It's Christmas Eve and in about and hour, I have to head out the door to work.
While I am incredibly thankful that I have a job when so many have been unemployed for so long, I crave the day when I don't have to work on Christmas Eve. I have so many plans for future Christmas Eves. I want Christmas Eve to be the day we do family crafts.
I want Christmas Eve to be the day when the kids all gather in the kitchen and we make salt dough ornaments and fingerprint snowmen and paint and make messes. Because isn't that what Christmas with kids is? Tons and tons of messes that need cleaning up but that you just can't force yourself to touch until at least the day after Christmas.
I don't want Christmas Eve to be me in the bathroom, getting ready for work, Katy watching cartoons in the living room, eating her breakfast. I don't want Christmas Eve to be fast-paced and hurried. I want Christmas Eve to be slow and steady.
But, I will find the joy in today. I will wish my customers a Merry Christmas, not a Happy Holiday (I don't care what you say, Mr. Bank-I-Work-For, today is not a day to be PC). I will smile brightly. I will be a shining example of what it is to be joyful on Christmas Eve.
I hope your Christmas Eve is joyful.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Picture Time!
Ever have one of those mornings when you have SO many things going through your mind that you just can't even get one down on paper the screen? I'm experiencing one of those right now. So in lieu of a wordy post, I'm gonna go (semi)wordless. Catch-up photos of Katy. What could be better?
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Christmas? Really?!
It's nearing Christmas and, as much as it pains me to say it, I haven't really been in the Christmas spirit. Maybe it's the lack of snow (don't get me wrong - I hate snow, it just doesn't feel like Christmas in Chicago without it), maybe it's the busyness of finals and selecting classes, maybe it's the tightness of our budget. Whatever it is, it just doesn't feel like Christmas in our house.
We've had our tree up for almost 2 months now. Mike convinced me to put it up. And by convinced, I mean I told him he could put it up if he cleaned the living room and rearranged the furniture by himself. And he did. So up it went.
I baked up a storm a week and a half ago. I still have more baking to do.
Christmas shopping is all done.
But, it still doesn't feel like Christmas is just 4 days away.
I'm not trying to be a bah-humbug Scrooge over here. I ADORE Christmas. I really do. And maybe that's why it doesn't feel right, that Christmas is 4 days away and I don't feel like it's coming.
But, in the end, it isn't about the presents, it isn't about the lights, it isn't about a tree or lack thereof. It isn't about snow, or feeling like Christmas is around the corner. Because Christmas is coming. And for that, I'm thankful.
We've had our tree up for almost 2 months now. Mike convinced me to put it up. And by convinced, I mean I told him he could put it up if he cleaned the living room and rearranged the furniture by himself. And he did. So up it went.
I baked up a storm a week and a half ago. I still have more baking to do.
Christmas shopping is all done.
But, it still doesn't feel like Christmas is just 4 days away.
I'm not trying to be a bah-humbug Scrooge over here. I ADORE Christmas. I really do. And maybe that's why it doesn't feel right, that Christmas is 4 days away and I don't feel like it's coming.
But, in the end, it isn't about the presents, it isn't about the lights, it isn't about a tree or lack thereof. It isn't about snow, or feeling like Christmas is around the corner. Because Christmas is coming. And for that, I'm thankful.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
I Sincerely Apologize
I have severely neglected this blog. And for that, I apologize. I could tell you that I have been soooo busy with school, that work has been taking all my time, that Katy has entered the terrible twos early, and while that's all true, that's not the reason I haven't blogged.
Truthfully, I never really felt like writing. I didn't have anything to say. I couldn't think of anything creative, unique, funny, interesting.
But I've been feeling the tug lately. The blog has been beckoning me.
I don't want to give you one HUGE entry updating you on everything. Who wants to read page after page of what's been going on in my life?
Instead, I plan on starting fresh, pretending (almost) as if I never left. I may do an update here or there, but mostly so we're on the same page. So really, only if it pertains to a specific post. Know what I mean?
So, while we have a lot of exciting stuff going on in our lives here, I'll try to keep myself focus. Bear with me?
Truthfully, I never really felt like writing. I didn't have anything to say. I couldn't think of anything creative, unique, funny, interesting.
But I've been feeling the tug lately. The blog has been beckoning me.
I don't want to give you one HUGE entry updating you on everything. Who wants to read page after page of what's been going on in my life?
Instead, I plan on starting fresh, pretending (almost) as if I never left. I may do an update here or there, but mostly so we're on the same page. So really, only if it pertains to a specific post. Know what I mean?
So, while we have a lot of exciting stuff going on in our lives here, I'll try to keep myself focus. Bear with me?
How precious is this?!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I think you can in Europe ...
10 points to the person who can identify the movie. Of course, points won't get you anything. Besides bragging rights, I suppose.
I realize it has been a very long time since I have posted. And I apologize for that. But I have been crazy overwhelmed. Like whoa.
Between working part-time, going to school full-time, and taking care of Katy and Mike (yes, hubbies need to be taken care of, too), I am exhausted.
The good news is that my express class will be finished as of about 11am on Friday. That's when I should be done with my final exam. I am incredibly stoked about this. Beyond stoked, even. Ecstatic. Joyful. Beyond description (even though I kind of just described it - but those words simply do not do the feeling justice).
The bad news is that I think I may end up with a B. Oh, boo hoo, a B. You know what "B" stands for? Big Baby.
Yes, I know. A B certainly is not bad. However, it mars my 4.0 GPA. And I suppose I can deal with that. But it's a disappointment. I was hoping that I could maintain my 4.0 so I could get into a great 4-year without any trouble at all. I still don't think I'll have trouble, but a B casts a shadow of a doubt. And I don't want people to doubt me.
I realize it has been a very long time since I have posted. And I apologize for that. But I have been crazy overwhelmed. Like whoa.
Between working part-time, going to school full-time, and taking care of Katy and Mike (yes, hubbies need to be taken care of, too), I am exhausted.
The good news is that my express class will be finished as of about 11am on Friday. That's when I should be done with my final exam. I am incredibly stoked about this. Beyond stoked, even. Ecstatic. Joyful. Beyond description (even though I kind of just described it - but those words simply do not do the feeling justice).
The bad news is that I think I may end up with a B. Oh, boo hoo, a B. You know what "B" stands for? Big Baby.
Yes, I know. A B certainly is not bad. However, it mars my 4.0 GPA. And I suppose I can deal with that. But it's a disappointment. I was hoping that I could maintain my 4.0 so I could get into a great 4-year without any trouble at all. I still don't think I'll have trouble, but a B casts a shadow of a doubt. And I don't want people to doubt me.
___________________________________________________
In other news, we have some exciting prospects on the horizon. For one, I'm beginning a new blog.
Whoa, what? You can hardly keep up with this one!
Yes, BUT the new one will be treated much more like a job because, well, I'm hoping it will help me get one.
I've always wanted to be a writer. I write a little bit (short stories, beginnings of novels - seriously, I think I've started like 20 novels in the last 5 years), but I want to make writing more than just something I'm taking a stab at. I want it to be what I do (besides be a teacher, of course). So this blog is going to be writing exercises and short stories and whatnot. (Of course, if you follow this blog fairly well, you already saw one writing exercise - that was before I realized I shouldn't integrate the themes of the two blogs).
So watch for a post about that blog - of course, you could theoretically head over there now, but I don't recommend it. You won't be impressed.
Exciting news number two is that Mike and I are toying with the idea of me quitting work. It is something we have been praying about and, if you're the praying kind, something that I'd like to request that you pray about as well. We don't really know if I should quit, but it's something that's up in the air. The main reason being that between everything that I'm doing, there's bound to eventually be some failure somewhere, especially once school becomes quite serious. And, in all honesty, the two areas that I refuse to fail are with Katy and with school. Work is simply work. It puts a little extra money in the bank account, but really, that's about all it does. Some days I feel like it's sucking my soul straight out of me. Other days I quite enjoy it. So that's on the table as well.
Aaaand I think that's about all I have for you today!
I'll leave you with these totes adorable pictures of Miss Katy!
Someone needs a haircut, no?
Rockin' on her dinosaur - that she rides around on backwards.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Throat Slasher
Yesterday, something horrific happened. I cannot believe the tragedy. I'm still in shock today.
Deep breath, Chrissy, you can get through this.
I slit my throat.
On a bagel.
Don't laugh at me! Okay, you can laugh. After all, I did. Once the sheer terror of a scratched esophagus left me and I began begging people at work for something to numb my throat.
When one coworker in particular shied away from me thinking I was sick (she's a slight germaphobe, that one), I had to explain that I was not, indeed, sick, but rather had scratched my throat on my breakfast.
The embarassing part was the bagel. Who scratches their throat on a bagel?!
As Gracie said, only me.
Deep breath, Chrissy, you can get through this.
I slit my throat.
On a bagel.
Don't laugh at me! Okay, you can laugh. After all, I did. Once the sheer terror of a scratched esophagus left me and I began begging people at work for something to numb my throat.
When one coworker in particular shied away from me thinking I was sick (she's a slight germaphobe, that one), I had to explain that I was not, indeed, sick, but rather had scratched my throat on my breakfast.
The embarassing part was the bagel. Who scratches their throat on a bagel?!
As Gracie said, only me.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Weekend Warriors!
Head on over to Living on Trees, grab the link from Joy, and let the world know how you're a Weekend Warrior!
This weekend is a sad one. It's my last weekend before school starts, so I'm hoping to get all out of it that I can.
- This morning will be a finger-painting session for my little girl. I can't say baby anymore. She turned into a little girl this week. She's finding her own sense of style, exclaiming that "Daddy's still sleeping," and yelling at the cat. We're going to throw on an old t-shirt, head out into the driveway with our finger paints and paper and do a little artwork. I'm hoping to get some great pictures of her first "studio" time.
- Tonight is dinner at the in-laws. More than anything, I'm pretty excited to not have to cook tonight! And, of course, Katie will have a blast over at YaYa's.
- Tomorrow, I need to work. BUT this means a Katie-Daddy day! Then it's perhaps off to church.
- Finally, Sunday is all ours. We have no obligations, nothing we absolutely need to do. We can do whatever we want. Maybe we'll head to the zoo or find a nice, big park.
What are you up to this weekend?
Funkadelic!!!
I've always said that I want my children to be comfortable wearing whatever clothes they want. I want them to find their own sense of style, whether it be wearing head-to-toe leather (as long as I don't have to buy it firsthand, leather is expensive!) or funky colors and mismatched leggings or a knit hat in the middle of summer.
I think I may have gotten my wish. For the last two days, my darling 19-month-old has insisted on wearing "a haht mama!"
She wore it all day yesterday and, after waking up at 6:25am (oy, baby, mommy's tired!), she ran out to the living room, found her "haht" and immediately threw it on. She's been wearing it inside out, flopped into her face, backwards, with the frilly brim flipped upward. You name it, she's worn it that way.
It is 100% adorable. It makes me excited to what she's going to choose to wear when she's 5. :)
I think I may have gotten my wish. For the last two days, my darling 19-month-old has insisted on wearing "a haht mama!"
She wore it all day yesterday and, after waking up at 6:25am (oy, baby, mommy's tired!), she ran out to the living room, found her "haht" and immediately threw it on. She's been wearing it inside out, flopped into her face, backwards, with the frilly brim flipped upward. You name it, she's worn it that way.
It is 100% adorable. It makes me excited to what she's going to choose to wear when she's 5. :)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
My Katie
With the last week of summer break upon me, I'm becoming increasingly aware of how much my baby girl has grown this summer. She is now 19 months and I swear she's going on 19 years.
She terrorizes the cat, laughs when you smack her hand, screeches when she doesn't get her way, yells for her blankie, and cries when we leave YaYa's house. In all those ways, and more, she's clearly hitting her terrible twos.
But along with those, wonderful traits have developed. Actual phrases are now being used. Possessions are being noted.
Yesterday, Starbuck (the new kitty) started batting around some food that Katie dropped on the floor. Miss Mae looked right at her, shook her finger and said "BuckBuck! NO!" It was SO cute, I couldn't help but smile.
But my absolute favorite is her addition of "my" to everything. My kitty. My dinner. My milk. And, of course, my favorite: my mommy. She's not doing it in a bratty kind of way - it's more of a sweetness, a sprinkling of Katie Mae sugar over everything. She's letting everyone know that these things belong to her and are loved by her.
She terrorizes the cat, laughs when you smack her hand, screeches when she doesn't get her way, yells for her blankie, and cries when we leave YaYa's house. In all those ways, and more, she's clearly hitting her terrible twos.
But along with those, wonderful traits have developed. Actual phrases are now being used. Possessions are being noted.
Yesterday, Starbuck (the new kitty) started batting around some food that Katie dropped on the floor. Miss Mae looked right at her, shook her finger and said "BuckBuck! NO!" It was SO cute, I couldn't help but smile.
But my absolute favorite is her addition of "my" to everything. My kitty. My dinner. My milk. And, of course, my favorite: my mommy. She's not doing it in a bratty kind of way - it's more of a sweetness, a sprinkling of Katie Mae sugar over everything. She's letting everyone know that these things belong to her and are loved by her.
How absolutely amazing is this face?!
Eating her newly acquired taste - cold grilled cheese. Would you look at those curls?!
I realize that these sweet possessives won't remain sweet forever. In just a few weeks or months, it will turn into a bratty "MINE!", but until that time, I'm just going to sit back and enjoy every moment of being her mommy.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
School of Dreams
This morning started out lovely. And it has progressively gotten worse.
I really don't like to complain in my blog - I prefer it to be a happy place, full of nice thoughts and whimsy.
Unfortunately, today is not a "whimsy" kind of day. And at the top of my list to complain about? School. Not school in general, mind you. I love school. I love going to school, learning, helping other students to grasp the subject matter. I love pushing myself to my limits.
Apparently, so does my school. For those of you who don't know, I go to community college. "School of dreams" as my husband likes to call it. Normally, I have no problems with this school.
However, all that is changing with this semester. First, they tried to force me to take a class that I took in 8th grade. That's right, folks, 8th freaking grade. Luckily, I tested out of it and proved them all wrong. Things were looking up! This semester was going to be difficult, but worth it. A heavy workload this semester means a much, MUCH lighter workload next semester, which is also my last at this school.
I noticed a few days ago that my financial aid award letter still had not come. So I checked my student portal. "Your financial aid package cannot be completed. Please contact your financial aid advisor for further instructions." Awesome.
Let me break this down for you:
I really don't like to complain in my blog - I prefer it to be a happy place, full of nice thoughts and whimsy.
Unfortunately, today is not a "whimsy" kind of day. And at the top of my list to complain about? School. Not school in general, mind you. I love school. I love going to school, learning, helping other students to grasp the subject matter. I love pushing myself to my limits.
Apparently, so does my school. For those of you who don't know, I go to community college. "School of dreams" as my husband likes to call it. Normally, I have no problems with this school.
However, all that is changing with this semester. First, they tried to force me to take a class that I took in 8th grade. That's right, folks, 8th freaking grade. Luckily, I tested out of it and proved them all wrong. Things were looking up! This semester was going to be difficult, but worth it. A heavy workload this semester means a much, MUCH lighter workload next semester, which is also my last at this school.
I noticed a few days ago that my financial aid award letter still had not come. So I checked my student portal. "Your financial aid package cannot be completed. Please contact your financial aid advisor for further instructions." Awesome.
Let me break this down for you:
- I submitted my FAFSA in February. Immediately after completing my taxes.
- I submitted the household verification worksheet that is required by my school in March.
- I submitted in my (requested) proof of Illinois residence in May.
- I re-submitted the household verification worksheet along with the (requested) "Untaxed Income Worksheet" in July.
There should be no reason why my financial aid package cannot be completed. Oh, but wait - THERE'S MORE! I called my financial aid advisor today. She informed me that I needed to bring in my W-2 from 2010, along with Mike's. That's all well and good, but why? I didn't need that last year! "You've been selected for verification. We need additional proof of you income from last year." Well, thanks for letting me know! I am currently registered for 5 classes that comes to $1900, PLUS I have books that are totalling at least $400, if I get them USED! Oh, and all this is due in less than two weeks.
Props to you, Triton, for looking out for your students. It looks like I may be paying out of pocket for my tuition and praying for reimbursement.
I am NOT a happy camper.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
One Week
I'm really hoping to get this in before Katie wakes up, which could be any minute now. I apologize ahead of time if this isn't too coherent.
I promised I would do this blog post yesterday, but with work, church, and super active, bubbly toddler, it just wasn't going to happen. And we have an equally busy day today, so if I don't do this now, it won't happen.
And now I'm rambling. Oy.
All right - it's been one week. One whole week. No binky. Here's how it went down.
The graduation from full binky to no binky was actually quite smooth. We poked holes the first day. We snipped the bitty tip the second. Cut some more the third. Made a long slit down the middle the fourth. By Saturday, it was gone.
Last Saturday, I worked so Mike was home with Katie. He said she did great, only asked for it once, and that last all of 3 seconds before she moved on. She took her nap with no problem. Mommy came home and it was a completely different story (I don't know why she would think I would give it to her - Mommy's the strict one in the family!).
She threw a very scary tantrum. Blood curdling screams, hitting anyone and anything she came in contact with. So I did what I thought was best. I put her in a two minute timeout in her crib (we have since graduated to timeouts against the wall because I don't want her to associate her bed with punishment - I just needed to contain her somewhere). We walked out of the room and out of sight. She screamed for the entire two minutes. They were SO full of emotion: anger, despair, melancholy, longing. I didn't know a toddler could feel so much emotion in such a short span of time!
When the two minutes were up, I went in to "rescue" her, she clung to me, whimpering out "Mommy. Binty. Mommy. Binty. Mama? Binty?"
And that was really the only meltdown we had! Well, binky-related anyway. She still has meltdowns when we leave YaYa's house (or when YaYa leaves our house - BTW, should I take offense at the fact that my daughter does not meltdown when I leave, or when Daddy leaves, or anyone else, for that matter? Just when YaYa leaves).
And other than a very small number of times crying out for her binky, we've done really well without it!
I really must recommend trying this method out if you're looking for a way to ween your child off his/her pacifier. What's the worst that could happen?
I promised I would do this blog post yesterday, but with work, church, and super active, bubbly toddler, it just wasn't going to happen. And we have an equally busy day today, so if I don't do this now, it won't happen.
And now I'm rambling. Oy.
All right - it's been one week. One whole week. No binky. Here's how it went down.
The graduation from full binky to no binky was actually quite smooth. We poked holes the first day. We snipped the bitty tip the second. Cut some more the third. Made a long slit down the middle the fourth. By Saturday, it was gone.
Last Saturday, I worked so Mike was home with Katie. He said she did great, only asked for it once, and that last all of 3 seconds before she moved on. She took her nap with no problem. Mommy came home and it was a completely different story (I don't know why she would think I would give it to her - Mommy's the strict one in the family!).
She threw a very scary tantrum. Blood curdling screams, hitting anyone and anything she came in contact with. So I did what I thought was best. I put her in a two minute timeout in her crib (we have since graduated to timeouts against the wall because I don't want her to associate her bed with punishment - I just needed to contain her somewhere). We walked out of the room and out of sight. She screamed for the entire two minutes. They were SO full of emotion: anger, despair, melancholy, longing. I didn't know a toddler could feel so much emotion in such a short span of time!
When the two minutes were up, I went in to "rescue" her, she clung to me, whimpering out "Mommy. Binty. Mommy. Binty. Mama? Binty?"
And that was really the only meltdown we had! Well, binky-related anyway. She still has meltdowns when we leave YaYa's house (or when YaYa leaves our house - BTW, should I take offense at the fact that my daughter does not meltdown when I leave, or when Daddy leaves, or anyone else, for that matter? Just when YaYa leaves).
And other than a very small number of times crying out for her binky, we've done really well without it!
I really must recommend trying this method out if you're looking for a way to ween your child off his/her pacifier. What's the worst that could happen?
So smiley ... and so in need of a haircut!
We've taken to reading in the car to avoid meltdowns
"Mommy, can you stop singing? I'm trying to read."
I think this method is working really well!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Weekend Warriors!
It's Friday! Unfortunately, it's not my last day of work this week, but whatevs. It's still Friday, and that' something to smile about! I'm going to be doing my very first Weekend Warriors here, so why don't you go visit Joy @ Living on Trees, link up, and join us!
- Today, I get to do a lot of working. I've worked 3 days so far for a total of 30 hours already. Today I get to work some more and then tomorrow, you guessed it, more work. The only thing keeping me going is knowing that my paycheck will be ballin'!
- Tonight is grocery shopping. Normally, this would be a pain. But recently, we discovered the joy that is Trader Joe's, so grocery shopping is actually a very exciting thing nowadays!
- Mike is off tomorrow, so he gets to have a nice Daddy-Daughter day while Mommy works. Afterwards, we're heading to church. I am so excited to go to church with this renewed fire for the Lord. I can't wait to worship!
- Sunday morning we're taking Katie to do her 18 month photos. I know, I know, she's almost 19 months. But we had an appointment earlier in the month. Daddy had to work. We had to reschedule. We couldn't do it last Sunday because it was my niece's 5th birthday party. So we're doing it this Sunday. I'm so excited. We won a $75 gift certificate from Joy (at the above-mentioned blog) about 8 months ago and we're finally getting to use it!
- We're also hoping for a little day-date on Sunday. Maybe head to a movie. There's a couple we want to see. We'll see - we are kinda broke.
So what are you up to this weekend?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Itchy, itchy, scratch, scratch
I am SO unbelievably excited. I have been itching all day long to get to my computer so I can blog! (yes, yes, I have the blogger app, but my goodness - I canNOT write out an entire blog on my phone!)
This morning ... I was broken.
Okay ... let me clear this up a little bit. I am a Christian. I was saved back in December of 2006. I was truly on fire for the Lord for about a year. Then I began slacking. I stopped reading my Bible every day. I stopped praying every day. Heck, I stopped praying when I needed to pray. In fact, if anyone brought up praying, I would actually experience a mini anxiety attack. Needless to say, I was NOT a good Christian.
This morning, Mike called me to inform me that our finances were quite bleak. Things are not looking good for us and won't for awhile, barring some sort of miracle. (Mind you, they're not TERRIBLE, people are experiencing much worse, but they're definitely not good.)
I was SO depressed on my way to drop Katie off and on the way to work. I barely talked to my mother-in-law when I brought Katie over.
(This may seem like a sidebar, but I promise, it's not.) I have a 6-CD changer in my car. #1 is The Band Perry. #2 is some crappy random mix CD I made Mike when we were dating. #3 is The Wedding. #4 is a message by my pastor on marriage. #5 is Hillsong Live. #6 is a Wow CD.
CD #5 came up. Hillsong. Worship music. Live. Normally, it's just background music. And the first few songs were just that. Background noise to the utter defeat I was feeling. Then "Hosanna" came on. Another song that is normally just a part of the backdrop. Before I knew it, though, my hand was raised (unheard of for me) and tears were streaming down my face.
I was broken.
I sang out to the Lord. I cried out to the Lord. I begged him to break me, to mold me, to "break my heart for what breaks Yours." I let the tears fall, knowing what I must have looked like to everyone driving around me. I didn't care. It was time between just me and my Lord. He was speaking to me and I was listening.
I got to work about 20 minutes early. I knew I was going to be early and thought I'd just take the extra time on my paycheck. But as soon as that song came on, I knew it was going to happen differently. I used that extra time to read my Bible (well, my Bible app) and to pray.
I prayed about so many things. I prayed for God to heal my heart (which has been aching for Him for so long ... I just didn't realize it). I prayed for God to give me the courage to follow through with my committment to a Bible study this year (studying through the book of Acts from September through May. By myself. With no one I know. I know some great, God-centered friendships are going to grow from this). I prayed for God to heal all of the things that are beginning to crumble in our lives. I prayed for God to give me the strength and conviction to be a better witness for Him.
I prayed for God to give us direction on this big decision in our lives. I prayed that, whatever His will, either Mike's heart or my heart would change. I don't want either of us to feel defeated or betrayed or bullied.
And you know what? It is amazing how the Lord works. I already feel a HUGE weight lifted from my shoulders. I didn't have an anger the moment I walked in the door, anticipating what annoyances I'm going to experience. I didn't yell at Katie when she got upset about leaving YaYa's house. I made dinner without huffing. I did the dishes before dinner without getting annoyed. And Mike did the dishes after. Without me asking. Without him even mentioning it to me.
I can feel the changes already. And I'm so excited for what the Lord has in store for us.
For your viewing, listening, and spiritual pleasure:
This morning ... I was broken.
Okay ... let me clear this up a little bit. I am a Christian. I was saved back in December of 2006. I was truly on fire for the Lord for about a year. Then I began slacking. I stopped reading my Bible every day. I stopped praying every day. Heck, I stopped praying when I needed to pray. In fact, if anyone brought up praying, I would actually experience a mini anxiety attack. Needless to say, I was NOT a good Christian.
This morning, Mike called me to inform me that our finances were quite bleak. Things are not looking good for us and won't for awhile, barring some sort of miracle. (Mind you, they're not TERRIBLE, people are experiencing much worse, but they're definitely not good.)
I was SO depressed on my way to drop Katie off and on the way to work. I barely talked to my mother-in-law when I brought Katie over.
(This may seem like a sidebar, but I promise, it's not.) I have a 6-CD changer in my car. #1 is The Band Perry. #2 is some crappy random mix CD I made Mike when we were dating. #3 is The Wedding. #4 is a message by my pastor on marriage. #5 is Hillsong Live. #6 is a Wow CD.
CD #5 came up. Hillsong. Worship music. Live. Normally, it's just background music. And the first few songs were just that. Background noise to the utter defeat I was feeling. Then "Hosanna" came on. Another song that is normally just a part of the backdrop. Before I knew it, though, my hand was raised (unheard of for me) and tears were streaming down my face.
I was broken.
I sang out to the Lord. I cried out to the Lord. I begged him to break me, to mold me, to "break my heart for what breaks Yours." I let the tears fall, knowing what I must have looked like to everyone driving around me. I didn't care. It was time between just me and my Lord. He was speaking to me and I was listening.
I got to work about 20 minutes early. I knew I was going to be early and thought I'd just take the extra time on my paycheck. But as soon as that song came on, I knew it was going to happen differently. I used that extra time to read my Bible (well, my Bible app) and to pray.
I prayed about so many things. I prayed for God to heal my heart (which has been aching for Him for so long ... I just didn't realize it). I prayed for God to give me the courage to follow through with my committment to a Bible study this year (studying through the book of Acts from September through May. By myself. With no one I know. I know some great, God-centered friendships are going to grow from this). I prayed for God to heal all of the things that are beginning to crumble in our lives. I prayed for God to give me the strength and conviction to be a better witness for Him.
I prayed for God to give us direction on this big decision in our lives. I prayed that, whatever His will, either Mike's heart or my heart would change. I don't want either of us to feel defeated or betrayed or bullied.
And you know what? It is amazing how the Lord works. I already feel a HUGE weight lifted from my shoulders. I didn't have an anger the moment I walked in the door, anticipating what annoyances I'm going to experience. I didn't yell at Katie when she got upset about leaving YaYa's house. I made dinner without huffing. I did the dishes before dinner without getting annoyed. And Mike did the dishes after. Without me asking. Without him even mentioning it to me.
I can feel the changes already. And I'm so excited for what the Lord has in store for us.
For your viewing, listening, and spiritual pleasure:
So What Wednesday
I have about a half an hour before Katie and I have to leave to drop her off at YaYa's house and get me off to work. She's watching Cat in the Hat and I'm taking the opportunity to blog.
Problem is, I'm not sure what exactly I want to write about today. I don't want to do another binky post because I want to hold off on that until Saturday.
I suppose I can do a So What Wednesday!
So why don't you head on over to visit Shannon at Life After I "Dew" and join us!
Problem is, I'm not sure what exactly I want to write about today. I don't want to do another binky post because I want to hold off on that until Saturday.
I suppose I can do a So What Wednesday!
So why don't you head on over to visit Shannon at Life After I "Dew" and join us!
So What If ...
- I'm uber upset that my tan is fading. The extreme heat killed our outdoors activities and now I'm working a crap-ton this week. I realize sunbathing isn't healthy, but whatever, I do it anyway.
- I have "freckles" on my shoulders that are actually sun-spots. Here's the deal: I like them. I think they're adorable. And my husband does, too! So, win-win!
- I feel like a teenager before picture day with this horrible skin of mine. I decided to try a new makeup remover and, alas, I'm pitching it. I don't feel bad, it wasn't expensive. I'm just sad it took a massive amount of break-outs for my skin to tell me it doesn't like it.
- I let Katie watch unlimited amounts of cartoons in the morning. Well, I shouldn't say "unlimited." I should say "she watches as much as she wants until we have to head out the door to YaYa's." Which usually amounts to about an hour, maybe an hour and a half.
- I want the new cat to attack Katie. Katie is VICIOUS to that cat. And not intentionally, really. Well, kind of intentionally. She knows what she's doing, she just doesn't seem to grasp that pulling the cat's tail to rub it under your nose hurts the kitty. She doesn't respond to time-outs. She doesn't respond to hand-slaps. I think it's gonna take a full-on attack from the cat.
Well, my friends ... I think that's all the "so what"s I have today! Enjoy your Wednesday!!!!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
browbeater, coercer, intimidator
Ever have one of those days where the rug seems to be pulled out from underneath you? Something is said, something is done, that just knocks you and sends you tumbling?
That happened today.
It wasn't devastating. But it hurt. An idea was brought up and my first instinct was to fight it. This isn't what I want! This goes against everything we've been talking about! This isn't fair!!!
But, the truth is, not discussing it wasn't fair. Fighting it right out of the gate wasn't fair. Trying to force guilt wasn't fair. Trying to bully wasn't fair.
That's what I am.
I'm a big ol' bully. A meanie.
And that needs to change. And that change begins right here.
We gave two minutes each to argue our points, to defend our positions. And, although I definitely gave a better argument (facts, opinions, statistics, all that jazz), his won. And his won because his was about feelings: desires, fears, needs. In the end, in a good relationship, feelings win over cold hard facts every time.
That happened today.
It wasn't devastating. But it hurt. An idea was brought up and my first instinct was to fight it. This isn't what I want! This goes against everything we've been talking about! This isn't fair!!!
But, the truth is, not discussing it wasn't fair. Fighting it right out of the gate wasn't fair. Trying to force guilt wasn't fair. Trying to bully wasn't fair.
That's what I am.
I'm a big ol' bully. A meanie.
And that needs to change. And that change begins right here.
We gave two minutes each to argue our points, to defend our positions. And, although I definitely gave a better argument (facts, opinions, statistics, all that jazz), his won. And his won because his was about feelings: desires, fears, needs. In the end, in a good relationship, feelings win over cold hard facts every time.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Update on the Binky Debacle
It's officially day 4.
We have made the cut lengthwise in the binky.
She has taken 2 naps without it. She even went to bed without it last night.
I really think this method is working.
She still sometimes cries out for her binky, but once she gets it, she doesn't want it. And she doesn't continue to cry out for it.
I know the method says to be done with the binky after today. However, I think we may keep it around tomorrow, just to reinforce the idea that this binky is not what it used to be. It's not soothing her.
She still thinks the binky soothes her. Until she gets it and remembers otherwise, anyway.
Oh, and we've officially just gotten our first mark of crayon on the wall. I think I'll be blogging about this later.
We have made the cut lengthwise in the binky.
She has taken 2 naps without it. She even went to bed without it last night.
I really think this method is working.
She still sometimes cries out for her binky, but once she gets it, she doesn't want it. And she doesn't continue to cry out for it.
I know the method says to be done with the binky after today. However, I think we may keep it around tomorrow, just to reinforce the idea that this binky is not what it used to be. It's not soothing her.
She still thinks the binky soothes her. Until she gets it and remembers otherwise, anyway.
Oh, and we've officially just gotten our first mark of crayon on the wall. I think I'll be blogging about this later.
Book Recommendations
Every once in a while, I come across a book or an author that someone has recommended to me that I find hard to put down.
About a year ago, it was Maria de los Santos. She's a poet who has written two novels (Love Walked In and Belong to Me - both follow the same main character, but you don't need to read the first to enjoy the second). This woman is clearly a very gifted writer. And the fact that she's a poet only helps to increase her ability to write a good novel. She chooses each word so carefully (a trait not many novelists have but every poet needs). There is so much emotion in every single line, every paragraph, each chapter. It's hard not to identify with any character in her books.
Recently, though, someone recommended David Mitchell. I thought I had heard of him before but, upon further research, I don't think I have. There are two books by this author now currently in my house. The first I got from the library and the second I had to purchase because the library does not carry it.
I'm currently reading "The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet."
I'm not very far into it but I have just one word: wow. Again, the word choice is so deliberate. The writing style is a throwback to the classics, which is not common in current fiction. I am just so amazed.
I'm fairly positive this is a book I will be purchasing. I am very glad I bought "Cloud Atlas" now, knowing how much I love Mitchell's writing style.
Anyway, I know how much I love receiving book recommendations from others, so I thought I'd pass this one on.
About a year ago, it was Maria de los Santos. She's a poet who has written two novels (Love Walked In and Belong to Me - both follow the same main character, but you don't need to read the first to enjoy the second). This woman is clearly a very gifted writer. And the fact that she's a poet only helps to increase her ability to write a good novel. She chooses each word so carefully (a trait not many novelists have but every poet needs). There is so much emotion in every single line, every paragraph, each chapter. It's hard not to identify with any character in her books.
Recently, though, someone recommended David Mitchell. I thought I had heard of him before but, upon further research, I don't think I have. There are two books by this author now currently in my house. The first I got from the library and the second I had to purchase because the library does not carry it.
I'm currently reading "The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet."
I'm not very far into it but I have just one word: wow. Again, the word choice is so deliberate. The writing style is a throwback to the classics, which is not common in current fiction. I am just so amazed.
I'm fairly positive this is a book I will be purchasing. I am very glad I bought "Cloud Atlas" now, knowing how much I love Mitchell's writing style.
Anyway, I know how much I love receiving book recommendations from others, so I thought I'd pass this one on.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Conspiracy Theories
Now, I know you're probably going to call me crazy, but before you do, hear me out.
I think my school and my daughter are conspiring to end my existance.
Whoa, whoa, I believe I asked you to reserve judgement, did I not?
Okay, so here are my reasons why I think this to be true.
1) My school is trying to gyp me out of financial aid. (Fun Fact: the term "gyp" is actually short for gypsy. Ha, didn't realize you were being non-PC when you said that, did ya?) I have filled out and walked in the forms necessary multiple times. And they still request them. When I go today, it will be the fourth time I have turned these forms in. Someone's gonna get a whoopin' if they send me a letter again.
2) My school is also trying to make me go for an extra year. Now, let me explain. As an elementary education major, there are two classes that I must take (well, more than that, but whatever. For the purpose of this explanation, there's two). One is Math for Teachers I and the other is Math for Teachers II. I is offered only in the fall. II is only offered in the spring. Makes sense, no complaints there. However, my counselor failed to tell me that I would need to retake my placement exam for math to place out of MAT085 (which is algebra and geometry II - a class I took in 8th grade and freshman year, respectively). I need MAT085 to take Math for Teachers I. So, here I am, reviewing algebra and geometry, preparing myself for the placement test today so I can save myself a boatload of money and time. Oh, and my sanity.
Now here's where my child comes into place.
3) Katie has made it her mission to destroy every bit of math worksheet she encounters. She's been chewing on my calculator like a brand new puppy with a slipper. She has been throwing fits. She dumped an entire sippy cup of milk into the carpet. And she refused to go down for a nap until 1:30. Oy. She knows today is a big day and she's determined to screw it up, I just know it.
It's almost as if those stupid Triton people have brainwashed my daughter and have trained her to do their bidding.
Yet another reason to move to Florida.
I think my school and my daughter are conspiring to end my existance.
Whoa, whoa, I believe I asked you to reserve judgement, did I not?
Okay, so here are my reasons why I think this to be true.
1) My school is trying to gyp me out of financial aid. (Fun Fact: the term "gyp" is actually short for gypsy. Ha, didn't realize you were being non-PC when you said that, did ya?) I have filled out and walked in the forms necessary multiple times. And they still request them. When I go today, it will be the fourth time I have turned these forms in. Someone's gonna get a whoopin' if they send me a letter again.
2) My school is also trying to make me go for an extra year. Now, let me explain. As an elementary education major, there are two classes that I must take (well, more than that, but whatever. For the purpose of this explanation, there's two). One is Math for Teachers I and the other is Math for Teachers II. I is offered only in the fall. II is only offered in the spring. Makes sense, no complaints there. However, my counselor failed to tell me that I would need to retake my placement exam for math to place out of MAT085 (which is algebra and geometry II - a class I took in 8th grade and freshman year, respectively). I need MAT085 to take Math for Teachers I. So, here I am, reviewing algebra and geometry, preparing myself for the placement test today so I can save myself a boatload of money and time. Oh, and my sanity.
Now here's where my child comes into place.
3) Katie has made it her mission to destroy every bit of math worksheet she encounters. She's been chewing on my calculator like a brand new puppy with a slipper. She has been throwing fits. She dumped an entire sippy cup of milk into the carpet. And she refused to go down for a nap until 1:30. Oy. She knows today is a big day and she's determined to screw it up, I just know it.
It's almost as if those stupid Triton people have brainwashed my daughter and have trained her to do their bidding.
Yet another reason to move to Florida.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Moving?!?!?!
Sigh. No, we're not moving. Not anytime in the foreseeable future, anyway.
However, I would like to take this time to announce my deep desire to move. And not because of the house we're in or the neighborhood. It's more than that.
I want out of Chicago. I have never felt like a Chicagoan. I have no loyalties to this city, never felt a sense of pride when I see it on TV or featured in movies.
I don't love this city. I don't love this area. I hate the Midwest, I hate Illinois. And I realize "hate" is a very strong word.
Here's the deal. I want to move south. I want to move to Florida.
Now, don't call me crazy just yet. If there's one thing I do love about Chicago, it's the summer. The heat, the humidity. Bring it on! (I have naturally straight hair that does not, I repeat, does not get frizzy in the humidity, so that's one thing to consider). So, in reality, Florida weather I can handle.
Specifically, I want to move near Clearwater. Gulf side of Florida. Beautiful.
However, I would like to take this time to announce my deep desire to move. And not because of the house we're in or the neighborhood. It's more than that.
I want out of Chicago. I have never felt like a Chicagoan. I have no loyalties to this city, never felt a sense of pride when I see it on TV or featured in movies.
I don't love this city. I don't love this area. I hate the Midwest, I hate Illinois. And I realize "hate" is a very strong word.
Here's the deal. I want to move south. I want to move to Florida.
Now, don't call me crazy just yet. If there's one thing I do love about Chicago, it's the summer. The heat, the humidity. Bring it on! (I have naturally straight hair that does not, I repeat, does not get frizzy in the humidity, so that's one thing to consider). So, in reality, Florida weather I can handle.
Specifically, I want to move near Clearwater. Gulf side of Florida. Beautiful.
How could I deny my family this?
How could they deny me this?
I guess the idea here is that, I want out of Chicago. I want into Florida. And, really, who's stopping me? No one but myself. I have an amazing husband who would gladly move for me, wouldn't even ask questions.
Okay, maybe he'd ask questions. But he'd most likely be on board.
I think it's time to make a decision. Florida, here we come!!!!! :)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Bye-Bye Binky!!!!
If there is one vice Katie has, it's her binky. And I've had it. I have had enough of the tantrums if it can't be found. I have had enough of the whining for her "binty." I have had it with this girl who thinks she NEEDS her pacifier in order to survive.
I have also had enough of the guilt from her pediatrician. And now that she's 18 months and heading for her well-visit this afternoon, I'm pulling the plug on her plug.
The problem has been, though, two-fold. 1) I didn't have any support in this decision until recently (and even at that, I don't know if the support is really there or not - maybe I'm just making it up in my head). 2) The idea of taking her binky away from her is daunting. It's intimidating. She's intimidating. And I know I shouldn't admit that I'm intimidated by my daughter, but it's the truth. I want her to be happy. I don't want her to be mad at me. But I also want her to be healthy, show off her beautiful smile without obstruction, and not be socially blocked.
I've heard some recommendations from fellow moms who have gone through the same thing. I have heard horror stories from moms who are still going through it.
I decided last weekend we were going to have a Bye-Bye Binky party this weekend. And by party, I mean the family gathers together, collecting all the pacifiers in the houses, make a big to-do about saying "bye-bye," and putting them in the drawer. And then I heard there is a good chance she will simply replace her pacifier with her thumb. Which is equally bad.
That's when I took to ol' Google. Simply typed in "bye-bye binky," and came across this.
Nothing else has made as much sense as this method has. Reduce the amount of pleasure your child experiences while sucking on his/her binky! Genius!!!
So, this shall be my method.
And now I can go to Katie's appointment today with a plan in place to be binky-free by the weekend!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Viruses are the WORST!
Seriously, whoever gave this bug to my bug needs to be hit.
Monday evening, Katie developed a fever. 101.4. Then it went up to 102.3. We gave her Tylenol and hoped for the best. Overnight, she woke up multiple times. We spent some time on the couch (quite a few hours, actually). Her temperature was down to 100.2 by morning. We gave her more Tylenol, called the doctor for advice. The nurse (her favorite - big shout out to Craig, the best nurse at Dr Manus' office) said to just keep her going with Tylenol, give her a warm bath and call back if the temperature spikes again.
By mid-morning, her temp was down to 97.6. We went into the city and got ourselves a kitty (which is a whole notha post). Came home, no temp so no Tylenol. Gave her a bath, put her to bed. Overnight, the temp skyrocketed to 103.6. We stripped her down, gave her more Tylenol and she fell asleep. Of course, this was yet another fitful night, spent alternating between Mommy & Daddy's bed and the couch with Mommy.
In the morning, we called and made an appointment with our doctor. It was good to get some reassurance that we were doing what we could, but it sucked to find out that it was viral and there wasn't much we could do. Doctors orders are as follows: plenty of fluids, bland foods (dry cereal, applesauce, pasta), and limiting her dairy intake. This poor girl was MISERABLE without her milk.
Last night was probably one of the worst nights. She slept in her crib for about an hour and a half. Then she moved into our bed. And was up every 45 minutes. If it wasn't her waking up because she was hot or thirsty, it was because the new kitty came in meowing or Mommy got a wicked tickle in her lung and had a coughing fit.
Poor Daddy has to work all day and got a really bad night's sleep. And there's no napping for me today, since every opportunity afforded me (and hopefully there are plenty of naps - and long ones at that) will be spent showering and cleaning the kitty box and reviewing for this dreaded math placement test that I was led to believe I didn't have to take. Oh well, nothing like waiting to enroll in the math class I NEED (that's only offered in the fall - and hopefully this is my last fall at Triton) to find out that the counselor effed up. Lovely.
And here I am, first post in over a month, doing nothing but complaining.
Goodness me, I promise I'll try not to be so Negative Nancy next time. Besides, it's not my fault - I also just realized I'm out of coffee. :(
Monday evening, Katie developed a fever. 101.4. Then it went up to 102.3. We gave her Tylenol and hoped for the best. Overnight, she woke up multiple times. We spent some time on the couch (quite a few hours, actually). Her temperature was down to 100.2 by morning. We gave her more Tylenol, called the doctor for advice. The nurse (her favorite - big shout out to Craig, the best nurse at Dr Manus' office) said to just keep her going with Tylenol, give her a warm bath and call back if the temperature spikes again.
By mid-morning, her temp was down to 97.6. We went into the city and got ourselves a kitty (which is a whole notha post). Came home, no temp so no Tylenol. Gave her a bath, put her to bed. Overnight, the temp skyrocketed to 103.6. We stripped her down, gave her more Tylenol and she fell asleep. Of course, this was yet another fitful night, spent alternating between Mommy & Daddy's bed and the couch with Mommy.
In the morning, we called and made an appointment with our doctor. It was good to get some reassurance that we were doing what we could, but it sucked to find out that it was viral and there wasn't much we could do. Doctors orders are as follows: plenty of fluids, bland foods (dry cereal, applesauce, pasta), and limiting her dairy intake. This poor girl was MISERABLE without her milk.
Last night was probably one of the worst nights. She slept in her crib for about an hour and a half. Then she moved into our bed. And was up every 45 minutes. If it wasn't her waking up because she was hot or thirsty, it was because the new kitty came in meowing or Mommy got a wicked tickle in her lung and had a coughing fit.
Poor Daddy has to work all day and got a really bad night's sleep. And there's no napping for me today, since every opportunity afforded me (and hopefully there are plenty of naps - and long ones at that) will be spent showering and cleaning the kitty box and reviewing for this dreaded math placement test that I was led to believe I didn't have to take. Oh well, nothing like waiting to enroll in the math class I NEED (that's only offered in the fall - and hopefully this is my last fall at Triton) to find out that the counselor effed up. Lovely.
And here I am, first post in over a month, doing nothing but complaining.
Goodness me, I promise I'll try not to be so Negative Nancy next time. Besides, it's not my fault - I also just realized I'm out of coffee. :(
(just because it seems so fitting)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Strawberry Summer Cake
A couple of weeks ago, in my stumbling via stumbleupon.com, I came across this amazing food blog. The recipe that was displayed was for this beautiful looking strawberry summer cake. And as amazing as it looked, I knew I needed to try it out. (I should note, a very important factor in deciding whether I'm going to try a recipe or not is how many ingredients I need to buy - for this one, it was just the strawberries - win-win).
If you want to see the original recipe, head on over to Smitten Kitchen. I'm going to repost is here, along with my picture of the beautiful finished product.
You will need:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus extra for pie plate
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk (I used whole since that's what we have in the house because of Katie)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved
-Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 10-inch pie pan or 9-inch deep-dish pie pan. I used a standard 9-inch pie pan, because this is what I had. I noticed with my first attempt there was just a tad bit too much batter, and it spilled over the edges just a teensy bit. Didn't affect the taste, obviously, but didn't look as pretty. With my second attempt, I just left out about a 1/4 cup of the batter. Worked wonderfully.
-Whisk flour, baking powder and salt together in a small bowl. In a larger bowl, beat butter and 1 cup sugar until pale and fluffy with an electric mixer, about 3 minutes. Mix in egg, milk and vanilla until just combined. Add dry mixture gradually, mixing until just smooth.
-Pour into prepared pie plate. Arrange strawberries, cut side down, on top of batter, as closely as possible in a single layer (again, on my first attempt, I left a little bit of space. This allowed the cake to swallow the strawberries into the cake. Didn't look as pretty as I'd hoped, so with the second, I overlapped the strawberries so there was virtually no cake batter showing). Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons sugar over berries.
-Bake cake for 10 minutes then reduce oven temperature to 325°F and bake cake until golden brown and a tester comes out free of wet batter, about 50 minutes to 60 minutes. (Gooey strawberries on the tester are a given.)
-Let cool in pan on a rack. Cut into wedges.
Here's my finished product:
If you want to see the original recipe, head on over to Smitten Kitchen. I'm going to repost is here, along with my picture of the beautiful finished product.
You will need:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus extra for pie plate
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk (I used whole since that's what we have in the house because of Katie)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved
-Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 10-inch pie pan or 9-inch deep-dish pie pan. I used a standard 9-inch pie pan, because this is what I had. I noticed with my first attempt there was just a tad bit too much batter, and it spilled over the edges just a teensy bit. Didn't affect the taste, obviously, but didn't look as pretty. With my second attempt, I just left out about a 1/4 cup of the batter. Worked wonderfully.
-Whisk flour, baking powder and salt together in a small bowl. In a larger bowl, beat butter and 1 cup sugar until pale and fluffy with an electric mixer, about 3 minutes. Mix in egg, milk and vanilla until just combined. Add dry mixture gradually, mixing until just smooth.
-Pour into prepared pie plate. Arrange strawberries, cut side down, on top of batter, as closely as possible in a single layer (again, on my first attempt, I left a little bit of space. This allowed the cake to swallow the strawberries into the cake. Didn't look as pretty as I'd hoped, so with the second, I overlapped the strawberries so there was virtually no cake batter showing). Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons sugar over berries.
-Bake cake for 10 minutes then reduce oven temperature to 325°F and bake cake until golden brown and a tester comes out free of wet batter, about 50 minutes to 60 minutes. (Gooey strawberries on the tester are a given.)
-Let cool in pan on a rack. Cut into wedges.
Here's my finished product:
Friday, June 3, 2011
Hello, Sunshine!
Wow, hard to believe it's been a full month since my last post!
Things have been a bit crazy, but crazy in a good way.
I finished last semester with yet another 4.0 GPA. Now, normally I wouldn't brag about something like that, but since I'm a mom, a part-time worker, and a full-time student, I'd say that's a pretty big accomplishment and deserves a wee bit of bragging.
Katie is growing way too fast for my taste and she's discovering new things every single day. Unfortunately, I can't find my camera battery charger so I don't really have any photos. Fear not, though, for I just purchased a new one today from Amazon and it should be here by next week! Hooray for summertime pictures!
Katie and I took our first trip to the pool a few days ago. She absolutely adored it - couldn't stop going down the water slide and getting all upset when I made her get out to put more sunblock on.
We got some wicked colds this last week which just knocked us all pretty much completely out. Daddy's on painkillers, so the last few days have been .... interesting, to say the least.
And as soon as the bug decides to wake up, we're getting right back out into the sunshine!!!! Hurry up Katie, Mommy needs some vitamin D!
Things have been a bit crazy, but crazy in a good way.
I finished last semester with yet another 4.0 GPA. Now, normally I wouldn't brag about something like that, but since I'm a mom, a part-time worker, and a full-time student, I'd say that's a pretty big accomplishment and deserves a wee bit of bragging.
Katie is growing way too fast for my taste and she's discovering new things every single day. Unfortunately, I can't find my camera battery charger so I don't really have any photos. Fear not, though, for I just purchased a new one today from Amazon and it should be here by next week! Hooray for summertime pictures!
Katie and I took our first trip to the pool a few days ago. She absolutely adored it - couldn't stop going down the water slide and getting all upset when I made her get out to put more sunblock on.
We got some wicked colds this last week which just knocked us all pretty much completely out. Daddy's on painkillers, so the last few days have been .... interesting, to say the least.
And as soon as the bug decides to wake up, we're getting right back out into the sunshine!!!! Hurry up Katie, Mommy needs some vitamin D!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
30 Day Music Challenge - Day 09
Day 9 - A song that you can dance to
Now, honestly, what song can you NOT dance to? And exactly what kind of dancing are we talking here? Are we talking slow, romantic dancing? Silly, girlfriend dancing? Mommy/daughter dance party, dancing? Elaine Bennett dancing?
Le sigh.
Okay, I'm going with a song that I like to dance to with my darling, sweet Katie Mae, usually when she's not being darling, sweet Katie Mae, but incorrigible, tempter-tantrum-throwing Kathryn Mae. I don't know if it's the repetition, the fact that Mommy can't help but sing along and therefore lose all lung power and proceed to mildly hyperventilate, or what, but this song gets the girl out of a funk like nobody's business. And I apologize if I get it stuck in your head.
Now, honestly, what song can you NOT dance to? And exactly what kind of dancing are we talking here? Are we talking slow, romantic dancing? Silly, girlfriend dancing? Mommy/daughter dance party, dancing? Elaine Bennett dancing?
Le sigh.
Okay, I'm going with a song that I like to dance to with my darling, sweet Katie Mae, usually when she's not being darling, sweet Katie Mae, but incorrigible, tempter-tantrum-throwing Kathryn Mae. I don't know if it's the repetition, the fact that Mommy can't help but sing along and therefore lose all lung power and proceed to mildly hyperventilate, or what, but this song gets the girl out of a funk like nobody's business. And I apologize if I get it stuck in your head.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
30 Day Music Challenge - Day 08
Day 8 - A song you know all the words to
All right, here's what you need to know about me. I am a lyrics queen. I will listen to a song that I like SO many times that I know exactly what's being said. And if I'm unsure, I look it up. So, this one proved to be a bit challenging because there were so many to choose from. However, there is one song that slowly crept into my mind until I thought, "well, shoot, I know all the words to that one - PLUS, it's kinda sorta a rap song, so it's even COOLER that I know all the lyrics." Yeah, I'm a nerd.
Little backstory with it, though. I can't remember exactly when I first heard this song, BUT I can tell you that the first time I really listened to it was when Sam and Artie performed it on Glee. This is not making me look any cooler, I can already tell. But then I grew a bit tired of the watered-down, G-rated version of the song and decided to really pay attention to the original. And so here you are, for your viewing (they're both so cute) and listening pleasure:
All right, here's what you need to know about me. I am a lyrics queen. I will listen to a song that I like SO many times that I know exactly what's being said. And if I'm unsure, I look it up. So, this one proved to be a bit challenging because there were so many to choose from. However, there is one song that slowly crept into my mind until I thought, "well, shoot, I know all the words to that one - PLUS, it's kinda sorta a rap song, so it's even COOLER that I know all the lyrics." Yeah, I'm a nerd.
Little backstory with it, though. I can't remember exactly when I first heard this song, BUT I can tell you that the first time I really listened to it was when Sam and Artie performed it on Glee. This is not making me look any cooler, I can already tell. But then I grew a bit tired of the watered-down, G-rated version of the song and decided to really pay attention to the original. And so here you are, for your viewing (they're both so cute) and listening pleasure:
Want to see a beautiful woman?
This is my grandmother, Estelle. Unfortunately, I never got to meet her. She died when my dad was still a teenager from lupus, a disease that essentially makes your body allergic to itself.
I really wish I had gotten to meet her - doesn't she look like so much fun? I don't know if you can really see it here, if this photo does her justice, but when I look at this picture, I see a woman lounging on the floor, bare feet, giving someone a piece of her mind or adamantly telling a story.
I got to go through some of her old jewelry today that my father has had up in his closet for ages, he thinks since about the time my parents got married (so about 30 years) ago.
I had so much fun going through all of her jewelry, imagining her getting all dolled up to go out with girlfriends or with my grandfather (although, from what I hear, that wasn't a regular occurrence). The woman had style, I can tell you that. Just knowing that some day that jewelry will probably be mine (hopefully, anyway, seeing as how I'm her only grandchild, the offspring of her only child), it just gives me thrills and chills.
And it's not the monetary aspect of it - the jewelry probably isn't worth much at all, it's all pretty much costume jewelry. It's having a connection with a family member I never met, knowing that there were women in my family who did get dressed up to go out, who did wear jewelry (my mother and sister definitely are not fancy-schmancy people).
My grandmother has always been my answer to the question "If you could have lunch with one person, dead or alive, who would it be?" I'm fascinated by this woman. It may be because I never met her. It may be because of the stories I've heard about her. It may be because my grandfather never remarried after she died so many years ago (and as far as I know, he never went on any dates, either). I just feel like there's this grand romance when it comes to her. Estelle. My middle name. In Hebrew, it translates to "star." Go ahead and tell me she doesn't look like a star. :)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
30 Day Music Challenge - Day 07
Day 7 - A song that reminds you of a certain event
This one's easy. So, so, so easy. The most precious moment of my entire existence. And you may be thinking, ooh, a song that reminds her of Katie's birth! Well, no. You see, as much as I love my daughter and her birth will be with me forever, there's an even more precious moment than that. Without my husband, Katie would not be here. So, instead of a song that reminds me of Katie's birth, I'm going with two songs from our wedding, the song from the ceremony that was playing while we took communion and the song we first danced to as husband and wife. :)
This one's easy. So, so, so easy. The most precious moment of my entire existence. And you may be thinking, ooh, a song that reminds her of Katie's birth! Well, no. You see, as much as I love my daughter and her birth will be with me forever, there's an even more precious moment than that. Without my husband, Katie would not be here. So, instead of a song that reminds me of Katie's birth, I'm going with two songs from our wedding, the song from the ceremony that was playing while we took communion and the song we first danced to as husband and wife. :)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
30 Day Music Challenge - Day 06
Day 6 - A song that reminds you of somewhere
Okay, this one was difficult. I don't tend to associate songs with places, so I went with a general place, which could also be a time period, technically. Ready to transplant back to 1998? Junior High ... oh yeah, baby, I'm going there.
Okay, this one was difficult. I don't tend to associate songs with places, so I went with a general place, which could also be a time period, technically. Ready to transplant back to 1998? Junior High ... oh yeah, baby, I'm going there.
Monday, April 25, 2011
I'm losing it
At what point do you finally throw your hands up in the air, give up, and walk out? (For those concerned, this has nothing to do with my immediate family/household - I will never have intentions of walking out on my loves - my husband and daughter are my life)
I'm really struggling to find the words to say to someone (or, rather, a group of people). I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.
On one hand, if I just throw my words out there, carelessly but truthfully, people will be hurt. And pretty severely.
On the other hand, if I don't, I'm hurting. My family is hurting.
I'm struggling to find the balance. Niceties don't work. Subtleties don't work. With these people, it needs to be in their face. And they're the type of people who hold grudges, never let things go (one of the reasons we need to have this talk). It's not like I can say something, things will change and everything will be hunky-dorey. No, this will carry on and on.
It was one thing when there was really only one person who made her snide little remarks and passive-aggressive slaps to the face. But now others are getting involved. Others that I know can't come up with the ideas on their own, so they've got to be coming from somewhere.
It's beginning to be too much to handle.
I want to move.
I want to leave this town, this state and, sometimes, this country.
Not on my own, of course. I want to bring my beautiful little family (and my in-laws for that matter!)
I just don't understand how people who become a part of your life through marriage can love you more than the people who raised you, who share the same blood.
I'm really struggling to find the words to say to someone (or, rather, a group of people). I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.
On one hand, if I just throw my words out there, carelessly but truthfully, people will be hurt. And pretty severely.
On the other hand, if I don't, I'm hurting. My family is hurting.
I'm struggling to find the balance. Niceties don't work. Subtleties don't work. With these people, it needs to be in their face. And they're the type of people who hold grudges, never let things go (one of the reasons we need to have this talk). It's not like I can say something, things will change and everything will be hunky-dorey. No, this will carry on and on.
It was one thing when there was really only one person who made her snide little remarks and passive-aggressive slaps to the face. But now others are getting involved. Others that I know can't come up with the ideas on their own, so they've got to be coming from somewhere.
It's beginning to be too much to handle.
I want to move.
I want to leave this town, this state and, sometimes, this country.
Not on my own, of course. I want to bring my beautiful little family (and my in-laws for that matter!)
I just don't understand how people who become a part of your life through marriage can love you more than the people who raised you, who share the same blood.
30 Day Music Challenge - Day 05
Day 5 - A song that reminds you of someone
Okay, so this can get a little bit tricky. I could just as easily pick a song that reminds me of an ex (because, of course, every couple has "their" song), but I don't want to go there. So, instead, I'll pick a song that reminds me of a friend that I lost touch with awhile ago.
My friend Jena, beautiful, beautiful girl, was the first person to introduce me to Jack Johnson. The song? Bubbly Toes (imagine my excitement when Glee played it last week for Mike Chang to dance to!)
And, for your viewing pleasure, Mike Chang bustin' a move to Bubbly Toes
Okay, so this can get a little bit tricky. I could just as easily pick a song that reminds me of an ex (because, of course, every couple has "their" song), but I don't want to go there. So, instead, I'll pick a song that reminds me of a friend that I lost touch with awhile ago.
My friend Jena, beautiful, beautiful girl, was the first person to introduce me to Jack Johnson. The song? Bubbly Toes (imagine my excitement when Glee played it last week for Mike Chang to dance to!)
And, for your viewing pleasure, Mike Chang bustin' a move to Bubbly Toes
Friday, April 22, 2011
30 Day Music Challenge - Day 04
Day 4 - A song that makes you sad
There are a number of songs that make me sad, but there is one in particular that I thought of the moment I read today's assignment.
Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman.
When I first heard this song, I cried with joy.
When Steven's daughter died, I sobbed each time this song came on.
Ever since Katie was born, this song continues to bring a tear to my eye. Half joy (knowing this is exactly the kind of father Michael is, willing to drop everything just to dance with his princess), half sorrow, knowing that at any second, the Lord could call my baby up to Him. I pray each and every day that doesn't happen while I'm still living, I just don't know what I would do without her.
And now I'm mad at today's assignment because I need to be getting my butt out the door to go to work, but I'm fighting back tears.
There are a number of songs that make me sad, but there is one in particular that I thought of the moment I read today's assignment.
Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman.
When I first heard this song, I cried with joy.
When Steven's daughter died, I sobbed each time this song came on.
Ever since Katie was born, this song continues to bring a tear to my eye. Half joy (knowing this is exactly the kind of father Michael is, willing to drop everything just to dance with his princess), half sorrow, knowing that at any second, the Lord could call my baby up to Him. I pray each and every day that doesn't happen while I'm still living, I just don't know what I would do without her.
And now I'm mad at today's assignment because I need to be getting my butt out the door to go to work, but I'm fighting back tears.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
30 Day Music Challenge - Day 03
Day 3 - A song that makes you happy
This is a super easy one. This song is my super-happy-dancing song with Katie. It usually ends up with Mommy panting like a dog in the summer and Katie giggling at Mommy's panting. But it doesn't matter how exhausted I am after our one-song dance party, it makes my girl smile, and that's why I do it.
This is a super easy one. This song is my super-happy-dancing song with Katie. It usually ends up with Mommy panting like a dog in the summer and Katie giggling at Mommy's panting. But it doesn't matter how exhausted I am after our one-song dance party, it makes my girl smile, and that's why I do it.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
30 Day Music Challenge - Day 02
Day 2 - Your least favorite song
This one is proving to be a bit difficult, seeing as how I tend to not really think about songs I don't like. However, there is one song that just irks me no matter what. Unless I'm drunk, of course, and it's my 21st birthday and Ortiz is singing it during a random bout of karaoke.
This one is proving to be a bit difficult, seeing as how I tend to not really think about songs I don't like. However, there is one song that just irks me no matter what. Unless I'm drunk, of course, and it's my 21st birthday and Ortiz is singing it during a random bout of karaoke.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
30 Day Music Challenge - Day 1
I've been seeing these 30 Day Challenges a lot. And, I'll admit, I've been a bit intrigued.
However, none of them really seemed like something I'd truly want to do.
UNTIL I saw the 30 Day Music Challenge. Now this one piqued my interest! I can totally get on board with this one! So here it is, day 1!
Day 01 - Your favorite song
This song always has been and always will be my absolute favorite song. It reminds me of my childhood simply because of how much my mom sang this. I even stole my mom's CD with this on it. She never lets me forget it, either.
However, none of them really seemed like something I'd truly want to do.
UNTIL I saw the 30 Day Music Challenge. Now this one piqued my interest! I can totally get on board with this one! So here it is, day 1!
Day 01 - Your favorite song
This song always has been and always will be my absolute favorite song. It reminds me of my childhood simply because of how much my mom sang this. I even stole my mom's CD with this on it. She never lets me forget it, either.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Writer's Block
I'm having an insane bout of writer's block. And it's driving me nuts. I'm hoping that a little bit of creative writing in the form of blogging can get my brain functioning again. I'm not even 100% sure I'll post this, so excuse poor grammar if it is to be found.
I was killing this paper a little bit ago. Just knocking it out. Kickin' ass and taking names. That sort of writing. I was super excited about what I was writing. Then Katie got fussy. About 2 feet from me. She was eating and I was writing and all was good. Until she was done. And Mike's in the living room napping.
Oy.
To be fair, he's not feeling great.
But, the 3 minutes away from the computer caused me to lose my mojo. I completely lost my train of thought. All I can think of now is how incredibly happy my daughter is now that she's no longer trapped in the torture chair AKA high chair. She's watching Barney now. On Netflix. I feel like a bad parent, because it's not necessary TV time. But, my gosh, I'm just trying to get some writing done. And now, I'm blogging. Making me feel worse.
Oh well, she's enjoying herself and I'm trying to get my juices flowing.
I'm at a complete loss. Anyone know anything about literature in the 80s. Espionage books. Things of that nature. Gosh, I hate this class. Why do I have to compare an aspect of popular culture between two decades? I suppose it's my own fault, I picked literature in the 50s and 80s. I got ALL kinds of stuff on the 50s. Wrote a ton. I'm onto ths 80s now. And I have information. I just have to put it into essay format. At the moment, it's in outline format. I just need to flower it up a bit, not make it just a list of facts that takes up a page and turn it into information that takes up 3 pages. That shouldn't be too hard, right? I didn't think so. But now my brain is stuck. And I hate it.
Oh well, I'm done rambling here. Maybe I'll have gotten things together. I'll pull up Pages and see what I can accomplish.
Warning, though: I may be back if I'm staring at Pages for 10 minutes without writing a darn thing. :)
I was killing this paper a little bit ago. Just knocking it out. Kickin' ass and taking names. That sort of writing. I was super excited about what I was writing. Then Katie got fussy. About 2 feet from me. She was eating and I was writing and all was good. Until she was done. And Mike's in the living room napping.
Oy.
To be fair, he's not feeling great.
But, the 3 minutes away from the computer caused me to lose my mojo. I completely lost my train of thought. All I can think of now is how incredibly happy my daughter is now that she's no longer trapped in the torture chair AKA high chair. She's watching Barney now. On Netflix. I feel like a bad parent, because it's not necessary TV time. But, my gosh, I'm just trying to get some writing done. And now, I'm blogging. Making me feel worse.
Oh well, she's enjoying herself and I'm trying to get my juices flowing.
I'm at a complete loss. Anyone know anything about literature in the 80s. Espionage books. Things of that nature. Gosh, I hate this class. Why do I have to compare an aspect of popular culture between two decades? I suppose it's my own fault, I picked literature in the 50s and 80s. I got ALL kinds of stuff on the 50s. Wrote a ton. I'm onto ths 80s now. And I have information. I just have to put it into essay format. At the moment, it's in outline format. I just need to flower it up a bit, not make it just a list of facts that takes up a page and turn it into information that takes up 3 pages. That shouldn't be too hard, right? I didn't think so. But now my brain is stuck. And I hate it.
Oh well, I'm done rambling here. Maybe I'll have gotten things together. I'll pull up Pages and see what I can accomplish.
Warning, though: I may be back if I'm staring at Pages for 10 minutes without writing a darn thing. :)
Monday, April 11, 2011
Who agreed to all this work?!
Alright, here's the deal. I need to cram the next four weeks of paper writing and assignments into the next 6 days.
Why?
Well, because I start my job next week. And, truthfully, I'm a little nervous. Not because of the job itself, but because of what it means in terms of my time. Right now, I work very close to home and my job affords me to do a lot of my homework at work. Convenient, no?
This new job doesn't have the same luxuries. I will be traveling a bit more (not much, maybe another 15 minutes each way) and I will not be able to do my homework. With my new job, there is always something to do- someone to call, papers to file/fax, etc, etc, etc. Also, hello, it's a new job. Who wants to walk in on their first day and say "Okay, here's my desk. Now, don't bother me, I'm doing homework." How unprofessional is that?
So, all of the foreseeable homework that I have I am trying to get done this week. Luckily for me, the weather this past weekend was amazing but it won't be like that this week (or weekend, for that matter) so I won't be tempted to go outdoors more than necessary.
My number one distraction is definitely going to be Katie. And, if she wants to see me at all once this new job starts, she's gonna need to sacrifice this week to homework. I'm sorry baby girl, but Mommy needs to WRITE!
However, it is now 11:47pm and I need to be up and out the door bright and early tomorrow, little one in tow so it's time I hit the bedsheets full time. :)
Why?
Well, because I start my job next week. And, truthfully, I'm a little nervous. Not because of the job itself, but because of what it means in terms of my time. Right now, I work very close to home and my job affords me to do a lot of my homework at work. Convenient, no?
This new job doesn't have the same luxuries. I will be traveling a bit more (not much, maybe another 15 minutes each way) and I will not be able to do my homework. With my new job, there is always something to do- someone to call, papers to file/fax, etc, etc, etc. Also, hello, it's a new job. Who wants to walk in on their first day and say "Okay, here's my desk. Now, don't bother me, I'm doing homework." How unprofessional is that?
So, all of the foreseeable homework that I have I am trying to get done this week. Luckily for me, the weather this past weekend was amazing but it won't be like that this week (or weekend, for that matter) so I won't be tempted to go outdoors more than necessary.
My number one distraction is definitely going to be Katie. And, if she wants to see me at all once this new job starts, she's gonna need to sacrifice this week to homework. I'm sorry baby girl, but Mommy needs to WRITE!
However, it is now 11:47pm and I need to be up and out the door bright and early tomorrow, little one in tow so it's time I hit the bedsheets full time. :)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Spring finally found Chicago!
Today was absolutely gorgeous. A perfect Sunday. Sunny and 83. Katie got to wear shorts today. (So did Mommy, although that certainly was as cute a sight).
She loved it. Loved every second of the sunshine and the wind. Loved the water she dumped all over herself. (I'm becoming increasingly optimistic that we'll actually use the two bathing suits I got her - on clearance, I might add!).
Katie is most definitely a summer girl. Just like Mommy. Not happy unless the sunshine is warming her skin, the breeze is gently tossing those slight curls (that Mommy never ever EVER wants to cut but sadly knows she'll have to).
With the coming of summer (I know, I know, spring first), I'm realizing more and more how much I love photographing my daughter. Our camera is great - with natural light. During the winter, I absolutely hate that camera. The flash is all wrong, Katie always comes out looking spooky. But with sunlight? Well, come on:
Granted, there wasn't a lot of variability here, but that's because I took all of these out on our first excursion of the morning.
I'm beginning to realize that I want to upgrade. Which is horrible, because we just got this camera right after Katie was born. But, and here's where I slap myself a bit, I didn't do any research. I let Mike do the research. Which is fine, the guy loves technology. But he's more of a computer/game system/television techno-guy. I'm not saying he knows nothing about cameras, but I am saying that I should have done my homework. Oh well. I guess that just means I know what my next saving project is!
Katie is most definitely a summer girl. Just like Mommy. Not happy unless the sunshine is warming her skin, the breeze is gently tossing those slight curls (that Mommy never ever EVER wants to cut but sadly knows she'll have to).
With the coming of summer (I know, I know, spring first), I'm realizing more and more how much I love photographing my daughter. Our camera is great - with natural light. During the winter, I absolutely hate that camera. The flash is all wrong, Katie always comes out looking spooky. But with sunlight? Well, come on:
Granted, there wasn't a lot of variability here, but that's because I took all of these out on our first excursion of the morning.
I'm beginning to realize that I want to upgrade. Which is horrible, because we just got this camera right after Katie was born. But, and here's where I slap myself a bit, I didn't do any research. I let Mike do the research. Which is fine, the guy loves technology. But he's more of a computer/game system/television techno-guy. I'm not saying he knows nothing about cameras, but I am saying that I should have done my homework. Oh well. I guess that just means I know what my next saving project is!
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