It takes a brave person to take three children out of the house and into public places.
It's not easy and it takes some prep work. It's okay when we go out to do fun things. That's fairly easy. Usually it's something kid related so it's totally cool if my kids are running around like a bunch of rabid hamsters because so are all the other kids.
The scary trip is grocery shopping.
So many things can go wrong grocery shopping.
1) The Budget. I go with a set budget. I can feed a family of 5 on $160 a week and there is zero crap in my house. I'm fairly proud of this ;) The running total of groceries is easy to keep track of by myself. But add in three kids (one screaming or babbling, one running around the store pretending he works there, and one rolling her eyes and scoffing because "you don't buy her anything EVER") Things get a little sketchy.
"Ok with the eggs I'm at $40." Then insert random chaos, spit, and screaming. Try to remember the number you just said. Impossible.
2) The cart. How can a box on wheels cause mayhem in a grocery store? Do you know what kids LOVE to play with? BOXES!! These boxes have mother f-ing wheels on them!! Need I explain more?
3) Keeping items in the cart. Will throws everything out of the cart. Why not keep everything away from him? Ummmm did you notice I have a family of 5 to feed? You could climb my cart by the time I reach the checkout.
4) Keeping items out of the cart. That's right. I have two kids with me that are constantly asking me for things and hiding items in the cart.
5) Try to look sane. I look totally sane on my own! Trying to discipline two kids in the middle of a grocery store is not easy! We all know that you find the least populated aisle and let me have it but you need SOME control. Plus it s soon forgotten the second they start to misbehave and some stranger looks at them like they are all cute and fluffy. Then everything you just said is gone!
By the end of the trip I am thinking about stopping by the LB but have no energy. So I pick up some Kahlua favored K-cups and am on my way...
Oh. And my organized items at the till goes to crap too. We basically puke the contents of the cart onto the belt. Thanks for the help kiddos! We've survived another shopping trip :)
Friday, April 5, 2013
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Sensory bin rage!
The other day I was on Pinterest and came across some DIY sensory bins.
Will and I are bored out of our minds today so I decided to give it a try. It looked like fun and I can't possibly deprive my baby of a learning experience! ;)
I grabbed a rectangular plastic bin, some oats, and random cups, plastic toys etc. and tossed it all together.
In the pictures you see a smiling baby playing in the bin, nicely and a mom smiling right next to him.
They are sitting in a brightly painted and incredibly organized room.
Right on! The sensory bin keeps baby so busy that they don't make a mess and therefore mom is happy :)
Want to know what it really looks like?
At first Will dipped his hands in and played with the measuring cups. Cute.
Then he started to dump it on the floor around the perimeter of the bin. Still cute.
Then he started to step in it. Not quite as cute but it IS a sensory bin after all.
Then he crouched down and started to grab oats and toss them into a pile. I can live with that...grab broom.
Then he walk through the oats. Glad I got the broom.
Then he starts running throughout the oats, screaming in in joy but the joy that a fully charged psychopath may experience, throwing oats everywhere!
I am still in denial. I calm myself and say that it's ok. I try to stop him but it's not his fault! He cries.
I let him continue hoping that I can catch up with the cleaning while he plays and we can return to sitting on the floor smiling.
Negative!
Disaster ensues. There are oats everywhere, baby crying, and a flustered mom.
Robert gets home at 3 :)
Will and I are bored out of our minds today so I decided to give it a try. It looked like fun and I can't possibly deprive my baby of a learning experience! ;)
I grabbed a rectangular plastic bin, some oats, and random cups, plastic toys etc. and tossed it all together.
In the pictures you see a smiling baby playing in the bin, nicely and a mom smiling right next to him.
They are sitting in a brightly painted and incredibly organized room.
Right on! The sensory bin keeps baby so busy that they don't make a mess and therefore mom is happy :)
Want to know what it really looks like?
At first Will dipped his hands in and played with the measuring cups. Cute.
Then he started to dump it on the floor around the perimeter of the bin. Still cute.
Then he started to step in it. Not quite as cute but it IS a sensory bin after all.
Then he crouched down and started to grab oats and toss them into a pile. I can live with that...grab broom.
Then he walk through the oats. Glad I got the broom.
Then he starts running throughout the oats, screaming in in joy but the joy that a fully charged psychopath may experience, throwing oats everywhere!
I am still in denial. I calm myself and say that it's ok. I try to stop him but it's not his fault! He cries.
I let him continue hoping that I can catch up with the cleaning while he plays and we can return to sitting on the floor smiling.
Negative!
Disaster ensues. There are oats everywhere, baby crying, and a flustered mom.
Robert gets home at 3 :)
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Poncho Rehab
With all of the changes over the past year, Poncho has gone from angry to sad to just depressed.
Baby = angry
2 more kids = sad
Hardwood floors that he refuses to walk on = most depressed dog ever!
So, we have deemed April "Poncho Rehab Month".
Step 1: New do! I'm pretty choked that the groomer cut off his Mohawk. Not cool.
Step 2: Learn how to cut his nails so that I'm not waiting to get the groomer to do it. This will help with the floors :)
Step 3: With the snow melt we are back to our 30 min daily walks.
Step 4: We introduced a raw food diet. He LOVES it! Plus he will chew on the raw bones for hours which will eliminate teeth cleaning and keeps him busy ALL day. This took a lot of research and finding a reliable supplier. And I almost puked the first time I served up his raw patty. But he downed it! And to be honest, he was so sad that he stopped eating his kibble. Eating disorder solved!
Step 5: Glucosamine. I've been adding it to his meal as a prevention for arthritis. I don't think it has set in yet but little dogs receive a lot of wear and tear on their poor joints. If he is sore the wod floors won't help anything.
Step 6: Train Poncho to join us in the family room. He is walking around the whole house now BUT not the family room. Which is where we spend most of our time :s
He is happier already! But this month will be a lot of work. We've had some good cuddles together lately. Snuggles and the relaxing walks outside have been good for me too! Pet therapy is great!
Baby = angry
2 more kids = sad
Hardwood floors that he refuses to walk on = most depressed dog ever!
So, we have deemed April "Poncho Rehab Month".
Step 1: New do! I'm pretty choked that the groomer cut off his Mohawk. Not cool.
Step 2: Learn how to cut his nails so that I'm not waiting to get the groomer to do it. This will help with the floors :)
Step 3: With the snow melt we are back to our 30 min daily walks.
Step 4: We introduced a raw food diet. He LOVES it! Plus he will chew on the raw bones for hours which will eliminate teeth cleaning and keeps him busy ALL day. This took a lot of research and finding a reliable supplier. And I almost puked the first time I served up his raw patty. But he downed it! And to be honest, he was so sad that he stopped eating his kibble. Eating disorder solved!
Step 5: Glucosamine. I've been adding it to his meal as a prevention for arthritis. I don't think it has set in yet but little dogs receive a lot of wear and tear on their poor joints. If he is sore the wod floors won't help anything.
Step 6: Train Poncho to join us in the family room. He is walking around the whole house now BUT not the family room. Which is where we spend most of our time :s
He is happier already! But this month will be a lot of work. We've had some good cuddles together lately. Snuggles and the relaxing walks outside have been good for me too! Pet therapy is great!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Cupboard Cleansing
Robert and I have been struggling for a while to find an acceptable family diet that will also apply to kids. We have tried having separate foods but it just does not work. We will take candy from babies!
We tried being vegetarians since I have always struggled with the ethical and moral issues of eating meat. It didn't work. Robert was cranky and my baby had green poop. So we sucked up the cost and began buying meat from Pine View Farms. I am happy about this:)
We finally tried the Paleo diet. I was a little unsure since I've heard that there is no dairy. I have not researched dairy enough to make a decision as to whether or not we should be drinking cow milk. And I cannot deprive growing kids and a baby from milk without researching. I finally got around to it and checked some discussion boards online. To my surprise a lot of Paleo dieters say that it is common sense. If milk bothers you don't drink it. If it doesn't then include it. Awesome!!
So I have slowly been weaning ourselves and the kids off the processed crap. Just this week we are down to the last box of Nutri Grain bars. I have been replacing it all with nuts, fruits, veggies, meat, dairy, and the odd Paleo baked snacks.
It has been one week of clean eating and we feel better already! The kids are more calm. They aren't as hungry all the time and everyone is happier.
I know this isn't the end and we will want to cave but I hope we can keep it up!
I found a fantastic Paleo cookbook at Costco. Everyday Paleo Family Cookbook by Sarah Fragoso.
It includes snacks, dips, soups, slow cooked meals, entrees, lunch kit meals, sides, and quick "Oh my gosh I have nothing in my cupboard" meals. She even gives tips on what sides pair with which entrees and how to get kids involved with cooking.
Rather than just myself cooking and praying my house doesn't go up in flames while the kids are alone has changed! Now everyone is in the kitchen with me. This cookbook paired with my slow cooker, Acti Fry, and food processor has changed how we eat!
Upon cleansing my cupboards I have also noticed that 25 years has taken it's toll and they need some loving...summer project! :s
We tried being vegetarians since I have always struggled with the ethical and moral issues of eating meat. It didn't work. Robert was cranky and my baby had green poop. So we sucked up the cost and began buying meat from Pine View Farms. I am happy about this:)
We finally tried the Paleo diet. I was a little unsure since I've heard that there is no dairy. I have not researched dairy enough to make a decision as to whether or not we should be drinking cow milk. And I cannot deprive growing kids and a baby from milk without researching. I finally got around to it and checked some discussion boards online. To my surprise a lot of Paleo dieters say that it is common sense. If milk bothers you don't drink it. If it doesn't then include it. Awesome!!
So I have slowly been weaning ourselves and the kids off the processed crap. Just this week we are down to the last box of Nutri Grain bars. I have been replacing it all with nuts, fruits, veggies, meat, dairy, and the odd Paleo baked snacks.
It has been one week of clean eating and we feel better already! The kids are more calm. They aren't as hungry all the time and everyone is happier.
I know this isn't the end and we will want to cave but I hope we can keep it up!
I found a fantastic Paleo cookbook at Costco. Everyday Paleo Family Cookbook by Sarah Fragoso.
It includes snacks, dips, soups, slow cooked meals, entrees, lunch kit meals, sides, and quick "Oh my gosh I have nothing in my cupboard" meals. She even gives tips on what sides pair with which entrees and how to get kids involved with cooking.
Rather than just myself cooking and praying my house doesn't go up in flames while the kids are alone has changed! Now everyone is in the kitchen with me. This cookbook paired with my slow cooker, Acti Fry, and food processor has changed how we eat!
Upon cleansing my cupboards I have also noticed that 25 years has taken it's toll and they need some loving...summer project! :s
Friday, March 22, 2013
Big, Dumb, Guard
Yep. Let's face it. Every time we see a jail guard portrayed in the media it is usually as incompetent, lazy, over weight, and not too bright. Or there is the other side in which they are seen as lunatics that beat up and abuse inmates every chance they get. Even our kids get to see jail guards in Disney movies as some sort of animal (usually a rhino) that screws up somehow, is too slow ( both weight wise and mentally) and the bad guy gets away.
I'm a jail guard. Or "jail police" as my kids proudly refer to me. I take a great amount of pride in what I do and the people that I work with. I keep bad guys in jail. I make sure they behave, assist them in receiving programming, help them with their rehabilitation back into society, and provide counselling as well. And while I do all of this I make sure that the jail is functioning well in terms of security. We refer to it as providing dynamic and static security. When I started my job I was bored most of the time. There is a lot to learn and they want you to master the static (doors, cuffs, locks, 24's, charges) before taking on the dynamic (counselling, programming rehabilitation). Now that I have been there 4-5 years I'm busy most of the time. In fact some days I can hardly keep up. I have my own case load of 5 inmates all the while providing for 30 inmates in an 8 hour shift. Oh yeah...and I only have 1 other partner on shift. Yep we're busy!
Oh yeah and in the 8 hours that I'm there I am so busy that I don't actually think about the fact that I am out numbered by inmates every day...so our lives are at risk too. Yep, I am trained to respond to fights, hostage takings, staff assaults, fires, etc. And I do respond...every time!
Did I also mention that we are under funded, over populated, and our building is constantly in need of repair? Sounds like most government buildings (schools, hospitals) so I won't focus on this part.
We also do a great deal of fundraising for the Children's Hospital Foundation. Does the media help us promote that? Nope. That's not nearly as interesting as drugs or sex. I'm riding 130kms in less than three months...on a bike...for the CHF. It happens every year. And we have raised tens of thousands of dollars.
The people I work with are incredibly intelligent, fit, and one of the most interesting and dynamic groups of people I have ever met. Everyone has a different story and different life experiences. I can sit back, watch, and listen for 8 hours no problem.
I chose this job because I have always had an interest in the justice system. I wanted to be a lawyer in high school but soon realized that being a successful lawyer and mom would be a tough balance. I do not want to be a police officer because then you are dealing with inmates...but they have weapons and are either drunk or stoned. Jail guard is a good balance. I get to do casework and security at the same time.
So while I get to study inmates, help inmates, manage our security measures and every now and then put an inmate back in his place, I also get to work with great staff. Saskatoon should be proud of the people that are protecting them!
Somehow I am a woman and a guard and I manage to not deal drugs, or sleep with inmates. Yup. True Story. I have not changed anything about myself for my job. I wear make up, I do my hair, my nails are done...because that's who I am...and still I somehow manage to keep it together. Thank you women who have screwed it up for the rest of us.
I am proud to wear my uniform. I do my job well and I take it seriously. I put my life at risk to protect others and try to improve society. I am proud of my co workers. Keep your heads up! Don't let the media bring you down. Even if no one else is grateful, I am grateful to have you as partners!
Except for Kendra and Tanya Beauchamp...the media can bring them down...whoops! Typo :s
I'm a jail guard. Or "jail police" as my kids proudly refer to me. I take a great amount of pride in what I do and the people that I work with. I keep bad guys in jail. I make sure they behave, assist them in receiving programming, help them with their rehabilitation back into society, and provide counselling as well. And while I do all of this I make sure that the jail is functioning well in terms of security. We refer to it as providing dynamic and static security. When I started my job I was bored most of the time. There is a lot to learn and they want you to master the static (doors, cuffs, locks, 24's, charges) before taking on the dynamic (counselling, programming rehabilitation). Now that I have been there 4-5 years I'm busy most of the time. In fact some days I can hardly keep up. I have my own case load of 5 inmates all the while providing for 30 inmates in an 8 hour shift. Oh yeah...and I only have 1 other partner on shift. Yep we're busy!
Oh yeah and in the 8 hours that I'm there I am so busy that I don't actually think about the fact that I am out numbered by inmates every day...so our lives are at risk too. Yep, I am trained to respond to fights, hostage takings, staff assaults, fires, etc. And I do respond...every time!
Did I also mention that we are under funded, over populated, and our building is constantly in need of repair? Sounds like most government buildings (schools, hospitals) so I won't focus on this part.
We also do a great deal of fundraising for the Children's Hospital Foundation. Does the media help us promote that? Nope. That's not nearly as interesting as drugs or sex. I'm riding 130kms in less than three months...on a bike...for the CHF. It happens every year. And we have raised tens of thousands of dollars.
The people I work with are incredibly intelligent, fit, and one of the most interesting and dynamic groups of people I have ever met. Everyone has a different story and different life experiences. I can sit back, watch, and listen for 8 hours no problem.
I chose this job because I have always had an interest in the justice system. I wanted to be a lawyer in high school but soon realized that being a successful lawyer and mom would be a tough balance. I do not want to be a police officer because then you are dealing with inmates...but they have weapons and are either drunk or stoned. Jail guard is a good balance. I get to do casework and security at the same time.
So while I get to study inmates, help inmates, manage our security measures and every now and then put an inmate back in his place, I also get to work with great staff. Saskatoon should be proud of the people that are protecting them!
Somehow I am a woman and a guard and I manage to not deal drugs, or sleep with inmates. Yup. True Story. I have not changed anything about myself for my job. I wear make up, I do my hair, my nails are done...because that's who I am...and still I somehow manage to keep it together. Thank you women who have screwed it up for the rest of us.
I am proud to wear my uniform. I do my job well and I take it seriously. I put my life at risk to protect others and try to improve society. I am proud of my co workers. Keep your heads up! Don't let the media bring you down. Even if no one else is grateful, I am grateful to have you as partners!
Except for Kendra and Tanya Beauchamp...the media can bring them down...whoops! Typo :s
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Adoption Support?!
Since my last post I have found a whole world of support available to us and the kids! Thank you so much for your comments :)
There is an Adoption Support Centre right here in Saskatoon. Here it is in point form as to why it is AWESOME!!
- There are Adoption magazines that come out six times a year that have articles in them specifically for biological parents, adoptive parents, and adopted children. My favorite articles so far are the ones about the emotional stages of development of children and how they are different for adopted children. I feel like they are talking about our kids! It discusses how to treat children based on their emotional age and not their physical age. There was also a pamphlet on the inside for teachers and the differences they ay find in the classroom among adopted youth compared to the other children.
- They have youth groups for adopted youth! This addresses our kids coming home from school and asking where are all the other adopted kids :) They love youth group! It makesthem feel special and it is led by a social worker to help with any issues or questions that may come up during the group.
- They host the Adopt A Walk every year and the money goes to a scholarship program to send a local adopted child to university! Which is great! I have found a charity to send my extra cash ....lol. When I have it :s A family of five is a huge financial wake up call!
- They have parenting groups for adoptive parents and biological parents that have given their children for adoption.
- They have a massive library filled with books for all ages all about adoption. They will even mail books to me for free!
What a huge resource!! We are so excited to use it!!
There is an Adoption Support Centre right here in Saskatoon. Here it is in point form as to why it is AWESOME!!
- There are Adoption magazines that come out six times a year that have articles in them specifically for biological parents, adoptive parents, and adopted children. My favorite articles so far are the ones about the emotional stages of development of children and how they are different for adopted children. I feel like they are talking about our kids! It discusses how to treat children based on their emotional age and not their physical age. There was also a pamphlet on the inside for teachers and the differences they ay find in the classroom among adopted youth compared to the other children.
- They have youth groups for adopted youth! This addresses our kids coming home from school and asking where are all the other adopted kids :) They love youth group! It makesthem feel special and it is led by a social worker to help with any issues or questions that may come up during the group.
- They host the Adopt A Walk every year and the money goes to a scholarship program to send a local adopted child to university! Which is great! I have found a charity to send my extra cash ....lol. When I have it :s A family of five is a huge financial wake up call!
- They have parenting groups for adoptive parents and biological parents that have given their children for adoption.
- They have a massive library filled with books for all ages all about adoption. They will even mail books to me for free!
What a huge resource!! We are so excited to use it!!
Friday, February 1, 2013
I hate you.
I've tried my best to install in my children that the words "love" and "hate" are two powerful words.
I often encourage them to use the words "dislike", and "enjoy" etc. And reserve that word "love" for something or someone that truly deserves it.
Anybody who knows Sagelyne and Hayden know their history. It hasn't been easy for either of them. I pray that life goes well for them and that all the labels that apply to them with their background won't become true i.e. "high risk youth".
Hayden seems like he is making out okay. The school thing has calmed down and he is into a good routine. His biggest issue right now is not getting tired after lunch at school...which is a huge improvement!
Sagelyne was doing really well in the beginning and I feel like things are going backwards. I'm sure this is normal but she has so much attitude, cannot get ready for anything without having to be told 100 times, is so loud and interruptive, I could go on but I feel like she is out of control.
Today was the breaking point. I have been wondering all day what to do with her. What the best plan of action would be. Take away ALL her things? Tell her no TV? That she can't have a sleepover at grandma's this weekend?
And then while I was tidying up the house for the millionth time today I found a note. Not in her diary or anything...just a random piece of paper. Scribbled all over it was "I hate you Sagelyne Ava Carruthers!"
I wish Hayden could write...
So now what.
How do I punish a girl who hates herself? Who thinks she is ugly? Who thinks that she isn't good at anything? Who thinks that her biological dad doesn't love her? Who constantly questions why her biological mom gave her up?
I know part of the answer is that I cannot let her getaway with her inappropriate behaviour regardless of her background. I don't want her past to ever be a crutch.
But how to teach a girl who has hated herself for 8 years to love herself?
I often encourage them to use the words "dislike", and "enjoy" etc. And reserve that word "love" for something or someone that truly deserves it.
Anybody who knows Sagelyne and Hayden know their history. It hasn't been easy for either of them. I pray that life goes well for them and that all the labels that apply to them with their background won't become true i.e. "high risk youth".
Hayden seems like he is making out okay. The school thing has calmed down and he is into a good routine. His biggest issue right now is not getting tired after lunch at school...which is a huge improvement!
Sagelyne was doing really well in the beginning and I feel like things are going backwards. I'm sure this is normal but she has so much attitude, cannot get ready for anything without having to be told 100 times, is so loud and interruptive, I could go on but I feel like she is out of control.
Today was the breaking point. I have been wondering all day what to do with her. What the best plan of action would be. Take away ALL her things? Tell her no TV? That she can't have a sleepover at grandma's this weekend?
And then while I was tidying up the house for the millionth time today I found a note. Not in her diary or anything...just a random piece of paper. Scribbled all over it was "I hate you Sagelyne Ava Carruthers!"
I wish Hayden could write...
So now what.
How do I punish a girl who hates herself? Who thinks she is ugly? Who thinks that she isn't good at anything? Who thinks that her biological dad doesn't love her? Who constantly questions why her biological mom gave her up?
I know part of the answer is that I cannot let her getaway with her inappropriate behaviour regardless of her background. I don't want her past to ever be a crutch.
But how to teach a girl who has hated herself for 8 years to love herself?
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