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Thursday, October 2, 2014
Week 3 Letter A is for Apple
Week 3 was all about Apples! We read about Adam and Eve in the garden, studied Romans 3:23 "For ALL have sinned." I also expanded our circle time to include counting from 1-30 and increasing by 10 each month and more preschool movement songs trying to relate them to what we are studying. I am also going to try to start incorporating some math and biblical character traits that go along with our bible stories each week. For example, for September we have been focusing on Obedience and looking at how various people were obedient to God in the bible. We made applesauce, apple pie, apple stamps and dissected an apple to see the various parts of the apple. It was a great week. We are loving this curriculum and learning so much!
Travel expert
I am starting to think that I have become somewhat of a travel expert since I have now taken 4 round trip airplane rides with 2 kids and only 1 of those trips was accompanied by another adult (thanks Mom!). So I thought I would share with you some of my tips that I have learned the hard way in case anyone is thinking of traveling with little ones.
1) Car seats: There are many theories regarding car seats and do you keep them with you or check them with your baggage. I have done both and here is my preference, since I have two kids in car seats, I prefer to check the car seats with my luggage. Some airlines will let you do this without counting it as your free bag. However, with Southwest it counts toward one of your free bags. My daughter car seat came with a carrying case that I saved for some odd reason (but has really come in handy) and for the infant car seat I bought a car seat bag from Buy Buy Baby
2) Stroller: Because I have a 4 y/o and 1.5 y/o I have toyed with the idea of double stroller vs single umbrella stroller. I have done both and have come to the conclusion that a double stroller is a life saver when traveling in an airport esp when you have a layover and have to change planes/terminals etc in a short amt of time. This has saved me! You can gate check the stroller upon entering the aircraft free of charge and they deposit it to you as you exit the aircraft. The double stroller is also great because you don't have to drag your 4 y/o through the airport or keep an eye on her when you know that she is sitting safe in the stroller and you can briskly walk or in some cases run to catch the next plane. And if you are lucky enough to have a decent lay over you can walk the children around until the little one falls asleep.
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3) Mommy Hook: This has been a lifesaver not just in the airport. While traveling, I use this to hold my camera bag, my carryon/diaper bag, my daughter's book bag/carryon keeping my hands free for my littles and the stroller. Seriously, if you have kids you need to get this!
4) Seating choice: I always choose a middle seat and a window seat and here's why. The window distracts my older child for a little while, my younger child loves to open/shut the window panel. Seriously a good 20 min, of entertainment. I can also put the younger child down to move about a little between the middle seat and the window seat. Also, I always try to make light of the fact that I have two kids and comment to whoever chooses to sit next to us. They will usually say something like: "Do you mind if I sit here?' and I will respond, "As long as you don't mind loud children!" That way they have been warned. And sometime we get lucky and get the whole row to ourselves.
5)Entertainment on the plane: As I mentioned earlier, the window is a fine source of entertainment for toddlers along with the lap tray and the reading material in the seat back pocket. Even my 4 y/o will thoroughly look at the safety packet to review 'the rules'. Another thing that entertains a toddler surprisingly is the plastic cup they serve drinks in. I always ask for mine and my older child's with a lid and straw. It's impossible to keep from spilling while holding a toddler and dealing with an older child. My 4 /yo loves to eat the ice and my youngest loves to pull the straw out and put it back in. I thought this was a one time thing but we had two flights in one trip and both flights he played with his empty cup and straw for at least 20 min! It was awesome!
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6)FOOD: People have differing views on this, however, after having several worst case scenario's on airplanes I have come to find it is best to have an arsenal of snacks on hand. My favorites are the mini kit-kats that come in a resealable bag because what kid doesn't like chocolate. They are small and soft enough for a toddler to easily handle and I don't have to keep open individual candy bars, Some others include goldfish, Twizzlers, cereal bars, and fruit snacks. I usually also have a bag of Swedish fish or M&M's stashed away for my sanity :) However, keep in mind that goldfish can be easily ground into the floor and apparently they don't have vacuums on airplanes! I always bring a water bottle for each traveler (empty of course) and once we are in the terminal I buy a huge bottle of water and divide it among the water bottles for the ride.
7)Extras: I have learned the hard way to always have a change of clothes for each traveler especially for mom :) If you don't have them you will need them! make sure you have extra wipes in case your child gets airsick on the lady sitting next to you!
I have traveled solo with kids enough to experience the worst of it including a screaming child for an entire 2.5 hour flight d/t bedtime, stopping the bottle and paci the same week we traveled. (not recommended) A nice stewardess even put lavender oil on me in hopes of calming him down and he finally fell asleep as we landed! Ha! I have been thrown up on along with the lucky girl who choose to sick next to me as we landed thanks to turbulence that made my 1.5 y/o air sick and even had the pilot trying to help me clean up the mess on me, the baby, the plane and the poor girls leather boots! I have been pooped on mid flight and had to change a diaper and clothes (his not mine) in the seat since we weren't permitted to leave our seats at the time.
Happy Travels!
1) Car seats: There are many theories regarding car seats and do you keep them with you or check them with your baggage. I have done both and here is my preference, since I have two kids in car seats, I prefer to check the car seats with my luggage. Some airlines will let you do this without counting it as your free bag. However, with Southwest it counts toward one of your free bags. My daughter car seat came with a carrying case that I saved for some odd reason (but has really come in handy) and for the infant car seat I bought a car seat bag from Buy Buy Baby
2) Stroller: Because I have a 4 y/o and 1.5 y/o I have toyed with the idea of double stroller vs single umbrella stroller. I have done both and have come to the conclusion that a double stroller is a life saver when traveling in an airport esp when you have a layover and have to change planes/terminals etc in a short amt of time. This has saved me! You can gate check the stroller upon entering the aircraft free of charge and they deposit it to you as you exit the aircraft. The double stroller is also great because you don't have to drag your 4 y/o through the airport or keep an eye on her when you know that she is sitting safe in the stroller and you can briskly walk or in some cases run to catch the next plane. And if you are lucky enough to have a decent lay over you can walk the children around until the little one falls asleep.
3) Mommy Hook: This has been a lifesaver not just in the airport. While traveling, I use this to hold my camera bag, my carryon/diaper bag, my daughter's book bag/carryon keeping my hands free for my littles and the stroller. Seriously, if you have kids you need to get this!
4) Seating choice: I always choose a middle seat and a window seat and here's why. The window distracts my older child for a little while, my younger child loves to open/shut the window panel. Seriously a good 20 min, of entertainment. I can also put the younger child down to move about a little between the middle seat and the window seat. Also, I always try to make light of the fact that I have two kids and comment to whoever chooses to sit next to us. They will usually say something like: "Do you mind if I sit here?' and I will respond, "As long as you don't mind loud children!" That way they have been warned. And sometime we get lucky and get the whole row to ourselves.
5)Entertainment on the plane: As I mentioned earlier, the window is a fine source of entertainment for toddlers along with the lap tray and the reading material in the seat back pocket. Even my 4 y/o will thoroughly look at the safety packet to review 'the rules'. Another thing that entertains a toddler surprisingly is the plastic cup they serve drinks in. I always ask for mine and my older child's with a lid and straw. It's impossible to keep from spilling while holding a toddler and dealing with an older child. My 4 /yo loves to eat the ice and my youngest loves to pull the straw out and put it back in. I thought this was a one time thing but we had two flights in one trip and both flights he played with his empty cup and straw for at least 20 min! It was awesome!
6)FOOD: People have differing views on this, however, after having several worst case scenario's on airplanes I have come to find it is best to have an arsenal of snacks on hand. My favorites are the mini kit-kats that come in a resealable bag because what kid doesn't like chocolate. They are small and soft enough for a toddler to easily handle and I don't have to keep open individual candy bars, Some others include goldfish, Twizzlers, cereal bars, and fruit snacks. I usually also have a bag of Swedish fish or M&M's stashed away for my sanity :) However, keep in mind that goldfish can be easily ground into the floor and apparently they don't have vacuums on airplanes! I always bring a water bottle for each traveler (empty of course) and once we are in the terminal I buy a huge bottle of water and divide it among the water bottles for the ride.
7)Extras: I have learned the hard way to always have a change of clothes for each traveler especially for mom :) If you don't have them you will need them! make sure you have extra wipes in case your child gets airsick on the lady sitting next to you!
I have traveled solo with kids enough to experience the worst of it including a screaming child for an entire 2.5 hour flight d/t bedtime, stopping the bottle and paci the same week we traveled. (not recommended) A nice stewardess even put lavender oil on me in hopes of calming him down and he finally fell asleep as we landed! Ha! I have been thrown up on along with the lucky girl who choose to sick next to me as we landed thanks to turbulence that made my 1.5 y/o air sick and even had the pilot trying to help me clean up the mess on me, the baby, the plane and the poor girls leather boots! I have been pooped on mid flight and had to change a diaper and clothes (his not mine) in the seat since we weren't permitted to leave our seats at the time.
Happy Travels!
Week 2 Letter G is for Garden
Then we headed to the lake to search for some feathers
And because Lancaster is known for their Amish community and my Gandpop drives them to work each day he was able to arrange a horse and buggy ride for us and his wife Martha gave us a tour of her AWESOME garden that I hope to replicate one day!
We had a great time and even Grandma came to visit from Ohio!
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
First day of Preschool
So, I am pretty sure no one reads this blog anymore since I haven't posted anything since January :)
Have you ever been asked to stop what you are doing and move across country to your sis-in-laws home to help with you mother in law who is deathly ill with one day notice for an indefinite amount of time with two small children? I have. That was 6.5 weeks ago. This chapter of my life has been the hardest and most challenging of my life but it has also taught me a great deal. I have also been able to experience things that most people don't and for that I am grateful. In order to establish some normalcy and routine for my children and because I am uncertain what the future holds, I started preschool with Mia in August while we have been staying in NJ. We are now in our second week but here is our first week and I "hope" to keep this blog updated to hold me accountable.
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Have you ever been asked to stop what you are doing and move across country to your sis-in-laws home to help with you mother in law who is deathly ill with one day notice for an indefinite amount of time with two small children? I have. That was 6.5 weeks ago. This chapter of my life has been the hardest and most challenging of my life but it has also taught me a great deal. I have also been able to experience things that most people don't and for that I am grateful. In order to establish some normalcy and routine for my children and because I am uncertain what the future holds, I started preschool with Mia in August while we have been staying in NJ. We are now in our second week but here is our first week and I "hope" to keep this blog updated to hold me accountable.
Our Awesome treasure map is courtesy of Aunt Pammy
God's Little Explorers Week One: 'X' marks the spot
Mia loved the treasure hunt and has since been on several more and now points out every X she finds when out and about
Practicing writing the letter 'X'
We also made an X-ray, learned about rectangles, GOD's word is our treasure and about days of the week.
So far she is loving it and I am loving teaching her and watching her little mind work and learn. So Fun! We are pretty much following the outline on God's Little Explorer's Pre-K curriculum with a few added activities and crafts. SO far we LOVE it. Next week is G, so get ready for some exciting fun in the Garden
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Menu plan, budget, and resolution update
Here is the next two weeks Menu:
Monday: Southwest Chopped Salad (thanks to my friend Jen for the dressing recipe)
Tuesday: Baked Chicken and Rice (mom's recipe) with green beans
Wednesday: crockpot breakfast casserole
Thursday: Tacos
Friday: Homemade stromboli
Saturday: Stuffed Peppers
Sunday: Spaghetti with Salad and garlic bread
Monday: BLT sandwiches with veggies/dip and chips
Tuesday: Chicken Tetrazini
Wednesday: Max and Erma's Chicken Tortilla Soup (my sis-in-laws recipe-its delicious!)
Thursday: Leftover/grilled cheese and soup
Friday-out (Mia/mommy date)
My menu is two weeks because I am only trying to go to the grocery store once per pay period in order to stay within my budget of $100 every 2 weeks. For the first two weeks I came in at around $85 and we mostly stuck to the menu aside from when we fell sick and didn't eat much of anything. I am also planning to sell our freezer before we move so that means using up what is in there, which is also helping me stay on budget :) A few weeks ago I made a list of everything we have in both freezers and each time I use something I mark it off, that way I know what I have and what I need to buy. I also found out the movers won't move canned goods so I am trying to use up my stock pile there too so I don't have to waste as much. This week, after encouragement from two of my sister in laws I gave Aldi's a try. My previous experience was awful and have held it against the store ever since, but boy was I missing out! Aside from the ground turkey, baking powder/soda, 409, and yogurt I still need to buy I was able to buy everything else on my list at Aldi's for a whopping $33.40!!! WHOOHOOO! I was so excited I called my husband who thankfully was able to answer since he had some down time today to listen to my amazing story! So I will keep you posted on how we are doing with this and sticking to this budget. Just a side note, my kids go to daycare where lunch and snack are provided so those are meals I don't have to plan for and I try and eat leftovers or salad for my lunch which also cuts down on costs. As I start to use my freezer stock it will be interesting how I can manage to stay within my budget. If any one has inexpensive, fairly easily to assemble recipes I am always willing to try something new.
For my resolution update; for the most part I have been able to stick with my progress towards my goals aside from this past week where I pretty much took a hiatus from everything. But fear not, I have a plan to get back on track. My goal is to lose 18 lbs for March 25 when Patrick graduates. My reward for this goal is two-fold 1)get a hair cut (I have been dying to cut my hair short but refuse until I reach this goal) and 2)host a party of some sort (thirty-one, tastefully simple, jewlery party etc) to celebrate with my friends! I have also started reading a chapter a week (on Wednesdays) from Power of a praying parent and making that my focus pray of each week.
So in order to stay on track with my goals, here is my plan for this week:
Monday: Jililan Micheals 30 day shred 20 min workout video, 50 squats, Bible study
Tuesday: 30 day shred, 125 squats, run 2-2.5 miles on treadmill after work before picking up the kiddos
Wednesday: breakfast fast read ch.2 of Power praying parent and mediate/pray, 30 day shred, 50 squats, 30 min elipitical, AWANA
Thursday: 30 day shred, 2.5 miles on treadmill
Friday: 30 day shred, 145 squats, 30 min on elliptical if time after work before picking up the kids
I also plan to avoid snacking between meals as this is where I pick up alot of my extra calories!
Saturday: 3 mile run outside weather permiting, 80 squats
Sunday: yoga/stretch, 40 squats, church, small group
Hoping I can stick with this and using my husband suffering as motivation! I hope you all have a blessed and healthy week!
Monday: Southwest Chopped Salad (thanks to my friend Jen for the dressing recipe)
Tuesday: Baked Chicken and Rice (mom's recipe) with green beans
Wednesday: crockpot breakfast casserole
Thursday: Tacos
Friday: Homemade stromboli
Saturday: Stuffed Peppers
Sunday: Spaghetti with Salad and garlic bread
Monday: BLT sandwiches with veggies/dip and chips
Tuesday: Chicken Tetrazini
Wednesday: Max and Erma's Chicken Tortilla Soup (my sis-in-laws recipe-its delicious!)
Thursday: Leftover/grilled cheese and soup
Friday-out (Mia/mommy date)
My menu is two weeks because I am only trying to go to the grocery store once per pay period in order to stay within my budget of $100 every 2 weeks. For the first two weeks I came in at around $85 and we mostly stuck to the menu aside from when we fell sick and didn't eat much of anything. I am also planning to sell our freezer before we move so that means using up what is in there, which is also helping me stay on budget :) A few weeks ago I made a list of everything we have in both freezers and each time I use something I mark it off, that way I know what I have and what I need to buy. I also found out the movers won't move canned goods so I am trying to use up my stock pile there too so I don't have to waste as much. This week, after encouragement from two of my sister in laws I gave Aldi's a try. My previous experience was awful and have held it against the store ever since, but boy was I missing out! Aside from the ground turkey, baking powder/soda, 409, and yogurt I still need to buy I was able to buy everything else on my list at Aldi's for a whopping $33.40!!! WHOOHOOO! I was so excited I called my husband who thankfully was able to answer since he had some down time today to listen to my amazing story! So I will keep you posted on how we are doing with this and sticking to this budget. Just a side note, my kids go to daycare where lunch and snack are provided so those are meals I don't have to plan for and I try and eat leftovers or salad for my lunch which also cuts down on costs. As I start to use my freezer stock it will be interesting how I can manage to stay within my budget. If any one has inexpensive, fairly easily to assemble recipes I am always willing to try something new.
For my resolution update; for the most part I have been able to stick with my progress towards my goals aside from this past week where I pretty much took a hiatus from everything. But fear not, I have a plan to get back on track. My goal is to lose 18 lbs for March 25 when Patrick graduates. My reward for this goal is two-fold 1)get a hair cut (I have been dying to cut my hair short but refuse until I reach this goal) and 2)host a party of some sort (thirty-one, tastefully simple, jewlery party etc) to celebrate with my friends! I have also started reading a chapter a week (on Wednesdays) from Power of a praying parent and making that my focus pray of each week.
So in order to stay on track with my goals, here is my plan for this week:
Monday: Jililan Micheals 30 day shred 20 min workout video, 50 squats, Bible study
Tuesday: 30 day shred, 125 squats, run 2-2.5 miles on treadmill after work before picking up the kiddos
Wednesday: breakfast fast read ch.2 of Power praying parent and mediate/pray, 30 day shred, 50 squats, 30 min elipitical, AWANA
Thursday: 30 day shred, 2.5 miles on treadmill
Friday: 30 day shred, 145 squats, 30 min on elliptical if time after work before picking up the kids
I also plan to avoid snacking between meals as this is where I pick up alot of my extra calories!
Saturday: 3 mile run outside weather permiting, 80 squats
Sunday: yoga/stretch, 40 squats, church, small group
Hoping I can stick with this and using my husband suffering as motivation! I hope you all have a blessed and healthy week!
Week 1 in review
So my darling husband has been gone one week today. Whew, that was a LONG week, I am sure it was probably triple the length for him. Holding down the home front here in Ohio has proved to be a challenge this week. We started off Monday with Declan having a fever, going to the doctor, and coming with ATBs for an ear infection and three teeth popped through. Tuesday I awoke with a knot in my chest fully expecting a cold to follow and a clogged toilet for which I quickly learned how to use a plunger! By Wednesday, Declan and I were both coughing, snotty noses etc and neither one of us was sleeping very well and Declan was still having a fever off and on. He also decided eating was for the birds. Thursday, my health quickly deteriorated and by the end of the work day I felt like death and was running a fever by bedtime. By Friday we all had fevers, doctors appts and were found to have the flu, despite our vaccination efforts. My first week as a single mom can be seen as both a failure and a success. No housekeeping, cooking, or exercising was completed but we survived, all slept in the same room and watched lots of movies and are now coming through on the other side as we close out this weekend.
This week has taught me a few things: 1)I am stronger then I realize especially when I have the flu while taking care of two kids who have the flu 2)I really struggle with accepting help from others (why is this so hard?) 3) I have the greatest friends in the world who send their husband over with soup and all sorts of goodies that make moms and kiddos happy (ie tissues, cookies, crackers, and gatorade)
Here is to week number 2! May it be less memorable then the first :)
This week has taught me a few things: 1)I am stronger then I realize especially when I have the flu while taking care of two kids who have the flu 2)I really struggle with accepting help from others (why is this so hard?) 3) I have the greatest friends in the world who send their husband over with soup and all sorts of goodies that make moms and kiddos happy (ie tissues, cookies, crackers, and gatorade)
Here is to week number 2! May it be less memorable then the first :)
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Happy New Year!!
Well 2013 was great, 2014 holds the potential to be even greater but is laden with lots of new changes, new places and lot of goodbyes! And as though changes are right around the corner, my hubby leaves a week from Sunday, I plan to use this blog as a way to keep my sanity and update family/friends as we embark on this new journey. With that being said, I have set some goals for this upcoming year and since I seem to hold myself more accountable when I write them down/post for the world to see, here it goes:
Sprirtual
1) fast and pray specifically for my children and their well being every Wednesday morning (I know personally the benefits of having a loved one pray continually for you throughout your life and the impact/implications it has had for me and I desire the same for my children-particularly for their spiritual well-being)
2) spend time daily praying and reading God's word (I am able to handle life's stresses when this is a major focus in my life)
Physical
1) train for and RUN a half marathon (I already signed up for one on May 3 so I am committed!)
2) return to pre-pregnancy weight
3)complete 30 day squat challenge (already 5 days completed!)
Financial
1) make a budget and stick to it (budget had been established)
2) pay off all credit cards before moving to Texas
3) live within our means in order to become a stay at home mom
3) live within our means in order to become a stay at home mom
MISC
1) be more organized
2) spend more deliberate focused time with my kids
1) be more organized
2) spend more deliberate focused time with my kids
And one of my main priorities this year: My family
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