Today is December 21. In just a few days, a certain loveable, chubby, bespeckled person will come into our home. They will wear white gloves, eat junk food, decide if we've been naughty or nice, and then leave.
This person is my mother.
Years ago, she called herself the White Glove Inspector, and no matter how much time I spend cleaning my house, I feel like it is never good enough. She joked this morning that she will wear black gloves this year, but it occurred to me over lunch that dust shows up even worse on black gloves than white gloves! At least I feel that I've gotten to a point in my life where I've stopped trying. It's a whole lot less stressful. I will clean the house to the point where I am happy with it, and leave it at that. If she is unhappy, there is a La Quinta & Marriott within a 5 min walk of the house.
In light of this, here is my to do list:
Today:
Take broken microwave to Mending Barn and never return! (They said they'd take it off my hands. I just can't stand to think of it in a landfill).
Declutter House.
Put up new curtains so I don't have to look at ugly blanket that's been over our window for a year.
Wednesday:
Finish Decluttering
Scrub Tub
Wash Car
Have Andy do Dishes
Thursday:
Vacuum
Dust
Sweep
Mop
Laundry (particularly wash sheets in pull out bed)
Somewhere in this time span, I also want to go to store & buy gingerbread house kit. I think Grace would have fun making one.
I have this innate desire to go on a baking binge, including the creation of cake balls (Elfling Poop for Ma's stocking, LOL), truffles, and stained glass cookies.
I wonder if this will help the holiday mood at all, as I want to elf my neighbors (ding dong ditch the goodies)
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Santa's Prayer
Saw this online & went "Aww!"
The sleigh was all packed,
The reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt
By the side of the bed.
"Dear Father," he prayed,
"Be with me tonight,
There's much work to do,
And my schedule is tight."
"I must jump in my sleigh
And streak through the sky,
Knowing full well
That a reindeer can't fly."
"I will visit each household,
Before the first light,
I'll cover the world,
And all in one night."
"With sleigh bells a-ringing,
I'll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter
Of each little hoof."
"To get in the house
Is the difficult part,
So I'll slide down the chimney
Of each child's heart."
"My sack will hold toys
To grant all their wishes,
The supply will be endless,
Like the loaves and the fishes."
"I will fill all the stockings
And not leave a track,
I'll eat every cookie
That is left for my snack."
"I can do all these things Lord,
Only through You,
I just need your blessing,
Then it's easy to do."
"All this is to honor
The birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us ...
Your most Holy Son."
"So to all of my friends,
Least Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them
Who gave me this job."
The sleigh was all packed,
The reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt
By the side of the bed.
"Dear Father," he prayed,
"Be with me tonight,
There's much work to do,
And my schedule is tight."
"I must jump in my sleigh
And streak through the sky,
Knowing full well
That a reindeer can't fly."
"I will visit each household,
Before the first light,
I'll cover the world,
And all in one night."
"With sleigh bells a-ringing,
I'll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter
Of each little hoof."
"To get in the house
Is the difficult part,
So I'll slide down the chimney
Of each child's heart."
"My sack will hold toys
To grant all their wishes,
The supply will be endless,
Like the loaves and the fishes."
"I will fill all the stockings
And not leave a track,
I'll eat every cookie
That is left for my snack."
"I can do all these things Lord,
Only through You,
I just need your blessing,
Then it's easy to do."
"All this is to honor
The birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us ...
Your most Holy Son."
"So to all of my friends,
Least Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them
Who gave me this job."
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The Importance of Education
One of my readers, a firm believer in the importance of a good education, sent this article to me. I've read through it and wanted to share it. I know the value of an education, even if I can't decide what I want to study for myself. Enjoy!
""SPICE" Needed To Fill The Gaps
If you are lucky enough to be a stay-at-home parent in America today, you are among the truly fortunate. With thirty years of economic policies that have decimated the middle class, the majority of American households today require two incomes, meaning that young children must usually be relegated to child care facilities.
While some parents may want to stay at home to develop that parent-child bond, young children can greatly benefit tremendously from attendance a certified preschool, operated by trained, certified early childhood educators. The experience of learning in a school setting during the early years can be a valuable supplement to a child's experience at a time when the brain is being shaped and developed.
SPICE
So now we come to SPICE- Social, Physical, Intellectual, Creative and Emotional. While there is arguably no substitute for a loving parent-child relationship and daily interactions the scientific methodology has an important place. This is where trained, certified early childhood educators can "fill the gaps" when it comes to a young child's development.
Social development involves the way a child relates to others and functions in a group setting. If you are among the increasing number of parents choosing to limit their family size to one child, the importance of socialization in a structured environment becomes apparent.
Physical development refers to building motor skills, from the gross (basic movements such as walking and running) to the fine (such as holding a writing implement). Not only is important as to whether they can perform these tasks but it's how they do the, do they put one foot in front of the other when walking? When holding a pen, they put sufficient pressure on it? Many crucial areas of critique that are often overlooked.
Intellectual development is achieved through structured play, and of course means development of language and math skills as well as the child's innate sense of curiosity and wonder; A vital area of development that is central to success in school later on.
Creative development helps to really development the intellectual area as well. More specifically it addresses artistic talents in visual arts, music, storytelling and even theatrics. Creativity is the foundation self-expression and problem solving and it is arguable that without creativity, there would be no innovation nor entrepreneurship.
Emotional development, while often overlooked, is just as equally important as the other developmental areas. Without a sense of self, including self confidence and the discipline to deal with one's own emotional responses, a child will have difficulty functioning in society later in life.
The Professional Advantage
While most parents are aware of these developmental areas on an instinctive level, they may not really be aware of how to help their children through these learning stages. However, certified preschool educators are trained in the scientific theory and methodology that can make the difference between a child succeeding – and succeeding brilliantly.
Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas
Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the network of Texas child care facilities belonging to the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose educational child care schools. Primrose Schools are located in 16 states throughout the U.S. and are dedicated to delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum throughout their preschools."
""SPICE" Needed To Fill The Gaps
If you are lucky enough to be a stay-at-home parent in America today, you are among the truly fortunate. With thirty years of economic policies that have decimated the middle class, the majority of American households today require two incomes, meaning that young children must usually be relegated to child care facilities.
While some parents may want to stay at home to develop that parent-child bond, young children can greatly benefit tremendously from attendance a certified preschool, operated by trained, certified early childhood educators. The experience of learning in a school setting during the early years can be a valuable supplement to a child's experience at a time when the brain is being shaped and developed.
SPICE
So now we come to SPICE- Social, Physical, Intellectual, Creative and Emotional. While there is arguably no substitute for a loving parent-child relationship and daily interactions the scientific methodology has an important place. This is where trained, certified early childhood educators can "fill the gaps" when it comes to a young child's development.
Social development involves the way a child relates to others and functions in a group setting. If you are among the increasing number of parents choosing to limit their family size to one child, the importance of socialization in a structured environment becomes apparent.
Physical development refers to building motor skills, from the gross (basic movements such as walking and running) to the fine (such as holding a writing implement). Not only is important as to whether they can perform these tasks but it's how they do the, do they put one foot in front of the other when walking? When holding a pen, they put sufficient pressure on it? Many crucial areas of critique that are often overlooked.
Intellectual development is achieved through structured play, and of course means development of language and math skills as well as the child's innate sense of curiosity and wonder; A vital area of development that is central to success in school later on.
Creative development helps to really development the intellectual area as well. More specifically it addresses artistic talents in visual arts, music, storytelling and even theatrics. Creativity is the foundation self-expression and problem solving and it is arguable that without creativity, there would be no innovation nor entrepreneurship.
Emotional development, while often overlooked, is just as equally important as the other developmental areas. Without a sense of self, including self confidence and the discipline to deal with one's own emotional responses, a child will have difficulty functioning in society later in life.
The Professional Advantage
While most parents are aware of these developmental areas on an instinctive level, they may not really be aware of how to help their children through these learning stages. However, certified preschool educators are trained in the scientific theory and methodology that can make the difference between a child succeeding – and succeeding brilliantly.
Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas
Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the network of Texas child care facilities belonging to the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose educational child care schools. Primrose Schools are located in 16 states throughout the U.S. and are dedicated to delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum throughout their preschools."
Monday, December 13, 2010
Conversation of the Evening
Andy was in bathroom, Grace was outside. Conversation goes as follows:
Grace: "Daddy, what doing?"
Andy: "Pooping."
Grace: "Ah, daddy pooping! Daddy, knock knock"
Andy: "Who's there?"
Grace: "Owls."
Andy: "Owls who?"
Grace: "Xactly! Daddy, what doing?"
Andy: "Wiping my bum"
Grace: "Ah! Daddy wiping da bum!"
Andy: "What are you doing?"
Grace: "Mmm, sleeping."
Andy: "Okay."
Grace: "Daddy, what doing?"
Andy: "Putting on clothes."
Grace: "Hooray!"
Grace: "Daddy, what doing?"
Andy: "Pooping."
Grace: "Ah, daddy pooping! Daddy, knock knock"
Andy: "Who's there?"
Grace: "Owls."
Andy: "Owls who?"
Grace: "Xactly! Daddy, what doing?"
Andy: "Wiping my bum"
Grace: "Ah! Daddy wiping da bum!"
Andy: "What are you doing?"
Grace: "Mmm, sleeping."
Andy: "Okay."
Grace: "Daddy, what doing?"
Andy: "Putting on clothes."
Grace: "Hooray!"
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Rough Night
Last night was rougher than the bark on a tree. Grace started coughing when she got up from her nap Thursday afternoon and coughed all day. In the morning, she was still coughing. I called the doctor, because I wasn't sure what I should do. She had just about finished off her meds, and she sounded awful. The doctor said that it was a good thing, and she needed to cough out the rest. She coughed ALL day. Pretty much nonstop. It continued ALL night. Andy & I worked in shifts. I'd get up 4 times, then Andy would. Grace finally got a little sleep around 3, and went to 6, then wanted to be sung back to sleep after a coughing fit. Up again at 7:30. Andy put her back down. She slept til 10. I went out to get groceries while she stayed home with daddy. When I got back, he said she hadn't coughed once. In fact, she ended up not coughing at all, the entire day. WAHOO! She just now had a couple of coughs, after dinner. We had baby spinach & chicpea pasta. She just wanted the pasta, and ate about 1/2 a cup, with applesauce, and chocolate milk (I made it with torani sugar free chocolate syrup & unsweetened almond milk).
Now we're off to see the lights at Thanksgiving Point, and reindeer. I bet she'll love it. I hope her night is as silent as today. We could all use the rest.
Now we're off to see the lights at Thanksgiving Point, and reindeer. I bet she'll love it. I hope her night is as silent as today. We could all use the rest.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Lights, Heat, No Action!
Yesterday we became owners of a new microwave. Our first one gave out after 10 years of faithful service. It probably just needs a part replaced, but the place we got it from charges $50 just to figure out what it is, then however much the parts cost. By that point, you might as well buy a new microwave. It stopped heating food. Do you know how irritating it is to cook a 1 min breakfast for 30 mins and still have it ice cold? Yargh!
Grace has croup. She's had a cough for over a week. I thought she was getting better last week. It sounded like the cough was a little phlegmy, but ready to get it out of the system. It got worse over the weekend, and I took her to the doctor yesterday. She had croup & ear infection. Poor baby! Why can you not stay healthy for more than 5 mins?
Today I made truffles. I didn't want to use the heavy whipping cream I'm saving for tomorrow's chocolate party, so I used Irish Cream coffee mate instead. They turned out really yummy! They were super easy to make. Just chop up the chocolate, place in bowl, steam the cream, pour over the chocolate, allow to melt, stir until smooth. Throw in fridge. Wait 2 hours. Mellon ball those dark, silky babies, and roll in your choice of goodness. I did crushed peanuts, and crushed watermelon life savers, but most of them were rolled in dutch cocoa powder. They are terrific! I want to share them with everybody.
For lunch today, Grace had Farm Rich pizza slices, animal crackers, mandarin oranges, and almond milk. We're having turkey burgers for dinner.
The White Glove Inspector (AKA Ma) will be here in just over 2 weeks.
Grace has croup. She's had a cough for over a week. I thought she was getting better last week. It sounded like the cough was a little phlegmy, but ready to get it out of the system. It got worse over the weekend, and I took her to the doctor yesterday. She had croup & ear infection. Poor baby! Why can you not stay healthy for more than 5 mins?
Today I made truffles. I didn't want to use the heavy whipping cream I'm saving for tomorrow's chocolate party, so I used Irish Cream coffee mate instead. They turned out really yummy! They were super easy to make. Just chop up the chocolate, place in bowl, steam the cream, pour over the chocolate, allow to melt, stir until smooth. Throw in fridge. Wait 2 hours. Mellon ball those dark, silky babies, and roll in your choice of goodness. I did crushed peanuts, and crushed watermelon life savers, but most of them were rolled in dutch cocoa powder. They are terrific! I want to share them with everybody.
For lunch today, Grace had Farm Rich pizza slices, animal crackers, mandarin oranges, and almond milk. We're having turkey burgers for dinner.
The White Glove Inspector (AKA Ma) will be here in just over 2 weeks.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Gerschler Family Christmas 2010
Having lost nearly 120 lbs between the two of us (I've lost over 75 & Andy has lost nearly 50), I'm thrilled to share our new family portraits with you.
Grace shares cookies with Santa
My favorite shot of Andy & Grace:
Me, looking (and feeling) like a rockstar:
Me with my gorgeous girl:
Thanks for letting me share. Happy holidays, everyone!
Grace shares cookies with Santa
My favorite shot of Andy & Grace:
Me, looking (and feeling) like a rockstar:
Me with my gorgeous girl:
Thanks for letting me share. Happy holidays, everyone!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Forgiveness
So an interesting thing happened yesterday. The detective found my friend and got a testimony from her about the fraud case. And then she called me. She finally wanted to sit down and clear the air. So I picked her up and we talked on the way back to my place. I got to have my questions answered, and have explained what happened to her. I felt a little rattled by the whole thing, but otherwise okay... and definitely happy to be moving towards a resolution and reconciliation.
My mom called that night, and I told her about it. She got pretty upset and I felt like she was chewing me out. Suddenly, a decision that I felt was a good one, was under fire, and now I doubt myself. Am I doing the right thing? The Lord teaches us that forgiveness is the mightiest sword. Just because we sin against Him, doesn't mean he cuts us off forever. Yet, somehow, I suddenly feel like I need validation in my choice to be more Christ like. I just hope my friend is sincere in her coming forward and it's not a case of "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."
My mom called that night, and I told her about it. She got pretty upset and I felt like she was chewing me out. Suddenly, a decision that I felt was a good one, was under fire, and now I doubt myself. Am I doing the right thing? The Lord teaches us that forgiveness is the mightiest sword. Just because we sin against Him, doesn't mean he cuts us off forever. Yet, somehow, I suddenly feel like I need validation in my choice to be more Christ like. I just hope my friend is sincere in her coming forward and it's not a case of "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."