So in the comments of yesterday's post, Katie brought up a great point about kids and money--that teaching younger kids about money and budgeting can be tricky, and I think that sometimes, if not done the right way, it can really stress kids out more than make them understand the basics of budgeting and living within our means, which is hopefully the goal. And I thought her comment was right on--it's a fine line to walk!
And then, there was that anonymous comment, which was just really so absurd I don't even have words to address it or the energy to be upset about it. But once again, it got me thinking about kids and money...and I think there are probably a lot of different approaches that families take when it comes to talking and teaching their kids about money, and I'd like to talk some more about it.
I had one friend who, even in high school, was required to save a certain percentage of her paycheck, to give a certain percentage of her paycheck to charity, and then could only spend what was left. I had some friends who received allowances, and some friends who didn't. Some who were expected to pay for their car insurance and some who weren't. Some who basically paid for everything once they started working, and some whose jobs were really just for "fun money."
Anyway, my point is that there are LOTS of different approaches to teaching kids about money and budgeting...and I'm sure those approaches also vary based on the ages of the kiddos. I'm curious if you all have thought about what approach you'll take with your kids (real kids or hypothetical!). So, today's burning question of the day is:
How do you plan to teach your kids about money and budgeting from birth to 5th grade?
Showing posts with label BQOTD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BQOTD. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
BQOTD: What time do you wake up?
Today's Burning Question of the Day is.......
What time do you wake up in the morning?
Today, I was awake by about 5:30am--Justin's second or third alarm of the morning? About 6am, when I finally got out of bed and Justin was running out the door, Justin said he was sorry for the alarms waking me up (he sleeps like the dead through any number of alarms, and I don't). I told him that it was okay--I was kind of happy to have an hour or so to myself before Lizzy woke up.
To which I promptly heard, "Mommy! I'm awake! It's okay for me to come out now!" (the latter part of which I believe is supposed to be a question, but is really just a statement, ha!) Of course. But, what can you do?
How about you? What time did you wake up this morning? What time do you normally get up?
Friday, May 25, 2012
Do Certain Recipes Intimidate Anyone Else?
I didn't cook a lot growing up, not because my mom didn't cook (she is an awesome cook and cooked all the time), but just because I had no interest in it. Sometime in college, I discovered that I actually do like to cook, and if I do say so myself, I think I've made quite a bit of progress cooking wise in just over 5 years! That said, there have always been a few recipes out there that just straight up intimidated me for some reason. I'd watch other people make them and profess how easy they are, but I was still scared to give them a shot.
Freezer Jam was one such instance, but I think I've conquered that one now thanks to this recipe (step-by-step with photos!). Beef roasts were another, but again, I think I've got that down now. If you can believe it, homemade ice cream even intimidated me for awhile, but now it's no biggie. Homemade bread--specifically yeast bread--was one that intimidated me for a LONG time, but a birthday gift of this book (non-affiliate link) from Justin last year made me love to bake artisan breads.
But cinnamon rolls? They were still intimidating. I'd attempted them once before, and they just didn't turn out as I'd hoped. They tasted good, but it was just a sticky, gooey, pain-in-the-butt mess that took FOREVER. But leave it to pregnancy to cause another inconvenient craving, which is how I found myself cleaning the kitchen last night at 6pm so that I could make cinnamon rolls from scratch. I enlisted Lizzy's help, and it actually wasn't too bad. Justin and I were each munching on a warm cinnamon roll by about 9:15pm (well, I was munching on one, he was munching on five).
And after Lizzy and I each had one this morning, there were only 2 of fifteen left (as a side note, cinnamon rolls are very hard to photograph!). Hopefully, Justin took some to work to share! Otherwise, I'm very jealous that he can eat 10 cinnamon rolls within 24 hours and not instantly gain 10 pounds. But I digress. If you're interested, here's the recipe, which was modified slightly from Kaitlyn Cooks, because I don't think some of the steps are absolutely necessary--will they improve your end result? I'm sure they will...but you'll still get a good result leaving the dough in your mixer rather than using both a mixer AND turning it out on a wood board...and I'm just all about simple.Which probably explains why I don't have nearly as making baking successes as cooking successes, since baking tends to require being a bit more precise, and you know, actually following the recipe. But, adding my own little spin on things worked here, so I'm gonna roll with it.
Dough Ingredients:
Cream Cheese Glaze:
Someday...I will make it, even though it's sort of an all-day affair. I WILL, and it will be delicious.
Freezer Jam was one such instance, but I think I've conquered that one now thanks to this recipe (step-by-step with photos!). Beef roasts were another, but again, I think I've got that down now. If you can believe it, homemade ice cream even intimidated me for awhile, but now it's no biggie. Homemade bread--specifically yeast bread--was one that intimidated me for a LONG time, but a birthday gift of this book (non-affiliate link) from Justin last year made me love to bake artisan breads.
But cinnamon rolls? They were still intimidating. I'd attempted them once before, and they just didn't turn out as I'd hoped. They tasted good, but it was just a sticky, gooey, pain-in-the-butt mess that took FOREVER. But leave it to pregnancy to cause another inconvenient craving, which is how I found myself cleaning the kitchen last night at 6pm so that I could make cinnamon rolls from scratch. I enlisted Lizzy's help, and it actually wasn't too bad. Justin and I were each munching on a warm cinnamon roll by about 9:15pm (well, I was munching on one, he was munching on five).
And after Lizzy and I each had one this morning, there were only 2 of fifteen left (as a side note, cinnamon rolls are very hard to photograph!). Hopefully, Justin took some to work to share! Otherwise, I'm very jealous that he can eat 10 cinnamon rolls within 24 hours and not instantly gain 10 pounds. But I digress. If you're interested, here's the recipe, which was modified slightly from Kaitlyn Cooks, because I don't think some of the steps are absolutely necessary--will they improve your end result? I'm sure they will...but you'll still get a good result leaving the dough in your mixer rather than using both a mixer AND turning it out on a wood board...and I'm just all about simple.Which probably explains why I don't have nearly as making baking successes as cooking successes, since baking tends to require being a bit more precise, and you know, actually following the recipe. But, adding my own little spin on things worked here, so I'm gonna roll with it.
Dough Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk, warmed in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
- 2 1/2 tsp of active dry yeast (for me, this was about 1.5 packages)
- 1/2 cup of white sugar
- 2 room temperature eggs (they can't be cold, let them sit in warm water for a few minutes)
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 5 cups AP flour
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3-4 tbsp of milk
Put dough on a lightly floured (and preferably clean) counter/table Roll dough into a 16x21 inch rectangle. Spread dough with 1/3 cup
butter and sprinkle evenly with sugar/cinnamon mixture. Roll up dough
lengthwise and cut into at least 12 rolls (I got 15 easily). Place rolls in a lightly greased 9x13
inch glass baking pan.
Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until
nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 F.
Bake rolls for 15 minutes or until golden brown (see original recipe for an overnight option). While the cinnamon rolls are baking. Add the cream cheese, powdered
sugar and vanilla to your stand mixer bowl and beat with the whisk
attachment until smooth, remembering to scrape down the sides and
bottom. Add the milk tbsp by tbsp to thin out the glaze. Top hot rolls,
fresh out of the oven, with a spoonful of glaze. Use the backside of the
spoon to spread it. Enjoy these little guys warm.
They were worth cleaning the kitchen for the first time in weeks, for sure!
As far as intimidating recipes go, anyone out there relate and have something that intimidates you to make? I think for me, the only one left that really makes me nervous is Julia Child's Beef Bourguignon, which I have wanted to make since I saw Julie & Julia, but still haven't attempted even though I really, really want to! I know there are simplified recipes out there, but I really want to go big and try the "original".
Someday...I will make it, even though it's sort of an all-day affair. I WILL, and it will be delicious.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
BQOTD: Will you have a garden?
Today's Burning Question of the Day: Do you have a garden? Have you planted already? What do you/will you have growing?
Here in Oregon, most people don't plant until after Mother's Day weekend--it's not unusual to have a late May frost, so even that's pushing things a bit. One year, it snowed on the 4th of July! Anyway, we usually buy starts for most of our plants from one of the local high schools and their agriculture plant sale, which starts tomorrow. We get a serious jump-start on our plants for WAY less than we'd spend at a garden store, and it's kind of a cool way to support the local schools.
So, this year in the vegetable/fruit beds we plan to have: snap peas, carrots, radishes, green beans, spinach, lettuce, zucchini, yellow zucchini, cucumber, lemon cucumber, mint, dill, oregano, basil, jalapenos, bell peppers, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, strawberries, thornless blackberries, raspberries, and then marigolds, nasturtiums, and possibly sunflowers planted throughout as companion plants.
I'm excited, but also a little nervous! It's a bit of an ambitious garden, and since we've had our big garden beds, I've never been pregnant in the summer before!
Here in Oregon, most people don't plant until after Mother's Day weekend--it's not unusual to have a late May frost, so even that's pushing things a bit. One year, it snowed on the 4th of July! Anyway, we usually buy starts for most of our plants from one of the local high schools and their agriculture plant sale, which starts tomorrow. We get a serious jump-start on our plants for WAY less than we'd spend at a garden store, and it's kind of a cool way to support the local schools.
So, this year in the vegetable/fruit beds we plan to have: snap peas, carrots, radishes, green beans, spinach, lettuce, zucchini, yellow zucchini, cucumber, lemon cucumber, mint, dill, oregano, basil, jalapenos, bell peppers, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, strawberries, thornless blackberries, raspberries, and then marigolds, nasturtiums, and possibly sunflowers planted throughout as companion plants.
I'm excited, but also a little nervous! It's a bit of an ambitious garden, and since we've had our big garden beds, I've never been pregnant in the summer before!
Monday, April 16, 2012
BQOTD: How's the Weather?
Today's Burning Question of the Day:
What's the weather like where you live?
Here in Southern Oregon, it's cloudy. 50 degrees. Looking like rain...which I suppose is no shock at all in the Pacific Northwest. We had a brief respite with the sun yesterday, and I was thinking "Oh! Spring is finally here!" but, I think I was just duped.
What's the weather like where you live?
Here in Southern Oregon, it's cloudy. 50 degrees. Looking like rain...which I suppose is no shock at all in the Pacific Northwest. We had a brief respite with the sun yesterday, and I was thinking "Oh! Spring is finally here!" but, I think I was just duped.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
BQOTD: Last Thing
I feel like I can't ask this set of five questions often enough--I LOVE seeing your answers every time! So, today's Burning Questions of the Day are:
1. What was the last thing you ate?
2. What was the last book you read?
3. What was the last movie you saw?
4. What was the last thing that made you smile?
5. What was the last thing you pinned on Pinterest?
My answers:
1. Some ceasar salad last night
2. Part of 1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp, but it was due back to the library so I haven't finished.
3. Hunger Games! It's been maybe 2 years since I read the first book, so it's not incredibly fresh in my mind, but I really liked the movie! I really did NOT like how many 3-5 year olds were in the theater though.
4. When Justin woke me up to say goodbye this morning.
5. An entry-way photo from BHG. Love everything about it!
What about you?!
1. What was the last thing you ate?
2. What was the last book you read?
3. What was the last movie you saw?
4. What was the last thing that made you smile?
5. What was the last thing you pinned on Pinterest?
My answers:
1. Some ceasar salad last night
2. Part of 1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp, but it was due back to the library so I haven't finished.
3. Hunger Games! It's been maybe 2 years since I read the first book, so it's not incredibly fresh in my mind, but I really liked the movie! I really did NOT like how many 3-5 year olds were in the theater though.
4. When Justin woke me up to say goodbye this morning.
5. An entry-way photo from BHG. Love everything about it!
What about you?!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
BQOTD: Text or Phone
Today's Burning Question of the Day was blatantly stolen from one of the recent BlogHer Book Club discussions about Diary of a Mad Fat Girl. And it's a simple one, but a debate for the ages:
Would you prefer to call or to text someone?
My answer is to text, and it's not even close. Justin doesn't understand this AT ALL, and would generally rather call. I've never been a big phone person, but between the long-distance relationship with Justin in college, a couple customer service jobs that involved a LOT of phone time, and a screaming toddler, I usually would rather text than talk on the phone.
With a text, I don't have a screaming toddler running about begging to talk on the phone. Being able to actually HEAR is not a requirement, and I have the time to actually compose a coherent thought. Also, if the person I'm texting has kids, I don't have to worry about the call waking someone up at nap time.
And if it's too long to text, I generally prefer email or Facebook for all the same reasons. Plus, when it comes to making plans with friends or scheduling a photo shoot, I have a record of what and when. 'Cause if I'm talking on the phone, I'll probably have to get off abruptly due to a tantrum, and probably forget to write down what I've just agreed to. Though, I do probably need to get better about getting on the phone with people about photo shoots, since I do think the phone can sometimes build a relationship more quickly. Similarly, Kait and I usually text, but end up getting on the phone once a month (or sometimes once every two months), and I do like catching up with her occasionally on the phone like that.
But for day-to-day stuff? Texting, hands down.
Would you prefer to call or to text someone?
My answer is to text, and it's not even close. Justin doesn't understand this AT ALL, and would generally rather call. I've never been a big phone person, but between the long-distance relationship with Justin in college, a couple customer service jobs that involved a LOT of phone time, and a screaming toddler, I usually would rather text than talk on the phone.
With a text, I don't have a screaming toddler running about begging to talk on the phone. Being able to actually HEAR is not a requirement, and I have the time to actually compose a coherent thought. Also, if the person I'm texting has kids, I don't have to worry about the call waking someone up at nap time.
And if it's too long to text, I generally prefer email or Facebook for all the same reasons. Plus, when it comes to making plans with friends or scheduling a photo shoot, I have a record of what and when. 'Cause if I'm talking on the phone, I'll probably have to get off abruptly due to a tantrum, and probably forget to write down what I've just agreed to. Though, I do probably need to get better about getting on the phone with people about photo shoots, since I do think the phone can sometimes build a relationship more quickly. Similarly, Kait and I usually text, but end up getting on the phone once a month (or sometimes once every two months), and I do like catching up with her occasionally on the phone like that.
But for day-to-day stuff? Texting, hands down.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
BQOTD: The Christian Church
We've slowly been working through Lord Save Us From Your Followers by Dan Merchant during Adult Sunday School at church. I've mentioned my absolute, undying love for the book on the blog before, and I'm so glad Justin's dad was willing to try something that's a little out of the box for a few weeks--it has been such a blessing to me, and fits so well with our last study on Galatians.
Anyway, if you've not read the book or seen the movie, the catch-phrase of sorts is "Why is the Gospel of Love Dividing America?"...and I think that's definitely a question worth asking. It NEEDS to be asked. Anyway, during one portion of things, Dan Merchant goes out to ask people on the street a series of questions, and I'd like to steal two of them here today for my burning question of the day, as well as to add a third:
Answer these however you wish, with the first thing that comes to mind! Please feel free to be honest here, even if you think what you have to say isn't necessarily what I hope to hear. My hope is just simply to start a conversation about how people both in and out of the church view Christianity and Christians...because I think it's important.
Also, this should go without saying, but be kind to each other in the comments. Disagreeing with others is fine, but I simply won't tolerate bashing, from either side of the equation.
Anyway, if you've not read the book or seen the movie, the catch-phrase of sorts is "Why is the Gospel of Love Dividing America?"...and I think that's definitely a question worth asking. It NEEDS to be asked. Anyway, during one portion of things, Dan Merchant goes out to ask people on the street a series of questions, and I'd like to steal two of them here today for my burning question of the day, as well as to add a third:
1-What's one thing that Jesus is known for?
2-What's one thing that Christians are known for?
3- Overall, have your experiences with people who identify themselves as being Christian been positive, or negative? Answer these however you wish, with the first thing that comes to mind! Please feel free to be honest here, even if you think what you have to say isn't necessarily what I hope to hear. My hope is just simply to start a conversation about how people both in and out of the church view Christianity and Christians...because I think it's important.
Also, this should go without saying, but be kind to each other in the comments. Disagreeing with others is fine, but I simply won't tolerate bashing, from either side of the equation.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
BQOTD: What's Your Coffee Order?
Today's Burning Question of the Day: If someone were heading out to Starbucks/Caribou/whatever your favorite coffee place is, and were treating you to anything you wanted, what would you order today?
For me, it's either a non-fat caramel latte, or a non-fat peppermint latte, depending on my mood :)
For me, it's either a non-fat caramel latte, or a non-fat peppermint latte, depending on my mood :)
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Thinking About Lent + BQOTD
I've blogged about Lent several times over the past few years (See "Spring--New Every Morning" and "The Power of the Cross" for my Lenten posts from last year), but as always, I have more to say, mostly inspired by some posts I've been reading around the blogosphere about Lent coupled with where I'm at in my own life at the moment.
So. Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is typically observed by Catholic churches, as well as by some Protestant churches. It marks the 40 days prior to Easter, and is in observance of the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert while being tempted. Being that the Lutheran church is probably one of the closest denominations to the Catholic church, Lent is definitely something that we grew up observing (my favorite way was with Holden Evening Prayer, which I really miss and wish I could find a church locally that does it--if you've never heard it, you can listen to the first part here).
Although it's typically observed in the Lutheran church with mid-week services, not all Lutherans give something up for Lent (J doesn't), but I usually do choose to give something up and the reasons are several-fold for me. First of all, it helps me realize how dependent and attached I am on worldly things. I mean, if Jesus were alive today and said, "Hey Mere--are you ready to leave everything behind and follow me?" I'd probably respond, "Heck yes! Hang on just a second and let me grab my camera to document this experience. And my phone to tweet about it. And my secret stash of chocolate...'cause I know it's gonna get hard and I'm gonna want to do some emotional eating!"
You know I'm poking a little fun at myself there, but there's a lot of truth in that too. For me, choosing to give something up for Lent (not because I have to, but because I want to) is a tangible reminder of the sacrifice that Christ made for me. Every year, I find the experience of choosing to give something up along with meditating on the much greater sacrifice that Jesus made at Calvary to be a really good reminder in my own life. For me, it helps breathe life into the words that God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
It isn't about an obligation to prove to God and to others that I deserve the sacrifice that Jesus made for me on the cross. I don't deserve it, and no matter what I were to do, I won't ever deserve it...I love what Cynthia Heald said in Becoming A Woman of Simplicity--that the gospel of salvation is Jesus + Nothing. In other words, nothing else can be done to earn our salvation. As she said, "the doing has already been done."
I always struggle with how much to share about my own personal Lenten journey on my blog. About whether or not that experience is something to share with others or something that should be kept mostly between me and God. I don't agree with a few of the blog posts I've seen floating around that say that if you're giving something up for Lent, you shouldn't talk about it at all, with anyone. I believe that if you choose to observe Lent, and you get the most out of your Lenten journey by relying on God alone, that’s fine. But if someone else gets the most out of their Lenten journey by being encouraged by others that God has put in their lives, that’s okay too. We’re not called to one above the other Biblically. Honestly, I think that either one can just as easily turn into something that we do to puff ourselves up rather that something that's done to glorify and honor God.
Because really, it's for the glory of God. That should be the bottom line, right?
So. Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is typically observed by Catholic churches, as well as by some Protestant churches. It marks the 40 days prior to Easter, and is in observance of the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert while being tempted. Being that the Lutheran church is probably one of the closest denominations to the Catholic church, Lent is definitely something that we grew up observing (my favorite way was with Holden Evening Prayer, which I really miss and wish I could find a church locally that does it--if you've never heard it, you can listen to the first part here).
Although it's typically observed in the Lutheran church with mid-week services, not all Lutherans give something up for Lent (J doesn't), but I usually do choose to give something up and the reasons are several-fold for me. First of all, it helps me realize how dependent and attached I am on worldly things. I mean, if Jesus were alive today and said, "Hey Mere--are you ready to leave everything behind and follow me?" I'd probably respond, "Heck yes! Hang on just a second and let me grab my camera to document this experience. And my phone to tweet about it. And my secret stash of chocolate...'cause I know it's gonna get hard and I'm gonna want to do some emotional eating!"
You know I'm poking a little fun at myself there, but there's a lot of truth in that too. For me, choosing to give something up for Lent (not because I have to, but because I want to) is a tangible reminder of the sacrifice that Christ made for me. Every year, I find the experience of choosing to give something up along with meditating on the much greater sacrifice that Jesus made at Calvary to be a really good reminder in my own life. For me, it helps breathe life into the words that God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
It isn't about an obligation to prove to God and to others that I deserve the sacrifice that Jesus made for me on the cross. I don't deserve it, and no matter what I were to do, I won't ever deserve it...I love what Cynthia Heald said in Becoming A Woman of Simplicity--that the gospel of salvation is Jesus + Nothing. In other words, nothing else can be done to earn our salvation. As she said, "the doing has already been done."
I always struggle with how much to share about my own personal Lenten journey on my blog. About whether or not that experience is something to share with others or something that should be kept mostly between me and God. I don't agree with a few of the blog posts I've seen floating around that say that if you're giving something up for Lent, you shouldn't talk about it at all, with anyone. I believe that if you choose to observe Lent, and you get the most out of your Lenten journey by relying on God alone, that’s fine. But if someone else gets the most out of their Lenten journey by being encouraged by others that God has put in their lives, that’s okay too. We’re not called to one above the other Biblically. Honestly, I think that either one can just as easily turn into something that we do to puff ourselves up rather that something that's done to glorify and honor God.
Because really, it's for the glory of God. That should be the bottom line, right?
What do you think? Do you observe Lent? Do you choose to give something up?
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
BQOTD: Five Easy Questions + De-Lurk
Today's Burning Question(s) of the Day:
1. What was the last thing you read?
2. What was the last thing you ate?
3. What time did you go to bed last night?
4. If you had $100 that you had to spend today, not put towards debt or savings, what would you buy?
5.What's one major thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?
Whether you're a frequent commenter, or have never commented before, I'd love to hear from you!
1. What was the last thing you read?
2. What was the last thing you ate?
3. What time did you go to bed last night?
4. If you had $100 that you had to spend today, not put towards debt or savings, what would you buy?
5.What's one major thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?
Whether you're a frequent commenter, or have never commented before, I'd love to hear from you!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Rest & A Question About Naptime
Today, a lot of the ladies from my mom's group started a new Bible Study (Becoming a Woman of Simplicity by Cynthia Heald). During the video, she commented about how it's not only the trivial that clutters our lives, but the important as well, and that it can be hard to be still...hard to stop. I almost laughed out loud.
See, normally when Lizzy is down for a nap, I run around trying to workout, shower, clean up the house, pay bills, etc. I often long for an excuse to just lay around reading books, browsing the internet, nap, catch up on DVR'ed tv shows, or just generally do nothing. In fact, not too long ago when Beth Anne (who I still think of as Blair, and probably always will) was sick with the flu, I think I told her on Twitter that I would love to be ordered by a doctor to stay in bed and do nothing (though I could do without the flu portion of things).
HA. HA. HA.
Since Friday, I've pretty much been ordered to do just that--rest.I'm not supposed to pick up Lizzy. I'm not really supposed to do housework...although I've broken that rule a couple of times to do dishes, and definitely hurt afterwards. I'm not supposed to exercise. I'm just supposed to lay here and read, nap, watch TV, and rest.
It's much harder than I thought it would be. For as much as I used to long for a whole week of doing nothing, I really had no idea how restless it would make me! But, I'm trying to be good and follow the rules, because other than the fact that I need to be good to my body and let it heal, I'm also sure that by next week when I'm back to go-go-going, I'll be craving those slow, quiet afternoons to read. And maybe I just need to find some sort of balance between the two--maybe one free pass each week to just read and relax during nap time rather than to achieve and accomplish.We'll see...I need to think on it some more.
I'd also love to hear from other moms--if you're home while your kiddo naps, what do you use that nap time for? Is that your time to clean the house? Is it your time to workout? Is it your time to read or take a nap? Your time to craft? To catch up on blogs? Let me please be very clear that I don't think any of those things are the "right" thing to do--I'm just curious how other moms use that time!
See, normally when Lizzy is down for a nap, I run around trying to workout, shower, clean up the house, pay bills, etc. I often long for an excuse to just lay around reading books, browsing the internet, nap, catch up on DVR'ed tv shows, or just generally do nothing. In fact, not too long ago when Beth Anne (who I still think of as Blair, and probably always will) was sick with the flu, I think I told her on Twitter that I would love to be ordered by a doctor to stay in bed and do nothing (though I could do without the flu portion of things).
HA. HA. HA.
Since Friday, I've pretty much been ordered to do just that--rest.I'm not supposed to pick up Lizzy. I'm not really supposed to do housework...although I've broken that rule a couple of times to do dishes, and definitely hurt afterwards. I'm not supposed to exercise. I'm just supposed to lay here and read, nap, watch TV, and rest.
It's much harder than I thought it would be. For as much as I used to long for a whole week of doing nothing, I really had no idea how restless it would make me! But, I'm trying to be good and follow the rules, because other than the fact that I need to be good to my body and let it heal, I'm also sure that by next week when I'm back to go-go-going, I'll be craving those slow, quiet afternoons to read. And maybe I just need to find some sort of balance between the two--maybe one free pass each week to just read and relax during nap time rather than to achieve and accomplish.We'll see...I need to think on it some more.
I'd also love to hear from other moms--if you're home while your kiddo naps, what do you use that nap time for? Is that your time to clean the house? Is it your time to workout? Is it your time to read or take a nap? Your time to craft? To catch up on blogs? Let me please be very clear that I don't think any of those things are the "right" thing to do--I'm just curious how other moms use that time!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
BQOTD: Are you inked?
Today's Burning Question of the Day: Do you have any tattoos? If so, what and where? If not, why not?
Personally, I've always loved the look of tattoos, and would secretly love to be pretty heavily tattooed like some of the girls featured on Tattoo Tuesday over on Sometimes Sweet...I think the half sleeves are more often beautiful than not, but I'm not sure that I'mcool enough confident enough to be able to pull it off!
Justin and I have both talked about getting lizard tattoos for Lizzy (if you're scratching your head at this, we used to call Lizzy "Lizard" before she was born, and still occasionally do). Right now, this is what I have bookmarked:
Something like this where two lizards form a heart, but smaller, and maybe on my inner arms/wrists.
So why not? For one, tattoos are expensive! They definitely fall into the "extravagant" category for us. Also, I always seem to think about it in the summer, but really should get tattooed in the winter to avoid the sun contact, at least initially. Lastly, I've actually looked through the portfolios of most of the local tattoo artists (there aren't many), and I just didn't love any of their portfolios, so I'm not sure that I'd want to be tattooed by them, you know?
But what about you?!
Personally, I've always loved the look of tattoos, and would secretly love to be pretty heavily tattooed like some of the girls featured on Tattoo Tuesday over on Sometimes Sweet...I think the half sleeves are more often beautiful than not, but I'm not sure that I'm
Justin and I have both talked about getting lizard tattoos for Lizzy (if you're scratching your head at this, we used to call Lizzy "Lizard" before she was born, and still occasionally do). Right now, this is what I have bookmarked:
Something like this where two lizards form a heart, but smaller, and maybe on my inner arms/wrists.
So why not? For one, tattoos are expensive! They definitely fall into the "extravagant" category for us. Also, I always seem to think about it in the summer, but really should get tattooed in the winter to avoid the sun contact, at least initially. Lastly, I've actually looked through the portfolios of most of the local tattoo artists (there aren't many), and I just didn't love any of their portfolios, so I'm not sure that I'd want to be tattooed by them, you know?
But what about you?!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
BQOTD--Beating A Dead Horse (aka A Santa Post)
I've seen about 100 blog posts this week with people taking what I think of in my head as a "Santa Stance"--explaining why they choose to do the whole Santa thing (or not). So, on one hand, I recognize that you all are probably feeling totally over this topic. But on the other hand, I just couldn't resist having this be my burning question of the day...I find the whole "Santa Debates" fascinating.
So, today's Burning Question of the Day is:
If you celebrate Christmas, do you/will you incorporate Santa into your Christmas traditions? If so, in what capacity? If not, why not?
(PS- If you've already posted about this on your blog, please feel free just to link us back there).
So, today's Burning Question of the Day is:
If you celebrate Christmas, do you/will you incorporate Santa into your Christmas traditions? If so, in what capacity? If not, why not?
(PS- If you've already posted about this on your blog, please feel free just to link us back there).
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
BQOTD: Your Christmas List
Today's Burning Question of the Day:
What's one thing on your Christmas wish list this year?
What's one thing on your Christmas wish list this year?
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
BQOTD- One thing you love about your spouse.
Because it's easier to default to complaining.
Because sometimes the good things get pushed to the back of my mind instead of the front.
Because we're all imperfect.
Because I sometimes need to cultivate a heart of blessing and thankfulness.
Because sometimes the good things get pushed to the back of my mind instead of the front.
Because we're all imperfect.
Because I sometimes need to cultivate a heart of blessing and thankfulness.
Today's BQOTD- What's one thing you love about
your spouse/significant other?
your spouse/significant other?
I'll go first--Justin is one of the most caring people I know, and is always ready to jump in and help others in any way he can.
Friday, November 18, 2011
BQOTD: Black Friday/Stores Open Early
BQOTD: Do you go shopping on Black Friday? What do you usually shop for (i.e. doorbusters, Christmas presents for others, presents for yourself)?
___________________________________________________
Personally, I have a love/hate relationship with Black Friday. I hate the crowds. I hate the bustle. But on the other hand, when we do our Christmas shopping for others on Black Friday, we *do* end up saving significantly.
On one hand, I like the idea of stores being open on Thanksgiving evening since I have an easier time staying up late than getting up early, but I also hate the fact that it means that retail employees may not to get to spend Thanksgiving with their families or would have to sleep through the day in order to report to work at midnight. There are so few days that retail stores are just flat-out closed, and I kind of like when they are.
Monday, November 7, 2011
BQOTD- Family Time
Our co-ed softball season is over now (we finished 4th this year in B minor league, which is much better than we did last year, or even Spring season in C league!). I'm a little bit sad, but also a little bit relieved--we've basically had a game every Sunday night since May. It will be nice to actually have those nights at home for awhile...because we're way too busy during the week. As it is, we usually only average one night at home during the week. The rest of the week, we're running all over the place to Bible Study, band practice, building the recording studio, photo shoots, J's men's softball league, and all kinds of other things that we find ourselves committed to. And weekends? Weekends are just busy, always, no matter what. This past Saturday was the first time we spent more than half the day at home in I-don't-know-how-long. And it was glorious.
Sometimes, I crave a slower pace. Less running. But, it's hard, because we truly feel passionate about all the activities we're involved in, and I'm not sure what could possibly be cut out. We've been talking about scheduling a designated "family night" where for the most part, we just don't do anything other than spend some time at home together. I hope we do follow through and do that--I think we all need it!
Today's BQOTD- How many nights per week, on average, do you spend at home with your family? Do you have a designated "family night" or anything like that?
Sometimes, I crave a slower pace. Less running. But, it's hard, because we truly feel passionate about all the activities we're involved in, and I'm not sure what could possibly be cut out. We've been talking about scheduling a designated "family night" where for the most part, we just don't do anything other than spend some time at home together. I hope we do follow through and do that--I think we all need it!
Today's BQOTD- How many nights per week, on average, do you spend at home with your family? Do you have a designated "family night" or anything like that?
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
BQOTD: Favorite Thanksgiving Dish
I have this "thing" about holidays--I don't want to talk about Thanksgiving until Halloween is over. Likewise, I don't do the Christmas thing until we've gotten through Thanksgiving. My ONE exception to this rule is all things peppermint (i.e. peppermint lattes, peppermint ice cream, and *hopefully* Dairy Queen will resurrect peppermint Blizzards from their early grave this year), which are acceptable all through Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Anyway...we're now through Halloween, so for today's Burning Question of the Day, I'm wondering:
What's your favorite Thanksgiving dish? Are you all about the turkey? The cranberry sauce? Do you love that good old green bean casserole? Pumpkin pie? Tell me about it (and if you're feeling compelled to share the recipe, I won't complain!).
Justin and I live close to both sets of our parents, and so we do our best to alternate spending dinner with one set and dessert with the other. Sometimes we end up at one person's house for dinner/dessert two years in a row (either accidentally, or to try and see whoever has to work on that day), but so far, everyone has been really nice and not fussed about it at all. Anyway, I tell ya all this because Justin and I joke that we both prefer when we eat dinner at OUR parents' house, because it's Thanksgiving like we remember it as a kid. Don't get me wrong--both my mom and Justin's mom are great cooks, but they just each have their own recipes, and we remember the ones we grew up with!
Anyway, I still love the classic green bean casserole--my mom uses golden mushroom soup instead of cream of mushroom, but to me, that dish just SCREAMS Thanksgiving!
Anyway...we're now through Halloween, so for today's Burning Question of the Day, I'm wondering:
What's your favorite Thanksgiving dish? Are you all about the turkey? The cranberry sauce? Do you love that good old green bean casserole? Pumpkin pie? Tell me about it (and if you're feeling compelled to share the recipe, I won't complain!).
Justin and I live close to both sets of our parents, and so we do our best to alternate spending dinner with one set and dessert with the other. Sometimes we end up at one person's house for dinner/dessert two years in a row (either accidentally, or to try and see whoever has to work on that day), but so far, everyone has been really nice and not fussed about it at all. Anyway, I tell ya all this because Justin and I joke that we both prefer when we eat dinner at OUR parents' house, because it's Thanksgiving like we remember it as a kid. Don't get me wrong--both my mom and Justin's mom are great cooks, but they just each have their own recipes, and we remember the ones we grew up with!
Anyway, I still love the classic green bean casserole--my mom uses golden mushroom soup instead of cream of mushroom, but to me, that dish just SCREAMS Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
BQOTD: Halloween
Growing up, we always celebrated Halloween--at least I did until I was in 4th grade and 5'8" and people told me I was "too old" to go Trick or Treating. I cried.
Traumatic childhood moments aside, I maybe had one or two friends who didn't celebrate Halloween, but none that I can really remember. The same goes for college at PLU (Pacific Lutheran)...I'm sure there were people who didn't celebrate Halloween, but I don't remember anyone specifically or any specific reasons why they didn't celebrate. Justin has told me that he's experienced essentially the same thing growing up--Halloween was always celebrated, and he didn't really know many (if any) families who didn't celebrate.
But, I've noticed quite a few blog friends make reference to the fact that they don't celebrate Halloween. I've noticed quite a few posts like {this one} taking one side or the other as to whether or not Christians should celebrate the day. I've seen some other people talk about not celebrating Halloween because they dislike the politically uncorrectness of a lot of Halloween costumes. And it has recently occurred to me that the percentage of people who choose not to celebrate Halloween (for a variety of reasons, not just religious) is probably closer to the percentage of people who do celebrate the day than I realized. And y'all know that I was a Sociology major in college, and so I'm probably more interested in hearing why people do the mundane things that they do than most...so, for today's Burning Question of the Day, I'm curious:
Does your family celebrate Halloween? Why or why not?
*Note: Let's all please play nice and be respectful of each other and one another's beliefs. I'm just genuinely curious, and hope we can cultivate an environment where people feel comfortable enough to share why they do what they do.
Traumatic childhood moments aside, I maybe had one or two friends who didn't celebrate Halloween, but none that I can really remember. The same goes for college at PLU (Pacific Lutheran)...I'm sure there were people who didn't celebrate Halloween, but I don't remember anyone specifically or any specific reasons why they didn't celebrate. Justin has told me that he's experienced essentially the same thing growing up--Halloween was always celebrated, and he didn't really know many (if any) families who didn't celebrate.
But, I've noticed quite a few blog friends make reference to the fact that they don't celebrate Halloween. I've noticed quite a few posts like {this one} taking one side or the other as to whether or not Christians should celebrate the day. I've seen some other people talk about not celebrating Halloween because they dislike the politically uncorrectness of a lot of Halloween costumes. And it has recently occurred to me that the percentage of people who choose not to celebrate Halloween (for a variety of reasons, not just religious) is probably closer to the percentage of people who do celebrate the day than I realized. And y'all know that I was a Sociology major in college, and so I'm probably more interested in hearing why people do the mundane things that they do than most...so, for today's Burning Question of the Day, I'm curious:
Does your family celebrate Halloween? Why or why not?
*Note: Let's all please play nice and be respectful of each other and one another's beliefs. I'm just genuinely curious, and hope we can cultivate an environment where people feel comfortable enough to share why they do what they do.
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