Christine is currently at an undisclosed location, enjoying two nights away from her home. She is alone.
It is very, very quiet.
She is not to be disturbed.
Shhhhhhhhh.
(photo by Rob Waterhouse - fear not, Rob is not actually with her)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Nun-ya
Christine is currently at an undisclosed location, enjoying two nights away from her home. She is alone.
It is very, very quiet.
She is not to be disturbed.
Shhhhhhhhh.
(photo by Rob Waterhouse - fear not, Rob is not actually with her)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Sexperiment - because one post on sex is never enough
So, do you think any of you could actually pull off seven days in a row? It's definitely worth TRYING. With the new birth control, my libido has taken a massive hit. To just freely give myself as the glorious gift I know I am ... I'm up for the challenge! Guess it's good that I'm running away for the weekend by myself. Need to rest up.
What do you think - seven days of wickie-wickie with your na-noo and your nee-naw?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Nymphos for Jesus
Oh, you gals are true friends. You always hook me up when you run across something you KNOW will rock my socks. Well, Jamie did me right.
Married Sex:
Spicy, the way God intended it to be!
I spent most of Tuesday evening perusing through this site, and I am in love. I have yet to find a subject too taboo for these ladies to tackle, through a Jesus lens. They even have a "Position of the Week," which is always described via text, instead of photographs.
It is written specifically to women who love their Jesus, and love (or want to love) sex with their husbands. They have very clear guidelines, and do not allow commenter's to use personal photos as their icons.
Okay ... must run. I still have about a year's worth of archives to get through. I'll see you there!
WFMW
(photo by Billy Fowks)
Magical Milk Pic-O-The-Week goes to Cazale, Haiti!
If you read Licia's blog, you read the exciting story of Germene last week.
The next morning I received this message from Licia:
This sweet baby is named Moseline. You can read an update here. Pray for these two, as Germene is still sick.
UPDATE: I just read that Moseline passed away the weekend of January 24th. Germene needs our prayers.
The next morning I received this message from Licia:
I posted yesterday about a baby that we delivered here at the clinic. She was 4.4 at birth and has dropped to 3.8! Anyway the mom's milk came down today as the baby is breastfeeding. I was not sure what the mom wanted to do as she was so sick but today they had a lot of bonding going on...yesterday she was still not even wanting to look at her! So anyway 3.8 pounds breastfeeding pic for ya.
This sweet baby is named Moseline. You can read an update here. Pray for these two, as Germene is still sick.
UPDATE: I just read that Moseline passed away the weekend of January 24th. Germene needs our prayers.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
You are what your parents eat
and children learn to eat the diets eaten by their parents."
- Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
Friday, January 23, 2009
When an adoption must disrupt
I talk a lot about adoption. Because it is such a thick part of our lives, I find myself digging deeper into every corner and every avenue. Nothing is perfect, and sometimes adoptions end. I want to talk about that today.
I think that, as mothers, we tend to make quick assumptions. It's a gift of sorts. We are passionate about our children, therefore we have a deep interest in other children and families.
I have become acquainted with more and more parents who have disrupted adoptions. I'm finding two common threads: 1) the rest of the world simply does not understand and they are very judgmental of the decision to disrupt, and 2) the vast majority of disruptions only happen because someone in the home is in physical danger.
Yes, there are a handful of parents who go into adoption blindly, they sneak past their homestudy worker and bring children home actually assuming they will be grateful for their new home and family - ending in a very selfish disruption. They are there. They are so sad. It's not fair to children, and we need to tighten our system to avoid such placements.
However, the average disruption doesn't look anything like this. The average disruption comes at the culmination of horrific acts. It comes at the end of parents exhausting all of their resources (and many times, most of what they own and every drop of savings). It sometimes comes at the end of not being able to locate any type of assistance or programs that could keep the family intact (or they find resources, but it will cost tens of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket). There are children so disturbed that they try to kill or harm their parents or siblings. There are children that sexually abuse their siblings. There are children who absolutely cannot, ever, for a moment, be alone with another child ... ever. There are children who try to poison other family members. All of these kids go to bed in a room that is completely void of anything but mattresses and a few items ... with an alarm on the door that is set each and every night for the protection of the rest of the family.
Heck, even of those of us still making it work, our homes are full of baby monitors and door alarms. Put us all together, and you'll find parents that have been peed on, barfed on, screamed at, had our lives threatened, had the lives of our other children threatened, found gifts of feces left all over the house, had false accusations made against us to other adults, watched our children harm themselves, had to buy creams to help with rashes because of excessive masturbation, battled continuous attempts to divide our marriages, had to lock away our underwear so our children won't use them as a part of masturbation, we've been cursed at, we've had to put our children behind alarm-equipped doors just to spend a few minutes in the bathroom, we have children that run away all. the. time., we have children that literally refuse to go to school and then we're held liable for truancy, ... I could go on ... for days.
I want to send out a word of love and encouragement from my little corner today - to the families who have had to make the gut-wrenching decision to end an adoption placement. I also want to say, "I support you" to those of you who are still trying to finalize such a decision. I won't pretend to know your circumstances. I won't pretend to know your obstacles. I won't pretend to say I'm praying for you and not really do it - I'm spending today in a constant whisper of conversation with God, for all of you.
I acknowledge for you - to the rest of the world - that you love and adore your child. Your grief is genuine and real. You are not a bad parent. You are the best kind of parent. You are willing to sacrifice over and over and over again for the sake of your child, even if that means allowing someone else to parent them.
I pray special blessings for you today.
Your friend,
Christine
(photo by B S K)
I think that, as mothers, we tend to make quick assumptions. It's a gift of sorts. We are passionate about our children, therefore we have a deep interest in other children and families.
I have become acquainted with more and more parents who have disrupted adoptions. I'm finding two common threads: 1) the rest of the world simply does not understand and they are very judgmental of the decision to disrupt, and 2) the vast majority of disruptions only happen because someone in the home is in physical danger.Yes, there are a handful of parents who go into adoption blindly, they sneak past their homestudy worker and bring children home actually assuming they will be grateful for their new home and family - ending in a very selfish disruption. They are there. They are so sad. It's not fair to children, and we need to tighten our system to avoid such placements.
However, the average disruption doesn't look anything like this. The average disruption comes at the culmination of horrific acts. It comes at the end of parents exhausting all of their resources (and many times, most of what they own and every drop of savings). It sometimes comes at the end of not being able to locate any type of assistance or programs that could keep the family intact (or they find resources, but it will cost tens of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket). There are children so disturbed that they try to kill or harm their parents or siblings. There are children that sexually abuse their siblings. There are children who absolutely cannot, ever, for a moment, be alone with another child ... ever. There are children who try to poison other family members. All of these kids go to bed in a room that is completely void of anything but mattresses and a few items ... with an alarm on the door that is set each and every night for the protection of the rest of the family.
Heck, even of those of us still making it work, our homes are full of baby monitors and door alarms. Put us all together, and you'll find parents that have been peed on, barfed on, screamed at, had our lives threatened, had the lives of our other children threatened, found gifts of feces left all over the house, had false accusations made against us to other adults, watched our children harm themselves, had to buy creams to help with rashes because of excessive masturbation, battled continuous attempts to divide our marriages, had to lock away our underwear so our children won't use them as a part of masturbation, we've been cursed at, we've had to put our children behind alarm-equipped doors just to spend a few minutes in the bathroom, we have children that run away all. the. time., we have children that literally refuse to go to school and then we're held liable for truancy, ... I could go on ... for days.
I want to send out a word of love and encouragement from my little corner today - to the families who have had to make the gut-wrenching decision to end an adoption placement. I also want to say, "I support you" to those of you who are still trying to finalize such a decision. I won't pretend to know your circumstances. I won't pretend to know your obstacles. I won't pretend to say I'm praying for you and not really do it - I'm spending today in a constant whisper of conversation with God, for all of you.
I acknowledge for you - to the rest of the world - that you love and adore your child. Your grief is genuine and real. You are not a bad parent. You are the best kind of parent. You are willing to sacrifice over and over and over again for the sake of your child, even if that means allowing someone else to parent them.
I pray special blessings for you today.
Your friend,
Christine
(photo by B S K)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Bob Books in a whole new light
Bob Books are always a part of early reading in our house. The pictures are big and boxy and funny. They build on each other beautifully. They're just plain ... and plain silly.
As 5-year-old Presh started her way through her VERY FIRST Bob Book (a monumental occasion for every Moers child), she was struggling with keeping her eyes on the words. It is much easier to try to remember that Matt has one tiny hair on his head and Sam's noggin is pointed. Much easier than actually sounding out letters.
So, we're going along, and we arrive at page 7: "Sam sat on Mat." - which is MUCH better, by the way, than Mat having to sit on Sam's pointy little head - YIKES!
Presh is trucking along, but already getting exhausted.
And maybe my husband and I are the only ones who will find this funny. Yet, we can't stop laughing about it. It has become the catch-phrase of our home for days now.
Without sounding out a darn letter - just looking at the picture, Presh proudly "reads":
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
When our kids do the right thing
I could go on for days and days about how to handle the poor choices and bad behaviors. Yet, today, I want to stop and celebrate the good.
We have had a really - REALLY - rough couple of weeks. Yet, today, things switched. The sibling birthday was over. The holidays were long gone. The weather shifted a bit. It was so sudden and so abrupt, it threw me for a loop.
I had to celebrate and acknowledge the effort. It is so important to do this with all of my kids. However, when a child tells me one day that the thought of loving me fully completely freaks them out ... and the next day they hand me schoolwork done perfectly and with the most immaculate handwriting I've ever seen in my life (background: this child loves to attempt hurting/annoying me through very sloppy schoolwork - I had no idea it was even POSSIBLE for their handwriting to be so meticulous - it was GORGEOUS!). Well, you have to say out loud, "WOW! I love you, too. Thank you for showing me love in this very special way!!"
I am crazy picky about sweets in my house. I limit the sugar, making it a wonderful way to share some Mommy love. So, this was the perfect opportunity to give a hug, a kiss on the forehead, and then say, "You have two very tiny corrections. I'd like to give you some sweetness, as well, while you finish up. Why don't you grab a mini candy bar out of the cabinet?"
My other RADalicious kid ALSO flipped the switch today. It is so rare that they would both move to a better place at the same time. I'm not complaining - just making an observation (and thanking God - what a treat for Mom!). So, this child also got some chocolate lovin'.
Then later in the day, I sat down the other three kids at different times, and pointed out their positive choices over the last several weeks - because it was tough on everyone. A chocolate bit here ... some Skittles there.
Look for the positive! Send yourself on a treasure hunt this week to find the good. Did they make a bad choice, but accept your correction? Did you see them stop themselves and control their mouth (or their facial expressions), instead of "losing it?" Did they show love, kindness, or any other variation on the whole Fruits of the Spirit montage?
It's not all bad. Find the good! Point it out! Reward it! Celebrate the positive! Appreciate your kids! Go! GO!!
We have had a really - REALLY - rough couple of weeks. Yet, today, things switched. The sibling birthday was over. The holidays were long gone. The weather shifted a bit. It was so sudden and so abrupt, it threw me for a loop.
I had to celebrate and acknowledge the effort. It is so important to do this with all of my kids. However, when a child tells me one day that the thought of loving me fully completely freaks them out ... and the next day they hand me schoolwork done perfectly and with the most immaculate handwriting I've ever seen in my life (background: this child loves to attempt hurting/annoying me through very sloppy schoolwork - I had no idea it was even POSSIBLE for their handwriting to be so meticulous - it was GORGEOUS!). Well, you have to say out loud, "WOW! I love you, too. Thank you for showing me love in this very special way!!"
I am crazy picky about sweets in my house. I limit the sugar, making it a wonderful way to share some Mommy love. So, this was the perfect opportunity to give a hug, a kiss on the forehead, and then say, "You have two very tiny corrections. I'd like to give you some sweetness, as well, while you finish up. Why don't you grab a mini candy bar out of the cabinet?"
My other RADalicious kid ALSO flipped the switch today. It is so rare that they would both move to a better place at the same time. I'm not complaining - just making an observation (and thanking God - what a treat for Mom!). So, this child also got some chocolate lovin'.
Then later in the day, I sat down the other three kids at different times, and pointed out their positive choices over the last several weeks - because it was tough on everyone. A chocolate bit here ... some Skittles there.
Look for the positive! Send yourself on a treasure hunt this week to find the good. Did they make a bad choice, but accept your correction? Did you see them stop themselves and control their mouth (or their facial expressions), instead of "losing it?" Did they show love, kindness, or any other variation on the whole Fruits of the Spirit montage?
It's not all bad. Find the good! Point it out! Reward it! Celebrate the positive! Appreciate your kids! Go! GO!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Putting Reactive Attachment Disorder on hold
I want to start with the good. I forget to focus on the steps we HAVE made in our home. If you don't do that, you just get really discouraged. There has been good. There has been AMAZING, as well.
Nine months ago my two kids from trauma fought constantly.
When I say constantly, it's not like when moms smart off about their kids bickering a lot. I mean CONSTANTLY. They could not be in the same room together - literally - could not. We had rules on how close they could be at the table with my husband and I right there. Even then, they could not say one word to one another. Couldn't look at each other. It was gasoline on fire.
Again, I'm not exaggerating in the way that we do about our emotionally healthy kids. It was completely unreal, and most days the only way to control it was through complete separation.
Today the two of them sat with their brother and played a game of Star Wars Monopoly. No one yelled. There was frustration. There was whining. There were a few moments of "Wait a minute! You can't do that?!" Yet, neither of my healing kids completely lost it with one another. There are still so many little constant things, but on days like today, I have to look that one square in the face. I have to remember how our boundaries have changed because they can handle each other much more now than ever in their lives.
The older brother will deny it to the grave, but By-George, they LIKE each other!
As you already know, one of my attaching kids had a rough time the other day, which culminated in some really great openness and progress. The stress level of our home (obviously) was high as that all played out. Combine that with the fact that tomorrow is a sibling's birthday, and well, my OTHER RAD-a-lad-a-ding-dong did NOT want to be left out of the drama.
It was a long day. It ended in a very long sit down with Mom and Dad. So many things were said. So many attacks were made. So many attempts to hurt me were catapulted my way. Late this evening, as things were winding down, we talked about the birthday tomorrow, and the stress of last week. I looked at my child with loving eyes and a soft smile as I said, "I'm not going anywhere. I will do whatever I need to do as a mom so that it is easier for you to get better."
Hint of defiance returned. "I think I'd rather just get better when I'm older."
Translation: this is too hard. I'll just serve my time with you guys, and stop all this controlling stuff once I'm out of the house.
I picture this child in an office one day, "Mary, could you clear my schedule for Wednesday and make an appointment with an Attachment Therapist? I've decided to heal now."
It was a weird feeling I had. I was sad to know that it is so scary and so painful for my kid to even imagine loving me and being loved by me. I felt deprived. I felt rejected. I wondered if my kid would always feel this way, or if they would ever choose to bond with me. Yet, then I was overwhelmed with sympathy.
"Honey, the only way to get better, and to heal when you have attachment issues, is to attach to your parents."
My kid looked up at my husband with an expression that said, "OMG, is she serious???" Husband was giving a very loving and sympathetic smile and nodding. This child looked back at me, mouth hanging open. They were mortified. MORTIFIED! They thought they had found the loophole. Just wait it out. Do it later when it wouldn't involve this person that is such a threat - this relationship that is so terrifying.
I gently talked about the possible scenarios if we don't keep moving forward with healing. I also gave the reminder that if they woke up one day when they are 35 and decided it was time to attach and bond, that I'd be right there waiting.
I said, "I bet I can read your mind right now."
Huff. Puff. Rolling of eyes. "What?"
"You're thinking, 'Man, this SUCKS!'"
And we ended with laughter and smiles and my child grinning when they agreed with me.
Tomorrow my healing kids will not be allowed to ruin or dominate their sister's birthday. Yet, they will probably try. They will probably receive consequences. They will probably spend some time in their rooms.
Ah well. It will give them some extra time to think, "Man, this sucks!" I'll just say again what I said tonight: "It could be worse. You could have a really gross and smelly mom!"
(photo by Doru Lupeanu)
Nine months ago my two kids from trauma fought constantly.
When I say constantly, it's not like when moms smart off about their kids bickering a lot. I mean CONSTANTLY. They could not be in the same room together - literally - could not. We had rules on how close they could be at the table with my husband and I right there. Even then, they could not say one word to one another. Couldn't look at each other. It was gasoline on fire.
Again, I'm not exaggerating in the way that we do about our emotionally healthy kids. It was completely unreal, and most days the only way to control it was through complete separation.
Today the two of them sat with their brother and played a game of Star Wars Monopoly. No one yelled. There was frustration. There was whining. There were a few moments of "Wait a minute! You can't do that?!" Yet, neither of my healing kids completely lost it with one another. There are still so many little constant things, but on days like today, I have to look that one square in the face. I have to remember how our boundaries have changed because they can handle each other much more now than ever in their lives.
The older brother will deny it to the grave, but By-George, they LIKE each other!
As you already know, one of my attaching kids had a rough time the other day, which culminated in some really great openness and progress. The stress level of our home (obviously) was high as that all played out. Combine that with the fact that tomorrow is a sibling's birthday, and well, my OTHER RAD-a-lad-a-ding-dong did NOT want to be left out of the drama.
It was a long day. It ended in a very long sit down with Mom and Dad. So many things were said. So many attacks were made. So many attempts to hurt me were catapulted my way. Late this evening, as things were winding down, we talked about the birthday tomorrow, and the stress of last week. I looked at my child with loving eyes and a soft smile as I said, "I'm not going anywhere. I will do whatever I need to do as a mom so that it is easier for you to get better."
Hint of defiance returned. "I think I'd rather just get better when I'm older."
Translation: this is too hard. I'll just serve my time with you guys, and stop all this controlling stuff once I'm out of the house.
I picture this child in an office one day, "Mary, could you clear my schedule for Wednesday and make an appointment with an Attachment Therapist? I've decided to heal now."
It was a weird feeling I had. I was sad to know that it is so scary and so painful for my kid to even imagine loving me and being loved by me. I felt deprived. I felt rejected. I wondered if my kid would always feel this way, or if they would ever choose to bond with me. Yet, then I was overwhelmed with sympathy.
"Honey, the only way to get better, and to heal when you have attachment issues, is to attach to your parents."
My kid looked up at my husband with an expression that said, "OMG, is she serious???" Husband was giving a very loving and sympathetic smile and nodding. This child looked back at me, mouth hanging open. They were mortified. MORTIFIED! They thought they had found the loophole. Just wait it out. Do it later when it wouldn't involve this person that is such a threat - this relationship that is so terrifying.
I gently talked about the possible scenarios if we don't keep moving forward with healing. I also gave the reminder that if they woke up one day when they are 35 and decided it was time to attach and bond, that I'd be right there waiting.
I said, "I bet I can read your mind right now."
Huff. Puff. Rolling of eyes. "What?"
"You're thinking, 'Man, this SUCKS!'"
And we ended with laughter and smiles and my child grinning when they agreed with me.
Tomorrow my healing kids will not be allowed to ruin or dominate their sister's birthday. Yet, they will probably try. They will probably receive consequences. They will probably spend some time in their rooms.
Ah well. It will give them some extra time to think, "Man, this sucks!" I'll just say again what I said tonight: "It could be worse. You could have a really gross and smelly mom!"
(photo by Doru Lupeanu)
Magical Milk Pic-O-The-Week goes to Haiti!
Are you tired of this yet?
And you think I care? Well, isn't that cute. Now, suck it up and let's keep trucking!
I have received some wonderful pics from Beth McHoul of Heartline Ministries. For a little insight the victories they are seeing with their women's program, go here and here.
I'm going to do several weeks focusing on this program in Haiti. Breastfeeding in Haiti is all too rare, seen as an inconvenience and not something the culture perpetuates. Sound familiar?
As I post these pictures, realize that Beth reads my blog and will pass along your comments of encouragement. Send your friends over every Tuesday to love all over these women who are giving their babies the best in a world that says, "Eh. Not so much."
Kristen is listing purses on Etsy made by the women in the program. Get over there.
Tag it, Stumble It, Blog it, link to it, Digg It - whatever! Just do what you can to uplift these women.
And you think I care? Well, isn't that cute. Now, suck it up and let's keep trucking!
I have received some wonderful pics from Beth McHoul of Heartline Ministries. For a little insight the victories they are seeing with their women's program, go here and here.
I'm going to do several weeks focusing on this program in Haiti. Breastfeeding in Haiti is all too rare, seen as an inconvenience and not something the culture perpetuates. Sound familiar?
As I post these pictures, realize that Beth reads my blog and will pass along your comments of encouragement. Send your friends over every Tuesday to love all over these women who are giving their babies the best in a world that says, "Eh. Not so much."
Kristen is listing purses on Etsy made by the women in the program. Get over there.
Tag it, Stumble It, Blog it, link to it, Digg It - whatever! Just do what you can to uplift these women.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Parenting the effects of trauma is haaaaaaaard!
I have a poker face, but I am so very, very angry with early childhood trauma right now. I cannot be mad at my child, because this is not their fault. This is not personal, in the sense that it is not intended to hurt Christine. It is personal in the sense I am "Mom" and to trust and love and honor me would be to sacrifice the only safety my child believes they have.
I have to be strong and tough today. Yet, therapeutic parenting is so BACKWARD.
You start to doubt yourself.
"Maybe they really do know how to do this."
"Maybe they can't help working so slowly."
"Maybe I actually have a third eye."
****************************************************
I started writing this post in the middle of a showdown. One of my children has continued to regress since Christmas. Therapy took a deeper turn, and then the therapist had to cancel once, and is now in a two-week recovery from minor surgery. The weather has shifted. I had a ruptured cyst and doctor's appointments. Our lives have been a beautiful cocktail of many things that can wig out the big feelings. It has just been cratering. And the survival behaviors have been skyrocketing.
As I was typing earlier, I was starting to doubt my approach. I was trying to be the perfect balance - the Termin-aunt-or. Yet, this child can really scramble my brains some days when I am trying to be what they need most.
Then it happened.
I had my kid "jumping it out" on the mini-tramp ... again. We all love that thing. I use it all the time, too. It feels good to jump really fast and get your heart racing. Get out the angries. The tears were flowing. I gave some choices, "You could keep jumping or sit quietly somewhere, or do your work ... or talk about your feelings."
Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump. Jump.
And they broke.
"Can I talk about my feelings AND do my work?"
"Of course." ("ABSO-FREAKIN-LUTELY!!!!)
*crying* "I want to be in control, and I want people to think you're a bad mom."
*lots more crying*
"Honey, do you also love me and feel like I'm a good mom?"
"Yesssss." *deep sobs*
Lots more talking, crying and hugging.
It's so very difficult to look at your child and say, "When you manipulate regularly, I am not able to believe you regularly. I want to be a good mom."
Yet, it is so friggin' amazing when your child looks right back at you and says, "If you believed me, I would just get worse, because I would be in control."
I want to stay strong and be everything my kids need me to be. I want to separate the behavior from my child. They deserve that!
I also wouldn't mind a gift certificate for a spa day, too.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
There's just no way to not be depressed
Sweet, wonderful friend at church brings me a bag of clothing for the girls.
"It's some bras that my daughter wore right as she was barely out of training bras. So, I know they're not quite there yet, but if you want, you can hang onto them."
Of course! It is so thoughtful when people bring us things the kids can use.
So, today I pulled them out to put them in the "clothes to grow into" tubs.
And these "barely out of training bras" ...
were my size.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Kids and their anger
I have a rule in my house: no one is allowed to stay mad at me.
It is always followed at all times.
It goes a little something like this ...
Kid makes bad choice.
Mom corrects kid.
Kid knows they were wrong, but would much rather be mad at Mom.
Kid tries to make it sound like Mom's fault.
Mom lovingly restates the bad choice.
Kid is now really angry because the ploy didn't work and so they decide to just be mad at Mom anyway.
This usually involves some wonderfully dramatic body language, including some of the best squinched up faces you will ever see. My children are professionals at displaying anger.
However, I give them several minutes to cool down, and then it's time to move along. It finishes up a little something like this ...
Mom reminds kid just how much she loves them.
Kid keeps up the mad act with the mad face and the mad body posture.
Mom begins to dance a little bit.
Kid rolls eyes and lets out a, "Moooooooom!"
Mom begins to sing, "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" using whatever she can find as a microphone.
Kid is now trying not to smile, and says, "I know what you're doing, and this is NOT going to work!"
Mom is now to the "Baby, baby, I'd get down on my knees for you" and is either on her knees or (even better) is dancing on top of the nearest table.
Kid can no longer stand it, and has to smile and laugh.
Mom never did lose her temper, and got a little exercise, to boot!
The End.
(other song alternatives: "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing," "When I See You Smile," "Mmm Bop" - particularly if you make up all the lyrics to the chorus, "Endless Love," "All My Lovin'," "It Takes Two," "I've Got You Babe,""Please Do Not Go," ANYTHING by Barry Manillow ... you get the idea)
It is always followed at all times.
It goes a little something like this ...
Kid makes bad choice.
Mom corrects kid.
Kid knows they were wrong, but would much rather be mad at Mom.
Kid tries to make it sound like Mom's fault.
Mom lovingly restates the bad choice.
Kid is now really angry because the ploy didn't work and so they decide to just be mad at Mom anyway.
This usually involves some wonderfully dramatic body language, including some of the best squinched up faces you will ever see. My children are professionals at displaying anger.
However, I give them several minutes to cool down, and then it's time to move along. It finishes up a little something like this ...
Mom reminds kid just how much she loves them.
Kid keeps up the mad act with the mad face and the mad body posture.
Mom begins to dance a little bit.
Kid rolls eyes and lets out a, "Moooooooom!"
Mom begins to sing, "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" using whatever she can find as a microphone.
Kid is now trying not to smile, and says, "I know what you're doing, and this is NOT going to work!"
Mom is now to the "Baby, baby, I'd get down on my knees for you" and is either on her knees or (even better) is dancing on top of the nearest table.
Kid can no longer stand it, and has to smile and laugh.
Mom never did lose her temper, and got a little exercise, to boot!
The End.
(other song alternatives: "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing," "When I See You Smile," "Mmm Bop" - particularly if you make up all the lyrics to the chorus, "Endless Love," "All My Lovin'," "It Takes Two," "I've Got You Babe,""Please Do Not Go," ANYTHING by Barry Manillow ... you get the idea)
Magical Milk Pic-O-The-Week goes to Haiti!
I have received some wonderful pics from Beth McHoul of Heartline Ministries. For a little insight the victories they are seeing with their women's program, go here and here.
I'm going to do several weeks focusing on this program in Haiti. Breastfeeding in Haiti is all too rare, seen as an inconvenience and not something the culture perpetuates. Sound familiar?
As I post these pictures, realize that Beth reads my blog and will pass along your comments of encouragement. Send your friends over every Tuesday to love all over these women who are giving their babies the best in a world that says, "Eh. Not so much."
Kristen is listing purses on Etsy made by the women in the program. Get over there. As of this morning, there were only four left. GO! GO!!!! (FYI: Got mine in last week - LOVE IT!)
Tag it, Stumble It, Blog it, link to it, Digg It - whatever! Just do what you can to uplift these women.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
For the three people that read on Saturdays
Licia has a post that I hope all of you can read: click here
On a completely frivolous note, check out Misha's post on "Saved By the Bell." Come on ... you know you wanna!
Today we lost one of the sweetest ladies in my life. She and her husband are special, special, special to my family and to our church. Once, we were discussing some of her arthritis pain, and how the Craftmatic-type adjustable bed can be very helpful. Then, she paused, and looked at me (so as not to leave me concerned) and said, "Honey, we're in our 80's. It's okay that we don't sleep in the same bed." She winked. I laughed. Love her. Miss her already.
Some days I feel completely and utterly overwhelmed. I have felt that way this week. Of course, I have also been insanely hormonal. Correlation? Ya' think?
It's one of those weeks where the little things feel like big things. I ran into a "Looker Upper Downer" the other day (you know the type - a person that is engaging you in idle chit-chat, but their eyes are looking at every single inch of you - up and down and up and down - occasionally stopping somewhere just long enough to make you feel completely disgusting and inadequate). So, I bump into the Looker Upper Downer. Normally I would move along and chuckle to myself later. Not this week. I obsessed over it. OBSESSED! I hate it when I do that.
By the way, I'm starting an organization to stamp out Looker Upper Downer's.
(photo by Joana Croft)
On a completely frivolous note, check out Misha's post on "Saved By the Bell." Come on ... you know you wanna!
Today we lost one of the sweetest ladies in my life. She and her husband are special, special, special to my family and to our church. Once, we were discussing some of her arthritis pain, and how the Craftmatic-type adjustable bed can be very helpful. Then, she paused, and looked at me (so as not to leave me concerned) and said, "Honey, we're in our 80's. It's okay that we don't sleep in the same bed." She winked. I laughed. Love her. Miss her already.
Some days I feel completely and utterly overwhelmed. I have felt that way this week. Of course, I have also been insanely hormonal. Correlation? Ya' think?
It's one of those weeks where the little things feel like big things. I ran into a "Looker Upper Downer" the other day (you know the type - a person that is engaging you in idle chit-chat, but their eyes are looking at every single inch of you - up and down and up and down - occasionally stopping somewhere just long enough to make you feel completely disgusting and inadequate). So, I bump into the Looker Upper Downer. Normally I would move along and chuckle to myself later. Not this week. I obsessed over it. OBSESSED! I hate it when I do that.By the way, I'm starting an organization to stamp out Looker Upper Downer's.
(photo by Joana Croft)
Friday, January 09, 2009
It's official - I'm becoming my mother
My mom bought me a coffee mug years ago with that quote.
Unfortunately, it does NOT skip a generation.
God help that sweet girl.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Lost in the Lipstick Jungle
It was several weeks ago, when I found myself just needing to veg my brain. Watch something mind numbing. I had heard of "Lipstick Jungle," but had absolutely no interest. I figured it was a "Sex in the City" with Brook Shields, or something. Then again - it would qualify as mind numbing.
"I'll blow my brain with one episode, and then mock the character's insane spending habits and sad desire for materialistic gain."
There was a problem, though.
A very, very nice problem.
Yup. So, now I find myself watching the show.
How is he still so very pretty?
FYI for those of you who literally fly back in time at the mere thought of the Brat Pack: you can watch St. Elmo's Fire for free on hulu right now.
We had it alllllllll, for just a moooooo-ment.
"I'll blow my brain with one episode, and then mock the character's insane spending habits and sad desire for materialistic gain."
There was a problem, though.
A very, very nice problem.
Yup. So, now I find myself watching the show.
How is he still so very pretty?
FYI for those of you who literally fly back in time at the mere thought of the Brat Pack: you can watch St. Elmo's Fire for free on hulu right now.
We had it alllllllll, for just a moooooo-ment.
My favorite hippie in the whole wide world
I don't know what it is about the name "Bill," but all of the Bill's in my life are just super amazing people.One of my very favorite Bill's is Bill Martin. He is such a fun, raw, real and squaggly haired musician. He also really loves and cares about his God and the people around him. Watching him play guitar is what made me determined to start playing. I figured if I loved listening to it as much as he seemed to enjoy playing it, then I would be a fool not to join the party.
Bill has entered the 2009 Play Mayercraft 2 contest. You can check out his site, BillPlaysGuitar.Com, for details on how to register and vote for his song "Fish Out of Water" (which you are going to LOVE, by the way).
Love me some Bill Martin! Get your sad self over there and check him out.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Christine goes to the OBGYN
I finally had my appointment post-rupture.
I have not been on birth control pills in 13 years, so we'll get to try those first (hoping that low dose and having the depression/anxiety under control, perhaps it won't make me insane this time around). Seeing how my husband has a vasectomy, now I way, WAY will never get pregnant.
Well, that and I'm 36 ... and apparently have PCOS.
Anywho, I was very leery, because finding a new OBGYN ... well, you all know. It's a big deal, and the last thing you want is for it to go down like bad blind date.
I was in love with my last OBGYN. Hmmmm. I guess that was a bad choice of words. Yet, I really, really did like him and we were so VERY on the same wave length (even though he totally looked like "Squiggy" from "Laverne & Shirley" and every time he walked in the room I kept waiting for him to yell, "HE-lloooooo!"). He was a wonderful doctor, despite the Squigginess.
Well, I've hit the jackpot again. This guy spent more than a half hour with me JUST talking about my pain and my options. He got comfortable. Let me talk and asked TONS of questions. There was absolutely no hurry. It was wonderful. He was very receptive to my level of comfort on taking a conservative approach, etc.
He got the exam done in record time. He's a genius. Just as it's time to kick of that really sucky part of the appointment, he asked me to tell him about my kids!! Yeah, he's a smart one. That led to him asking more and more and more questions about our family.
The appointment ended with him talking about the mission work he and his wife have done and asking, "Do you mind if I pray for your kids?" (referring to my Haitian Sensations). As I sat in a room with a nurse and a doctor I had just met an hour before (yup - still in my paper gown), he said the sweetest prayer for my kids and my family. It was unbelievably sincere.
Then we went back to joking about the scratch-n-sniff People Magazine's "Sexiest Men Alive" section(he has a fabulous sense of humor, to boot).
If the bc pills make me crazy, you'll be the first to know, I'm sure. I tend to write more when I'm flipping my lid. Good for you. Bad for my husband.
I have not been on birth control pills in 13 years, so we'll get to try those first (hoping that low dose and having the depression/anxiety under control, perhaps it won't make me insane this time around). Seeing how my husband has a vasectomy, now I way, WAY will never get pregnant.
Well, that and I'm 36 ... and apparently have PCOS.
Anywho, I was very leery, because finding a new OBGYN ... well, you all know. It's a big deal, and the last thing you want is for it to go down like bad blind date.
I was in love with my last OBGYN. Hmmmm. I guess that was a bad choice of words. Yet, I really, really did like him and we were so VERY on the same wave length (even though he totally looked like "Squiggy" from "Laverne & Shirley" and every time he walked in the room I kept waiting for him to yell, "HE-lloooooo!"). He was a wonderful doctor, despite the Squigginess.Well, I've hit the jackpot again. This guy spent more than a half hour with me JUST talking about my pain and my options. He got comfortable. Let me talk and asked TONS of questions. There was absolutely no hurry. It was wonderful. He was very receptive to my level of comfort on taking a conservative approach, etc.
He got the exam done in record time. He's a genius. Just as it's time to kick of that really sucky part of the appointment, he asked me to tell him about my kids!! Yeah, he's a smart one. That led to him asking more and more and more questions about our family.
The appointment ended with him talking about the mission work he and his wife have done and asking, "Do you mind if I pray for your kids?" (referring to my Haitian Sensations). As I sat in a room with a nurse and a doctor I had just met an hour before (yup - still in my paper gown), he said the sweetest prayer for my kids and my family. It was unbelievably sincere.
Then we went back to joking about the scratch-n-sniff People Magazine's "Sexiest Men Alive" section(he has a fabulous sense of humor, to boot).
If the bc pills make me crazy, you'll be the first to know, I'm sure. I tend to write more when I'm flipping my lid. Good for you. Bad for my husband.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Magical Milk Pic-O-The-Week goes to Haiti!
I have received some wonderful pics from Beth McHoul of Heartline Ministries. For a little insight the victories they are seeing with their women's program, go here and here.
I'm going to do several weeks focusing on this program in Haiti. Breastfeeding in Haiti is all too rare, seen as an inconvenience and not something the culture perpetuates. Sound familiar?
As I post these pictures, realize that Beth reads my blog and will pass along your comments of encouragement. Send your friends over every Tuesday to love all over these women who are giving their babies the best in a world that says, "Eh. Not so much."
Kristen is listing purses on Etsy made by the women in the program. Get over there.
Tag it, Stumble It, Blog it, link to it, Digg It - whatever! Just do what you can to uplift these women.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Brainiacs - Finger Knitting
The kids have decided that they want to start making videos of some of their favorite activities and creative geniuses. This is the first attempt.
WFMW
WFMW
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Jesus is the Reason for Taco Mayo
It was just one of those kinda funky and funny days.
Mac had some issues today. She always gets nervous/excited on Sunday mornings which increases her stomach acid which makes her think she's going to throw up even though she's not. Of course, after heaving for six hours straight on Wednesday, you can't convince her otherwise. So, she sat in on my class reading "Weird & Gross Stuff from the Bible."
As I was leaving the platform during the service ... you know - the offertory - which is also when the deacons collect the offering, the pianist plays, the non-participating musicians sit down or shuffle around and the pastor makes his way up to the platform ... so I needed to remind my husband to announce something at the end of service (which he forgot, by the way), and realized I was leaned over yacking away to him. Like my butt ... pointed at the whole congregation. Lovely. I did scooch to the right as I was saying my final two words. I'm sure everyone appreciated my effort.
It's Lottie Moon Christmas Offering time. Our ladies group that promote the offering always do something creative. For Lottie Moon, we have a billboard at the front of the church with silver garland and Christmas lights. They unscrew all of the lights and then screw in/light up a light for every $100 or so dollars that we receive. However, today, throughout the ENTIRE service (including while Michael was drawing attention to it at the end of the service - ya' know - just before FORGETTING my announcement about feeding the hungry), the lights just kept going out. One after another. Blip. Blip. Blip. Even the stinkin' Christmas lights can feel the recession. So sad.
We drove out of town for lunch. For those of you in rural communities, you know what a treat that can be. For those of you in the city ... it was like, well, NORMAL! On the way out of town, we passed our little "Taco Mayo." They have a marquis as a part of their sign, where they like to announce an employee's birthday, or that tacos are on sale - that kind of thing. Well, today it just said, "Jesus is the Reason." That was it. So, now we know. Jesus is the reason for Taco Mayo. I had always wondered.
As we entered the Chinese buffet place (hubby and I had a reward meal - now we're having reward gas to be followed by reward craps), my husband recognized a local pastor. He introduced us to a man that was visiting his church ... who is really great friends with our friends, the Dyson's (living in Oaxaca, Mexico), whose daughter just arrived in Haiti YESTERDAY to help Licia's kids with their homeschooling!!! Oh my holy cow, it IS a small world, after all!
In trying to remind the kids who the Dyson's were, we recapped how they lived in our church's mission house in Dallas while on furlough. That's when our youngest son replied, "Oh yeah! We lived there for awhile, too. Remember? A long time after, we found out we had taken the remote to the TV with us." Yes, we did remember doing that, and how we screwed over the missionaries' cable viewing pleasure for several months. I'm pretty sure we STILL have a few plastic hangers that say, "STBC MISSION HOUSE" written on them in permanent, sharpie, please-don't-inadvertently-steal-from-missionaries-on-furlough marker. I do realize what a huge confession this is, knowing how many STBC pals read my blog. Ah well. It's true. It's out there. Wadda' ya' gonna' do?
Rocky thought the peel-and-eat shrimp sounded really yummy ... until he had to, ya' know, PEEL them. "Um, is it okay if I don't eat these? The leg parts give me the creeps." heh. I still just love watching him experience new things.
Reminded Presh to be careful, so as not to get chocolate pudding on her white shirt. Of course, she waited a full seven minutes before dribbling it all down her chest. I thought that was really sweet of her.
Last, but certainly not least, do you know the proper way to read the fortune from a fortune cookie? You always add "in bed" or "between the sheets" to the end of it.
My fortune: "A new relationship is about to blossom. You will be blessed." To which I say, "Ah YEAH!" I'm normally not into that sort of thing, but ya' know it IS my fortune.
My husband's fortune: "Your most memorable dream will come true." To which I don't know what to say. I think I might be a little frightened.
Friday, January 02, 2009
"Of course He isn't safe ... but He is good."
Read this post just a moment ago by Sheila.
Then there is Tara's old post with Sara Grove's song, "The Long Defeat," and how beautifully it describes the "why?" of their life calling. The irony is that there isn't a logical answer for human brains.
(FYI: feel free to read Tara's old posts, especially the REALLY old ones ... she just LOVES that!)
There's also that quote over there in my sidebar that is always staring me in the face, from my wonderful friend, Keith: "I cannot play it safe and please God."
I realize that God has called my family to some monumental things. Yet, I also know that there is much, much ... much more to come. Sheila's post returned to me that gloriously nauseating wave of truth.
"Of course He isn't safe ... but He is good."
(photo by Bill Davenport)
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Losing Weight but still making CRAZY good food!
This week was when my husband and I went back to counting points. Now, remember, we have never, EVER, been signed-up for Weight Watchers. We just learned a lot about their system through a bunch of books my mom found in garage sales. Then, we found the "secret point formula" online. Combined with the knowledge we had garnered on healthier food choices, we created our own system.
For instance, Weight Watchers will only allow you up to 5 grams of fiber in the formula. Pish! Posh! Fiber is your friend. Fiber Rocks the Casbah. We count every single solitary gram of fiber.
Which means, yes, the black beans I soaked and cooked the other night (at 14 grams of fiber per serving!!) ended up being -1.5 points for a half a cup. It encouraged us to jack up the fiber and wonderfully healthy protein. Fabulous.
What I love about this approach is how we only look at the point thing for awhile, but it makes us stop and think again about our choices. It's amazing how quickly you go for all really bad stuff without realizing what you're doing. The points FORCE us to stop and think again ... repent from the multitude of prepackaged muck.
I say all of that to say this: I MADE THE MOST ROCKIN' CREOLE CHICKEN HOLY-SWEET-MARY SAUCE THE OTHER NIGHT!!!
I hijacked it from Dixie at God's Littlest Angels. Rocky really misses all of the many ways Haitians turn everything into a great sauce to be poured all over rice. So, I'm going to give you Dixie's recipe, and my alterations will be in bold.
Creole Chicken Sauce
4 chicken breasts (I used chicken tenders - lowest fat I could find)
2 large tablespoons of tomato paste
4 cups of chicken broth
2 large chicken bouillon cubes (I left these out)
1 onion
1 green pepper
Thyme and Parsley tied together in a little bunch (no fresh herbs in northern Oklahoma - I just used a lot of the dried variety - boo!)
2 cloves of garlic (I used about 4 - FEAR NO GARLIC!)
1 leek (used a whole bunch of green onions)
1 tsp of salt
1 hot pepper for taste (take out before serving) (I sprinkled in some crushed red pepper)
Cover chicken with about 6 cups of water, 2 bouillon cubes, and cook.
Save broth for sauce. (when the chicken was done, I sat it aside and shredded it up)
Pestle and mortar 2 or 3 garlic cloves, 1 small leek, and 1 tsp salt. (I ran all of this, including green pepper, through my little food processor - the kids will eat anything they cannot identify)
Take 1/2 cup of of the broth and put into sauce pan and bring to a boil, add garlic/leek mixture and green pepper, cook 3 minutes, add tomato paste and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Don't burn. Add 3 1/2 cups of chicken broth, parsley and thyme and hot pepper. Bring to boil and cook for 30 to 45 minutes until it starts to boil down a little bit and becomes less watery looking. Spoon over the rice.
(The staff uses oil most of the time to fry the garlic mixture, but I prefer less oil and use the broth instead.) (I used a little canola oil with the broth - I also boiled it down a full 45 minutes, until it was thickening nicely)
I'm really anal with the whole point thing. I figure out how many cups of everything I'm putting into a pot (along with the chicken) so I can divide it out in servings.
Let me tell you - this stuff is AMAZING!! It reminds me of the sauce on my favorite Lobster Ravioli at Eddie's Napoli's. And ... are you ready for this?
It worked out to about 1 point per cup of sauce.
Our rice was 3 points for a cup.
And it was sooooooooooo good!
I had cooked a whole bag of black beans that day, as well. Threw in some garlic and onion with them. Mushed them up with a potato masher to make yet another saucy type thingy. Rocky was in heaven.
So were Michael and I.
For instance, Weight Watchers will only allow you up to 5 grams of fiber in the formula. Pish! Posh! Fiber is your friend. Fiber Rocks the Casbah. We count every single solitary gram of fiber.
Which means, yes, the black beans I soaked and cooked the other night (at 14 grams of fiber per serving!!) ended up being -1.5 points for a half a cup. It encouraged us to jack up the fiber and wonderfully healthy protein. Fabulous.
What I love about this approach is how we only look at the point thing for awhile, but it makes us stop and think again about our choices. It's amazing how quickly you go for all really bad stuff without realizing what you're doing. The points FORCE us to stop and think again ... repent from the multitude of prepackaged muck.
I say all of that to say this: I MADE THE MOST ROCKIN' CREOLE CHICKEN HOLY-SWEET-MARY SAUCE THE OTHER NIGHT!!!
I hijacked it from Dixie at God's Littlest Angels. Rocky really misses all of the many ways Haitians turn everything into a great sauce to be poured all over rice. So, I'm going to give you Dixie's recipe, and my alterations will be in bold.
Creole Chicken Sauce
4 chicken breasts (I used chicken tenders - lowest fat I could find)
2 large tablespoons of tomato paste
4 cups of chicken broth
2 large chicken bouillon cubes (I left these out)
1 onion
1 green pepper
Thyme and Parsley tied together in a little bunch (no fresh herbs in northern Oklahoma - I just used a lot of the dried variety - boo!)
2 cloves of garlic (I used about 4 - FEAR NO GARLIC!)
1 leek (used a whole bunch of green onions)
1 tsp of salt
1 hot pepper for taste (take out before serving) (I sprinkled in some crushed red pepper)
Cover chicken with about 6 cups of water, 2 bouillon cubes, and cook.
Save broth for sauce. (when the chicken was done, I sat it aside and shredded it up)
Pestle and mortar 2 or 3 garlic cloves, 1 small leek, and 1 tsp salt. (I ran all of this, including green pepper, through my little food processor - the kids will eat anything they cannot identify)
Take 1/2 cup of of the broth and put into sauce pan and bring to a boil, add garlic/leek mixture and green pepper, cook 3 minutes, add tomato paste and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Don't burn. Add 3 1/2 cups of chicken broth, parsley and thyme and hot pepper. Bring to boil and cook for 30 to 45 minutes until it starts to boil down a little bit and becomes less watery looking. Spoon over the rice.
(The staff uses oil most of the time to fry the garlic mixture, but I prefer less oil and use the broth instead.) (I used a little canola oil with the broth - I also boiled it down a full 45 minutes, until it was thickening nicely)
I'm really anal with the whole point thing. I figure out how many cups of everything I'm putting into a pot (along with the chicken) so I can divide it out in servings.
Let me tell you - this stuff is AMAZING!! It reminds me of the sauce on my favorite Lobster Ravioli at Eddie's Napoli's. And ... are you ready for this?
It worked out to about 1 point per cup of sauce.
Our rice was 3 points for a cup.
And it was sooooooooooo good!
I had cooked a whole bag of black beans that day, as well. Threw in some garlic and onion with them. Mushed them up with a potato masher to make yet another saucy type thingy. Rocky was in heaven.
So were Michael and I.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
