Wow, how is that possible?
She asked for a Ninja Turtle cake, of course....
I remember when...
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Happy Birthday Anneliese!!!
Our tiny girl is 4 today.
Wow, how is that possible?
She asked for a Ninja Turtle cake, of course....
We had a birthday part for "the littles" on Sunday. They had so much fun, and we had a house full. 19 in all between my mom, the Altics, and the Rice clan.
I remember when...
I love you baby girl, when God brought you to our family He made all our dreams come true!
Wow, how is that possible?
She asked for a Ninja Turtle cake, of course....
I remember when...
Monday, March 11, 2013
They Have No Idea
This morning brought tears and frustration.
I let the kids sleep in until 9 due to the time change.
I was up before 7 since we have Gage today so I went to work on the kids' school tubs. I sorted, cleaned, rearranged and then pulled their school for the day and wrote down all their instructions. They each had a nice little organized pile waiting for them as the came upstairs.
Brennan came up first. He was tired but pretty agreeable.
Elijah was next. He had the scowl that beats all scowls accompanied by tears streaming down his face. It took some coercing, but I finally figured out what was wrong. He thought it was terrible that he had just woke up and had to do school immediately. He had no time to play or watch TV.
While still dealing with Elijah's meltdown, Tanner wanders up. He immediately says, everyone else is having Spring Break this week. Why do we have school?! "Everyone" is apparently his cousins. I told him I have considered taking a Monday and Friday off for a long weekend but we aren't taking a full week because I want summer! I would rather end the year a week early. So then he looks at his list of work. He read ahead in his History and Science and has already finished the text books for this year. So you can imagine his frustration when he saw them listed in the "To Do" list. He has struggled with the Chapter check ups and obviously hasn't had great retention. So we're starting the books over. We have a good 40 lessons left and he thought if he rushed through he could basically have 1/2 days for the rest of the year. Cue the water works, now two of the four are crying.
Graham comes to the table and immediately starts complaining of neck pain, arm pain, foot pain, dry throat, anything that can get him time away from school. He's in 1st grade so his schooling takes a hour at the most start to finish. Now 3 out of 4 are crying.
I am seriously considering a week following the public school schedule. At 9 am (the time they woke up, not when they started school mind you), while they are crying, all the other kids have been up for hours and at school for one hour. My kids complete all their subjects/work in 3-4 hours. They spend a large percentage of the day playing. They play video games, Legos, watch TV, do chores, play outside, run errands, walk the Legends etc.
I'm not sure how I would do it, but I believe waking them up in the wee hours of the morning to shower, get dressed, eat breakfast and show up at the table by 8am may do the trick.
I let the kids sleep in until 9 due to the time change.
I was up before 7 since we have Gage today so I went to work on the kids' school tubs. I sorted, cleaned, rearranged and then pulled their school for the day and wrote down all their instructions. They each had a nice little organized pile waiting for them as the came upstairs.
Brennan came up first. He was tired but pretty agreeable.
Elijah was next. He had the scowl that beats all scowls accompanied by tears streaming down his face. It took some coercing, but I finally figured out what was wrong. He thought it was terrible that he had just woke up and had to do school immediately. He had no time to play or watch TV.
While still dealing with Elijah's meltdown, Tanner wanders up. He immediately says, everyone else is having Spring Break this week. Why do we have school?! "Everyone" is apparently his cousins. I told him I have considered taking a Monday and Friday off for a long weekend but we aren't taking a full week because I want summer! I would rather end the year a week early. So then he looks at his list of work. He read ahead in his History and Science and has already finished the text books for this year. So you can imagine his frustration when he saw them listed in the "To Do" list. He has struggled with the Chapter check ups and obviously hasn't had great retention. So we're starting the books over. We have a good 40 lessons left and he thought if he rushed through he could basically have 1/2 days for the rest of the year. Cue the water works, now two of the four are crying.
Graham comes to the table and immediately starts complaining of neck pain, arm pain, foot pain, dry throat, anything that can get him time away from school. He's in 1st grade so his schooling takes a hour at the most start to finish. Now 3 out of 4 are crying.
I am seriously considering a week following the public school schedule. At 9 am (the time they woke up, not when they started school mind you), while they are crying, all the other kids have been up for hours and at school for one hour. My kids complete all their subjects/work in 3-4 hours. They spend a large percentage of the day playing. They play video games, Legos, watch TV, do chores, play outside, run errands, walk the Legends etc.
I'm not sure how I would do it, but I believe waking them up in the wee hours of the morning to shower, get dressed, eat breakfast and show up at the table by 8am may do the trick.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
36...37?
Monday was my birthday.
This is the first birthday I didn't really even think about until it came.
No great plans, no expectations.
I am looking forward to the littles birthdays. Anneliese is 4 on the 12th and Graham is 7 on the 16th.
Sunday I talked to H.B. who shares my birth date and couldn't even remember if I turned 36 or 37. I had to think about it for a few seconds before I remembered it is 36. I'm exactly twice his age.
Monday morning I had sweet Gage at 7am. I opened the door and he yells, "Happy Birt-day!" His sweet mom, Mindy D, brought me gluten free brownies. Seriously, I haven't ever known anyone quite like her. Always concerned and loving and aware of everyone's needs. Thank you, you made my day.
The rest of the morning went pretty much ordinary. I started on some laundry only to hear a thunking in the dryer. Curious, I pulled out a pair of jeans only to find Tanner's iPod touch. The iPod he saved a year for and handles like a new born kitten. It was a terrible mistake on both our parts. He is so responsible and careful. I did a load of jeans and didn't check the pockets.
I told him and he was devastated. Not wanting to upset me, he sat at the table quietly as tears poured down his face. UGH! I immediately got online and researched what to do to give us the best odds of it working again. I placed it in a bag of rice with silica packets from our vitamins. I placed it on a heating pad for 2 days. We didn't try to turn it on. I read turning it on wet could fry the mother board. But I washed AND dried it. Today was two days of "drying out" and today I plugged it in and against all odds it works. Not a single glitch. Jared and I both said, "Praise God!" His mercies are new every morning. I am so thankful our little man didn't lose something he worked so hard to earn.
Papa ended up coming over Monday evening so we could go to dinner and a movie. It was a great uneventful birthday. Jared and I chatted about our lives together and how much we've changed over the years. So thankful for where God has us. Thankful for our church, for our family, for our friends, for our home. What is there to be anxious or upset about turning 36 or 37?
God is good!
This is the first birthday I didn't really even think about until it came.
No great plans, no expectations.
I am looking forward to the littles birthdays. Anneliese is 4 on the 12th and Graham is 7 on the 16th.
Sunday I talked to H.B. who shares my birth date and couldn't even remember if I turned 36 or 37. I had to think about it for a few seconds before I remembered it is 36. I'm exactly twice his age.
Monday morning I had sweet Gage at 7am. I opened the door and he yells, "Happy Birt-day!" His sweet mom, Mindy D, brought me gluten free brownies. Seriously, I haven't ever known anyone quite like her. Always concerned and loving and aware of everyone's needs. Thank you, you made my day.
The rest of the morning went pretty much ordinary. I started on some laundry only to hear a thunking in the dryer. Curious, I pulled out a pair of jeans only to find Tanner's iPod touch. The iPod he saved a year for and handles like a new born kitten. It was a terrible mistake on both our parts. He is so responsible and careful. I did a load of jeans and didn't check the pockets.
I told him and he was devastated. Not wanting to upset me, he sat at the table quietly as tears poured down his face. UGH! I immediately got online and researched what to do to give us the best odds of it working again. I placed it in a bag of rice with silica packets from our vitamins. I placed it on a heating pad for 2 days. We didn't try to turn it on. I read turning it on wet could fry the mother board. But I washed AND dried it. Today was two days of "drying out" and today I plugged it in and against all odds it works. Not a single glitch. Jared and I both said, "Praise God!" His mercies are new every morning. I am so thankful our little man didn't lose something he worked so hard to earn.
Papa ended up coming over Monday evening so we could go to dinner and a movie. It was a great uneventful birthday. Jared and I chatted about our lives together and how much we've changed over the years. So thankful for where God has us. Thankful for our church, for our family, for our friends, for our home. What is there to be anxious or upset about turning 36 or 37?
God is good!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Goings On
-Our first face of braces has happened. Brennan was attacked last week and while he's whiny, it's fun to see his face/mouth change. Jared and I do not have dental/orthodontic insurance and are so thankful to Bulliegh Orthodontics for being so incredibly flexible and helpful. It means a lot to me that we show love in this way to our kids. While it's definitely not a necessity, I always wished I had had better dental care and I don't want them to have the same insecurities.
 |
| Cannot believe how fast he's becoming a man |
 |
-It snowed. A lot. Then it snowed some more. I am the snow grinch. While I love it and think it's pretty, I would rather drink bleach than let my kids go out in it. The clean up is soo not worth it when they refuse to be out there more than 3 minutes. The other day Brennan and Tanner were out front shoveling the drive so I went out back with the younger three and the dogs. It's shocking how much longer they are willing to be out there when Brennan is not "accidentally hurting" them (seriously a blog worthy topic on it's own). They played for over a hour! Our kids love Funniest Home Videos and we watch it every week, that's why I asked Anneliese to introduce the host.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Lockdown
Lockdown-according to the Altic Family Dictionary; a lockdown is when the leader of the family declares no superfluous money will be spent for a particular period of time. This can last a day, a week or a month or longer depending on the reason for the lockdown. The definition of "superfluous spending" changes depending on the severity of said lockdown.
Jared and I purchased an older suburban the first of January. We had a special family reach out to us and offer us this great truck for a great price. It was really a God thing. We had decided to keep the vehicles we had since we found and fixed the problems with our Dodge. Then we received a phone call from the owner about the truck and prayed about it. We decided not to act on it until January (they called in Nov). When the owner offered to hold onto the truck for us until Jan. we decided to try and sell the Kia. It literally sold in a day for exactly what we needed out of it. There's a lot more to this story and about the generosity of the family that owned the truck. They were just wonderful and we are so thankful.
When we went to tag the suburban we decided not to roll the tags and taxes into the loan in order to pay it off sooner. In order to do this, we had to enter a lockdown of epic proportions. It's the longest and strictest lockdown in the history of the Altic clan.
It has been a month since we accessed our checking account for anything other than bills. We have used any money that I have brought in (hair cuts/color, carpet shampooing, babysitting) for gas and groceries. Last pay period I spent $57 on groceries and a total of $100 for the entire month.
While I'm giddy we are mere days away from the end, I am really thankful for this time. We have worked through the bulk of the storage in our pantry. We've eaten things that were stashed in there and ignored for who knows how long.
I've come across a few articles that suggest a No Spend Month in order to jump start a savings. For us, it saved us 5 months of extra car payments and extra interest for that debt. More importantly, it reset what we felt we had to have in order to function. Jared and I are encouraged that we can do with so much less and save so much more. One tight month in order to save 5 months payments?! That's a great trade off.
It's been a blessing for the kids. We used to frequent Happy Hour at Sonic. We haven't been in a month and Saturday I took the kids and got them the smallest drinks after a free outing at the park. I spent less than $4 total and they were thrilled. It was the "best treat ever!!" according to my boys. They were so very grateful and there wasn't a single complaint.
In the end, we are better off and we have a great truck that fits our family. Meet the Altic School Bus:
Jared and I purchased an older suburban the first of January. We had a special family reach out to us and offer us this great truck for a great price. It was really a God thing. We had decided to keep the vehicles we had since we found and fixed the problems with our Dodge. Then we received a phone call from the owner about the truck and prayed about it. We decided not to act on it until January (they called in Nov). When the owner offered to hold onto the truck for us until Jan. we decided to try and sell the Kia. It literally sold in a day for exactly what we needed out of it. There's a lot more to this story and about the generosity of the family that owned the truck. They were just wonderful and we are so thankful.
When we went to tag the suburban we decided not to roll the tags and taxes into the loan in order to pay it off sooner. In order to do this, we had to enter a lockdown of epic proportions. It's the longest and strictest lockdown in the history of the Altic clan.
It has been a month since we accessed our checking account for anything other than bills. We have used any money that I have brought in (hair cuts/color, carpet shampooing, babysitting) for gas and groceries. Last pay period I spent $57 on groceries and a total of $100 for the entire month.
While I'm giddy we are mere days away from the end, I am really thankful for this time. We have worked through the bulk of the storage in our pantry. We've eaten things that were stashed in there and ignored for who knows how long.
I've come across a few articles that suggest a No Spend Month in order to jump start a savings. For us, it saved us 5 months of extra car payments and extra interest for that debt. More importantly, it reset what we felt we had to have in order to function. Jared and I are encouraged that we can do with so much less and save so much more. One tight month in order to save 5 months payments?! That's a great trade off.
It's been a blessing for the kids. We used to frequent Happy Hour at Sonic. We haven't been in a month and Saturday I took the kids and got them the smallest drinks after a free outing at the park. I spent less than $4 total and they were thrilled. It was the "best treat ever!!" according to my boys. They were so very grateful and there wasn't a single complaint.
In the end, we are better off and we have a great truck that fits our family. Meet the Altic School Bus:
Friday, January 25, 2013
Sanctity of Life
Today is the March for Life in Washington DC.
It is also the 40th anniversary of Roe V Wade.
In the words of the creator of Planned Parenthood, Margaret Sanger:
"The most merciful thing that a large family does to one of its infant members is to kill it."
Margaret Sanger, Women and the New Race
(Eugenics Publ. Co., 1920, 1923)
Margaret Sanger, Women and the New Race
(Eugenics Publ. Co., 1920, 1923)
Jared and I watched the movie, October Baby. It is about a girl who finds out she was birthed at 24 weeks after a botched abortion and then abandoned at a hospital. It is a difficult, but essential watch. Here's an article stating why you must see this movie.
After watching it I laid in my bed and mourned the loss of millions. It's just so very overwhelming to think about the atrocities, these tiny innocent lives being torn apart in the womb.
This has to stop. We need to be on our knees in prayer and supporting our local Crisis pregnancy centers. Sonya, my sis in law, is the director of Hands of Hope in Platte City.
I want to challenge you to contact her, contact Hands of Hope. Make a donation, offer to volunteer, do what you can in order to put up a fight. If not the church then who?
I am so thankful for our Catholic friends and the stand they have taken.
I am thankful for Hobby Lobby and the stand they have taken against the abortion inducing drugs our government is trying to force them to offer.
It's time to love on these women who are scared and alone. This isn't about forcing a woman to keep a baby she doesn't want. It's about offering love and support to women who feel they have no choice.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Best Tacos Ev-ah
I have become more and more creative as my gluten free life continues. I am so thankful for the internet and other people's ideas to help me along. I came across the most awesome home made taco seasoning. I found it over at One Good Thing. I made a triple batch and it was a huge hit with the kids. I just boiled 4 chicken breasts in water and a ton of the seasoning. When it was tender I threw it into my Kitchenaid and used the paddle to shred the chicken (yet another genius idea via blog world). The kids and I ate and ate and ate. Even the skinny ones asked for thirds.
Here's Jillee's recipe:
"Homemade Taco Seasoning
by
Whole New Mom
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/2 t red pepper flakes
1/2 t oregano
1 t paprika
1 Tbsp cumin
2 1/2 t salt (I used Kosher Salt)
2 t pepper
OK…here are the instructions…don’t blink…you might miss them!
1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. 2. Mix well. 3. Store in a tightly closed container. haha! I told you!"
Absolutely divine and gluten free!
Here's Jillee's recipe:
"Homemade Taco Seasoning
by
Whole New Mom
2 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/2 t red pepper flakes
1/2 t oregano
1 t paprika
1 Tbsp cumin
2 1/2 t salt (I used Kosher Salt)
2 t pepper
OK…here are the instructions…don’t blink…you might miss them!
1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. 2. Mix well. 3. Store in a tightly closed container. haha! I told you!"
Absolutely divine and gluten free!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)