It was 29 degrees when I woke up today.
Twenty-Nine.
In the beginning stages of winter, 29 is really cold. Come January, we'd consider it a heat-wave, and come March, I'd be thinking "the snow is almost melting!!" But it's October, so 29 leaves me frigid.
I start to wonder 1) how am I going to make it through winter, if I can't stay warm now, and 2) if 29 makes me this cold, what will -29 do to me. Let's not think about that okay?
So, this winter I am going to try to combat the cold by staying warm. Sounds simple right? But let me tell you that it is oh, so, easy to hop out to the car with a flimsy little jacket on, and they curse the cold, and shake uncontrollably. So I decided that regardless of how "over-bundled" I look I am wearing gloves, hats, boots*, and my fantastic North Face coat all.the.time. I will be wearing leggings under my jeans, layers of long sleeve shirts, slippers or socks always, and drinking a continual flow of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Because I am pretty sure the only way I can make it through winter is by STAYING WARM!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Daycare Options: Pros and Cons.
Disclaimer: This may turn into a daycare blog until I find someone. My apologies.
Nannies
Pros:
1) I wouldn't have to get my kids up, fed, dressed, and out the door at an obscene time in the morning.
2) In the winter months, this also means I wouldn't have to deal with bulky winter clothes, heating up the car for extremely long times.
3) I wouldn't have to drive in the pitch black with 2 sleepy kids and drop them off somewhere, which just sort of seems mean.
4) If my kids are slightly sick, I could still go to work. Important.
Cons:
1) EXPENSIVE. Going rate for 2 is $15 an hour. Which is a lot. (I know someone out there charges less, and I need to find them).
2) No preschool program- unless the nanny does it on her own, or I pay extra to send them to school.
3) Risk the nanny being sick, and not being able to show up = bad.
4) No one around to hold nanny accountable for their actions....invest in nanny-cams?
In-Home:
Pros:
1) Cheap(er)! We could actually afford this.
2) Around other kids.
3) Most have preschool programs
Cons:
1) Hard to get into--Few openings.
2) I find that the provider is generally good with the kids, but I have no control who else may come into contact with the kids (i.e. brother in law visiting from out of town--does this happen?)
3) Age range. Some in home daycares focus on smaller children, but some are birth to 12. I am not totally keen on having my little kids around much older kids (although to be fair, that would mostly be in the summer months).
Centers:
Pros:
1) Structured.
2) Music classes, outside activities, arts and crafts etc.
3) Reliable- always will be open. Which is key when you are working as a tax accountant during tax season.
Cons:
1) Cost! $200-$250 per week per child (here in MN)
2) I have heard that they often skirt under the rules (ratios, lesson plans etc.)
3) Less individualized attention, more sterile.
4) High turnover rate.
(although I have a friend from college who worked at this daycare inside a nursing home and they interact with the older people living there, which I think is a cool concept. We are looking into that).
Are there more pros and cons? Yes! and if you think of them let me know. Chances are we are going to go with a home daycare, unless I can somehow find a SAHM who wants to come over, or a Nanny willing to work for less than $15 an hour (because that is $600 a week).
We'll keep you posted! Tonight we are driving around to addresses of in-home providers to see if they are a place I'd like to send my kids. We'll be making phone calls next week.
Nannies
Pros:
1) I wouldn't have to get my kids up, fed, dressed, and out the door at an obscene time in the morning.
2) In the winter months, this also means I wouldn't have to deal with bulky winter clothes, heating up the car for extremely long times.
3) I wouldn't have to drive in the pitch black with 2 sleepy kids and drop them off somewhere, which just sort of seems mean.
4) If my kids are slightly sick, I could still go to work. Important.
Cons:
1) EXPENSIVE. Going rate for 2 is $15 an hour. Which is a lot. (I know someone out there charges less, and I need to find them).
2) No preschool program- unless the nanny does it on her own, or I pay extra to send them to school.
3) Risk the nanny being sick, and not being able to show up = bad.
4) No one around to hold nanny accountable for their actions....invest in nanny-cams?
In-Home:
Pros:
1) Cheap(er)! We could actually afford this.
2) Around other kids.
3) Most have preschool programs
Cons:
1) Hard to get into--Few openings.
2) I find that the provider is generally good with the kids, but I have no control who else may come into contact with the kids (i.e. brother in law visiting from out of town--does this happen?)
3) Age range. Some in home daycares focus on smaller children, but some are birth to 12. I am not totally keen on having my little kids around much older kids (although to be fair, that would mostly be in the summer months).
Centers:
Pros:
1) Structured.
2) Music classes, outside activities, arts and crafts etc.
3) Reliable- always will be open. Which is key when you are working as a tax accountant during tax season.
Cons:
1) Cost! $200-$250 per week per child (here in MN)
2) I have heard that they often skirt under the rules (ratios, lesson plans etc.)
3) Less individualized attention, more sterile.
4) High turnover rate.
(although I have a friend from college who worked at this daycare inside a nursing home and they interact with the older people living there, which I think is a cool concept. We are looking into that).
Are there more pros and cons? Yes! and if you think of them let me know. Chances are we are going to go with a home daycare, unless I can somehow find a SAHM who wants to come over, or a Nanny willing to work for less than $15 an hour (because that is $600 a week).
We'll keep you posted! Tonight we are driving around to addresses of in-home providers to see if they are a place I'd like to send my kids. We'll be making phone calls next week.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A day in OCTOBER
October. I love October. It is for sure one of my favorite months and I am not quite sure why. I'm thinking it has to do with the changing of the seasons. It's not frigid and blah outside, rather we have a lot of bright, crisp, sunny days. That is love.
I decided to document my day in October last Thursday the 21st. My friend had borrowed me her SLR camera (something I am drooling over), and I wanted to take as many "necessary" pictures as I could.
So, without further adieu...A Day In October.
Lacey was up early on this particular day. We hung out and ate scones.
and I took a lot of pictures of her.
Then her brother was up, happy as a clam and holding the trusty Thomas the Train.
I don't know if he let go of that toy on this day...
I guess he decided to feed the horse some train for breakfast.
We ate breakfast and got dressed. I put on Super Why, while I got dressed.
Here is Miles doing the actions that they are asking him to do!
Lacey is doing them too.
We made a quick trip to Target. I had an interview on this afternoon, so I was looking for a new shirt to wear under my blazer.
I hate suits.
Puke.
Anyway, we came home and ate lunch.
And then played for a bit after lunch.
I am not sure what was going through Lacey's mind in this picture, but I thought it was funny.
Cute boy. Heading for a nap.
More Thomas the Train.
Watching Dora.
Coloring.
Lacey is a rockstar color-er.
She loves it and she actually does a pretty good job of staying in the lines.
Goofball.
From here I rushed the kids out to Mike's work, so he could watch them while I was at my interview. Then I rushed off to the interview. I left instructions for Mike to take some pictures of the kids, which he did not do.
The interview lasted 2 hours and they gave me an offer on the spot.
I was pumped. It seems like a great firm and pays really well (always a bonus).
The job is actually an internship, which is what I wanted. Accounting internships typically end up in full time offers (unless you are terrible), and you work until April 15th and then get the summer off and come back to work full time in October.
Sounds like a great plan to me.
We can try out the whole work full-time thing and then if we hate it, we can figure out something else. But I don't think I'll hate it.
I will hate finding daycare though.
I decided to document my day in October last Thursday the 21st. My friend had borrowed me her SLR camera (something I am drooling over), and I wanted to take as many "necessary" pictures as I could.
So, without further adieu...A Day In October.
There has been a lag since I took these pictures and documented them out. I'm pretty sure I was up studying and drinking coffee because that is what I do every day. Who wants to see that though? No one I hope!
Lacey was up early on this particular day. We hung out and ate scones.
and I took a lot of pictures of her.
Then her brother was up, happy as a clam and holding the trusty Thomas the Train.I don't know if he let go of that toy on this day...
I guess he decided to feed the horse some train for breakfast.
We ate breakfast and got dressed. I put on Super Why, while I got dressed.Here is Miles doing the actions that they are asking him to do!
Lacey is doing them too.We made a quick trip to Target. I had an interview on this afternoon, so I was looking for a new shirt to wear under my blazer.
I hate suits.
Puke.
Anyway, we came home and ate lunch.
And then played for a bit after lunch.
I am not sure what was going through Lacey's mind in this picture, but I thought it was funny.
Cute boy. Heading for a nap.
More Thomas the Train.
While Miles napped, Lacey watched some Dora, while I got ready for the interview.
I was about to go on my 5th interview in a couple of weeks, and while I was happy to HAVE the interviews, getting ready for them, rushing the kids out to Mike's work, and then actually doing the interview, was getting pretty old.
Lacey's hair is finally long enough to do something with!
I was about to go on my 5th interview in a couple of weeks, and while I was happy to HAVE the interviews, getting ready for them, rushing the kids out to Mike's work, and then actually doing the interview, was getting pretty old.
Lacey's hair is finally long enough to do something with!
Watching Dora.
Coloring.
Lacey is a rockstar color-er.
She loves it and she actually does a pretty good job of staying in the lines.
Goofball.
From here I rushed the kids out to Mike's work, so he could watch them while I was at my interview. Then I rushed off to the interview. I left instructions for Mike to take some pictures of the kids, which he did not do.
The interview lasted 2 hours and they gave me an offer on the spot.
I was pumped. It seems like a great firm and pays really well (always a bonus).
The job is actually an internship, which is what I wanted. Accounting internships typically end up in full time offers (unless you are terrible), and you work until April 15th and then get the summer off and come back to work full time in October.
Sounds like a great plan to me.
We can try out the whole work full-time thing and then if we hate it, we can figure out something else. But I don't think I'll hate it.
I will hate finding daycare though.
Friday, October 15, 2010
one of those days
do you ever just have one of those days?
When you wake up late and just cannot get moving.
When your kids are fussy and you aren't really sure why.
When you go to the store, get all the way to the cash register, and realize you forgot your wallet?
When you get home, already frustrated, and realize that the power is out in the whole house, and you can't make the macaroni and cheese you've promised?
When the peanut butter and jelly you've made instead is met with screams of un-delight?
When you finally get them to eat their "alternative" lunch, the power comes back on?
When you realize the fridge isn't working, and hasn't been for a while judging by the temperature of the Milk?
When you realize that you will be literally be pouring groceries down the drain?
When you realize that today you just need to get your rally on because that's all you've got left?
When you wake up late and just cannot get moving.
When your kids are fussy and you aren't really sure why.
When you go to the store, get all the way to the cash register, and realize you forgot your wallet?
When you get home, already frustrated, and realize that the power is out in the whole house, and you can't make the macaroni and cheese you've promised?
When the peanut butter and jelly you've made instead is met with screams of un-delight?
When you finally get them to eat their "alternative" lunch, the power comes back on?
When you realize the fridge isn't working, and hasn't been for a while judging by the temperature of the Milk?
When you realize that you will be literally be pouring groceries down the drain?
When you realize that today you just need to get your rally on because that's all you've got left?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
20 months
Miles was 20 months yesterday. I didn't realize it until today when someone asked how old he was.
"He's 18...no, 19...WAIT he's 20 months."
Not that 20 months old deserves a big celebration or anything, but come on, I generally give a little cheer on his (or her) month birthday. At least until they are 2.
Sorry bud! Here's to 20 months. You're ringing it in, by reminding me the terrible two's are just around the corner.
A two year old and a three year old. Oh Lordy, let's hope we make it this next year!
"He's 18...no, 19...WAIT he's 20 months."
Not that 20 months old deserves a big celebration or anything, but come on, I generally give a little cheer on his (or her) month birthday. At least until they are 2.
Sorry bud! Here's to 20 months. You're ringing it in, by reminding me the terrible two's are just around the corner.
A two year old and a three year old. Oh Lordy, let's hope we make it this next year!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
I'm still here!
wow, it's been a while huh? I guess between class, class, and yes, more class, a little girl turning 3, a week long visit to grandma's house, and three, going on four, maybe five interviews, it's been a busy month.
1. Class
If I have one piece of advice for anyone on the planet it is this: Do NOT (repeat 1,000 times), try to do school while you have kids. Initially it wasn't all that bad, I was taking lower level classes, they weren't too demanding, and I had kids that napped on a regular basis. However. OH MY GOODNESS. School is kicking me in the rear end this semester.
I am forever trying to find the perfect balance of being constantly preoccupied and having 1,000 things to do, and knowing when urgent, isn't really that urgent, and to just stop and breath, and take in the moment. For what it is, in all it's glory.
Less than 2 months to go.
2. Birthday Girl
October 8th is one of my favorite days of the year. I think its the perfect day for a birthday, and my little girl is lucky enough to have this be HER day. Granted, on this particular birthday, she was with Grandma and Grandpa, not us, she still had a pretty special day and was spoiled rotten. And then got to have a second birthday party yesterday after we picked her up.
Her favorite present this year? New snow boots. Weird huh? Gosh, she was so excited, and 1) she had seen them before and 2) she has hardly ever played in the snow. But she did get an entire winter ensemble so hopefully we can get her out and building a snowman this year.
3. A week with Grandma
My parents rock. They seriously do. Two or three times a year they take our kids off our hands for a good seven or so days. It is amazing and much needed. Granted, this particular week fell over Lacey's 3rd birthday, it was still very needed, and much appreciated.
4. Interviewing until my heart's content.
Job hunting and interviewing blow. Especially when you are already crazy busy with school Trying to job hunt on top of it borders on insanity. I didn't get the first position I interviewed for, but I wasn't all that surprised, I had projects, papers, and 2 exams that week and to be honest prepping for an interview wasn't my biggest priority. I am still waiting to hear back from interviews 2 and 3, and was contacted by another firm yesterday to interview. I'd just love to get a call extending an offer and I can move onto more important things, like finding daycare...
1. Class
If I have one piece of advice for anyone on the planet it is this: Do NOT (repeat 1,000 times), try to do school while you have kids. Initially it wasn't all that bad, I was taking lower level classes, they weren't too demanding, and I had kids that napped on a regular basis. However. OH MY GOODNESS. School is kicking me in the rear end this semester.
I am forever trying to find the perfect balance of being constantly preoccupied and having 1,000 things to do, and knowing when urgent, isn't really that urgent, and to just stop and breath, and take in the moment. For what it is, in all it's glory.
Less than 2 months to go.
2. Birthday Girl
October 8th is one of my favorite days of the year. I think its the perfect day for a birthday, and my little girl is lucky enough to have this be HER day. Granted, on this particular birthday, she was with Grandma and Grandpa, not us, she still had a pretty special day and was spoiled rotten. And then got to have a second birthday party yesterday after we picked her up.
Her favorite present this year? New snow boots. Weird huh? Gosh, she was so excited, and 1) she had seen them before and 2) she has hardly ever played in the snow. But she did get an entire winter ensemble so hopefully we can get her out and building a snowman this year.
3. A week with Grandma
My parents rock. They seriously do. Two or three times a year they take our kids off our hands for a good seven or so days. It is amazing and much needed. Granted, this particular week fell over Lacey's 3rd birthday, it was still very needed, and much appreciated.
4. Interviewing until my heart's content.
Job hunting and interviewing blow. Especially when you are already crazy busy with school Trying to job hunt on top of it borders on insanity. I didn't get the first position I interviewed for, but I wasn't all that surprised, I had projects, papers, and 2 exams that week and to be honest prepping for an interview wasn't my biggest priority. I am still waiting to hear back from interviews 2 and 3, and was contacted by another firm yesterday to interview. I'd just love to get a call extending an offer and I can move onto more important things, like finding daycare...
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The state of my cupboards.
Andrea was nice enough to ask me what I'd be eating tonight.
My date with the couch.
Remember?
Here is the current state of my pantry.
Top Shelf: Steel Cut Oats and Cream of Wheat
Bottom Shelf: Some vitamins, random can's of beans that we don't know what to do with, tuna (but we have no cheese for melts), graham crackers, and a can of tomato soup that I bought for some recipe and never used.
We are also out of bread, cheese, yogurt, juice, eggs, and cereal. Boo.
No, this isn't a joke. It's actually pretty typical. Mike and I are probably the only people I know who use up every.darn.thing. in our cupboards before we head to the store.
Not necessarily proud of it. I want some back up food!
At this current moment I am starving and trying to get a hold of Mike to see if he can bring me either Chipotle or Pizza Hut breadsticks on his way home.
So...hopefully that is what I am going to eat!
My date with the couch.
Remember?
Here is the current state of my pantry.
Top Shelf: Steel Cut Oats and Cream of Wheat
Bottom Shelf: Some vitamins, random can's of beans that we don't know what to do with, tuna (but we have no cheese for melts), graham crackers, and a can of tomato soup that I bought for some recipe and never used.
We are also out of bread, cheese, yogurt, juice, eggs, and cereal. Boo.
No, this isn't a joke. It's actually pretty typical. Mike and I are probably the only people I know who use up every.darn.thing. in our cupboards before we head to the store.
Not necessarily proud of it. I want some back up food!
At this current moment I am starving and trying to get a hold of Mike to see if he can bring me either Chipotle or Pizza Hut breadsticks on his way home.
So...hopefully that is what I am going to eat!
Friday, October 1, 2010
School Mom
A lot of times I'll get comments relating to my full-time student status and full-time mom status. Something along the lines of "I don't know how you manage."
I am here to tell you that juggling, or finding the time for everything isn't really the issue. That part is quite easy.
You know what the real issue is? The real issue is that after being with the kids all.day.long. the second they go to bed is my chance to study. But, do you think I want to pull out my books and study? NO!!!
I want to sit on the couch, and watch TV, and think about nothing, and eat.
That is by far the hardest part. There are a lot of hours in the day, but feeling like you are required to utilize each and every one of them pretty much sucks.
And with that I end by telling you I've had a busy week, and tomorrow when I pick up the kids from the sitters, bring them home, and put them to bed, I am going to sit on the couch, and watch TV, and think about nothing, and eat.
At least that's my goal.
I am here to tell you that juggling, or finding the time for everything isn't really the issue. That part is quite easy.
You know what the real issue is? The real issue is that after being with the kids all.day.long. the second they go to bed is my chance to study. But, do you think I want to pull out my books and study? NO!!!
I want to sit on the couch, and watch TV, and think about nothing, and eat.
That is by far the hardest part. There are a lot of hours in the day, but feeling like you are required to utilize each and every one of them pretty much sucks.
And with that I end by telling you I've had a busy week, and tomorrow when I pick up the kids from the sitters, bring them home, and put them to bed, I am going to sit on the couch, and watch TV, and think about nothing, and eat.
At least that's my goal.
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