February is here. I am happy to say I’ve finally put away all our Christmas decor and while it isn’t completely conquered, I have tamed the laundry beast and gotten somewhat of a grip on the house chores and school work.
For now
So, with this new month, I’ve set some goals for some things I’d like to get done around the house. And thanks to two different blogging friends, I have some accountability and inspiration. Thanks Andrea and Becky!!
Andrea is hosting a sew along. She’s been posting some adorable dresses and pants with pockets and all sorts of cute things she whips up in her “spare time.” I typically look at them, drool, and think, “if only” and “perhaps I should forward the link to my SIL or my mom, people who actually use their sewing machines!” But, then she introduced this concept of a sew along and I was intrigued.
This is her plan:
Week 1: Know your machine- This is for absolute beginners and for those who haven’t sewed in a while. This will require that you have a machine (yours or borrowed), the manual, some scrap fabric, scissors, a seam ripper, and thread.
Week 2: Gather your supplies- We’ll discuss pattern selection, notions, fabric, and tools. I’ll have suggestions for a few different patterns (adult and child) but you are free to use whatever pattern you want. Don’t be afraid to make something for yourself! I’ll be teaching using a basic dress pattern with a zipper.
Week 3: Cutting out your fabric- Learn about measuring and selecting the correct size as well as nap and grain and other fabric terms. You’ll also learn what all the symbols on a pattern are, how to prep your fabric, and how to cut out the pattern. I have a few tricks up my sleeve to show you.
Week 4: Begin sewing! We’ll take the plunge together and begin sewing. We’ll discuss the seam ripper and how to follow the pattern directions. We’ll learn about the different ways to finish seams as well as how to understitch, overstitch and other necessary garment sewing stitches.
Week 5: Finish it up! We’ll talk about zippers, buttons and hemming. The fun stuff! That’s right you’ll have a finished garment by the first week of March!
I know she talks about garments, but I have been wanting new curtains in our master bathroom for 6 years now, so I am starting there. (plus, no zippers are involved in the making of curtains)! 
And now that my husband is almost finished fixing the plumbing in our bathroom, we’ve made a goal to have our bathroom fully usable and even nicely decorated by the end of the month!
These were here when we moved and I have never liked them. Nor have I liked the fact that the rod sticks out inches beyond the window… that too shall be fixed by months end.
As if tackling a sewing project isn’t a big enough goal, I’ve also decided to join in Becky’s WOW Carnival. I’ve done this before…. remember when I finally got to weeding my flower beds last spring?… I owe it all to Becky. Basically, you set a goal for a project you’ve been wanting to get to, but keep putting on the back burner, and you tackle it within one week. This week I’d like to tackle our 2009 Family Scrapbook. (because truthfully, I want to get to our 2007 and 2008 books as well before baby number 4 arrives to the circus in a few months). I plan to make it digitally using shutterfly.com I am not sure if doing the whole book in one week is too lofty of a goal, perhaps I should say this week I’d like to organize all the pictures for our 2009 scrapbook. But, I am going to aim for getting a good chunk of the book done this week, and I’ll check in with you later this week to fill you in on the progress. Here’s hoping I make such great progress that I keep on scrapping 2 yrs more of memories!!
Feeling inspired? Feel free to join me in either or both endeavors. Becky is even offering a Starbucks gift card to one lucky WOW participant this week. Non bloggers are still welcome to participate, just leave her a comment letting her know your joining in the fun! And for those of you who have more talent and comfort than I do with a sewing machine, you may want to consider checking out Andrea’s other carnival.
I’d definitely appreciate the encouragement and support as I take on these two tasks. I promise to post updates on the progress.
Tonight is one of those nights when I am extra thankful that God has given me a helpmate in life. And not just any helpmate, but one of the best.
My three year old was getting on the couch this evening, and if you know my girls, you know that they do this with much exuberance, so somewhere during the twirl she slipped and fell back, hitting her head on our toy box/coffee table.
I was out at the time and so I received a call saying I needed to come home with the car b/c our daughter needed stitches. I was already in the car and ready to head home, so I continued on my way.
My son and I prayed for his sister as I drove home.
I can honestly say I wasn’t panicked though. Because I knew Scott was home and in control. If anyone else had been with her, I know my Mommy heart would have been breaking. But, I felt complete peace knowing that Scott was home managing the situation.
As I got close to home I called to let him know and to see if we were all going to “the boo boo doctor” (our nickname for the After Hours Doctors)
He said he got an appt for 8:40 and he’d take her and I could stay home with the other two.
When I got home I gave my girl a hug and Scott showed me the injury. He asked if I would prefer to go. He was willing and ready to go, but he was fine with me going if as the mom I would feel better being there.
I told him to go.
Because, there is no one else I wanted to be there with her. He’s perfect in situations like these. He’s calm and collected, logical and rational. And yet he can make her laugh and smile. He has an amazing ability to talk our kids down when they are worked up. He remembers to ask the follow up questions that I never think to ask. And really, if I was hurting, I know who I’d want there to comfort me… non other than his loving, and strong arms. He is the perfect picture of a Daddy’s love.
Few random thoughts to share with you, my dear readers… consider it some random musings or a brain dump, or catching up with an old friend you haven’t visited with for awhile, none the less, here’s my bulleted list of things which don’t quite make for a post on their own….
*I recently made the wonderful discovery of sharp Monterey Jack cheese. I’ve seen it mixed with cheddar in bags at the store, and knew you could put it in tacos or what not. But I accidentally bought a huge back of Monterey Jack thinking it was mozzarella. I used it in pepperoni bread and home made pizza.
IT IS FABULOUS!
Seriously, where have you been all my life Monterey Jack?
Can I just say, best pizza ever??
I think I may never use mozzarella again.
* Cravings… been having lots of them lately… as in grilled cheese and relish sandwiches every day last week… and I polished off a big ol bag of Utz Honey Barbeque Potato Chips last week as well. I never, ever, buy potato chips…sure I might eat a handful at a party, but I am more of a chocolate chip cookie kind of girl, not a chip girl. Except for Doritos… every now and then I’ll get a hankering for Doritos… but never, chips. These chips were DECLIOUS and totally hit the spot. I’m already craving a second bag.
*Speaking of pregnancy…I’m officially in maternity clothes now. Couldn’t walk around anymore with my pants unbuttoned… had to go for the elastic band.
*Confession: Those cheesy, sappy, kiss begins with Kay commercials, get me every time. Scott will roll his eyes and begin to say, “oh please,” and turn to see me with my hand literally over my heart saying, “awh.” I know, I am corn ball. But the one where the couple walks around retracing all the spots in their relationship… first kiss…first date…and the “spot where I said, “Yes.” uh….Can I just blame it on the hormones, please?
*Still reveling in the sheer brilliance of my man… every day last week the kids greeted Scott when he came home with, “Dad, guess what veggie we’re having for dinner? We actually had 2 veggies for dinner on more than one night and served broccoli with our pizza on Friday.
*Aunt Karen and baby Eli, arrived in town this weekend… we couldn’t be more thrilled to have them local for a big chunk of time.
November 19, 2009
in Wife
The first time Scott went away on business travel, we were newly married and when he told me he was going to CA for a week, I really thought the world was ending. Looking back it was one of those classic examples of a couple looking at the same event in two different ways. For Scott the trip was an exciting opportunity. A chance to do something new and definitely a plus for his career. Sure, he would miss me, but it would only be 3 days. To me it was 3 days… also known as the world coming to and end. What would I do with my husband gone for three days? How would I survive? Looking back, I was quite melodramatic. (clearly I wasn’t cut out to be a military wife) But, go he did and survive I did.
8 years later and I still am not a fan of business travel. Thankfully, he really doesn’t go all that often, a few times a year on average. I still shed a tear when we kiss goodbye and hate falling asleep in the big lonely bed, but I have come up with a strategy for getting through the time a part. I plan a special event for the kids and I for each day he’s gone. Nothing huge… ice cream cones for dessert, a fun craft, or a fast food dinner.
Though talked up correctly, each can turn into the highlight of our day. We also typically have a movie and popcorn night planned for one of the evenings. These little breaks from the norm give us something to look forward to and distract us.
I also set goals for myself. I find something I want to accomplish while Scott is gone. It could be organizing pictures, scrapbooking, cleaning out a closet, or this week… conquering the laundry. These goals help the evenings when Scott is gone to pass more quickly.
As the kids get older, having Daddy gone is a bigger deal for them. I think they have a better concept of time now and really miss him. Scott typically leaves notes for them to read while he is gone and they draw pictures and hide them in his suitcase for him to find while he’s 
gone. This time Scott took my iphone and e-mailed videos home for them to watch each morning. He’d also take pics of things like the plane ride or the view from his hotel room and e-mail them back. It helped the kids to see what he was seeing and feel a part of his trip. The kids would dictate messages for me to e-mail to him and he’d write back. It really helped keep them connected and was so cute to see their messages to him.
From my youngest: Daddy couldn’t be here tonight. Next time won’t you sing with me. Like a diamond in the sky.
From my son: Dad, I love your video. We did have a great time and I love you very much. I hope you have a good flight on the airplane. And I think I believe I will be awake when you come home. I do love you a lot. Do you think mine is the longest e-mail? Please write back soon. I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you. Hey, I’ll see you tomorrow. Tomorrow we’re going to have lasagna. But, can I sit beside you when we have lasagna tomorrow? Hey, do you know what? I’ve got a surprise for you tomorrow for after dinner. Please write back. I love you. Goodbye. 2 thousand and one hundred kisses.
From our middle child: Dear Daddy, I hope you have a safe trip back. Don’t be scared of the dark b/c you’re flying back on the plane. Be safe. Now I hope you have a fine trip back home. I love you Da Da. I love you Da Da. How can you believe we ate ice cream?
According to the flight status checker online, Scott’s plane is due back in 22 minutes!! I can’t wait for him to walk in the door. Tomorrow we’ll have a big yummy “Daddy’s home breakfast” with cinnamon rolls, scrambled eggs, and bacon. And lasagna for dinner. Celebration! Daddy’s home!! All is right with the world again.
At dinner last night I was telling Scott how cute it is to watch our 3 yr old in gymnastics. Every now and then she’ll look at the observation window, get a big grin and wave to me. Sometimes she’ll even give me a thumbs up sign. At which point she chimed in and said,
“Yea, this means good.”
“And this means Ravens”
What can I say? That’s my girl!
Not everyday you see an Oriole wrapped in a Steelers Terrible Towel.
Click here or here for more picture fun.
I seriously stink at parking. (Not parallel parking. I’ve got a secret for that. I never do it. Ever. Yes, I will walk twice as far when parking downtown to avoid parallel parking on the street).
But, my struggle is with the ol’ pull in parking lots. More specifically, backing out of said spots. I’ve been known to wait around in my car for the car beside me or in front of me to leave so I can get out of my spot b/c I parked too close to the line and can’t get out without damaging one of our cars. And I’ve gone back into the house of a friend to get someone to come help me back out when I leave a party or gathering before most of the people and I don’t know how I’ll squeeze out the driveway.
And no these events didn’t take place back when I first got my license… they’ve taken place during my married life… even my married with kids life.
But tonight was a new low.
I walked home from soccer practice. (with the keys to my husbands car in my hand).
It was supposed to be so easy. Scott met the kids and I at practice. When practice was over, I suggested he take the kids home in the van so I could stop by to grab something for dinner on the way back to the house.
But when I went to his parking spot I found a bit of a tight squeeze. Big old truck parked right by the line of my parking spot on my left. Wooden posts on my right. And a minivan behind me.
I slowly inched back…turned the wheel.
Nope to close to that truck, I’m going to hit it.
Pull back in… this time trying to stay close to the right side. Try again. Looks like I’ll make it. But nope, too close to the van. Can’t do it.
Pull in again. Try calling Scott.
No answer.
Try again.
No answer.
Back out again…. going good… slowly, slowly, turn the wheel….no I can’t.
And so, I walk home. (Luckily it isn’t a far walk at all, it’s just too far for 3 slightly distractible and all too often painfully slow kids to walk there quickly and have any hope of making it to practice on time).
I get home and tell Scott that his car is still at the elementary school and ummm we gotta go back and get it.
So, at 7:15, we put the kids back in the car (even though we haven’t eaten dinner yet) and drive back to the school (why Mommy?) to get the van.
Scott doesn’t say a word. Not one word. Till we get to the car (in the now vacant lot), when as I hop out he says,
‘This time I’ll wait for you.”
Last night I came home from Kids Quest (our church’s evening class for kids in which we teach them the questions from the Shorter Catechism), pizza in hand and Scott and I quickly tag teamed to get the kids in bed so we could hit play and watch the recorded Steelers game. (I seriously think the invention of the DVR has got to go on my top 5 list of inventions that changed my life… I LOVE it)! Pizza, coke, beer, terrible towels… we were set for one of favorite kind of date nights… Steelers Football.
And for awhile the date was going well. We were ahead, the defense was holding them, life was good. I started to relax.
And then came the fourth quarter in which no relaxing took place as my stomach was in knots and I watched Limas Sweed drop a beautiful catch in the end zone. And Jeff Reed miss a field goal (2 weeks in a row now) and our defense let the Bengals pound us down and score a game winning touch down in the last 14 seconds of the game.
And just like that my date night was ruined.
We sat in silence.
One thing I love about my relationship with Scott is how well we know and get each other.
And we both know that after the Steelers lose, there must, must be a moment of silence. There is no small talk to be had. No, “Oh well, let’s try again next week.” No. None of that.
Neither of us want to talk about it or anything for awhile.
So, what is there to do, but check my fantasy team. I’ve had a rough start this year in fantasy football. Last year I started great and actually made it to the play off round. I was second place over all. I say that to boost my ego, b/c this year I am 0-3. And I don’t understand it. I have a good team. I had the 1 and 3 highest ranking wide receivers starting yesterday. And they gave me a total of 14 points. Not enough, I tell ya, not enough.
I opened live writer to write a post, but didn’t feel it. Sure, I could have posted a pic of my kids at the library on Saturday with a real replica of R2D2 and Darth Vador and a host of other Star Wards bad guys…. but the force just wasn’t with me. I could have shared pics and anecdotes from our semi spontaneous apple orchard trip on Friday afternoon, but it seemed too… chipper.
So, discouraged, I went to bed.
And that my dear readers is why it is now 3:00 on Monday and I am just now able to get a post up.
As I’ve returned to the classroom these past few weeks (though in a very different atmosphere), I can’t help but reflect on my years of teaching prior to becoming a stay at home mom. I was blessed to teach for 3 years at a small, Christian school. I learned a lot and grew from the experience. I honestly think it shaped the way I parent today.
That being said, I can’t help but reflect on the single. worst. teaching mistake of my life. I share it with you so that on those days when you do something truly stupid, you can comfort yourself with the fact that “at least it wasn’t as bad as what Crystal did…”
Seriously, brace yourself b/c it just doesn’t get worse than this.
It was my first year of teaching and I was very excited to have my kids read Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Being fresh out of college, and brimming with ideas, I was eager to involve the parents and children in hands on activities. I sent home a letter at the beginning of the book asking the parents if they would be willing to come and volunteer with some real world experiences for the children. We baked bread, we had a “Little House luncheon,” and we did some crafts from the time period. I was so excited to let the kids engage in the activities they were reading about and to learn more about the time period. Naturally, when I had a father volunteer to come in, I was elated.
Since he taught at a nearby school, he was able to come at the end of the day to present to the class. I was so excited. I remember him walking in the room and showing the kids what a muzzle loader looked like. “This is great,” I thought to myself. Now they will truly know and understand what Pa Ingalls used to hunt in the book. As he talked about hunting, and showed the kids the bullets, and then the rifle, suddenly, it hit me.
Like a ton of bricks.
What was I thinking?
I let a parent come into my classroom with a weapon and I didn’t notify the administration.
As he showed the kids how he looked through the scope (please note the weapon was not loaded), I felt sick to my stomach.
Honestly, it wasn’t until I saw him holding the rifle, like a gun, that I realized the enormity of my error.
If I had been asked on a test for educational theory or practice, or any one of my education classes, “If a parent is coming to your classroom with a weapon do you think you should
a) seek permission first from your school administration
b) notify the parents first
c) say, “hey come on in and why don’t you go ahead and bring some ammunition too”
d) What? Invite a parent to bring a weapon to your school? Are you crazy?
I am confident, I would not have circled C.
And yet, there I sat that spring day with a class full of 8 and 9 year olds while a father showed them his gun and ammunition.
That afternoon with great angst and fear, I walked down to my principals office to tell him of my great ignorance and apologize for my error. I was so nervous. I vividly recall knocking on his door and then begging him for forgiveness as I confessed my idiocy.
He was so gracious. He forgave me and then I recall him saying, “Crystal, in the future if you plan to bring a loaded weapon or any weapon for that matter, to school, I would appreciate knowing about it in the future.” I can only imagine the conversation he had with his wife that night about the crazy, young teacher in the third grade. I am so grateful, he let me stay and teach for 2 more years.
My children have been inundated with Chick-Fil-A from birth. The first thing I ate after my daughter’s delivery was a CFA sandwich. I have scrapbook pages in each of my daughter’s first year scrapbooks, dedicated to their first Kids Meals at Chick-Fil-A. The first logo/graphic my son recognized was for Chick-Fil-A. Anytime he saw a cursive C when he was a toddler, he thought it was the word Chick-Fil-A. They’ve known and loved the Chick-Fil-A cow since they were babies and we’ve even dressed like one for the past 5 years.
Knowing this complete obsession and undying love fondness for all things Chick-Fil-A which they’ve grown up with will help you better appreciate the conversation my son and I had last week after enjoying the free Labor day Chick-Fil-A sandwiches.
Son: “Mom, I love Chick-Fil-A burgers without the pickles.”
Me: “Really? More than their nuggets?
Son: Yea, well it’s the same thing as the nuggets except the nuggets don’t have the bun and I like having the bread b/c its easier to hold.”
Me: “That makes sense, but they aren’t called burgers. Their called chicken sandwiches, because they are not burgers.”
Son: “Oh. Then why do they have all the cows everywhere?”
We have a plethora of Chick-Fil-A cows in our home. Each kid has a small one in their bed, I have the Santa cow up in my kitchen at Christmas time, and we even have a giant one in our toy room. And for the past 5 years my son thought that was because we loved eating Chick-Fil-A cows.
Oops.
I went on to explain the Chick-Fil-A marketing plan to my five year old. The cows aren’t there to advertise eating more cows. Why would cows want to be eaten? I told him how the cows are there b/c they don’t want us to eat them; they want us to eat chicken instead. Despite the misunderstanding, Chick-Fil-A is still (and will always remain) our favorite restaurant.
Last week I survived the Annapolis 10 Mile Run. I’d like to say that I raced it or ran it, but in actuality I just survived it.
While one might wonder why I am not more excited and proud of such an accomplishment, it is because the year prior, I ran it well. I trained for it all summer and come race day I did my best. Now my best is only about 15 min faster than my survival pace, but the feeling I had when crossing the finish line was worlds different. (It’s quite telling to read both accounts of the run).
This year, I let busyness, laziness, and a lack of determination get in the way of my training. So, come race day, I was really banking on the training from last summer. And a summer’s worth of running can only carry a girl so far.
It got me thinking about the other race I’m running. Ya now the race of life.
Hebrews 12: 1-2 states,
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
As we go through this life, I want to run the race God has marked for me with perseverance. I don’t want to merely survive. I don’t want to reach my finished line and say, “Well God, I made it.” Instead I want to finish strong and have my heavenly father say to me, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
In order for this to happen, I need to be disciplined, and intentional. I need to tap into the strength God provides through his Word and his Holy Spirit. I also need to continue in doing his work. I can’t become complacent and let others to the work of his kingdom. I need to actively serve my King, all the days of my life. Keep in mind, I am not doing these things so that I can earn my way to heaven. I know right now where I am going when I die and it has nothing to do with anything I’ve done. I will spend eternity in heaven b/c Jesus endured the cross on my behalf. Nothing I do or don’t do can change that. But, like I said, I don’t want to just live my life and then die. I want to run the race. I want to serve the Lord actively with my life.
As I mentioned yesterday, I’m trying to play more with my kids. I want to actively engage them and savor up these moments I have with them while they are young. This fall, the kids and I will be attending BSF on Thursdays. I am looking forward to the accountability that Bible Study provides for me to get in the word daily. And now that we’re home schooling, we’re in a new phase of life here at the circus. One where mom can’t wait till the kids wake up for the day to get started. I gotta set my alarm and get up first to ensure we start the day on the right foot. One thing I hope to incorporate with that is some time spent alone in His word in the quiet of the morning. I’d also like to squeeze a run in there as well.
I am not a morning person though, so I now this shift change is going to be difficult for me. I’m great at coming up with new ideals for how I’m going to change, but not so good on the follow through. I’m so thankful that as I run this race, I have someone running along side me the entire way. God doesn’t leave us here alone. He’s with us, encouraging us, pushing us forward, and even picking us up when we fall on our face.
I learned a valuable lesson last week. One I hope to take with me as I run this much more important race.
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
What are you thinking about this week? Why not use your last post of the week to highlight something a bit "deeper" then the average “Momblog” fair? I’d love to read your thoughts. Please feel free to write and link up a “thoughtful” post below. You can write a new post or link up one you wrote earlier in the week. Please include a link back to here in your post.
