidified owner's impression of me as mentally unstable and emotionally volatile as I babbled about my concern about leaking homes and my inability to breathe. Went to look at house anyway. Liked it.
August 18 Went back to look at house. Stuck my nose in the wall of the ( damp) basement. Breathed fine.
August 19 Per owner's suggestion, went back to house after stopping my medications. They had given me a key and said I could stay for several hours to see how I breathed. Had stopped meds the night before. Felt bad by the time we were leaving our house. Felt better after sitting in potential house for two hours. Called B to tell him. Called owners to tell them we would take house. Very relieved and happy. Still no feedback from current landlord.
And that is it! Whew..... it was tiring writing it. So at this moment, I am writing away with 2 vans loaded in the driveway, a truck and trailer being delivered tomorrow to pack, and the potential of feeling normal looming in front of me. I can't even imagine what that will be like. Actually, I can. And I think I'll celebrate by going for a run.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Real Reasons We Homeschool
As of late, I have encountered many people who oppose homeschooling. Typically the conversation is one- sided (theirs) and not open to new thoughts (my thoughts). They usually dislike homeschooling based on what they have decided is homeschooling. Also, they usually don't really want to change their understanding.
Rather than have any more unpleasant and frustrating conversations, I have decided to create a list which will be my go-to script for future conversations. And here it is:
The Real Reasons We Homeschool
1. The cafeteria food. We can't be risking childhood obesity and atherosclerosis, now can we?
2. Summer Vacation. It would just be so inconvenient to have to transition back to having the kids home in the summer after the school yearr.
3. Lice. It creeps me out and I figure avoiding school limits the risk.
4. Socialization. Are you aware of how icky most people are? I mean really, all we ever do is complain about each other, so why not just avoid everyone?
5. Vaccination. I love that we are a beacon of supposed immunity in a sea of vulnerable homeschoolers. It's an ego thing and I'm totally ok with it. That's right. I flaunt our antibodies.
6.* I think teaching is a worthless profession and I don't want my children exposed to the likes of teachers. Yup, I homeschool (teach) our kids but think teachers are sub- par.*
7. Fashion/trends. We abhore them. We vastly prefer to spend our days wearing pajamas and slippers. If we feel really fiesty we might don last year's Halloween costume. ( Truly though- it is much cheaper to shop at Goodwill and hang out with other homeschoolers who don't care what we're wearing....ummm, ' cause they're dressed like a witch and a football player, too)
8. No regulations. We really like that we can keep our kids home all day, all year, and never really have to teach them anything. See, we figure if the state doesn't require we educate our children- even though we've decided to keep them with us to do so- then we don't acutually have to do it! Beautiful! We can just hang out with our kids, referee sibling squabbles, feed them all day, respond to "Mooooommmmm" constantly, and never have a moment to ourselves! Why isn't everyone doing this!?
9. Parent Teacher Conferences. I just can't rationalize spending 15 minutes 2-3 times a year doing this when I could do it over dinner every night. What a waste of time!
10. I don't have a '10'. And that is true homeschooler style.... : )
* In any seriousness, if there are any teachers reading this, please see through the cynicism. What I am saying in #6 is that our decision to homeschool our children IS NOT ABOUT YOU, your ability to teach, or whether we value you. We think you're awesome. Please keep blessing the kids in your classroom.
Rather than have any more unpleasant and frustrating conversations, I have decided to create a list which will be my go-to script for future conversations. And here it is:
The Real Reasons We Homeschool
1. The cafeteria food. We can't be risking childhood obesity and atherosclerosis, now can we?
2. Summer Vacation. It would just be so inconvenient to have to transition back to having the kids home in the summer after the school yearr.
3. Lice. It creeps me out and I figure avoiding school limits the risk.
4. Socialization. Are you aware of how icky most people are? I mean really, all we ever do is complain about each other, so why not just avoid everyone?
5. Vaccination. I love that we are a beacon of supposed immunity in a sea of vulnerable homeschoolers. It's an ego thing and I'm totally ok with it. That's right. I flaunt our antibodies.
6.* I think teaching is a worthless profession and I don't want my children exposed to the likes of teachers. Yup, I homeschool (teach) our kids but think teachers are sub- par.*
7. Fashion/trends. We abhore them. We vastly prefer to spend our days wearing pajamas and slippers. If we feel really fiesty we might don last year's Halloween costume. ( Truly though- it is much cheaper to shop at Goodwill and hang out with other homeschoolers who don't care what we're wearing....ummm, ' cause they're dressed like a witch and a football player, too)
8. No regulations. We really like that we can keep our kids home all day, all year, and never really have to teach them anything. See, we figure if the state doesn't require we educate our children- even though we've decided to keep them with us to do so- then we don't acutually have to do it! Beautiful! We can just hang out with our kids, referee sibling squabbles, feed them all day, respond to "Mooooommmmm" constantly, and never have a moment to ourselves! Why isn't everyone doing this!?
9. Parent Teacher Conferences. I just can't rationalize spending 15 minutes 2-3 times a year doing this when I could do it over dinner every night. What a waste of time!
10. I don't have a '10'. And that is true homeschooler style.... : )
* In any seriousness, if there are any teachers reading this, please see through the cynicism. What I am saying in #6 is that our decision to homeschool our children IS NOT ABOUT YOU, your ability to teach, or whether we value you. We think you're awesome. Please keep blessing the kids in your classroom.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Today
Hmmm....I'm tired!
Here is my list of what I did from my list : )
ran
put away laundry
lifted weights ( easily one of my least favorite activities )
had great conversations with 4 friends, several of whom I hadn't spoken to in awhile
took the kids outside
did school with both Alli and Te
had Alli read to me out of a book we both really enjoy
stuck to our schedule....five gold stars for that!
completed a 'baking day'
partially cleaned both bathrooms
Whew. When I see it all written out like that I feel like I actually accomplished something!
Here is my list of what I did from my list : )
ran
put away laundry
lifted weights ( easily one of my least favorite activities )
had great conversations with 4 friends, several of whom I hadn't spoken to in awhile
took the kids outside
did school with both Alli and Te
had Alli read to me out of a book we both really enjoy
stuck to our schedule....five gold stars for that!
completed a 'baking day'
partially cleaned both bathrooms
Whew. When I see it all written out like that I feel like I actually accomplished something!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
All in a day's work...
HOT. It has just been so stifling, suffocatingly, swampily hot. It is the kind of hot that causes all of my higher functioning to shut down. Add to that sleep deprivation and recovering from a lenghtly exacerbation of asthma and you have a fairly worthless momma. At one point during the afternoon, while reading my newest copy of Family Fun magazine, I found myself thinking that all of the awesome games and crafts would be great to do with the kids- once I was able to peel myself from the spot where I had melted into our couch. For that moment, just thinking about acquiring the supplies for the activities was making me sweat more. Fun? Nope, that would generate more heat. Best to stay still, ignore the children, and wait for October.
Nonetheless, I did manage to accomplish all of the items on my to- do list. Please note that I had made this list at 7:32 a.m. when the temperature was within my workable range. I put the laundry away, unpacked from our trip, cleaned up the kitchen, and mopped the hard floors. In an act of utter desperation, I had the kids do a load of laundry Amish style. Well, really, I guess I don't know how they do laundry. But I didn't use a washing machine and I bet they don't either.
See, Charming Husband had not yet re- installed the washer and dryer following our Great Mold Eradication. I had several loads to do, so I dumped them all in the tub, added water, borax, washing soda, and 3 children, and told the kids to kick the clothes. They loved it, and the water turned dirty so I guess it worked. I then dragged the dryer in from the garage (hmm, bet that looked funny) as it was way too humid to line dry the clothes.
I did the least bit of school with Alli that I could possibly consider 'doing school'. We reviewed her new word list for the week and she read some of them. She seems to have a hard time blending short 'u', so we'll have to work on that with some games. I looked back through my calendar and we should finish Grade 1 on August 29. I feel good about that. I've had mixed feelings about schooling through the summer, but, given how much Alli loses in a week without school, I'm glad we've kept at it.
Well, I'm tucked away in my air conditioned bedroom now. Blessings to everyone.
Nonetheless, I did manage to accomplish all of the items on my to- do list. Please note that I had made this list at 7:32 a.m. when the temperature was within my workable range. I put the laundry away, unpacked from our trip, cleaned up the kitchen, and mopped the hard floors. In an act of utter desperation, I had the kids do a load of laundry Amish style. Well, really, I guess I don't know how they do laundry. But I didn't use a washing machine and I bet they don't either.
See, Charming Husband had not yet re- installed the washer and dryer following our Great Mold Eradication. I had several loads to do, so I dumped them all in the tub, added water, borax, washing soda, and 3 children, and told the kids to kick the clothes. They loved it, and the water turned dirty so I guess it worked. I then dragged the dryer in from the garage (hmm, bet that looked funny) as it was way too humid to line dry the clothes.
I did the least bit of school with Alli that I could possibly consider 'doing school'. We reviewed her new word list for the week and she read some of them. She seems to have a hard time blending short 'u', so we'll have to work on that with some games. I looked back through my calendar and we should finish Grade 1 on August 29. I feel good about that. I've had mixed feelings about schooling through the summer, but, given how much Alli loses in a week without school, I'm glad we've kept at it.
Well, I'm tucked away in my air conditioned bedroom now. Blessings to everyone.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Fantastically Friday
Blessed.
We are utterly, completely blessed with wonderful friends. We went to a friennd's home for dinner tonight, which prompted me to realize this. We had a lovely evening, and the kids had a great time. They get along so well with our friends' children. They are also homeschooled....there is just something about homeschooled kids. : )
So today is fantastic because of the blessing our many friends are to us. Today is fabulous because the kids went to bed without any protesting, because I was made aware of some great vegan cookbooks, because good food fills the stomach and the soul, and because I tried garlic scapes and candied ginger in one evening. It was aswesome to realize that B and I were truly being consistent and following through on discipline with Alli. Because of fireflies, common ground, and challenging ideas...good books, great curriculum discoveries, and content children. Really, what more could we hope for.
We are utterly, completely blessed with wonderful friends. We went to a friennd's home for dinner tonight, which prompted me to realize this. We had a lovely evening, and the kids had a great time. They get along so well with our friends' children. They are also homeschooled....there is just something about homeschooled kids. : )
So today is fantastic because of the blessing our many friends are to us. Today is fabulous because the kids went to bed without any protesting, because I was made aware of some great vegan cookbooks, because good food fills the stomach and the soul, and because I tried garlic scapes and candied ginger in one evening. It was aswesome to realize that B and I were truly being consistent and following through on discipline with Alli. Because of fireflies, common ground, and challenging ideas...good books, great curriculum discoveries, and content children. Really, what more could we hope for.
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