I am tickled pink today! I've been learning how to work on my blog as I become more and more inspired by other blogs :). I am not a computer person...and, yes, I know my blog looks a bit awkward, but I am having a blast of a time playing around with it! lol! Just a week or two ago, I'd never do something like this. It is soooo much fun!
So, everyone, if it looks a bit "rookie-ish", it is!! LOL! I love it! I love it! I feel like a kid doing crafts or something...:)
My next accomplishment is to take pictures with a digital camera so I can share with you some of the subjects in my blog! Tried it yesterday, but the camera is too complicated for my simple brain! This is why God created teenagers!
Thanks for your patience!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Baby is Doing Better
Yesterday, my grandson had a very difficult day with lots and lots of crying. Even I, with all my experience, was lost for causes until my daughter said, "Mom, he's probably has gas." So, I took him off her breast milk (we give him both breast milk and formula), and gave him water. He did drink quite a bit of water, gave me a huge burp and seemed a lot better. We still had a bit of a ways to go, but that seemed to help a lot. Later, I have him some formula. He drank almost 6 ozs straight, including his dinner of some green beans, applesauce and a dash of rice cereal....yes, he has an appetite!
I also had two late night kids last night. As I continued taking care of the toddler, I put my grandson on the floor right at my feet, in front of me. He is able to sit up on his own now. Suddenly, he stopped crying and being antsy to discover the new place he was in. He sat there for at least 10 mins just smiling and cooing. It was so adorable! This moment was prior to giving him the water.
So, after giving him the water and his dinner, I placed a sheet on the floor with all his toys. Boy, was this a new revelation for him! Usually, during day care hours, he is on the floor, but we are downstairs and I have a "fenced-off" area for the babies (or him). Last night we were in my room as I was preparing for bed and the evening schedule. Usually during this time, he is in the play pen or on my bed with me. Now, we have a new spot upstairs...on the floor! Nana will have to sit with him during this time because, though he is not crawling, he is quite the mobile one. He pivots on his tummy and also pushes himself backwards.
By bedtime, he was back to being a happy baby :). In fact, after the night kids left, I put him up on the bed with me so that we can get ready to go to sleep. By the time I had settled myself in, he had simply laid his head down and had fallen asleep.
I also had two late night kids last night. As I continued taking care of the toddler, I put my grandson on the floor right at my feet, in front of me. He is able to sit up on his own now. Suddenly, he stopped crying and being antsy to discover the new place he was in. He sat there for at least 10 mins just smiling and cooing. It was so adorable! This moment was prior to giving him the water.
So, after giving him the water and his dinner, I placed a sheet on the floor with all his toys. Boy, was this a new revelation for him! Usually, during day care hours, he is on the floor, but we are downstairs and I have a "fenced-off" area for the babies (or him). Last night we were in my room as I was preparing for bed and the evening schedule. Usually during this time, he is in the play pen or on my bed with me. Now, we have a new spot upstairs...on the floor! Nana will have to sit with him during this time because, though he is not crawling, he is quite the mobile one. He pivots on his tummy and also pushes himself backwards.
By bedtime, he was back to being a happy baby :). In fact, after the night kids left, I put him up on the bed with me so that we can get ready to go to sleep. By the time I had settled myself in, he had simply laid his head down and had fallen asleep.
This morning, he is doing much, much better, back on track with his morning routine....so far!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Feeling Sooooo Much Better!
I am feeling so much lighter! For the past few days, I have felt so much better emotionally. I so wish I knew what the difference is, you know, what has changed that I feel better. I do continue to tell myself, "It will get better." You know me and how I do things, lol! I look ahead to see, if anything, I can do to shorten the time frame of discomfort. I do believe my discomfort is due to financial shortcomings so my options will be fairly limited. I have done all that I can do at this point.
I've focused more on getting rest, taking my hot baths and going back to bible study. For a wihle there, I had become so overwhelmed that I had lost my way to rebuilding myself. Sunday afternoon, I felt so guilty because I had to give myself permission to lay in bed with movies all day! It paid off wonderfully. I'm not able to take my hot baths as regularly as I would like and had once done due to having a few day care kids late evening, but I have resumed taking my baths as often as I can...sometimes 11:00 pm!
This afternoon, while the kids were sleeping, a very dear friend of mine stopped by to give me a "just-thought-of you" gift. Believe it or not, no one has ever done such a thing for me! It was totally awesome! She has really be there for me spiritually. We pray together and study scriptures together. She brought me a beautiful, large, colorful chime set!
True friends can be totally awesome!
Animals are trusting, take care of them
I am a huge fan of animals, especially dogs. They are so loyal and loving, yet humans can be so abusive. If I could, I would have a dog kennel and take care of all the unwanted dogs. At the same time, they are just like children, from potty training to feeding! lol! Just adorable
Being Consistent
Today, I have a mild concern of not being consistent. I say "mild" because I do understand why I am having difficulty with it and I do know the causes, some of which I do not have control of.
I am referring to being able to create a "regular" schedule with the kids in the daycare. Back in San Diego, things were very different from my physcial location (across the street from a school), resources that were available to providers (headstart, gain, YMCA and the resource listing) and a better economy. My prices were known to be one of the lowest in the city and I was known to get the children prepared for kindergarden. I had a reputation for good discipline for the children as well. In fact, the worst behaved children were often referred to me, LOL!
Today, circumstances are so very different i.e. my city itself (fairly country in the middle of nowhere causing parents to have to commute to major cities), the lack of available subsidized programs and, most of all, the condition of the economy. As we know, cost is always a factor and there are many influences to determining what parents can afford without going so low as to being unable to pay my own bills. I do still keep my charges low.
The economy is hurting us all very badly. Adults are loosing jobs quickly and in mass amounts. People who have worked at major corporations for years and years have lost their jobs and are forced to work at fast food places at 1/4 the pay! The competition is huge! In working at fast foods, grocery stores, etc., they are also forced to work varying hours. My point is such that the state of the economy, parents are having tough times, with crazy hours, doing the best they can to hold on to minimum paying jobs.
I don't want to sound selfish, but I said all that to say, the kids all get here at varying hours, that change from week to week, sometimes even daily. To prepare a cirriculum is fairly difficult because often I don't know who I will have for the day. In addition to that, having my grandson makes for difficulty scheduling as well, babies will be babies.
Every now and again, we have exceptionally exciting days that flow wonderfully. For me, "every not and then" is not enough. Often I feel discouraged and bored. I can only wonder what the children might be feeling.
They do enjoy playing together and are learning may social and interactive skills. They get a lot of physical activity. A few days ago, my friend and neighbor came over and we decided on a whim to rearrange the entire backyard. It turned out very, very nice! The kids absolutely love it and it allows for them to get more large muscle use.
I am referring to being able to create a "regular" schedule with the kids in the daycare. Back in San Diego, things were very different from my physcial location (across the street from a school), resources that were available to providers (headstart, gain, YMCA and the resource listing) and a better economy. My prices were known to be one of the lowest in the city and I was known to get the children prepared for kindergarden. I had a reputation for good discipline for the children as well. In fact, the worst behaved children were often referred to me, LOL!
Today, circumstances are so very different i.e. my city itself (fairly country in the middle of nowhere causing parents to have to commute to major cities), the lack of available subsidized programs and, most of all, the condition of the economy. As we know, cost is always a factor and there are many influences to determining what parents can afford without going so low as to being unable to pay my own bills. I do still keep my charges low.
The economy is hurting us all very badly. Adults are loosing jobs quickly and in mass amounts. People who have worked at major corporations for years and years have lost their jobs and are forced to work at fast food places at 1/4 the pay! The competition is huge! In working at fast foods, grocery stores, etc., they are also forced to work varying hours. My point is such that the state of the economy, parents are having tough times, with crazy hours, doing the best they can to hold on to minimum paying jobs.
I don't want to sound selfish, but I said all that to say, the kids all get here at varying hours, that change from week to week, sometimes even daily. To prepare a cirriculum is fairly difficult because often I don't know who I will have for the day. In addition to that, having my grandson makes for difficulty scheduling as well, babies will be babies.
Every now and again, we have exceptionally exciting days that flow wonderfully. For me, "every not and then" is not enough. Often I feel discouraged and bored. I can only wonder what the children might be feeling.
They do enjoy playing together and are learning may social and interactive skills. They get a lot of physical activity. A few days ago, my friend and neighbor came over and we decided on a whim to rearrange the entire backyard. It turned out very, very nice! The kids absolutely love it and it allows for them to get more large muscle use.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Making Changes
Today was rather interesting. I spent the whole weekend calculating my time due to the prevention of depression. Today proved successful :). Somehow, I feel my depression is caused by my interpretation of the events in my life.
Saturday, my 17 year old boy surprised me by doing many chores that I had mentioned needed to be done, but as usual, I had forgotten about. It gave me such a sense of relief. So often, I feel as if I must run everything or nothing will get done. I suppose that is the oldest known statement of a mother LOL! My son remembered to put the banner up to advertise for daycare kids. He washed my car that has recently been repaired after being inoperatable for a year and 7 months, and he cut the front grass which makes the house look so much better :). Keep in mind, he is on restriction too! Saturday night, we crawled into our jammies and watched dvd's til late.
Sunday, I laid in bed all day, in my jammies, watching movies. At first, I kept telling myself, this is ridiculous and I need to get up. Then I remembered, a friend of mine once told me, that sometimes that is exactly what you need is to do "nothing" all day long. I did get up eventually to go to sunday service which I was glad I did. I took my grandson who was rather cranky.
While at services on sunday, my grandson made a biscuit in his diaper which seemed to burn his bottom :(. It concerned me a great deal because this was not like him. My first thought was his teeth. His bottom two teeth are just about ready to break through. Later that evening, he did it again. I put salve on him to prevent another occurrence.
When I spoke to my daughter about his burning bottom, she recalled having some jalapenos a few days ago (She pumps her breast milk and freezes it). Last night, he was cranky throughout the night, waking up about 4 times. This morning, he did much better. Upon making another biscuit, he is fine now :), though I think he is getting a tad bit spoiled! :)
Today went quite well as Gina, my neighbor from acoss the street dropped in for a visit. We took the boys outside (daycare kids) to play. She loves to decorate and build major projects. She got an idea to change my entire patio and yard around so that now it looks like a regular little playgroud for the kids :) If I knew how to download pictures, I would show you. The boys had a blast out there!
Saturday, my daughter brought me home some beautiful flowers, once again in appreciation for keeping the baby while she continues to go to school and work. Now that the baby is getting older and I am getting a bit more sleep, not much, things feel a little better.
I am thinking about keeping kids on satuday because I simply need the money. The thing about doing weekend care, is that I will not get a break at all from working. I ask myself, has it come to that point that I must work every day? That's just sad!
Saturday, my 17 year old boy surprised me by doing many chores that I had mentioned needed to be done, but as usual, I had forgotten about. It gave me such a sense of relief. So often, I feel as if I must run everything or nothing will get done. I suppose that is the oldest known statement of a mother LOL! My son remembered to put the banner up to advertise for daycare kids. He washed my car that has recently been repaired after being inoperatable for a year and 7 months, and he cut the front grass which makes the house look so much better :). Keep in mind, he is on restriction too! Saturday night, we crawled into our jammies and watched dvd's til late.
Sunday, I laid in bed all day, in my jammies, watching movies. At first, I kept telling myself, this is ridiculous and I need to get up. Then I remembered, a friend of mine once told me, that sometimes that is exactly what you need is to do "nothing" all day long. I did get up eventually to go to sunday service which I was glad I did. I took my grandson who was rather cranky.
While at services on sunday, my grandson made a biscuit in his diaper which seemed to burn his bottom :(. It concerned me a great deal because this was not like him. My first thought was his teeth. His bottom two teeth are just about ready to break through. Later that evening, he did it again. I put salve on him to prevent another occurrence.
When I spoke to my daughter about his burning bottom, she recalled having some jalapenos a few days ago (She pumps her breast milk and freezes it). Last night, he was cranky throughout the night, waking up about 4 times. This morning, he did much better. Upon making another biscuit, he is fine now :), though I think he is getting a tad bit spoiled! :)
Today went quite well as Gina, my neighbor from acoss the street dropped in for a visit. We took the boys outside (daycare kids) to play. She loves to decorate and build major projects. She got an idea to change my entire patio and yard around so that now it looks like a regular little playgroud for the kids :) If I knew how to download pictures, I would show you. The boys had a blast out there!
Saturday, my daughter brought me home some beautiful flowers, once again in appreciation for keeping the baby while she continues to go to school and work. Now that the baby is getting older and I am getting a bit more sleep, not much, things feel a little better.
I am thinking about keeping kids on satuday because I simply need the money. The thing about doing weekend care, is that I will not get a break at all from working. I ask myself, has it come to that point that I must work every day? That's just sad!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Getting Worried
I admit, I am quite concerned about my budget. I am getting phone calls for the openings that I do have in the daycare, however, for whatever reason, it has not worked out. Many of the parents are calling from far away that do not travel this way for work. Others have very hectic work hours and are unable to pay an hourly rate of $9.00/hr. Others are part time and do not realize the cost of childcare until they contact the provider.
I did go out yesterday to one of the subsidized offices and passed out flyers. I had a chance to make direct contact wtih some of the parents. They were very kind and receptive, but that doesn't necessarily mean they need childcare.
On a good note, I did get my car back after 1 year and 7 months! It only cost $350 which included both parts and labor! This was paid for prior to my budget crunch. I had two mechanics tell me I needed a new engine at $2800, another tell me it was the computer chip at $1800 and two others tell me it was fuel related. All these were absolutely incorrect! I am so glad I trusted my gut. I have always taken good care of my vehicles with regular upkeep. I felt all of these were extreme. So, I waited. Now, I am waiting for the budget to get better so I can get the car registered, smogged and insured.
I did go out yesterday to one of the subsidized offices and passed out flyers. I had a chance to make direct contact wtih some of the parents. They were very kind and receptive, but that doesn't necessarily mean they need childcare.
On a good note, I did get my car back after 1 year and 7 months! It only cost $350 which included both parts and labor! This was paid for prior to my budget crunch. I had two mechanics tell me I needed a new engine at $2800, another tell me it was the computer chip at $1800 and two others tell me it was fuel related. All these were absolutely incorrect! I am so glad I trusted my gut. I have always taken good care of my vehicles with regular upkeep. I felt all of these were extreme. So, I waited. Now, I am waiting for the budget to get better so I can get the car registered, smogged and insured.
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