Happy Halloween Eve to all my readers! Most of you may be celebrating Halloween today, so I wanna hear all about it. What costumes did you love? What ones crossed the line? Did you see any totally out there costumes that just rocked your world?
Sara is going as a Chilean Princess. My mom sent a super cute dress from Chile that I am so excited for her to wear. Cameron and I are going as "Cowboy and Indian'. He is dressing up as a Utah Ute (surprise!) and I am going to be the cowgirl. I've never been to a Trunk-or-Treat tonight, but I'm looking forward to it.
So Happy Halloween, be safe!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Who Does What?
Every family does things a little differently and I'm always curious how things work in other people's relationships and families. For example, Cameron takes out the trash (after I lovingly remind him for a couple of days), picks up Sara's toys (sometimes), puts away his own laundry, and will empty the dishwasher or wash the dishes if I'm running behind or overwhelmed. Is that normal? Do other husbands do more/less? Cameron does as much as I need him to do, at the moment. Sure, I wish he would put his dishes in the dishwasher more often or not leave his cereal bowl by the couch, or clean up his pile of mail on the counter. But for the most part, he is pretty good to help around the house.
I do the cooking, all the cleaning, the majority of picking up, and the shopping. Cameron works full time and I am a stay at home mom. For couples who both work full time, how is the housework divided? How do you parent as a team? For other couples where the husband works and the mom stays at home, who does what? For couples where the mother works full time and the day stays at home, how do you do things?
I do the cooking, all the cleaning, the majority of picking up, and the shopping. Cameron works full time and I am a stay at home mom. For couples who both work full time, how is the housework divided? How do you parent as a team? For other couples where the husband works and the mom stays at home, who does what? For couples where the mother works full time and the day stays at home, how do you do things?
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Holiday Overload
I enjoyed reading the post about the holidays a few months ago, and I am eager for the upcoming two months. As long as I can remember, my family put up our Christmas tree on Veteran's Day, in the middle of November. We did it for the ease of convenience because we had a day off of school. Our tree was up for a long time, and I loved it.
As I have grown to love Christmas even more, I have watched what I call Holiday Overload. My question echoes the questions posted by Jenn in September.
What do you do to keep Christ in Christmas?
I ask this sincerely with only a few ideas of my own.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints, I was able to spend 18 months in missionary service. Christmas was by far the best day. We got to call our families, and spend even more time in reflection of the role Christ plays in our lives. I gained a greater love and deeper appreciation for the importance of my family and the true meaning of Christmas. Opening presents didn't provide us with the same joy as reflecting on having a Christ-centered life.
So again I ask:
What do you do to keep Christ in Christmas?
Here is what we do:
Our kids only get two presents. One from us and one from Santa. Even if we ever have the money to buy more, we won't. For us, two presents plus grandparents presents, plus one aunt/uncle from each family presents equals up to quite a few things to play with.
We start singing Christ-centered Christmas songs early in the year so our kids know Who we are singing about.
That's only Two Ideas-hoping-for-many-more in Tucson,
Brandi
As I have grown to love Christmas even more, I have watched what I call Holiday Overload. My question echoes the questions posted by Jenn in September.
What do you do to keep Christ in Christmas?
I ask this sincerely with only a few ideas of my own.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints, I was able to spend 18 months in missionary service. Christmas was by far the best day. We got to call our families, and spend even more time in reflection of the role Christ plays in our lives. I gained a greater love and deeper appreciation for the importance of my family and the true meaning of Christmas. Opening presents didn't provide us with the same joy as reflecting on having a Christ-centered life.
So again I ask:
What do you do to keep Christ in Christmas?
Here is what we do:
Our kids only get two presents. One from us and one from Santa. Even if we ever have the money to buy more, we won't. For us, two presents plus grandparents presents, plus one aunt/uncle from each family presents equals up to quite a few things to play with.
We start singing Christ-centered Christmas songs early in the year so our kids know Who we are singing about.
That's only Two Ideas-hoping-for-many-more in Tucson,
Brandi
Beeeeeeeeeeep!
Wake up! It's Brandi's day and I'm sure as diligent as she is, she will post later today. I, however, have been absent for a week. It has been a little crazy at the Lange household, but I am back. See ya tomorrow for an exciting post. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
I Can Only Imagine...
Recently I went to a little get together, where the point came up that kids toys today are filled with noise, buttons to push, and toys that already tell the stories for our kids. The point being made was that while these toys are fun, they sometimes take away from our kids abilities to really utilize their imaginations.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE GOOD IDEAS TO INVITE IMAGINATION?
Here are the things I have tried and had FUN FUN FUN doing..
1) If your child draws a picture, ask them follow-up questions, such as: what is your picture about? What happened next? What is your guys name? (some of my favorites are names like Planet Jupiter Reptile, Bugman, Super guy who flies)
2) Have a bowl of words (like ice cream, frog, truck, etc...) Each member of the family makes up a ten second song about their word
3) Sit and play. This is sometimes hard for me because of the internal dialogue of small children, but I am learning and have had some great imagination moments with my kids.
4) Let them create their own rules and their own games, even if you don't understand. Recently my four year old played a game with my Mom where he was the triangle, she was the octagon, and they had to jump on the blanket, and you could use tornadoes and each have a super power....Do you get it? Me either! but...he got it and could explain it to you)
This is Lincoln and Henry playing with my toilet paper holders ( actually they informed me these were towers for their super hero guys to climb on), a bowl, and some sort of utensil.
Tuesdays in Tucson
Imagining with my Super Heroes Lincoln and Henry,
Brandi
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE GOOD IDEAS TO INVITE IMAGINATION?
Here are the things I have tried and had FUN FUN FUN doing..
1) If your child draws a picture, ask them follow-up questions, such as: what is your picture about? What happened next? What is your guys name? (some of my favorites are names like Planet Jupiter Reptile, Bugman, Super guy who flies)
2) Have a bowl of words (like ice cream, frog, truck, etc...) Each member of the family makes up a ten second song about their word
3) Sit and play. This is sometimes hard for me because of the internal dialogue of small children, but I am learning and have had some great imagination moments with my kids.
4) Let them create their own rules and their own games, even if you don't understand. Recently my four year old played a game with my Mom where he was the triangle, she was the octagon, and they had to jump on the blanket, and you could use tornadoes and each have a super power....Do you get it? Me either! but...he got it and could explain it to you)
Tuesdays in Tucson
Imagining with my Super Heroes Lincoln and Henry,
Brandi
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Boss's Day
So this week is Boss's Day. I have no idea which day, I just know it's this week. I got an e-mail from Rubio's for a buy one get one free if you bring in your boss on the 14th or 15th of October.
Who is the boss of your household?
Click here for the coupon and get your husband to take you (the boss) to dinner!
Enjoy!
Who is the boss of your household?
Click here for the coupon and get your husband to take you (the boss) to dinner!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Martha and Mary; the post post edit
Sorry for the brief hiatus. We, at the Johnson household have been struck with the flu, and with the wonderful world we call chaos. However, I have been thinking about this post for quite some time.
I have been an avid reader since I was four. When we were little kids, my mom would read stories to us on the couch at night time. She read many novels, and she would always stop at pivotal points and make us wait until the next night to hear what was happening.
Incidentally, my mom always made time to play with us, cook with us, read with us, and be with us. She was an exemplar of sacrifice.
Today, i wanted to write about a story out of the Bible. Regardless of your religious affiliation, the Bible is a wonderful piece of literature from which to gain invaluable life lessons. I believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly.
In the Bible, in the book of Luke, we learn a great lesson; a lesson that has offered me insurmountable wisdom as I have entered the world of motherhood; and I believe it teaches me what my Mom spent years and years trying to impart to her children.
Jesus had come to the village where Martha and her sister Mary were, and Martha invited Jesus into her house. While He was there, Mary sat with Him and listened. Meanwhile, Martha was busy working; probably doing all the things she felt should be done. (Any one else suffer from this???)
Then, she said (if I had said it, it would have been in a very martyr-like tone) "Dost thou care not that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me."
Jesus answered and said unto her, "Martha, Martha thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part...."
Many days of my motherhood, I have spent my time cleaning my house. I have spent time, doing laundry, dishes, ironing, and putting things away. I have really started thinking about Jesus' comment to Martha when he says. "But one thing is needful."
One thing is needful.
Right now, I have one needful thing, in the way of two beautiful children and a husband. When I am busy washing the dishes, and my four year old asks, Mama, can you play guys with me? Or my two year old asks Mama, can you get me? WHAT IS NEEDFUL?
I had a girlfriend who reminded me recently that the reason we clean is so that we don't get sick. Being troubled about many things because we are too busy doing the things we think we should do, and not enough time doing the needful things can be exhausting; Believe me.
But, I believe as we come to pay attention to the needful things, and to sit with our children and read to them, or paly with them, or cook with them, or talk with them, or...you get my point, that we learn the lessons as mothers we are intended to learn.
My mom told me recently that there is plenty of time when the kids are older and leaving home to worry about the needful thing of having a clean house. But, right now.
What is needful?
I have been an avid reader since I was four. When we were little kids, my mom would read stories to us on the couch at night time. She read many novels, and she would always stop at pivotal points and make us wait until the next night to hear what was happening.
Incidentally, my mom always made time to play with us, cook with us, read with us, and be with us. She was an exemplar of sacrifice.
Today, i wanted to write about a story out of the Bible. Regardless of your religious affiliation, the Bible is a wonderful piece of literature from which to gain invaluable life lessons. I believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly.
In the Bible, in the book of Luke, we learn a great lesson; a lesson that has offered me insurmountable wisdom as I have entered the world of motherhood; and I believe it teaches me what my Mom spent years and years trying to impart to her children.
Jesus had come to the village where Martha and her sister Mary were, and Martha invited Jesus into her house. While He was there, Mary sat with Him and listened. Meanwhile, Martha was busy working; probably doing all the things she felt should be done. (Any one else suffer from this???)
Then, she said (if I had said it, it would have been in a very martyr-like tone) "Dost thou care not that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me."
Jesus answered and said unto her, "Martha, Martha thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part...."
Many days of my motherhood, I have spent my time cleaning my house. I have spent time, doing laundry, dishes, ironing, and putting things away. I have really started thinking about Jesus' comment to Martha when he says. "But one thing is needful."
One thing is needful.
Right now, I have one needful thing, in the way of two beautiful children and a husband. When I am busy washing the dishes, and my four year old asks, Mama, can you play guys with me? Or my two year old asks Mama, can you get me? WHAT IS NEEDFUL?
I had a girlfriend who reminded me recently that the reason we clean is so that we don't get sick. Being troubled about many things because we are too busy doing the things we think we should do, and not enough time doing the needful things can be exhausting; Believe me.
But, I believe as we come to pay attention to the needful things, and to sit with our children and read to them, or paly with them, or cook with them, or talk with them, or...you get my point, that we learn the lessons as mothers we are intended to learn.
My mom told me recently that there is plenty of time when the kids are older and leaving home to worry about the needful thing of having a clean house. But, right now.
What is needful?
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Must Have's
I was visiting with a friend today who is about 20 weeks pregnant. She told me that her list of things to get for the baby is enormous and I got to thinking... what do you actually NEED? I'm sure it's different for everyone depending on some decisions like nursing/bottle feeding, how much travel you plan to do, how much space you have, and what your budget is.
When we had Sara, we lived in a 2 bedroom apartment on a student budget. So even though there were lots of things we wanted, we had to stick to what we needed most. I've compiled a list of the things I couldn't live without. Keep in mind, this list does not include the most basic elements like crib, car seat, stroller, blankets, diapers... you get the idea.
1) Baby Bjorn
2) Pack n' Play with bassinet and changing table (Sara slept in it for 6 months)
3) Bumbo Seat
4) Infant Swing
5) Washcloths
6) Diaper changing pouch (so you don't have to drag your whole diaper bag every time)
7) Aveeno baby lotion
8) Exersaucer (starting at about 6 months)
9) Little soothing blanket for them to hold
10) Boppy pillow
I'm sure there are more, but that is what I can think of right now. Please share your must have's with us or maybe even some little extras that just helped make things easier sometimes.
When we had Sara, we lived in a 2 bedroom apartment on a student budget. So even though there were lots of things we wanted, we had to stick to what we needed most. I've compiled a list of the things I couldn't live without. Keep in mind, this list does not include the most basic elements like crib, car seat, stroller, blankets, diapers... you get the idea.
1) Baby Bjorn
2) Pack n' Play with bassinet and changing table (Sara slept in it for 6 months)
3) Bumbo Seat
4) Infant Swing
5) Washcloths
6) Diaper changing pouch (so you don't have to drag your whole diaper bag every time)
7) Aveeno baby lotion
8) Exersaucer (starting at about 6 months)
9) Little soothing blanket for them to hold
10) Boppy pillow
I'm sure there are more, but that is what I can think of right now. Please share your must have's with us or maybe even some little extras that just helped make things easier sometimes.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Freckles and Fall
So I know fall has officially began, but it is still really hot here in Phoenix. I went to visit my cousin in Prescott, AZ for a few days and it was much cooler there. It rained almost the entire time and got really cold at night. Sara had so much fun playing in the rain and splashing in the puddles with her little cousins. She didn't want to come back inside. I was so happy to see her enjoy the colder weather and have her first experience of playing in the rain.
I've been thinking about freckles lately. I think freckles are so cute and have wondered whether or not Sara will get any. I know I had freckles when I was a little girl and still have some on my nose. When do freckles start to show up? Sara doesn't have a single spec on her entire body. But I don't recall seeing many 2 year olds with freckles. I guess we'll have to wait and see if I did a good job keeping her lathered in sunscreen this summer.
I hope you're all enjoy cooler weather, wherever you are!
I've been thinking about freckles lately. I think freckles are so cute and have wondered whether or not Sara will get any. I know I had freckles when I was a little girl and still have some on my nose. When do freckles start to show up? Sara doesn't have a single spec on her entire body. But I don't recall seeing many 2 year olds with freckles. I guess we'll have to wait and see if I did a good job keeping her lathered in sunscreen this summer.
I hope you're all enjoy cooler weather, wherever you are!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
5th time Flu
Sorry to put my Martha vs. Mary post off for a week, but for the fifth time this year my family has the flu! Icky Sticky!
However if you didn't read last weeks post about good literature, please feel free to still answer the question:
What lessons have you learned from good literature that have helped you in your lives?
Tuesdays in Tucson
Nursing the Sick,
Brandi
However if you didn't read last weeks post about good literature, please feel free to still answer the question:
What lessons have you learned from good literature that have helped you in your lives?
Tuesdays in Tucson
Nursing the Sick,
Brandi
Friday, October 1, 2010
What's for Dinner?
Sometimes I get in to a routine of cooking the same 5 or 6 things over and over again. I put together a list of things I can make in less than 30 minutes with ingredients I usually have or just need 1 or 2 things for. So I am sharing my list with you.
Please feel free to respond with dishes of your own that you regularly fix for your family. Also, one thing that really helped me was to put together what ingredients I would need for each meal. That way, when I'm making my grocery list, I can make sure I get what I need. It has really helped to plan a menu for about 10 days and shop accordingly. I do buy produce or things like milk and bread more often, but that way, I only have 2 major shopping trips a month.
It's definitely cutting back the food expenses and helping me be a little more organized. So, here is the list:
4 Way (Chili, Pasta Noodles, Cheese, and Pineapple)
Baked Ziti
BBQ Chicken
Beans and Rice
Breakfast
Chicken Chili
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Chicken, Rice, Brocolli Casserole
Chili
Cranberry Chicken
Enchiladas
Hawaiian Haystacks
Hearty Salad
Lasagna
Macaroni and Cheese
Meatballs
Nachos
Pizza
Pork Chops
Pot Roast
Shepherd’s Pie
Sloppy Joes
Spaghetti
Steak
Stir Fry
Sweet Pulled Pork
Taco Soup
Tacos
Please feel free to respond with dishes of your own that you regularly fix for your family. Also, one thing that really helped me was to put together what ingredients I would need for each meal. That way, when I'm making my grocery list, I can make sure I get what I need. It has really helped to plan a menu for about 10 days and shop accordingly. I do buy produce or things like milk and bread more often, but that way, I only have 2 major shopping trips a month.
It's definitely cutting back the food expenses and helping me be a little more organized. So, here is the list:
4 Way (Chili, Pasta Noodles, Cheese, and Pineapple)
Baked Ziti
BBQ Chicken
Beans and Rice
Breakfast
Chicken Chili
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Chicken, Rice, Brocolli Casserole
Chili
Cranberry Chicken
Enchiladas
Hawaiian Haystacks
Hearty Salad
Lasagna
Macaroni and Cheese
Meatballs
Nachos
Pizza
Pork Chops
Pot Roast
Shepherd’s Pie
Sloppy Joes
Spaghetti
Steak
Stir Fry
Sweet Pulled Pork
Taco Soup
Tacos
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