This is a simple, yet good recipe, can be made dairy free and refined sugar free as well.
3 cups cream or 3 cups coconut milk
1-1.5 tsp mint extract(I buy from Mountain Rose Herbs)
1/2-3/4 cup honey
2-4oz chopped chocolate(I used Lindt 85% as it is free of additives and soy- and the lowest sugar I can find- chopped healthy fudge would be good as well)
Mix top 3 ingredients and add to freezer. When icecream is fairly creamy add chopped chocolate and finish it off.
Brian thought this competed with Breyer's. Thumbs up all around and super easy.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Our First Week with Story of the World
This coming year we will be using Story of the World I(SoTW) for our History curriculum. As I started to plan for this coming year I realized that there were 41 chapters and an introduction, which really interferes with my plans of 3 terms of 12 weeks. As we are already doing summer school I decided to go ahead and add SoTW to our schedule as a good way to get our feet wet and work out some kinks before official schooling starts.
This week we did the Introduction which was just a brief outline to what history is and how do we know what things happened in the past. I've decided we are going to do a two-day per week schedule so on Day 1 we simply listened to the audio of the intro. I generally read a fair amount out loud so I was thrilled when I was able to buy the audio recording used, it is nice to have a bit of a reading break. That is all we did the first day.
Today we watched a few short video clips on archaeology from YouTube. What a great resource! He got a basic idea of what an archaeologist does and how they investigate the past and luckily I found some basic videos that talked about how you have to investigate the site and dig around for clues. Building on that idea we went outside and had our own dig. I buried some things- food items, tools and such and they had such a big time finding them.
After that dig we decided to dig on our old road, we have an old wagon trail that goes through the center of our property. Luke found a piece of old pottery, who knows how old exactly, but it was a neat find nonetheless. We also found lots of sticks and rocks as well. Luke was sure the one stick he found looked like a gun and it must have been a toy of a boy long ago.
The kids had fun and we had some nice discussion about history. We talked about what kinds of things people might leave behind and how they might get left behind. We also discussed that some things would be older than others. Nice basic information, appropriate to his level and a good introduction to the study of history. We had a great time, learned some and it was minimal preparation work on my part. In the end he said he wanted to be an archaeologist when he grows up. Now, I doubt that was anything more than a fleeting thought but it does mean we accomplished something big and that is giving him the idea that the study of history can be fun! That mindset is exactly what I want to foster in him, that learning is not something tedious to be done but something to be enjoyed. Educating ourselves has many advantages for this world but also gives due respect to the gifts that God has gave us.
This week we did the Introduction which was just a brief outline to what history is and how do we know what things happened in the past. I've decided we are going to do a two-day per week schedule so on Day 1 we simply listened to the audio of the intro. I generally read a fair amount out loud so I was thrilled when I was able to buy the audio recording used, it is nice to have a bit of a reading break. That is all we did the first day.
Today we watched a few short video clips on archaeology from YouTube. What a great resource! He got a basic idea of what an archaeologist does and how they investigate the past and luckily I found some basic videos that talked about how you have to investigate the site and dig around for clues. Building on that idea we went outside and had our own dig. I buried some things- food items, tools and such and they had such a big time finding them.
After that dig we decided to dig on our old road, we have an old wagon trail that goes through the center of our property. Luke found a piece of old pottery, who knows how old exactly, but it was a neat find nonetheless. We also found lots of sticks and rocks as well. Luke was sure the one stick he found looked like a gun and it must have been a toy of a boy long ago.
The kids had fun and we had some nice discussion about history. We talked about what kinds of things people might leave behind and how they might get left behind. We also discussed that some things would be older than others. Nice basic information, appropriate to his level and a good introduction to the study of history. We had a great time, learned some and it was minimal preparation work on my part. In the end he said he wanted to be an archaeologist when he grows up. Now, I doubt that was anything more than a fleeting thought but it does mean we accomplished something big and that is giving him the idea that the study of history can be fun! That mindset is exactly what I want to foster in him, that learning is not something tedious to be done but something to be enjoyed. Educating ourselves has many advantages for this world but also gives due respect to the gifts that God has gave us.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Dairy Trial
As I have worn out everyone's ears from talking about this I thought I would write about it. It also serves as a good record for everything.
To really understand I thought I would go back to the beginning. I suspected Luke had a dairy intolerance from the beginning pretty much. I knew there were food issues. However, finding support and information was so, so hard. I flailed along and did do some elimination but I am sure it was not very well done.
When Luke was 14-15 months I went on the SCD diet and he went back to exclusively nursing- although he hardly ate at that point so it wasn't a big change. On SCD(Specific Carbohydrate Diet) no fluid milk was allowwed, only homemade yogurt 24 hrs, some hard cheeses and butter, if I recall correctly. Mostly it is just the yogurt, I made it by the gallons. I cannot even remember how long I was on that. I do remember that I was quite sick of soup after the introduction stage.
I do know when I became pregnant with Lily (when Luke was 25 months old) I was not officially on the diet but still tried to follow the guidelines for the most part. I had lots of keifir, yogurt, and butter but tried to avoid other dairy, sugar and grains. I had an amazing pregnancy and birth but after she was born I quickly figured out that she slept much better when I was off of dairy. So, I went off of everything but butter when she was 2 weeks old.
We stayed like that until September of '08 when we received the results of Luke's enterolab tests that showed he was dairy and gluten intolerant. Then I removed the butter as well and while we were at it removed trace amounts of soy, as I had figured out Lily was soy intolerant to it but still allowed things like soy lecithin at times. We went Feingold at the same time.
Again I cannot remember how long we were on Feingold strictly. I did figure out for Luke that dyes and preservatives were not really behavior triggers, although as we generally make things homemade it usually isn't an issue. We did have issues with salicylates for awhile but I feel now like we can eat them without issue.
Since going entirely dairy free we have had 2 trials that I can remember anyway. On Luke's testing it stated that he should be off for life. However, I had read that often the dairy intolerance is caused by the Celiac's destroying the villi and often after adopting a gluten free diet they are able to tolerate it. So, I have always held out a small glimmer of hope that we would be able to eat it again some day.
We had various issues on our other two trials. I wish I had documented it well because now I feel like second guessing myself. It is such a fine line as I know the symptoms of intolerance- the stomach bloating, loss stools or constipation, eye circles, behavior problems, sleep issues, red anal ring, rashes/skin issues etc. I know there is a myriad of ways it can manifest and it can be different for every child and children as they grow often have a change of symptoms- what it does to them as a baby can be entirely different to their reaction as a toddler. I cannot just forget that I don't want to be a mother that ignores those things as I know the externals are just a sign of the internal.
However, as I said I have kept a hope albeit a small one. You cannot keep the hope too much in the forefront or it becomes depressing. I have embraced our diet as it is and we have enjoyed it. We have learned to live without deprivation, while depriving ourselves of those foods(gluten, dairy and soy). I just took them out of the equation we enjoyed some things with substitutes- like coconut milk or coconut oil and some things we just gave up- we never did find a good dairy-free cheese we all liked. So, it has been our life.
Now, as it is summer again it seemed a good time for another trial. Last fall when we trialed I had felt so certain that it was going to be fine and work out. We then had bedwetting issues and started having poop accidents with Luke at that point it seemed like a good time to abandon. I had really felt God had called me to do the trial and had a hard time with it. Now, since then we have had accident issues with Luke off and on and I recently figured out that it was due to cross-contamination from peanut butter at the in-laws. Fingers crossed since we identified that trigger we haven't had an accident. Lily's bedwetting was cured once increasing her cod liver oil dosage. I also identified that Lily certainly gets a butt rash from any trace amounts of soy(which we were inadvertently getting and it took a bit to line back out) , which I wasn't certain if it was dairy as well. It makes me wonder if it was a lack of faith on my part. Maybe we were ready then.
However, sometimes it is hard to isolate the cause and effect. Actually it is always hard when dealing with intolerance. With an actual allergy you have a clear defined reaction. With intolerance reactions can build over time and change and can be different for different foods. There is just nothing easy about it.
Now, that brings us to our current trial. All of that to say it has been a long time and a long road for us. My glimmer of hope was small. After it being this long emotionally I had to somewhat accept that this was/is life.
So, far in our trial things have went well. Ava had some loose stools on the first day but has been fine since. Lily had a bit of a rash for a few days, but had also had some questionable candy(I think it had some soy) that has went away though- although she has continued to have the dairy. Luke hasn't had any sort of issues. Now, last night we did have bedwetting with Lily for the first time in a while. However, I have been more lax with our clo lately and we had a late supper and snack last night.
I am fairly confident that with remedying those things it won't be an issue, although I know that it might take a bit to catch up doses. She stayed the night with my parents a few days and we missed dosage then and after returning home I likely didn't increase it enough. Regardless, it will be easy enough to tell if it is causing it after ruling out the cod liver oil.
And maybe I am crazy but I think it will be ok this time. I really do. I do think God has put it in my heart that we are ok with it at this time. But my faith is weak and I am paranoid. Maybe it is wishful thoughts on my part.
Even if we are fine now then there is the logistics of the trial. How long to stay on each stage, how much to introduce? When if ever will I let them eat dairy when out? Will I ever let them have traditional dairy at other's houses? Then for me there is the question of whether or not to eat dairy in my next pregnancy, what if the next baby is sensitive? I stayed off of dairy for my last pregnancy just as a precaution as I thought it worth it if it meant reducing the chance for having a baby who was dairy sensitive.
So, that is what on my mind as of late. I could be very, very soon be posting recipes for dairy.
To really understand I thought I would go back to the beginning. I suspected Luke had a dairy intolerance from the beginning pretty much. I knew there were food issues. However, finding support and information was so, so hard. I flailed along and did do some elimination but I am sure it was not very well done.
When Luke was 14-15 months I went on the SCD diet and he went back to exclusively nursing- although he hardly ate at that point so it wasn't a big change. On SCD(Specific Carbohydrate Diet) no fluid milk was allowwed, only homemade yogurt 24 hrs, some hard cheeses and butter, if I recall correctly. Mostly it is just the yogurt, I made it by the gallons. I cannot even remember how long I was on that. I do remember that I was quite sick of soup after the introduction stage.
I do know when I became pregnant with Lily (when Luke was 25 months old) I was not officially on the diet but still tried to follow the guidelines for the most part. I had lots of keifir, yogurt, and butter but tried to avoid other dairy, sugar and grains. I had an amazing pregnancy and birth but after she was born I quickly figured out that she slept much better when I was off of dairy. So, I went off of everything but butter when she was 2 weeks old.
We stayed like that until September of '08 when we received the results of Luke's enterolab tests that showed he was dairy and gluten intolerant. Then I removed the butter as well and while we were at it removed trace amounts of soy, as I had figured out Lily was soy intolerant to it but still allowed things like soy lecithin at times. We went Feingold at the same time.
Again I cannot remember how long we were on Feingold strictly. I did figure out for Luke that dyes and preservatives were not really behavior triggers, although as we generally make things homemade it usually isn't an issue. We did have issues with salicylates for awhile but I feel now like we can eat them without issue.
Since going entirely dairy free we have had 2 trials that I can remember anyway. On Luke's testing it stated that he should be off for life. However, I had read that often the dairy intolerance is caused by the Celiac's destroying the villi and often after adopting a gluten free diet they are able to tolerate it. So, I have always held out a small glimmer of hope that we would be able to eat it again some day.
We had various issues on our other two trials. I wish I had documented it well because now I feel like second guessing myself. It is such a fine line as I know the symptoms of intolerance- the stomach bloating, loss stools or constipation, eye circles, behavior problems, sleep issues, red anal ring, rashes/skin issues etc. I know there is a myriad of ways it can manifest and it can be different for every child and children as they grow often have a change of symptoms- what it does to them as a baby can be entirely different to their reaction as a toddler. I cannot just forget that I don't want to be a mother that ignores those things as I know the externals are just a sign of the internal.
However, as I said I have kept a hope albeit a small one. You cannot keep the hope too much in the forefront or it becomes depressing. I have embraced our diet as it is and we have enjoyed it. We have learned to live without deprivation, while depriving ourselves of those foods(gluten, dairy and soy). I just took them out of the equation we enjoyed some things with substitutes- like coconut milk or coconut oil and some things we just gave up- we never did find a good dairy-free cheese we all liked. So, it has been our life.
Now, as it is summer again it seemed a good time for another trial. Last fall when we trialed I had felt so certain that it was going to be fine and work out. We then had bedwetting issues and started having poop accidents with Luke at that point it seemed like a good time to abandon. I had really felt God had called me to do the trial and had a hard time with it. Now, since then we have had accident issues with Luke off and on and I recently figured out that it was due to cross-contamination from peanut butter at the in-laws. Fingers crossed since we identified that trigger we haven't had an accident. Lily's bedwetting was cured once increasing her cod liver oil dosage. I also identified that Lily certainly gets a butt rash from any trace amounts of soy(which we were inadvertently getting and it took a bit to line back out) , which I wasn't certain if it was dairy as well. It makes me wonder if it was a lack of faith on my part. Maybe we were ready then.
However, sometimes it is hard to isolate the cause and effect. Actually it is always hard when dealing with intolerance. With an actual allergy you have a clear defined reaction. With intolerance reactions can build over time and change and can be different for different foods. There is just nothing easy about it.
Now, that brings us to our current trial. All of that to say it has been a long time and a long road for us. My glimmer of hope was small. After it being this long emotionally I had to somewhat accept that this was/is life.
So, far in our trial things have went well. Ava had some loose stools on the first day but has been fine since. Lily had a bit of a rash for a few days, but had also had some questionable candy(I think it had some soy) that has went away though- although she has continued to have the dairy. Luke hasn't had any sort of issues. Now, last night we did have bedwetting with Lily for the first time in a while. However, I have been more lax with our clo lately and we had a late supper and snack last night.
I am fairly confident that with remedying those things it won't be an issue, although I know that it might take a bit to catch up doses. She stayed the night with my parents a few days and we missed dosage then and after returning home I likely didn't increase it enough. Regardless, it will be easy enough to tell if it is causing it after ruling out the cod liver oil.
And maybe I am crazy but I think it will be ok this time. I really do. I do think God has put it in my heart that we are ok with it at this time. But my faith is weak and I am paranoid. Maybe it is wishful thoughts on my part.
Even if we are fine now then there is the logistics of the trial. How long to stay on each stage, how much to introduce? When if ever will I let them eat dairy when out? Will I ever let them have traditional dairy at other's houses? Then for me there is the question of whether or not to eat dairy in my next pregnancy, what if the next baby is sensitive? I stayed off of dairy for my last pregnancy just as a precaution as I thought it worth it if it meant reducing the chance for having a baby who was dairy sensitive.
So, that is what on my mind as of late. I could be very, very soon be posting recipes for dairy.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Homeschooling: Reality and Expectations
I have been thinking this over for sometime as I have felt some frustrations and couldn't figure out exactly why. The more I think about it honestly I realize it is due to my expectations not matching up with reality. Mostly due to the fact that children are all individual and Luke is not me, shock I know. Although generally I have been well-pleased with our experience and his learning I still find there is plenty to improve upon for next year to make everything better for the both of us.
During the planning stages now I am trying to re-examine all those expectations I have and see if they are attainable or realistic...
Expectation...
Brian and I are both smart, naturally we are going to have a child genius.
Reality...
Um, no. Luke is appropriately adept in math and science type things but reading is challenging to him.
Expectation...
One day he will just start reading.
Reality...
We are working on this very slow and steady, there is progress, but it certainly isn't or hasn't been any kind of over night phenomenon.
Expectation...
Homeschooling means that all the children will be advanced because you teach them one on one. The level they are on just depends on what level you teach them.
Reality...
No. You cannot push a child to learn outside their ability or readiness. I had days and days before going over the same things with him, trying to get him to learn it, so frustrated that he couldn't and feeling like such a failure. Thank goodness for the internet and I can see that there is a range of when different kids learn various things. It is not a deficiency on my part or his, it is just who he is. Thank goodness I now have the confidence to know this and to let it go. I must work on his level.
Expectation...
Teaching would just come organically interest led.
Reality...
Well, we do learn some interest led but there is also planning and work involved to make that happen. Surprisingly I cannot instantly recall everything I have ever learned at the drop of a hat and magically pull it together into some big lesson.
Expectation...
Teaching would be easy. We would just open things up and go, no prep involved.
Reality...
I don't know what I was thinking here. There is time to research to pick out the right curriculum, that I enjoy teaching, fits his learning style and also his level. Deciding all that we want to study- what scope for science, for history. One subject a year for science or - is history chronological and then a 3 yr, 4 yr or 5 yr cycle? As I have yet to find a boxed curriculum that meets our need there is then the scheduling of everything, the history, science, literature and bible. Making copies of what needs to done gathering up all the supplies for various things. Planning around any extracurriculars, projects, field trips, jobs and work at home.
Expectation...
I would be infinitely patient and understanding and we would discover and learn these things together
Reality...
Boy, I wish. I love the days when this happens but have to say that it isn't anywhere close to everyday. I have to constantly fight myself to have that patience and understanding. To accept where he is and work from there. I was and am a perfectionist I found myself annoyed a week or so ago because he got some math problems wrong. I was thinking why aren't they all right? Why didn't he doublecheck himself and correct them, that is what I would have done(as generally he makes mistakes from going too fast). Then I stopped to think, is it realistic to think he will never make a mistake, seriously? That would be nice, but not likely.
However, this has obviously been a huge chance for me to grow. I am now thankful that Luke is not a boy genius. Besides the fact that it would bring a different set of challenges it was also another way for God to answer my prayers for humility. I think had my first been greatly advanced I would have likely attributed it to some greatness or skill on my part. I would have been tempted to think that those not as advanced just weren't doing things right. Now, I know better. I know that so much is inborn and we have to work with that. Now, with Lily coming up behind him and progressing at a much faster rate I find it really fascinating and exciting but I know it is not by my virtue or skill.
So, of course now I have the challenge to find those areas in which Luke excels and give him opportunities to grow continuing to push him in the areas that are had as well. I also have to keep mind that I will have to keep Lily challenged and engaged. I really do look forward to it though, although planning for the coming year is nothing short of daunting. It is a huge responsibility to be a parent, regardless of your children.
During the planning stages now I am trying to re-examine all those expectations I have and see if they are attainable or realistic...
Expectation...
Brian and I are both smart, naturally we are going to have a child genius.
Reality...
Um, no. Luke is appropriately adept in math and science type things but reading is challenging to him.
Expectation...
One day he will just start reading.
Reality...
We are working on this very slow and steady, there is progress, but it certainly isn't or hasn't been any kind of over night phenomenon.
Expectation...
Homeschooling means that all the children will be advanced because you teach them one on one. The level they are on just depends on what level you teach them.
Reality...
No. You cannot push a child to learn outside their ability or readiness. I had days and days before going over the same things with him, trying to get him to learn it, so frustrated that he couldn't and feeling like such a failure. Thank goodness for the internet and I can see that there is a range of when different kids learn various things. It is not a deficiency on my part or his, it is just who he is. Thank goodness I now have the confidence to know this and to let it go. I must work on his level.
Expectation...
Teaching would just come organically interest led.
Reality...
Well, we do learn some interest led but there is also planning and work involved to make that happen. Surprisingly I cannot instantly recall everything I have ever learned at the drop of a hat and magically pull it together into some big lesson.
Expectation...
Teaching would be easy. We would just open things up and go, no prep involved.
Reality...
I don't know what I was thinking here. There is time to research to pick out the right curriculum, that I enjoy teaching, fits his learning style and also his level. Deciding all that we want to study- what scope for science, for history. One subject a year for science or - is history chronological and then a 3 yr, 4 yr or 5 yr cycle? As I have yet to find a boxed curriculum that meets our need there is then the scheduling of everything, the history, science, literature and bible. Making copies of what needs to done gathering up all the supplies for various things. Planning around any extracurriculars, projects, field trips, jobs and work at home.
Expectation...
I would be infinitely patient and understanding and we would discover and learn these things together
Reality...
Boy, I wish. I love the days when this happens but have to say that it isn't anywhere close to everyday. I have to constantly fight myself to have that patience and understanding. To accept where he is and work from there. I was and am a perfectionist I found myself annoyed a week or so ago because he got some math problems wrong. I was thinking why aren't they all right? Why didn't he doublecheck himself and correct them, that is what I would have done(as generally he makes mistakes from going too fast). Then I stopped to think, is it realistic to think he will never make a mistake, seriously? That would be nice, but not likely.
However, this has obviously been a huge chance for me to grow. I am now thankful that Luke is not a boy genius. Besides the fact that it would bring a different set of challenges it was also another way for God to answer my prayers for humility. I think had my first been greatly advanced I would have likely attributed it to some greatness or skill on my part. I would have been tempted to think that those not as advanced just weren't doing things right. Now, I know better. I know that so much is inborn and we have to work with that. Now, with Lily coming up behind him and progressing at a much faster rate I find it really fascinating and exciting but I know it is not by my virtue or skill.
So, of course now I have the challenge to find those areas in which Luke excels and give him opportunities to grow continuing to push him in the areas that are had as well. I also have to keep mind that I will have to keep Lily challenged and engaged. I really do look forward to it though, although planning for the coming year is nothing short of daunting. It is a huge responsibility to be a parent, regardless of your children.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Saving on Gas: Update #1
I just had to fill up for the first time after starting my new gas saving strategies. Now, I was anxious about it as Brian had done most of the driving for this tank, not using any kind of restraint. Of course when one is rushing to the ER, increasing fuel efficiency is the last thing on your mind. I have had considerable more driving this past week than usual as well, about 3x more, due to various factors.
Now, my last tank I got about 18.8 mpg, which sadly, is average. I do sometimes get more, but more often than not it seems, that is what I get. Today my mpg was.... drumroll..... 22.8 the highest I have ever got! I couldn't believe it and as I said that was only with conservations measures on maybe half the tank. I told Brian my new goal is 25 mpg, let's see what the next tank brings! Information about my van says that city driving is 16-18 mpg, while highway should be 23-25. I always have a combination of driving though and I would be thrilled to get highway mileage on my mixed mileage trips.
This is with basic measures, mostly slowing down on the four lane from 65-70 mph to 55 mph, watching my braking and acceleration. I haven't even removed the roof rack yet which is also supposed to increase mileage.
Now, if I am able to up my mileage to 24.8 mpg that would be 6 mpg increase, which for a whole tank of 17 gals would be an extra 102 miles. 102 miles is equivalent to around 2 trips to AND from town! That is an average week of driving for free!
As an added bonus to saving money I have also been more attune to my driving and no rushing around. Less stress and anxiety from rushing. Now, if I could just get Brian to try the same measures we could really do some saving!
Now, my last tank I got about 18.8 mpg, which sadly, is average. I do sometimes get more, but more often than not it seems, that is what I get. Today my mpg was.... drumroll..... 22.8 the highest I have ever got! I couldn't believe it and as I said that was only with conservations measures on maybe half the tank. I told Brian my new goal is 25 mpg, let's see what the next tank brings! Information about my van says that city driving is 16-18 mpg, while highway should be 23-25. I always have a combination of driving though and I would be thrilled to get highway mileage on my mixed mileage trips.
This is with basic measures, mostly slowing down on the four lane from 65-70 mph to 55 mph, watching my braking and acceleration. I haven't even removed the roof rack yet which is also supposed to increase mileage.
Now, if I am able to up my mileage to 24.8 mpg that would be 6 mpg increase, which for a whole tank of 17 gals would be an extra 102 miles. 102 miles is equivalent to around 2 trips to AND from town! That is an average week of driving for free!
As an added bonus to saving money I have also been more attune to my driving and no rushing around. Less stress and anxiety from rushing. Now, if I could just get Brian to try the same measures we could really do some saving!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Homemade Breakfast Sausage
I haven't been too exciting here in the cooking department but thought I would share the spice mix I use to make breakfast sausage. Most all commercial breakfast sausage, and even that made by the local butcher contains MSG as I am not too keen on eating this I went searching for a recipe to make it myself. The first recipe I tried was from allrecipes and although highly reviewed I found it horrid, it had sugar in it which did not sit right with me. After a few years and lots of tweaking I now have my recipe just how I like it, hope you enjoy it as well.
Breakfast Sausage
1 lb ground pork
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. ground mustard
2 tsp. ground sage
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
crushed red pepper to taste (optional)- I often put a few sprinkles in per batch
Mix and cook up as usual!
Breakfast Sausage
1 lb ground pork
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. ground mustard
2 tsp. ground sage
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
crushed red pepper to taste (optional)- I often put a few sprinkles in per batch
Mix and cook up as usual!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Ahh, Motherhoood....
It occurs to me again and again how we all have the same struggles. So often when I open up about difficulties I find that others have went through the same thing. Why is it we don't talk about it?, I don't know. There seems to be this odd dichotomy within mothers. Either you're the type where everything is perfect or you do nothing but complain about your children.
I hate to be one to look at the negative. I don't want to complain about my children and act as if they are a horrible burden, I see no purpose in that. But man, some days(or weeks or months) are hard. Motherhood is not for the faint of heart. We are responsible for so much and some days our patience runs thin. Some days the compassion and empathy is gone. Some days you just want quiet. Some days you just want to ignore it all and hope for the best. Some days you wish they could fend for themselves.
Oh, the days when you cannot sleep or the baby keeps you awake. You're pulled out of the bed by the kiddos and try to cobble together something to eat, anything. You turn to that ol' reliable babysitter , the tv, and hope for a little bit of zoning out while you try to wake up. The day fumbles along with much yelling and complaining, lots of fighting and bickering, everything a battle. You somehow make it to lunch and count down the minutes to quiet time when you can collapse into a heap. All the while the house falls more and more apart and you just don't care anymore, you want to get some sleep!
Then there are those days when you really think you have it together. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all promptly served. The children answer ever command quickly and happily. They play together like angels and the house starts and ends the day in perfectly clean condition effortlessly.
If only every day was like that. We need humility too though and there has been plenty of that around here lately!
I hate to be one to look at the negative. I don't want to complain about my children and act as if they are a horrible burden, I see no purpose in that. But man, some days(or weeks or months) are hard. Motherhood is not for the faint of heart. We are responsible for so much and some days our patience runs thin. Some days the compassion and empathy is gone. Some days you just want quiet. Some days you just want to ignore it all and hope for the best. Some days you wish they could fend for themselves.
Oh, the days when you cannot sleep or the baby keeps you awake. You're pulled out of the bed by the kiddos and try to cobble together something to eat, anything. You turn to that ol' reliable babysitter , the tv, and hope for a little bit of zoning out while you try to wake up. The day fumbles along with much yelling and complaining, lots of fighting and bickering, everything a battle. You somehow make it to lunch and count down the minutes to quiet time when you can collapse into a heap. All the while the house falls more and more apart and you just don't care anymore, you want to get some sleep!
Then there are those days when you really think you have it together. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all promptly served. The children answer ever command quickly and happily. They play together like angels and the house starts and ends the day in perfectly clean condition effortlessly.
If only every day was like that. We need humility too though and there has been plenty of that around here lately!
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