Do you ever feel like someone has put a swizzle stick into the top of your head and just stirred things around a little? This blog exists as an outlet for me and my random thoughts about motherhood and life that keep bumping around in my head.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Check Out My Etsy Artist of the Week
Go over to my Little Shop of Baubles blog and check out my etsy artist of the week!
Friday, February 22, 2008
It's Been a Good Week
The title says it all. We've had a pretty good week here at Chez Swizzle.
It actually started getting better last Friday. I took Miss Smarty Pants' advice and set the timer for 15 minutes several times during the day to get things done. I'd used Flylady.com before, but I just thought of it as a way to keep my house clean. It never occurred to me to use it as a way to get me off my butt and out of a funk. They don't call her "Miss Smarty Pants" for nothing!
We had friends come over and play Rock Band (a usual Friday night). My friend has been having similar, yet different, issues to what I've been having. We went upstairs to make things while the hubbies and kiddos stayed downstairs playing. It was nice.
Saturday night, Mr. Swizzle and I went out without the girls. We went to a fund raiser for the Montessori school that is attached to our church and where Twinkle went from age 2 - Kindergarten. It was fun, with dinner, a silent auction, and a live auction. The live auction was particularly fun for me because I bought something that will always be dear to me - in a "what would you grab in a fire" kind of way. My friend, J, who we lost at the end of last year, painted icons. The proper term is actually "wrote" icons, but to be clear, paint is involved. This is similar to the work she did. Anyway, at the auction on Saturday, J's husband had donated one of her icons for the live auction. Apparently, not everyone in the room was aware that I was going to have the highest bid, and that they need not try. They did figure it out in the end. The icon came home with me and is placed where I see it every day. I'm thrilled and honored to have it.
On Monday, I discovered this lovely site. Apparently Twinkle is quite motivated by stickers and earning points and reward certificates. We made a "chore" chart that also included behaviors. All week, if she's talked back, all I've had to say is "Are you talking back?" (using the language on the chart). She says, "Oh, sorry", because she wants the virtual sticker rewarded on this program I've downloaded. Sweet. We've also limited her TV time and made a chart for that. Anytime she is having trouble listening, especially at home school, I tell her that I've asked her once, I'm now giving her her one chance and if she doesn't do what I ask, time will be taken off of her already limited TV time. So far, so good. I hope she continues to be motivated this way.
Tuesday, I took Sparkle to the doctor because she's been sniffly and a little congested. This is actually quite against my nature. Usually I think if a kid has a cold, there's nothing to be done but get through it and build up their immune systems. Who needs a doctor? But, Sparkle has had 2 asymptomatic ear infections in the 9 months she's been home. This is changing my opinion. Tuesday I figured why not have them peek in her ears. And yes, she did have some redness and irritation in her ears. The doctor was a bit more concerned with her breathing. She admitted it was hard to tell if the rattly sound was in Sparkle's throat or her chest. They took her pulse ox which registered at 90. They did this same thing back in August and were freaked that it was at 99 (not 100). So, we did a breathing treatment in the office which brought it up to 96. That's when the nurse told me that they usually admit the child to the hospital if it's under 92. Yeeshk.
She is better now, though she sounds worse because she's actually coughing gunk out of her chest now. Poor baby. One of these days I'll pick up on these things when they first start.
Last night, I was a major geek and actually recorded the Democratic Presidential debate. I'm more excited this year than I've been in a while about politics. It's so rare that the candidate hasn't been decided by the time the Texas primary rolls around. The primary is March 4, but I just couldn't stand it any longer and went to early voting today. Mr. Swizzle almost talked me out of it by telling me that the early voting votes are not counted until after the votes cast on primary day, therefore mine wouldn't be one of the ones counted the day of. But, I figured, what if I am ill, or Sparkle is ill or I get hit by a bus before March 4. Obama needs me....
So, I've been rambling. All of that to say that all in all, it has been a good week.
Thanks for all the advice and for "listening"on good days and bad.
EDITED TO ADD: Oh, Jeez Louise! I can't believe I didn't include what ended my weekend perfectly and started the school week perfectly. The FABULOUS Duchess and I went to get pedicures. It turned into pedis and manis and boy did the time fly! We were trying to figure out other ways they could pamper us to avoid having to go home!
It actually started getting better last Friday. I took Miss Smarty Pants' advice and set the timer for 15 minutes several times during the day to get things done. I'd used Flylady.com before, but I just thought of it as a way to keep my house clean. It never occurred to me to use it as a way to get me off my butt and out of a funk. They don't call her "Miss Smarty Pants" for nothing!
We had friends come over and play Rock Band (a usual Friday night). My friend has been having similar, yet different, issues to what I've been having. We went upstairs to make things while the hubbies and kiddos stayed downstairs playing. It was nice.
Saturday night, Mr. Swizzle and I went out without the girls. We went to a fund raiser for the Montessori school that is attached to our church and where Twinkle went from age 2 - Kindergarten. It was fun, with dinner, a silent auction, and a live auction. The live auction was particularly fun for me because I bought something that will always be dear to me - in a "what would you grab in a fire" kind of way. My friend, J, who we lost at the end of last year, painted icons. The proper term is actually "wrote" icons, but to be clear, paint is involved. This is similar to the work she did. Anyway, at the auction on Saturday, J's husband had donated one of her icons for the live auction. Apparently, not everyone in the room was aware that I was going to have the highest bid, and that they need not try. They did figure it out in the end. The icon came home with me and is placed where I see it every day. I'm thrilled and honored to have it.
On Monday, I discovered this lovely site. Apparently Twinkle is quite motivated by stickers and earning points and reward certificates. We made a "chore" chart that also included behaviors. All week, if she's talked back, all I've had to say is "Are you talking back?" (using the language on the chart). She says, "Oh, sorry", because she wants the virtual sticker rewarded on this program I've downloaded. Sweet. We've also limited her TV time and made a chart for that. Anytime she is having trouble listening, especially at home school, I tell her that I've asked her once, I'm now giving her her one chance and if she doesn't do what I ask, time will be taken off of her already limited TV time. So far, so good. I hope she continues to be motivated this way.
Tuesday, I took Sparkle to the doctor because she's been sniffly and a little congested. This is actually quite against my nature. Usually I think if a kid has a cold, there's nothing to be done but get through it and build up their immune systems. Who needs a doctor? But, Sparkle has had 2 asymptomatic ear infections in the 9 months she's been home. This is changing my opinion. Tuesday I figured why not have them peek in her ears. And yes, she did have some redness and irritation in her ears. The doctor was a bit more concerned with her breathing. She admitted it was hard to tell if the rattly sound was in Sparkle's throat or her chest. They took her pulse ox which registered at 90. They did this same thing back in August and were freaked that it was at 99 (not 100). So, we did a breathing treatment in the office which brought it up to 96. That's when the nurse told me that they usually admit the child to the hospital if it's under 92. Yeeshk.
She is better now, though she sounds worse because she's actually coughing gunk out of her chest now. Poor baby. One of these days I'll pick up on these things when they first start.
Last night, I was a major geek and actually recorded the Democratic Presidential debate. I'm more excited this year than I've been in a while about politics. It's so rare that the candidate hasn't been decided by the time the Texas primary rolls around. The primary is March 4, but I just couldn't stand it any longer and went to early voting today. Mr. Swizzle almost talked me out of it by telling me that the early voting votes are not counted until after the votes cast on primary day, therefore mine wouldn't be one of the ones counted the day of. But, I figured, what if I am ill, or Sparkle is ill or I get hit by a bus before March 4. Obama needs me....
So, I've been rambling. All of that to say that all in all, it has been a good week.
Thanks for all the advice and for "listening"on good days and bad.
EDITED TO ADD: Oh, Jeez Louise! I can't believe I didn't include what ended my weekend perfectly and started the school week perfectly. The FABULOUS Duchess and I went to get pedicures. It turned into pedis and manis and boy did the time fly! We were trying to figure out other ways they could pamper us to avoid having to go home!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Just Wondering...
Can someone explain this headline to me?
"Cows Abused at Slaughterhouse"
Uh...... what's the story here?
There's video at cnn.com, but I'm certainly not clicking on it.
"Cows Abused at Slaughterhouse"
Uh...... what's the story here?
There's video at cnn.com, but I'm certainly not clicking on it.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Erosion
Several times over the past 8 1/2 months I've said, "I'm worn down." Just the day in, day out of survival mode with my 2 beautiful girls is tiring.
In the fall, I decided to go back on my "happy pills". Lately, I've wondered if they sent me sugar pills. Overall, I feel much better taking them than I did before. I know they are working. I've been able to do a lot of things that I know I wouldn't have before. Like play the part of a Bladder (glad that's over).
Today I find myself thinking, "I just thought I was worn down on those other days". Today is a homeschool day. We've done absolutely zero work today (at 10:40).
I'm just tired of fighting. I told Twinkle a couple of times this morning that we were going to have to work hard today so that we could make cookies this afternoon - before we go to soccer practice. She went upstairs and got dressed pretty easily. We got back downstairs, and I was dealing with Sparkle being everywhere at once, and Twinkle started watching a cartoon and I just couldn't fight anymore. Every time Sparkle wanders into the room where Twinkle is, she ends up screaming about something. Sometimes it is Sparkle's temper when she doesn't get what she wants and sometimes it is Twinkle doing something to frustrate her.
I'm just feeling overwhelmed today. With everything. This morning at breakfast, we opened V-day cards and presents. Mr. Swizzle is so much better at this than I am. I could have sworn I bought cards for the girls to give him when I was so proud of myself for getting Valentine cards 2 WEEKS ago. Apparently not. I also didn't manage to get him anything. Of course, he bought himself cologne earlier this week. I don't suppose that counts.
We were looking at the box of chocolates that Mr. Swizzle bought for all of us to share. 10 darks, 10 lights and 4 whites. 14, right? Uh. no. Where's my brain?
Maybe I left it when I backed into that post yesterday. Yeah, in my kick-ass minivan with a backup camera and beeping sensors, I managed to back into a post. It was totally an accident (obviously) and my van early warning system didn't pick up on it until it was too late. But I still feel like an idiot.
Right now, I'm amazed I've been able to string these sentences together. My stomach feels like there's a boulder in it. I can't focus. And I just don't have it in me to make my girls do anything they don't want to do.
Prayers for making it through the day.
UPDATE at 11:15: Twinkle came in to the office, sat down and did her grammar. I started talking to her very seriously about the possibility that this 2 days of homeschool thing isn't for us. That it stresses me and we fight too much. She shed a tear and said, "I don't WANT to go to another school, mommy!" So, I started talking about things we could both do to improve our homeschool days. Her eyes glazed over and she asked, "Can I go play my video games?" I chose the "don't blow up at the child and scare her to death and make my own head explode" approach. I said, "Go for it."
I just don't have anything left.
In the fall, I decided to go back on my "happy pills". Lately, I've wondered if they sent me sugar pills. Overall, I feel much better taking them than I did before. I know they are working. I've been able to do a lot of things that I know I wouldn't have before. Like play the part of a Bladder (glad that's over).
Today I find myself thinking, "I just thought I was worn down on those other days". Today is a homeschool day. We've done absolutely zero work today (at 10:40).
I'm just tired of fighting. I told Twinkle a couple of times this morning that we were going to have to work hard today so that we could make cookies this afternoon - before we go to soccer practice. She went upstairs and got dressed pretty easily. We got back downstairs, and I was dealing with Sparkle being everywhere at once, and Twinkle started watching a cartoon and I just couldn't fight anymore. Every time Sparkle wanders into the room where Twinkle is, she ends up screaming about something. Sometimes it is Sparkle's temper when she doesn't get what she wants and sometimes it is Twinkle doing something to frustrate her.
I'm just feeling overwhelmed today. With everything. This morning at breakfast, we opened V-day cards and presents. Mr. Swizzle is so much better at this than I am. I could have sworn I bought cards for the girls to give him when I was so proud of myself for getting Valentine cards 2 WEEKS ago. Apparently not. I also didn't manage to get him anything. Of course, he bought himself cologne earlier this week. I don't suppose that counts.
We were looking at the box of chocolates that Mr. Swizzle bought for all of us to share. 10 darks, 10 lights and 4 whites. 14, right? Uh. no. Where's my brain?
Maybe I left it when I backed into that post yesterday. Yeah, in my kick-ass minivan with a backup camera and beeping sensors, I managed to back into a post. It was totally an accident (obviously) and my van early warning system didn't pick up on it until it was too late. But I still feel like an idiot.
Right now, I'm amazed I've been able to string these sentences together. My stomach feels like there's a boulder in it. I can't focus. And I just don't have it in me to make my girls do anything they don't want to do.
Prayers for making it through the day.
UPDATE at 11:15: Twinkle came in to the office, sat down and did her grammar. I started talking to her very seriously about the possibility that this 2 days of homeschool thing isn't for us. That it stresses me and we fight too much. She shed a tear and said, "I don't WANT to go to another school, mommy!" So, I started talking about things we could both do to improve our homeschool days. Her eyes glazed over and she asked, "Can I go play my video games?" I chose the "don't blow up at the child and scare her to death and make my own head explode" approach. I said, "Go for it."
I just don't have anything left.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Shameless Self-Promotion....Kind Of
I don't know what came over me, but I've gone and started another blog.
Yep. I know. I don't post here nearly enough. And I do have the other family blog with pictures of my cherubic children where everything is hunky dory for the family to read.
NOW, another one. But this one is different. It is a blog about my jewelry and about other people who sell items on etsy. So it will also have pretty pictures and may tempt you to visit a website where you could get sucked in for hours. Visit with caution ....Little Shop Of Baubles.
On an entirely different note, Riley is back. Hooray! You can click over there on the right to visit.
Yep. I know. I don't post here nearly enough. And I do have the other family blog with pictures of my cherubic children where everything is hunky dory for the family to read.
NOW, another one. But this one is different. It is a blog about my jewelry and about other people who sell items on etsy. So it will also have pretty pictures and may tempt you to visit a website where you could get sucked in for hours. Visit with caution ....Little Shop Of Baubles.
On an entirely different note, Riley is back. Hooray! You can click over there on the right to visit.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
A Different Book Meme
MB has tagged me for a different, more mother-of-toddler friendly book meme.
Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. (No cheating!)
I am at my desk at home. The actual nearest books are Twinkle's school books. Only slightly further away is a shelf of MY books. I've chosen Beyond Good Intentions: A Mother Reflects on Raising Internationally Adopted Children
Tag 5 people.
Let's see. I'll tag the Duchess, Elastigirl, and Heather. Yes. I know. That's not five. I've decided to reverse 5 and 3 today.
Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. (No cheating!)
I am at my desk at home. The actual nearest books are Twinkle's school books. Only slightly further away is a shelf of MY books. I've chosen Beyond Good Intentions: A Mother Reflects on Raising Internationally Adopted Children
Find Page 123 and Find the first 5 sentences.
Post the next 3 sentences.
Our grandchildren may look as Tapodan as our children. [Tapoda is a made up country to represent any country a person may have adopted from.] As they seek out and find comfort in diversity, our kids may well find mates of other colors. Ponder the example of Camilla Pedersen, Korean born, raised in Norway, married to a man from India, living in the Untied States. In time, our families could look like the passengers on the New York subway. We would be wise to behave as if they already do.
Tag 5 people.
Let's see. I'll tag the Duchess, Elastigirl, and Heather. Yes. I know. That's not five. I've decided to reverse 5 and 3 today.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
No. No! NO!!
No... Stop it... Please stop doing that... Stop!... Come here!... No... No, please.... NO!... Stop...That's enough... Please stop it... NO!...Please sit down!...Don't climb on the table...NO!...Get down...Stop doing that!...NO!...NO!
I just thought I'd give you a peek into every 5 minutes of my day.
I mean really, how many times a day CAN someone say NO?
I guess I wouldn't make a very good Scientologist.
I just thought I'd give you a peek into every 5 minutes of my day.
I mean really, how many times a day CAN someone say NO?
I guess I wouldn't make a very good Scientologist.
Monday, February 4, 2008
A Meme I Have to Think About
MB has tagged me for a book meme. Wow. I'm flattered that MB thinks I read.
I want to assure her that I will participate, but I have to use my noggin a bit. I also have to ponder who/if I'm going to tag..... I might be you.
I want to assure her that I will participate, but I have to use my noggin a bit. I also have to ponder who/if I'm going to tag..... I might be you.
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