Friday, February 20, 2015
Thursday, February 12, 2015
What I'm doing these days...budget, books, vacation
What I am doing these days...
Besides chasing this cutie around.
Reading...
I just finished Keller's book on Prayer...SO helpful and hopefully prayer changing for me, really it already has
Ballet Shoes...reading aloud to the girls.
Little Britches...David's read aloud to the three oldest, so good!
About to re-read Stepping Heavenward (yearly) and The Insanity of God.
and btw, no book list this year, but lots of great ideas!
Watching...
...just BlueBloods, we have quit every other show, still dig this one
...west wing reruns every once in a while (while I do computer work), still my fave.
Exercising..
Kettle Bells still ring for me, 3-4x/week
running 2x/week
Added intervals and I hate them, but they are always the best bang for your buck
Sophia really wants me to get some in-line skates like hers. She skated five laps yesterday, that is about 3.5 miles. The pond loop was my cool down after my HIIT exercises (intervals), I only lasted 11 minutes out of 15 today, still fighting my throat infection and whatever else is going on in my body.
Eating
Still have stayed away from carbs and sugar. Eating: meat, fruit, veg, but will partake of sugar and carbs while on vacation.
My daily menu is usually:
coffee, black
scrambled eggs, if I am feeling hungry
lunch: Green smoothie with good fats and protein powder included
snacks: fruit and nuts
dinner: meat and veg
snack: decaf tea, unsweet, or other fruit or nuts
Though tomorrow, if there is time in the airport in Kunming we may just eat McDonald's!
Listening...
Any parents with young kids PLEASE listen to Doug Wilson's Sermon Series on 'Loving Little Ones', So good, so much to think about. Get through all of it, even if you don't completely agree with all he says, I just finished it. Also Kenneth Maresco has some amazing things to remind us about parenting as well (thanks Jules).
David just put Dr. Sailhamer's series on parts of Exodus on my phone. Since this is where I am reading in the Word, I am SO excited! My fave prof.
Still dance around to Rend Collective and Dana Dirkson's 'Questions with Answers'
Re-doing
Our Budget! With a pretty substantial budget cut this year, we completely overhauled some things. It was therapeutic and refreshing (maybe not for David who was crunching the numbers). But seriously, we don't feel strapped, but free to cut in needed areas and give even more than before.
Ways I spend less:
-no more paper products, these add up and are unnecessary.
-no more coke zero, we used to drink one each a day, now maybe one on the weekend
-generic on things where quality discrepancy is negligible.
-we have gotten rid of the idea "buy now because I may not see this again for a long time",
-we really think through purchases.
Line Items we added:
-Kid's 'commission' opportunities aka: chores, they have things required daily (no money for these) and then 'work' on top of that. Each of them have done great since December and have saved money that we have doubled for our Thailand trip. We won't do this every time, but it was good incentive to save. We do things a little differently for each child, working well so far.
-raw milk delivered weekly from 9 hours away. So worth it, we know it is so much better for us than whatever it is they call milk in the boxes around here (though we still drink that too some)
-Dave says we may need to add a 'driving ticket' line item (as a joke). We have heard rumors of cameras taking pictures of people and sending tickets for illegal parking, smoking while driving, talking on the phone, etc. we have been guilty of all except smoking and I don't even know what is legal and not when it comes to driving anymore.
Around the Home
Right off the heels of the budget talk, I will show things we have done around the house. It did involve a little money, but it came from 'birthday gift' fund, and my own 'house' fund, which now I need to save up for things I want to do. The hanging pots is still up in the air (HA!). I love them, I was going to use a real pot rack that EP gave me but couldn't figure out the best way to do it. This little bar with S hooks was about five dollars and is working for me so far, it is not secure because I haven't fully decided.
These shades, I LOVE. I HATED my previous curtains, but they worked for two years. We really actually use the window seat and sometimes pull the pillows to the carpet, this shade works so much better. Tobin and Gabrielle really use the carpet and window space while I work with the others.
you can stagger the shade so some light comes in, and pull them all the way up for full light too. LOVE them so much I added them to the kitchen, the office, and the girls' room. Their room gets so much light that their window was unusable with outside curtains, now they have both.
Loving
The way we ease into school with no Chinese school, but also love that our kids love local school too and will start back March 1, right as we get back.
Curriculum I LOVE:
The Phonics Road (which will lead into The Latin Road)
Classical Conversations (sci, fine arts, Latin, and so much more)
Story of the World (with supplemental reading, this is great)
Right Start Math: start first two years with this and love it
Singapore Math: transition to this and do like it too, but may work in some Miquon or Life of Fred, or who knows....I love math so I think I will always be looking.
Rest
I am feeling a little under the weather right now but vacation starts TOMORROW...
Thailand, here we come! Medical appointments for two days, vacation for one week, and a home school conference. We are excited! Schwarmas, sticky rice, clean pools, and fun friends!
We went to get our toes painted professionally but they were closed, so we did our own beauty parlor in the kitchen!
I just finished Keller's book on Prayer...SO helpful and hopefully prayer changing for me, really it already has
Ballet Shoes...reading aloud to the girls.
Little Britches...David's read aloud to the three oldest, so good!
About to re-read Stepping Heavenward (yearly) and The Insanity of God.
and btw, no book list this year, but lots of great ideas!
Watching...
...just BlueBloods, we have quit every other show, still dig this one
...west wing reruns every once in a while (while I do computer work), still my fave.
Exercising..
Kettle Bells still ring for me, 3-4x/week
running 2x/week
Added intervals and I hate them, but they are always the best bang for your buck
Sophia really wants me to get some in-line skates like hers. She skated five laps yesterday, that is about 3.5 miles. The pond loop was my cool down after my HIIT exercises (intervals), I only lasted 11 minutes out of 15 today, still fighting my throat infection and whatever else is going on in my body.
Eating
Still have stayed away from carbs and sugar. Eating: meat, fruit, veg, but will partake of sugar and carbs while on vacation.
My daily menu is usually:
coffee, black
scrambled eggs, if I am feeling hungry
lunch: Green smoothie with good fats and protein powder included
snacks: fruit and nuts
dinner: meat and veg
snack: decaf tea, unsweet, or other fruit or nuts
Though tomorrow, if there is time in the airport in Kunming we may just eat McDonald's!
Listening...
Any parents with young kids PLEASE listen to Doug Wilson's Sermon Series on 'Loving Little Ones', So good, so much to think about. Get through all of it, even if you don't completely agree with all he says, I just finished it. Also Kenneth Maresco has some amazing things to remind us about parenting as well (thanks Jules).
David just put Dr. Sailhamer's series on parts of Exodus on my phone. Since this is where I am reading in the Word, I am SO excited! My fave prof.
Still dance around to Rend Collective and Dana Dirkson's 'Questions with Answers'
Re-doing
Our Budget! With a pretty substantial budget cut this year, we completely overhauled some things. It was therapeutic and refreshing (maybe not for David who was crunching the numbers). But seriously, we don't feel strapped, but free to cut in needed areas and give even more than before.
Ways I spend less:
-no more paper products, these add up and are unnecessary.
-no more coke zero, we used to drink one each a day, now maybe one on the weekend
-generic on things where quality discrepancy is negligible.
-we have gotten rid of the idea "buy now because I may not see this again for a long time",
-we really think through purchases.
Line Items we added:
-Kid's 'commission' opportunities aka: chores, they have things required daily (no money for these) and then 'work' on top of that. Each of them have done great since December and have saved money that we have doubled for our Thailand trip. We won't do this every time, but it was good incentive to save. We do things a little differently for each child, working well so far.
-raw milk delivered weekly from 9 hours away. So worth it, we know it is so much better for us than whatever it is they call milk in the boxes around here (though we still drink that too some)
-Dave says we may need to add a 'driving ticket' line item (as a joke). We have heard rumors of cameras taking pictures of people and sending tickets for illegal parking, smoking while driving, talking on the phone, etc. we have been guilty of all except smoking and I don't even know what is legal and not when it comes to driving anymore.
Around the Home
Right off the heels of the budget talk, I will show things we have done around the house. It did involve a little money, but it came from 'birthday gift' fund, and my own 'house' fund, which now I need to save up for things I want to do. The hanging pots is still up in the air (HA!). I love them, I was going to use a real pot rack that EP gave me but couldn't figure out the best way to do it. This little bar with S hooks was about five dollars and is working for me so far, it is not secure because I haven't fully decided.
These shades, I LOVE. I HATED my previous curtains, but they worked for two years. We really actually use the window seat and sometimes pull the pillows to the carpet, this shade works so much better. Tobin and Gabrielle really use the carpet and window space while I work with the others.
you can stagger the shade so some light comes in, and pull them all the way up for full light too. LOVE them so much I added them to the kitchen, the office, and the girls' room. Their room gets so much light that their window was unusable with outside curtains, now they have both.
Loving
The way we ease into school with no Chinese school, but also love that our kids love local school too and will start back March 1, right as we get back.
Curriculum I LOVE:
The Phonics Road (which will lead into The Latin Road)
Classical Conversations (sci, fine arts, Latin, and so much more)
Story of the World (with supplemental reading, this is great)
Right Start Math: start first two years with this and love it
Singapore Math: transition to this and do like it too, but may work in some Miquon or Life of Fred, or who knows....I love math so I think I will always be looking.
Rest
I am feeling a little under the weather right now but vacation starts TOMORROW...
Thailand, here we come! Medical appointments for two days, vacation for one week, and a home school conference. We are excited! Schwarmas, sticky rice, clean pools, and fun friends!
We went to get our toes painted professionally but they were closed, so we did our own beauty parlor in the kitchen!
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Mamma turns 38!!!
Feb 5th
The day started with me feeling like my throat had briars in it and I had the flu. I knew I did not have the flu, only the throat infection that David had been fighting the week prior. I brewed up Kumbucha, started taking major vitamin C and gargling salt water. Plus a tylenol for the miserable feeling.
We meandered into the day and did a little home school. The kids think my birthday merits a National Holiday day off, but no...no no. We did take it light though.
David spent hours trying to find us a place to stay in Bangkok that we could afford since the place we booked (almost three months ago), lost our reservation. Even when we emailed the confirmation, there was nothing to be done. The hunt was on for a new place, and we refuse to carry a pack-n-play so that had to be included...
The kids worked on a project for me while I sat in the girls window (warmth) and read my Bible.
But honestly (for a few days now) the kiddos could not get along to save their lives.
My mom did call, this was a highlight. She and I both laughed that a) it was the right day and b) not the middle of the night (she forgets if we are behind or ahead and by how many hours).
She sounded great which was a blessing to my ears. She asked all about us, laughed at my misery (because I was laughing too), and started crying when she said she missed us.
She then said: "I understand why you are there, and I don't understand too, and I know you know what I mean".
This was a simple not hyper-dramatic statement. It best explained how she felt, and I do understand it, because those mixed emotions, if we are honest, probably tear at every ex-pats soul at one time or another.
At lunch the kids gave me their precious cards.
I did not do my Kettle Bells, because I could hardly say 'Kettle Bell'.
I had not eaten any sugar or carbs in 7 days. No fake sugar either. No, I am not doing 'Whole 30'.
I am not on a diet per se, I am not trying to lose weight. This little trial was purely for health benefits and other health issues I have. David pretty much eats that way all the time. He has been doing mostly Paleo diet for years now for his heart health.
This wasn't a huge stretch for me, I don't gorge on anything, but I usually do eat something sweet or carbilicious daily in the afternoon and maybe something in the evening.
When I stopped I didn't have cravings, I couldn't believe I wasn't 'dying' for something sweet. And I definitely did not go hungry. I just ate fruit, nuts, meat and veg. Lots of nuts. I was going to forego birthday sweets/carbs as well but decided I would eat some my favorite noodles at a fave restaurant and something sweet afterwards.
So this whole background is to tell you that when we got to the fave restaurant to eat my fave (Udon) noodles, they didn't have them. I frowned. Then I laughed out loud, and told everyone God was purely teaching me contentment. These fleeting, small things, do not satisfy. (Those noodles sure would have tasted fine, though. But with my throat, maybe not...God knows what He is doing).
Before dinner we tried family pics:
Earlier in the afternoon Sophia and her friends each presented me, 'the queen', with cards they had made. They literally spent over an hour drawing pretty flowers and things on their cards, and then planned how they would curtsy and present them to me, all in Chinese.
Sophia went first, then Bella, ZhangMing, and Yang Yang. I gave them each a hug it was incredibly sweet. These girls are kind of like my daughters too.
Tobin just wanted in the action, so I grabbed him for a hug.
And after dinner the S family came down and K blessed me with a chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake. OH MY.
Yes, I will definitely take the plunge with no regrets. They even lit candles and sang. I felt super-special.
They were all in their PJs because they were still watching the super bowl (don't tell the winner). That is what you have to do around here for big American Events. Don't watch the news, don't talk to people. Download it (or whatever) and plan your time wisely. Their YeYe and NaiNai (grandpa and grandma) are here all the way from America and joined the party. It was great to see them again. Plus, she brought me the most delicious chocolate I have ever tasted and My print copy of The Blessing Book, with an inscription from Karla herself! I read through it last year via email and was so encouraged, but I am a print kind of girl, so I can't wait to re-read it this year.
What a splendid evening.
After the kids went to bed, my dad and brother called to wish me well. I am so glad I did plug in the Magic Jack!
And it would absolutely not be fair if I did not mention that David has served me and blessed me so well on and around my birthday. He brought me Calla lilies and bought me some household items I had been wanting (a certain kind of shade for the kitchen and other rooms) and an ice cream bowl attachment for my KitchenAid that will arrive in March with Poppy and CC. This among so many other little things he does to make me feel so loved and appreciated. Love my man!
The day started with me feeling like my throat had briars in it and I had the flu. I knew I did not have the flu, only the throat infection that David had been fighting the week prior. I brewed up Kumbucha, started taking major vitamin C and gargling salt water. Plus a tylenol for the miserable feeling.
We meandered into the day and did a little home school. The kids think my birthday merits a National Holiday day off, but no...no no. We did take it light though.
David spent hours trying to find us a place to stay in Bangkok that we could afford since the place we booked (almost three months ago), lost our reservation. Even when we emailed the confirmation, there was nothing to be done. The hunt was on for a new place, and we refuse to carry a pack-n-play so that had to be included...
The kids worked on a project for me while I sat in the girls window (warmth) and read my Bible.
But honestly (for a few days now) the kiddos could not get along to save their lives.
My mom did call, this was a highlight. She and I both laughed that a) it was the right day and b) not the middle of the night (she forgets if we are behind or ahead and by how many hours).
She sounded great which was a blessing to my ears. She asked all about us, laughed at my misery (because I was laughing too), and started crying when she said she missed us.
She then said: "I understand why you are there, and I don't understand too, and I know you know what I mean".
This was a simple not hyper-dramatic statement. It best explained how she felt, and I do understand it, because those mixed emotions, if we are honest, probably tear at every ex-pats soul at one time or another.
At lunch the kids gave me their precious cards.
I did not do my Kettle Bells, because I could hardly say 'Kettle Bell'.
I had not eaten any sugar or carbs in 7 days. No fake sugar either. No, I am not doing 'Whole 30'.
I am not on a diet per se, I am not trying to lose weight. This little trial was purely for health benefits and other health issues I have. David pretty much eats that way all the time. He has been doing mostly Paleo diet for years now for his heart health.
This wasn't a huge stretch for me, I don't gorge on anything, but I usually do eat something sweet or carbilicious daily in the afternoon and maybe something in the evening.
When I stopped I didn't have cravings, I couldn't believe I wasn't 'dying' for something sweet. And I definitely did not go hungry. I just ate fruit, nuts, meat and veg. Lots of nuts. I was going to forego birthday sweets/carbs as well but decided I would eat some my favorite noodles at a fave restaurant and something sweet afterwards.
So this whole background is to tell you that when we got to the fave restaurant to eat my fave (Udon) noodles, they didn't have them. I frowned. Then I laughed out loud, and told everyone God was purely teaching me contentment. These fleeting, small things, do not satisfy. (Those noodles sure would have tasted fine, though. But with my throat, maybe not...God knows what He is doing).
Before dinner we tried family pics:
Earlier in the afternoon Sophia and her friends each presented me, 'the queen', with cards they had made. They literally spent over an hour drawing pretty flowers and things on their cards, and then planned how they would curtsy and present them to me, all in Chinese.
Tobin just wanted in the action, so I grabbed him for a hug.
And after dinner the S family came down and K blessed me with a chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake. OH MY.
Yes, I will definitely take the plunge with no regrets. They even lit candles and sang. I felt super-special.
They were all in their PJs because they were still watching the super bowl (don't tell the winner). That is what you have to do around here for big American Events. Don't watch the news, don't talk to people. Download it (or whatever) and plan your time wisely. Their YeYe and NaiNai (grandpa and grandma) are here all the way from America and joined the party. It was great to see them again. Plus, she brought me the most delicious chocolate I have ever tasted and My print copy of The Blessing Book, with an inscription from Karla herself! I read through it last year via email and was so encouraged, but I am a print kind of girl, so I can't wait to re-read it this year.
What a splendid evening.
After the kids went to bed, my dad and brother called to wish me well. I am so glad I did plug in the Magic Jack!
And it would absolutely not be fair if I did not mention that David has served me and blessed me so well on and around my birthday. He brought me Calla lilies and bought me some household items I had been wanting (a certain kind of shade for the kitchen and other rooms) and an ice cream bowl attachment for my KitchenAid that will arrive in March with Poppy and CC. This among so many other little things he does to make me feel so loved and appreciated. Love my man!
Outdoor fun and P.E. Co-Op
Pic from the hood
These are big, empty planters.
Since everyone is on break for Chinese New Year, Sophia and Bella's friends have come calling every day. They play outside every afternoon for hours, right near our back yard. This play time was a 'weather center'. Each person had a role, it was quite creative. They had a way to tell the weather based on leaves. Someone radioed the other, then one would announce it.
she is typing on her computer and announcing on her leaf microphone what type of clothes you should wear for the day.
Some friends of ours from Holland who have four kids have a Dutch teacher helping her teach her kids. On Wednesday they do 'sports' right near our house and invited us to join. Two other kids from another Dutch family also come so this makes it lots of fun. I call this our P.E. co-op. It gets us out early in the morning on that day.
The teacher plans it well and the kids have lots of fun.
The first time we went my idea was to have Tobin and I do our own sports while the girls joined. But I did not expect Bella's shyness. So I just helped her along and sat on the side. By the end, all three were involved.
The following week Tobin participated somewhat with me on the side also helping.
The Dutchies love his jersey of course.
By week three I told the kids they would fully participate and I would go exercise nearby.
This worked out well. I went down to the track and since it was my high intensity interval day, I did my loathed intervals for 15 minutes, did a cool down jog for five minutes, then jogged back home, showered and came back to get the kiddos by 10 a.m.
Wow, done with my workout by 10 a.m. that never happens.
I am so thankful for Miss D., their sports teacher, and her joyful acceptance of our kids into their sports day every week. We will only participate for one more week before we leave for vacation and the kids start Chinese school again.
Some friends of ours from Holland who have four kids have a Dutch teacher helping her teach her kids. On Wednesday they do 'sports' right near our house and invited us to join. Two other kids from another Dutch family also come so this makes it lots of fun. I call this our P.E. co-op. It gets us out early in the morning on that day.
The first time we went my idea was to have Tobin and I do our own sports while the girls joined. But I did not expect Bella's shyness. So I just helped her along and sat on the side. By the end, all three were involved.
The following week Tobin participated somewhat with me on the side also helping.
By week three I told the kids they would fully participate and I would go exercise nearby.
This worked out well. I went down to the track and since it was my high intensity interval day, I did my loathed intervals for 15 minutes, did a cool down jog for five minutes, then jogged back home, showered and came back to get the kiddos by 10 a.m.
Wow, done with my workout by 10 a.m. that never happens.
I am so thankful for Miss D., their sports teacher, and her joyful acceptance of our kids into their sports day every week. We will only participate for one more week before we leave for vacation and the kids start Chinese school again.
Daddy Came back!
(Jan. 23rd)
And he brought gifts...mainly himself!
His plane touched down TWO MINUTES EARLY, unheard of around here.
He bought Tobin a Netherlands Soccer Jersey, which he wore for two days straight.
Name on the back and all, a real soccer stud.
The girls got Thai dresses, including Baby G, the girls hold hers up, which will be used as a skirt.
The next day, Saturday, the kids helped do dishes. This is their Saturday work.
Tobin usually does not get in the mix, he hauls the dirty clothes, but he did well this day.
Gabrielle did want to help too.
David took them all on a bike ride too!
Sometimes G will grab my head, pull me close and kiss me, too sweet, but we have yet to catch it on film.This dress was new too, but you can't see it, it is hand made and perfect.
She is definitely too cool for her britches.
And he brought gifts...mainly himself!
His plane touched down TWO MINUTES EARLY, unheard of around here.
The next day, Saturday, the kids helped do dishes. This is their Saturday work.
Gabrielle did want to help too.
David took them all on a bike ride too!
Sometimes G will grab my head, pull me close and kiss me, too sweet, but we have yet to catch it on film.This dress was new too, but you can't see it, it is hand made and perfect.
She is definitely too cool for her britches.
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