Diet:
So, I've been trying to keep track of my calories each day. The trouble is...I can't DIET. Breastfeeding means that I need to eat a minimum of 1800 calories a day. Breastfeeding burns an average of 500 calories a day (something like 20 calories for each ounce of milk produced) So, even if I want to net 1800 calories I can EAT 2300 calories...and some days it doesn't feel like enough. I'm truly not eating due to boredom or anything. I'm HUNGRY all the time. Like, really really hungry. So for now I'm focused on being active and making good food choices. I can't worry about numbers right now.
Counting calories is a slippery slope for me. I was bulimic in high school, and at one point it was fairly severe (purging daily and I was down to 115lbs) My average weight at that point was 122lbs...and I always thought it was WAY too much. I exercised for hours each day. I didn't eat more than 800 calories a day (and I kept it under 500 more often than not) Sometimes it's still hard to know that a meal was 500 calories even though that's perfectly acceptable. Because I know this about myself I'm going to stop counting and just try to eat healthy! My son's nourishment is more important than my waistline.
Church:
We've been trying to find a church. We've tried SEVERAL in the area. Maybe I'm just too picky. One I didn't like the way the preacher talked (it was distracting), one didn't want me to have my kids in service AT ALL, one was way too long (2 hours minimum), one was okay and we might try again, and the last one there were a couple of things I didn't care for... I have a right to be picky, right? I want a shorter service (an hour would be great), a big enough kids ministry that Franklin is with kids his own age (and not a 0-4 situation), and I want to feel comfortable nursing Jonathan in church. I want a vibrant praise and worship that isn't just a loud concert.
Franklin:
Tomorrow he's being evaluated for a Sensory Processing Disorder. I found this helpful.
I'm really praying about this...it would explain a lot and be helpful. Why he seems compelled to jump on the couch. Why spankings don't work (he needs a deep touch to really feel it so spankings don't register as a bad thing) Why he hated purees. Etc...
Housekeeping:
I'm terrible at this lately. My house isn't DIRTY, it's "scattered" to quote my mom. Moxie says that each room in my house is 10minutes away from being clean. (I've sent pictures) It's honestly pointless to put things away during the day because Franklin just yanks them back out....just for the sake of yanking them out. It's frustrating.
Hey!
Do you follow me on Facebook or Twitter? There are buttons on the right side. We're having a discussion about healthy diet choices for this month. Jump over and log your goals. It's never too late.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Tot School B + C
This week Tot School was a little more lazy.
We did a couple of worksheets each day. Franklin wasn't in the mood to do many. I wasn't going to force him. The point of Tot School is to go at HIS pace. Basically, any knowledge on these subjects is huge for a 2 year old. And I want him to view learning as FUN.
Here's a photo of our worksheets this week.
We did "B" through Wednesday and progressed to "C" after that. He can identify ABC now! We're going to review "C" on Monday (because we only did a couple of days of it).
When we did "Car" he pointed at the "C" when I asked and then pointed and told me "A" without being asked.
Stefan got promoted on Friday. That was interesting. Franklin was not in the mood and kept saying, "Go." Thankfully his grandpa was there to help out.
We also did the zoo yesterday! I don't have many pics of that because I forgot to charge my camera before we went. His grandparents came with us and it was super fun. Franklin is old enough to actually care that there are animals at the zoo. He likes to learn their names and point them out.
We bought a printer today so hopefully I'll be able to print out some worksheets. However, Stefan said he thought it was neat that I did my own. "It almost seems more personal." So, I'll keep making them (it IS fun) and print off things I don't draw very well.
Did you enter the giveaway? Free bookmark! It's going to run the month of May.
We did a couple of worksheets each day. Franklin wasn't in the mood to do many. I wasn't going to force him. The point of Tot School is to go at HIS pace. Basically, any knowledge on these subjects is huge for a 2 year old. And I want him to view learning as FUN.
Here's a photo of our worksheets this week.
We did "B" through Wednesday and progressed to "C" after that. He can identify ABC now! We're going to review "C" on Monday (because we only did a couple of days of it).
When we did "Car" he pointed at the "C" when I asked and then pointed and told me "A" without being asked.
Stefan got promoted on Friday. That was interesting. Franklin was not in the mood and kept saying, "Go." Thankfully his grandpa was there to help out.
We also did the zoo yesterday! I don't have many pics of that because I forgot to charge my camera before we went. His grandparents came with us and it was super fun. Franklin is old enough to actually care that there are animals at the zoo. He likes to learn their names and point them out.
We bought a printer today so hopefully I'll be able to print out some worksheets. However, Stefan said he thought it was neat that I did my own. "It almost seems more personal." So, I'll keep making them (it IS fun) and print off things I don't draw very well.
Did you enter the giveaway? Free bookmark! It's going to run the month of May.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Who Likes FREE STUFF?? (EXTENDED)
It's time for my first GIVEAWAY!
Today's giveaway has been brought to you by Doud Indelible Designs. From their website:
Doud Indelible Designs is a laser cutting and engraving company. We can engrave many different materials, including, but not limited to: Wood, Metal, Acrylic, Glass, Marble, Paper, Leather, Rubber and Cork. We can also cut materials using the laser. Please see below for entire list of materials. Our engraved products make great gifts for all occasions.
Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment below telling me what you'd put on your bookmark (if you're doing your name and don't want to share it with the world just put "my name")
Today's giveaway has been brought to you by Doud Indelible Designs. From their website:
Doud Indelible Designs is a laser cutting and engraving company. We can engrave many different materials, including, but not limited to: Wood, Metal, Acrylic, Glass, Marble, Paper, Leather, Rubber and Cork. We can also cut materials using the laser. Please see below for entire list of materials. Our engraved products make great gifts for all occasions.
It's pretty cool stuff, people. They are giving away a free bookmark like the one above. Except YOU get to choose what goes on it! For instance, you can put your name and favorite Bible verse and use it in your Bible. Pretty cool, right?
How do you win something like this?
Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment below telling me what you'd put on your bookmark (if you're doing your name and don't want to share it with the world just put "my name")
Optional entries :
- "Like" Making The Morin House on Facebook (there's a Facebook button in the right column)
- Follow me on Twitter (again, there's a button in the right column)
- "Like" Doud Indelible Designs on Facebook
- Facebook this giveaway
- Tweet this giveaway
- Visit their website and tell me which is your favorite product.
Leave a comment for each of the above that you complete. This giveaway will run THE MONTH OF MAY and the winner will be announced the following day. The winner will be chosen using random.org.
Dear "Secret Life"
Dear The Secret Life Of An American Teenager,
Your show is ridiculous. For the lucky ones that have never seen an episode here's a video summary:
Seriously?
Yes, I understand that sex is now part of a teenager's life. Whether they're doing it or know someone that's doing it, sex is all around. However, I take issue with the assumption that sex is ALL that goes on in a teenager's life. Other things include, but are not limited to: drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, severe over-achieving, anxiety, depression, self-harm, abuse, bullying, and suicide. Where are these elements in your show? Heck there are other shows that have covered these things at least partially. (Full House was one) If you're going to claim to give a glimpse into the "secret life" of a teenager at least have her dealing with more than just sex and pregnancy.
Which brings me to my other complaint. Your portrayal of teen pregnancy was awful. Amy just so happened to have tons of people that love her and support her? Her parents help watch the baby and her boyfriend loved her EVEN THOUGH IT WASN'T HIS BABY? Oh, and baby's Daddy came back to be part of his life? Whatever. What happened to the girl that got kicked out? We saw a glimpse of her and then never heard from her again. That's real. That happens. Where's the miscarriage because the mom was too young to handle pregnancy? And, on top of it, Amy got to spend a week in New York without the baby?? Really now? Her life is only slightly affected by this child. Having a baby is a major change and you have not shown that AT ALL.
I also have a problem with "ABC Family" and it looks like I'm not the only one. Especially this:
So, I tried to watch your show, but it's ridiculous and annoying. Please end it. I don't care what happens to Amy. I'm sure she'll ride off into a rainbow on her unicorn and leave the baby with her magical elves and fairies.
Your show is ridiculous. For the lucky ones that have never seen an episode here's a video summary:
Seriously?
 |
| Fixed that for you |
Yes, I understand that sex is now part of a teenager's life. Whether they're doing it or know someone that's doing it, sex is all around. However, I take issue with the assumption that sex is ALL that goes on in a teenager's life. Other things include, but are not limited to: drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, severe over-achieving, anxiety, depression, self-harm, abuse, bullying, and suicide. Where are these elements in your show? Heck there are other shows that have covered these things at least partially. (Full House was one) If you're going to claim to give a glimpse into the "secret life" of a teenager at least have her dealing with more than just sex and pregnancy.
Which brings me to my other complaint. Your portrayal of teen pregnancy was awful. Amy just so happened to have tons of people that love her and support her? Her parents help watch the baby and her boyfriend loved her EVEN THOUGH IT WASN'T HIS BABY? Oh, and baby's Daddy came back to be part of his life? Whatever. What happened to the girl that got kicked out? We saw a glimpse of her and then never heard from her again. That's real. That happens. Where's the miscarriage because the mom was too young to handle pregnancy? And, on top of it, Amy got to spend a week in New York without the baby?? Really now? Her life is only slightly affected by this child. Having a baby is a major change and you have not shown that AT ALL.
I also have a problem with "ABC Family" and it looks like I'm not the only one. Especially this:
It should be noted that despite the channel's name including the word "Family", the channel's programming content standards had changed several years earlier after the sale of the channel by International Family Entertainment, and the channel had been airing even some acquired series and movies that contain profanity, violence and sexual content or dialogue after the sale, particularly since being purchased by The Walt Disney Company. ABC Family does air parental advisory tags at the beginning of some TV-14 rated programs, such as That '70s Show and some episodes of The Secret Life of the American Teenager.
So, I tried to watch your show, but it's ridiculous and annoying. Please end it. I don't care what happens to Amy. I'm sure she'll ride off into a rainbow on her unicorn and leave the baby with her magical elves and fairies.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
I Need To Workout More
Yesterday I got my youngest to nap by himself (big deal if you consider my oldest rarely napped alone) I went to Hulu and clicked on my Dance And Be Fit channel I saved. Instead of the Brazilian Dance I had been doing I decided to try Latin Dance.
It was a bit easier but still worked up a sweat. I'm glad I chose this one. I wasn't totally exhausted at 15mins like I was with the Brazilian Dance. (Yes, I'm THAT out of shape) This one I was able to finish the circuit and still feel like I did SOMETHING. So, I got 30mins in yesterday. If you combine little bits of exercise with the calories I'm burning by breastfeeding I'll have this weight off in no time!
I'm determined to not take a year to get the weight off...that's what happened with my first. Of course, I gained 50lbs with Franklin and only 30lbs with Jonathan. AND when it was just me and Franklin I did a lot of sitting around...now that it's me and two kids (one a toddler) I'm much more active during the day.
We're going to go to the zoo this weekend so that will be a bit of walking around. It's been so hot lately that getting outside is miserable. (It's Texas so we get heat and humidity. Sometimes it's hard to breathe)
I need to get an official weight and measurements in for these posts...so that you can really follow my progress. I can't do a diet list because I'm too busy during the day to keep track. I know I eat a lot of cereal, peanut butter, and lunchmeat...oh, and the occasional bowl of yogurt when I have some made.
Click on some of my past posts below or click HERE to enter the Giveaway. Be sure to comment!
It was a bit easier but still worked up a sweat. I'm glad I chose this one. I wasn't totally exhausted at 15mins like I was with the Brazilian Dance. (Yes, I'm THAT out of shape) This one I was able to finish the circuit and still feel like I did SOMETHING. So, I got 30mins in yesterday. If you combine little bits of exercise with the calories I'm burning by breastfeeding I'll have this weight off in no time!
I'm determined to not take a year to get the weight off...that's what happened with my first. Of course, I gained 50lbs with Franklin and only 30lbs with Jonathan. AND when it was just me and Franklin I did a lot of sitting around...now that it's me and two kids (one a toddler) I'm much more active during the day.
We're going to go to the zoo this weekend so that will be a bit of walking around. It's been so hot lately that getting outside is miserable. (It's Texas so we get heat and humidity. Sometimes it's hard to breathe)
I need to get an official weight and measurements in for these posts...so that you can really follow my progress. I can't do a diet list because I'm too busy during the day to keep track. I know I eat a lot of cereal, peanut butter, and lunchmeat...oh, and the occasional bowl of yogurt when I have some made.
Click on some of my past posts below or click HERE to enter the Giveaway. Be sure to comment!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
What's For Dinner?
This week we're having: (main dishes...side dishes are up for discussion)
Tuesday - Grilled Cheese
Wednesday - Hamburgers
Thursday - Chicken with Garlic-Pepper Sauce
Friday - Chicken Pesto OR Spaghetti
I know, I usually plan it out more...and there are usually more intricate dishes listed. However, I've had a teething toddler so it's thrown things off.
Did you enter the giveaway?? You totally should!
Tuesday - Grilled Cheese
Wednesday - Hamburgers
Thursday - Chicken with Garlic-Pepper Sauce
Friday - Chicken Pesto OR Spaghetti
I know, I usually plan it out more...and there are usually more intricate dishes listed. However, I've had a teething toddler so it's thrown things off.
Did you enter the giveaway?? You totally should!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Tot School - The Letter "A"
This week I was prepared and we learned the letter "A."
I don't have a printer so I'm having to make all of these worksheets myself. It's not so bad. Each day I drew something that started with "A" (Airplane, ant, arrow, apple, angel) and did a few sheets with the letter on them in different ways. I did a big "A" to color and then others with it written in different sizes or written inside shapes. Mostly, I just wanted the letter in his face all week long.
(We even put cutout letters on the fridge)
By WEDNESDAY he could identify "A" and say several words that we covered this week!
Here are some photos of our week:
Next we're going to cover the letter "B". He's teething so we'll see how that goes.
I don't have a printer so I'm having to make all of these worksheets myself. It's not so bad. Each day I drew something that started with "A" (Airplane, ant, arrow, apple, angel) and did a few sheets with the letter on them in different ways. I did a big "A" to color and then others with it written in different sizes or written inside shapes. Mostly, I just wanted the letter in his face all week long.
(We even put cutout letters on the fridge)
By WEDNESDAY he could identify "A" and say several words that we covered this week!
Here are some photos of our week:
 |
| The "A" on the right? I didn't direct him to put the stickers that specifically...he decided all on his own! |
 |
| We put cheerios on an "A" using honey. I put the paper in a plastic bag. |
 |
| Leave it to a boy to use a random stick as a weapon! :) |
Next we're going to cover the letter "B". He's teething so we'll see how that goes.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Easter Challenge
I know this week most of my readers are preparing for Easter...usually planning an Easter Egg Hunts, Easter Baskets, and family reunions. Don't forget the huge thing that actually happened. (And yes, I know that it's not the EXACT DATE or whatever...but it's why we celebrate it)
Jesus gave his life so that YOU could have life. In church this weekend they showed bits from The Passion of The Christ. (I have avoided seeing that movie and my reasoning was solidified this weekend) The clips they showed were, of course, the crucifixion parts. While watching it there was a voice in my head saying, "That was for you. He went through that (and worse because they couldn't be totally accurate due to ratings) for YOU." It was a well needed reminder.
What are you doing with the life that Jesus saved? The song "Love Them Like Jesus" by Casting Crowns comes to mind. (song and lyrics at the end of this post)
I'm CHALLENGING YOU to love people like Jesus each day this week. Some ideas:
- Pray for someone. Call your local radio ministry and ask if you can pray for someone that called in with a prayer request. If you have a Twitter account search #prayerrequest and pray for someone. Call your pastor and ask if there's someone in the church that needs prayer.
- Buy bottled water and hand them out to the homeless/struggling on the side of the road. It's HOT out there for some states. Give water to construction crews.
- Call your pastor and see if someone needs help in the church. Can you go cook for someone? Clean someone's house? Help a stay at home mom with the kids? (trust me, we need it!!)
So, this week I want you to love them like Jesus. Come back and share what you did!
"Love Them Like Jesus"
The love of her life is drifting away
They're losing the fight for another day
The life that she's known is falling apart
A fatherless home, a child's broken heart
You're holding her hand, you're straining for words
You trying to make - sense of it all
She's desperate for hope, darkness clouding her view
She's looking to you
Just love her like Jesus, carry her to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves her and stay by her side
Love her like Jesus
Love her like Jesus
The gifts lie in wait, in a room painted blue
Little blessing from Heaven would be there soon
Hope fades in the night, blue skies turn to gray
As the little one slips away
You're holding her hand, you're straining for words
You're trying to make sense of it all
They're desperate for hope, darkness clouding their view
They're looking to you
Just love them like Jesus, carry them to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus
Lord of all creation holds our lives in His hands
The God of all the nations holds our lives in His hands
The Rock of our salvation holds our lives in His hands
He cares for them just as He cares for you
So love them like Jesus, love them like Jesus
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus
Love them like Jesus
Jesus gave his life so that YOU could have life. In church this weekend they showed bits from The Passion of The Christ. (I have avoided seeing that movie and my reasoning was solidified this weekend) The clips they showed were, of course, the crucifixion parts. While watching it there was a voice in my head saying, "That was for you. He went through that (and worse because they couldn't be totally accurate due to ratings) for YOU." It was a well needed reminder.
What are you doing with the life that Jesus saved? The song "Love Them Like Jesus" by Casting Crowns comes to mind. (song and lyrics at the end of this post)
I'm CHALLENGING YOU to love people like Jesus each day this week. Some ideas:
- Pray for someone. Call your local radio ministry and ask if you can pray for someone that called in with a prayer request. If you have a Twitter account search #prayerrequest and pray for someone. Call your pastor and ask if there's someone in the church that needs prayer.
- Buy bottled water and hand them out to the homeless/struggling on the side of the road. It's HOT out there for some states. Give water to construction crews.
- Call your pastor and see if someone needs help in the church. Can you go cook for someone? Clean someone's house? Help a stay at home mom with the kids? (trust me, we need it!!)
So, this week I want you to love them like Jesus. Come back and share what you did!
"Love Them Like Jesus"
The love of her life is drifting away
They're losing the fight for another day
The life that she's known is falling apart
A fatherless home, a child's broken heart
You're holding her hand, you're straining for words
You trying to make - sense of it all
She's desperate for hope, darkness clouding her view
She's looking to you
Just love her like Jesus, carry her to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves her and stay by her side
Love her like Jesus
Love her like Jesus
The gifts lie in wait, in a room painted blue
Little blessing from Heaven would be there soon
Hope fades in the night, blue skies turn to gray
As the little one slips away
You're holding her hand, you're straining for words
You're trying to make sense of it all
They're desperate for hope, darkness clouding their view
They're looking to you
Just love them like Jesus, carry them to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus
Lord of all creation holds our lives in His hands
The God of all the nations holds our lives in His hands
The Rock of our salvation holds our lives in His hands
He cares for them just as He cares for you
So love them like Jesus, love them like Jesus
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus
Love them like Jesus
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Today's Coupon Haul
I've been watching Extreme Couponing. Yes, I know...ANOTHER reality type show! The big thing to remember with this show is that it's not totally realistic to everyone. Not everyone has stores that double (or triple) coupons. Not every store will let you use multiple coupons like they do. And not everyone needs 100 bottles of shampoo. I understand the importance of a stockpile...but eventually you have to say "enough is enough"...but that's just my opinion.
Anyway, with the current economy going the way it is (uhm, down the tubes) I decided to start couponing again and try to build a small "just in case" stockpile.
The KEY to coupons is to know how to combine things with sales. If you have a coupon for Item X but the Generic is cheaper THERE IS NO POINT TO THE COUPON unless you know for a fact that Item X is better. (And, as someone that uses a lot of generic products...that's not always the case. Rice is rice and even allergy tablets are quite similar)
So today I bought a Sunday Paper and spent at least 2 hours sifting through the inserts. I grabbed the sale papers for stores we use regularly (Target, CVS, Walgreens, and HEB) and then sorted the coupons into "will use" and "will not use" stacks. I used to use coupons just for the sake of using coupons, but that defeats the purpose.
Here's my haul: $135.57 worth of stuff. Saved with coupons and sales $42.37. Total spent was $93.20. That's 31% saved! It's not the 98% you see on the show...but 31% is pretty good.
- 1 package Allegra 24hr (30 count)
- 2 Boxes of Cheerios (one is the new cinnamon kind)
- 1 package Schick Quattro for Women (3 razors)
- Angel Soft Toilet Paper 12 double rolls
- Scott Naturals Paper Towels 6 rolls
- Med Spray Bottle (for vinegar)
- 2 Schick Shave Gel
- Listerine
- 1 Knorr Pasta Sides
- Eckrich smoked sausage
- 1 can Ranch Style Beans
- Finish Powerball (dishwasher detergent)
- Package Huggies Overnight Diapers
- Lysol Toilet Cleaner
- Finish Dishwasher Cleaner
- Batteries
- Jimmy Dean Sausage
- Head And Shoulders Shampoo
- Head and Shoulders Conditioner
The BIG times I really saved was with the Cheerios and the Shave Gel. The stores had them for Buy One Get One Free and I had a coupon for the item. So, I got the first one discounted AND got one for free!
I also got a CVS card. Basically, they put money on the card that you can redeem toward purchases at a later date. So, the razors were $8.99...I got $4 back on my card...AND I had a $2 coupon. Technically, I paid $3 for a $9 razor. See?
Anyway, with the current economy going the way it is (uhm, down the tubes) I decided to start couponing again and try to build a small "just in case" stockpile.
The KEY to coupons is to know how to combine things with sales. If you have a coupon for Item X but the Generic is cheaper THERE IS NO POINT TO THE COUPON unless you know for a fact that Item X is better. (And, as someone that uses a lot of generic products...that's not always the case. Rice is rice and even allergy tablets are quite similar)
So today I bought a Sunday Paper and spent at least 2 hours sifting through the inserts. I grabbed the sale papers for stores we use regularly (Target, CVS, Walgreens, and HEB) and then sorted the coupons into "will use" and "will not use" stacks. I used to use coupons just for the sake of using coupons, but that defeats the purpose.
Here's my haul: $135.57 worth of stuff. Saved with coupons and sales $42.37. Total spent was $93.20. That's 31% saved! It's not the 98% you see on the show...but 31% is pretty good.
- 1 package Allegra 24hr (30 count)
- 2 Boxes of Cheerios (one is the new cinnamon kind)
- 1 package Schick Quattro for Women (3 razors)
- Angel Soft Toilet Paper 12 double rolls
- Scott Naturals Paper Towels 6 rolls
- Med Spray Bottle (for vinegar)
- 2 Schick Shave Gel
- Listerine
- 1 Knorr Pasta Sides
- Eckrich smoked sausage
- 1 can Ranch Style Beans
- Finish Powerball (dishwasher detergent)
- Package Huggies Overnight Diapers
- Lysol Toilet Cleaner
- Finish Dishwasher Cleaner
- Batteries
- Jimmy Dean Sausage
- Head And Shoulders Shampoo
- Head and Shoulders Conditioner
The BIG times I really saved was with the Cheerios and the Shave Gel. The stores had them for Buy One Get One Free and I had a coupon for the item. So, I got the first one discounted AND got one for free!
I also got a CVS card. Basically, they put money on the card that you can redeem toward purchases at a later date. So, the razors were $8.99...I got $4 back on my card...AND I had a $2 coupon. Technically, I paid $3 for a $9 razor. See?
Friday, April 15, 2011
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