Wednesday, March 17, 2010
What Dinner Really Looked Like...
Irish Soda Bread w/ Cranberries (I hate raisons).
Corned Beef and Cabbage with Red Potatoes...so good!
Corned Beef and Cabbage with Red Potatoes...so good!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I don’t really talk about my Grandparents much.
My Maternal Grandmother died when I was very young, and my Maternal Grandfather died before my Mom and Dad were married. Their names were Rilus (I have always like that name) and Dorothy.
My Paternal Grandmother and Grandfather were all I had. Their names were Loren and Crystal, and there is no doubt that they loved each other very much.
But, they were not the nicest people, to say the least, and I knew that they disliked me from a very young age. So, and it’s hard for me to write this, I have a hard time reconciling what our relationship really was and what I wish it had been. Many times I am in amazement at how really awesome my Parents are with the kids, and I wish, truly wish I had had that. But things are what they are and towards the end, I stayed away, not wanting to be hurt anymore. But, now, I often find myself thinking about them, and I am able to remember the few times that we had together that were nice and recall them with a smile. Most of these times were spent around the dinner table. My Grandfather was a pretty good cook. He made the most awesome spaghetti macaroni and cheese, fruit salad, and ribs (ok, Jon’s ribs are better, but Grandpa’s were a close second) I’ve ever had!
So, you’re probably wondering what this has to do with St. Patrick’s Day, right?
Well, my Grandfather pretty much ate Corned Beef and Cabbage every New Year’s Day, and if memory serves me, every St. Patrick’s Day, too. No, we’re not Irish, not even close, but tradition is tradition. So, when these holidays come around, well, I think of him and I make up some Corned Beef and Cabbage, but I usually do some potatoes, too. Typically, I’ve brought this to work for pot lucks, but I’ve always had ‘some’ on these holidays.
For New Year’s this year Jon bought me a Reuben sandwich…hey, it counts!
So this morning I have started my Corned Beef roast in the crock-pot. When I get home I will cook up some new potatoes and cabbage and we will all enjoy it. I'm even going to branch out and do some Irish Soda bread. Maybe I’ll tell Jocelyn (Joe is spending a few days of Spring Break with my parents…I hope he’s wearing green!) about the good times I spent with my Grandparents and how lucky she is that she has Grandparents that love her so much and really enjoy spending time with her.
My Maternal Grandmother died when I was very young, and my Maternal Grandfather died before my Mom and Dad were married. Their names were Rilus (I have always like that name) and Dorothy.
My Paternal Grandmother and Grandfather were all I had. Their names were Loren and Crystal, and there is no doubt that they loved each other very much.
But, they were not the nicest people, to say the least, and I knew that they disliked me from a very young age. So, and it’s hard for me to write this, I have a hard time reconciling what our relationship really was and what I wish it had been. Many times I am in amazement at how really awesome my Parents are with the kids, and I wish, truly wish I had had that. But things are what they are and towards the end, I stayed away, not wanting to be hurt anymore. But, now, I often find myself thinking about them, and I am able to remember the few times that we had together that were nice and recall them with a smile. Most of these times were spent around the dinner table. My Grandfather was a pretty good cook. He made the most awesome spaghetti macaroni and cheese, fruit salad, and ribs (ok, Jon’s ribs are better, but Grandpa’s were a close second) I’ve ever had!
So, you’re probably wondering what this has to do with St. Patrick’s Day, right?
Well, my Grandfather pretty much ate Corned Beef and Cabbage every New Year’s Day, and if memory serves me, every St. Patrick’s Day, too. No, we’re not Irish, not even close, but tradition is tradition. So, when these holidays come around, well, I think of him and I make up some Corned Beef and Cabbage, but I usually do some potatoes, too. Typically, I’ve brought this to work for pot lucks, but I’ve always had ‘some’ on these holidays.
For New Year’s this year Jon bought me a Reuben sandwich…hey, it counts!
So this morning I have started my Corned Beef roast in the crock-pot. When I get home I will cook up some new potatoes and cabbage and we will all enjoy it. I'm even going to branch out and do some Irish Soda bread. Maybe I’ll tell Jocelyn (Joe is spending a few days of Spring Break with my parents…I hope he’s wearing green!) about the good times I spent with my Grandparents and how lucky she is that she has Grandparents that love her so much and really enjoy spending time with her.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Grandpa!Sorry I don’t have any pictures of my Grandparents. I don’t have a scanner…yet…to upload my older photos with. Thus why you have not yet seen me with my crazy big hair in the 80’s and 90’s.
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Census - A Public Service Announcement...
I’ve heard a lot of grumbling about the Census recently, and this makes me very sad.Have you ever researched your genealogy? People used to be happy to be counted, to be acknowledged by the census. Now, it seems like such a burden to fill out a form that literally takes less than 5 minutes.
If you do not want to take the time to fill out the census consider this:
1. Census information affects the number of seats our state occupies in the House of Representatives, and can be utilized to help redistrict our state seats.
2. Census data is used to decide how much money goes towards infrastructure, like hospitals, senior centers, emergency services (like 911), road construction, etc.
3. Census data is used to help determine funding for schools.
4. Any information CANNOT be used against you by any government agency. The info is used to provide statistics, only. Violating the confidentiality of this is a serious crime!
5. You do NOT have to be a US citizen to take part in the Census. It is not required, and you can not be ‘outed’ by participating.
The bottom line is if you are not counted, then you can easily affect the standard of living for all of us.
So, fill out the form and send it in!
Kitchen Tea Wreath - future project
I am LOVING this cute idea for a wreath in your kitchen. What a great idea! I found it over at Somewhat Simple, here. I also thought it would make a great housewarming gift.
Ball Claw
Loving this... 
I have a ton of footballs that are collectors that I don't necessarily want to put in a glass case.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Karate
Joe takes Karate Friday nights at one of our local town facilities.
He loves it.
I love what it does for him.
But, I don't really enjoy taking Jocelyn along to wait for his class. There isn't much for her to do, but there's tons of stuff for older kids to do. So you can imagine how frustrating it is for her to be there and not be able to do much. She doesn't want to color or play with toys.
But, this last Karate class was awesome. As soon as Joe went into his class, Joci got restless. I dug through my purse looking for something for her to color on. But, I found my MP3 player instead and asked if she wanted to listen...BINGO!
She carried it all around the center.
Often she would go over to the raquetball courts and watch the teenagers playing there. At one point they came out and asked if she could play a little with them. It was one of those moments that really boosts your belief in human kindness. These four teenagers took time out of their night together to include a little girl who seemed very interested in what they were doing. I told them all, after Joci was done, that their Mothers would be so proud of them.
Next Friday, I will definitely be bringing Jocelyn's MP3 player for her. Maybe her friends will be there again. I think she really liked the boy in the white t-shirt. She told me he reminded her of one of our babysitter's sons, Mason. Too Cute!
He loves it.
I love what it does for him.
But, I don't really enjoy taking Jocelyn along to wait for his class. There isn't much for her to do, but there's tons of stuff for older kids to do. So you can imagine how frustrating it is for her to be there and not be able to do much. She doesn't want to color or play with toys.
But, this last Karate class was awesome. As soon as Joe went into his class, Joci got restless. I dug through my purse looking for something for her to color on. But, I found my MP3 player instead and asked if she wanted to listen...BINGO!She carried it all around the center.
Often she would go over to the raquetball courts and watch the teenagers playing there. At one point they came out and asked if she could play a little with them. It was one of those moments that really boosts your belief in human kindness. These four teenagers took time out of their night together to include a little girl who seemed very interested in what they were doing. I told them all, after Joci was done, that their Mothers would be so proud of them.
Next Friday, I will definitely be bringing Jocelyn's MP3 player for her. Maybe her friends will be there again. I think she really liked the boy in the white t-shirt. She told me he reminded her of one of our babysitter's sons, Mason. Too Cute!After Joci's Dance Class
Joci wasn't too pleased with me after her Hip Hop class (yes, she insists on wearing her fluffy pink tutu to Hip Hop class) on Saturday. She was angry that I wouldn't let her play on the playground with the other little girls afterward because we had to go pick up Daddy and Joe.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Giving Feels Good!
My friend, Sandy, over at Reluctant Entertainer is such an inspiration to me. She often takes friends and neighbors goodies that she’s made and hosts lots of fun parties and dinners.
She reminds me a lot of my parents. They have always been into having folks over for dinner parties or just to share a simple dinner. There was never not enough food for a last minute guest, and although our house was not perfect, it was always good enough for people to come over.
I’m getting there with baby steps. My house is typically messy, although the hubby and I have been working more and more towards changing that…thanks, babe!
As they get older I want my kids to be able to bring their friends over for a game or dinner. Or, have some friends or neighbors over for a last minute get together. I want to do that, rather than do the frantic cleaning dance that inevitably happens whenever we have people over.
I’m getting there with baby steps.
Anyway, back to Sandy…
I was inspired by her when I found out that my boss (and friend!) was going to be having surgery. I thought I would make her some homemade split pea soup out of things that I already had and that way she and her family could have a quick but wholesome dinner to eat while she was resting. I froze it in a disposable ziplock container and put it in a gift bag with instructions and a ‘tube’ of Pilsbury French loaf.
Now, I think this all the time when people are going through something, or are going to be out, but I have never done it until today. Why? I don’t know.
But, this time, this time I did it! And it feels so good!
I’m going to do it more and more! Thank you for the inspiration, Sandy!
In fact, our AMAZING babysitter provides food all the time for our kids, maybe she would appreciate a nice pan of chicken enchiladas…
Have you surprised a friend with a convenient meal lately?
She reminds me a lot of my parents. They have always been into having folks over for dinner parties or just to share a simple dinner. There was never not enough food for a last minute guest, and although our house was not perfect, it was always good enough for people to come over.
I’m getting there with baby steps. My house is typically messy, although the hubby and I have been working more and more towards changing that…thanks, babe!
As they get older I want my kids to be able to bring their friends over for a game or dinner. Or, have some friends or neighbors over for a last minute get together. I want to do that, rather than do the frantic cleaning dance that inevitably happens whenever we have people over.
I’m getting there with baby steps.
Anyway, back to Sandy…
I was inspired by her when I found out that my boss (and friend!) was going to be having surgery. I thought I would make her some homemade split pea soup out of things that I already had and that way she and her family could have a quick but wholesome dinner to eat while she was resting. I froze it in a disposable ziplock container and put it in a gift bag with instructions and a ‘tube’ of Pilsbury French loaf.
Now, I think this all the time when people are going through something, or are going to be out, but I have never done it until today. Why? I don’t know.But, this time, this time I did it! And it feels so good!
I’m going to do it more and more! Thank you for the inspiration, Sandy!
In fact, our AMAZING babysitter provides food all the time for our kids, maybe she would appreciate a nice pan of chicken enchiladas…
Have you surprised a friend with a convenient meal lately?
The 5 Love Languages
I feel loved when...
The Five Love Languages
My Primary Love Language is Words of Affirmation
| My Detailed Results: | |
|---|---|
| Words of Affirmation: | 10 |
| Acts of Service: | 7 |
| Physical Touch: | 6 |
| Quality Time: | 5 |
| Receiving Gifts: | 2 |
About this quiz
Unhappiness in relationships is often due to the fact that we speak different love languages. It can be helpful to know what language you speak and what language those around you speak.
Tag 3 people so they can find out what their love language is.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Sibling Rivalry
I’ve had this kicking around my head for a couple of weeks now, and decided to just write it out. So, if this seems a bit jumbled or rambling, I’m sorry...We have major sibling rivalry issues in our house right now.
There have been arguments over the most inane situations that I never knew was possible. Like gum, drinks of water, or who has to do their breathing treatments first. When the arguing and whining commence, I can literally feel my brain recoil inside my head with dread of what comes next.
It makes me crazy.
Insane.
Completely bonkers.
Joseph, especially, can find inequality in any situation. Whatever Jocelyn has, he wants, or he believes he should get something also. I’ve tried and tried and tried to explain that it all evens out in the end. That “Fair is not always Equal”. But, he just can’t see it. He will argue endlessly and whine and stomp his feet and generally make a huge scene out of the situation, no matter where we are.
Jocelyn, on the other hand, can go from zero to screaming in two seconds flat. She can take something of Joe’s, and then throw a fit when it is taken away from her and given back to Joe. Or, she can get super sneaky. This morning I found her with her bedroom door closed, sitting on her bed stuffing cookies into her mouth as fast as she could before Joe would inevitably go in and demand that he have some, too. She is the one that taunts and teases and will call names to get what she wants.
I’ve ordered a couple of books on the subject, and so we’ll see if, hopefully, the advice in them will help.
All this time spent thinking about my kid’s sibling rivalry has really made me examine my relationship with my brother and our own sibling rivalry.
This next part will undoubtedly make my parents smile with self satisfaction. Ü
Even as an adult, before I had kids, I always felt as though my brother was heavily favored by my parents. They coddled him throughout his life, and often would make excuses for him and his behavior, which would drive me crazy with jealousy.
I never understood, until recently, why they did this. Well, now I understand.
It pretty much boils down to the fact that he needed more help, guidance, and assistance. He needed my parents to hold his hand through every minute, when I, simply, did not. I have always been very independent and self sufficient, ok, and maybe a bit hard-headed, so they must have believed I didn’t need them as much as my brother did, and I’m sure they also believed this with my own insistence that they leave me alone and let me do my thing.
What they gave to him in their accommodations, they gave to me in my freedom.
One of my favorite saying is that “Hindsight is 20/20”. It’s always easier to look back and make sense of a situation that you’ve had time to think over and make sense of, perhaps when you’ve gained a bit more wisdom on the subject than what you had before.
Looking back, I realize that I pushed my parents away making them believe that I needed my space, when what I really craved was more of their attention.
Evaluating all of this about my life really serves no purpose now. I cannot go back and change my behavior or anyone else’s for that matter. But I can acknowledge that I felt that way and now, of course, apply it to the way I parent my kids.
If only I could come up with a strategy that would keep the kids from arguing over the most stupid of things, like a cup of water.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
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