Walking In Sand

I grew up mere minutes from sand dunes near Lake Michigan.  I have some fond memories of climbing sandy hills and sliding down the other side.  I also have some not-so-fond memories of having sand embedded in my clothing, but that's not what I'm writing about today.

When you climb a sand dune it is a rigorous process.  For every step you take you slide back a half step.  It can feel distinctly like you aren't making any progress at all.  Your leg muscles burn and your breath fails you and you gaze toward the top of the hill with the sun in your eyes thinking--"I'll never make it."

Not really that much different than parenting is it?  Some days you feel like no progress has been made. 

You tell the eight year old that only HE can choose to have a good attitude--only to hear him huff under his breath.

You remind the six year old that obeying mom is what he must do first--only to have him once again debate what you have asked him to do.

You remove the almost two year old from a no-no spot for the millionth time--only to have him happily return.

You can't accomplish any laundry because the baby is mysteriously fussy, and nothing will calm him, but being held CONSTANTLY by you and you alone.

Your heart aches and your patience fails you as you look up and think--"I'll never make it."

But wait--there is a strategy to climbing sand dunes that also applies to parenting.  You need to look back to see how far you have come.  You can see your straggling footprints trailing up the sandy hill, and suddenly you have courage.  "I've come this far--I can keep going."

Excuses

Lately I've become aware of a bad habit of mine because it is being reflected in my children. 

It's making excuses. 

I excuse my crabbiness toward my family by saying: "My back hurts."

I excuse my lateness to an appointment by saying: "My children were naughty."

I excuse the cold shoulder I gave to my husband by saying: "Little people have been hanging on me all day."

I realize that all of these things are true, but are they good reasons for mistreating the people I love most?  Often if we correct the issues with a little more foresight there is no need to make excuses. 

I could take a pain reliever for my back.

I could take the time to prepare better for my appointment leaving a little extra time for "naughty children."  

I could read the toddler and baby a story and play with them and they might not hang on me so much--leaving a little more for my hubby.

Sometimes I fail though even with preparation.  What should I do then?  Instead of excuses I could simply admit that I was wrong.

"I'm sorry I snapped at you."

"I'm sorry I'm late."

"Yes dear--I have time for you."

It's really not that hard, but just like the habit of making excuses wasn't born overnight--neither will the habit of being honest, and admitting the truth.  It will take a conscious effort and a lot of help from above.

My Husbands Favorite Hymn

What's Blooming

 

Trumpet vine growing on the washline post

Our onion harvest--better than I expected.

 

Bee balm--almost past it's prime.

Hibiscus bloom by the front walk--what a nice welcoming sight.

Saving Money With a Baby

 

No doubt about it baby supplies can add up on your grocery bill.

Several years ago I tried making homemade baby wipes, and I was unhappy with the results.

Within a few days they smelled rancid, (because of the baby oil in them) and they dried out quickly.

A friend encouraged me to give this recipe a try and I am amazed.

I've been using them for almost a month now, and the other day I used some store bought wipes and realized I like the homemade ones better!

Whisk 2 tablespoons each of baby wash and baby lotion in 2 cups of warm water.

Pour over 1/2 a roll of Bounty paper towels stuffed into an airtight container.

This container is what I use to store the wipes in, but any round or square airtight container will work.

 

The lotion gives them a soft baby scent that lingers on the baby.

If you prefer unscented wipes you can use scent-free lotion and baby wash.

 

I have my hubby cut the paper towel roll in half with his radial arm saw--makes a smoother cut than an electric knife.

These wipes could be used for any quick clean-up--not just for babies.

Free Fun

Who needs expensive toys?

All you need is a pair of feet and some bubble wrap.

It will entertain everyone for hours.

Even the dog--who barked herself hoarse.

What do you do for free fun at your house?

Playing With My Food

The other evening my hubby told me he wanted a salad for supper.

Our lettuce in our garden is doing so well we can hardly keep up with eating it.

The house was tidy and I was a little bored.

So, I played with my food and came up with this creation.

Everything on the platter is from our garden except the tomatoes.

They came from a friends hothouse.

In case you were wondering it tasted every bit as nice as it looked.