4 Years in the Life of My Blog

 

I started this blog 4 years ago today, with this lame post. (Please don't go looking at it, its survived thus far with only one viewing thus far, and that was probably me.)


A lot has changed in that time, even the name of this blog. For the life of me, I cannot remember of what the original name was. I've even redesign and renovated it few times, the latest being over this winter when I participated in the SITS Girls 31 Days to Build a Better Blog. In just the last year I've done photo challenges, series, list, recipes, linkys and giveaways.

this may have been the banner at the top of the old blog

To think, when it started I thought I'd just post some cute baby pictures from my phone, or rant on about politics.

Not a Perfect Parent

Maybe not first chair... but really cute!

I have not ordered any cod liver oil. I cannot stand the idea of giving my children cod liver oil.  I am sure there are bunches of articles that say that I should be; all of the best parents give their children cod liver oil.  The smell reminds me of a horrible roommate I had in college and I refuse to let it into my house.

I would like to think of myself as one of those greenie, crunchy, but bookish, attachment, Waldorf parents. I have always liked to research the right way to do things. I will admit it, I like being right. From the time I found out I was pregnant for the first time, I bought books, canvassed my friends and peers, did the homework, and was so sure that I was doing everything right. In the last 5 years, I have found that perfection is overrated and I simply cannot (and will not) keep up.

            Yes, I nursed my son until three.  I will likely nurse my daughter that long. I think the breastfeeding, and child led weaning is a healthy, normal and important part of childhood (not motherhood). I also realize that some people do not agree with me, and frankly I am sure that just because a baby has formula that their mother loves them any less. I know it does not make her an unworthy mother because she was unwilling to sacrifice her income, sanity, body, wardrobe, social standing, or long held beliefs.

Mother does not mean martyr, notice how the words are different?

Wordless Wednesday: Why did I just buy all those toys?

The Meaning of Christmas

I love Christmas, you usually love Christmas, but lately you have been questioning the “true and ultimate meaning of Christmas”.  You know the meaning of Christmas.  You have seen the It’s Christmas Charlie Brown special no less than 163 times.  Our hero Chuck can’t get into the Christmas spirit and is a bit frustrated by the commercial take over of the holiday, but Linus’ soliloquy (memorized at the threat of violence) is probably the best excuse for a joyous season that anyone could come up with.  It came out in 1965; it is 46 year old.  You are still reading a blog post entitled “The True Meaning of Christmas.”  If a cartoon cannot settle this debate for you, I clearly will not.

I know the true meaning of Christmas

Wordless Wednesday: Bath

Giving the gift of 'No' for the Holidays

So many articles tell us women, and moms specifically that the only way not to be overwhelmed by demands on our time is to learn to say no. I used to think that I was good at this. I mean I have only ever been to one block club meeting and I will never have a good thank-you note record. Which, I have met with a certain level of acceptance.

I have also been enlightened to the fact that a ‘no’ to one thing is quite often a ‘yes’ to some thing else. Meaning that no being in the block club means that my Thursdays open and instead of pondering the moral fiber of each less than considerate dog owner, so I may focus on some other aspect of my life. It is what my economics professor called ‘opportunity cost’: its not just the hour of my life spent on dog poopy but also the hour lost that could have been spent on something else.

I prioritize, I decline, I trust that some else will organize the holiday cookie exchange this year and even if they do not do it well, Life. Will. Go. On.

I have not mastered the art of saying no. Skipping on the pooped lawn discussions are easy,

Halloween Pics

(re)Dinosaur (birthday boy), and Lady bug

all sugared up

Thanks Shannon for taking these shots (of course, I had no tape in the video, and no batteries in the camera)

Birdies

The Search for the next CW Star is here! | CW23.com Shayna Richilson-Zadok

What I love about this local TV hopeful, is that not only is she a dear friend, but she's a real grown up Buffalonian with an unmatched passion for Western NY, love for her family (she's got a great husband, two little kids and huge dog), and a kind of infection enthusiasm. I'd love to see her on TV because it would be a little reflection of me and real-life moms in our area! He maybe she could help me out with my "You Still Have Time To Make This For Diner" series

The Search for the next CW Star is here! | CW23.com

I'll let everyone know when voting starts.

Finland's Baby Box

I saw this and it brought tears to my eyes. In Finland every baby gets just a few essentials from the government. And while I know that I probably wouldn't have needed it, I received 35 green bodysuits at my baby shower from enthusiastic family and friends, the idea of a country and and a culture that starts out every life with a gift is something special. There is much debate about an the American welfare state on one hand, and even if a woman should be able to have an abortion. I can't settle this debate here, but reading about this made me cry.  What if every child entered this life know that everyone was looking out for him or her, and wanted to make sure that their first few months were at least warm and safe?  Even the box it comes in can double as a bassinet.  Its just the basic hospitality that we  could give a new life.  Most of us have friends or families that do that, or at least the wealth the buy the odd blanket or diaper.

I feel like the Finnish people fully expect each infant recipient of this grant to become and law abiding productive member of society, and imagine that there is the belief that it is the child parents that are held most responsible for this. But why not start off with a well thought out gift that says, "Hey, this is what you might need to get started; we're pulling for your success."  I got a letter stating that my insurance company was charged $2,000 for an anesthesiologist that I never saw.  I felt that our system, and my culture were saying, "Congratulations, you had a baby, now its easier for us to scam you.  Now back to work."  I think we can do that a bit better, and make stronger families and healthier happier children in the end. Its not really about being the "nanny state", it's about investing in the lives of one another.

This is what you'd find in the what's called the Maternity Package can be found here.  What did you get from you're society when you had a baby?

You Still Have Time To Make This for Dinner: Breakfast!

As it turns out everyone in my family likes breakfast, and it is always a special treat to have breakfast for dinner.  The real trick is to also make it a balanced nutritious meal.  So last night we had spinach mushroom and cheese omelets.  My kids my be a little odd in their affection for spinach and I may have their grandparents and the creators of Popeye the Sailor Man, but butter doesn't hurt.

I like to saute my mushrooms.  These are baby portbella's here, but sometimes i go for whatever is already sliced in the market. When they start to sweat I put in onions and garlic. Now you probably don't have to chop them this fine, but my son does not eat onions he can see.

spinach thief!

Spinach - Mushroom mixtu

While that's going I thaw a package of spinach in the microwave, and drain. Here, daughter A is stealing some. If you are a bit more organized than I you could use actually fresh spinach.  I like to warm that all up in the pan. and put it aside.  Then I made up omelets: Eggs, splash of milk  fill with spinach mushroom mixture and Swiss cheese. You can adjust the  cheese or veggie for each family member. We added whole wheat toast, a side of soy bacon and apple cider.  What is your family's favorite breakfast for dinner menu?

Not what you have a taste for tonight?  See my other Dinner (now)  post!

 

Labor Day Camping

Labor Day means camping in our household.The truth is I like the idea of camping much more that I actually like camping. Nothing will convince my husband of this. Nothing will convince my children of this. It is my least favorite outing. I say 'outing' because during a vacation I would be responsible for less housework instead of more. There is a reason running water has become so popular in the western modern world.

I never went camping with my family, ever. My father did not fish or hunt. In my family, there is little real or feigned nostalgia for the rural areas from which my ancestors left to escaped subsistence farming, poverty and racism. I have never been there, and I am not sure I could find them on a map, and I have very limited desire to go there now. I love my city life.

As I was saying, we went camping this weekend. I know it is because DH has all of these fond childhood memories of his family's property and I've only know a sunken out-house, and leaking trailer.

My husband does try to do the cooking and clean up, which involves burning garbage. There also is the grass mowing. My husband loves to mow the grass. Granted since we have not been up there this year we had to hire a neighbor to 'brush-hog' the bulk of it so that it could be mowed. One of my friends from high school uploaded pictures from her Paris vacation that I simply cannot bare to look at. I made drip coffee in coffee maker older than I, with water I had to carry to it, with creamer from a melting cooler. Then it started to rain. 

My husband was smiling, my kids got as muddy as humanly possible. We invited some friends up and their kids got as muddy as possible. They caught and released colorful if slimy little fish. They all spend time in the woods, looking for salamanders, firewood, and I am sure we brought home three big bugs and a frog.  My family ended sun burned, gorged on s'mores and there was an enough grass in my son’s hair to weave a small hut. They are happy, and they will remember it that. We will likely be going again this month.

You still have time to make this for dinner (vegetarian): Ravioli Bake

I did not invent this recipe, but I'm sure I don't know where I found it. Its so easy and forgiving that who needs a recipe?

What you need: whatever pasta sauce you like or have. I use a whole one and half if there's one open in the fridge, a pound of still frozen ravioli, spinach (thawed) & shredded cheese.

Put it in a pan in layers


















sneak in some veggies, we like spinach and mushrooms, what does your family like?










Put more cheese on top bake in 450* oven until a ravioli is cooked and it's a bit brown (about 35 - 45 mins.)

Even my son loves this one, and usually I make a little extra for lunches.  I'll admit it, its got loads of cheese, and DD's favorite "oodles in there!" It is comfort food, but every now and then that's what everyone needs.  I'd love ideas for different veggie combinations. Has anyone tried carrots or a different kind of ravioli?


Not what you have a taste for tonight?  See my other Dinner (now)  post!

Why Not to Hire an Architect to Build a Sandbox:Part 3

However, my poor children have no choice. The design bug bit both of their parents as young adults. My DH and I don’t always have the same taste or opinion on design (read: 3 years to paint one bathroom). However, what we agree on is a love the problem solving, imagining, making, and a hate of painting the bathroom. When we found out we were having my son, the first think I could think about was how to redecorate his room, and the kick-*ss tree house we were going to build. He was one before his room was done, but that is another post for another time.

This post is supposed to be about architects and sand boxes. This is going to tell you how we did it, but please do not take this as a How TO post if you need instructions for a simple, functional, and rational designs go here: ==>>Great Sandbox Plans <<== . As doctors make poor patients, architects make poor clients, so we both took these plans and proceeded to ignore them completely.  See the start of this project check out Part 1, and Part 2.

Here's the back story: Probably 3 years ago my husband drove by one of those traditional sandbox turtles, and garbage-picked it. It appealed to the both of us, re-used, retro, already to fill with sand and it covered the not grassy spot in the back yard perfectly. My son loved it for at least two summers!

.

(You can see the outline of the new one behind there)
Then DD turned one. The turtle was not big enough for the two of them. Something had to be done immediately!

So in and effort to fit a bit more sandbox in an already cramped back yard we came up with this design. I really wish I could find the old plans for this one, yes there were plans, just be glad I didn’t draft it in 3D. It didn’t take too many weekends, used a bit of log from a tree damaged in the “2006 October Storm”. We constructed it just like our raised garden and it would have been integrated as planting space when the kiddos lost interest. I say, “would have been” because about a month after its completion we decided to put our house on the market and move. Kind of like when the city decides to pave your street the year before they decide to dig up and replace the sewer, (and those are engineers…sheesh). Fortunately, family that bought our house also has a young son, and I’d like to think that he’s enjoying it right now.

So, with moving last fall, and winter, and the rainiest spring ever it was the first week of July before we started the new and fabulous designer sandbox.
The outline on the ground was my DH idea, and since we couldn’t have just make a simple rectilinear box, in fact, we couldn’t even make it an octagon, that would have been too easy, and as I said before we needed a challenge. So, it is mostly an octagon, except when it's not, (heptagon I think). We used 2x12’s for the walls and the seat, and 4x4 for the corner and bench supports.

******

Here are a few more images

******

BOO-BOO!

Of course, Sunday evening just before we would have called it quits for the first weekend, we have a minor job site injury. So there was a 6-hour detour to the ER, but DD is doing much better now, and as soon as the glue’s gone, we can get back into swim lessons and back yard sprinkles. Good thing we have the sandbox to entertain everyone.

It will probably take 2400lbs of sand

.

We stained it “Gettysburg Blue” I’m not sure DH really likes the color (it’s almost the same as that epic bathroom re-do that I mentioned earlier), but I bought the paint without a formal change order so there you have it.

Its blue!

The cover and sunshade (Ikea, but discontinued I believe) were in fact off the rack, but I’m sure I’ll end up hacking them up in the end. But that’s for next week’s project.

our shady spot

So in short the reason you don’t hire and architect to design your sandbox is that is they will likely go way over on time, materials and of course budget, pay no mind to site safety and in the end you’ll have a seven sided blue sandbox. 

Sun Sail over "over designed sandbox"

First Day

Today was my sweet girl's first day of school. Well, it was her 'cubby day' so I was actually around for most of the morning. She seem a little unsure for just a moment, maybe a little quiet (for her) at first, but that didn't last.  A bowl of oats, and a few songs and she was getting into the swing of it. At recess she caught up with K., but only played with him for a few minuets. We already know several of the other children because they are our friends kids, and they are my older son's classmates. Not to mention A's naturally outgoing personality. So by the time noon rolled around she was absorbed in play and clearly didn't want to go!

I've always though the point of childhood is to grow out of it. Thank heavens, DS was an easy baby but not A.. She NEVER took a bottle from anyone, rashed up from disposable diapers and was what I call, "sitter resistant" (read 105 Db blood curling cries).  So Until about 15 months,  I was on baby-house-arrest.  Alas It ALL goes by so fast, even the house-arrest parts. Now she's heading out in the world and making her own friends.  K went through all this too but he was not ever so clingy in the first place, or maybe it was that we had a new baby at the time, but it didn't shake me so. Usually at every milestone I tell myself, "Well, its not like s/he's packing for Stanford, it's just XYZ." Every one says, you just blink, and they will be moving out. When they do pack up and launch I'm going to want them to go.

There were some tears as I left the classroom for the hour of no-mommy adjustment, but they were mine. Which got me totally off guard, because I am so happy to see her growing. I don't want her to stay a baby, and, well she isn't.

Laundry

from my local Wegmans

I've been making my own laundry soap. Some combination of sensitive skin and noses in my family means we are very picky about laundry soap. But I never really added it up, as it turns out: $9.36 = FOUR MONTHS of laundry for four with cloth diapers. Click here to visit Kelly's Closet for more about cloth diapers and diaper care.

Our old liquid cost $8-$11 for about 3 weeks worth and DIY means no plastic containers to throw out.
Win

(from my friend Cynthia)

2c washing soda
2c borax
1/3 - 1/2  grated bar of soap (I use Fels-Naptha)

Mix together and use 1 tablespoon per load (yep, that's all 1 tablespoon)

Here's the recipe for liquid in the past but I prefer the powdered just because the prep is easier:

1/2 - 1  grated bar of fels naptha soao

2 cups borax

2 cups washing soda

3.5 gallons of water

Melt grated soap in a pot with about half a gallon of water.....stir until dissolved. Pour into a 5 gallon bucket (or recycle a cat little bucket with lid)

Add borax and washing soda and stir until dissolved. Add the other 3 gallons of water and stir. Once it cools it will look like a white lumpy gel.

Use 1/4 cup per regular load and up to 1/2 cup for extra large loads. It's safe in all washing machines.

One batch costs roughly $3.20 to make and lasts about 6-7 months.
••••••

I understand that you can add a few drops of essential oils if you feel like having a fragrance.

[This post includes an affiliate link, see my PR/Advertising page for more information]

Acceptance

Acceptance

I will never be a good speller. Anyone who has known me long enough
to see any of my writing knows that I have never been and will likely
never be a good speller. I nearly had strait A's in 5th grade but I
got a D in spelling. With the aid of computers and a phalanx of
trusted editors I really try to produce readible prose, at least. But
I have accepted this about myself, you will just have to forgive me.

I don't send greeting cards. If you have gotten a hallmark from me
consider yourself in the lucky few. I really do mean well, and even
have a drawer full of blank, birthday, thank you and holiday cards. I
probably bought one for you, but as the apointed time slipped away,
and the event faded into the past, I just felt more and more guilty
about not sending it on time. Ultimately, I just decided to send it
next year because who wants a three month late birthday card anyway. I
do feel really bad about not sending thank you notes, because I do
really appreciate the gifts given to me and my family. Just so you
know I even addressed and stamped the ones for my wedding gifts,
however postage has gone up since then. Thankyou's are particularly
hard for me because they require a little hand writen note, and this
tends to reveal my spelling difficulty. I hereby accept this personal
failing and will stop waisting money on un-sent cards.

As much as I love art, and I live to make beautiful and useful things,
I will never pen a "kids craft" blog, nor pull-off a 100% handmade
Christmas. My craft drawers are full of felt and glitter and I have a
new sewing machine. But for each completed project there are ten half-
knit scarves, un-hemmed curtains, un-ironed iron on, patterns, fabric,
buttons, paper, string and even an embrotery hoop. Who am I kidding?
I do like to try these projects but I don't really have the free time
or attention to detail. I have accepted this about myself. I do still
like to do my little projects but from now on I will enjoy the tatting
away in it's own right because I may never have a whole doylie ever
anyway.

So I will accept these things about me, and stop feeling guilty about
them. If one birthday or hoiday you actually get a hand knitt scarf
with a personal hand written letter from me ... DO NOT send me a
thankyou note, it will just make me feel bad because I'll never sent
yours.

Love,
Imperfect Kisha

Kisha Lynn Patterson-Tanski
Sent from my iPhone

Dummies

How old-school do I feel. Adeola HATES car rides and usually we just
avoid them, but we'llbe visiting family that lives *gasp* in the
suburb's so I think we may be I'm the car a while. There will also be
an airplane as well. We don't usually don't even give her "dummies"
so I don't know which will agree with her. If anyone wants to know
this represents more than $20 modern, BPA-free, PVC-free, natural
rubber or silcone, orthodontic, pre-teething faux nipple design! So
new that most were not on the market just 30 months ago when Kiran was
born! I think if it was entirely up to me I'd just skip the car rides.

Tanski Family Picnic

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsLiXuUSSUI

Kisha Lynn Patterson-Tanski
Sent from my iPhone

Fwd: Rebekah Williams Announced Candidacy For Buffalo School Board

Wheather or not you have school aged children, our local schools are important to our community. Rebekah is a long time friend of mine, and the kind of person who really understands why children should come before politics.

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: Rebekah Williams <bekahswork@yahoo.com>
Date: March 5, 2009 12:26:30 AM EST
To: kisha.Lynn@gmail.com
Subject: Rebekah Williams Announced Candidacy For Buffalo School Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 3, 2009 Rebekah Williams Announced Candidacy For Buffalo School Board Rebekah A. Williams, an Allentown resident, announced today that she is seeking an at-large seat on the Buffalo School Board. She is currently employed as the Finance Manager at Buffalo ReUse, and has local and national nonprofit board experience with the WNY Peace Center, Nickel City Housing Corporation and North American Students of Cooperation (NASCO). Rebekah has worked as Program Coordinator and Educator for local nonprofits including the Niagara Frontier Council of American Youth Hostels, Massachusetts Avenue Project, Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Wellness Institute for Greater Buffalo, and as a grant writer at Buffalo Inner City Ballet and for a grassroots project called the Community Market Garden. She is a life-long City of Buffalo resident, graduating City Honors High School in 1996 and Empire State College in 2004. Rebekah's son, Bhakti, is currently in the 4th grade at Bennett Park Montessori Center. The following is a statement from Rebekah about her candidacy: "I am running because I believe the Buffalo School Board is out of touch with the needs of its students. In recent years, I have witnessed the district make drastic decisions regarding my son's school without soliciting the input of parents. The results of these actions have been a less comfortable and less productive learning environment for Buffalo students. Many parents have subsequently opted to transfer their children into charter and private schools. If elected to the Buffalo School Board, my priority will be enacting policies that make parents an equal partner in their child's education. "If elected, I will not engage in the factionalism that has made the atmosphere of the Buffalo School Board toxic. I believe the role of a School Board is to work cooperatively to determine the policies of the district, while it is the duty of the Superintendent to administer said policies. I vow to work with fellow School Board members, Administration Officials, Union Leaders and Parent Organizations in order to make our district one that meets the academic, emotional and physical needs of all children. I hope to create a coalition that recognizes that while it may disagree on many issues confronting the district, it is willing to work together for the common purpose of helping our children grow into happy and healthy adults." Any questions or inquires related to Rebekah's bid for an at-large seat should be directed to rebekahforschoolboard@gmail.com.