Tuesday, December 22, 2015

This Christmas

I got a book from the library. Quickly chosen , from the 'Season's Readings' section, on the ground floor, right by the Children's Section. I saw the title, with it's hearts and sexy font, out of the corner of my eye, and I grabbed it right before I grabbed my youngest from running into the men's bathroom. So far it's pretty good; about a woman whose marriage is falling apart, so during a separation both husband and wife have taken steps to make themselves better. They are both exercising, and the wife, annoyingly, has started putting on make-up, coloring her hair, and buying/wearing better clothes. I like the story because of the mom/wife take on life (I recognize that we are all different, but there are similar struggles).

I doubled the recipe for my Christmas cookies, and I doled them out, and now I'm eating an exceptional amount of them. Tis the Season.

When I found myself at Aldis today, I realized I was the quintessential hot mess of a mom. My hair was a frizzy mess, my make-up was minimal, and I was wearing my winter down coat, all zipped up. My khakis were gigantic on me, dragging on the floor, and sagging at my butt. I was shuffling around, noticing only my kids, and realizing that I was not portraying myself in the best light. I don't want to be that lady. On the upside, I got my list all checked off and I used my coupon.

Friday, December 18, 2015

Promises and Bulk Purchases

The Boy is at the age where he remembers what I tell him. If I mention that so-and-so is coming over, he'll wait by the window. He remembers items we eat, the days things happen, and other interesting tidbits about our life.
I told him on the way to the store that we would be going to the library
("the one with the train")
after the store. I gave myself an out, and said that if we took too long at the store, we wouldn't have time for the library. Luckily, we all hustled and we were able to get to the library.
When I tell my boys something, I want to make sure that I'm telling the truth. When The Boy asks to go do something, ( go for a hike, go ice skating, and see a sunset) I put it in my journal, in my to-do list so I don't forget to schedule it. And if he asks me a question I don't know about, I try to figure out the answer. I'm writing this to remind myself to keep doing what I'm doing. I want the trust to be there between me and the kids (and the Hubs too, but that's obvious). I want to them to be able to come to me with their problems, and I want them to believe what I tell them.

The store we went to is a bulk store, no membership fee. They send me coupons with their sale papers. I got a big box of chicken fingers, for the boys, for $5.30, which I think is a pretty good deal. I don't even eat those.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Catch-All

"The days are long but the years are short."
When my 16-month-old wants me to play a version of catch, I almost always put down what I'm doing and play. The game won't last forever, and neither will his childhood. Soon I will long for the days when my kids to play with me and not their friends.

I remember a day where I had too much the night before. And just for good measure, I put Jager in my coffee on the way to church. My friend and fellow church-goer was alarmed and dismayed and mentioned how much I smelled, and how bad it was (even for Unitarians!) to go to church like that. We sat in the back and hoped good things would happen. We chose to ignore out obvious dysfunction.
That was then and this is now. I still sit in the back, but my reasons are different. My chosen seats are for easy child-related exits, and for passing out the offertory bucket. Now my kids hang out in the nursery downstairs. When I sit in the service, I often think of my to-do list. But I also think about our purpose and meaning here on Earth as human beings. And I think of praying. The services now often bring tears to my ears.
 'I once was lost and now I'm found.'
I'm so thankful and grateful that I found my way back.

My kids love their chalk and chalkboards, but the sounds and feelings of those items gives me chills and makes me uncomfortable. I guess I won't let my sensory issues get in the way of their creative processes.

Friday, December 11, 2015

Splendid Splenda

I was a little upset when I realized I lost the envelope I took to Walgreens. It had $22, a rain check, and a few coupons. I went to look for it in the ally, and I found it just outside my fence! Thank goodness.
We walked to Walgreens, because it's only two blocks away. Although it was considerably warmer than a normal December, I still wanted The Boy to wear more clothes. He refused to wear socks or shoes, and he wouldn't change out of his pjs. Or wear his coat. I don't have time for this. I feel judged by the general public when The Boy is not in weather-appropriate clothing. But I will not force him into outfits.
When we went to Walgreens, with  a $10-off -$30 coupon. I didn't get to use it because they were out of a few items on my list. And I don't want to impulse shop.
We made 51 cents on Splenda No Calorie Sweetener 100 count.
It was on sale for $3.49, there was a $2-off coupon in the in-store booklet, and I had a $2-off-one manufacturer coupon. Yea freebie! Walgreen's coupon policy used to not allow overage on freebies, but apparently that us no longer the case. Sweet.
While I was at the register, The Boy was playing with the car display he really likes. I kept my eye on him, and I loved how he showed me the ones he really liked.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Candy Canes

Way past my bedtime, but I am pleased to announce things went well today. My kids behaved themselves at my father-in-law's neuro appointment, and they did really well at CVS. Even with The Baby on the loose. I didn't have enough money with me, and had to leave a few items behind, but that's ok.

The doctor was pleased to note that I am finally giving my FIL the right dosage.



After dinner, I opened up a pack of candy canes and let my babies decorate the tree. It was lovely. And they split (unevenly) a cane for 'lert' (dessert).



I am so pleased.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Christmas Scarves

I went to Savers this morning and paid full price, but well below retail. I also got my card stamped for later purchase saving. I bought and paid for way more than I intended. It seemed compulsive, almost. The kids were great! They were polite, even when a worker told The Boy not to mess with stuff.



You know those baby blankets made of two sheets of fleece? They are tied together, and the ties are knotted tassels. I decided to make full-size ones for Christmas gifts. But I bought the wrong size fleece sheets. Then I decided to make scarves with the tied-tassels. Some scarves I can fold over, which saves me a sewing length. I'm pretty proud of myself for this craft.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Thanksgiving With Dad

We had our second Thanksgiving with my father, my stepmom, my sister, her boyfriend, and the four in my house. We had a great time! I had no expectations and no anxiety. And the food was plentiful and delicious.
I am so thankful we got this opportunity to clear our Saturday and spend much of the day together. I feel refueled from our family time. (As corny as that sounds).
We were even able to get a walk after dinner in. And this house got a ton of leftovers.
I would love it if the kids (and I) got to see my dad more often, but with his work schedule, our nap schedule, and the drive, it is really hard.
So I am thankful for time spent wisely today.