New Mommy Rant

Finding our Food Rhythm

2011-09-07T12:37:00.001-07:00

I have used meal planning to save money and make life easier for a long time. However, I usually end up getting lazy and when it comes time to plan for the week I sit down with a sheet of paper and my mind goes blank. There are simply too many choices and so something that should have made life easier was suddenly overwhelming.

I was recently introduced to the concept of having a Food Rhythm from Simplicity Parenting and it makes meal planning a snap. It isn't really something new. In fact I'm pretty sure it is an old concept that my grandparents and great grandparents employed. I think my mom used it to some extent but I am trying to avoid thoughts of pork chops and noodle roni right now. Eating the same foods on a weekly basis may seem limiting in some respects- but you really are only limited by your own creativity. The other bonus is how it creates meal rituals for your family. Kids thrive on knowing what to expect. My daughter likes to know that she will have chicken on Monday and burgers on Saturday. It is comforting to her to know what it going on with our meals. I can definitely see how it will simplify our lives at what can certainly be the most stressful time of day.

So here is our food rhythm for now...we will see how it goes

Sunday- DIY Pizzas. I want to get the kids more involved with cooking and pizza is a no brainer with lots of possibilities. Although it isn't Paleo, we were usually eating non-paleo on weekends anyway.

Monday- Chicken

Tuesday- Taco Tuesday (Mexican)

Wednesday- Rice (white)

Thursday- Soup/Stew

Friday- Wild Card

Saturday- Fun Burgers

So now when I sit down to plan my week I no longer drawing a blank. Instead, it is like I am already half way done.

SIMPLE!

Screen Free Summer Recap

2011-09-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

I am back from my screen free break and my mullet is better than ever. Growing out a pixie is NO FUN!

A lot of people have inquired about my time was away from the screen. Ironically, I thought it would be a really reflective time but it wasn't. What did I do? I read, and read and read some more. I played with my kids. I spent time with family. I talked, played board games and went swimming. I lived.

I still have no TV with no plans for its return. Pete watches a show on the Ipad now and again but I really don't miss TV at all. NOT AT ALL

I traded in my Droid for what I like to call the Zack Morris. The DROID was a financial burden and having Internet access 24/7 was a huge distraction for me. I did not make it the entire time without texting. So FAIL on giving that up- but I did make more of an effort to call people actually talk.

I did miss the computer time and ended up online a few times out of necessity. Darn the convenience of the Internet. The two things that brought me online were looking at real estate- i couldn't justify my husband printing out that information when i could look at it on the computer. The second was because I started getting sick in July and went online to see what the heck was wrong- which is a good and a bad thing. I am feeling better now but spent the latter part of the summer feeling crappy and trying to figure out what was wrong (which involved numerous trips to the doctor and the lab).

I have decided to set limits for myself with the computer. Although I enjoy it, I continue to feel it prevents me from giving my kids 100% of my attention. I need to be a model for the kids and I can't very well ask them do something constructive (play) while I vegetate on Facebook. I plan to minimize my usage and possibly will only be going online when the kids are asleep.

I continue to work towards minimalism and simplicity for our family. I strive to find balance that works for us. We are planning to move again and I will be closely examining our STUFF again. Less is really more and we are learning to Enjoy less a lil more each day.

Growing Out the Pixie

2011-05-23T15:17:00.001-07:00

It is time to grow out the Pixie. I do enjoy the short hair but I just can't keep up with getting it trimmed.

It has been 8 weeks since my last cut and I might as well just go through with all the awkward mullety goodness that happens when you grow out a short cut.

Decisions. Decisions.

Do I let Pete cut it in the interim or do I fork out the cash for a professional

cut?

Either way I will look like this...

I Love it... I Love it ...I Love it!

It's time for the hoedown throwdown.

Book Review- "What's Eating Your Child"

2011-05-18T16:11:00.000-07:00

Book Review

What's Eating Your Child by Kelly Dorfman, MS, LND

About the Book

In this important book readers will find scientifically supported nutritional solutions that address, mitigate and sometime even erase both the symptoms and the causes of stubborn health problems including:

picky eating
reflux
attention problems
ear infections
temper tantrums
behavioral difficulties
lack of energy
insomnia
learning disabilities
chronic tummy aches
anxiety
constipation
night terrors
eczema
depression
speech delays

About the Author

Kelly Dorfman is a nutritionist who specializes in difficult cases. She has written dozens of articles, has been featured in several books and quoted in publications such as The Washington Post. Kelly lectures and speaks across the country. She lives outside Washington, D.C.

My Take

I am all about nutrition. Any book that makes us stop and think about the food we are feeding our families is a good thing. The book is broken down into vignettes, a format that made the topic even more interesting. It was heartbreaking to read about how some of the kids had been on medication for reflux/constipation from infancy. While those stories made me cringe I definitely did a little cheer for all the kids who benefited from dietary changes.

Diet is very important to me and I put a lot of time and energy into making sure my family eats a nutritionally dense diet. I firmly believe that many modern ailments/illnesses are diet related. I am not suggesting that nutrition is a magic bullet, but altering what you or your child eats is a low risk way to see if diet is the issue. I believe Dorfman is sending an important message to parents; Nutrition matters!

If you want to learn more about being a nutrition detective you should definitely check out What's eating Your Child. Kelly Dorfman also has a blog and website.

I did receive a complementary copy of the book which I will be passing on to another mom.

Halfway Point- Chugging Along

2011-05-16T10:52:00.001-07:00

So I am at the halfway point on my 31 day crusade towards minimalism.

I am not going to lie. Getting rid of things has been very difficult. However, it isn't difficult because I don't want to part with things as much as it is just difficult and exhausting going through everything and making decisions. I kinda wish someone would just come and take everything. TAKE IT ALL AWAY! I really wouldn't miss anything one bit. I am considering having am "I'm Going Minimalist Sale" and everyone is invited.

The PROCESS has been trying but I see such tremendous progress. I don't want to lose steam. I know it will take more than 31 days to get to my goal. What I am trying to accomplish in 31 days is to make a BIG DENT. It is so easy to make a small dent and then think, "this looks & feels so much better" and then take a permanent nap on the couch. I've been there before and I am resolved that things will be different this time.

I have become acutely aware of how stuff finds its way into our home. Freebies, swag bag goodies, papers, tiny toys all creep into our house. I am an army of one putting the smack down on the clutter as it tries to break down my door.

I am honestly a little disgusted with myself when I look at all the superfluousness around my house. What a waste of money and time to acquire and care for these things. I keep looking at my six pairs of shoes and thinking, "Do I really need six pairs of shoes for one pair of feet?" I can maybe justify having a pair of boots, flip flops, dress shoes and sneakers. But 3 pairs of flip flops? 3 pairs of sneakers? It all just seems like excess to me at this point. Some of those shoes are going to be on the chopping block.

I am enthralled with the concept of living with only what is necessary. What a freeing concept. If we had to move it would only take a weekend to pack up our possessions and not months. We are still far from living minimally but getting there slowly. There is very little that I won't part with in the end. Everything I cherish is in my head and in my heart.

A Little Q & A Anyone?

2011-05-15T05:38:00.000-07:00

Have a question you'd like me to answer?

Send your questions to me at anyelday@aol.com with Blog Question in the title and I will do my best to respond on the blog. I really do enjoy trying to help people and sharing my experiences as a mom. Take my advice or tell me to go fly a kit...your choice!

I will change your name in my response.

Danielle!

Night Weaning Jude

2011-05-11T06:37:00.001-07:00

I'm tired.

Not tired like had a busy weekend.

Tired like I've been getting up 3-5 times a night for almost 2 years.

Jude and I have a beautiful nursing relationship that has been mutually beneficial in so many ways. I don't regret one second that I have spent with my lil guy. Most times I don't even mind waking up so much at night. It is the days following a particularly busy nursing night that bother me. I am not my best when I am tired and Eliza tends to be the one to suffer. She is an energetic little girl and trying at times. When I am tired I am much shorter with her than necessary and I know that isn't fair.

Last Monday I made the decision to night wean Jude. I know he is old enough to understand. I also know I am home with him all day and we spend lots of time snuggling and cuddling. If I were working outside the home I am not sure I'd be able to cut back on the nighttime sessions without feeling guilty.

I am taking an approach that I feel is the most gentle. I opted against having Pete deal with the night wakings because I didn't want Jude to feel like I was no longer available for him at night. Instead I am helping him to fall back to sleep without nursing. Our rule is no "milkies" between the hours of 11-6. I told Jude that "milkies" need sleep too and so they are going to bed. It hasn't been as bad as I envisioned but he is still waking up at around 2 each night asking for "milkies" or more specifically "milkies now!". I have been getting him back to sleep by rubbing his forehead.

I know there are many who think it is crazy that he is still nursing (especially at night) at almost 2 years old, but nursing is an important part of my relationship with Jude and serves many purposes in addition to providing nourishment. I will not stop before we are both ready.

Night weaning is bittersweet for me because it does signify the beginning of the end. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were just home from the hospital endlessly working to get a good latch. On. Off. On . Off. I clearly remember one very low point. I was sitting on the couch with Jude tears dripping onto my nursing pillow as we continued to struggle day after day and hour after exhausted hour. I knew Pete was also growing frustrated. He was on his way out with Eliza and he stopped and looked at me and asked, "Is it worth it?". I answered, "It will be when we finally get it right." And I was right. Every single tear was worth it and now that the end is nearing I'll probably shed a few more.

Building Bigger Triceps One Shower at a Time

2011-05-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

I have decided to skip the shampoo and see how I do going "no poo." I first heard about "No Poo" over a year ago from Leslie at Recycle Your Day. It's been something I've wanted to try since, but didn't run out of shampoo until now. That was one BIG bottle of Pantene.

Why skip shampoo?

It's full of all kinds of chemical crap that I really don't want to put on my body. I was using Classic Pantene which has a Skin Deep rating of 5. I generally don't using anything above a 2. To complete my toxic chemical wash I was also using the Pantene Conditioner. I'm going to avoid these yummy chemicals because nerve damage and cancer aren't really my style.

Why the bigger triceps? I am scrubbing my scalp for about a minute each time I shower and boy have I felt it in my arms. At this rate I will have Michelle Obama arms in no time.

My last shampoo was Wednesday of last week. Since then I did one baking soda "wash" with an apple cider vinegar rinse. Results? Squeaky clean and I smelled like Easter. I LOVE Easter. I really haven't noticed a huge difference. My hair has been a little more oily than usual but certainly not oily to the point of being gross. Once those monkeys I order arrive to pick out the fleas I'll be golden.

SERIOUSLY= it isn't nasty or gross. If I didn't tell you that I wasn't using shampoo you wouldn't have a clue.

If you are interested in going "No Poo" check out Going No Poo

(aka Getting your 19th Century On*)

I'll be back to blogging about my decluttering soon.

31 Days Towards Minimalism- Day 4 or 5 or 6?

2011-05-06T16:49:00.000-07:00

It seems I've lost a few days somewhere; My guess is that they are hiding under the junk in my front closet.

In an attempt to avoid dealing with the toys I decided to clean out said front closet. I pulled out everything and was immediately overwhelmed. I am not sure who has been saving all kinds of crap and storing it in this closet (me). Probably someone who had the best intentions to do amazing crafts using toilet paper rolls (me). I mean , who doesn't need 10 supersized Folgers coffee containers? (me)

I sorted through about 1/2 and was done.

I really shouldn't attempt things like this at 9:00 at night. I was tired. I wanted to crawl under the enormous pile of size 4T sweatshirts and hide all the while wondering how one little girl ended up with so many sweatshirts. Were they giving them away at The Children's Place?

So, I checked Facebook. I took a shower. I looked up recipes on how to cook the beets in this week's CSA box. I hoped that somebody else would come and clean up the mess.

Finally, I did the unthinkable. I shoved the rest of the junk right back into the closet. I was just too tired.

That closet hasn't seen the last of me. I have 31 days and I intend to use them. Toilet paper rolls beware...

I needed some fuel so that I could get a handle on toys. I found an article by Joshua Becker entitled Why Fewer Toys Will Benefit Your Kids.

After reading this I was definitely amped about shedding some stuff. However, I am going to take a a different approach to purging the rest of the toys. I am going to choose 1 item each day for the next 25 days to toss, sell or donate. I have also drastically limited the number of toys in the room. I am feeling much better now that I have a plan in place.

31 Days Towards Minimalism- Day 3

2011-05-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

Day 3...umm there is no day 3 blog post. The kids toys really have me in a rut. I keep making excuse after excuse to keep the toys. Many of them are quality educational toys. We use a lot of them. Do we REALLY need them all? NO I just am a big baby and don't want to decide who gets to stay and who gets to go.

Last night, instead of going through toys and making tough decisions I went through the all of Eliza and Jude's clothing.

I set aside anything I thought might fit them in the fall and tossed anything that was not worth keeping, They both had lots of warm clothes which don't do us very good in this southern heat. I think Jude had 15 pairs of pants. A lot of them were hand me downs but that number is ridiculous. I culled about half- which were size 12-18 months- and set them aside. I don't know if I should donate them or sell them.

I was going to go through the closet toys tonight but I am backing out. AGAIN. I am going to go through the front closet instead.

31 Days to Minimalism- Day 2

2011-05-03T16:26:00.001-07:00

My goal for this week is the toy room. We have a LOT of toys and books. Unfortunately, for some reason it is excruciating for me to make any decisions on paring down these items. I guess part of my feels like my kids need of all of these things to be happy even though I know that isn't true. The opposite is probably true. They have so much stuff they don't have the room to play. I am trying to teach them that happiness doesn't come from stuff, but they have tons of stuff. I know I am sending them the wrong message.

I also love books and we have a huge library for the kids. We do read many of the books but I am planning to at least cut it in half. OUCH! Then we will abide by the one new book in/ one old book out rule.

Yesterday was day two and I did a quick cull of their books. I also grabbed some of the toys I have been holding onto for no reason and took them out of the room. I haven't even looked in their closet yet. I have set aside an entire week to go through their stuff and at the end of the week I will photograph each item I have decided to keep.

F*CK @FF Stuff or 31 Days Towards Minimalism

2011-05-01T12:54:00.001-07:00

When we decided to make the move from Jersey-Charlotte-Charleston we had to part with many of our things. I even blogged that we were getting down to the bare bones and focusing on what was important. FAMILY. It didn't happen quite the way I'd imagined.

We had the best of intentions but life seemed to get in the way of our organization. Somehow our new place was quickly overrun by STUFF and honestly it started to make it feel a little too much like home. I mean our home in Jersey that was packed with clutter. WE even managed to move a box that was entitled JUNK DRAWER.

We have been in our new place for four months and I am now dedicating an entire month to simplifying our living space. I am tired of the mess. I am tired of cleaning the mess just to clean the house. I am tired of not having time to spend with my family on the weekends because we have to organize and clean our stuff.

So I am here to say, "F*CK @FF STUFF".

We are moving towards minimalism. Today was officially Day 1 and Pete and I worked our butts off all morning donating things to our Good friend Will. Goodwill is a little sick of seeing Pete's face; that is a very good thing.

MOVING!

2011-03-06T07:23:00.001-08:00

I am now blogging over HERE!

Lightbulb Moment

2011-02-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

I get very excited about Eliza learning to read. Sometimes I get a little too excited and I lose sight of what's important.

We usually journey to the library at least once a week. It's free entertainment- my favorite kind. I had been picking up some beginning reader books for her in addition to picture books. Then one night I stumbled upon a website that mentioned reading novels to preschoolers. I am a little ashamed to admit that it hadn't even occurred to me to try chapter books. I was so stuck on helping her to read on her own that I lost site of the big picture. The truth is that most easy readers are not very interesting to read. Our little preschoolers are primed and ready to learn- with listening comprehension capabilities that extend far beyond Hop on Pop. Listening comprehension is generally three years above reading comprehension and the two don't actually become equal until about eighth grade. So YES you should be reading aloud to your child well beyond when they start to read on their own.

The site suggested The Magic Tree House series. We picked one up at Barnes and Noble and I am HOOKED and so is Eliza. She actually did not want to go to sleep tonight because she knew Pete was bringing home one we haven't read tonight after work. I had to promise her that we would read it first thing in the morning. She really loves listening to them- to the point where I often ask her if she wants me to stop. I figure she will let me know when she has had enough, and I can sometimes tell if she gets a little squirmy.

I am so happy I decided to give this a shot. Learning to read can be hard work and it is amazing books like The Magic Tree House series that make learning to read worth all of the effort it can take in the beginning. I look forward to all the cuddle time we will spend on adventures with Jack and Annie. I also picked up a Junie B. Jones at the library. However, I don't think I will enjoy her quite as much. Eliza might- and that is really what is important. The site also suggested the Moongobble series which I haven't heard of but am looking into for the future.

If you are interested in reading aloud chapter books to your preschooler check out Daddyread.com .

Check out Jim Trelease for another amazing resource!

Both sites have suggested books to read aloud to kids of all ages. I know that I like to go to the library prepared with some book ideas because it is hard to focus when I am already dividing my attention between two kids.

Do you read chapter books to your 3,4, 5 or 6 year old? I'd love to hear your stories and /or suggestion on titles.

Snap! Crackle! Pop!

2011-01-29T13:38:00.001-08:00

We finally have Internet!

Pete is currently en route with a moving truck so we should have our things pretty soon. I think my love affair with the aerobed is over and has been for about two weeks -or in other words- the entire time I have been sleeping on it with two squirmy children. My back has been killing me. I slipped on the ice in Charlotte right before we moved and definitely threw myself out of whack. Add that to the car crash on Labor Day and it was definitely time to see a chiropractor.

I joined a local Green Moms meetup and the organizer's husband is a local chiropractor. I was able to get an appointment immediately and I am on my way to feeling better.I haven't been working out which leaves me feeling a bit surly. I am looking forward to getting back on track this week. It looks like I may be run/walking the Cooper Bridge Run in April at this point...we shall see.

I am looking into teaching some My Smart Hands Classes. The founder Laura Berg struck a deal on Dragon's Den recently.

I started a Meetup Group for My Smart hands Charleston Here! Feel free to join so that I am not the only lonely member...LOL. I am currently looking into possible venues to hold classes as well as possibly volunteering to do a class for the library.

Getting Settled

2011-01-18T08:20:00.000-08:00

We are moved into our new place minus furniture and most of our stuff. We are there in mind, body and spirit. Aside from the Internet I am really missing couches and beds and dressers and a shower curtain. Pete is doing a bridal show this weekend-his first- so all of his time and energy is on making it a success.

Last night Eliza christened the place by jumping on the air mattress and launching herself face first into the wall. She bit straight through her bottom lip. This morning a marker exploded green ink all over our kitchen wall. In other words, it is really starting to feel like home.

I am without internet for the most part so I will be blogging here and there until I am once again connected to the outside world.

Thanks Marty!

2011-01-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

I was only in Charlotte a few days when i decided to go to the park to walk with Jude while Eliza was in preschool. I didn't know anyone and had nothing to do so I figured I would try to get my butt moving. As I was walking around the park i saw a group of moms exercising. I remember thinking , "I wish I had a group of moms that i could walk with." But groups of women can be intimidating, and although I am far from shy once I know you and I do have a bit of anxiety when it comes to new situations and new people. On my second or third lap around the circle one of the moms ran over to me and introduced herself. Her name was Marty and she was running a fitness groups for moms with strollers called Stroller Strides. She gave me some information and told me that the group would be at the park everyday at 9:30.

I was so amped I am pretty sure I called both my mom and Pete right away to tell them out SS. I showed up at the park the next day and so started my foray back into working out. That chance introduction was enough to get me started and sometimes all you need to do is take a first step in order to get going. Marty is amazing as are all of the moms who are in the Lake Norman SS group. Living in a new town can be difficult especially when you don't really know anyone. Becoming a part of something certainly helped me to feel more at home. I am not quite sure how my four months would have turned out if Marty hadn't come up to me that day-so THANK YOU MARTY!

Stroller Strides is a great way to get a workout accomplished with your kids in tow. I am very disappointed that the Charleston group is currently inactive. I do know I need to get involved in SOMETHING or I might go a little nutty.

Not familiar with Stroller Strides? Check them out at www.strollerstrides.com

Gearing up for 2011

2011-01-14T16:27:00.000-08:00

I didn't set any resolutions this year but I have been thinking a lot about goals and what I would like to accomplish in 2011. I want my goals for this year to be measurable and specific. So far this is what I have come up with- though I am sure I am forgetting something.

Obtain a an AFAA certification as a personal trainer- I ordered my book today!
Run a 10k (I completed 2 5k's in 2010) I am hoping to do the Cooper Bridge Run in Charleston.
Go on at least one date a month with my sweetie
Get a job!
Blog with some regularity
Abs of steel- so maybe this one isn't really measurable but...

What's in store for you in 2011?

Stocking the Primal Kitchen

2011-01-14T03:45:00.000-08:00

We are starting out from scratch in the kitchen and we need to stock everything. I have been eating real food- not crap-(primal/paleo) for some time now. We will pretend those Christmas cookies didn't happen for the sake of this post. The kids and Pete are about to join me in eating clean. I am thinking in February we might do The Whole Thirty. It is a 30 day challenge where you basically clean up your eating act. Of course I pick the 28 day month to do the thirty day challenge.

Here is what I have planned for this weekend's pantry run. I am going to cry because Trader Joe's does not open in MP for a few months and I am basically a TJ addict. I am stuck with Harris Teeter, Whole Foods (Whole paycheck) and Earthfare for now.

bananas
apples
eggs
bacon
sausage
So delicious unsweetened coconut milk
frozen blueberries
chicken
salad greens
Tongal Tuna
ground beef
raw almonds
almond butter
nitrate free turkey breast
avocado
carrots
celery
onions
chicken broth
organic diced tomatoes
almond meal
mustard
salsa Verde
lemons
cinnamon
EVOO
balsamic vinegar
sea salt
pepper
chili powder
cumin
frozen chopped spinach
frozen broccoli
frozen peas
coffee
coffee filters
Chao Koh cocnut milk
tin foil
saran wrap

Playing Catch-Up

2011-01-13T03:52:00.000-08:00

It sure seems like a long time since we have actually been home. We left our condo in August the day after Jude & Eliza's birthday party. A house full of people the day before moving...only me. The house wasn't even fully packed up but the kids and I were going to spend the week in Cape May with my parents, a vacation that was planned before we decided to move. That was our first week away from Pete and although Cape May was amazing he was certainly missed.

After returning from Cape May we stayed at my parents house for about three weeks while Pete packed up our condo. It was during this time that Jude and I were in a car accident and my car was totalled. We had planned to be down in Charlotte before my niece started school so Pete borrowed my parents car while I borrowed Pete's car. Pete and I drove down with the kids on September 9th. At this point we had been living without Pete for four weeks.

At my parents we celebrated the kids birthdays again!

My poor CRV- not even a year old. BLERG

We have been staying at my brother's place in Charlotte since September. We see Pete on the weekends and it always goes too fast. He did get to stay here for two weeks while in training for his job and it was great being all together again.

On Thanksgiving my brother, Pete and I ran a 5k. Here we are the morning of our Turkey Trot.

On Saturday we are leaving to go start setting up our apartment in SC. We will be living in a small apartment that fits about an 1/8 of our stuff- but living away from Pete for the past five months (and without most of our belongings) has definitely made me realize that we don't really need THINGS we just need each other. So 2011l be about downsizing, living simply, and working on being a family again.

Going, Going, Gone

2011-01-12T13:04:00.000-08:00

A new location hasn't been the only change around here. My hair seems to have disappeared over the last four months...is it time to get out the straight razor?

2011-Update

2011-01-10T04:27:00.000-08:00

Last I wrote we were getting ready to leave for Charlotte, NC. Well...we have been in Charlotte since September and we are now moving to Mount Pleasant, SC. Peter did not stay in NJ long after we left. He moved down to SC shortly after to start building his photography business.It has been amazing living with my brother and nieces for the past few months- but we have certainly missed Pete and are looking forward to reuniting as a family again.

We certainly have been keeping busy. Eliza has been attending preschool 3 days a week at the local aquatic center. I jumped back into working out- both running and strength training. (I have to thank Stroller Strides for getting me started) I also ran two 5K's; one with my brother and one with my brother and Pete. I've pretty much been living a primal/paleo lifestyle since September. more on that later).

And Jude- well h is one busy little man with an amazing vocabulary. I can't believe my baby is starting to look more and more like a lil man.

Not sure what 2011 has in store for us but I know it is going to be good.

We're Leaving on a Jet Plane...

2010-08-13T06:47:00.000-07:00

I guess the last year has pretty much gotten away from me. Jude turns 1 in just 5 days. I must admit that being the mom of two has been overwhelming at times. My house has been a mess, meals not always planned, laundry in baskets, dishes in the sink and grime in the tubs. I guess this wasn't my year to get it all together. At the same time it has been the greatest year of my life- filled with more joy than I had known possible. Amongst the endless chaos there has been pleasure in the small things that make being a parent so rewarding.

and the big things...

The kids and I are moving to Charlotte, NC for a year. We are moving in with my brother and his two girls- Ashley and Alli. Peter is staying in NJ, so I predict this journey will be both challenging and rewarding. We are attemtping to rent out our place- wish us luck.

I plan on blogging more in the coming weeks- and if I don't- feel free to yell at me on FB.

We leave in about 26 days..

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane - The best home videos are here

Getting it Together

2010-05-14T04:40:00.000-07:00

I can't manage my time. The only thing I can manage is to become slowly overwhelmed and swallowed by my home and my obligations.

I've managed to slowly lose my control.

Disorganization. Impulsivity. Inability to Focus. Becoming Easily Overwhelmed.
I can't finish anything I start. Like blog posts. or doing dishes, or laundry. or brushing my teeth.

I only imagine I was able to just barely deal with all this stuff up until the point where I had kids and became a SAHM. Now that I no longer have any structure and a lot more responsibilities I am pretty much drowning in my own disorganization.

I know most people jokingly say they have ADHD but I know I do. I am not quite sure if I have had it my whole life or if it has just gotten worse over the past few years. My parents think I just need to follow through with things- if it were only that simple.

My biggest res flag is one of my strengths. I hyperfocus and it is what has made me successful in a lot of ways. It is why I can read a book and a party and be completely unaware in what is going on around me. I have my own little world and I live there as often as possible. I have excellent focus and drive when something interests me and a complete inability to focus when something does not. It is my strength and my weakness.

Now I just have to figure out how to get it all together. I have no idea how to accomplish this task. I can't even get through brushing my teeth without doing something else at the same time.

Moving and Grooving

2010-04-13T04:56:00.000-07:00

Jude is on the move. He is now doing a scoot/crawl move and my world has certainly changed. I forgot about the stage where babies pick up every teeny tiny fuzz they can find. My new best friend is my Oreck.

He is finally eating some solids. I must admit to slacking in the making his food department. He doesn't like my puree all that much but I am going to regroup and give it another try- I swear- just as soon as I get another five hours in each day.

In grosser news....

This past weekend Eliza started not feeling too good. She actually fell asleep on the couch and was running a low grade fever. She said she had boogers in her ear and that her throat hurt. She went to bed at 6:30 and then woke up around 7:15 to eat some applesauce. That applesauce was then projected onto my bedroom carpet. The poor thing was sick until about 4 a.m.

Stanley Steamer will be making a visit tomorrow morning. It is long overdue!

Also, Eliza has started calling me MOM! What? I am not mom- I am MOMMY! Why is my daughter 2 1/2 going on 16?

We visited Philly Zoo last week and it was a blast. My favorite part was when my niece got a nose bleed and thought it wasn't going to stop and she was going to have to go to the hospital because of some crazy story my mom told her. Thanks mom. Nothing liker having two cranky kids and a twelve year old with a nosebleed breakdown in a zoo when the most absorbent thing on hand is the sandpaper napkins they hand out at the concession stand. But really is was an awesome time and I will post pictures soon!