Okay, I'm posting one more time before we leave for Idaho.
Something has happened, and I don't know what to say about it or even if I should mention it. But I will, of course!
I have struggled with my size for about ten years. (I'm now 30.) I won't go into the boring details, but I've progressed from a happy medium (in high school), to an ecstatic small (in college), back to a medium (met Penn), then large (Penn's a chef), then extra-large (Penn's a good chef), all the way to the plus-size department (Penn's a great chef). I actually lost all the baby weight and have put it back on. Yes, that's right. I'm the same weight as when I delivered Nicknack! So I can't even blame all this excess on him.
I'm not blaming Penn, either. As you may have heard, he is a chef (have I mentioned that enough?) and he is very food oriented. His love language is service and one of those acts is to spoil me with snacks, candy, dinners out, special meals and treats, and giant helpings. But many, many other women would have declined to have a "candy drawer." Left a little something on their plates to signal the portion-size was unreasonable. Or asked for something for their birthday other than cakes ("sticky date pudding AND an ice cream cake!"). Clearly, he is not the problem. He's just my enabler.
Like every other person with a closet full of darling clothes that don't fit, I've tried every diet (even the good ones) and failed. I've also started many an exercise regime and haven't stuck with any of them.
I've always meant to pray about this issue. A time or two I've sent up a fleeting, "Please help me with this, God!" I do this in other areas, too. Sometimes I have a prayer sitting in the back of my mind, but never bring it directly to God. I am an accomplished procrastinator so it makes sense that I would find a way to put off prayer, even when it is so obviously and so desperately needed.
But something has happened.
Yesterday I turned on a DVR episode of Beth Moore on Life Today. I was only half listening because I was on the floor with Nicknack, playing on a pile of sofa pillows (his new favorite activity).
Something caught my ear and STUCK! I won't try to paraphrase Mrs. Moore's message, but I was overcome with the immediate and certain knowledge that I could claim victory in the area of excessive eating. Right at that moment. Before I'd even turned down one slice of cake or lost a single pound. I was going to stop believing the lies of the enemy and I knew I wouldn't fall into his snare ever again. So there!
I spent Nicknack's nap journaling. Basically, having a written conversation with God. He was revealing so many things to me I could barely type fast enough. We talked about the whys and wherefors of overeating. I suddenly had such a clear picture of what food is and isn't meant to be. I realized that food is an addiction for me. I care WAY too much about it. I feel deprived if I have to restrain myself in any way; there is no moderation in my eating habits. And even when I'm dieting successfully I'm craving food, negotiating for it, and waiting for the moment I can abandon my diet and indulge. Overeating, for me, is also an act of rebellion. "I'm a grown up and I can eat whatever, whenever, and how ever much I want." I'd never consciously articulated that thought before, but my actions had.
Throughout the afternoon I just had this overwhelming feeling of victory. Just a palpable sense of freedom from this struggle. I don't know how to explain it other than that I lost interest in food.
It's only been 24 hours, but it's been the strangest day of my life, food-wise. My stomache growls, so I eat. No food I can think of sounds tempting. Tiramisu? Nah. Pizza? Greasy! Lobster? That sounds okay. Just okay. My mom's amazing ham/olive/cheese loaf dip? Whatever.
I probably sound bonkers, but I believe God has freed me from my obsession with food and given me the appetite of a normal person.
As I emerged from sleep this morning, the first thought that popped into my head was, "Victory! I don't care about food anymore!" I was giggling before I even opened my eyes.
I tried to explain all this to Penn and he just nodded and smiled politely. I think he'll believe it when he sees it. Also, I suspect that Penn has a secret fear that I'm going to turn into a religious nut one of these days. We're never quite in step, faith-wise. But we're both moving in the right direction (God's!), so that's good enough for me. I just told him to mark this day on the calendar. "I am not going to overeat anymore. I just don't feel the need."
God and I worked up a little diet for me. We're calling it the 365 day diet. Every morning, during my quiet time, he's going to remind me that I'm free from the need to overeat. That I'm walking in victory and freedom, in Christ. Then I'm just going to eat normal portions of normal food when I'm hungry. I'm not going to weigh myself or keep track of calories. No food is forbidden but all food choices will be consciously made. There will be no such thing as seconds. In 365 days, I can weigh myself. I'll probably have lost quite a bit of weight (although gradually and slowly, most likely). But losing weight isn't the point. That's just icing on the cake. (Which still doesn't sound good, no matter how many times I type the word or the fact that it's just about dinner time.) I don't have any specifical goals. I'm just going to live in victory, every day, and see where that takes me.
I've never felt like this before, about anything. Like I've already completed the 365 days and am looking back at where I began. I am so certain of success. There isn't a doubt in my mind. Because I'm not the same.
Last night, I was a little hungry, but it was bedtime. So I had a glass of water and taunted my stomache. "Get used to that growly feeling. I'm in charge of YOU now, sister! Bwah ha ha!" Penn looked at me a little strangely. Not that he looked strange. But his expression told me that he thought I did! I was and AM giddy with this feeling of freedom. You know how you feel after a bad headache? The absence of pain is such a relief, it's almost pleasant. Whew! It's great to be alive and not have a headache! I feel like that.
I'm not sure what to make of all this. But I'm not questioning it, I'm just going with it!
So now you can see why I hesitated to post this. Because, hello?!, it's day 2 of The New Adventures of New Kitty. I could fall on my face in a couple of months and then I'd have to admit to all of you that I failed. Except that I'm not going to fail. This isn't some fad diet I'm on. This is me living in victory! I'm so convinced that I'm going to have Penn take a "before" picture and in 365 days I'll post that with my "after" picture. I can't wait! See you on June 13, 2008!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Summer Fun!
I have only one more final and then I am free for the summer!
Except for the fact that I couldn't help myself and signed up for one teensy tiny Economics course. But it should only take an hour or two a day to keep on top of it.
The rest of the summer I am committed to:
a) getting our house in order!
I'm just dying to see it returned to the "way we were" before Nicknack started crawling! In fact, just last night we watched the video of his first attempts at crawling (not until eight months!) and I couldn't help but notice how nice the house looked. The DVDs on the bookcase shelves were still in alphabetical order. The windows were fingerprint-free. There was not a single crumb of anything, anywhere. Yesterday, as Penn attempted to vacuum up some cookie goo he remarked, "Whoever said 'that's the way the cookie crumbles' has never known a toddler. It's more like 'that's the way the cookie smears and adheres!'" So true. Those teething biscuits are like paste!
We do a pretty good job keeping on top of the appearance of the house. The surface layer. You know, the daily book and toy roundup, highchair hose down, and crumb patrol? But attention to detail has been pretty hit or miss. Mostly miss.
b) having fun!
Which means plenty of time in the backyard and lots of walks down to the beach and park. I have a whole new appreciation for warm weather, now that I have an energetic little one.
I intend to keep my nose in a book (a fiction book, and thanks for your suggestions!) as much as possible and see as many movies as I can. I'm especially excited about Harry Potter and Nancy Drew! Because I'm a big nerd. And I'm okay with that. Really, what's so great about being cool?
I'm also planning many visits to and from my mother and stepdad (who live about two hours away). So add playing cards, watching DVDs, chatting, and eating mother's cooking to the list.
So those are the two things I'm devoting myself to this summer.
Of course, in case you're wondering, being devoted to God goes without saying. I'm not adding Him to my summer "to do" list. He's year round.
Tomorrow is my final. Friday I'm packing and doing last minute errands. Saturday we have a graduation party to attend and we must get the house "vacation ready" (which means extra pleasant to come home to). Sunday we pick up Penn's parents and head to Sandpoint, Idaho (about 360 miles away), where we've rented a lakeside cabin for the week.
Let me reiterate. I am voluntarily vacationing with my in-laws. Who are 80 and 88, respectively. And we're all traveling together, in a rented minivan. Gosh, my life is glamorous! Actually, it was my idea. Because, contrary to what you might have heard, I'm not the worst daughter-in-law in the world.
In truth, I am so excited! Mostly about renting a minivan (because we'll be purchasing one sometime in the future) and the organizational challenges of the trip. I get to make lists! I get to pack! I get to shop! I get to figure out how to make everything fit in the van, in the most efficient and asthetically pleasing way possible! I get to create our trip itinerary and navigate! I get to plan all the meals and activities!
I hope you don't think I'm being sarcastic. I really do love this kind of stuff. This (project coordination) is what I used to do for a living, before landing my dream job as a SAHM.
I'm also excited about the next couple of weeks because Penn needs a holiday. He used last year's vacation weeks as extra paternity leave. So it's been a long time since he has had extended time off for something fun. Over the past few months I've noticed his attitude becoming a little raincloud-y and I think two work-free weeks are just what the Great Physician ordered.
When we return from Idaho Penn has another week at home. We're going to alternate activity days with "stay-at-home-and-be-lazy" days. Activity days will be short drives or ferry trips to recreational attractions or small, picturesque towns. Lazy days will be just that. Lazy!
So now you know what we three will be up to this summer. I won't be posting much during Penn's vacation days. If you're looking for good reads, check out some of my favorite blogs (listed on my blogroll, on the right side of my page).
"Talk" to you soon!
Except for the fact that I couldn't help myself and signed up for one teensy tiny Economics course. But it should only take an hour or two a day to keep on top of it.
The rest of the summer I am committed to:
a) getting our house in order!
I'm just dying to see it returned to the "way we were" before Nicknack started crawling! In fact, just last night we watched the video of his first attempts at crawling (not until eight months!) and I couldn't help but notice how nice the house looked. The DVDs on the bookcase shelves were still in alphabetical order. The windows were fingerprint-free. There was not a single crumb of anything, anywhere. Yesterday, as Penn attempted to vacuum up some cookie goo he remarked, "Whoever said 'that's the way the cookie crumbles' has never known a toddler. It's more like 'that's the way the cookie smears and adheres!'" So true. Those teething biscuits are like paste!
We do a pretty good job keeping on top of the appearance of the house. The surface layer. You know, the daily book and toy roundup, highchair hose down, and crumb patrol? But attention to detail has been pretty hit or miss. Mostly miss.
b) having fun!
Which means plenty of time in the backyard and lots of walks down to the beach and park. I have a whole new appreciation for warm weather, now that I have an energetic little one.
I intend to keep my nose in a book (a fiction book, and thanks for your suggestions!) as much as possible and see as many movies as I can. I'm especially excited about Harry Potter and Nancy Drew! Because I'm a big nerd. And I'm okay with that. Really, what's so great about being cool?
I'm also planning many visits to and from my mother and stepdad (who live about two hours away). So add playing cards, watching DVDs, chatting, and eating mother's cooking to the list.
So those are the two things I'm devoting myself to this summer.
Of course, in case you're wondering, being devoted to God goes without saying. I'm not adding Him to my summer "to do" list. He's year round.
Tomorrow is my final. Friday I'm packing and doing last minute errands. Saturday we have a graduation party to attend and we must get the house "vacation ready" (which means extra pleasant to come home to). Sunday we pick up Penn's parents and head to Sandpoint, Idaho (about 360 miles away), where we've rented a lakeside cabin for the week.
Let me reiterate. I am voluntarily vacationing with my in-laws. Who are 80 and 88, respectively. And we're all traveling together, in a rented minivan. Gosh, my life is glamorous! Actually, it was my idea. Because, contrary to what you might have heard, I'm not the worst daughter-in-law in the world.
In truth, I am so excited! Mostly about renting a minivan (because we'll be purchasing one sometime in the future) and the organizational challenges of the trip. I get to make lists! I get to pack! I get to shop! I get to figure out how to make everything fit in the van, in the most efficient and asthetically pleasing way possible! I get to create our trip itinerary and navigate! I get to plan all the meals and activities!
I hope you don't think I'm being sarcastic. I really do love this kind of stuff. This (project coordination) is what I used to do for a living, before landing my dream job as a SAHM.
I'm also excited about the next couple of weeks because Penn needs a holiday. He used last year's vacation weeks as extra paternity leave. So it's been a long time since he has had extended time off for something fun. Over the past few months I've noticed his attitude becoming a little raincloud-y and I think two work-free weeks are just what the Great Physician ordered.
When we return from Idaho Penn has another week at home. We're going to alternate activity days with "stay-at-home-and-be-lazy" days. Activity days will be short drives or ferry trips to recreational attractions or small, picturesque towns. Lazy days will be just that. Lazy!
So now you know what we three will be up to this summer. I won't be posting much during Penn's vacation days. If you're looking for good reads, check out some of my favorite blogs (listed on my blogroll, on the right side of my page).
"Talk" to you soon!
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Hello, Neighbor!
A few weeks ago I shared that Penn and I have been discussing a move.
Actually, we've been talking about this for about three years. However, Penn's compensation package includes housing. A house we could never afford in this area, by the way. So that has been one of the little somethings that have kept our feet firmly planted. Another is Penn's annual bonus, which amounts to about 10% of his annual salary. Not a vast fortune, by any means. But what the end-of-year timing of this bonus does is put a moratorium on the "should-we-move" debate from about this time of year until January. After six months of long hours and busy days, Penn has earned half that bonus and we're not going anywhere until the check is safely in our savings account. Interest bearing, of course.
But after the New Year, we're moving. We don't know where, but somewhere. No more debate. It's time for a change. The evening after I posted a this, Penn leaned back in his recliner and sighed, "We are soooo out of here. You don't even know want to know what I saw on the way home." I could guess. I won't share it you, because it's too gross.
You know how if you're trying to conceive or expecting a baby you suddenly notice all the pregnant ladies and babies everywhere you go? That's what has been happening to us, lately, in our neighborhood. I don't necessarily believe in "signs," but I have prayed for God's direction about all this. So I'm not surprised that he's been opening both of our eyes to things that reaffirm our desire for a change. I started typing out each of about a half dozen incidents that have taken place during the past six weeks or so, and then thought better of it. You probably don't want to hear the details. Let's just say that, almost literally, every time I leave our house I see something troubling and I think, "THIS is why I don't want to raise Nicknack here."
The final straw was two weekends ago, as we celebrated his first birthday. Toward the end of the party, a woman came into our driveway, carrying our mail. Which she had found, scattered around the street. While our friends and family stood around our dining room (which has a very large window looking out to the street and mailboxes), singing "Happy Birthday" to our son, someone was busy tampering with our mail. And this person stole Penn's paycheck. With the stub that has his social security number printed on it. This incident, along with with several disturbing incidents we've observed and a string of petty crimes that seem to have affected everyone we know, prompted us to throw in the towel. This really will be our last summer here.
I hope you know that all of Seattle isn't like this. We just happen to live in one of those areas that isn't quite thought of as desirable. All the little neighborhoods along the sound, like ours, are lovely. But our little pocket of peace is surrounded by some pretty unpleasant areas. And Penn has a "niche" job, so a change in career almost guarantees a change in state.
I know Christians aren't called to insulate themselves from the world. I don't want to live in a bubble. But everything in moderation! Some wonderful people are called to urban ministries or to missions in the darkest corners of the world. Praise God and thank God for them! But I can honestly say that I don't feel that calling on my life, at this season. No place is safe from danger. There are dark elements in even the smallest, most quiet, and most quaint of communities. And even if we somehow found ourselves stranded in solitude on a deserted island, we would still battle the sin in our own hearts. There is literally no safe haven, this side of heaven. But there is alo literally no place in the universe to hide from God's love, grace, and redemption.
So I'm not looking for some kind of Utopia. We'll just have to wait and see what kind of career opportunities present themselves. I'm still praying for discernment. And if God intends for us to stay here, I'm sure he'll let us know somehow or make it difficult for us to leave. But my prayers are focused less on whether or not we should move and more on the hope that God will send the right opportunity our way. And, if it happens to be in a cute little town with affordable housing and a direct flight to Seattle (for our parents' sake...and ours!), that would be the icing on the cake!
Here is a list of places I think would be ideal:
1. Leavenworth/Wenatchee/Cle Elum, Washington
2. Coeur D'Alene/Sandpoint, Idaho (we are vacationing in Sandpoint later this month!)
3. Corvallis, Oregon (I lived there briefly, and it's one of my favorite towns)
4. Boulder or Ft. Collins, Colorado
5. Chapel Hill or Greensboro, North Carolina
6. I really want to add Austin, Texas to the list. As you might know, I love Texans. But I would have to have air conditioning and access to a pool. And a basement. (Tornadoes!) And I would most definitely be on a first name basis with the best exterminator in town. And I'd have to talk my husband into it, which would be tricky.
7. Your hometown, because I'm sure it's the best! And if so, let me know why! Bonus points if it is southern and has four seasons! (I've always wanted to try living in the south.)
8. Okay, I don't really have another town. I just hate odd numbers. So I hope our new community accepts oddballs.
Actually, we've been talking about this for about three years. However, Penn's compensation package includes housing. A house we could never afford in this area, by the way. So that has been one of the little somethings that have kept our feet firmly planted. Another is Penn's annual bonus, which amounts to about 10% of his annual salary. Not a vast fortune, by any means. But what the end-of-year timing of this bonus does is put a moratorium on the "should-we-move" debate from about this time of year until January. After six months of long hours and busy days, Penn has earned half that bonus and we're not going anywhere until the check is safely in our savings account. Interest bearing, of course.
But after the New Year, we're moving. We don't know where, but somewhere. No more debate. It's time for a change. The evening after I posted a this, Penn leaned back in his recliner and sighed, "We are soooo out of here. You don't even know want to know what I saw on the way home." I could guess. I won't share it you, because it's too gross.
You know how if you're trying to conceive or expecting a baby you suddenly notice all the pregnant ladies and babies everywhere you go? That's what has been happening to us, lately, in our neighborhood. I don't necessarily believe in "signs," but I have prayed for God's direction about all this. So I'm not surprised that he's been opening both of our eyes to things that reaffirm our desire for a change. I started typing out each of about a half dozen incidents that have taken place during the past six weeks or so, and then thought better of it. You probably don't want to hear the details. Let's just say that, almost literally, every time I leave our house I see something troubling and I think, "THIS is why I don't want to raise Nicknack here."
The final straw was two weekends ago, as we celebrated his first birthday. Toward the end of the party, a woman came into our driveway, carrying our mail. Which she had found, scattered around the street. While our friends and family stood around our dining room (which has a very large window looking out to the street and mailboxes), singing "Happy Birthday" to our son, someone was busy tampering with our mail. And this person stole Penn's paycheck. With the stub that has his social security number printed on it. This incident, along with with several disturbing incidents we've observed and a string of petty crimes that seem to have affected everyone we know, prompted us to throw in the towel. This really will be our last summer here.
I hope you know that all of Seattle isn't like this. We just happen to live in one of those areas that isn't quite thought of as desirable. All the little neighborhoods along the sound, like ours, are lovely. But our little pocket of peace is surrounded by some pretty unpleasant areas. And Penn has a "niche" job, so a change in career almost guarantees a change in state.
I know Christians aren't called to insulate themselves from the world. I don't want to live in a bubble. But everything in moderation! Some wonderful people are called to urban ministries or to missions in the darkest corners of the world. Praise God and thank God for them! But I can honestly say that I don't feel that calling on my life, at this season. No place is safe from danger. There are dark elements in even the smallest, most quiet, and most quaint of communities. And even if we somehow found ourselves stranded in solitude on a deserted island, we would still battle the sin in our own hearts. There is literally no safe haven, this side of heaven. But there is alo literally no place in the universe to hide from God's love, grace, and redemption.
So I'm not looking for some kind of Utopia. We'll just have to wait and see what kind of career opportunities present themselves. I'm still praying for discernment. And if God intends for us to stay here, I'm sure he'll let us know somehow or make it difficult for us to leave. But my prayers are focused less on whether or not we should move and more on the hope that God will send the right opportunity our way. And, if it happens to be in a cute little town with affordable housing and a direct flight to Seattle (for our parents' sake...and ours!), that would be the icing on the cake!
Here is a list of places I think would be ideal:
1. Leavenworth/Wenatchee/Cle Elum, Washington
2. Coeur D'Alene/Sandpoint, Idaho (we are vacationing in Sandpoint later this month!)
3. Corvallis, Oregon (I lived there briefly, and it's one of my favorite towns)
4. Boulder or Ft. Collins, Colorado
5. Chapel Hill or Greensboro, North Carolina
6. I really want to add Austin, Texas to the list. As you might know, I love Texans. But I would have to have air conditioning and access to a pool. And a basement. (Tornadoes!) And I would most definitely be on a first name basis with the best exterminator in town. And I'd have to talk my husband into it, which would be tricky.
7. Your hometown, because I'm sure it's the best! And if so, let me know why! Bonus points if it is southern and has four seasons! (I've always wanted to try living in the south.)
8. Okay, I don't really have another town. I just hate odd numbers. So I hope our new community accepts oddballs.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Hopeless
This Just In!
For the second night in a row, I made dinner! Actual hot dinner, using things like a salad spinner and the food processor! Yay, me!
This Just In!
For the second night in a row, I burned said dinner! Boo, me!
Yesterday I forgot I had sesame oil heating in a pan (for shrimp salad) and set off the smoke alarm. And made a mess in the process. Today, I failed to remember the Orecchiette casserole in the oven, which is now a dark, dark brown.
No WONDER those Homemaker of the Year people haven't been calling.
When am I going to get some sense? Or at least a timer!
Good grief, Charlie Brown!
Oh well. As Anne Shirley says, tomorrow is fresh, with no mistakes in it. And at least a mouse didn't drown in my plum pudding sauce.
Good night, Eileen!
For the second night in a row, I made dinner! Actual hot dinner, using things like a salad spinner and the food processor! Yay, me!
This Just In!
For the second night in a row, I burned said dinner! Boo, me!
Yesterday I forgot I had sesame oil heating in a pan (for shrimp salad) and set off the smoke alarm. And made a mess in the process. Today, I failed to remember the Orecchiette casserole in the oven, which is now a dark, dark brown.
No WONDER those Homemaker of the Year people haven't been calling.
When am I going to get some sense? Or at least a timer!
Good grief, Charlie Brown!
Oh well. As Anne Shirley says, tomorrow is fresh, with no mistakes in it. And at least a mouse didn't drown in my plum pudding sauce.
Good night, Eileen!
Don't tell Target, but...
Today I went to Wal-mart.
I'll stop and let that sink in.
Oh wait, you don't know me in "real life." So you don't know how surprising that statement should be.
Let's just say that I've never had a kind word for Wal-mart. To be fair, I've only been there three or four times (before today). But each of those shopping experiences was negative. There is something about this store that just rubs me the wrong way. It's instantly headache enducing. The lighting. Those ceilings. The floors. The colors. The way everything seems to be crammed on the shelves. Even the way the store is organized irks me. There was always a line. With a surly checker. And the other shoppers! I've noticed some doozies at all three Wal-mart's I've known. You know how if you don't have anything nice to say, you shouldn't say anything at all? I'm not going to say anything about a few of the people I encountered at each of these Wal-marts.
Today, I needed some things. So I buckled Nicknack in his Cowmooflage car seat (love that thing!) and headed toward the freeway. We have two Targets, each about 15 minutes from our home. I drove toward our preferred store and spaced out to the extent that I found I had missed my turn and was going south on I-5. Oops. On a whim, I decided to drive another 15 or 20 minutes to the new Wal-mart my friend recently told me about. I didn't have directions and got lost trying to find it. By the time I arrived I was kicking myself for bothering. I should have just gone to my trusty and beloved Target.
As I pulled in I noticed that this was a "Super" Wal-mart. You probably already know what this means, but I did not. This Wal-mart has groceries!
I rolled my eyes. "Gross," I thought. They probably don't have any of "our food." Meaning cage-free eggs, low-salt tuna, reduced sugar granola bars, whole wheat bread that tastes just like white, "Simply Jif," etc. Friend, they had it ALL! Every turn of the cart found me oohing and aahing. "They have THIS?!" "They even have THAT!" "I'll take four of these." "At this price, I might as well stock up on those." I wasn't brave enough to peruse the meat section, but by the time I got to the last grocery aisle I had a nearly full cart. And I just went grocery shopping two days ago!
There wasn't even a line at the checkout register! It was just like Target. I spent $200. Again, just like Target, where I always go in for a few items and come out with a cartful. In fact, when I got home, I found the shopping list I'd forgotten (as always) on the counter. I crossed off all the items I'd found at Wal-mart. All TWO of them. Yes, that's right. I still need to go to Target.
I still don't know what those Wal-mart people were thinking when they designed and decorated the store. But I now understand why people shop there. I'll probably be back, in a couple of months. I'm feeling adventurous lately. Earlier this week (are you ready for this?), I was on my way to the butcher and I drove by one of those "Grocery Outlet" stores that my mother-in-law frequents, and I pulled in! I just parked and grabbed a cart and went in, like I'd done it a million times before. I wasn't even embarassed. I found some amazing deals, too!
Yes, I'm quite the daredevil these days. What's next, the dollar store!? A garage sale!? Value Village?! We'll just have to wait and see. (But probably not.)
By the way, I'm not making fun of dollar stores, garage sales, Value Village, or the moms who frequent such places. If you are a bargain shopper, I salute you! You are finding good deals, saving money, and blessing your family!
I'll stop and let that sink in.
Oh wait, you don't know me in "real life." So you don't know how surprising that statement should be.
Let's just say that I've never had a kind word for Wal-mart. To be fair, I've only been there three or four times (before today). But each of those shopping experiences was negative. There is something about this store that just rubs me the wrong way. It's instantly headache enducing. The lighting. Those ceilings. The floors. The colors. The way everything seems to be crammed on the shelves. Even the way the store is organized irks me. There was always a line. With a surly checker. And the other shoppers! I've noticed some doozies at all three Wal-mart's I've known. You know how if you don't have anything nice to say, you shouldn't say anything at all? I'm not going to say anything about a few of the people I encountered at each of these Wal-marts.
Today, I needed some things. So I buckled Nicknack in his Cowmooflage car seat (love that thing!) and headed toward the freeway. We have two Targets, each about 15 minutes from our home. I drove toward our preferred store and spaced out to the extent that I found I had missed my turn and was going south on I-5. Oops. On a whim, I decided to drive another 15 or 20 minutes to the new Wal-mart my friend recently told me about. I didn't have directions and got lost trying to find it. By the time I arrived I was kicking myself for bothering. I should have just gone to my trusty and beloved Target.
As I pulled in I noticed that this was a "Super" Wal-mart. You probably already know what this means, but I did not. This Wal-mart has groceries!
I rolled my eyes. "Gross," I thought. They probably don't have any of "our food." Meaning cage-free eggs, low-salt tuna, reduced sugar granola bars, whole wheat bread that tastes just like white, "Simply Jif," etc. Friend, they had it ALL! Every turn of the cart found me oohing and aahing. "They have THIS?!" "They even have THAT!" "I'll take four of these." "At this price, I might as well stock up on those." I wasn't brave enough to peruse the meat section, but by the time I got to the last grocery aisle I had a nearly full cart. And I just went grocery shopping two days ago!
There wasn't even a line at the checkout register! It was just like Target. I spent $200. Again, just like Target, where I always go in for a few items and come out with a cartful. In fact, when I got home, I found the shopping list I'd forgotten (as always) on the counter. I crossed off all the items I'd found at Wal-mart. All TWO of them. Yes, that's right. I still need to go to Target.
I still don't know what those Wal-mart people were thinking when they designed and decorated the store. But I now understand why people shop there. I'll probably be back, in a couple of months. I'm feeling adventurous lately. Earlier this week (are you ready for this?), I was on my way to the butcher and I drove by one of those "Grocery Outlet" stores that my mother-in-law frequents, and I pulled in! I just parked and grabbed a cart and went in, like I'd done it a million times before. I wasn't even embarassed. I found some amazing deals, too!
Yes, I'm quite the daredevil these days. What's next, the dollar store!? A garage sale!? Value Village?! We'll just have to wait and see. (But probably not.)
By the way, I'm not making fun of dollar stores, garage sales, Value Village, or the moms who frequent such places. If you are a bargain shopper, I salute you! You are finding good deals, saving money, and blessing your family!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Career Aptitude Assessment
I've been thinking about the careers for which Nicholas might be well suited, based on his first year of life. Here is what I have come up with, so far:
1. Food critic. Either he has his father's sophisticated palate or his mother's extreme pickiness.
2. Drummer. I can just imagine the bongo solos.
3. Worship leader. He loves to bang on the piano. And every fifteen seconds he pauses and turns around to ensure that his audience is paying attention and clapping along.
4. Veterinarian. Game warden. Dog groomer. Something to do with animals. He is obsessed.
5. One of those "Geek Squad" guys. If it has buttons, he wants to mess with it.
6. Librarian. He's quite the bookworm.
7. Explorer of dangerous and forbidden lands. Bonus points if climbing is involved.
8. Cheerleader. Based on all the bouncing, clapping, headstands, and love of the word "Yay!" (Don't worry, son. Presidents Bush, FDR, and Ike were cheerleaders and it didn't have an adverse affect on their employment opportunities.)
9. Dentist. He likes to look at and tap on other people's teeth.
10. Police officer or car thief. He loves to chase. But he especially love to be chased.
So, as you can see, even at a young age, he has a lot of options.
1. Food critic. Either he has his father's sophisticated palate or his mother's extreme pickiness.
2. Drummer. I can just imagine the bongo solos.
3. Worship leader. He loves to bang on the piano. And every fifteen seconds he pauses and turns around to ensure that his audience is paying attention and clapping along.
4. Veterinarian. Game warden. Dog groomer. Something to do with animals. He is obsessed.
5. One of those "Geek Squad" guys. If it has buttons, he wants to mess with it.
6. Librarian. He's quite the bookworm.
7. Explorer of dangerous and forbidden lands. Bonus points if climbing is involved.
8. Cheerleader. Based on all the bouncing, clapping, headstands, and love of the word "Yay!" (Don't worry, son. Presidents Bush, FDR, and Ike were cheerleaders and it didn't have an adverse affect on their employment opportunities.)
9. Dentist. He likes to look at and tap on other people's teeth.
10. Police officer or car thief. He loves to chase. But he especially love to be chased.
So, as you can see, even at a young age, he has a lot of options.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Let's go to the movies!
Have you seen any good movies lately? Well? Have you?
I'm dying to go to the movies. So I would love your recommendations. But you should know that I try not to watch anything terribly depressing. And I can't handle rated R movies. Even PG-13 movies are sometimes a little too violent or profane or racy for me. I'm what you might call a "sensitive" viewer.
In our pre-baby days we used to go to the movies about once a week. Sometimes we'd even catch a double feature. We love movies. We'd get a big popcorn, eat the top "layer," and then mix in a box of Milk Duds. Penn would have a Diet Coke. Diet, to make up for the popcorn and duds, obviously. :) I've had to swear off sodas in movies for a couple of years. I hate having to take a restroom break, mid-movie, you see.
When I was about six months pregnant with Nicknack we went to see King Kong. Worst movie ever for an expecting lady. So sad. So stupid. So LOUD! I felt like I was committing child abuse. And the loud parts just kept going on and on and on. First, the damsel is being chased by King Kong. Then a dinosaur. Then two dinosaurs. (Or was it three?) Then she falls over a cliff or something. But she's caught by giant vines. Only she's still not safe, because the dinosaurs have fallen, too, and they haven't given up on getting her. Then, she's landed in some kind of marsh full of giant bug-like creatures. Or were they snakes. I can't recall. It's all fuzzy now, so please excuse me if I have the details wrong. I had my eyes closed for thirty solid minutes of the movie, anyway.
It got so loud that, at one point, I left for a few minutes. There was just so much screaming and roaring, and I felt it was scaring the baby. He suddenly became super active. Penn and I tried to muffle the noise with our coats, but I just knew his eardrums and little heart were scarred for life. It was my first attack of parental guilt.
Also, I am the type of person who cries at just about any movie. Or television program. Or song. But this movie was especially sad. And I had pregnancy hormones to deal with. I was literally blubbering (snottily), by the movie's end. The whole drive home I was still crying. "Poor (sob) King (sob) Kong (sob)! How could they be so heartless? Why is the world such a cruel place? He was just lonely and wanted someone to love him! (SOB)" Meanwhile, my husband was berating himself. "What was I thinking taking YOU to a movie like THAT. We should have just walked out." He felt so bad.
Anyway, it was the worst experience I've ever had at a theater.
We saw a lot of movies while waiting for Nicknack to arrive. And then he did. And we've been to four movies since. That's IT! One movie a season!
Last summer we saw Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and Superman. (Both not my favorites, by the way.) At Christmas-time we caught Night at the Museum (cute!) and a few weeks ago, Blades of Glory (a few laughs, and featuring my favorite comedian, Amy Poehler).
But summer is just around the corner. For me, summer officially begins when my mother gets out of school. She's an elementary school counselor. Public schools in her district still have a couple of weeks left! Doesn't that seem like a late finish? Penn and I are counting down the days until she is free. Not only will we get to enjoy more of her delightful company (and that of her wonderful husband), we will benefit from her babysitting services.
During the year, she and my stepdad live about two hours southwest of us. They spend the summer at their ranch, which is two hours east of us. So we're never very far away, since we live smack dab in the middle of their residences. But when school is in session, mother is more busy and stressed out than during the summer months. And we get to visit a lot less.
I adore my mother. And her husband is a treasure. I'm so amazed at how God worked it out so that Nicknack could have a fun, godly grandad. You see, Penn's dad is wonderful, too. He is a man after God's own heart. But...he's 88. So he's a little less spry and active and chatty than he once was. And the grandpa on my side of the family isn't all that interested in babies/children. And he's not a believer. So I'm so grateful that Nicknack has my stepdad for a grandpa. He had two boys of his own (now grown) so he knows all about babies and little boys. He is, hands down, Nicknack's favorite person (other than Daddy, OF COURSE) to play with and spend time with. He's a kid at heart, a mans-man, and all around good guy. He has been a great influence on the three of us (Mother, Penn, and me) and will be a wonderful role model for Nicknack. By the way, what do your children call their grandpas? We have a grandpa (Penn's dad) a grandad (my dad) and... I'm not sure what to call my stepdad.
Oh my gosh! How did I get so far off my original topic? I just wanted to ask if you've seen any good movies lately! I always do this. If you're still reading, hang in there. I'm almost finished.
My POINT is that we have babysitters all summer. And we intend to see a ton of movies. So what do you recommend?
We are SUPER excited about the new Harry Potter movie. We plan to see it on the IMAX screen! I know HP is somewhat controversial among Christians. So I respect your opinion if you don't feel Harry is appropriate viewing for you or your family. I understand. There are a lot of things that I feel convicted about that I know could be a stumbling bock for me, but that might be fine for another Christian. So I hope you won't be offended or worried when I tell you that we love Harry Potter. Whenever a new book comes out my mother, stepdad, and I get our hands on a copy asap and start reading. Mother and I are the bookworms, so we race ahead while he is still in the first few chapters. Then she and I have to WAIT to discuss it with him, while he catches up to wherever we are. It just about kills us! Last year I made the mistake of reading it in one day - by staying up half the night. I deprived myself of a weeks worth of fun. Next time, I plan to pace myself. Whenever a new Harry movie comes out, the four of us (Penn isn't a reader, but he loves the movies) traditionally see it together. Which reminds me, who are we going to get to babysit while we all go see Harry Potter? Thank goodness for my kind mother-in-law!
So what movies are you excited to see this summer? Or have you seen anything lately, that you'd recommend? Or if you aren't a movie buff, is there a great fiction book you'd like to recommend, instead? I typically read only non-fiction and I'm trying to break out of that mold and read something for fun this summer. I'm not taking classes (YAY!) for once, and I just want to see a few good movies and/or read an entertaining book or two.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions, if you have any!
I'm dying to go to the movies. So I would love your recommendations. But you should know that I try not to watch anything terribly depressing. And I can't handle rated R movies. Even PG-13 movies are sometimes a little too violent or profane or racy for me. I'm what you might call a "sensitive" viewer.
In our pre-baby days we used to go to the movies about once a week. Sometimes we'd even catch a double feature. We love movies. We'd get a big popcorn, eat the top "layer," and then mix in a box of Milk Duds. Penn would have a Diet Coke. Diet, to make up for the popcorn and duds, obviously. :) I've had to swear off sodas in movies for a couple of years. I hate having to take a restroom break, mid-movie, you see.
When I was about six months pregnant with Nicknack we went to see King Kong. Worst movie ever for an expecting lady. So sad. So stupid. So LOUD! I felt like I was committing child abuse. And the loud parts just kept going on and on and on. First, the damsel is being chased by King Kong. Then a dinosaur. Then two dinosaurs. (Or was it three?) Then she falls over a cliff or something. But she's caught by giant vines. Only she's still not safe, because the dinosaurs have fallen, too, and they haven't given up on getting her. Then, she's landed in some kind of marsh full of giant bug-like creatures. Or were they snakes. I can't recall. It's all fuzzy now, so please excuse me if I have the details wrong. I had my eyes closed for thirty solid minutes of the movie, anyway.
It got so loud that, at one point, I left for a few minutes. There was just so much screaming and roaring, and I felt it was scaring the baby. He suddenly became super active. Penn and I tried to muffle the noise with our coats, but I just knew his eardrums and little heart were scarred for life. It was my first attack of parental guilt.
Also, I am the type of person who cries at just about any movie. Or television program. Or song. But this movie was especially sad. And I had pregnancy hormones to deal with. I was literally blubbering (snottily), by the movie's end. The whole drive home I was still crying. "Poor (sob) King (sob) Kong (sob)! How could they be so heartless? Why is the world such a cruel place? He was just lonely and wanted someone to love him! (SOB)" Meanwhile, my husband was berating himself. "What was I thinking taking YOU to a movie like THAT. We should have just walked out." He felt so bad.
Anyway, it was the worst experience I've ever had at a theater.
We saw a lot of movies while waiting for Nicknack to arrive. And then he did. And we've been to four movies since. That's IT! One movie a season!
Last summer we saw Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and Superman. (Both not my favorites, by the way.) At Christmas-time we caught Night at the Museum (cute!) and a few weeks ago, Blades of Glory (a few laughs, and featuring my favorite comedian, Amy Poehler).
But summer is just around the corner. For me, summer officially begins when my mother gets out of school. She's an elementary school counselor. Public schools in her district still have a couple of weeks left! Doesn't that seem like a late finish? Penn and I are counting down the days until she is free. Not only will we get to enjoy more of her delightful company (and that of her wonderful husband), we will benefit from her babysitting services.
During the year, she and my stepdad live about two hours southwest of us. They spend the summer at their ranch, which is two hours east of us. So we're never very far away, since we live smack dab in the middle of their residences. But when school is in session, mother is more busy and stressed out than during the summer months. And we get to visit a lot less.
I adore my mother. And her husband is a treasure. I'm so amazed at how God worked it out so that Nicknack could have a fun, godly grandad. You see, Penn's dad is wonderful, too. He is a man after God's own heart. But...he's 88. So he's a little less spry and active and chatty than he once was. And the grandpa on my side of the family isn't all that interested in babies/children. And he's not a believer. So I'm so grateful that Nicknack has my stepdad for a grandpa. He had two boys of his own (now grown) so he knows all about babies and little boys. He is, hands down, Nicknack's favorite person (other than Daddy, OF COURSE) to play with and spend time with. He's a kid at heart, a mans-man, and all around good guy. He has been a great influence on the three of us (Mother, Penn, and me) and will be a wonderful role model for Nicknack. By the way, what do your children call their grandpas? We have a grandpa (Penn's dad) a grandad (my dad) and... I'm not sure what to call my stepdad.
Oh my gosh! How did I get so far off my original topic? I just wanted to ask if you've seen any good movies lately! I always do this. If you're still reading, hang in there. I'm almost finished.
My POINT is that we have babysitters all summer. And we intend to see a ton of movies. So what do you recommend?
We are SUPER excited about the new Harry Potter movie. We plan to see it on the IMAX screen! I know HP is somewhat controversial among Christians. So I respect your opinion if you don't feel Harry is appropriate viewing for you or your family. I understand. There are a lot of things that I feel convicted about that I know could be a stumbling bock for me, but that might be fine for another Christian. So I hope you won't be offended or worried when I tell you that we love Harry Potter. Whenever a new book comes out my mother, stepdad, and I get our hands on a copy asap and start reading. Mother and I are the bookworms, so we race ahead while he is still in the first few chapters. Then she and I have to WAIT to discuss it with him, while he catches up to wherever we are. It just about kills us! Last year I made the mistake of reading it in one day - by staying up half the night. I deprived myself of a weeks worth of fun. Next time, I plan to pace myself. Whenever a new Harry movie comes out, the four of us (Penn isn't a reader, but he loves the movies) traditionally see it together. Which reminds me, who are we going to get to babysit while we all go see Harry Potter? Thank goodness for my kind mother-in-law!
So what movies are you excited to see this summer? Or have you seen anything lately, that you'd recommend? Or if you aren't a movie buff, is there a great fiction book you'd like to recommend, instead? I typically read only non-fiction and I'm trying to break out of that mold and read something for fun this summer. I'm not taking classes (YAY!) for once, and I just want to see a few good movies and/or read an entertaining book or two.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions, if you have any!
Saturday, June 2, 2007
My Rules
I was recently tagged for two more memes! Yay!
This one, started by one of my very favorite bloggers Rachel Anne at Home Sanctuary is about rules. Here is her description:
"My Personal Policies
I think it would be safe to say that we all have personal rules that we live by. Surely it's not just ME. I'm not talking about moral rules, like "Do not kill." I'm talking about the silly policies we impose on ourselves, like "Never eat anything you can't identify," or "Don't step on sidewalk cracks." For some reason, I started mentally listing the quirky rules I follow and got curious about other people's personal rules.
As an added bonus, I will include 5 parenting policies I USED to think I would follow before I actually became a parent: (feel free to add yours, too!)"
Be sure to check out Rachel Anne's list of personal rules and pre-parenting policies!
Here are mine (if you do any of these things, that's fine, these are just my rules for ME):
1. Only even numbers. Of soap dispenser squirts. Number of knocks on a door. Digits in telephone numbers.
2. No onions, ever. If a recipe calls for onions, I use onion powder, instead. And just a smidge.
3. No talking or responding to small talk while in a bathroom stall. I just pretend I can't hear someone who is trying to speak with me, until I emerge from the stall.
4. Toilet paper rolls should roll OVER, not under!
5. No making or answering calls on the cell phone while in public or at another person's house, other than for emergencies or important questions. And no call waiting. I am low tech! I just have a pay-as-you-go cell phone (which I leave, on purpose, in the car) and a phone w/answering machine! At least it isn't a rotary dial, right?
6. Paper towels are NOT napkins! This is one of the only things Penn does that drive me crazy! He thinks I am silly because I think there is a big difference between paper towels and paper napkins. We only use cloth for sit down meals. The rest of the time, it's paper napkins. But not paper towels!!
7. No wearing shoes inside the house, unless I'm cleaning, cooking, or doing laundry. Then I wear my "house shoes" (keds) to support my arches. Very Mr Rogers of me, right? But as soon as I've finished my task, I take them off. I don't feel like I'm INSIDE if I'm wearing shoes. Sorry, Flylady!
8. No socks with loafers! (I slather on lotion and wear socks to bed to make up for the damage.) And I wear loafers year round. I usually have two pair, one casual and one a little dressier. I just wear themuntil they start to look worn, then replace. I am not a shoe person. During summer my loafers don't have backs and I do buy a new pair of Stephen Bonannostyle sandals every Memorial Day. Also, in winter I add a pair of jodphur boots to the mix. But 95% of the time, it's loafers. Sans socks, of course!
9. Diet Cherry Coke is appropriate any time of day. I don't drink coffee, so I have my first DCC in the am. And it might not be proper etiquette to do so, but it tastes best out of the can.
10. No reading the bulletin during the sermon. I always maintain eye contact and look interested to every sermon, speech, or classroom lecture. Even if my mind is wandering.
Okay! Now for the most fun part. My pre-baby parenting rules:
1. No TV until my child is two.
I fell so far short of this goal. I know my pregnant self would never have BELIEVED it, but my son has been started watching Eebee Baby before six months. I tried a couple of shows and this one made him smile and laugh every time. Now he watches Sesame Street Daily, while he plays. For shame!
2. My child shall always be well kempt. Matching, clean, wrinkle-free outfits. Combed hair. Squeaky clean face.
Hmmm. Most of the time, if his clothes are reasonably clean, he has a fresh diaper (I'm still a stickler about that), and there is no food visible in his hair or on his face, I am happy. His hair never stays "just so" and honestly, who cares about wrinkles!?
3. My child will eat only nutritious, whole, organic, food, made by me. My child will never be introduced to junk food or fast food by me. Once he is play date age he can have fast food only if the other children are eating McDonalds. And sweets shall be the rarest of treats.
Ha! I haven't made a THING out of my fancy schmancy baby food cookbook. I haven't even used the top of the line Cuisinart I bought expressly for this purpose! I have no excuse, other than laziness. Becoming a mother hasn't turned me into a health nut, like I thought it would.
And, I DID take Nicknack through the McDs drivethrough about a month ago. He never eats anything and I decided that if he would eat a happy meal, it was better than nothing. He ate a whole chicken nugget and most of a second nugget. I did order the meal with apple slices and milk (rather than fries). I still intend to resist fast food and junk food as much as possible. But not with the passion and strictness that I'd envisioned.
Parenting is the simplest thing in the world before you have a child, isn't it?
Here is photographic evidence that we have broken all three rules, just this morning.
You'll notice that Nicknack has found a Hershey's Kiss under the sofa. He has consumed candy (rule 3) and gotten it all over himself (and said sofa, which we just had professionally cleaned). Additionally, both he and the floor are covered in crumbs from a piece of teething toast. Pretty unkempt (rule 2), don't you think? Please also note that he is watching television (rule 1), because he took a too-short morning nap and was a crank. I have washed his face and removed his chocolatey pants, but I haven't rushed him to the tub or even changed his shirt (yet). At least his diaper is fresh.
Okay, now it's your turn! I'm tagging everyone, because I really want to know all of your rules! So if you're a semi-regular reader or just visiting for the first time, tag! You're it. Please leave a message in the comments so that others will know to visit your blog to read your rules. Or, if you want, you can just tell us about your personal policies in the comments. Inquiring minds want to know!!
This one, started by one of my very favorite bloggers Rachel Anne at Home Sanctuary is about rules. Here is her description:
"My Personal Policies
I think it would be safe to say that we all have personal rules that we live by. Surely it's not just ME. I'm not talking about moral rules, like "Do not kill." I'm talking about the silly policies we impose on ourselves, like "Never eat anything you can't identify," or "Don't step on sidewalk cracks." For some reason, I started mentally listing the quirky rules I follow and got curious about other people's personal rules.
As an added bonus, I will include 5 parenting policies I USED to think I would follow before I actually became a parent: (feel free to add yours, too!)"
Be sure to check out Rachel Anne's list of personal rules and pre-parenting policies!
Here are mine (if you do any of these things, that's fine, these are just my rules for ME):
1. Only even numbers. Of soap dispenser squirts. Number of knocks on a door. Digits in telephone numbers.
2. No onions, ever. If a recipe calls for onions, I use onion powder, instead. And just a smidge.
3. No talking or responding to small talk while in a bathroom stall. I just pretend I can't hear someone who is trying to speak with me, until I emerge from the stall.
4. Toilet paper rolls should roll OVER, not under!
5. No making or answering calls on the cell phone while in public or at another person's house, other than for emergencies or important questions. And no call waiting. I am low tech! I just have a pay-as-you-go cell phone (which I leave, on purpose, in the car) and a phone w/answering machine! At least it isn't a rotary dial, right?
6. Paper towels are NOT napkins! This is one of the only things Penn does that drive me crazy! He thinks I am silly because I think there is a big difference between paper towels and paper napkins. We only use cloth for sit down meals. The rest of the time, it's paper napkins. But not paper towels!!
7. No wearing shoes inside the house, unless I'm cleaning, cooking, or doing laundry. Then I wear my "house shoes" (keds) to support my arches. Very Mr Rogers of me, right? But as soon as I've finished my task, I take them off. I don't feel like I'm INSIDE if I'm wearing shoes. Sorry, Flylady!
8. No socks with loafers! (I slather on lotion and wear socks to bed to make up for the damage.) And I wear loafers year round. I usually have two pair, one casual and one a little dressier. I just wear themuntil they start to look worn, then replace. I am not a shoe person. During summer my loafers don't have backs and I do buy a new pair of Stephen Bonannostyle sandals every Memorial Day. Also, in winter I add a pair of jodphur boots to the mix. But 95% of the time, it's loafers. Sans socks, of course!
9. Diet Cherry Coke is appropriate any time of day. I don't drink coffee, so I have my first DCC in the am. And it might not be proper etiquette to do so, but it tastes best out of the can.
10. No reading the bulletin during the sermon. I always maintain eye contact and look interested to every sermon, speech, or classroom lecture. Even if my mind is wandering.
Okay! Now for the most fun part. My pre-baby parenting rules:
1. No TV until my child is two.
I fell so far short of this goal. I know my pregnant self would never have BELIEVED it, but my son has been started watching Eebee Baby before six months. I tried a couple of shows and this one made him smile and laugh every time. Now he watches Sesame Street Daily, while he plays. For shame!
2. My child shall always be well kempt. Matching, clean, wrinkle-free outfits. Combed hair. Squeaky clean face.
Hmmm. Most of the time, if his clothes are reasonably clean, he has a fresh diaper (I'm still a stickler about that), and there is no food visible in his hair or on his face, I am happy. His hair never stays "just so" and honestly, who cares about wrinkles!?
3. My child will eat only nutritious, whole, organic, food, made by me. My child will never be introduced to junk food or fast food by me. Once he is play date age he can have fast food only if the other children are eating McDonalds. And sweets shall be the rarest of treats.
Ha! I haven't made a THING out of my fancy schmancy baby food cookbook. I haven't even used the top of the line Cuisinart I bought expressly for this purpose! I have no excuse, other than laziness. Becoming a mother hasn't turned me into a health nut, like I thought it would.
And, I DID take Nicknack through the McDs drivethrough about a month ago. He never eats anything and I decided that if he would eat a happy meal, it was better than nothing. He ate a whole chicken nugget and most of a second nugget. I did order the meal with apple slices and milk (rather than fries). I still intend to resist fast food and junk food as much as possible. But not with the passion and strictness that I'd envisioned.
Parenting is the simplest thing in the world before you have a child, isn't it?
Here is photographic evidence that we have broken all three rules, just this morning.
You'll notice that Nicknack has found a Hershey's Kiss under the sofa. He has consumed candy (rule 3) and gotten it all over himself (and said sofa, which we just had professionally cleaned). Additionally, both he and the floor are covered in crumbs from a piece of teething toast. Pretty unkempt (rule 2), don't you think? Please also note that he is watching television (rule 1), because he took a too-short morning nap and was a crank. I have washed his face and removed his chocolatey pants, but I haven't rushed him to the tub or even changed his shirt (yet). At least his diaper is fresh.
Okay, now it's your turn! I'm tagging everyone, because I really want to know all of your rules! So if you're a semi-regular reader or just visiting for the first time, tag! You're it. Please leave a message in the comments so that others will know to visit your blog to read your rules. Or, if you want, you can just tell us about your personal policies in the comments. Inquiring minds want to know!!
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