#1 Homeschooling: When, What, Where (DisneyWorld?!... just kidding... kitchen table)
This has been a hard, hard, time in the Furious house. Not hard like the 2 years in Asheville hard... but just *important* and *important* decisions can be stressful. You want to make the best decision you can. Of course, in our house, that means 100% of the pressure is ON ME. You might not have picked up on this yet... but, well, I make all the decisions. Which sounds awesome, but, let's face it... it's a lot of pressure. Leadership can really wear on you. Trust me.
The homeschooling issue is even harder, because there is what Mr F and I think we should do (he does express his opinions... he just doesn't choose to have the responsibility of acting on decisions... lucky him), and then there is Kid. She has her own ideas and viewpoint, which I very much want to honor and respect. Yet, she is still a child and is incapable of making (nor should she) a decision of this magnitude. I'm really torn.
When school started we knew we weren't impressed with the academics by about week 2. But, we had hoped this would be a good social placement for her, and if she was happy and making friends... whatever... the academics would sort themselves out eventually. So, we said we'd wait until June to make a judgment about the academics and our future school plans for her. Then it started to become clear that she wasn't exactly making friends. Then it started to become clear that she was being teased. And then I started to think... what the Hell?!... She isn't having a good time socially, and academically she's bored and not retaining any info longer than what is needed for Friday's test.
The good news is that Kid is on board with our feelings... she's really insightful that way. She understands that the learning style is uninteresting to her, that they aren't actually learning any new information other than spelling words (which are literally forgotten by the next week), and that the kids are "meaner". But then she'll have a good-ish day. Someone will play with her, and she wants to keep trying school. And I totally get that. Of course, I can stand back and remove myself, and say one good day every ten is not good enough. But I completely get how it feels to want to be liked so badly that a little crumb feels like an entire cake and you want to hope so badly that things are changing!
We tried this week to review at the end of the day and label the day as *good* (I want to keep going), or *bad* (I want to homeschool). Out of 4 days she had one *good*. I wanted to be able to have some quantifiable evidence. To look at a calendar and see a pattern that is crystal clear.
I know (know) that she'll be happy at home. I just struggle with empathizing so much with where she is at. Putting so much in, risking rejection, and wanting to see it all pay off. As if in one more week suddenly all of the kids are going to *get it* and start really liking her. And even at 7, she can acknowledge that she doesn't think that is going to actually happen. That kids just are not as nice (to anyone) as they were at her old school (got to love the Hippies on that front!), but she doesn't want to give up hope. Oh it breaks my heart. I am so very proud of her, for trying so hard.
But, ultimately we have to step in and say enough it enough, the good doesn't out way the bad in this situation. On the weekends (and truthfully the mornings) she's always ready to homeschool... but... then there will be some event coming up (fieldtrip, Halloween parade, etc) that she doesn't want to miss... and then, that's another week. And because of that, I think this could just keep dragging on. I think what we need is a deadline, and at this point, I think Christmas break is a good one. It's a natural end, she won't feel that she is leaving in the midst of things. There is absolutely no question in my mind, that after a 2 week break she will not want to go back to school.... she won't. By then, if she has friends, we'll know about it. If she hasn't had a playdate by Christmas, I think we can write it off and walk away pretty easily. We can enroll her in the homeschool school which starts a new session in January, it gives me time to get our curriculum lined up.
This plan will also allow her the opportunity to bring a snack to school for her birthday next week (something, obviously, all kids look forward to... she also really wants me to bring something with a number 8 on it to prove to her mean desk neighbor that she is in fact older than her! Believe you me.... I will really enjoy making those cupcakes!).
Yesterday, Kid and I talked about Christmas break, and she seemed relieved. She wants closure, but more importantly she wants to do it in a way that doesn't stick out. Everyone packs up for winter break. I get it. I'm behind it. I just hope we can make it 8 more weeks, without all of us needing anti-depressants.
Of course, this could all be out the window if next week we get a 5 out of 5 *bad* day report.
I mean, Thanksgiving could be a good natural closure too ;)
#2 We told her about Dasher. Seeing as he can't play anymore and just lays in one spot all day, etc... I started to fear he might not make it another week. Honestly every time I see him I have to check that he is still breathing. Just last weekend he was still running around the house like a maniac. It is really, really, sad. More on that tomorrow. #1 was about 5 paragraphs longer than I planned, and I'm sure you have some other things to do today.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Oh Man
This is a sad, depressing situation.
No one wants to see a 5 month old kitten go from playful to restricted movement in the span of a week.
Dasher (Kid's cat, also briefly and incorrectly termed Fatty for a few days) has IFP, a rare and fatal complication of an extremely common cat virus.
He has weeks to live, although at some point his quality of life will have deteriorated to the point that we'll need to put him down.
Probably in a week.
It is heartbreaking on so many levels.
And the fact that he and his brother sleep nose to nose isn't making it easier.
God...
No one wants to see a 5 month old kitten go from playful to restricted movement in the span of a week.
Dasher (Kid's cat, also briefly and incorrectly termed Fatty for a few days) has IFP, a rare and fatal complication of an extremely common cat virus.
He has weeks to live, although at some point his quality of life will have deteriorated to the point that we'll need to put him down.
Probably in a week.
It is heartbreaking on so many levels.
And the fact that he and his brother sleep nose to nose isn't making it easier.
God...
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Update of The Day
"Fatty" is not fat.
He's dying.
He's also Kid's cat.
She still actively grieves over Canine.
So, yeah, this is not going to go over well.
At all.
He's dying.
He's also Kid's cat.
She still actively grieves over Canine.
So, yeah, this is not going to go over well.
At all.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Overwhelmed!
Sorry. I'm 100% consumed by this curriculum search and finalizing our next steps.
Gotta go.
Kid cried in school yesterday.
Gotta go.
Kid cried in school yesterday.
Monday, October 18, 2010
A List
#1 Mr F finally got my treadmill taken apart, put in the basement, and put back together. I can finally start working out... but... where is the damn safety stop cord?!!! I can't power it up without it!
Mr F and I have both spotted it lying around the house in the last two months, but neither of us can remember where... except that it wasn't where it should have been. Nothing is more frustrating than knowing you've seen something but not being able to remember where!
#2 One cat looks like a disgusting leper, the other has spontaneously gained a tremendous amount of weight (neutered... and male... so not pregs) and suddenly looks like a giant fur covered light bulb with a small kitten head. It's ridiculous. My theory is that while we were away last weekend he ate ALL of the food I left out for both cats for the full two days. I now call him Fatty. I call the other one Disease. I can't wait to try and wrangle them up and cover them is nasty sulphur solution this afternoon. My favorite smell! And it stains!
#3 Baby looks so freaking adorable I can't wipe my large stupid grin off my face. She could pee on the floor and I'd be like "You're so cute!"
#4 Kid went to school today. She wanted one more week to be sure she wants to homeschool. (Although Mr F reports that all the way to school she was moaning out: "Homeschool! Homeschool!") There has been a lot of explaining that homeschooling isn't the same as calling in sick. She can't homeschool one day and go to school the next, which was kind of what she had been assuming. We also spent the end of last week reviewing different curriculums and doing placement tests. I've settled on a math curriculum that I think will fit her better than any instruction she's had yet. I'm ordering that today. For homeschoolers out there (the only ones who will probably be interested in this) I've gone back and forth about getting a full boxed curriculum set (re:sonlight, etc) or piecemealing it together.. which obviously requires a lot more work. For Kid it isn't school or school structure that is the problem... it is purely social... so she might respond well to a set structured routine. The downside is that I've heard mixed reviews about some of the components and don't think they are 100% the right fit. And isn't that the whole beauty of this? That we can pick components that are all uniquely challenging, stimulating, and appropriate for one learner? I'll try to hammer this stuff out this week.
That's it. Oh and we're getting our new carpet this weekend!
Mr F and I have both spotted it lying around the house in the last two months, but neither of us can remember where... except that it wasn't where it should have been. Nothing is more frustrating than knowing you've seen something but not being able to remember where!
#2 One cat looks like a disgusting leper, the other has spontaneously gained a tremendous amount of weight (neutered... and male... so not pregs) and suddenly looks like a giant fur covered light bulb with a small kitten head. It's ridiculous. My theory is that while we were away last weekend he ate ALL of the food I left out for both cats for the full two days. I now call him Fatty. I call the other one Disease. I can't wait to try and wrangle them up and cover them is nasty sulphur solution this afternoon. My favorite smell! And it stains!
#3 Baby looks so freaking adorable I can't wipe my large stupid grin off my face. She could pee on the floor and I'd be like "You're so cute!"
#4 Kid went to school today. She wanted one more week to be sure she wants to homeschool. (Although Mr F reports that all the way to school she was moaning out: "Homeschool! Homeschool!") There has been a lot of explaining that homeschooling isn't the same as calling in sick. She can't homeschool one day and go to school the next, which was kind of what she had been assuming. We also spent the end of last week reviewing different curriculums and doing placement tests. I've settled on a math curriculum that I think will fit her better than any instruction she's had yet. I'm ordering that today. For homeschoolers out there (the only ones who will probably be interested in this) I've gone back and forth about getting a full boxed curriculum set (re:sonlight, etc) or piecemealing it together.. which obviously requires a lot more work. For Kid it isn't school or school structure that is the problem... it is purely social... so she might respond well to a set structured routine. The downside is that I've heard mixed reviews about some of the components and don't think they are 100% the right fit. And isn't that the whole beauty of this? That we can pick components that are all uniquely challenging, stimulating, and appropriate for one learner? I'll try to hammer this stuff out this week.
That's it. Oh and we're getting our new carpet this weekend!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Makeover... Baby Addition
Up until now Baby has not been a fan of haircuts. For an entire year the only way I could trim her bangs was if she fell asleep in the car, strapped into her carseat (and that did not make for a very even trim). Then one day a few months ago she woke up mid trim and, well, she never let me near her again. Hence the long bangs in the eyes look she's been sporting since last winter.
On a lark I asked the girls if tonight was Haircut Night and Baby joyously yell that it was. And then she sat (mostly still) while I cut away. Then she'd get down from her stool run to the bathroom to check it out, return and ask for more. Mr F and I were flabbergasted. And more than a little afraid that half way through she'd freak... and... well... look like a freak. But, as always, that girl knew what she wanted, and she made it through till the end.
Before:
(Just kidding... and, NO, it was not cold that day)
After:
(don't mind her homemade double arm cat toys!)
On a lark I asked the girls if tonight was Haircut Night and Baby joyously yell that it was. And then she sat (mostly still) while I cut away. Then she'd get down from her stool run to the bathroom to check it out, return and ask for more. Mr F and I were flabbergasted. And more than a little afraid that half way through she'd freak... and... well... look like a freak. But, as always, that girl knew what she wanted, and she made it through till the end.
Before:
(Just kidding... and, NO, it was not cold that day)
After:
(don't mind her homemade double arm cat toys!)
Friday, October 15, 2010
The Cats Have Ringworm
Do you need me to go on?
I spent the entire day yesterday washing everything they've been on (everything) and vacuuming. Dipping them in a nasty sulphur solution. And trying to quarantine them. This is a goddamn nightmare. And it could go on for weeks if not a month or more. (They had it all along, just weren't showing symptoms when we adopted them).
Oh... and now I have it.
Awesome.
And Kid is routinely found reading in bed (nude) with cats nestled up on either side... so... um... I think she's next.
And, of course, this all went down while Mr F was out of town. Isn't that always the way?
Yes, it is.
It's like the lice all over again.
And I still managed to make Kid a kickass hair bow for her Cheerleading performance (thank you YouTube tutorial).
Oh and Kid didn't go to school today, or yesterday.
More to come.
I spent the entire day yesterday washing everything they've been on (everything) and vacuuming. Dipping them in a nasty sulphur solution. And trying to quarantine them. This is a goddamn nightmare. And it could go on for weeks if not a month or more. (They had it all along, just weren't showing symptoms when we adopted them).
Oh... and now I have it.
Awesome.
And Kid is routinely found reading in bed (nude) with cats nestled up on either side... so... um... I think she's next.
And, of course, this all went down while Mr F was out of town. Isn't that always the way?
Yes, it is.
It's like the lice all over again.
And I still managed to make Kid a kickass hair bow for her Cheerleading performance (thank you YouTube tutorial).
Oh and Kid didn't go to school today, or yesterday.
More to come.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Dear Mr F
I accidentally watched 2 episodes of Lost last night.
I'm sorry.
I tried not to.
But, well, you know how it is.
P.S. It took a turn for the MUCH better. So, you'll want to hop on it.
I'm sorry.
I tried not to.
But, well, you know how it is.
P.S. It took a turn for the MUCH better. So, you'll want to hop on it.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Pep Talks
So, lately, I've been saying things in my head.
Like...
"You don't need anyone's approval."
And...
"Your an adult woman who successful manages a family."
And...
"To Hell with them."
And...
"It's okay to do the right thing...
even if it makes everyone else uncomfortable."
We've been giving some things a lot of thought and consideration.
We've been waiting and seeing.
We've been trying to dampen down our feelings.
We've been second guessing ourselves.
We've been stressed and upset.
Then we tried to avoid it and started talking about adopting handicapped children.
Cause that would make everything less stressful... right?
And then this morning I'm walking around beating myself up.
Why can't I just stand up for what I think is right?
Why do I care what OTHER people will think?
I don't even agree with those people, so why on Earth would I let the fear of their judgments hold me back from doing what is best for my family?
Or at least trying.
Trying to choose to live a different life.
One that is supportive and challenging.
Not unsupportive and challenging.
Why do I keep setting a deadline that's several months away?
Why do I need to allow us to continue suffering when I know it isn't working?
Why can't I just stand up for what I believe in, TODAY?
Peer pressure that's why.
I'm always battling that demon.
So maybe I'll just say it here.
We're taking Kid out of school.
Hopefully soon.
It's not working.
There is some bullying.
There is intensely disappointing academics.
There is a classroom structure that I just fundamentally disagree with.
Kid is bored.
And exhausted from getting too little sleep.
Kid is tantruming after school.
Kid still has no friends.
And it is just a slow, corrosive torture on our whole family.
Kid used to love school.
Now when I get her after school she isn't excited to tell me about her day.
She's just sort of dull in the eyes.
Every day is like the one before, and she's just getting through it.
And I just don't believe a child should spend 7 hours a day like that.
And it's hurting my heart that I'm letting it happen.
That I'm more worried about what other people think, then what is actually happening.
So, we're going to pursue something better.
Like...
"You don't need anyone's approval."
And...
"Your an adult woman who successful manages a family."
And...
"To Hell with them."
And...
"It's okay to do the right thing...
even if it makes everyone else uncomfortable."
We've been giving some things a lot of thought and consideration.
We've been waiting and seeing.
We've been trying to dampen down our feelings.
We've been second guessing ourselves.
We've been stressed and upset.
Then we tried to avoid it and started talking about adopting handicapped children.
Cause that would make everything less stressful... right?
And then this morning I'm walking around beating myself up.
Why can't I just stand up for what I think is right?
Why do I care what OTHER people will think?
I don't even agree with those people, so why on Earth would I let the fear of their judgments hold me back from doing what is best for my family?
Or at least trying.
Trying to choose to live a different life.
One that is supportive and challenging.
Not unsupportive and challenging.
Why do I keep setting a deadline that's several months away?
Why do I need to allow us to continue suffering when I know it isn't working?
Why can't I just stand up for what I believe in, TODAY?
Peer pressure that's why.
I'm always battling that demon.
So maybe I'll just say it here.
We're taking Kid out of school.
Hopefully soon.
It's not working.
There is some bullying.
There is intensely disappointing academics.
There is a classroom structure that I just fundamentally disagree with.
Kid is bored.
And exhausted from getting too little sleep.
Kid is tantruming after school.
Kid still has no friends.
And it is just a slow, corrosive torture on our whole family.
Kid used to love school.
Now when I get her after school she isn't excited to tell me about her day.
She's just sort of dull in the eyes.
Every day is like the one before, and she's just getting through it.
And I just don't believe a child should spend 7 hours a day like that.
And it's hurting my heart that I'm letting it happen.
That I'm more worried about what other people think, then what is actually happening.
So, we're going to pursue something better.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Polar Opposites
While it was not our intention, both of our girls left the American Girl Place with little expensive versions of themselves. Kid opted not to get suckered into the retiring of historical dolls (after a lengthy discussion of this marketing ploy... because once you start down that path where will it end?!). She picked out her mini me and we sprang for glasses to boot. I was hoping this might make the doll more of a play doll and less of a *too special to play* doll (like Kaya turned out to be).
Baby had just assumed she was getting a doll too. Um... she was not. And she was not happy to hear it. After some thought (we made the girls think about their choice for 2 days before we made our purchases), we decided to let her get one of the Bitty Baby twin dolls... which looked enough like her to meet her needs (and was half the price).
Once we got them back to the hotel room we unpacked them.
Baby immediately started brushing her doll's hair.
She slept with her doll slung across her chest, one real cheek joined to one plastic one (glued with sweat).
Kid put her doll carefully on an upholstered bench.
The next morning she had her doll boxed back up for travel.
Baby's doll rode in the back in her own seat with seat belt.
Kid's doll rode safely in it's box.
Baby's slept in the bed last night.
Kid's doll slept in it's box, where it had been since the morning before.
Kid's doll is still safe and sound and in perfect condition in it's box.
Baby's doll has a noose around it's neck and is being thrown forcefully face first onto the cold hard floor.
Baby had just assumed she was getting a doll too. Um... she was not. And she was not happy to hear it. After some thought (we made the girls think about their choice for 2 days before we made our purchases), we decided to let her get one of the Bitty Baby twin dolls... which looked enough like her to meet her needs (and was half the price).
Once we got them back to the hotel room we unpacked them.
Baby immediately started brushing her doll's hair.
She slept with her doll slung across her chest, one real cheek joined to one plastic one (glued with sweat).
Kid put her doll carefully on an upholstered bench.
The next morning she had her doll boxed back up for travel.
Baby's doll rode in the back in her own seat with seat belt.
Kid's doll rode safely in it's box.
Baby's slept in the bed last night.
Kid's doll slept in it's box, where it had been since the morning before.
Kid's doll is still safe and sound and in perfect condition in it's box.
Baby's doll has a noose around it's neck and is being thrown forcefully face first onto the cold hard floor.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
We're Off To See The Wizard
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Of course, last night at midnight, Mr F said "Shall we talk about tomorrow?"
And I knew right then that he was not able to take today off as we had hoped.
He said he'd just go in in the the morning.
I think we all know that "morning" can be a highly variable term.
And, ahem, technically over by now.
I'm expecting a 5 PM departure (as I have all week... I'm no dummy).
Nevermind. More time to make ShrinkyDinks.
Just in case you're wondering our weekend plans include:
This.
This.
This.
This.
and
This.
(also sleeping in as late as we can, not worrying about bedtime, swimming in the hotel pool, ordering breakfast in bed, and hopefully NOT catching bedbugs)
Just overheard...
"Really, there is no need to put your face in my G!"
So... uh... gotta go.
Of course, last night at midnight, Mr F said "Shall we talk about tomorrow?"
And I knew right then that he was not able to take today off as we had hoped.
He said he'd just go in in the the morning.
I think we all know that "morning" can be a highly variable term.
And, ahem, technically over by now.
I'm expecting a 5 PM departure (as I have all week... I'm no dummy).
Nevermind. More time to make ShrinkyDinks.
Just in case you're wondering our weekend plans include:
This.
This.
This.
This.
and
This.
(also sleeping in as late as we can, not worrying about bedtime, swimming in the hotel pool, ordering breakfast in bed, and hopefully NOT catching bedbugs)
Just overheard...
"Really, there is no need to put your face in my G!"
So... uh... gotta go.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Let Me Just Say... I'm Getting Tired
Of making dinners Mr F never comes home in time to eat.
Lots of things are better.
But a couple of things are worse.
Mr F works less in total... but... he works more during our children's waking hours (as in all of them).
And he sometimes goes a couple of days without really ever seeing them.
And he regularly misses out on their things and their life.
It's been really hard on most of us (except Baby... she just refers to him as "THEE IDIOT" now)
We're going away for the weekend.
We'll be brainstorming some solutions.
And buying large historic dolls.
Because nothing brings a family closer than spending money on large dolls.
Lots of things are better.
But a couple of things are worse.
Mr F works less in total... but... he works more during our children's waking hours (as in all of them).
And he sometimes goes a couple of days without really ever seeing them.
And he regularly misses out on their things and their life.
It's been really hard on most of us (except Baby... she just refers to him as "THEE IDIOT" now)
We're going away for the weekend.
We'll be brainstorming some solutions.
And buying large historic dolls.
Because nothing brings a family closer than spending money on large dolls.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Maybe This Will Go Away Soon
It seems like I can't seem to maintain the blog these days.
I'm sorry about that.
I've had a strange headache since Thursday.
I feel like my brain is trying to expand beyond my skull.
So, you know, that makes looking at the computer a little less enjoyable.
It's not just you I'm neglecting.
I didn't take baby to her class this morning (because it bores the shit out of me and the brain pressure is a good excuse).
Plus, Kid starts Brownies tonight.
I had to save up my energy for that.
Oh, and Mr F's magazine is closing* this week OF COURSE (for the 2 or so readers that have any idea what that means... well, they'll know that not feeling well this week is the worst kind of luck).
And next week Mr F will be on a work trip ALL week.
He's going to miss Kid's cheer debut at the JV football game (don't tell her).
She's going to be HOT.
* this month's issue... the magazine is not folding... no worries!
I'm sorry about that.
I've had a strange headache since Thursday.
I feel like my brain is trying to expand beyond my skull.
So, you know, that makes looking at the computer a little less enjoyable.
It's not just you I'm neglecting.
I didn't take baby to her class this morning (because it bores the shit out of me and the brain pressure is a good excuse).
Plus, Kid starts Brownies tonight.
I had to save up my energy for that.
Oh, and Mr F's magazine is closing* this week OF COURSE (for the 2 or so readers that have any idea what that means... well, they'll know that not feeling well this week is the worst kind of luck).
And next week Mr F will be on a work trip ALL week.
He's going to miss Kid's cheer debut at the JV football game (don't tell her).
She's going to be HOT.
* this month's issue... the magazine is not folding... no worries!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sneak Peaks
I've been wanting to wait until Kid's room was 100% done... but we're still waiting on those new carpets, and a couple small projects that may or may not get done soon (or ever... although we have the best of intentions!).
You may recall that Kid's room was the first one we tackled (in large part thanks to my Aunt Alice!).
Kid wanted a more grown up room than the one she left behind.
A lot of ideas came and went.
After viewing The Little Princess, and having a large cache of goods from a trip to India, I suggested we go with an Indian theme.
My aunt graciously offered to take it to the next level with her mural skills.
BEFORE:
DURING:
First came the blue:
Then the foliage:
Then the animals:
AFTER:
We're all really happy with it! Unbelievably it only took my aunt three days to paint the entire room! I've had a great time hunting all the finishing touches. I'm also pretty happy that when Kid outgrows this, everything I've bought can be repurposed somewhere else in the house.
Details:
The curtains are 2 Saris I brought back from India. Behind them I had cotton sheers from Ikea ($12... cut off tabs and used the hem as a pole pocket). The curtain rod is an old double rod from PB we had.
The bedding is from Ikea ($30/set). The throw pillows are from Cost Plus World Market ($19/ea) in their Eat Love Pray area. The painted mirror is also from CPWM in the clearance section ($40). The painting I brought back from India. The tin lantern I already had. The little jeweled lamp is from Target ($9). The elephant lamp is from an antiques fair ($30), and still needs shades. The little chair and dresser are family antiques I already had. The throw on the chair is a fashion scarf from Target ($12). The bed frames we had and are from Ikea (Minnen... $100?/ea). The bookcase (I'm going to paint) is just a solid wood folding bookcase we've used in our craft area. Bean bag (Kid insisted!... and, well, it is her room) from Target ($19). The bedside table is the old white one we had in her room with a piece of fabric my aunt had swaged over it to hide it. All in all I spent about $185 decorating this room. My aunt furnished the paint (again, thank you!!) so that cost is not included.
The LATER:
We're still waiting on the new carpet. I also think I'm going to put in our large green/purple floral area rug that we had in our old room. We're also going to install a ceiling fan over the beds to replace that light (if I can get one that isn't too expensive we're looking for one of the palm leaf style ones), and a new light fixture closer to the doors. We're also putting up a couple of picture ledges for her to display her collectibles, and hanging the mirror, and hanging that lantern from the ceiling by the left bed to balance out the tree.
And we're going to rearrange the shelves in this mega closet:
To make a built in desk.
You may recall that Kid's room was the first one we tackled (in large part thanks to my Aunt Alice!).
Kid wanted a more grown up room than the one she left behind.
A lot of ideas came and went.
After viewing The Little Princess, and having a large cache of goods from a trip to India, I suggested we go with an Indian theme.
My aunt graciously offered to take it to the next level with her mural skills.
BEFORE:
DURING:
First came the blue:
Then the foliage:
Then the animals:
AFTER:
We're all really happy with it! Unbelievably it only took my aunt three days to paint the entire room! I've had a great time hunting all the finishing touches. I'm also pretty happy that when Kid outgrows this, everything I've bought can be repurposed somewhere else in the house.
Details:
The curtains are 2 Saris I brought back from India. Behind them I had cotton sheers from Ikea ($12... cut off tabs and used the hem as a pole pocket). The curtain rod is an old double rod from PB we had.
The bedding is from Ikea ($30/set). The throw pillows are from Cost Plus World Market ($19/ea) in their Eat Love Pray area. The painted mirror is also from CPWM in the clearance section ($40). The painting I brought back from India. The tin lantern I already had. The little jeweled lamp is from Target ($9). The elephant lamp is from an antiques fair ($30), and still needs shades. The little chair and dresser are family antiques I already had. The throw on the chair is a fashion scarf from Target ($12). The bed frames we had and are from Ikea (Minnen... $100?/ea). The bookcase (I'm going to paint) is just a solid wood folding bookcase we've used in our craft area. Bean bag (Kid insisted!... and, well, it is her room) from Target ($19). The bedside table is the old white one we had in her room with a piece of fabric my aunt had swaged over it to hide it. All in all I spent about $185 decorating this room. My aunt furnished the paint (again, thank you!!) so that cost is not included.
The LATER:
We're still waiting on the new carpet. I also think I'm going to put in our large green/purple floral area rug that we had in our old room. We're also going to install a ceiling fan over the beds to replace that light (if I can get one that isn't too expensive we're looking for one of the palm leaf style ones), and a new light fixture closer to the doors. We're also putting up a couple of picture ledges for her to display her collectibles, and hanging the mirror, and hanging that lantern from the ceiling by the left bed to balance out the tree.
And we're going to rearrange the shelves in this mega closet:
To make a built in desk.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The New Deal
I have officially embarked on Operation Physique Transformation. That is what I like to refer to it as, since so far the kids don't know that that means that I think I'm fat.
It's gotten colder and I do not fit in ANYTHING. No exaggeration.... not even my fatter pants I bought last year. I finally busted out the old scale and, welp, I've managed to gain ANOTHER 5 pounds. On top of the 8 I've been battling ever since I broke me ol' ass... almost two freaking years ago! I was really hoping walking Kid to and from school would help. Who knows maybe it has?... which is even more frightening to contemplate.
Either way, I'm having to come to terms with some unfortunate facts:
I'm older, and FOR REAL being in your 30s makes losing weight a lot harder. Every year since I turned 30 has seemed to make letting go of a few pounds much, much, harder.
I'm probably only burning about 1200 calories a day. I think I've been eating closer to 2000. There is quite a large discrepancy there. One that includes cupcakes.
My life is different than it was a couple of years ago when I was so successful at losing weight. My kids are older and need me more and require even more of my time. Not just the activities and such, but the homework, the sexiness guidance, etc. There is a lot more involved time now than when they were little. And because of that, and other family management factors, I don't have time I can devote to working out in the evenings (my preferred and tried and true timing). It's very hard for me to accept this reality, because I know that evening workouts is a recipe for personal success and I'm frustrated that I can't do that now.
I was hoping the walking I'm doing with the kids (up to 5 miles a day) would be enough... but it's not. I might be able to maintain that way, but it is not enough to help me to lose this extra weight. I'm going to need to add other workouts in during my time home with Baby in the day. Unfortunately with errands and meals and classes, etc... there is little time and I'm feeling tired and overwhelmed by it all already. Or am I just sabotaging? I debate that everyday. Should I listen to myself... or am I lying to myself? I'm already walking 1.5-2 hours a day... I don't really have more time than that. (Although I found the time to write this) On Tuesday I did the step aerobic dvd when I got home from taking Kid to school. Baby played quietly next to me with the doll house we left in the basement. It was doable... I know I just have to suck it up and do it until I get back in the groove. It's so much easier once you get going... I know that... but it doesn't make it easier NOW.
I need to calorie count and stop buying snacks allegedly for the kids at Trader Joe's. 99% of the time I eat them. TJ why do you do it to me? Anyway, I've been counting for the last 3 days. I know if I can stick with it I'll see results soon and the rest of this will then be much easier to follow through on. I can either do this now, or I can feel badly about myself indefinitely. I know I can do this and that it will be so much more rewarding and fulfilling to KEEP doing it... once the ball gets rolling. It's just hard to toe the line the first couple weeks.
I must prevail, dammit!
It's gotten colder and I do not fit in ANYTHING. No exaggeration.... not even my fatter pants I bought last year. I finally busted out the old scale and, welp, I've managed to gain ANOTHER 5 pounds. On top of the 8 I've been battling ever since I broke me ol' ass... almost two freaking years ago! I was really hoping walking Kid to and from school would help. Who knows maybe it has?... which is even more frightening to contemplate.
Either way, I'm having to come to terms with some unfortunate facts:
I'm older, and FOR REAL being in your 30s makes losing weight a lot harder. Every year since I turned 30 has seemed to make letting go of a few pounds much, much, harder.
I'm probably only burning about 1200 calories a day. I think I've been eating closer to 2000. There is quite a large discrepancy there. One that includes cupcakes.
My life is different than it was a couple of years ago when I was so successful at losing weight. My kids are older and need me more and require even more of my time. Not just the activities and such, but the homework, the sexiness guidance, etc. There is a lot more involved time now than when they were little. And because of that, and other family management factors, I don't have time I can devote to working out in the evenings (my preferred and tried and true timing). It's very hard for me to accept this reality, because I know that evening workouts is a recipe for personal success and I'm frustrated that I can't do that now.
I was hoping the walking I'm doing with the kids (up to 5 miles a day) would be enough... but it's not. I might be able to maintain that way, but it is not enough to help me to lose this extra weight. I'm going to need to add other workouts in during my time home with Baby in the day. Unfortunately with errands and meals and classes, etc... there is little time and I'm feeling tired and overwhelmed by it all already. Or am I just sabotaging? I debate that everyday. Should I listen to myself... or am I lying to myself? I'm already walking 1.5-2 hours a day... I don't really have more time than that. (Although I found the time to write this) On Tuesday I did the step aerobic dvd when I got home from taking Kid to school. Baby played quietly next to me with the doll house we left in the basement. It was doable... I know I just have to suck it up and do it until I get back in the groove. It's so much easier once you get going... I know that... but it doesn't make it easier NOW.
I need to calorie count and stop buying snacks allegedly for the kids at Trader Joe's. 99% of the time I eat them. TJ why do you do it to me? Anyway, I've been counting for the last 3 days. I know if I can stick with it I'll see results soon and the rest of this will then be much easier to follow through on. I can either do this now, or I can feel badly about myself indefinitely. I know I can do this and that it will be so much more rewarding and fulfilling to KEEP doing it... once the ball gets rolling. It's just hard to toe the line the first couple weeks.
I must prevail, dammit!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
A List (Of Recommendations)
Or boring life details you never cared to know.
#1 I like for us to eat oats for breakfast. I think limiting wheat is important, and we've gone through different phases of wheat avoidance for health reasons... but in general the kids and I eat oat cereal, or some such oat product, for breakfast. Even this one small change does make a difference.
On that note I have recently discovered a new oat cereal (warning: not organic)
I originally picked this up for Mr F. He is, by far, the pickiest most "white bready" style eater in the house. For this I damn him all the time. Anyway, Mr F loves to eat Apple Cinnamon Cheerios or something like that and pretend it's healthy. It's not. Even the raisin bran he likes has more sugar than Lucky Charms. So this seemed like a good compromise choice. Yes, it has some sugar (8g) but it also has 9 g of Fiber... 5 insoluble. It also has slightly more protein and similar sodium to plain Cheerios. I prefer to mix it half and half with regular Os for myself. It isn't very sweet but it does have a strong cinnamon taste. But more importantly, I will report that Kid said last week "Mom, when I eat that cereal I don't have a sick butt in the morning." So. Nuff said. Because that had been a problem. I promptly went to the store and bought two more boxes!
#2 Mr F and I have been watching 2-5 episodes of Lost EVERY.SINGLE.NIGHT. for the last month. We're just starting season 4 now. Holy Mother. We mocked Lost and Lost viewers relentlessly over the years. Anytime we saw a Lost commercial we'd say ... "Thank God we never got started with that crap!"
Um... we beg your forgiveness. There really aren't words to describe how awesome it is. Even, now, in the 4th season when things have kind of gotten a little crappy... it's still good.
Since moving we have not gotten any kind of TV service. And, people, I love it. Yes, I miss an occasional Oprah or Top Chef... but for the most part (thanks in no small part to Lost being such a prolific show) we don't regret it. We went through a phase during our separation where in order to survive I had to have the TV on... a lot. As a family we've had different TV viewing habits. I am a strong proponent of NO TV for kids... and we managed to maintain that with Kid for several years. Baby, not so much. And with the kids I do find that when it isn't an option they play SO MUCH MORE. There is no whining and asking for shows. There is no caving in. There is no feeling guilty for letting one show turn into 3 because I'm kind of enjoying the break. When they watch TV regularly it is always an issue... they are always asking for it... and when they aren't watching it during those higher TV viewing phases they are needier and more demanding and less satisfied to play on their own. When we don't have it at all ... I don't know how to even describe it... it's like we NEVER had it. They don't ask. (Although I should note that there is a short adjustment period. I found actually NOT having TV service was easier for them to accept, and there were only a few days of complaining, than in the past when I've just tried to put a ban on. No TV is kind of hard to get around when there is NO TV service.)
So, in light of that. We have not turned it on. We go to the library (where they have all the seasons of Lost!) and I rent Lost and a couple kid movies and on the weekend, or whenever the kids might watch a movie. This is completely satisfying to them. And there are no more sexy/violent commercials for me to have to intercept!
This weekend, after finding someone had checked out season 4 of Lost (the horrors!!!) we signed up for a free trial of Netflix (they have Lost for live streaming!). We got a Samsung blu-ray player with a 10 year old store credit Mr F found (go Crutchfield! They honored it!) so we could get Netflix (seriously, we are that behind the times... and we don't have a gaming system we could have used).
When we sat down to watch Lost, and brought it up through Netflix, Mr F said "I can't believe this magic box!"
And, really, I had that feeling people must have had when they first got a TV.
It's kind of amazing.
That's that. On average the kids watch 1 or 2 movies a week. I'm hoping Netflix doesn't push us over that. Only time will tell.
#3 I'm kind of loving this right now...
In general I am not a juice for kids person. And I am slightly disgruntled that Naked doesn't make this in an Organic version (which heads up Naked I'd be happy to pay a little more for!). But I've been happy to have this on hand these days. The summer fruit season is coming to an end here and this product has some crazy amount of fruit in it. It is a fruit puree and juice mix (strawberry & banana puree, apple & orange juice). It has more strawberries than anything else (11 per serving) and nothing is added to this product. And it is naturally low in sodium and high in potassium. On the days when Baby isn't eating anything (99 out of 100) she will drink a cup of this. And on the day that Kid buys lunch at school (Mac & Cheese day) I send her a thermos of this so I know she at least had some kind of vegetation. If you buy the little bottles this is extremely expensive. But I've recently found these large 64 oz bottles for 6 bucks. Which for the 94 strawberries alone is cheaper than I could make this at home for. Plus, we all know, if I tried to make this the kids would not drink it. It would surely be, in Baby's words, "agusting". That's just how the cookie crumbles around here.
On the lunch front Kid still brings her lunch the rest of the days. I had to go buy a lumberjack's lunch bag because Kid told me I wasn't sending her enough food. I had filled her lunch bag! Well, I had to upsize. It is hilarious. And it weighs about 10 pounds. It comes home empty. Typically she is getting sent a thermos of milk (with milk ice cubes to keep it extra cold!), an cheese stick, and fruit (berries,etc) for her snack. A water bottle, an entree (yes I said that... typically pasta dish... or leftovers... or a smoked salmon sandwich... or a turkey hotdog), a cut up orange, and chocolate bear crackers (everyone has dessert!). It takes me 30 minutes to prepare and pack her lunch everyday. It is my least favorite parenting responsibility. I hate it! This is why I've conceded to let her buy on Mac & Cheese day. And on that day, when all I have to do is make her snack... I think "ah, this is why people let their kids buy lunch". I just wish they had healthier lunches. Thankfully, on that front, Kid isn't interested in most of them.
When she gets home from school she has another snack.
That girl keeps me in the kitchen.
Oh on the lunch front I'm obsessed with this mother's lunches. I would really like to be able to do something like that. But with Kid's intake requirements I'd be at it all morning.
#4 The Safety Vests. By now, the vest are deserving of their own post. But I would like to report that since wearing them, we have a MUCH easier time crossing the main road. Previously we had to wait & wait & wait until there was a sufficient break in traffic. Now everyone sees us. I can see every driver turn and notice us, whether we're waiting at the crosswalk or walking down the sidewalk, or along our street that has no sidewalks. This is key when you want to not get hit by a car... being noticed. It is very easy (as we all know) to be distracted (the number of people on their phones is insane) or in a zone and not notice what is going on outside of your car. Not anymore. And because of our visibility I have seen a significant increase in decent drivers that realize... oh... they want to cross the street. Not every car, mind you. But 2-3 out of 4 trips a car will stop AT THE CROSSWALK and let us cross. Which in turn gets the other cars to stop. This is huge. And it seems to be catching on. And SO completely worth any wardrobe angst. Also, on the way home from school, when I have Baby in her stroller, I attach my vest to her stroller hood (perfectly covers it) and that makes a great high visibility stroller (which is important since the stroller hits the road FIRST).
#1 I like for us to eat oats for breakfast. I think limiting wheat is important, and we've gone through different phases of wheat avoidance for health reasons... but in general the kids and I eat oat cereal, or some such oat product, for breakfast. Even this one small change does make a difference.
On that note I have recently discovered a new oat cereal (warning: not organic)
I originally picked this up for Mr F. He is, by far, the pickiest most "white bready" style eater in the house. For this I damn him all the time. Anyway, Mr F loves to eat Apple Cinnamon Cheerios or something like that and pretend it's healthy. It's not. Even the raisin bran he likes has more sugar than Lucky Charms. So this seemed like a good compromise choice. Yes, it has some sugar (8g) but it also has 9 g of Fiber... 5 insoluble. It also has slightly more protein and similar sodium to plain Cheerios. I prefer to mix it half and half with regular Os for myself. It isn't very sweet but it does have a strong cinnamon taste. But more importantly, I will report that Kid said last week "Mom, when I eat that cereal I don't have a sick butt in the morning." So. Nuff said. Because that had been a problem. I promptly went to the store and bought two more boxes!#2 Mr F and I have been watching 2-5 episodes of Lost EVERY.SINGLE.NIGHT. for the last month. We're just starting season 4 now. Holy Mother. We mocked Lost and Lost viewers relentlessly over the years. Anytime we saw a Lost commercial we'd say ... "Thank God we never got started with that crap!"
Um... we beg your forgiveness. There really aren't words to describe how awesome it is. Even, now, in the 4th season when things have kind of gotten a little crappy... it's still good.
Since moving we have not gotten any kind of TV service. And, people, I love it. Yes, I miss an occasional Oprah or Top Chef... but for the most part (thanks in no small part to Lost being such a prolific show) we don't regret it. We went through a phase during our separation where in order to survive I had to have the TV on... a lot. As a family we've had different TV viewing habits. I am a strong proponent of NO TV for kids... and we managed to maintain that with Kid for several years. Baby, not so much. And with the kids I do find that when it isn't an option they play SO MUCH MORE. There is no whining and asking for shows. There is no caving in. There is no feeling guilty for letting one show turn into 3 because I'm kind of enjoying the break. When they watch TV regularly it is always an issue... they are always asking for it... and when they aren't watching it during those higher TV viewing phases they are needier and more demanding and less satisfied to play on their own. When we don't have it at all ... I don't know how to even describe it... it's like we NEVER had it. They don't ask. (Although I should note that there is a short adjustment period. I found actually NOT having TV service was easier for them to accept, and there were only a few days of complaining, than in the past when I've just tried to put a ban on. No TV is kind of hard to get around when there is NO TV service.)
So, in light of that. We have not turned it on. We go to the library (where they have all the seasons of Lost!) and I rent Lost and a couple kid movies and on the weekend, or whenever the kids might watch a movie. This is completely satisfying to them. And there are no more sexy/violent commercials for me to have to intercept!
This weekend, after finding someone had checked out season 4 of Lost (the horrors!!!) we signed up for a free trial of Netflix (they have Lost for live streaming!). We got a Samsung blu-ray player with a 10 year old store credit Mr F found (go Crutchfield! They honored it!) so we could get Netflix (seriously, we are that behind the times... and we don't have a gaming system we could have used).
When we sat down to watch Lost, and brought it up through Netflix, Mr F said "I can't believe this magic box!"
And, really, I had that feeling people must have had when they first got a TV.
It's kind of amazing.
That's that. On average the kids watch 1 or 2 movies a week. I'm hoping Netflix doesn't push us over that. Only time will tell.
#3 I'm kind of loving this right now...
In general I am not a juice for kids person. And I am slightly disgruntled that Naked doesn't make this in an Organic version (which heads up Naked I'd be happy to pay a little more for!). But I've been happy to have this on hand these days. The summer fruit season is coming to an end here and this product has some crazy amount of fruit in it. It is a fruit puree and juice mix (strawberry & banana puree, apple & orange juice). It has more strawberries than anything else (11 per serving) and nothing is added to this product. And it is naturally low in sodium and high in potassium. On the days when Baby isn't eating anything (99 out of 100) she will drink a cup of this. And on the day that Kid buys lunch at school (Mac & Cheese day) I send her a thermos of this so I know she at least had some kind of vegetation. If you buy the little bottles this is extremely expensive. But I've recently found these large 64 oz bottles for 6 bucks. Which for the 94 strawberries alone is cheaper than I could make this at home for. Plus, we all know, if I tried to make this the kids would not drink it. It would surely be, in Baby's words, "agusting". That's just how the cookie crumbles around here.
On the lunch front Kid still brings her lunch the rest of the days. I had to go buy a lumberjack's lunch bag because Kid told me I wasn't sending her enough food. I had filled her lunch bag! Well, I had to upsize. It is hilarious. And it weighs about 10 pounds. It comes home empty. Typically she is getting sent a thermos of milk (with milk ice cubes to keep it extra cold!), an cheese stick, and fruit (berries,etc) for her snack. A water bottle, an entree (yes I said that... typically pasta dish... or leftovers... or a smoked salmon sandwich... or a turkey hotdog), a cut up orange, and chocolate bear crackers (everyone has dessert!). It takes me 30 minutes to prepare and pack her lunch everyday. It is my least favorite parenting responsibility. I hate it! This is why I've conceded to let her buy on Mac & Cheese day. And on that day, when all I have to do is make her snack... I think "ah, this is why people let their kids buy lunch". I just wish they had healthier lunches. Thankfully, on that front, Kid isn't interested in most of them.
When she gets home from school she has another snack.
That girl keeps me in the kitchen.
Oh on the lunch front I'm obsessed with this mother's lunches. I would really like to be able to do something like that. But with Kid's intake requirements I'd be at it all morning.
#4 The Safety Vests. By now, the vest are deserving of their own post. But I would like to report that since wearing them, we have a MUCH easier time crossing the main road. Previously we had to wait & wait & wait until there was a sufficient break in traffic. Now everyone sees us. I can see every driver turn and notice us, whether we're waiting at the crosswalk or walking down the sidewalk, or along our street that has no sidewalks. This is key when you want to not get hit by a car... being noticed. It is very easy (as we all know) to be distracted (the number of people on their phones is insane) or in a zone and not notice what is going on outside of your car. Not anymore. And because of our visibility I have seen a significant increase in decent drivers that realize... oh... they want to cross the street. Not every car, mind you. But 2-3 out of 4 trips a car will stop AT THE CROSSWALK and let us cross. Which in turn gets the other cars to stop. This is huge. And it seems to be catching on. And SO completely worth any wardrobe angst. Also, on the way home from school, when I have Baby in her stroller, I attach my vest to her stroller hood (perfectly covers it) and that makes a great high visibility stroller (which is important since the stroller hits the road FIRST).
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Please Hit Me With Lightening Now
"How was your marriage?" Kid asks looming one inch from my face.
"How was my marriage... or how was my wedding day?" I ask seeking clarity.
"Your marriage." Kid replies.
"Well, you've borne witness to it your whole life." I return.
"Yes, but I don't know about the sexy moments at midnight." Kid says mysteriously.
Mr F and I laugh (while gagging).
"Well, usually at midnight we're done watching Lost and go to bed." I inform her.
"Dad in your room... and me with your sister." I continue.
"It's very sexy." I add.
Kid cackles.
I pray that that thwarts her for now...
"How was my marriage... or how was my wedding day?" I ask seeking clarity.
"Your marriage." Kid replies.
"Well, you've borne witness to it your whole life." I return.
"Yes, but I don't know about the sexy moments at midnight." Kid says mysteriously.
Mr F and I laugh (while gagging).
"Well, usually at midnight we're done watching Lost and go to bed." I inform her.
"Dad in your room... and me with your sister." I continue.
"It's very sexy." I add.
Kid cackles.
I pray that that thwarts her for now...
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