If anyone knows me, they know I don't work out. I literally laugh in a person's face if they ask if I do, or if I want to go workout with them. Working out has never been my thing. But, I do have a toddler running around my house, so I have developed this workout plan which is always different (that's supposed to be good, right?), and it does happen every day.
-August emptied out a whole 24 pack of Pepsi on Friday night. I had him walk back and forth across the kitchen bringing them to the fridge where I picked him up so he could put them on the top shelf. A little twisting while lifting thrown in and it was great!
-The Laundry Helper Routine- Another lifting one I do at least twice a week is when Owliee needs a bath. This involves lifting him into the basket or holding him over the washer where he can toss his stuffed animal into the washer. Bonus? When he wants to stay there longer to watch the water fill the washer.
-The Public Bathroom Routine- Lifting him up to the changing station and keeping him there. On Sunday he thought this needed a little jazzing up and crawled under the door. Reach and pull! And a big YUCK! You also need to wash and dry hands.
-The Potty Training Routine- When you are lifting a little onto the toilet and they decide mid lift that they want to stand. Legs everywhere, but no where you need them.
-The Dropped Stuffed Animal Routine- This one basically only/always happens on the way to his crib for a nap or bedtime. You have to bend over while holding a little over their stuffed animal so they can get them. He loves to make this one longer by 'missing' him or dropping him repeatedly.
-The Getting Dressed in Snow Clothes Routine- This one always makes me break a sweat! Especially when he wants to do it himself for 2 minutes and then asks for help, and then changes his mind...multiple times.
These are just a few of my 'exercise' routines. They keep me very active, but I know I am still out of shape! :)
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Monday, February 5, 2018
Little House on the Prairie
It is finally finished! I loved spending a cold, snowy, early out day putting the final stitches in my Little House on the Prairie quilt! I started reading the Little House series in 3rd grade and have re-read them a few times since then. I also have one student who I can geek out with because she loves the series and is so excited for me to show her the whole quilt instead of just a block at a time! :)
I found this quilt along about year ago. I was doing one of my many scrolls through Pinterest and certain blocks kept popping up with a Little House label and I checked it out. This mom has made this quilt with her daughters as they read through the books together. How sweet is that?! Someday, I hope to make this quilt again with a little girl or two of my own. I have so many floral fabrics from Grammy's stash, and I don't know if I could have found a better quilt to use so many of them in! I only bought a couple of small pieces to make the blocks. I didn't have any solid black and I used almost the entire fat quarter in the crow and music note. I had a 5 yard chunk that I bought from Hen & Chicks a couple of years ago that was just perfect for the back! I learned how to paper piece (eye roll) and I used templates for the first time. I also used the (WAY) easier pattern for the Dove in the Window that involved zero 8 pointed stars.
This one is going to be entered in the Marshall County Fair this summer and I am keeping this one for me! I don't keep quilts very often, but this one is all mine!
I found this quilt along about year ago. I was doing one of my many scrolls through Pinterest and certain blocks kept popping up with a Little House label and I checked it out. This mom has made this quilt with her daughters as they read through the books together. How sweet is that?! Someday, I hope to make this quilt again with a little girl or two of my own. I have so many floral fabrics from Grammy's stash, and I don't know if I could have found a better quilt to use so many of them in! I only bought a couple of small pieces to make the blocks. I didn't have any solid black and I used almost the entire fat quarter in the crow and music note. I had a 5 yard chunk that I bought from Hen & Chicks a couple of years ago that was just perfect for the back! I learned how to paper piece (eye roll) and I used templates for the first time. I also used the (WAY) easier pattern for the Dove in the Window that involved zero 8 pointed stars.
This one is going to be entered in the Marshall County Fair this summer and I am keeping this one for me! I don't keep quilts very often, but this one is all mine!
Saturday, November 18, 2017
For a Toddler
In my house, if you record Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood for a toddler, he will want to watch episode after episode every day. Watching it at daycare will not be enough. He will ask for it as soon as he comes home. If you are the parent watching Daniel Tiger with the toddler, you will inevitably have the theme song stuck on repeat in your head. All day long. And singing this in your head all day long will make you miss your little and have you counting down the hours until you can pick him up. When you get home he will ask for Daniel Tiger and the process begins again.
August's vocabulary and ability to say near complete sentences has flourished recently! Every night when we come home he asks very politely with his big brown eyes, "I wan iger," in that sweet, slurred, missing sounds toddler way of his. Every now and then he throws in a 'please' and really, who can deny him his wishes at that point? It's extra sweet when he brings the remote, as long as he's not hitting as many buttons as possible.
There is one book that is my saving grace in the car. He has a little board book that has big machines in it. Like 8 pages of combines, tractors, and construction equipment. You would think he would get board after a while, right? Nope, it's been in my car for at least a month and it's the first thing he grabs for when he gets in. I can hear him reading the whole way to town and back home. It is looking more than rough around the edges and when it finally falls apart, I won't be able to part with this little treasure. It will get tucked in a box beside his foot prints, baptism certificate, and first shoes. One of those sweet little treasures I'll keep and give back to him, someday.
I am so excited for the upcoming holiday season! My mom found a shirt last year that is PERFECT for my child! It says something about being mom's cookie taster. That was quite literally one of his first words, and it is clear when he says 'cookie'! He loves to bake with me and wants to sit on the counter and help dump ingredients into the mixer. He knows where each grandma keeps their cookies and stands there asking politely for one until he gets it. Not that he needs any to make him sweeter!
If you give my toddler anything food, he won't forget. If you give my toddler a tractor ride, he won't forget. If you give my toddler love and attention he will give it right back!
August's vocabulary and ability to say near complete sentences has flourished recently! Every night when we come home he asks very politely with his big brown eyes, "I wan iger," in that sweet, slurred, missing sounds toddler way of his. Every now and then he throws in a 'please' and really, who can deny him his wishes at that point? It's extra sweet when he brings the remote, as long as he's not hitting as many buttons as possible.
There is one book that is my saving grace in the car. He has a little board book that has big machines in it. Like 8 pages of combines, tractors, and construction equipment. You would think he would get board after a while, right? Nope, it's been in my car for at least a month and it's the first thing he grabs for when he gets in. I can hear him reading the whole way to town and back home. It is looking more than rough around the edges and when it finally falls apart, I won't be able to part with this little treasure. It will get tucked in a box beside his foot prints, baptism certificate, and first shoes. One of those sweet little treasures I'll keep and give back to him, someday.
I am so excited for the upcoming holiday season! My mom found a shirt last year that is PERFECT for my child! It says something about being mom's cookie taster. That was quite literally one of his first words, and it is clear when he says 'cookie'! He loves to bake with me and wants to sit on the counter and help dump ingredients into the mixer. He knows where each grandma keeps their cookies and stands there asking politely for one until he gets it. Not that he needs any to make him sweeter!
If you give my toddler anything food, he won't forget. If you give my toddler a tractor ride, he won't forget. If you give my toddler love and attention he will give it right back!
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
School Gardens
Many of you know that I have been posting pictures or comments about our school garden. I am in charge of this project after the torch got handed to me at the end of last summer. This year I have only had a couple of kids faithfully come, but that makes it all the more special for me. I can pour into these few kids more specifically than a huge bunch.
One young girl that signed up to be a garden mentor basically apologizes for existing sometimes. I have continually told her she doesn't need to apologize for anything when she comes to the garden unless it's something very serious. My secret goal for her for the summer was to boost her confidence and her ability to be bold. On the day that I took her and another student to fair, I talked to them about what to expect and things they could talk to the judges about and my own fair days. She did not apologize once and was so confident when talking to the judges that she was asking the questions too!
I love building relationships with kids in the school that I wouldn't normally come into contact with. When we get back to school, They have one more adult to come too and trust. When we get back to school, the kids will continue to talk about the school garden. Its so great to interact and teach these kids in a non-academic setting and see their dedication and pride as the summer marches on.
School gardens are an amazing project! Ours started 3 years ago with a grant. I remember that beautiful spring day with a few of us staff members building the garden beds. I helped out a little that first summer during summer school. The kids were so excited to get out and get dirty and take home some veggies. Last year, I signed up to come every Thursday to help. I hauled August along and he loved being there too! That's the beauty of this project. It's not just for the kids that attend school there. It's a benefit to the teacher's kids, parents who come along to help, and to other family members that come with the students. All of these different individuals working together for a common purpose is so cool!
Many of these kids don't know how vegetables they eat on a day to day basis look in their natural form. Some of the things we've planted the last couple years are new to me as well, so I'm learning right along with the kids. I've never eaten egg plant before. We grew it last year and the plant looked pretty neat with beautiful blooms. This year we planted okra. I still have no idea what it will look like on the plant, but the plant itself is huge!
I will continue to advocate for our school garden and encourage kids to come. They need a connection that keeps going after school is out for the summer. They need a connection to each other, and they need a connection to their food. Every school should have a school garden!
One young girl that signed up to be a garden mentor basically apologizes for existing sometimes. I have continually told her she doesn't need to apologize for anything when she comes to the garden unless it's something very serious. My secret goal for her for the summer was to boost her confidence and her ability to be bold. On the day that I took her and another student to fair, I talked to them about what to expect and things they could talk to the judges about and my own fair days. She did not apologize once and was so confident when talking to the judges that she was asking the questions too!
I love building relationships with kids in the school that I wouldn't normally come into contact with. When we get back to school, They have one more adult to come too and trust. When we get back to school, the kids will continue to talk about the school garden. Its so great to interact and teach these kids in a non-academic setting and see their dedication and pride as the summer marches on.
School gardens are an amazing project! Ours started 3 years ago with a grant. I remember that beautiful spring day with a few of us staff members building the garden beds. I helped out a little that first summer during summer school. The kids were so excited to get out and get dirty and take home some veggies. Last year, I signed up to come every Thursday to help. I hauled August along and he loved being there too! That's the beauty of this project. It's not just for the kids that attend school there. It's a benefit to the teacher's kids, parents who come along to help, and to other family members that come with the students. All of these different individuals working together for a common purpose is so cool!
I will continue to advocate for our school garden and encourage kids to come. They need a connection that keeps going after school is out for the summer. They need a connection to each other, and they need a connection to their food. Every school should have a school garden!
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Berry Picking
It's that wonderful time of year again! It's berry season! Berry picking is one of my favorite summer pastimes and is quickly becoming a favorite of August's.
A few weeks ago we went and picked strawberries and August had so much fun! We went with Whitney and Lynnae. August instantly had strawberry juice on his white shirt-good choice, mom, and on his red and white sock. He did pick and put many strawberries in the basket, some of them were a little green, but he knew what to do! And then he tried to step on the strawberries...
And now it's time for black raspberries! I picked one and gave him a bite and he was hooked! August then started picking anything, even if it wasn't ready! If he put one in the bucket, he took three out to put in his mouth! He was reaching for the bucket the whole time. We went the other day and I brought the carrier along just in case. I snapped a branch and that was the end of him walking around. He got so scared and a toddler throwing a fit in the berry patch is slightly terrifying! He's at the stage where he sometimes throws himself down. This was one of those time-and there are thorns EVERYWHERE! It was hot packing him around on my back, but definitely safer! I was worn out by the end! Dustin went with us last night and got to pack August around. He now understands a little bit more why I'm so tired at the end of the day!
Truth be told, we did not make it back to the house with very many berries at any given time, but we have been having so much fun!
A few weeks ago we went and picked strawberries and August had so much fun! We went with Whitney and Lynnae. August instantly had strawberry juice on his white shirt-good choice, mom, and on his red and white sock. He did pick and put many strawberries in the basket, some of them were a little green, but he knew what to do! And then he tried to step on the strawberries...
And now it's time for black raspberries! I picked one and gave him a bite and he was hooked! August then started picking anything, even if it wasn't ready! If he put one in the bucket, he took three out to put in his mouth! He was reaching for the bucket the whole time. We went the other day and I brought the carrier along just in case. I snapped a branch and that was the end of him walking around. He got so scared and a toddler throwing a fit in the berry patch is slightly terrifying! He's at the stage where he sometimes throws himself down. This was one of those time-and there are thorns EVERYWHERE! It was hot packing him around on my back, but definitely safer! I was worn out by the end! Dustin went with us last night and got to pack August around. He now understands a little bit more why I'm so tired at the end of the day!
Truth be told, we did not make it back to the house with very many berries at any given time, but we have been having so much fun!
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Little Messmaker
'The world is mud-luscious and puddle wonderful.' -E.E. Cummings
This quote completely sums up my little boy.
He LOVES being outside and is always gathering his shoes and requesting to go out. We have spend loads of time in the garden and he loves it! He wants to help me, a little too much. He carries around his little rake and sticks digging at the dirt and pushing the cat down. A man loves to bring you the smallest speck of dirt and will continue to give you more small specks, just because.
August is so attracted to puddles. He loves his mud boots and has spent quite a bit of time belly-flopping after the rain. And he gets in there quick as a whistle! He then shoots that little grin filled with so much joy that it erases the fact that I just washed his white Nike shoes the day before and they are full of mud again.
And then there are meal times. Spaghetti is the funniest to watch. He INHALES that meal and very quickly requests for more. That is definitely a no shirt required, followed by a bath type of night.
When we get up in the morning he gets changed right away and then I head into the kitchen to get breakfast ready. Sometimes he joins me and other times I go to get him when its time to eat. He very likely has almost every toy in his toy box out all over the floor. It's oftentimes like a minefield in our living room.
This little boy has brought me so much joy and added so much purpose to my life, messes and all.
Monday, June 12, 2017
May Mishaps and Summer Struggles
So. I have suddenly lapsed and fallen back into an ungraceful period that was basically all of my high school years.
It all started with a horseback ride. I haven't ridden since last fall and this ride was wonderful! Jenny rode like she typically would on the first ride of the spring. She seemed a little lost at times since it was just me and her and she doesn't ever lead. Over the next couple of days I was saddle sore. This obviously wasn't my first rodeo, so I know what it's like to be saddle sore, and as I went back to work I knew something wasn't quite right. My legs hurt. All the way down. On Tuesday I thought I was going to have to leave work early. I was having a hard time walking and I felt like I was 9 months pregnant getting out of my chair. And after plenty of ibuprofen, it finally eased away.
And then I fell. August and I were walking back from the garden one day and I tripped on the gutter. Did I mention I was holding him? I managed to turn so he was up and he didn't hit the pavement at all, but I sure did. I smacked my hand, elbow and hip. Everything hurt, and just like before after a few days, everything got better...I thought.
And then I walked into my desk slide out...twice. 2 huge bruises on my thigh practically touching within a week of each other. Smooth, I know.
And then I went on another horseback ride. This one was a little different. Jenny galloped and then bucked a time or two. And I slammed back in the saddle. HARD. As soon as I gout out of the saddle, I was hurting. My lower back was in bad shape and the pain came and went all weekend. I thought I would be fine until I went to pick up August on Sunday night and my back spasmed and couldn't get him up on my hip. Monday wasn't any better. I went to the chiropractor and it turns out, my hips were all wonky. I didn't know my body could pop so many times and I walked out feeling much better!
And then Chase pushed Dustin off the back of the boat to be funny and he cut his leg on the prop and had to get stitches. Here's hoping that he quits milking that injury for all its worth real soon and we are done getting hurt this summer!
It all started with a horseback ride. I haven't ridden since last fall and this ride was wonderful! Jenny rode like she typically would on the first ride of the spring. She seemed a little lost at times since it was just me and her and she doesn't ever lead. Over the next couple of days I was saddle sore. This obviously wasn't my first rodeo, so I know what it's like to be saddle sore, and as I went back to work I knew something wasn't quite right. My legs hurt. All the way down. On Tuesday I thought I was going to have to leave work early. I was having a hard time walking and I felt like I was 9 months pregnant getting out of my chair. And after plenty of ibuprofen, it finally eased away.
And then I fell. August and I were walking back from the garden one day and I tripped on the gutter. Did I mention I was holding him? I managed to turn so he was up and he didn't hit the pavement at all, but I sure did. I smacked my hand, elbow and hip. Everything hurt, and just like before after a few days, everything got better...I thought.
And then I walked into my desk slide out...twice. 2 huge bruises on my thigh practically touching within a week of each other. Smooth, I know.
And then I went on another horseback ride. This one was a little different. Jenny galloped and then bucked a time or two. And I slammed back in the saddle. HARD. As soon as I gout out of the saddle, I was hurting. My lower back was in bad shape and the pain came and went all weekend. I thought I would be fine until I went to pick up August on Sunday night and my back spasmed and couldn't get him up on my hip. Monday wasn't any better. I went to the chiropractor and it turns out, my hips were all wonky. I didn't know my body could pop so many times and I walked out feeling much better!
And then Chase pushed Dustin off the back of the boat to be funny and he cut his leg on the prop and had to get stitches. Here's hoping that he quits milking that injury for all its worth real soon and we are done getting hurt this summer!
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