7 Quick Takes. . . My Thoughts Right Now

This was basically a "stream of consciousness" post with numbers added, but it does feel good to get it out so I can recognize it all and MOVE ON!!  Without further ado. . . 

Relating to cleanliness

1) I like clean and orderly.  I like houses that are clean.  I like books stacked carefully on shelves.  I like folded laundry.  I like being able to walk around from room to room and not bump furniture or crush toys.  I LIKE these things a lot.  But, I think maybe God is calling me to embrace something other than my immediate pleasure and it is difficult and downright humbling.  My biggest struggle with homeschooling last year was not "cleaning up" before diving into lessons.  If I took time to "tidy up," chances were good we would not be getting around to those lessons that day.  (*NOTE: I am not talking about the kind of cleaning that MUST be done for sanitary reasons, such as left-overs int he fridge taken care of or mold cleaned from bathroom toilets.  I mean the more superficial cleaning, such as stacking things nicely, picking up toys, etc )

2) Lately I am feeling a rather pressing and seemingly unfair burden that is really making me grumpy.  If I make any sort of comment about cleaning, it seems that whatever company I am with is all too quick to turn the problem back on me and imply that I am obviously not doing a good enough job teaching my children to clean and pick up after themselves.  So not only do I not get what I would consider "fair whining," but I get reprimanded and made to feel even worse than before I voiced such a struggle.  With five children there is a lot of cleaning to be done.  Granted, my six and eight-year-olds help some (and MAYBE I am still struggling with holding them accountable to chores and such), but even having my oldest child do some tasks often means I have to either A) pester repeatedly until she finally "acceptably completes a task" or B) let it go with what she HAS done, which often involves stepping carefully around those sticky spots on the kitchen floor.  And I do not BELIEVE there is a power in this universe that can train my three-year-old to NOT DESTROY THINGS and/or pick up the destruction he causes properly.  And for the baby. . . well, destroying is part of learning so she is allowed to do so, but for anyone who has taught a fifteen-month-old to pick up toys and clean up messes, I will gladly bow to your expert tutelage!!

3) Blogs on the internet, especially the homeschooling ones I have been frequenting lately, often post pictures of IMMACULATE school rooms.  My children will not have their learning severely inhibited for not having it take place in one of those such rooms or in a spotless house.

Regarding homeschool attitudes toward curriculum and such

4) There is too much material out there for me to possibly do ALL OF IT with my children.  I really need to focus on what I have chosen so far and not be bullied into thinking I need more or different material in order for them to get the "optimal" learning experience. (even if said material is "free to download!")

5) This leads into my next idea which is still growing in my mind, but definitely taking on roots:  It really DOES NOT MATTER what curriculum I use or do not use.

6) What matters is my attitude toward my children and toward learning.  I am teaching them to love learning, not see if they can memorize every possible bit of trivia about EVERYTHING.  I am coming across things as I teach them, that I did no know before (seriously, I just discovered TODAY what an archipelago is!), and I graduated valedictorian from my high school (with a 4.0) and summa cum laude from my four years at college.  I really think of myself as fairly intelligent, but many of these simple things I have forgotten or seriously just did not know before and obviously I still made it through life, right?

7) Every moment of every day is a moment I ask myself, "Am I doing what God desires most for me and my family right now?"  And then I detach myself AGAIN from all those things I THINK I need to be doing (or am stressing over) and get back to the heart of the matter (and often find my smile again).

An original idea. . . Baby Food Jar Piggy Banks

Actually, I have no idea if this is an "original idea" as in I am the first one to think of it, but I will say it is original in that I thought of it myself (and did not find it on another site or pintrest or anything like that).  What is it, you may ask?  Well, my children are getting into MONEY and we needed piggy banks.  But I think piggy banks are kind of dumb and difficult to keep money in, etc.  So I got a friend to keep a few baby food jars for me and let my kiddos have at them with paint.  We keep them up on a shelf so they can be viewed at all times and brought down for counting, upon request.

This one is Rebekah's bank.

This one Rebekah painted for Miriam.

Work-out review of Cathe Friedrich's "Pyramid Upper and Lower Body" DVD.

Today I will review Cathe Friedrich's Intensity Series: Pyramid Upper and Lower Body.

This is definitely one of her "older" DVDs but it is a SOLID work-out.  It is a "stand alone" video, too, thus, if you are wanting ONE video that will seriously work your arms and/or your legs (both work-outs are on this DVD and you can do one or the other or there is a premix for BOTH), this is IT!  You pick three weights for each exercise.  I always go down from my max, so for example, I can crank out 8 reps of bicep curls at 20 lbs, so that is my max weight for that exercise.  So I start two increments down (for my weight system, that is a ten pound weight with a 1.5 lb hand-weight on my wrist - hey I do not have 12 lb dumbbells yet, so I improvise).  So you begin with 12 reps at your lightest weight (11.5 lbs for me), then you do 10 reps with your middle weight (15 lbs for me) and then 8 reps with your heaviest weight (think as heavy as you can lift for that exercise - 20 lbs for me).  Then you go back down with 10 reps of your middle weight and 12 reps of your lightest weight.  Then you move on to the next exercise.  It is a tried and true formula.  She keeps it moving (I often have to hit pause to get my weights situated as she does not wait!) and the music is peppy (although definitely reflective of the decade it was produced). I try to do this video (once for arms and once for legs) at least once a week. 

 Tip: Keep a notebook handy to write down what weight you used for each exercise as there is a lot of switching going on and it gets tough to remember.

Pros: Solid work-out.  I ALWAYS feel this one.  As I said earlier it is a tried and true method.

Cons: Uses lots of different weight selections.  You could probably get by with just dumbbells for at least the arms portion and maybe the legs (depending how heavy you lift), but as you get stronger, it will require more equipment.

Intensity Factor: 8 out of 10 (assuming you really push yourself selecting the heaviest weight you can handle with good form)

Recommended Fitness Level: all (beginner through advanced - just start with weights you can handle and keep at it!)

Background for "My Great Journey With Exercise Videos"

A while back, I made a post about exercising and how it important it is to me.  Then I promised to post reviews of my videos to help out those that might be looking for something like what I use.  And I have not done anything with it since.  To be honest, the task has been a bit daunting as I have been using exercise videos for about six years now.  It all started when I gained a little too much weight in my second pregnancy so when I tried to get back into my regular running routine (which I did pretty-much all through college, simply because I was intimidated with the thought of going to the gym - haha), I was WAY off-balance.  (And it was winter, that might have had something to do with it, too - since he was born in December.)  In any case, after a twisted ankle a few scrapes and bruises I decided I needed to try something else.  I bought one of those steps from Wal-mart.  You know the pretty green and purply color ones.  I should add that those steps are actually a bit smaller than the regular "health club" step, just FYI.  Anyhow, the step came with a video: "Basic Step" by Cathe.  I started with that one and continued using Cathe videos pretty exclusively for about five years.  It has only been in the past six to eight months that I have tried a few other series.

Why you may ask?  Well I will tell you!  First off, because I LOVE Cathe.  I fell in love with her from the start as she is so positive and upbeat.  She was encouraging and fun.  She was very "doable."  She is not quite like some of the other leaders out there that are all crazy and tough.  She is more "try this, do what you can until you get there."  She CAN be intense and encourages reaching that level, but she is definitely VERY approachable at all levels of fitness.  Secondly, I did try getting another video shortly after purchasing a few Cathe ones.  It was called "Slim and Lean" by Jari Love.  I tried it maybe twice and was SOOO disappointed.  IT WAS SOOO BORING!!!  And Jari was not all that encouraging or anything.  From then until about January of this year I have been a tried and true "Cathlete."  Now, why have I suddenly changed some. . . well I have been doing these videos for so long my body has some SERIOUS muscle memory going on.  In other words, I have "burned out" on these combos and they no longer require much effort AT ALL.  Now, Cathe has put out more videos since the ones I have used, but they have changed some and she really adapts to meet all different audiences, some AWESOME (like her Low Impact Series) and some a little disappointing (some of her X-Train Series).  In any case, I was just ready for something new and more intense.  A friend lent me P-90X.  and although I enjoyed Tony a lot, I was not all that impressed with the program, so I moved on to Insanity.  That was fun, but I was already the level of the "second set" of videos and although they are pretty decent work-outs and require no equipment, they are certainly NOT all that joint friendly or that much fun really. . .but I do plan to continue using them as I am able.  The previously mentioned friend also let me my latest passion, Turbo Fire by Chalene.  Wow, those regular cardio work-outs are SO MUCH FUN!!  The hiit ones are pretty good, too (although I think Cathe's hiit videos are tougher).  I was not so impressed with the "strength" ones as they use a band and it just pulled funny or I could not figure out the right strength level. (I have quite a few weights, so I lean more toward just doing traditional weight exercises.)  And I have not even TRIED the stretch videos yet.  (Oops!  Yeah, that is just how I roll, I'm still learning to like stretching and Yoga stuff. . . I know it is good exercise and good for your body but I just have trouble with something that does not make me sweat profusely or hurt afterward.  I do plan to give them a shot one day. . . honest.)

In any case, this is my "work-out journey" in a nutshell.  My next goal is to get up some reviews of my favorite videos, so stay tuned.

In the mean time, here is a lovely photo of my recently updated work-out space.  I posted about it moving from the basement to the garage a while back.  Now my dearest hubby has helped me "tidy it up" and "upgrade" (notice the nice big screen tv?!?) some.  We are also planning to climate control the garage, so once we get that figured out, it will be golden.  In the mean time, I often sweat a little extra during work-outs in the summer, even if I get up early, but it is a great space, so I really cannot complain much!

Rebekah is 8-years-old!

It feels like forever and no time at all.

Happy Birthday Rebekah!!

*She enjoys reading. . . a lot (just like her Dad).  She will seriously sit with a book in her hand all day if I let her.  And I often have to tell her to put the book DOWN to do something. (for example: "Rebekah, put the book down so you can put your clothes on," or "Put the book down while walking!")

*Rebekah has both tomboy and girly girl in her.  She likes to get dressed up and play with make-up, but she likes to get outside and get dirty, too.

*For her birthday this year we got her gifts, of course, but I also decided it was time for more responsibility, so she got more chores, too.  Hooray for being 8-years-old!!  Added to her regular chores are: sweeping the floor after meals, mopping the floor on Mom's request, helping load the dishwasher, and baking muffins and/or bread for breakfast!

*Rebekah is really into art right now.  She has been drawing a lot and painting some.  She is definitely fueling her creative side lately.

*She is an AMAZING helper around the house and with her little sister, Miriam.  She also keeps the boys in line. . . but she definitely shows more love and affection to Miriam.

FAVORITES:

*Her favorite color is pink (as if you had to ask).

*Favorite meal: meatballs (Gordie's mom's recipe)

*Favorite piece of clothing: the skort (skirt-looking for the "girly" girl but shorts under for functional "tomboy" play)

*Favorite school subject: Reading, followed by Art, and then Science experiments!

Happy Birthday, dear Rebekah!  The world is a brighter place with you in it!  You have an amazingly sweet heart and clever mind.  I love having you in our family.  May God continue to bless you and form you into a woman after His own heart!

Journal #13

Out My Window:

Hot.  It is supposed to get up to 100 degrees today with 35 mph winds.  Welcome summer.

Clothing Myself:

Green gym shorts I picked up from Gabe's in college, orange MS Walk T-shirt, sporty sandals.  In my defense, I was PLANNING to work out in the yard today (mow and trim, maybe paint the fence or scrape the house and prep it some more for painting).  I worked in the garden a bit and then got pretty hot (and I'm still pretty tired from an exhausting run yesterday in 90+ temps - which was not my brightest idea ever).  Now I am in here updating the blog.  Hello flexibility in scheduling :)

Around the House:

Well, the "schoolroom" was tidied up, but has since turned into a disaster and catch-all.  Two or three days of not putting things back EXACTLY where they go and that room is gone.  Oh well, we are not in there much right now anyhow.  I usually keep the door shut to keep the baby out (unless invited) so I went ahead and closed the vent in there (one less room to cool).

The train table is working out well in the tv room.  It is used for much more than trains.  They build many creations with our several different sets of wooden blocks, mixed with the big cardboard blocks, and other random toys.  It makes me a little claustrophobic to have it in there, but the kids really enjoy the space.

The Baby:

She is a year now and yes she is FULLY CAPABLE of sleeping through the night (thank-you-very-much).  A year is usually the "magic age" where I demand such functions from my children, but for some reason, I am still babying my little lady.  Although she has slept through the night a handful of times (maybe a couple weeks or  a month total - but not all at once - she would for a few days and then not for a while) she is currently teething hard again and waking to nurse like a rabid werewolf at least two or three times in the late evening/early morning hours.  Although I am exhausted, knowing this will pass soon and my adorable little snuggler will turn into the ever-questioning-I-do-it-MYSELF-toddler VERY SOON, I seem to be tapping a reserve of patience on the matter.

Miriam is also babbling and "speaking" (actual words and phrases is still debatable - "kinda sounds like" type of stuff).  She LOVES to be carried in the front pack or the backpack.  She also enjoyed the jogging stroller the other day (mostly because I fed her crackers the whole time - what can I say, she really would rather be carried).  What cracks me up most about her, though, is her choice of seat.  She is most happy sitting on my lap.  She does not necessarily want to cuddle or nurse.  She is happy with her toys or books or to watch siblings, but she likes to sit on my lap to do it.  

The Kids: 

Paul's latest cute habits include using the phrases, "I never" and "every time."  Paul goes to that park "every time!"  Or "I never put the toy there, I never, Momma!!"  Or when he is mad about a lack of fun snacks he will tell me, "I NEVER got a cookie, Momma, I NEVER!"   He also likes to break things down.  For example, we are all going to the park and he is so excited he exclaims: "Momma goes to the park!  Jacob goes to the park!  Daddy goes to the park!  Samuel goes to the park!  Rebekah goes to the park!  Miriam goes to the park!  Paul goes to the park!!  And often adds an "every time!!" for emphasis.

Jacob is going through a weird phase (or is just oddly more sensitive to some things) where he wants me to help him get dressed.  He will be five-years-old in August and is fully capable of putting on his own clothes, but for some reason he always wants me to help him.  And it is not like he actually NEEDS my help, like tough buttons or snaps or something.  He just WANTS me to help him for some reason.  Kinda strange, but not the end of the world.

Samuel is kind of turning into a bully and I am trying to nip that in the butt.  He does not quite have Rebekah's authority (or sweetness in caring for others) so Samuel will pinch or push or fight his way into getting what he wants.  We are working on it.  Silly boy.

Rebekah is more helpful all the time and we have now crossed into the "tasks for money" realm with her.  There is a lot I expect of her just because she is a member of this family and she seems to get that pretty-well.  But now I feel that on occasion I offer her an opportunity to go "above and beyond" for a small sum. I just picked up a roll of nickles at the bank and you would NOT BELIEVE what five cents will buy as far as "Rebekah labor" goes.

In the Kitchen:

I tried a few new dessert recipes.  One was for "secret ingredient" (avocado) recipe chocolate mousse.  It was edible, but not exactly "dessert" in anyone's eyes.  The other was for chocolate peanut butter bars and OH MY they were good, but not healthy at all (surprise) and definitely NOT GOOD for me to have around to snitch.  I should link the recipes for you but I do not have time to look them up right now.

Since the hubby got his blood-screen results back I am not trying to find "low cholesterol" choices for our meals (hahahahahaha - as if I have EVER made or eaten such a meal) so I'm in the market for new recipes.  But I'm kind of in a deadlock as we have a freezer full of ground beef (from the in-laws, bless them) but that is definitely not the "healthy meat of choice" and chicken is expensive, so. . . try to find chicken and cook more "healthy" or just cook what we have although it is not so healthy.  Such decisions.  I do supplement our meat a lot with beans and always cook off the fat, but I know these small practices are not going to redeem this meat choice on their own.

Crafting:

Nothing right now.  I'm not even sure where my needles are!!  But I sure NEED to get to sewing up my sling.  I snagged it on some broken plastic and really need to fix it up before it gets worse.

Learning: 

Rebekah and Samuel took the California Test of Basic Skills. They are both in the mid-nineties for their scores, so I figure their schooling is going ok.  I think we will take this test at the end of every year to track their progress.

As for our summer learning. . . we are hoping to dive into that next week as we had Totus Tuus church camp this week.

Reading:

I am still reading basically all the books I have ever mentioned as I cannot seem to finish ANYTHING.  I have about a chapter left in Surrender by Father Larry Richards.  I have also started a book called Exercise After Pregnancy, How to Look and Feel Your Best by Helene Byrne.  The review of it boast of fixing diastasis recti.  I have this, but my regular doctor told me there was really nothing to be done about it.  Now I work-out regularly and do ab exercises and such, but lately I have noticed that some of my friends are commenting on exercise one should NOT be doing if you have diastasis recit and then I stumbled upon this book as a way to close it up.  It was not expensive and so far I find it interesting (all one chapter's worth) so we shall see if it holds salt for me.

Bringing Me Joy:

*I really enjoyed our extended family trip to the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado.

*Just watching Miriam toddle around and discover the world.

*Miriam's smiles - so innocent and sweet!!

*My neck troubles being fixed!! Three visits to a new (to me) chiropractor, along with some stretches and self-care and I am good as new!!

Thinking About:

Taking my daughter to adoration with me tonight!!  I think it will be a special time for us.  I love having an opportunity to share my faith with her and letting her innocence rekindle mine at the same time.

Bible Verse:

"We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed  but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the Body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.  For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh."  (2 Corinthians 4:8-12)

Pictures to Share:

Our family picture.  I have no idea what Rebekah is doing.  I blame the influence of her older cousins.

Lining up the grandkids.  Grandma got everyone a shirt that read "Schroeder Clan 2013" on the front and then the grandkids got the number that they were in the family (for example, Miriam was the latest baby and she is #10).  The back of my shirt read: "Mom 5" (as I have 5 kids).

Me and the hubby. . . him acting mature as ever (going for the "nose pick" look here, but fortunately failing and instead making me the "great thinker").

Book Review: Olivia and the Little Way

This book, Olivia and the Little Way, is WONDERFUL!!  I have nothing but praise for it.  Olivia (the main character) is a 5th grader, but my daughter (just completed 2nd grade) just read it and I do not think it was above her at all.  It deals with social interaction and peer pressure - especially at school and in dealing with different types of friends.  It positively shows devotion to the Saints, faith in God, obedience to parents, and everyone's deepest desire to be loved.  Our pediatrician (Dr. Michelle Pope) recommended it and I cannot thank her enough!  This is definitely going to be my "go to" for birthday presents and Christmas gifts for my nieces and nephews, younger cousins, and Godchildren.

Oh and there is a sequel, as well, which Rebekah has started, but I have not read yet.  It is called Olivia's Gift.