Monday, September 29, 2008
AJ loves Eve
Don't mind the mess. *rolls eyes*
After I snapped all these pictures, AJ stood up and I saw that he was diaperless. These are the G-rated pics.
AJ's new reading spot
I walked around the corner and saw AJ looking at his and Grace's favorite photo album from this summer.
Social Security.
I always get a kick out of my social security statements when they come. If I became disabled right now, I'd be able to pay for all of my yarn and knitting and sewing habits. And possibly groceries and Grace's dance class, too. If I DIED, Terry would be able to pay for daycare plus extras for the kids.
Of course, we are aware of the intangible benefits of our children having a Stay at home mom. Clearly, that's why we do it--definitely not for the money! (or lack thereof)!!!
And then I think-- I doubt social security will be able to help my generation the way our generation has paid for the previous. There is so much more money going out than they are taking in. I fear that when terry and I retire, there will be no social security. We'd have been better off taking that 6% and putting it into savings.
Of course, we are aware of the intangible benefits of our children having a Stay at home mom. Clearly, that's why we do it--definitely not for the money! (or lack thereof)!!!
And then I think-- I doubt social security will be able to help my generation the way our generation has paid for the previous. There is so much more money going out than they are taking in. I fear that when terry and I retire, there will be no social security. We'd have been better off taking that 6% and putting it into savings.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Grace's first soccer goal
[googlevideo=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3520119469144642724&hl=en]
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Recipes
I was browsing through some of my cookbooks, and I came across a cookbook that several moms from an internet forum had created back around October 2005. I found some of my favorite recipes that I'd forgotten about, and two that I had lost and could not find (I had submitted them, and I'm sooo glad I did)!
So this week, i'm going to give you a recipe for Lemon Chicken.
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 c. fresh lemon juice
1 c. all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1/3 c. light brown sugar
1/4 c. chicken broth
6 slices lemon
1/2 c. finely minced fresh parsley
Combine chicken and lemon juice in a large resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out air and seal bag. Refrigerate to marinate overnight, turning once. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving 2 tablespoons marinade and disposing of the remainder. Mix together flour, salt, paprika and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken breasts one at a time, shake to coat evenly. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Fry coated chicken until well browned, about 10-15 minutes. Arrange browned chicken in a 9x13 inch baking dish and sprinkle with brown sugar. Mix broth with reserved marinade and pour mixture over chicken. Top each breast with a lemon slice and sprinkle all with parsley. Bake in the preheated oven fvor about 20 to 30 minutes, or until cooked through and tender.
Buon Appetit!
So this week, i'm going to give you a recipe for Lemon Chicken.
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 c. fresh lemon juice
1 c. all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1/3 c. light brown sugar
1/4 c. chicken broth
6 slices lemon
1/2 c. finely minced fresh parsley
Combine chicken and lemon juice in a large resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out air and seal bag. Refrigerate to marinate overnight, turning once. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving 2 tablespoons marinade and disposing of the remainder. Mix together flour, salt, paprika and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken breasts one at a time, shake to coat evenly. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Fry coated chicken until well browned, about 10-15 minutes. Arrange browned chicken in a 9x13 inch baking dish and sprinkle with brown sugar. Mix broth with reserved marinade and pour mixture over chicken. Top each breast with a lemon slice and sprinkle all with parsley. Bake in the preheated oven fvor about 20 to 30 minutes, or until cooked through and tender.
Buon Appetit!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Dolly's Imagination Library
We became aware of this program at our library just after we moved to Utah last year. Dolly Parton strongly believes in fostering a love for reading at the preschool age. She started the "Imagination Library" in her hometown in Tennessee and has expanded it across the country. If you live in a participating community, your child will receive a brand new, hardcover, beautiful book every month until your child's 5th birthday (beginning with the classic, The Little Engine That Could). Grace and AJ have loved getting new books in the mail every month. Grace graduated in June, with the book Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten. She has a beautiful collection of books, all age appropriate and wonderful stories.
If your community participates, it's a wonderful gift. And if your community does not, I encourage you to find a way to get your community involved. There is much information at The Imagination Library's How it Works section.
We became aware of this program at our library just after we moved to Utah last year. Dolly Parton strongly believes in fostering a love for reading at the preschool age. She started the "Imagination Library" in her hometown in Tennessee and has expanded it across the country. If you live in a participating community, your child will receive a brand new, hardcover, beautiful book every month until your child's 5th birthday (beginning with the classic, The Little Engine That Could). Grace and AJ have loved getting new books in the mail every month. Grace graduated in June, with the book Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten. She has a beautiful collection of books, all age appropriate and wonderful stories.
If your community participates, it's a wonderful gift. And if your community does not, I encourage you to find a way to get your community involved. There is much information at The Imagination Library's How it Works section.
My Bad Manners
Terry and I took the kids to the movies today. I'll post a review of "Fly Me To the Moon" later. AJ and I stood in a loooooong line for popcorn, and he was very clingy. He wanted to be held, and I picked him up because it was either that or have him freak out on the ground!!I get to the front of the line after about 15 minutes of waiting. I set him on the counter and placed my order. After our transaction was completed, I began to walk off with hands full of popcorn, a drink, napkins, and AJ's hand (yes, he agreed to walk at that point). Some woman shouted after me, "NEXT TIME, LEAVE YOUR KID'S BUTT OFF THE COUNTER WHERE OUR FOOD IS SERVED!!!"
I was stunned. I replied, "I am so sorry. I didn't even think about it." And walked away while I heard her continuing to grumble to everyone in line. I was so embarrassed. I started out pleased that AJ hadn't thrown a temper tantrum while we were waiting, becaused there were so many people in line and crowds really freak him out. .. .
Honestly, it NEVER occurred to me that this would be unhygienic. Thinking about it now, it makes sense. But I've been a mother for 5 years and it has not EVER crossed my mind!! OOPS!!
Why didn't the woman offer to hold him for me? Or help me with the popcorn and drink? Or quietly mention her concern?? I wasn't rude or mean in line, I spoke softly and pleasantly to AJ, the man behind the counter, and the lady in line who didn't want me to forget our 3-D glasses.
Oh well. You win some, you lose some. It's just sad how one bitter angry person can affect me. :(
I was stunned. I replied, "I am so sorry. I didn't even think about it." And walked away while I heard her continuing to grumble to everyone in line. I was so embarrassed. I started out pleased that AJ hadn't thrown a temper tantrum while we were waiting, becaused there were so many people in line and crowds really freak him out. .. .
Honestly, it NEVER occurred to me that this would be unhygienic. Thinking about it now, it makes sense. But I've been a mother for 5 years and it has not EVER crossed my mind!! OOPS!!
Why didn't the woman offer to hold him for me? Or help me with the popcorn and drink? Or quietly mention her concern?? I wasn't rude or mean in line, I spoke softly and pleasantly to AJ, the man behind the counter, and the lady in line who didn't want me to forget our 3-D glasses.
Oh well. You win some, you lose some. It's just sad how one bitter angry person can affect me. :(
Kindergarten Theology
Grace just told me:
"God will always love you, no matter what. And we should never be afraid. In the Bible, angels always say, 'Do not be afraid. Jesus is still here.'
Did you know that when Jesus grew up big and strong, a bad man saw him? And made him carry a big wooden heavy cross? And then he hung Jesus on the cross. And he DIED on the cross so that we won't die! "
Me: "That's right. That means that after we die, we get to go to Heaven."
GP: "Yes. And we'll be in heaven FOREVER! And then the pirates will be there, too!"
Pirates?
"God will always love you, no matter what. And we should never be afraid. In the Bible, angels always say, 'Do not be afraid. Jesus is still here.'
Did you know that when Jesus grew up big and strong, a bad man saw him? And made him carry a big wooden heavy cross? And then he hung Jesus on the cross. And he DIED on the cross so that we won't die! "
Me: "That's right. That means that after we die, we get to go to Heaven."
GP: "Yes. And we'll be in heaven FOREVER! And then the pirates will be there, too!"
Pirates?
LOST on ABC.com
Terry and I have really gotten into this lately. We have blockbuster online and have made it through season 2, episode 4 so far. It's a rather clever show.
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Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Business of Being Born
A friend of mine posted her impressions regarding The Business of Being Born. She and her husband felt it was anti-doctor and against hospitals. I just posted a loooong response on her blog, and thought I'd put it up on mine as a post. :) I hope that's okay, aimee!!!
I think "THe Business of Being Born" was one sided on purpose--because shows like Maternity Ward, and A Baby Story, tend to show mostly hospital births where the doctor swoops in to call all of the shots.
I wanted a natural birth desperately with Grace. My doctor, a Christian whom I trusted, told me I HAD to have a c/s. I didn't want one, I told him, and he said, "You HAVE to." Terry asked, "isn't there another way?" and we were told "no." My op record says that we OPTED for the procedure. And there was NO reason for a cesarean, other than the fact that labor was taking longer than the doctor wanted to wait.
The problem is that doctors DO have to be careful of liability. They are more likely to call shots based on potential legal issues than what's truly better for the mother.
Look at VBACs!!! I had to jump through all kinds of hoops to get a natural birth with AJ, because although VBACs are usually safer than multiple cesareans, most doctors won't risk their insurance.
I don't hate doctors. But I do believe that they are trained as surgeons first, baby catchers second.
When in labor, you are essentially helpless. You have NO control over what medication goes in your IV, whether the doctor breaks your water with your permission or without,whether you're allowed in the birthing tub or shower, etc. You are focusing on contractions and trying to make it moment by moment. A birth plan can be regarded--or disregarded--at the doctor's discretion. Who is going to check out of the hospital in the middle of heavy labor just because you don't like the way the doctor is treating you? Your options are severely limited, and the doctor and nursing staff know it. The staff want it easier on them, which means pressure for an epidural. Natural labor is HARD work and the staff find it more time consuming to help a patient going naturally.
The best thing we did was hire a doula. :) She helped ask the questions we didn't think to ask and I feel that her presence showed the hospital staff we were very serious about the birth experience we needed.
Anyhow. Not every birth experience is like that, and I don't mean to paint all hospitals and doctors with this paintbrush. But this IS the general state of birthing in the United States. That's why we must be so educated on what our bodies can actually do!!!!
I think "THe Business of Being Born" was one sided on purpose--because shows like Maternity Ward, and A Baby Story, tend to show mostly hospital births where the doctor swoops in to call all of the shots.
I wanted a natural birth desperately with Grace. My doctor, a Christian whom I trusted, told me I HAD to have a c/s. I didn't want one, I told him, and he said, "You HAVE to." Terry asked, "isn't there another way?" and we were told "no." My op record says that we OPTED for the procedure. And there was NO reason for a cesarean, other than the fact that labor was taking longer than the doctor wanted to wait.
The problem is that doctors DO have to be careful of liability. They are more likely to call shots based on potential legal issues than what's truly better for the mother.
Look at VBACs!!! I had to jump through all kinds of hoops to get a natural birth with AJ, because although VBACs are usually safer than multiple cesareans, most doctors won't risk their insurance.
I don't hate doctors. But I do believe that they are trained as surgeons first, baby catchers second.
When in labor, you are essentially helpless. You have NO control over what medication goes in your IV, whether the doctor breaks your water with your permission or without,whether you're allowed in the birthing tub or shower, etc. You are focusing on contractions and trying to make it moment by moment. A birth plan can be regarded--or disregarded--at the doctor's discretion. Who is going to check out of the hospital in the middle of heavy labor just because you don't like the way the doctor is treating you? Your options are severely limited, and the doctor and nursing staff know it. The staff want it easier on them, which means pressure for an epidural. Natural labor is HARD work and the staff find it more time consuming to help a patient going naturally.
The best thing we did was hire a doula. :) She helped ask the questions we didn't think to ask and I feel that her presence showed the hospital staff we were very serious about the birth experience we needed.
Anyhow. Not every birth experience is like that, and I don't mean to paint all hospitals and doctors with this paintbrush. But this IS the general state of birthing in the United States. That's why we must be so educated on what our bodies can actually do!!!!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Kissing
Grace has taken to chasing some boys around the playground, trying to kiss them. *rolls eyes* It's funny to her. I heard her giggling, telling a boy today that she's going to kiss him.
I mentioned that it's not okay to do that. She can kiss family--daddy, AJ, uncle Kyle, grandpa . . . but that's it.
It came up at lunch with Terry today and thankfully he said almost the exact same thing.
I mentioned that it's not okay to do that. She can kiss family--daddy, AJ, uncle Kyle, grandpa . . . but that's it.
It came up at lunch with Terry today and thankfully he said almost the exact same thing.
Search For Significance
This is a study my church has started, using the book of the same title. I'm excited about the book and hoping to learn much from it! It's written by a Christian psychotherapist, and I suspect it will do my mental health a world of good. :)
Meanwhile, we're waiting to make our big "we're moving" announcement. We've let those in leadership at our church know, and i think we're going to make it public knowledge starting tonight at our home group. In a way, I'm afraid that we're backing out of a mission. In another way, I feel like we've done what we needed to do.
Terry and I have grown so much, spiritually and emotionally. I've watched Terry step into church leadership like he was born for it. I've seen him talk to coworkers about his faith and what Jesus means to him. I've watched him minister to other men at church in accountability groups. I've heard him witness to his family and I've seen him be a great soccer coach for Grace. I love him more than I ever have before, and I do believe that Utah helped make a good marriage fabulous. We've grown closer as a result of having to depend on each other, and we've supported each other in difficult moments.
I will miss our church dearly. But I miss my family, friends, and the ocean more.
Meanwhile, we're waiting to make our big "we're moving" announcement. We've let those in leadership at our church know, and i think we're going to make it public knowledge starting tonight at our home group. In a way, I'm afraid that we're backing out of a mission. In another way, I feel like we've done what we needed to do.
Terry and I have grown so much, spiritually and emotionally. I've watched Terry step into church leadership like he was born for it. I've seen him talk to coworkers about his faith and what Jesus means to him. I've watched him minister to other men at church in accountability groups. I've heard him witness to his family and I've seen him be a great soccer coach for Grace. I love him more than I ever have before, and I do believe that Utah helped make a good marriage fabulous. We've grown closer as a result of having to depend on each other, and we've supported each other in difficult moments.
I will miss our church dearly. But I miss my family, friends, and the ocean more.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
More Angel
She got a hold of my Agatha Christie's "A Murder is Announced" today. We're setting up a video camera tomorrow. I can't wait to see what she does.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Home
Terry interviewed a few weeks ago for a position within his company that would take us back to the Space Coast. We didn't hear by the deadline of last week, and had pretty much given up hope.
I was disappointed. But I felt a sense of peace that whether we go or stay, I would bloom where I was planted.
Terry got the job today! YAY!!! Here's to blooming some hibiscus in Florida!
I was disappointed. But I felt a sense of peace that whether we go or stay, I would bloom where I was planted.
Terry got the job today! YAY!!! Here's to blooming some hibiscus in Florida!
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