I solemnly swear to look at the brighter side of life (UNLESS a child spills milk ONE MORE TIME on my freshly mopped floors or a stack of important papers...I hold no responsibility for the not so bright side that may emerge). Oh, and if Bella asks me ONE MORE TIME for permission to eat another candy cane. I hold no responsibility for that response...either.
Today, I just woke up feeling like I wanted to hide in bed and not have to care for ANYTHING! Not even myself. Alas, the children must be fed, educated, disciplined, kept from running a MUCK. I did a lot of yelling, then a lot of apologizing, and finally did the fake mom happy thing. It goes something like this: OK, KIDS! LET'S FINISH GETTING OUR ROOMS CLEANED UP! CAN WE DO IT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU? YEAH! GO! GO! GO! (this was in all caps because that's what fake mom happy thing looks and feels like)
As usual, it significantly brightened my mood, and I think life just might be worth getting up for after all. *sigh* OH, and I also ate a LOT of chocolate. Wonder which one was the most helpful?
Monday, December 13, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Room for Creativity
How can I be more creative in my life? Research shows that creativity is declining in today's children. I personally took it as....it's declining in ME, and if I'm a dreadfully dull person, what kind of blobs of nothing are my children going to become? I am the first to tell people that I am not crafty or creative. Is this true? Or am I just not willing to put in the effort to BE crafty and creative? As a child, I was extremely creative. I loved to play pretend and played for hours in my own worlds. As an adult, I survive. I get by day to day the best I can without having a melt down. I do this by making things as simple as possible...and making LOTS of lists. Who finds joy in this? ME. How can I be more creative in my life? What kind of tasks, can I commit to using more creativity? Let's make a list, shall we? An evil chuckle and a rubbing of the hands..
1.The first and most obvious, how I educate my children.
2.The way in which I teach them the gospel
3.In my Primary calling
4.In my piano lessons
5.I can be more creative in my cooking. This one may sound silly, but this family EATS, and eats often. Putting more creativity in my cooking would definitely spice things up in our lives.
6.I can be more creative in decorating my home.
7.Getting the most for my dollar requires creativity :)
What kind of things am I already using creativity in?
1. Hmmmmm.......
I definitely have been exploring being creative when teaching my children. I also, often try to find ways to make my piano lessons more interesting for those who tend to struggle. Oh! Here's a few...
1. I am creative when I make green smoothies.
2. I am creative in my writing.
Yeah that's right...you're all jealous. I can think of other things, but they seem so silly to claim I am creative. Such as: “I am creative when I do my hair....” bleh. I want to think outside of the box, and really put some effort in. So let's look back at my "needs creativity list" and begin to brainstorm some ways to be more creative...with an outline (YAHOO!):
Educating my children:
1.Give them loose creativity items according to their interests during free time. Katrina could have some art supplies (and list making supplies). Payton, some Legos. Bella, some workbooks (she's the odd ball). Tyson, a box of action figures.
2.Don't be afraid to let loose. When doing school, and the children suddenly take interest in something, remember it is OK to occasionally drop everything and do some improv creativity. Don't be so rigid. “No child A, you MUST finish this math problem during math time, or you will forever break away from the assembly line society and live a happy life...”
3.Find creative ways to teach concepts. Use manipulative's, real life scenarios, and teaching as much as possible through actual experience.
4.Let them problem solve on their own. Don't provide all the answers, but rather encourage them to ask questions. Also, provide situations where the family gets together and brainstorms a problem.
Teaching them the gospel:
1.Use pictures and visuals rather than just always reading word for word.
2.Act out scenes and encourage the children to participate in “speaking rolls”.
3.Encourage the children to set up their own gospel study plan, complete with goals.
4.Do hands on activities that enforce that which you've been studying.
In my Primary Calling:
1.Think like a child....what are their interests? What would they find very exciting and fun, and how can you weave that into your lessons and activities?
2.Try to put your own spin on lesson suggestions. Don't always copy someone else's idea. Even better, ponder the weekly theme and come up with your own ideas, rather than immediately looking for someone elses.
3.Seek out inspiration from Heavenly Father. He's blessed me with so many gifts, he definitely knows the best ways I can use them.
In my piano teaching:
1.Ponder the needs of each individual child, and the ways they enjoy learning. Take into account their age, intelligence level, and interests.
2.Take that list, and brainstorm creative ways to help them learn.
3.Challenge them to push themselves. Don't always do what the teacher says...work ahead, and try to learn some things on their own.
4.Encourage them to write their own songs, by writing them down for them as they create them. Let them give them a name and make the “notation rules”.
5.Spend a portion of each lesson playing a game, or “jamming” if you have older students. Make sure they leave the lesson with positive thoughts and a smile on their face.
In my cooking:
1.No brainer here: Try new things, and don't be afraid of cooking new foods.
2.Pick a culture and study what they eat. As a family, plan a week of that “cultures” foods and learn something new each night about that culture as you sit down to eat.
3.Get artistic in the way I display our foods. Buy nicer dishes, and don't always serve everything out of a pot.
4.Give the kids “pretty things” to decorate the table with when they do their chore. Have pretty linens, glasses, plates, maybe even candles. Let them take joy in creating beauty. Don't stress about the extra laundry and dish washing.
5.Work hard on helping the family find joy in making food, and being together as a family. Not just eating it. Teach them to slow down, and savor the bites.
In decorating my home:
1.Finish painting the dang house already.
2.Learn how to sew simple things such as pillow covers and simple drapes. You can Do this...Deep Breath.
3.Study landscaping, pick ONE section of your yard and plant some pretty things. You can DO this.....use a paper bag to breathe in if you must.
4.Get rid of things that don't bring you joy, but you have been hanging on to them, simply because you've had them so long they are a growth on your.....never mind.
5.Let the kids get involved in decorating their rooms. Get them some home magazines and encourage them to make a portfolio of the things they like.
Getting the most for my dollar:
1.Shop Goodwill and DI.
2.Go to yard sales, but have a plan. Make a list of the types of items you are looking for, and try not to buy extra.
3.Don't be afraid to buy high quality if you know you'll use it A LOT. Such as towels. Why one earth do I insist on buying cheap, scratchy towels when I know I'm going to hang onto them FOREVER and try to pass them on to the next generation??
This has been fun! I see so many ways I can make improvements in my life, and I'm excited to give it a try. The next step is to make a plan. Because my non-creative self insists on having a plan, complete with lists, time frames, progress charts....and did I mention LISTS?
1.The first and most obvious, how I educate my children.
2.The way in which I teach them the gospel
3.In my Primary calling
4.In my piano lessons
5.I can be more creative in my cooking. This one may sound silly, but this family EATS, and eats often. Putting more creativity in my cooking would definitely spice things up in our lives.
6.I can be more creative in decorating my home.
7.Getting the most for my dollar requires creativity :)
What kind of things am I already using creativity in?
1. Hmmmmm.......
I definitely have been exploring being creative when teaching my children. I also, often try to find ways to make my piano lessons more interesting for those who tend to struggle. Oh! Here's a few...
1. I am creative when I make green smoothies.
2. I am creative in my writing.
Yeah that's right...you're all jealous. I can think of other things, but they seem so silly to claim I am creative. Such as: “I am creative when I do my hair....” bleh. I want to think outside of the box, and really put some effort in. So let's look back at my "needs creativity list" and begin to brainstorm some ways to be more creative...with an outline (YAHOO!):
Educating my children:
1.Give them loose creativity items according to their interests during free time. Katrina could have some art supplies (and list making supplies). Payton, some Legos. Bella, some workbooks (she's the odd ball). Tyson, a box of action figures.
2.Don't be afraid to let loose. When doing school, and the children suddenly take interest in something, remember it is OK to occasionally drop everything and do some improv creativity. Don't be so rigid. “No child A, you MUST finish this math problem during math time, or you will forever break away from the assembly line society and live a happy life...”
3.Find creative ways to teach concepts. Use manipulative's, real life scenarios, and teaching as much as possible through actual experience.
4.Let them problem solve on their own. Don't provide all the answers, but rather encourage them to ask questions. Also, provide situations where the family gets together and brainstorms a problem.
Teaching them the gospel:
1.Use pictures and visuals rather than just always reading word for word.
2.Act out scenes and encourage the children to participate in “speaking rolls”.
3.Encourage the children to set up their own gospel study plan, complete with goals.
4.Do hands on activities that enforce that which you've been studying.
In my Primary Calling:
1.Think like a child....what are their interests? What would they find very exciting and fun, and how can you weave that into your lessons and activities?
2.Try to put your own spin on lesson suggestions. Don't always copy someone else's idea. Even better, ponder the weekly theme and come up with your own ideas, rather than immediately looking for someone elses.
3.Seek out inspiration from Heavenly Father. He's blessed me with so many gifts, he definitely knows the best ways I can use them.
In my piano teaching:
1.Ponder the needs of each individual child, and the ways they enjoy learning. Take into account their age, intelligence level, and interests.
2.Take that list, and brainstorm creative ways to help them learn.
3.Challenge them to push themselves. Don't always do what the teacher says...work ahead, and try to learn some things on their own.
4.Encourage them to write their own songs, by writing them down for them as they create them. Let them give them a name and make the “notation rules”.
5.Spend a portion of each lesson playing a game, or “jamming” if you have older students. Make sure they leave the lesson with positive thoughts and a smile on their face.
In my cooking:
1.No brainer here: Try new things, and don't be afraid of cooking new foods.
2.Pick a culture and study what they eat. As a family, plan a week of that “cultures” foods and learn something new each night about that culture as you sit down to eat.
3.Get artistic in the way I display our foods. Buy nicer dishes, and don't always serve everything out of a pot.
4.Give the kids “pretty things” to decorate the table with when they do their chore. Have pretty linens, glasses, plates, maybe even candles. Let them take joy in creating beauty. Don't stress about the extra laundry and dish washing.
5.Work hard on helping the family find joy in making food, and being together as a family. Not just eating it. Teach them to slow down, and savor the bites.
In decorating my home:
1.Finish painting the dang house already.
2.Learn how to sew simple things such as pillow covers and simple drapes. You can Do this...Deep Breath.
3.Study landscaping, pick ONE section of your yard and plant some pretty things. You can DO this.....use a paper bag to breathe in if you must.
4.Get rid of things that don't bring you joy, but you have been hanging on to them, simply because you've had them so long they are a growth on your.....never mind.
5.Let the kids get involved in decorating their rooms. Get them some home magazines and encourage them to make a portfolio of the things they like.
Getting the most for my dollar:
1.Shop Goodwill and DI.
2.Go to yard sales, but have a plan. Make a list of the types of items you are looking for, and try not to buy extra.
3.Don't be afraid to buy high quality if you know you'll use it A LOT. Such as towels. Why one earth do I insist on buying cheap, scratchy towels when I know I'm going to hang onto them FOREVER and try to pass them on to the next generation??
This has been fun! I see so many ways I can make improvements in my life, and I'm excited to give it a try. The next step is to make a plan. Because my non-creative self insists on having a plan, complete with lists, time frames, progress charts....and did I mention LISTS?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Ah! Je Veux Vivre
I sang in another "Noon Recital" today at the college. The song was "Ah! Je Veux Vivre" from the opera "Roméo et Juliette" and it was a lot of fun. I've been working on the song since December so it was really nice to be done with it. Today Payton told me, "Mom, I'm glad you're done with that song because you've sang it so much it's stuck in my head all the time." Then he started to sing it....in French :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ4em6ydDIk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ4em6ydDIk
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
I am blessed
I know I have been neglecting this blog and it is such a tragedy! I have so much to be grateful for, but am often too exhausted (or lazy) to post.
I am so grateful to live in a country and a state that allows me to homeschool my children. Not only homeschool them, but educate them how I see fit, with no one able to dictate what and how I teach. How blessed I am to live in my comfortable home, with healthy, beautiful children. How blessed I am to have a knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, to feel of his love and power in all the creations that I am surrounded by.
And as my children scream and tromp all over the house, practically tearing the walls right down around me, causing my blood pressure to rise and rise, while they could be in school and I could be snuggled up in my warm bed with a book, I keep repeating these words in my head: I am blessed, I am blessed, I am blessed.
I am so grateful to live in a country and a state that allows me to homeschool my children. Not only homeschool them, but educate them how I see fit, with no one able to dictate what and how I teach. How blessed I am to live in my comfortable home, with healthy, beautiful children. How blessed I am to have a knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, to feel of his love and power in all the creations that I am surrounded by.
And as my children scream and tromp all over the house, practically tearing the walls right down around me, causing my blood pressure to rise and rise, while they could be in school and I could be snuggled up in my warm bed with a book, I keep repeating these words in my head: I am blessed, I am blessed, I am blessed.
Friday, April 17, 2009
I wanna be an opera star....
So I've been taking a voice class at the college and being the dufus I am I accidentally signed up for an advanced voice class....as my FIRST lessons. Luckily, I have natural talent and am really good looking so, no suprise that I was allowed to continue on.
My instructor is awesome! She's this little Asian lady with the most powerful voice you've ever heard. When we started, I insisted I was a Mezzo-Soprano (Which is people that sing in lower ranges for the common man). She insisted I was a Soprano (High range singers). Since she plays the piano while I sing, I had no choice but to sing in the key she plays for me, so....I guess I'm a Soprano. I was talking to the band teacher and he said that all voice teachers want their students to be Sopranos.
I thought that I would sing some pop songs, maybe a jazz number or two, and next thing you know I'm learning songs in Italian and French and singing like an Opera singer! Apparently, that's what voice majors believe real music is. It's very different but she has taught me a lot and I am LOVING it! My kids either plug their ears or sing along in their best dog howling voices, depending on their moods :)
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Heads Up....New Question at the OB/GYN
*Disclaimer: This post will remain on top purely for the sake of ANNOYING Kimberly Cardon. Scroll down to see any new posts (when I have time to write something).
Nurse: Do you smoke?
Me: No
Nurse: Allergic to any medications?
Me: No
Nurse: Any history of breast cancer?
Me: Nope
Nurse: Sexually active?
Me: My husband might disagree, but yes (hahahaha)
Nurse: With male or female?
Me: -------
Me: ummmmm, come again?
Nurse: (embarrassed) Sorry, I have to ask
Me: Well that's a new question on the old questionnaire!
Gotta love this world of equality for all! Why in the world would they need to know male or female?? I'm sure some radical complained that no one asked her sexual preference. Gotta proclaim it to the roof...(positive Christ-like thoughts, positive Christ-like thoughts)
Nurse: Do you smoke?
Me: No
Nurse: Allergic to any medications?
Me: No
Nurse: Any history of breast cancer?
Me: Nope
Nurse: Sexually active?
Me: My husband might disagree, but yes (hahahaha)
Nurse: With male or female?
Me: -------
Me: ummmmm, come again?
Nurse: (embarrassed) Sorry, I have to ask
Me: Well that's a new question on the old questionnaire!
Gotta love this world of equality for all! Why in the world would they need to know male or female?? I'm sure some radical complained that no one asked her sexual preference. Gotta proclaim it to the roof...(positive Christ-like thoughts, positive Christ-like thoughts)
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Best Friend
Top 10 reasons why it sucks when yet another best friend moves out of your life.
1.Who else is going to nod their head and say "totally" when you use words like "you know the crotch burning at the start of your period??" (All male readers just left the blog)
2. Who else is going to instinctively call the second your about to chase your child w/some sort of weapon and ask if they can come get them?
3. Who else will still think your children are great and snuggle them, even though they know which ones have a highly infectious rash, which ones pick their noses and eat it hungrily, and the current carrier of a parasite?
4. Who else will squeal with delight when they see how good your "gluten window" is while making bread?
5. Who else will say a resounding "YES" when you ask if your butt looks big in a pair of jeans or if your bloated gut looks like your having another baby?
6. Who else will meticulously examine all the limbs and parts of your newborn infant the first time they hold them, and find that he has adducted thumbs and some fingers that don't straighten like they should?
7. Who else will clean your fridge AND your microwave AND bring you dinner when your having an "I'm such a loser who can't get anything done" day, even though her own laundry is piled to the ceiling and her fridge smells like something died in it?
8. Who else will happen to be pregnant the same time as you and insist on calling each other every night from the bathtub to complain about each others aching pelvises? (If any male readers didn't leave, now's the time to exit...)
9. Who else will insist you take a hit off of their anti-depressant when your having one of those really blue weeks?
10. Who else will I sit on the couch with, doing absolutely nothing for hours but watch our kids trash the house, and feel complete bliss?
Sure do love ya sista and it's been some great memories. You'd better make every effort to come back to me when Trevor gets his facility (or I just might have to check-in my Grandma or something).
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