So.....my hubby and I have been tightening our budget and working really hard to stick to it. (i.e., I finally jumped on bored with being even more frugal, which I am proud of, laboriously created a new budget, and work tirelessly every day to keep it.)
The hardest part? .....the grocery budget.
I figured it out. It's not just my imagination. Over night it seems, my children went from being nearly inconsequential factors in my grocery budget (we had a separate baby budget when they were younger for other necessities) to suddenly, I swear, dominating nearly the entire budget!
How do two YOUNG, PICKY, toddlers eat SO MUCH???? I swear, they just bulldoze through food! And they have such expensive taste! I sneak in the raman noodles and the mac and cheese as much as i feel comfortable with (usually at the end of the month when the money is gone lol) but when i think we can afford it and we have it in the house they just blow through all manner of food! Apples, grapes, strawberries, tortillas (as opposed to bread which I can get really cheap and super healthy and natural. NO they want tortillas!), cheese (especially expensive string cheese sticks), juice and milk, corn tortilla chips, (no veggies sadly), but seriously, just so much food! I can't believe what they pack away! And they have to eat so often, that there is no way to avoid having to buy easy food that can work as snacks. Whether it's snack time at home or on the go. Bars - which are messy and they rarely eat - of course, because I find them inexpensively. sigh. No, they want pretzles and grahm crackers and a million string cheese sticks!
Ugh!!!!! I honestly have almost completely switched over to cloth diapers just with the hope that it will save us some money that we can use for more real food! Kit and I want to eat too!!!!
You know, I was just in in awe. But now I am seriously scared. .......if they eat like this now, I don't know how I will ever afford them as teenagers!
Mega Frugal Mama
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
A Hobby, A Hobby!
Ok, so....... I need a hobby. I am interested in a variety of activities. There is much I know I could do, really. And i am blessed to have a some what flexible schedule that really would allow me to do some very decent things...... The only problem is, I suffer from TASOAG syndrome and AAC phobia. It's very serious. Sigh, I've been combating it and pushing through my disorders for years, but it's time I come to terms with it and share. And in so doing, I hope to help others.
Hi, my name is Kristi Merkley. I am the mother of two sweet little girls. The wife of a wonderful, hard working (aka hardly home) man, and a college graduate. I have a full and happy life. But I need and crave just a little more. I see others enjoying this "more" of which I desire. I want it too. Sadly, I suffer from The Attention Span Of A Gnat and often suffer from a fear of Arts And Crafts.
I know of many hobbies that really interest other stay at home homes, that hold their attention and add to their feeling of fulfillment. I am still on a mission to find one or more that will work for ME!!! I've thought of some that I would like, but am not sure if or how I could make them happen. Perhaps I could tell you a bit about what I like and some of you could share any possible suggestions that come to your mind. Here are my interests/parameters:
Looking for something(s) for:
-Alone time at home
-One hour (possibly) once a week - day time &/or evening
-Flexible - no major commitment
-FREE or super cheap
-Not too crafty in the traditional sense (it's just not me,no matter how I try or regardless of any brief waves of desire that may wash over me at times. It never lasts)
-Social (I need at least something social)
-Physical would be nice
-Mentally stimulating - A MUST
-Something fun, &/or something meaningful
So far, I've thought of trying to form a club once a month with others to explore new things - social, out and about, variety. I'd love to learn some dance moves, but not sure how I could do that....don't think I could do a dance class, but maybe some friends and a video? I like to ride my bike...maybe I could fix it up and join or create a little bicycle club? Find and join or create a book club?
So far everything I've come up with will a decent amount of work. Sigh. By the time I have some me time, I'm pretty much all worked out. : ( But I need a few things. Something or several things that I can do alone at home, and some things to do out with others.
Ideas??
Much Appreciated!
Mega Bored Mama : )
Hi, my name is Kristi Merkley. I am the mother of two sweet little girls. The wife of a wonderful, hard working (aka hardly home) man, and a college graduate. I have a full and happy life. But I need and crave just a little more. I see others enjoying this "more" of which I desire. I want it too. Sadly, I suffer from The Attention Span Of A Gnat and often suffer from a fear of Arts And Crafts.
I know of many hobbies that really interest other stay at home homes, that hold their attention and add to their feeling of fulfillment. I am still on a mission to find one or more that will work for ME!!! I've thought of some that I would like, but am not sure if or how I could make them happen. Perhaps I could tell you a bit about what I like and some of you could share any possible suggestions that come to your mind. Here are my interests/parameters:
Looking for something(s) for:
-Alone time at home
-One hour (possibly) once a week - day time &/or evening
-Flexible - no major commitment
-FREE or super cheap
-Not too crafty in the traditional sense (it's just not me,no matter how I try or regardless of any brief waves of desire that may wash over me at times. It never lasts)
-Social (I need at least something social)
-Physical would be nice
-Mentally stimulating - A MUST
-Something fun, &/or something meaningful
So far, I've thought of trying to form a club once a month with others to explore new things - social, out and about, variety. I'd love to learn some dance moves, but not sure how I could do that....don't think I could do a dance class, but maybe some friends and a video? I like to ride my bike...maybe I could fix it up and join or create a little bicycle club? Find and join or create a book club?
So far everything I've come up with will a decent amount of work. Sigh. By the time I have some me time, I'm pretty much all worked out. : ( But I need a few things. Something or several things that I can do alone at home, and some things to do out with others.
Ideas??
Much Appreciated!
Mega Bored Mama : )
Picture Time!
Took the girls to get their pictures taken today - Courtesy of their generous great grandmother who was visiting. All went as well as could be expected. Got great some GREAT shots (of course, my girls are gorgeous!) but took a lot of work.
But, as ALWAYS, after the photo shoot my girls miraculously managed to look even CUTER! I found myself constantly saying, "Oh! That's the perfect shot!" "Oh, I wish we had gotten a picture of that smile!" "Oh, look what she's doing right there! WHY DIDN'T THEY LOOK THIS WAY when we had a PAID photographer in front of them!!!???"
Ah, you just can't win them all, can you?
But, as ALWAYS, after the photo shoot my girls miraculously managed to look even CUTER! I found myself constantly saying, "Oh! That's the perfect shot!" "Oh, I wish we had gotten a picture of that smile!" "Oh, look what she's doing right there! WHY DIDN'T THEY LOOK THIS WAY when we had a PAID photographer in front of them!!!???"
Ah, you just can't win them all, can you?
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Who's The Two Year Old Here?...
So.....
You seasoned moms or otherwise intelligent and self aware people.....have you noticed the moods of the dreaded and frightening TWO YEAR OLD???.....
Well, I know the most basic by heart, I assure you.
(Not in any particular order necessarily)
1) Total and complete emotional break downs over the slightest of disappointments
2) Severe stubbornness and unwillingness to heed instructions or advice or common sense
3) General crankiness and irritability
4) Erratic mood changes - wonderfully cute and happy one moment and the next, the sibling/home destroyer
5) Well intentioned - Good heart, but ideas often poorly executed or unable to maintain pure intentions through the end.
I am positive that there are countless others, these are the few that most readily come to my mind though. And, as I've pondered these in the past and most recent past...I have been uncomfortably made to see, that while these are very prevalent, less than desirable traits of the typical two year old (I'm sure yours in always a total angel, right?) they are also, in deed, most typical - albeit slightly more masked, traits of the parents.
Sigh. It was a sad sad day when i realized I needed to see myself and treat myself as I do my sweet little two year old when she's having a bad day - but I miraculously am not.
Like her, I too deserve patience, love, food, sleep, and a respite from too much stimulus. It is a common discussion in our home, me to my little ones -
" I'm so sorry sweetie. Mommy and daddy didn't mean to throw a tantrum and yell. We get hungry and tired and lose control too, I'm so sorry baby. please forgive us? I love you."
I was hoping to portray a common and hilarious (because I am just always so funny I assure you) story to illustrate this. However, since it was MOST definitely one of those days today, I don't have the time. Because you see, I'm so tired from not sleeping enough last night (due to little ones....mostly) that I have to go to bed early tonight. : )
Ah, realizing when YOU are in deed, the bigger two year old. Quite humbling.
To all those two year old parents out there - it's ok. : ) We are allowed to get hungry, and tired, and not feel well. But at least we can usually choose to see what's really gong on and practice, at times, a bit more self control than our actual two year olds. That said, don't they probably deserve a little more patience and love than we may sometimes give them? After all, we don't get constantly yelled at through out the day when we aren't completely emotionally sound. We get circumvented and altogether avoided whenever possible! lol We do our grown up best, and they their two year old best. but, I would suggest, that at least in my family, I think my little ones probably give it a more valiant effort than I often do. Sigh, they are just better : ) And have sweeter, unadulterated little hearts.
So! Let us do our best, but when we can't help but succumb to the ways of the two year old, let's at least 1) be as good as they really are - or try. 2) be as good to ourselves and we try to be to them and 3) remember, and have even greater patience with the REAL two year olds next time, when it's their turn. : )
And now I bid you all good night. I must go rescue my first dining room table and chair set from my exposed porch that is getting drenched at the moment. Sigh, ah the adventures of not having your own house yet!
And yes, I know this is all mostly babblings....I am a tired toddler today. .... or did I already mention that. : Excuse me while I go pout and then pass out.
Mega Tired Mama : )
You seasoned moms or otherwise intelligent and self aware people.....have you noticed the moods of the dreaded and frightening TWO YEAR OLD???.....
Well, I know the most basic by heart, I assure you.
(Not in any particular order necessarily)
1) Total and complete emotional break downs over the slightest of disappointments
2) Severe stubbornness and unwillingness to heed instructions or advice or common sense
3) General crankiness and irritability
4) Erratic mood changes - wonderfully cute and happy one moment and the next, the sibling/home destroyer
5) Well intentioned - Good heart, but ideas often poorly executed or unable to maintain pure intentions through the end.
I am positive that there are countless others, these are the few that most readily come to my mind though. And, as I've pondered these in the past and most recent past...I have been uncomfortably made to see, that while these are very prevalent, less than desirable traits of the typical two year old (I'm sure yours in always a total angel, right?) they are also, in deed, most typical - albeit slightly more masked, traits of the parents.
Sigh. It was a sad sad day when i realized I needed to see myself and treat myself as I do my sweet little two year old when she's having a bad day - but I miraculously am not.
Like her, I too deserve patience, love, food, sleep, and a respite from too much stimulus. It is a common discussion in our home, me to my little ones -
" I'm so sorry sweetie. Mommy and daddy didn't mean to throw a tantrum and yell. We get hungry and tired and lose control too, I'm so sorry baby. please forgive us? I love you."
I was hoping to portray a common and hilarious (because I am just always so funny I assure you) story to illustrate this. However, since it was MOST definitely one of those days today, I don't have the time. Because you see, I'm so tired from not sleeping enough last night (due to little ones....mostly) that I have to go to bed early tonight. : )
Ah, realizing when YOU are in deed, the bigger two year old. Quite humbling.
To all those two year old parents out there - it's ok. : ) We are allowed to get hungry, and tired, and not feel well. But at least we can usually choose to see what's really gong on and practice, at times, a bit more self control than our actual two year olds. That said, don't they probably deserve a little more patience and love than we may sometimes give them? After all, we don't get constantly yelled at through out the day when we aren't completely emotionally sound. We get circumvented and altogether avoided whenever possible! lol We do our grown up best, and they their two year old best. but, I would suggest, that at least in my family, I think my little ones probably give it a more valiant effort than I often do. Sigh, they are just better : ) And have sweeter, unadulterated little hearts.
So! Let us do our best, but when we can't help but succumb to the ways of the two year old, let's at least 1) be as good as they really are - or try. 2) be as good to ourselves and we try to be to them and 3) remember, and have even greater patience with the REAL two year olds next time, when it's their turn. : )
And now I bid you all good night. I must go rescue my first dining room table and chair set from my exposed porch that is getting drenched at the moment. Sigh, ah the adventures of not having your own house yet!
And yes, I know this is all mostly babblings....I am a tired toddler today. .... or did I already mention that. : Excuse me while I go pout and then pass out.
Mega Tired Mama : )
Monday, October 3, 2011
Blah, Blah, Blah...
Blah Blah Blah.....
No, this is not what I hear or say. This is how I too often feel!
Stay at home moms...I know I am not alone, right? We all can easily get ensnared by that monster of discontentment. Sometimes I just don't even feel like a real person. My identity becomes all too immersed and intertwined with that of nanny, maid, and personal assistant.
Don't get me wrong. It it my biggest pleasure and privilege to be a stay at home mom. And it comes at QUITE a sacrifice to all!.....but, how can I be more content with life? I crave excitement. I long for spontaneity. But I'm also easily stressed out, and so do well with the routine and fairly slow pace of the stay at home life (if you can call TWO VERY rambunctious toddlers and all that goes with that SLOW PACED).
I just find myself constantly stuck between bored and discontent, or overly stressed and discontent. I have yet to find this magic balance I crave. I know these early years are tough, but I just feel I should be happier and more content than I am? Am I just difficult to please? Is this totally common or normal? How can I fix this?
I just want to feel like a well-rounded whole person. But HOW, when this phase of life is completely (it feels) overrun with only caring for others 24/7? And when I have a spare moment, I don't even know what to do. I was one who never really knew myself (cliche I know, but true) before I got married. I started learning, but I haven't really had a chance to find what ELSE I love (besides my family) and that I can actually be involved with (time, money, feasibility of all kinds...) that will bring me greater joy and fulfillment and help me feel whole. Everything I've ever really tried, doesn't seem to work for long.
So I ask you? Am a just ADD? Chronically discontent with life and need to seek help in general? Or does this seem common enough to you that I should comfort myself with the age old adage of "this too shall pass" and try to minimize stressing over my discontent feelings?
What say you, my mighty force of followers?
(You are at least reading this, right grandma?)
Love to all, thank you for reading or skimming my meanderings.
Mega Mama
No, this is not what I hear or say. This is how I too often feel!
Stay at home moms...I know I am not alone, right? We all can easily get ensnared by that monster of discontentment. Sometimes I just don't even feel like a real person. My identity becomes all too immersed and intertwined with that of nanny, maid, and personal assistant.
Don't get me wrong. It it my biggest pleasure and privilege to be a stay at home mom. And it comes at QUITE a sacrifice to all!.....but, how can I be more content with life? I crave excitement. I long for spontaneity. But I'm also easily stressed out, and so do well with the routine and fairly slow pace of the stay at home life (if you can call TWO VERY rambunctious toddlers and all that goes with that SLOW PACED).
I just find myself constantly stuck between bored and discontent, or overly stressed and discontent. I have yet to find this magic balance I crave. I know these early years are tough, but I just feel I should be happier and more content than I am? Am I just difficult to please? Is this totally common or normal? How can I fix this?
I just want to feel like a well-rounded whole person. But HOW, when this phase of life is completely (it feels) overrun with only caring for others 24/7? And when I have a spare moment, I don't even know what to do. I was one who never really knew myself (cliche I know, but true) before I got married. I started learning, but I haven't really had a chance to find what ELSE I love (besides my family) and that I can actually be involved with (time, money, feasibility of all kinds...) that will bring me greater joy and fulfillment and help me feel whole. Everything I've ever really tried, doesn't seem to work for long.
So I ask you? Am a just ADD? Chronically discontent with life and need to seek help in general? Or does this seem common enough to you that I should comfort myself with the age old adage of "this too shall pass" and try to minimize stressing over my discontent feelings?
What say you, my mighty force of followers?
(You are at least reading this, right grandma?)
Love to all, thank you for reading or skimming my meanderings.
Mega Mama
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Welcome!
Hello Everyone!
(Hi you one brave person with some spare time on your hands and a kind heart!)
Welcome to ME! I am the Mega Mama!
I have too much on my mind to hold in or unleash on my limited, but valiant troop of friends and family. Thoughts, philosophies, un-solicited advice, ideas, stories, hard aches and hardships, not so funny - had to be there jokes, and just plain random musings. SO!!!!.... lucky YOU, I will tell YOU all about everything!
The blessing of this is three fold, I will hopefully gain a bit more ground on my path to becoming more balanced and sane (I am a real person and did not cease to exist once I got married and became a mom!), I will hopefully not bore or annoy those closest to me (yes, hubby, I am working to get you off the hook I know you need to sleep after a long hard day, I've just got so much to say after a 'typical' day as a stay-at-home-mom!) AND, lastly, I hope to make everyone ELSE who dares to read this blog feel better about themselves! Whether it is my poor spelling or grammar, my flaws and follies, or my total lack of creativity, pictures, and altogether useless information on this blog! I am here to make you like YOU that much more! : ) I'll tell you right now, this is NOT another blog! I am not going to make this pretty, or creative, or fancy or probably interesting in any normal way. : )
So HERE's to self-indulgent mediocraty!!!
Love to all, blog at you soon enough : )
(Hi you one brave person with some spare time on your hands and a kind heart!)
Welcome to ME! I am the Mega Mama!
I have too much on my mind to hold in or unleash on my limited, but valiant troop of friends and family. Thoughts, philosophies, un-solicited advice, ideas, stories, hard aches and hardships, not so funny - had to be there jokes, and just plain random musings. SO!!!!.... lucky YOU, I will tell YOU all about everything!
The blessing of this is three fold, I will hopefully gain a bit more ground on my path to becoming more balanced and sane (I am a real person and did not cease to exist once I got married and became a mom!), I will hopefully not bore or annoy those closest to me (yes, hubby, I am working to get you off the hook I know you need to sleep after a long hard day, I've just got so much to say after a 'typical' day as a stay-at-home-mom!) AND, lastly, I hope to make everyone ELSE who dares to read this blog feel better about themselves! Whether it is my poor spelling or grammar, my flaws and follies, or my total lack of creativity, pictures, and altogether useless information on this blog! I am here to make you like YOU that much more! : ) I'll tell you right now, this is NOT another blog! I am not going to make this pretty, or creative, or fancy or probably interesting in any normal way. : )
So HERE's to self-indulgent mediocraty!!!
Love to all, blog at you soon enough : )
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