One Month: Day 30 (Thankfulness Project 365)

Wow!

It has been one month since I have been doing this project.

It has been hard in all honesty.

In the last month, I have found small and big things to be thankful for even though I have been sick and not doing well at all. 

I have managed to keep my family going, homeschooling, cooking, getting through storms.

Here is a look back at the last 30 days.

 Happy Birthday!                                

                                          Restoration

Snow!                                                     

              Science

Meeting New People                              

                                                                 Hugs!

National Compliment Day

Detoxing Bath (recipe)                                                                           

                                                                                              Grammy's

Food

Ice Cream                                       

                                             All Nighters

Siestas                                                                                       

                                                                                              Year of the Horse

Excedrin

Super Bowl                                               

                                               Crock Pot

Chocolate                                  

                                                                                                             Coffee     

K12                                                  

                                             Father Son Monster Time   

Natural Snow Outdoor Fridge                                                      

                                                                                            Tea Party for Kids   

Pinterest

Antibiotics                                   

                                                                                 Email   

       Love

                                                                           Day After Valentine's Day Sales

Parenting Advice                                                                 

President's Day

                                              

President's Day: Day 29 (Thankfulness Project)

We are happy to have a holiday!

Especially anything that makes a 3 day weekend.

Now, apparently, my husband did not get the memo since he went to work anyways.

Whoops.

Well hopefully that is a gold coin in the bank of kudos for him.

One day, you never know, he may need it.

Also, it gives a day to catch up on homework, or watch Olympics in our case. 

But also to learn about presidents.

You can check here about Washington's Birthday and Lincoln's and Jefferson's-- in fact, it is one big historical birthday party. It is a cool way to learn about some cool presidents that go down in history. 

It was in 1971 it became a federal holiday but Washington's Birthday has been a national holiday since 1885! 

You can learn fun facts and have lots of school activity sheets here at Dltk Kids. 

There are crafts and fun things for president's day here at Enchanted Learning.

Happy President's Day!

(<-- Parenting Advice)

Parenting Advice: Day 28 (Thankfulness Project 365)

It takes a village right?

I think it does.

I am thankful for the moments where you can talk with someone, either someone you know or don't, and they give you very valid and pertinent advise from where you are at.

Realising cross cultural parenting is very difficult and is hard everyday.

There are going to be things you agree about and things you don't.

I hate not being able to compromise or when something is obviously not working, not changing.

It makes me very tired to keep circling in the same pattern if it leads no where.

I am a doer, a fixer, a mother.

I do not like seeing no progress.

Am I tough on my kids to expect a lot of them?

You are sure skippy I do!

I expect them not to become rude bratty kids.

They best be polite and have manners.

They best love their neighbors and try their best.

They best have respect, both for themselves and others.

A tall order, I am sure.

But it is an important one.

(<-- Day after Valentine's Day Sales) (President's Day -->)

Day after Valentine's Sales: Day 27 (Thankfulness Project 365)

I can't say I got anything today, but I love after holidays getting things half price or less.

Simple!

Savings is always awesome.

The day after tends to be the best day for selection and sale!

If you have more space than I do, being a small place, you can buy ahead, even a year ahead and stay more pocketed and a year ahead!

You can even head over to The Krazy Coupon Lady and you will find so many sales and tips on saving money everyday and even after holidays!

I personally did not get anything this year, as I was sick, but go venture! It is an adventure.
A great excuse to get some chocolates, roses, teddy bears, and so much more.

(<-- Love) (Parenting Advise -->)

Love: Day 26 (Thankfulness Project)

I know, cliche right?

On Valentine's Day, I would say love right?

Oh those red roses and those chocolates?!

Nope, not me.

I am thankful for love period.

This is not the only day I need to celebrate love.

I celebrate love every day and many different ways.

I would rather have real love all 365 days than champagne, red roses and chocolate on one day.

Someone to help stand by me.

Someone who loves me despite all the good and the bad.

Someone who will stand by me to help change diapers.

Someone who will call me on my stuff when I need it.

Someone who will pick me up when I am done.

That is real love and more valuable than red roses or chocolate.

Friends, family, yourself. 

That is love.

Celebrate it true to you!

( <-- Email)  (Day After Valentine's Day Sale -->)

Carrot Ginger Protein Cookies

Ingredients:

3/4 cup butter

2 scoops vanilla protein powder

1/4 cup milk

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

1/4 cup minced almonds

2 cups carrot

3 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat to 375

2. Combine until you get sticky dough

3.  Bake on ungreased baking sheet for 12 minutes

Email: Day 25 (Thankfulness Project 365)

I am thankful for email.

Unpractical, no.

Think about it.

When you have a thought to get off your chest, you need to schedule an appointment, you need to get ahold of your loved one miles away and the phone won't work. How about when you are thousands of miles away and can't seem to reach someone because of busy schedules but you need to let them know how much you care.  Email is there!

I am thankful for that modern technology as jaded and political as it can get, it can sometimes mend things that can't be otherwise.

Something that came about when I was a kid but was not really widely used until high school or college. 

Is that not crazy to think about?

So much has changed since growing up- you no longer have to wait for someone by the phone to communicate.

You can learn more about the history of email, but isn't it cool when you really think about it?

(<-- Antibiotics)  ((Love -->)

We Are...Snowed IN!

Now, excuse me while I get some more rest, than coffee, jump up and down of giddiness, and watch as it continues to snow! 

I will continue to watch and gawk at the snow we have and will continue to get. They expect a few more inches on top of the 10-14" we have already.

By the way, for the record (and you can ask my husband, a few friends maybe and my mum), but I had a dream about 10-14" of snow- no joke!

Well, TA-DA!

My dream came true and there are many happy snow lovers!

According to Capital Weather Gang, parts of Frederick and Loudon counties here in MD may see up to 2 feet of snow after all measurements come in! 

Someone already measured 18" in  Germantown, MD. 

Some people in downtown D.C. have measured 9". 

Let me explain that in D.C., weather that your neighbor receives you may not. Meaning, two blocks away you can get 12" snow and another two blocks away it's 9". It is interesting. One reason D.C. weather fascinates me.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Antibiotics: Day 24 (Thankfulness Project 365)

Those days when you are sick are a day to be thankful for antibiotics when you really need them.

I am one to use them as the upmost last resort.

I don't even like taking Tylenol when I have a fever because it is something that my body was meant to fight off on their own.

If you can, and you are sick- do yourself and everyone a favour.

Stay home and rest.

You read right.

Don't run into the doctor.

Don't try to get a mil and one things done.

Don't try to medicate yourself with tylenol even.

Try other things first.

Water. Lots of it.

Hot bath.

Sleep.

Movies.

Rest.

Truly it is important to know, that running to the doctor while you are sick, you are just liable to get sicker with other things out there.

Now if you are sick beyond a cold, ear infection (that is not chronic and new), if you think you have something else, go in to a doctor. You may need something, like antibiotics to help.

Reserve them for when you really need them so that way they work and your body has not built an immunity response to it. Not to mention the super bugs created to try to avoid antibiotics. 

I am glad I am starting to feel better and hope you do too!

(<-- Pinterest)  (Email -->)

Tofu Vegetable New Year Noodles~ Happy Chinese New Year!

Ingredients:

1 pound spaghetti noodles

5 carrots chopped

3 baby bok choy chopped

2 squares Tofu

1 tbsp minced Garlic

1/8 cup soy sauce

dash Far East Sesame Ginger Spice

Directions:

1. chop bok choy, carrots, and tofu

2. Add to pan over medium heat

3. Boil Noodles for 8 minutes

4. Add in ginger, salt and pepper and stir often in the pan

5. Drain noodles, add to the pan

6. Add soy sauce and the far east spice, cooking for another few minutes

7. Serve!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Pinterest: Day 23 (Thankfulness Project 365)

I am thankful for Pinterest.

I know, I know.

But I am.

Why?

It categorizes and remembers things and becomes my virtual cork board! 

So nice!

Better than tell you, or in addition, I will show you.

Plus 

Equals

(<-- Tea Party for Kids)  (Antibiotics-->)

Avocado Rum Cocktail

Ingredients:

4 oz rum

1/2 ripe avocado

1 oz milk

capful lemon juice

4-5 tsp sugar & milk blend (equal both)

1 1/2 cups ice cubes

Directions:

1. Make your milk-sugar blend by simply mixing seperately

2. Combine and Blend

3. Enjoy!

Tea Parties For Kids: Day 22 (Thankfulness Project 365)

I am thankful for the fact that the National Capital Area Girl Scouts put on a tea party for girls younger than them. 

So often now we see that the girl's activities consist of things like cheerleading, ballet and for the boys things like football and soccer. And sometimes we see activities that for being politically correct, they open to everyone. I say this having two boys and a girl. I, most of the time agree with it, but it was honestly nice to have something just for my daughter this time. Something that I know she would enjoy. Something that both my boys and my girl love to do but for once  she could do with lots of other girls.  I am glad that this one time thing as well, so there is balance. 

Taking something my daughter loves to do, both as a baby, and even now as a young girl, and re create for many girls who do the same. A tea party!

They decorated cupcakes, learned how to properly set a table, learned basic etiquette, made their own hair clips, do origami, make cards, and more. How awesome is that?

I even love it more, not because she will practice those etiquette skills because chances are she will not, but because it was a full well rounded event that was not just 'go play' but taught skills, socialised, and most importantly have fun. It gave me ideas for even her birthday party!

My daughter loved it!

She was elated when she got home, and even wrote me a card. 

Thank you to the Chevy Chase Community Center for Department of Recreation for hosting the location and thank you to the Girl Scouts!

(<--Natural Snow Outdoor Fridge) (Pinterest -->)

(Also today-- Avocado Rum Cocktail) 

Natural Snow Outdoor Frig (What to Do When Your Frig Dies): Day 21 (Thankfulness Project 365)

Today I am thankful that it is cold outside.

Yep, I am cold that is it is in the 30's (F) outside right now and that the tempatures will be only going down through the next few days.

I have had our frig die on us during the summer and that is less fun because you have less options to just put the food outside in the cold to become your natural frig for you. Almost becomes tempting to just unplug the frig during the winter to save money on electricity. Spend it more on keeping the house warm and just put the food outside, in a safe way of course, to just let nature keep it cold for you.

The amazing part was that as soon as we put it out, within minutes, it was nice and cold again.

Right now, we literally have it on our back porch with a bin on top of it to keep it safe.

We may not have a frig for a week, so thank you mother nature!

If you find yourself in the same position, just literally put it on your back porch, in an ice chest or even just on the ground and put a bin over it to protect it over night. At least, until you can get your frig fixed.

(<-- Father Son Monster Time)  (Tea Parties for Girls -->)

Father Son Monster Time: Day 20 (Thankfulness Project 365)

I am thankful for those moments in life that happen with kids that make you smile.
Despite the many screams and taunts and messes in my house today, this was a great moment.

My kids each decided to make themselves into a monster with dad.

"Daddy, can I get in your shirt and be a monster?" our daughter says.

"Sure," says daddy.

So begins the next 30 minutes of pure fun and angst between the kids waiting to take turns.

"Daddy, go, rawr!"

"Daddy, let's have 2 heads, and 3 arms....go this way...no that way.... ok!"

For a few spare moments in the day, there is no yelling, screaming, fighting, and there is just fun.

Now, onto the question....

When is it mommy's turn to be the fun parent?
(<-- K12)  (Natural Snow Frig --> )

K 12: Day 20 (Thankfulness 365)

Today I am thankful for K 12. 

What is K12, you ask?

It is an accredited online school for families in which public school does not quite work for them. 

This could be military families, families with kids who are disabled, with kids who are advanced, you name it. It gives the opportunity for the kids to learn in the best way that suits them.

I am doing this program through our local school.

There are days, especially lately, where I am really sick that having a daily plan laid out for me, is super helpful. 

There are clubs for the kids online, field trips with the local school, and they have to meet all the same standards that other schools do, sometimes higher.

Like any school, there are admin things you have to do, you have to deal with teachers, principals and more. That works to support you but it is overhead. I can't speak to the private school option, just the public charter option, which is what we do. 

It has been great for the kids because I can focus them on what they need to do to meet and far exceed expectations. Sometimes they hit head on expectations and that is fine. Sometimes they are behind and that is fine too because every kid is unique in their learning style. 

I am considering putting one of my kids, possibly all three, in a public or public charter brick and mortar this next year to help them expand their learning both socially and academically. They get both now but honestly, those that think it is a picnic has got another thing coming.

If you are considering doing this, please be aware that it is work... a lot of work.

There are going to be days you want to pull your hair out and days that you are elated. 

Days that you are trying to figure out if you are doing the right thing and days you are sure this is the best option for your child. 

Also, being open that things change all the time for your child. What works this year may not work next year. 

Also, the first year for any child is like being the first year in school itself- it will be hard for them so you need to prepare both yourself and your child for that.

Worth it and I am thankful to have this option to help my child learn better.

(<-- Coffee)  (Father Son Monster Time -->)

Coffee: Day 19 (Thankfulness 365)

Some days you don't want to wake up because you are so tired.

Some days you can drink all the caffeine in the world and it does not help.

Most days, coffee is the sweet good old stuff that makes it ok to move moment to moment.

Therefore I am thankful for coffee.

I only make it one way: the French Press.

Hands down the best way to make coffee!

You read studies all the time about if it is good for you, bad for you, yadda yadda.

But when it comes down to it, it gives you energy when you need it.

And it does help with your body too.
The question is how much.

For any person, please moderate yourself as what you can have is not what your friend, co worker, or the person next to you on the bus can have.

So many ways to make coffee and recipes- soon to come. 

Off to get my cup of coffee!

(<-- Chocolate) (K12 -->)

Chocolate: Day 18 (Thankfulness Project 365)

Yup, any one else quilty or quite proud?

Oh yay baby!

Chocolate!

I love love love me my chocolate.

I went through phases of chocolate too.

I had where I would only eat chocolate with nuts, chocolate that was not milk chocolate, and now I eat it all.

I wish that I did not eat it so much.

In fact I am thinking of downsizing my chocolate.

Right now, I am working on no ice cream.

It is like a drug- really.

When things are not going right in the day, when things are going right in the day, when I am happy, when I am sad, and mostly when I am stressed, I go to sweets.

Right now, it is a no ice cream home zone.

Soon, it will be a limited chocolate home zone.

No snacking straight up on chocolate chips. Adding chocolate syrup on everything.

I love chocolate but I have to do it in moderation.

(<-- Crock Pot) (Coffee -->)

Crock Pot: Day 17 (Thankfulness Project 365)

I am thankful for the crock pot!

Yep, the Crock Pot.

I have to be honest, that I just started using them. I still won't use them if I am sleeping or out. I just don't like the fire hazard. But I am thankful for them. I have made several dishes, just throwing in the ingredients and cooking.

If I am sick, if I am in a hurry- those are the moments I can easily throw things in a crock pot and cook.

I can school my kids and worry less about having to slave over the stove.

I will update this soon with some awesome crock pot recipes but I can include two:

Super Bowl Kid Approved Easy Chili

Super Bowl Beef Chorizo Black Bean Chili

(<-- Super Bowl) (Chocolate -->)

Super Bowl: Day 16 (Thankfulness Project 365)

Today I am thankful for the Super Bowl!

It got my son and daughter happy and gave us an excuse to make homemade chili and eat it too!
Kids made their Kid Approved Easy Chili, and I made my Super Bowl Beef Chorizo and Black Bean Chili. So good and we have leftovers! Yum!

Had popcorn, made strawberry lemonade pops, homemade corn tortillas, homemade avocado rum cocktail- it was a big bowl full of yum!

But let's be honest about that game. Or was it a game?

It was seriously like this conversation happened before the game:

Seahawks: "So, congrats on making it to the Super Bowl. Just, you know, it is the Year of the Horse (Happy Lunar New Year by the way), and since you got that, can you just give us this win? Thanks."

Broncos: "K"

I had friends 3000 miles away announce they were turning the t.v. off and I have never heard them say that...like ever! 

Let's just all admit, when knew that game was o-v-e-r before Bruno Mars performed.

22-0 at half time. Ouch.

Ended up 43-8.

At the very least, it inspired my sons and daughter to throw a balloon around like a football and a plastic football. I think that was more entertaining- especially since they managed to not break anything. My baby fell asleep pretty quick, and he is a late nighter. I could not get him to sleep if I tried before 10pm usually and he was out like a light. 

But the most important thing was spending time with my family.

How did you spend time with your family this week?

(<-- Excedrin) (Crock Pot -->)

Excedrin: Day 15 (Thankfulness Project 365)

Today I am thankful for Excedrin.

I know, sounds weird.

But if you suffer migraines like I do, even if you drink water and coffee, it can be a life saver.

I am the kind of person who does not like to take medicine.

When it starts to interfere with my ability to live that is a problem.

I have realised more frequently that I am taking it but I am not sure if I am just realising I have to take it or if my headaches are more and more turning into migraines.

If you have migraines or really bad headaches, watch your signs.

Take it early. 

I am learning slowly but surely that I have to just give in a take it instead of wasting an entire day. 

It is not being un natural to take it if you need it. 

I have not stood up to myself enough to just realise it is better to take it than to try to be on the couch and being a grouch all the time. 

Before taking Excedrin these are my personal things I try:

1) Coffee (Excedrin has caffeine in it and it helps the migraine)

2) Water (lots of it, drink 2 glasses straight up and then slowly)

3) Protein (anything will do with protein, sometimes that is all you need)

4) Rest (especially if you are lacking in rest, but take a few minutes, eyes closed, resting).

Stay headache free!
(<-- Year of the Horse)  ( Super Bowl -->)