Toddler Tuesday: Painting...

  I can only imagine what kind of images are going through your minds after reading that title. Was Lucy painting? Were we? Does it even matter who was SUPPOSE to have the paint?! Well to answer your questions, we were painting, she wanted too, and even though we won that battle she still managed to do some damage. She got paint on her PJ's, transferred her bum print on to the closet door from her PJ's, and just straight out touched the wet walls with her hands a few times. Painting with a toddler is on my list of things not to ever do again, although we did maintain some good humor about the whole thing. She kept standing outside the closed door saying (in her cute little voice) "let me out pleeease!" Of course she meant let her in, and she somehow kept managing to sneak in, or charm her way in, much to Trev's despair. Listening to his comical antic's was almost as funny and listening to her try to get in the room ;)

  In other news, Avary took her first steps last night. I suppose that sort of makes her a toddler herself now! She wasted no time getting in on the fun. This morning she discovered the buttons on the tv. She has changed the channels, turned the television on and off about a million times and attempted to make countless changes to the settings. Lucy was not impressed by this in the least since it took place during her morning episode of Barney.

  You would think that would be the end of Avarys toddler like antics and that she would start slow. Nope, Big Stuff just doesn't do things half way. Go big or go home, that seems to be her motto. Thus her nickname: Big stuff. She crept into the bathroom while I was changing around laundry this morning and stuck her hand square in the bit of leftover blue paint in the paint tray. Thankfully I caught her before she managed to paint too much. Her hand and Lucy's stool were the only causalities.

 It also appears she is going to be very helpful in teaching me important lessons just like her big sister. Last night I was being lazy and put a cream of mushroom soup can in the recycling without rinsing it fully. I know, I know, bad Mallory! Don't worry, Avary managed to get a hold of it from the bag of recyclables waiting to go out to the bin and got the left over bits of soup all over her hands and the floor. Twice. Goes to show you that even if something looks ALMOST clean  it can still be pretty dirty! Lesson learned. I will not skimp on rinsing the recyclables ever again.

 Your all probably thinking Lucy must stayed out of trouble this week. Nope, I was just messing with you! While we were painting Jake's room, which is going to be Jake and Lucy's room for awhile, the two of them spent a couple nights in our room. We blew up the big air mattress we have for camping and they had a blast getting to sleep in mommy and daddy's room. Of course Miss Lucy couldn't resist the temptation that a room full of new things provided. During nap time yesterday she covered herself in Joy essential oil blend. Of course the upside to that is that she was really happy the rest of the day ;)

  She has discovered the word happy. I'm pretty sure she has also discovered just how cute she can be. Her new defense against nap time and bedtime is "no, cuz I'm happy". I mean, common, how can you argue with that logic?! Of course, being the mean mommy I am, I do ruin her happy and put her to bed lol. If she gets caught doing something she shouldn't she has a lighting fast reflex of saying "I sorry mommy". Now it's more like "I sorry mommy, I happy". I guess she thinks if she's happy she can avoid getting punished?! If that's so I could have used that knowledge back when I was a kid! Why am I always the last to learn these things?! lol.

  I hope you have have a fantastic week full of humor, love and fun!

Mommy Monday: Are we too quick to dismiss?

 This weekend we went to the Fredericton SDA church, to visit with our former pastor who was there giving the sermon. After the service there was a potluck dinner. After eating we were all sitting around talking and visiting. While talking to the Pastor he asked me what was new in my life. Without thinking I gave him my usual "nothing exciting, just the usual."  response.

  Upon pausing for a moment my mind quickly raced to process what I had just said. Why do I always respond as though my life is boring and, well, lacking? I mean, My life is far from glamorous. My days are not overly exciting, by non mommy standards, and I'm not doing anything that's going to change the world. However, My life is full of beautiful, extraordinary moments. Moments made that way by my children.

  I decided to add to my response, "I don't mean I life isn't great, it's full of extraordinary little moments. Cute, and funny and special ones created by my children." I think as parents, especially mothers, we often feel like people really don't want to hear about our children. About their funny, cute, adorable moments. About their latest achievements, or how awesome they are.

  You know what I say? Who cares! We have to listen to those who are married to their jobs drone on and on about their work. Those who have very active social lives love to share all their tales of fun and adventure. The chronic complainers have no trouble bringing us down with their never ending problems. The gossips live to blab others secrets and life stories to the world. If we are expected to listen to all that, to listen to those people, then I think it's only fair we get to brag about our lives as mothers.

  I vote that we get to talk about the super cute thing our toddler did the other day, or the fact our baby finally slept through the night. We should get to share how proud we are of how well our child is doing in school and how smart they are. Those are, after all, the exciting and new things in our lives. If people want to know whats "new and exciting" with us, they are in fact asking to hear about those things. We really should not feel like they are not special or exciting enough to share.

  In this instance I was very pleasantly surprised. The Pastor replied that was just want he wanted to hear about. We talked for several moments about the antics of the younger ones, how Jake is doing in school and the newest achievements of them all. I suppose the fact they have grandchildren they don't get to often see makes them a bit more inclined to want to listen then the average person, but still, it was nice to be able to share my life. To have someone really care, and listen and appreciate what I had to say.

  It was such a positive experience, and felt so good I have decided to speak up and share in the future as well. From now on I will proudly share the extraordinary little moments that make my life beautiful, exciting and special. I will be thankful for the things my children bring into my life, and not worry that they are not big or important enough to entertain and grip the attention of the masses. I will be thankful for my beautiful, mundane ordinary life, that is spattered with extraordinary moments. I will be thankful for, and proud of, my life as a Mom.

Whole wheat rosemary bread

   A couple weeks a go I went on a baking binge. I made 6 loaves of bread and 2 batches of rolls. One of the things I tried was rosemary bread. All the recipes I found with good reviews used white flour. So I tweaked them a bit and came up with this version. It turned out very good. It's light and soft, but not fall apart fluffy. We have enjoyed it with soup, as garlic bread, as a snack by itself and as a sandwich. I also think it would be awesome for grilled cheese.

Whole wheat rosemary bread:

1 cup water

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/4 tsp fresh black ground pepper

1/8 tsp dried thyme

1/8 tsp dried oregano

1 rounded tsp dried rosemary

1/2 cup all purpose flour

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 tsp active dry yeast

 Place warn water in bowl. Add sugar and yeast and allow to sit until yeast is good and foamy, about 5-10 minutes.

  Add flour, salt, rosemary, oregano, thyme, ground pepper and olive oil. Mix for about 5 minutes, until smooth and combined well.

  Place in a greased bowl and rotate so the top of bread is oiled. Cover and let raise an hour, or until doubled. Punch down.

  Divide dough in half. Shape into two round balls and place on baking sheet (I LOVE my pizza stone and that is what I used), ensuring "seams" are on the bottom.

Allow to raise until doubled in size, around 45 minutes to 1 hour Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.

Remove from oven to cooling rack and cover with a damp tea towel.

Enjoy :)

Toddler Tuesday: Toddler love

  In honor of valentines day, I thought I would do something a little different today. Instead of retelling all Lucy's inventive misadventures for the last week, I want to share some cute moments. Some melt your heart cuteness and some pure acts of toddler love and affection.

  After dropping Jake off at school one morning, Lucy and I were walking back to the van. She was having a blast jumping and "bouncing" around. I told her she was bouncy like Tigger and asked her if she had springs in her feet. I noticed after a couple seconds she had stopped walking. I looked back and there she was bent over, holding her foot, and looking for springs in the bottom! She looked up and me and said nope mommy! :D

  Late last week the flu hit my hard and fast. I was camped out on the couch feeling miserable. Lucy came up and said "mommy sick?!" I told her yes, I was sick. she replied "I kiss oou better". Then she gave me a big hug and kiss, smiled and said "All better?!" I couldn't reply being I was too busy chuckling so I just had to shake my head yes. I couldn't bring myself to break her heart and tell her otherwise. A couple days later we were driving in the car and she herd me say something about being sick. She pipped up and said "No mommy, oou not sick, I kiss you better!!". Oh yea...I forgot about that lol...

  We have been trying (Without much success) to potty train Lucy. Of course we give a ton of praise and get very excited if she goes in the potty. She is starting to use our tricks right back on us. If she manages to sneak in with me when I go to the bathroom she goes "shush...listen mommy." and whenever Trev goes to the bathroom she is waiting to tell him "Good job daddy!!". When was the last time YOU were recognized for your great work in the bathroom?! Lol.

  Avary is at the point where she is almost ready to walk. We have been trying to get her to walk to us while just lightly holding on our finger. Miss Lucy is a jealous little monkey by times and likes to think she is still the baby. Last night Avary didn't get much practice because Lu was too busy going "I walk to oou mommy!, I walk to oou daddy! and doing her best imitation on a baby walk while going back and forth between us. She also has started coming over to be snuggled and saying "say ohhh my baby girl, I love you baby girl". I think someone doesn't want to grow up ;)

  Lulu has discovered all things beautiful and "pretty" A friend send us some of her daughters too small clothes, and when I opened the box Lucy went crazy! All I herd for the next 15 minutes was "oohhh I oove it mommy! I oove it!" and "pretty mommy!". She got her first pair of high heels in that box and has been wearing them all around ever since because they are "pretty".  We have also been doing mani's and pedi's together because every time mommy does her nails, Lucy needs hers done. She even had her own mini bottles of all natural nail polish. It's so much fun having a girly girl!

  Lucy had developed this too cute habit of running at me exclaiming "Mommy!! Mommy!!" whenever I walk in the door from being gone somewhere. Even if I am only gone a few minutes. It gives me such a warm happy feeling to know I've loved and missed that much :). She has also started giving massive bear hugs and big smacking kisses. One of favorite new thing she does though is Eskimo kisses. She will lay there snuggling me in the morning and give me Eskimo kisses for several minutes straight, chuckling and giggling and being all silly and ticklish the whole time. It's super cute, even if my glasses do get really smuggled :).

  My MOST favorite thing Lucy does?! The fact that she now says I love you, without being prompted. She understands what it means, and wants to say it to those she loves. Being told that your child loves you, especially when it sounds like "I oove oou mommy!" is the sweetest, best, most melt-your-heart-and-turn-you-to-a-big-pile-of-mush thing ever!

  Happy Valentines day all <3 I hope you have a sweet little boy or girl in your life to wrap their arms tight around your neck, look at you with big twinkling eyes and tell you how much they oove oou, because there really is nothing else that can match the smile that will leave on your face and in your heart <3.

 

Mommy Monday : Reoccurring struggle!

  First of all a quick apology! I just realized I forgot to publish this yesterday! Hope you all enojy it and sorry it's late getting up!

  As parents, we all struggle. There are highs and lows. Sometimes we soar high and are (or at least feel we are) the worlds greatest parents. Other times we fail. We sink so low that we are sure there must not be any parent as awful as us. Last weeks post was about a small victory in my house. This week I'm sharing a struggle.

  We have three children. Three beautiful, healthy, happy, intelligent, amazing children! Three children who are all VERY different. I never want to make any of my children feel like they are the favorite, and I never EVER want any of them to feel that they are the least liked by their mama. Sometimes this is very hard. Not because I favor, or like any of my children more, but because I have different things in common with them. Also their behavior can make it hard.

  That last comment might have confused some of you. Your probably thinking, What?! She doesn't like her kids as much if they misbehave?! That's awful!! Except, that's not what I meant at all. What I meant was, if I'm constantly having to speak to one child over and over about behaviour issues I start to feel really bad. I try to imagine how they must be feeling. They probably see me having fun and laughing and having lots of positive interaction with their siblings and all they are getting from me are stern talks and punishment.

  This is how I have been feeling with Jake this last week. This is actually something I have worried about with Jake a lot since having the girls. Jake is very tenderhearted and sensitive. He was also pretty use to being the only child by the time Lucy came along. When he is getting in trouble a lot, he takes it really hard. There are lots of times I hear "you don't love me, you just like my sisters better!" Of course this breaks my heart because a) I NEVER want him to feel like that, and b) I love him SO much, JUST as much as his sisters.

  I'm really struggling with how to throw some positive into our relationship, while still addressing his negative behavior. Punishments still need to occur to let him know his bad choices and actions are not ok, but he also needs to feel some love and positivity from me. One of the things I think we often forget as parents is what it's like to be a child. Take a moment and remember back to your childhood. Even though you knew deep down in your bones how much your parents loved you, it was very easy to think they didn't love you if they were upset with you. Knowing and feeling are two very different things. Kids feel, and adults think.

  Children don't sit down and think it all through logically. They mostly go with feelings. If you are sharing lots of laughs with them, having fun positive interactions, they feel like a million bucks. They feel loved, and important. If your constantly yelling at them (I know none of US ever do such a things right?! ;) Punishing them and generally having to be the bad guy, they feel really bad, angry and unloved.

  So back to my dilemma. How do I laugh, have fun and share some great positive time with Jake when I'm having to be the bad guy? When I have to enforce punishments, ie: tell him he can't go to visit his Nanny, or play with the toy he lost because of his bad behavior etc? Sounds simple, but all you parents know it's not! It's not only the kids that get the negative feelings, it's us parents too. It's so easy to start to feel hopeless and discouraged about your relationship with your kids.

  I read a wonderful book a while a go all about the love languages of your kids. I realized that Jake feels love thought quality time. Every child's love language is different. If Jake is not getting some quality one on one time, he feels un important and not loved. Even small things like asking him to wait a minute for me to get him something while I do something for one of his sisters first, really makes him feel bad. He needs time. My time.

  I'm not suggesting that I should drop everything and cater to his every whim. On the contrary, he needs to learn that sometimes others needs are more pressing. He does however, still need his turn in coming in first. This goes a long way to helping our relationship. I'm going to try and do a better job of giving him his turn to be first, and of spending some quality time each day with him, doing something we both love. I've thought about it and come up with a few activities we both love. Baking, reading, watching movies and playing games.

  It is my mission over the next few weeks to incorporate some of these activities into our day. Also to have even 20 minutes of quality time, even if that's just reading bedtime stories and doing his bible lesson or chatting about his day. I'm also going to start to pray for our relationship, because since this has been a worry and struggle of mine for awhile, I think I need some Divine intervention. Seriously though, I do think that spending some extra time in prayer specifically for Jake and for our relationship will benefit us a lot.

  Being a mommy is tough! Loving our kids, but not indulging them. Punishing them, but not breaking them. Encouraging them and lifting them up, but not filling them with so much pride that they become self entitled and "ruined". It's a hard juggling act. But God made us Mothers for a reason. He know that only we could love and care for our children in this way and carry out the fine juggling act. With that in mind, I know I can do this!

 

Toddler Tuesday: The fun continues!

 This week was quite an eventful one. I swear Lucy somehow realized that she is the star of her very own weekly post. I also think Avary somehow got the memo and has decided she needs to start practicing so she can get in on this post too! Here are the toddler highlights from this week.

 Not 15 minutes after I finished writing the Toddler Tuesday post last week I found Lucy stripped naked and crouched in the (empty) bathtub slathering body wash all over herself.  Avary was standing there watching her and bouncing with excitement. I guess Lucy figured she needed a bath, and Avary thought it was a swell idea. Upside?! They were nice and clean after! Downside?! it would have been nice if I could have decided bath time!

 We had a repeat situation here this week. Remember how Lucy was trying to teach us not to leave things out? Guess mommy and daddy didn't learn their lesson. We lost another full bottle of popcorn seasoning to the floor. I'm proud to report I didn't even bother to get upset this time. Just sent her on her way to time out and cleaned it up. Man I'm getting nerves of steel!

 Lucy has decided she loves to help me bake. Wonderful. Termendous. Honest! I do love having her help me. It teaches me patience and she gets to learn to be helpful and follow direction, not to mention the obvious, how to bake. However. Sometimes she feels the need to take it upon herself to "start" a project without me. Often I don't even know she is starting one.

 I've found several squares of margarine sitting in my stand mixer, all at different times of course. Thankfully this was before she learned how to turn it on. Sunday while I was baking she dumped the flour container on the floor while trying to measure out some flour. While I was distracted of course. Thankfully it was almost empty, what a mess that would have been!

 This morning I had my three little ducklings in the tub. I went to grab their towels and came back to find Lucy washing Avary. The plus side?! Avary shouldn't have to be bathed for, oh, the next couple weeks. She's THAT clean. The downside?! We need to buy more baby wash. We had 3/4 of a bottle when bath time started.

 When I have to give Jacob disciplinary talks, or serious talks of any manner, I never have to worry about him not remembering what we talk about. There is this little echo that repeats every word I say. Very seriously. With the right tone and everything. Even hand actions, if I'm using them. This use to bother Jake, and I use to try and get rid of the echo. I just tune it out now and I think Jake has just decided to be grateful for the free recording. Either that or he has tuned it out!

 Just before finishing this post I once again notice that quiet. The one that can only mean trouble. The one we talked about last week. I said "Lucy?" to which she replied "oop's I sorry". She totally gave away her hand. I think she's slipping. I knew she was next to the nail polish. The RED nail polish. I braced myself. Maybe my nerves of steel couldn't survive this situation. Don't worry, it's not too bad. She just looks like her hands are bleeding. The furniture and floors are safe. I'll just chalk that one up as a win ;)


Top five Favorite toddler things from this week:
1-The way she says "Mommy!!!" when I walk in a room.
2-The way she gets really excited about things
3-The way she gives a hug. Super tight,  with both arms wrapped right around my neck and her face mushed next to mine
4-The way she says"I sorry" all sweet and innocent like when I catch her getting into trouble
5-Actually...the way she says everything! Isn't toddler voice the cutest?!

Mommy Monday: They are doing it!

 Something weird has happened at my house. There has possibly been an invasion of some kind. I'm starting to think these three little people running (and crawling) around my house are not really my children. These children are playing together; willingly,  happily and peacefully. These cannot be my children!

 Recently I've been thinking a lot about one of my older posts from this summer. In it I was talking about How much sacrifice is too much? I have been, once again, very guilty of giving all my time and energy to the kids. If the TV is on, it's tuned in to cartoons. They have been having first dibs on MY meals through the day. Heck there have even been days when I'm not getting a shower until they are in bed for the night.

 Well this last week I decided enough was enough. I mean, I love and adored my children, but I am worth something too!! I have declared one hour each afternoon "mommy time". It's that hour just before dinner prep. It's been really nice having an hour to relax before kicking back into high gear for cooking dinner, cleaning up the kitchen and doing post dinner dishes, homework, bath time and bedtime.

 I have to be honest. It was really a struggle the first few days. Jake wanted to have the TV, but I was watching a show. Then he wanted to play wii, but again, I had the only TV. Next he and Lucy started squabbling and fighting which made it impossible to hear the TV. I stuck it out though! I was determined to have some "me time". I finally sent them off to play in Jake's room. The first day wasn't really relaxing. The next day was a bit better, there was less time squabbling and more time playing happily together. They even went off to play down the hall on their own, with Avary crawling after them. I had peace and quiet!

 Over the next few days they got into a routine. If Jake wants to watch a little TV or play some wii he asks as soon as he gets home. After his snack he has half an hour of wii or TV if he wants it. Then at 4:00 he shuts off the TV and says "common Lu, lets go play!" then off they all go to play together. It's amazing. I'm still a little dumbfounded by the whole thing. I usually have to argue with them to get them to play together, and them playing QUIETLY in another room is basically unheard of.

 If I had of known it was as easy as standing my ground and making them create their own fun without me there to referee I would have done this a long time a go! Don't get me wrong, I still love playing with them and doing different activities with them. They are a lot of fun and since they are only little once I feel like I should be enjoying them and spending this time not just with them, but doing thing with them and making this time count. That said, They do also need the skills to entertain themselves. Not just in the same room as me, but being good, getting along, being responsible and having fun playing in another room, without my constant supervision.

 I know the younger two still need a lot of supervision, but if they are just a few feet down the hall with Jake, I know they are ok. Our home is not that big and I can still hear them when they are down the hall. Having a bit of responsibility and knowing he is the big brother and needs to keep an eye on his sisters has really been good for Jake. It has made him feel important and changed the way he interacts with them a lot. Instead of fighting with them and teasing he is switching to another too cute role. He tries to teach them things, like how to use a toy, or what they are and are not allowed to touch.

  I love watching him grow into his role as a big brother and to see how much he loves his sisters. I think the loving and protecting nature tends to come easier with girls. Lucy  has always been a little mama to Avary, and even to Jake. If you pass her a snack she asks for one for Jakie too. She is always hugging and kissing her brother and sister. Her first instinct is to love, share and play with her siblings. Jake has been different. Maybe because he's a boy, or maybe because he was an only child for three and a half years.

  Either way, I'm very glad to see him interacting in a more positive manner with his sisters. I'm so happy, and proud, that my little ones are playing together so well. It gives this mama some much needed quiet time each day and is a very positive step forward as the kids journey to becoming good, kind, loving adults some day. These small lessons all play such a huge role in molding them into who they will be when they are grown. It's a very big job we parents have!

 Since these three little ones tend to be a little further on their journey to becoming good adults, I think I'll keep them. Even if it turns out they really are someone else's kids posing as mine ;)

Saturday night Snack: Warm Black Bean dip, with a kick!

 You all thought I forgot, didn't you?! I wouldn't forget about my favorite night of the week ;) With the Superbowl today I have been working on perfecting my snack list. I personally am not all that into football, however my dad loves it. Because we love love my dad, my sister and I thought it would be nice to have a Superbowl party for the family to get together.

  Of course, since she doesn't really cook the menu was left up too me! Which of course, I don't mind at all. I decided to do a chicken wing dip (the Recipe is posted here: Chicken wing dip), Pizza, Guacamole and I wanted to do a black bean dip. My dad loves dips and salsa which include black beans, corn, cilantro and lime. They are some of his favorite flavors for dipping. He has not made a warm one yet, so I thought that would be a nice twist. I searched the Internet and came up with some good ideas. When I complied them and added some imagination this is what I came up with.

Black bean dip, with a kick:

1 can cooked black beans (rinsed and drained) OR 1-1/4 cup cooked black beans

1 cup frozen corn

1/4 red bell pepper finely chopped

1/2 jalapeno pepper very finely diced

1 medium tomato chopped

1 small onion chopped

1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper

1/2 tsp cumin

1-1/2 tsp chili powder

2 tsp cilantro (paste, or fresh, only 1 tsp is using dried)

1 Tbsp fresh lime juice

1/2 cup mild salsa

1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste

1 large clove of garlic minced

In a medium sauce pan saute onions on medium heat until soft.

 Add black beans, corn, jalapeno and garlic. Simmer on low heat until everything is heated through.

Add cumin, chili powder, ground pepper and sea salt, red pepper, tomato, cilantro, lime juice and salsa. simmer for additional 2 minutes.

  Simmer for 3-4 minutes then remove from heat. Let sit 10-15 minutes for flavors to blend well.

Garnish with sour cream and shredded cheese.

Serve warm with hint of lime corn chips (or regular if your prefer!)

Hope you have enjoy the game!