Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow…

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow…  This line actually came from an episode of Millenium.  In it there is a flashback showing Frank as a young boy.  He and his mother are looking into the window of a shop.  Frank wants a train set and his mother tells him maybe tomorrow.  He replies that tomorrow will be too late because it will be Christmas day.  Her reply is tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.

So why am I talking about that?  Last night we had quite a scare here.  It brought home the fact that we might not always have tomorrow.  If you had to say goodbye to a loved one, would you be ready?  Or would you have regrets?  Would there be things you wished you had done together with the person who is now gone?  Would there be minutes that you would give anything to have back?  In my case, the answer is yes.  I would regret missed opportunities to play together.  I would long for more time, more smiles and to make more memories. 

And so it is time for change.  Time to stop mis-spending minutes.  Time to make more time for family and loved ones.  I used to see these fun public service ads on PBS called Family, It’s about time.  They are put together by the LDS church.  I tracked a few down if you’d like to watch a few of them.  I love how fun and cute these little clips are.  I’ve linked to one called Runaway Stagecoach but the other 2 are so cute as well.  Watch them if you have about 5 minutes to spare.

This excerpt from an article called Family Home Evening:  It’s A Matter Of Time  also grabbed ahold of me:

“Take Time for Your Children

“1. Take time to always be at the crossroads in the lives of your children. …

“2. Take time to be a real friend to your children.

“3. Take time to read to your children. …

“4. Take time to pray with your children.

“5. Take time to have a meaningful weekly home evening. …

“6. Take time to be together at mealtimes as often as possible.

“7. Take time daily to read the scriptures together as a family.

“8. Take time to do things together as a family.

“9. Take time to teach your children.

“10. Take time to truly love your children.”

President Thomas S. Monson, quoting from President Ezra Taft Benson, To the Mothers in Zion (pamphlet, 1987), 8–12; in “Memories of Yesterday, Counsel for Today,” Ensign, May 1992, 5.”

In summary, our little one looks as if nothing even happened.  There has been singing, laughter, cuddles and dancing and I am extremely grateful for every bit of it.  I am even grateful for the sweet little feet that were pressing into my side and my cheek when I woke this morning as our little one stretched in slumber.  We are grateful that all is well and no harm came from the accident.  It is my prayer that all will be well with all of you as well.  I love all my dear family and friends and pray for your well being and happiness. 

With much love,  

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Halloween 2009

It’s become tradition for us to travel to the Grandparents, Great Grandparents and a close family friend for Halloween.  The kiddos get the fun of dressing up, showing their costumes to the Grands and I know the candy is all certifiably safe   We usually have to do this sans Hubby/Dad.  He has worked Halloween night at least 4 years in a row.  This year, thanks to him being off on short term disability, we got to have him along for all the tricks and treats!  We had a great time visiting loved ones and watching the kids trick or treat.  I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween too!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Have a great night!

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Adapting to OCD

I’ve talked a little bit about OCD and how it affects our life.  I thought it would be helpful to share some of the ways we are trying to adapt to OCD.  In our household, OCD means:

a lot of washing of hands and lips = extensive soap consumption

a lot of lotion to combat dryness of hands and lips

a lot of clothing changes = a lot of laundry

a lot of cleaning items = rapid wipes consumption

and a lot of towels thrown on the bathroom floor when they are deemed to yucky to use anymore.

There are other issues but these are the ones I’m talking about today.

Soap – We are currently ignoring the increased soap use.  Kiddo has been asked to stick to one pump of soap per washing.  I tried to convince hubby to switch back to bar soap because it lasts longer but he’s a spoiled man   He said he’d rather buy more soap than use a grimy bar of soap.  Okay then.

Lotion – I don’t really discourage this one because kiddo’s hands, lips and arms were getting like leather.  Now that we’ve added the lotion into the routine, his skin is healthier in spite of all the extra washing.  I do ask him to stick to one pump here as well.  We quickly discovered that lotion had to come from a pump container or kiddo overuses it.  We’re talking an entire large bottle of lotion each week.  Stuff that used to last at least a month.  Having it in a pump container helps him monitor his usage better for some reason.  It still doesn’t last like it did but it’s a little better.  Baby steps here.

Clothing changes – This one is still tricky.  I could really stress over it and hassle him all day or I can work it from the back end.  Pants, unders and socks all get washed as normal.  But kiddos shirts now get a light cycle or a rinse only.  He wears at least 3 shirts a day and I figure they haven’t been on long enough to warrant more than that.  I’m also trying to convince hubby to let me put a clothesline out back.  I think the savings on energy consumption would help combat the increase in laundry soap expenses.  Hubby is a little resistive because he thinks the neighbors will think it’s trashy.  He’s a bit silly that way

Wipes – this is one I’m just ignoring right now too.  It falls under the not wanting to nag kiddo all day long.  I do have one rule – he has to dispose of them.  He’s very bad about just tossing them aside after he’s used them.  We’ll work more on this issue when some of the bigger ones get a little more under control.

Finally, towels – This one just occurred to me yesterday.  The issue has been four or five or more towels just tossed on the bathroom floor (or in the hall or on the stairs, etc) when kiddo decides they are too wet or dirty to use anymore.  So, now I’ve switched him to hand towels rather than bath towels.  I told him he can use one bath towel for bathing each day and 3 hand towels per day.  The hand towels should be one until around lunch time, one until dinner time and one until bed time.  I figure 3 hand towels are less than the equivalent of one full bath towel and he can set it right by the sink rather than trying to hang it on the towel bar after he washes.  He doesn’t like to get too close to the toilet so he always leans to hang the towel and often drops it onto the toilet and that is it for that towel.  There we agree   I don’t want to use a towel that was on the toilet either, lol.

And there it is.  That is what I’ve come up with so far to try to manage OCD in our household.  I’d like to end with a poem I wrote for my kiddo

My OCD son

I wish I could tell you everything is okay

And you don’t really need to wash a hundred times today

I wish I could help you feel calm and secure

I wish the costly treatments were more of a cure

I wish that hugs shared with you weren’t stiff and uneasy

And that you didn’t spend so much time worrying if something is greasy

More, I wish I knew what thoughts plagued your soul

So I could obliterate them forever, leaving you peaceful and whole

Even so, I would never change who you are

And the journey we’re taking will teach us to stretch so far

I want you to know that I’m thankful for you

And that I’ll love you forever and unconditionally too

So take my hand and let me share all your years

Exalt in your joys and dry up your tears

For that is my privilege and claim as your mother

And my love will shield and protect like no other

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Have a great day!

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10 for Me and a little something fun and free!

I have decided to add a little bit of healthy into my daily routine.  I am calling this new addition “10 for Me”.  The idea is that I am worth at least 10 minutes of healthy movement.  Even the busiest of days can be squeezed for 10 minutes to do something good for yourself.  And if you can just get started, it is really easy to just keep going ;D  So, I start off with at least 10 push ups, 10 ab crunches, 10 curls, 10 thigh lifts (for each leg, including the inner thigh lifts too), and 10 pelvic tilts.  We also have been trying to go on a walk every evening.  I chose 8 pm because we can go out for about 15 minutes and then come home and get ready for bed by 9 pm.  And I am drinking more water too.  I have increased my water intake to about 12 cups each day.

Now, on to the fun stuff!    I have a free miniature pattern to share!

Spoolie Spores

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will need:  The Knifty Knitter Spool Knitter, a loom pick, a crochet hook, a tapestry needle, worsted weight yarn in the color(s) of your choice, and a very small amount of fiberfill to stuff the cap.

Abbreviations:  MC = Main color; CC = Contrasting color

Pattern notes:  We will be working with two strands through out this project.  I prefer to use the U-wrap version of the Flat Stitch for this project.  The mushroom cap is stuffed but the stem is not.  This pattern can also be easily adapted to make miniature cupcakes.  Have fun!

Creating the cap:

Using the Knifty Knitter Spool Knitter, with your MC complete a double stranded chain cast-on for the 8 peg side and join in the round. 

Round 1:  Knit all pegs with MC

Round 2:  Knit odd pegs with CC and Knit even pegs with MC

Round 3:  Knit all pegs with MC

Round 4:  Knit odd pegs with MC and Knit even pegs with CC

Round 5:  Knit all pegs with MC

Round 6:  Knit odd pegs with CC and Knit even pegs with MC.

Using the gather removal method, take the cap from the loom.  Secure and weave in all ends and set aside. 

Creating the stem:

Using the Knifty Knitter Spool Knitter, with your CC complete a double stranded E-wrap cast-on and join in the round.  Knit in the round for 4 rows.  (For a longer stem, knit in the round for 6 rows)  Cut the yarn, leaving a 10″ tail.  Using the gather removal method, remove the stem from the loom but do not gather.  Weave in the yarn tails at the cast-on edge and set aside.   

Putting it together:

Lightly stuff the mushroom cap with a tiny bit of fiber fill.  Using the long yarn tails, whipstitch the stem to the underside of the mushroom cap.  Finito! 

This is how it might look in the cupcake form.  I think the longer stem is a better option for cupcakes.  Or ommiting the ruffle cast on.  The cake top is very large in proportion to the cake.  But my cute little gal still likes it, so all is well  

I hope you enjoy this little pattern.  My kids were so excited when I gave them their very own ‘Mario’ mushrooms.  Have a great day!

 

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Walk Now for Autism 2008

       

On Saturday, we went to the Walk Now for Autism event.  My brother helped with organizing the event so we showed up to give our support.  In our family, it is an important cause because my nephew has autism.  The walk was organized to help raise awarness about autism and earn funds to further research into treatments for autism.  I wasn’t sure what to expect.  We were thinking we would be there for an hour or so.  I think we were actually there for about three hours.  It was a really impressive event.  It is going to be held annually so if you didn’t make it this year, you can always go next year.  Also, if you want to learn more about autism, you can visit the Autism Speaks website.  It’s a fabulous resource.

The walk was held at Cottonwood High School this year.  We arrived at Walk Now for Autism right as some skydivers were floating down to the football field.  Very cool!  It took us a few minutes to find my family group.  We stood in line for awhile waiting for the walk to begin.  There was some live music and clowns with balloons to keep everyone entertained.  There were some characters in costume too.  We saw storm troopers, Darth Vader, and Buzz Light Year.  There were some big sponsers there.  Bottled water was provided as well as milk, cereal, ice cream sandwiches, and ice cream dots.

On the walk we saw several groups that were wearing matching t-shirts.  Some of them had pictures of their family member affected by autism.  And there were some really clever group names there.  One team had named themselves Rally for Riley and I saw some cute sun visors with the team name of Parker’s Peeps.  We were there to support my nephew Alex and my brother has named the team Alexander Link.  We aren’t listed as team members but we went out and took a walk round the high school for Alex and donated a little to help.  It was really moving to see these families rallying for their loved ones.  Some of the groups had even worked out chants like “We love Riley, yes we do.  If you knew him, you would too!”  and a song about “We are Friendship Ministries.  We help children with special needs.”  It was really heartwarming to see the support and the great attendance.  They had to direct people to park in the neighborhoods and at Gold’s Gym because there were so many cars that the High School parking lots were filled up.

After the walk, we took the kids over to play in the jump tents and inflatable slides.  My wonderful hubby followed the boys from line to line, carrying three sets of shoes.  There was also a dance group that put on a fun performance.  Then he took them to visit the booths and get little party favors and prizes.  Finally, we packed up and headed home.  It was a really nice day.  Hopefully, we’ll see you there next year ;D  Have a great day!

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The SweetTart

 

See that cute girl there?  Doesn’t she look so sweet?  Yesterday morning she helped wake her brother for the day by crooning to him “Tin-tin,  Ah wuv oo…”  I wish someone would wake me up with an I love you…  And she said it over and over several times throughout the day.  Such a sweet girl!

Of course, there is always a flip side to things.  Another new phrase around here is “No-no-no-no!  Get Away!”   Poor Grandma even received this sentiment over the phone.  I think some big brothers need to be a little sweeter to their sister… 

Have a great day!

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Mmmm for the Month – April Edition

This month I am sharing a recipe that is a favorite around here. We use it for breakfast and sometimes dinners too. I make this in my biggest (rectangular) casserole dish. We always clear out the entire dish and the boys are still looking for more. Hopefully your family will love it just as much

Apple-pie Pancake Puff

Pancake Puff

6 Tbsp butter or margarine

6 eggs

1 cup milk

1 cup flour

dash of salt

Preheat oven to 425. Melt the butter in a 3 quart casserole dish. Beat eggs and milk together until foamy. Add flour and salt and beat well. Pour the batter into the butter in the casserole dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Spoon apples over the top of the pancake puff.

Stewed Apples

2 Tbsp melted butter or margarine

4 medium apples, peeled, cored and diced

1 tsp imitation vanilla

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup sugar

Combine ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer on the stove-top until apples are soft (about 10 minutes) Spoon over top of popover puff. If desired, top with a little whipped topping. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Have a great day!

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I should be working on a project but I have been picking back for almost two hours now and my neck and shoulders, hands, fingers, and arms all hurt.  So I am taking a minute to step away from the task.  Then I can go back to it a little fresher.

Last week was so jammed.  Monday, the boys had school and my Hyper T had a singing performance that night.  Tuesday, the boys had school, which I picked them up from about an hour early so my mom could watch them while I took my Tiny T to an evaluation for apraxia.  What we hoped for was a diagnosis so that we can get additional services that he really really needs.  The speech pathologist labeled it as Childhood Apraxia of Speech.  She recommended far more speech therapy and this site:  http://www.apraxia-kids.org/  When we arrived home, my mom told me that my brother in law had called and that my husband’s nephew had died from a prescription drug overdose.  Painkillers and sleep aids.  It’s so awful.  He is several years younger than us, has a little daughter…  Life can be so hard sometimes.  Hubby worked pretty late and then went to his brother’s to offer whatever support he could.  Wednesday, we flew out of here by 8:40 am to be in Layton in time to make my follow-up appointment for medication management for hypothyroidism.  (I was almost two weeks overdue for that one – shame on me)  While we were down in Layton, I stopped in on hubby’s mom to share some comfort and then dropped some banana bread to hubby’s brother.  He hugged me close and rubbed my hair and I felt really inadequate to help him feel any better.  A son who you never get to hold again – banana bread and a hug can’t really fix that.  I didn’t really know what to do or say.  I hope it helped a little.  Thursday was a pretty nice Thanksgiving and found us extra grateful for the blessing of family, of course.  Friday, I spent some time with my side of the family and worked on this project.  I keep wondering if the project is challenging or if I am just not as good with yarn as I thought (wistful smile)  Oh, I’ll keep plugging away at it.  I don’t like to scrap things or ‘bag it’ if I can help it.  I’m a stubborn ‘cotton-headed ninny-muggins’ (as Buddy the Elf would say)  Alright, back to it : )  Have a great day!

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