Monday, December 22, 2014
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Do you know how to eat an elephant?
One bite at a time.
I know that's completely random, especially since I haven't posted on here in nearly a year. We're still here. We're finally within shouting distance of me finishing nursing school and our family resuming a less hectic schedule. T-minus 35 days & counting until graduation day -- only 30 days until I take my last test for school (still have to take the boards some time this summer for licensure). And, just to make myself feel better, that 35 days includes 5 more lecture days, 6 more tests, 2 more labs, and 2 more clinicals. Wow, it feels so good to be so close to finishing! When I started (taking prerequisites) three years ago and then the nursing program at JSCC two years ago, it felt like it would be forever. It has both flown by & crept by like the slowest turtle ever. When people ask me how I can be going to school, working semi-full time (I work 30+ hrs/week when school is in session & take annual leave to fill in), and taking care of two kids & a husband, I usually answer, "I don't get much sleep, and I drink too much caffeine." It's the truth. I should probably add, "I only get to see my extended family on holidays; I haven't been on a real date with my husband in three years (except b-days); my house & home (those are two different things to me) is in a nearly constant state of chaos; and I feel like I am an octopus and something is pulling on every one of my arms/tentacles." Yep, that pretty much covers it. I am waiting for a little while to say whether it's all been worth it. I'm really hoping it has been. :)
Anyways, I was reminded of that joke from this post about Organizing Life on Simple Mom, and wanted to share it. My friend and classmate, Lauren, and my sister-in-law, Lynsey, and I adopted the saying, "Just keep swimming," from the Finding Nemo movie as our nursing school motto. It was fitting, and so is this joke. The only way to get through something so overwhelming (whether it's school, a huge project at home or work, or a tragedy), is to take it one step (or one bite) at a time while keeping your eye on the goal.
I know that's completely random, especially since I haven't posted on here in nearly a year. We're still here. We're finally within shouting distance of me finishing nursing school and our family resuming a less hectic schedule. T-minus 35 days & counting until graduation day -- only 30 days until I take my last test for school (still have to take the boards some time this summer for licensure). And, just to make myself feel better, that 35 days includes 5 more lecture days, 6 more tests, 2 more labs, and 2 more clinicals. Wow, it feels so good to be so close to finishing! When I started (taking prerequisites) three years ago and then the nursing program at JSCC two years ago, it felt like it would be forever. It has both flown by & crept by like the slowest turtle ever. When people ask me how I can be going to school, working semi-full time (I work 30+ hrs/week when school is in session & take annual leave to fill in), and taking care of two kids & a husband, I usually answer, "I don't get much sleep, and I drink too much caffeine." It's the truth. I should probably add, "I only get to see my extended family on holidays; I haven't been on a real date with my husband in three years (except b-days); my house & home (those are two different things to me) is in a nearly constant state of chaos; and I feel like I am an octopus and something is pulling on every one of my arms/tentacles." Yep, that pretty much covers it. I am waiting for a little while to say whether it's all been worth it. I'm really hoping it has been. :)
Anyways, I was reminded of that joke from this post about Organizing Life on Simple Mom, and wanted to share it. My friend and classmate, Lauren, and my sister-in-law, Lynsey, and I adopted the saying, "Just keep swimming," from the Finding Nemo movie as our nursing school motto. It was fitting, and so is this joke. The only way to get through something so overwhelming (whether it's school, a huge project at home or work, or a tragedy), is to take it one step (or one bite) at a time while keeping your eye on the goal.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
A few blog posts on parenting that I'm finding helpful
I've never heard of the HALT method, but apparently it's something addicts use to help themselves avoid the temptation to use. What does this have to do with parenting? Well, this post from Simple Mom applies the principles of the HALT method to becoming more proactive at setting your child up for successful behavior & avoiding common triggers for bad behavior (i.e. Hunger, Anger, Loneliness & Tiredness). It's not rocket science, but it is a good reminder to be mindful of how you plan your child's day.
I'm not proud to admit that I lose it & yell at my kids sometimes (I don't yell ugly things at them at the top of my lungs, more like using a too-loud voice & a harsh tone when they've pushed me too far). Anyhow, it's something I regret doing the second after I'm done & something I have tried to work on for years. I have gotten better. But, this post by Kate, from the Picklebums blog, does a nice job of helping with strategies to avoid the yelling.
I'm not proud to admit that I lose it & yell at my kids sometimes (I don't yell ugly things at them at the top of my lungs, more like using a too-loud voice & a harsh tone when they've pushed me too far). Anyhow, it's something I regret doing the second after I'm done & something I have tried to work on for years. I have gotten better. But, this post by Kate, from the Picklebums blog, does a nice job of helping with strategies to avoid the yelling.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Parenting In This Day and Age
I told you I was thinking a lot lately about my role as a mother. I didn't say I had any original ideas on the subject, but I've certainly been reading lots of blog posts, etc. that I want to share. Here's another...
From Kevin DeYoung on The Gospel Coalition:
an excerpt from the beginning of his post Parenting 001...
"Does it seem like parenting has gotten more complicated? I mean, as far as I can tell, back in the day parents basically tried to feed their kids, clothe them, and keep them away from explosives. Now our kids have to sleep on their backs (no wait, their tummies; no never mind, their backs), while listening to Baby Mozart surrounded by scenes of Starry, Starry Night. They have to be in piano lessons before they are five and can’t leave the car seat until their about five foot six."
and one from the end...
"I just know that the longer I parent the more I want to focus on doing a few things really well, and not get too passionate about all the rest. I want to spend time with my kids, teach them the Bible, take them to church, laugh with them, cry with them, discipline them when they disobey, say sorry when I mess up, and pray like crazy. I want them to look back and think, “I’m not sure what my parents were doing or if they even knew what they’re were doing. But I always knew my parents loved me and I knew they loved Jesus.” Maybe it’s not that complicated after all."
Click the link above for the full article.
Since I realize it's easy to 'talk' on a blog or wherever & come across like I've got it all together or that I'm being this wonderful, multi-tasking mom, I feel like I should confess that I don't and I'm not (never have, really). My house is a wreck & has been for months (I blame nursing school). We've eaten way too many fast-food meals & the kids have spent way too many hours on the weekend zoned out watching cartoons while I try to catch up on laundry before the week hits us square between the eyes again. We haven't been to church on a regular basis in a long time (that one really bothers me the most). I could keep going on, but you get the picture. I try to do better every day (even if only by a teeny, tiny bit) & do my best to let go of the things that won't matter in the long run (like whether the kids have wrinkled clothes or cute lil' heart-shaped PB&J sandwiches). And, I hope once this season of our life is past (in less than a year - YAY!), I can get my act together a bit more.
From Kevin DeYoung on The Gospel Coalition:
an excerpt from the beginning of his post Parenting 001...
"Does it seem like parenting has gotten more complicated? I mean, as far as I can tell, back in the day parents basically tried to feed their kids, clothe them, and keep them away from explosives. Now our kids have to sleep on their backs (no wait, their tummies; no never mind, their backs), while listening to Baby Mozart surrounded by scenes of Starry, Starry Night. They have to be in piano lessons before they are five and can’t leave the car seat until their about five foot six."
and one from the end...
"I just know that the longer I parent the more I want to focus on doing a few things really well, and not get too passionate about all the rest. I want to spend time with my kids, teach them the Bible, take them to church, laugh with them, cry with them, discipline them when they disobey, say sorry when I mess up, and pray like crazy. I want them to look back and think, “I’m not sure what my parents were doing or if they even knew what they’re were doing. But I always knew my parents loved me and I knew they loved Jesus.” Maybe it’s not that complicated after all."
Click the link above for the full article.
Since I realize it's easy to 'talk' on a blog or wherever & come across like I've got it all together or that I'm being this wonderful, multi-tasking mom, I feel like I should confess that I don't and I'm not (never have, really). My house is a wreck & has been for months (I blame nursing school). We've eaten way too many fast-food meals & the kids have spent way too many hours on the weekend zoned out watching cartoons while I try to catch up on laundry before the week hits us square between the eyes again. We haven't been to church on a regular basis in a long time (that one really bothers me the most). I could keep going on, but you get the picture. I try to do better every day (even if only by a teeny, tiny bit) & do my best to let go of the things that won't matter in the long run (like whether the kids have wrinkled clothes or cute lil' heart-shaped PB&J sandwiches). And, I hope once this season of our life is past (in less than a year - YAY!), I can get my act together a bit more.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
"To A Child Love Is Spelled T-I-M-E"
I happened upon this blog post with a list of 40 ways to show your child love. I wanted to share her intro & a few from the list that I want to do with Ella & Wesley in the next month.
"Displayed on a shelf in the entry way of my mother’s home is a book entitled To A Child Love Is Spelled T-I-M-E. I have often thought about that statement and how much truth it holds. It’s easy for us to say “I love you” but those three words, devoid of action and the gift of our quality time, are simply that—just words." -- Candace from The Mother Huddle blog
"Displayed on a shelf in the entry way of my mother’s home is a book entitled To A Child Love Is Spelled T-I-M-E. I have often thought about that statement and how much truth it holds. It’s easy for us to say “I love you” but those three words, devoid of action and the gift of our quality time, are simply that—just words." -- Candace from The Mother Huddle blog
- Send them a handmade card in the mail with a coupon to go get ice cream with you.
- Play a game with them.
- Let them win.
- Kidnap them from school and take them out for lunch.
- Go to the store and let them pick out all the ingredients to make banana splits. Make and eat them together.
- Read “I love you” books together.
Monday, May 09, 2011
Just a thought on motherhood
I LOOKED ON CHILD REARING NOT ONLY AS A WORK OF LOVE AND DUTY BUT AS A PROFESSION THAT DEMANDED THE BEST THAT I COULD BRING TO IT. -- ROSE KENNEDY
Just a reminder to myself that my 'job' as a mother is every bit as important (& even more so than) my paid job (& really, has much more long-term rewards & responsibilities to go along with it). Been thinking a lot lately about my role as mother, wife, homemaker (& how to keep those roles balanced with my other ones without losing my mind). I half-jokingly told Anthony the other day that I was going to run off & join the circus. He told me I was too hot & had too many teeth to join the circus. I love it when he makes me laugh (when I'm about to cry).
Found the quote here: Motherhood Matters
Just a reminder to myself that my 'job' as a mother is every bit as important (& even more so than) my paid job (& really, has much more long-term rewards & responsibilities to go along with it). Been thinking a lot lately about my role as mother, wife, homemaker (& how to keep those roles balanced with my other ones without losing my mind). I half-jokingly told Anthony the other day that I was going to run off & join the circus. He told me I was too hot & had too many teeth to join the circus. I love it when he makes me laugh (when I'm about to cry).
Found the quote here: Motherhood Matters
Monday, January 10, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)