This past weekend we did not celebrate one child’s birthday, no we celebrated the twins’ birthdays. It most certainly did not catch me by surprise.

Our Saturday morning did not start with an invitation to a movie night with our girl cousins, and if it had, I certainly would NOT have asked my husband to “sell” the idea to the twins in lieu of a friend birthday party, simply for my own convenience. I certainly would not have forgotten to bake the requested carrot cake on Saturday morning for Sunday’s post-church family dinner and party. That’s just not my style.

I absolutely did not throw myself out of bed early Sunday morning to bake the cakes before my workout. I would NEVER dream of yelling at my husband in bursts of breath in the most excruciating part of the workout “Cupcakes. Out. OVEN.” We never yell at one another at our house.

Even if our morning had started that way, we would not have had ZERO presents wrapped to present to the twins at the family party. That would be wrong. We certainly would not attempt to make it up to them by taking them on a shopping trip to Toys R Us and buying them the toys they wanted, sale or no.

That’s just not how this organized mom of four does it. < rolls eyes >

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

We started our journey Friday morning. While I had grand ambitions to leave between 8 and 9 a.m., we pulled onto the Interstate at almost 11:30. Oh well. We had a few stops between our house and the highway. One of those definitely paid off.

We stopped at the local library. We quickly scanned the available CD audiobooks and found a couple that were just a half hour shy of our journey each way. We don’t own an in-car DVD player because we can’t find a way that all four children can view it well from their seats. And no one wants to buy extra complaining on any road trip. Audio books, on the other hand, are nice because the car has speakers near each seat.

The other benefit, for us, is that the older boys can continue to play video games (without sound) while listening to the story. This really helps Yoshi, who is a very active thinker, and gives him a place to focus his thoughts.

My other secret weapon for a drive with conscious children is a brown paper bag full of snacks. Pretzels with cheese, fruit snacks, Cheeze-Its, mini-cookies are all favorites. Depending on the child and packaging, I will re-package hard-to-open or easy-to-spill items into my favorite snack containers. I overfill the bag so to compensate for the bored hunger, “Mom, I dropped my food!” and “I don’t like this” whine. I do limit what drink they have, keeping it to a minimum number of ounces, so that when (not if) they chug, it will hopefully make it through those no-man’s lands without an exit or truck stop without an accident.

Speaking of truck stops, I discovered my best tip yet on the return trip. When traveling alone and outnumbered, I’ll be skipping the major, interstate exit stops and looking for a store on the main street in town instead. Quite by accident, I followed a sign for a Casey’s General Store. The first sign didn’t have mileage on it, and after committing to the exit, I discovered it was 1.25 miles down the road. Just great!

It was a blessing in disguise. Just busy enough to be safe, the locals were kind and courteous, better than hurried travelers near the interstate. The bathrooms were “one seaters” in a small hallway where I could monitor both genders discretely. After grabbing mommy some coffee and checking out with the very friendly cashier, Luigi made the best discovery of the trip – a PAY PHONE! The cashier and I had a good chuckle as the children marveled over this technological wonder that they’d only seen in Daddy’s favorite childhood movies. It was quite the experience for all of us.

We packed ourselves back in the car and a few miles down the road, all four were asleep. We finally arrived home around 11 p.m. at night. Not my favorite, but definitely easier than listening to “Are we there yet?” for hours.

While it wasn’t easy, and I don’t recommend it, there are ways to make traveling alone with children much easier. Relax, be open to change, and have a good attitude. It works for me!

Here’s an old photo of my baby, when she still looked like a baby and acted like a kitten.

Being number four, we thought we had the whole parenting thing figured out. I thought I was content with only sons. We’d skip over hormone filled drama in the teen years. Be free to travel later in life instead of saving for a wedding. We thought we had it made. The day of the ultrasound when they said “It’s a girl” all I could do was laugh in my nervousness. Princess has challenged me to think and act differently. She points out my flaws without intending, like only a child can do, and inspires me to improve. I’m so thankful God knew better than I did four years ago when he brought this unique blessing into our lives. We needed her.

To celebrate, Princess (age four) and I (age thirtysomething) had our first manicures… together. I think it will grow into a tradition. Something to separate the girls from the boys in our family. She chose a vibrant magenta pink with glitter top to match and I chose center line yellow. Seriously, it looks like the double line in the middle of the road. So bright.

Princess is very girly. She loves dresses and demands I wear them on special occasions. I had intentions of buying a yellow sundress for her birthday party. But of course, when we arrived at the store, post manicure, the dress I passed up two days ago was no longer available in my size. So my yellow nails seem a bit out of place, but there are worse things in life. At least it’s a bold color to go with the bold memory of today. The day I started a new season in life. Diapers, nursing, disrupted sleep, all those things I thought would never end, now just a memory. A memory growing more faint every day.

Happy Birthday, Princess. Thanks for making me a better woman, and a better mom.

On Mother’s Day, I can’t help but mention my mom. I truly owe ALL my craftiness to her – the good, bad and the ugly. She taught me to try new things, experiment, and never give up. Good lessons for crafting and for life. I wouldn’t be the woman or mother I am today without her. Thanks, Mom!

I love celebrating the first day of Spring Break with a visit to the doctor, don’t you?

]]> http://wistfulwrists.com/2010/03/oreo-breakfast/feed/ 1 http://wistfulwrists.com/2010/01/11th-hour-sweater/ http://wistfulwrists.com/2010/01/11th-hour-sweater/#comments Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:11:24 +0000 wistfulwrists http://wistfulwrists.com/?p=649 My baby sister is expecting. When I first found out (in November), I thought I’d have enough time to knit up a quick little thing to wrap and have under the tree for the newest member of the family, even though the child, known now as B.O.B. (Baby On Board) won’t arrive until summer. I might have been a bit off on my calculations.

I was seaming this beauty together on Christmas Eve. Yes, I am the queen of procrastination. I finished all the details and wrapped it somewhere after 11 p.m., resulting in a single, terrible lighting, iPhone photo. I was too caught up in the family festivities the next day to snag it back for a better, natural light photo. This just doesn’t do it justice:

It is the Little Luxury Kimono pattern from Lion Brand Yarn. It was a really quick knit and in my opinion a great first project if you are thinking about making garments or sweaters. It went quickly, was basic and gave me some practice on how a garment is put together. The down side is that if you are used to quick projects, like I am, it gets a bit boring at the end. Once you are finished knitting, you need to block, seam, maybe add some edging details, etc. Not exactly my cup of tea, but I liked learning and practicing some of these news skills. The pattern includes 5 pieces (back, front left, front right, and 2 sleeves) and the individual pieces knit up easily. This is a great evening, television project with the stockinette stitch pattern used. Easy decreases shape for the neck, so if you know knit, purl & decreases, any beginner can knit this project!

The yarn I used was Vanna’s Choice Baby in the Sweet Pea colorway. This was my second project using the Vanna’s Choice line from Lion Brand Yarn. My first project was the Luigi Hat. It took about 2 skeins to complete the project, with enough yarn left over to be comfortable (errors, details, edging, extras, etc.) I chose the green color because it is one of my sister’s favorite colors and it’s gender neutral. We are still waiting to find out if B.O.B. is a girl or boy. The Vanna’s Choice yarn is really soft and easy on your hands as you are knitting. It is one of the softest acrylic yarns I’ve tried. It is a worsted weight (weight class #4) which means it knits up pretty quickly. I believe this project was knit on size 7 or 8 needles. My only complaint about the Vanna’s Choice Baby is that the strands tend to separate a tad more easily than some other acrylics. Not too bad, but I’m just being completely honest here. The softness and the rich, almost jewel tone colors (compared to other baby yarns), and the fact you are likely using larger needles totally compensate for this issue. I loved the yarn so much on the next sale I grabbed one of each of the Vanna’s Choice Baby colors to play with and use in other projects. They are soft, yet vibrant, a nice change of pace from many chain store yarn brands.

It remains to be seen how well the kimono will survive in the wash and dry process necessary for newborns, but with $5 in yarn and only a few evenings worth of labor involved, it was a good trial into this sort of project. Sure, I wish I could make these for every new baby in my life, but I really don’t like seaming and blocking, at least not yet. Maybe once my children learn to feed themselves more often, or Mr. T builds that feeding trough for them, I’ll have more time and won’t mind the tedious parts as much. So for now, because of my life situation, not the pattern itself, this will remain and “family only and maybe not even them” project.

A quick note for all my fellow knitting and crocheting iPhone/iPod users: Lion Brand Yarn recently released (FINALLY!) an iPhone app that makes it much easier to cruise their listing of patterns while mobile. It’s an early version, has a few quirks, but it is so much better than having to use Safari to navigate the LBY website! It’s a free download too, pick it up here.

Today I’m sharing with you my oldest son, who carries the crafty gene. Don’t you just love the look on this sweet face? He loves making and giving handmade!

He made this at school. It’s a carpet sample painted with what I suspect is just average acrylic paints. He was so proud of his gift & of keeping it secret until he brought it home. Merry Christmas to you all! Safe travels for all of you hitting the road (or air) as we are later today!

Today’s deal is especially great for stocking stuffers for the infant you know. Burp cloths are $5, custom burp cloths are $6.50, and I even picked up a burp cloth to send to Operation Shower for $3.60! Resa is incredibly generous as she discounts any items purchased for Operation Shower and ships them to the organization on your behalf for FREE!

Speaking of Operation Shower, I recently participated in a MomTV special show hosted by Danielle of Extraordinary Mommy. Danielle highlighted Resa and many other mom-made businesses that are participating in Holiday Shoperation. It was really amazing to see what these fantastic women are doing to support military families. Catch the replay of the November 17th show here on MomTV. Choose Menu – View Movies – Live Recording 11/17/2009 to learn more about all the shopping deals.

Another mom business I was introduced to during the show was My Doodle Bop. Kristin has created several different styles of signs to hang on your infant’s carrier to help friends and strangers think twice before touching your precious cargo. The signs sport the phrase “My hands are clean, Are yours?” The signs are only $9.95 with free shipping & during the month of December, 10% of all sales benefit Operation Shower. Kristin gave out some of her signs as prizes for those chatting during the MomTV broadcast & I won one. I am so impressed with the design, a bit larger than I expected, they are sure to grab everyone’s attention. They are very sturdy, I suspect they would last through many babies, so they’d be a great gift for a first time mom.

What is on your shopping list for those experiencing their first holiday season?

Since I anticipated this crazy week, I adjusted my grocery shopping. I’ve never been fabulous at this sort of thing, so I started by grocery shopping late at night. The store is less crowded, kids were at home asleep, and I had more quiet time to think and search the store for things that would work. Of course, you can always do the casserole or slow cooker thing, but these are my tips that don’t fall into those categories, for those of you who may not have an intimate relationship with your Crock-Pot.

First stop was the produce aisle. I looked for quick cooking vegetables to be easy side dishes. One of my favorites for fall & winter is squash, our family loves acorn squash. Prepare it easily by slicing it in half, scooping out the seeds (think carving your jack-o-lantern) and topping it with your favorite spices. My husband and I prefer a more savory squash, topped with a bit of butter and dry spices. Make it extra easy by using a spice blend like Mrs. Dash, it comes in a variety of flavors! My kids prefer their squash with a light dusting of brown sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and for extra appeal, I like to toss a small handful of dried cranberries in the cavity of the squash. Our 6 yr old always asks for a second helping when I do this. If your house is divided, make each half of the squash a different flavor. Microwave it in 7-13 minutes (depending on size), until flesh is soft (much like a baked potato) and you are done!

My other go to produce items include the variety of bagged salads that any hubby can toss together and pre-washed bagged vegetables like baby carrots, carrot chips, sugar or snap peas, or veggie mixes of broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. These are great because they can all be served raw, or quickly microwaved or steamed.

December is a great time to pick up a box of clementines or tangerines. They are usually easy enough for kids to peel and eat on their own. We also try to keep a bag of small apples available at all times. My kids know where to find them, how to wash them and eat a whole apple since they are just the right serving size for them. Both fruits are great for dessert or even as an appetizer if something goes wrong and dinner isn’t served quite on time.

My next stop was the meat department. It’s unbelievable the variety of ready-made meat products now. If you want something that’s a step above just a plain sandwich, check out the ready-to-heat barbecued meat products next time you are at the store. We’ve tried a few, and although they aren’t as tasty as our homemade, slow roasted version, they certainly fit the bill and are cheaper than take out. Don’t forget to grab hamburger buns to serve it on!

I also discovered some great main dishes in the frozen foods department. I’m sure every mom knows about Stouffer’s lasagna, but did you know they have a whole line of main dishes? My husband loves meatloaf, so I picked one up for him to try. They even have several meat-less options for your family. Dishes have both conventional oven and microwave directions. Add a side or two and you are ready to go.

Then it was time to think about lunches and snacks for my sons. Late nights for me mean strained mornings. I’m not a morning person by nature, so routine changes don’t help me at all. My son likes the Smucker’s Uncrustables. Sure, not the healthiest thing ever seen, especially with that white bread, but if it doesn’t suit your needs, take the idea and use it. During the day or on a weekend, make several sandwiches in the flavors your child loves, flash freeze them on a cookie sheet and package appropriately. Pull them out in the morning to save yourself some trouble. I also splurge on the pre-portioned individual servings of fruit for my child’s lunch when I know things will be busy. Fruit cups, applesauce, etc. can all be found on the shelves, but don’t forget about the newer products like pre-sliced apple wedges in the produce department.

Not only did I change my shopping, I also changed my routine. I had lunches for the three children at home that were more involved, so I could save the quick cook meals for dinner time. I had a full dinner plan for each night. I had the fall-back microwave chicken nuggets for those days when nothing went as planned, and that’s okay. I started cooking earlier than normal and had things ready to serve when my husband walked in the door. Whenever possible, I also had the kids’ snacks and lunches already designated, labeled and either in the backpack or on the designated shelf of the refrigerator. I aimed to give Mr. T the dinner instructions in 60 seconds or less. Any more than that and we were distracted or interrupted. Mr. T also knew it was okay to text message me with questions or clarifications. Please, just don’t text a reply to your hubby while driving!

My other time saving secret: cold-press coffee. I started it in the afternoon or evening as I helped the kids with the next day’s lunches and snacks and started dinner. It saved me a ton of time in the morning. I get my coffee much sooner, and that makes everyone much happier. Feel free to do your own search to find other recipes, tips, tools and options. There is a lot of info on cold press coffee out there.

Just remember, a little planning goes a long way in busy times. Sure, it may not be as healthy as you normally would cook, or as green if you are using pre-portioned, plastic-packaged products, it’s still okay. These tips are great for busy times when a spouse may be traveling, holidays or even just the occasional girls’ night out. If it is an extended time, several days or weeks, don’t forget the time at home needs to be meaningful to your children. Spend time loving, playing, reading with them instead of prepping & cooking. It really pays off, they never really remember what was served, but the do recall the time spent together.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Yes, I’ve caught myself reminding myself to breathe lately. Literally. When I set out to join the cast of our church’s Christmas production, The Story, I really wasn’t fully aware of what I was doing. I thought I was because I was on the tech crew last year, but being on stage is really another matter completely.

Reality is, we all get caught up in things this time of year, especially moms. Whether it’s classroom parties, progressive dinners, shopping, cooking, cleaning… there is much to be done. There is also quite a bit that can be left undone, or at the very least delegated. One of the benefits of participating in this large scale production is that I truly have to consider how important things are, who can do them, and when they can be done. There’s a fair amount left on the “not now” plate. I’m learning to be okay with that. I haven’t conquered my laundry in at least 6 weeks. And my definition of “conquering” is having less than 2 loads floating around. Yep, that’s how I roll these days. I have dead plants too, that should tell you something. But everyone has food to eat, a place to sleep, homework is done and we all have clean clothes to wear, even if they aren’t the exact ones we wanted. Surprisingly, everyone is happier than normal, which I’m sure has nothing to do with the Christmas tree they can’t keep their tiny little hands off of.

Our show starts this weekend, so if you are in the St. Louis area, click on this link & find a time to come. It’s truly unlike any nativity or Christmas show you’ve ever seen. If you happened to catch last year’s debut, don’t skip it just because you think it’s the same. There are some changes that really & truly set it even further apart from the traditional story we hear each December. Which I love, because it’s very thought provoking.

For my regular readers not in the Show Me State, I’ll share with you some of my survival tips over the coming days. Maybe you’ve heard them before, maybe not, but I hope you’ll learn something new.