Be our 'Ghost'

We are gearing up for the holidays.

One way we enjoy the holidays is with family movies and foods.

We enjoyed pumpkin yogurts while watching Disney's Blackbeard's Ghost, a favorite childhood movie of mine. I am finding that I just can't wait to share the fond memories and passions of my youth with my son. Certain movies hold a strong sense of nostalgia that I just have to pass along.

Source

This movie has a small element of spook and  a large element of hilariousness.

 Popcorn and candy corn are my Halloween favorite treats that I had to share.

Aren't his socks too cute for words? 

  

What fun holiday treats do you just have to share with your wee ones?

Beautifully Strung

Having Mr. Elskan home certainly creates a lot more space for creativity everyone can enjoy.

Today we played with string, fingers, and paints.

Have you ever tried it?

You should.

It is easy and fun to do!

 Beautiful colors.

 

Mamma and Pabbi's joint effort of string/finger painting.

Masterpieces were produced today.

Masterpieces of Childhood Memories.

Takin' Care of Mamma

A bloggy friend has started up a new series of Posts called

"Takin' Care of Mama." 

What a wonderful idea!

I have decided to follow her lead and include such a series of posts as well.

As mother's we really need to learn to find ways to gather strength and energy so we are better able to care for our wee little ones.

Mama Laurel has her focus on the Physical, Spiritual, and Emotional aspects of her life.

Amen to this!

Check out her goals and progress.

The areas I've decided to focus on:

Spiritual

Emotional

Physical

Mental

Social

In each of these areas,
 I will be setting goals -

simple trackable goals.

Spiritual

I started reading the Bible - namely the Old Testament. I have read through it before and have done lots of localized reading. This time I am taking my time and really focusing on the details: maps, culture, and the struggles of each character.

Emotional

Life can be overwhelming - especially in our family it seems. We seem to be in constant transition which can be very difficult. Recently, our transition has been coping with unemployment and job hunting. So, I am trying really hard to focus on the positives in our daily life. Although, we are unemployed it is wonderful to have Mr. Elskan home and a part of the daily routines. It is wonderful the Lil' munchkin is able to experience father more in his daily life.

Physical

I am really focusing on my caloric intake. With Mr. Elskan being home and able to chef for us, I am able to better focus on what I am eating. I hope to get moving more too. It is difficult with the constant exhaustion but I really want to. In the future.

(photo credit)

Mental

This is an area many mothers may overlook. But it is important that we are still learning, growing, expanding our skills, and increasing our abilities. This is an area that exhausts me: after chores. homeschooling, doing our finances, etc. my brain wants a break. But I have found an ingenious and simple way to increase or at least keep my mental capacities: S*udoku. (and crosswords). As a woman who is dyslexic with numbers and can't stand math I am surprised by the enjoyment I feel for it. It relaxes me and challenges me at the same time.

Social

At times I don't feel social, especially dealing with my chronic fatigue and illness. After a full day I hardly want to do much else, besides vegetate. But a good friend started up a Book Club and I LOVE going to it. Although, it is once a month I make sure to go. On the in between I call my friends and discuss the books. It helps me get through my month.

What are your goals?

How do you keep yourself moving and growing after taking care of everyone else?

Things are Cookin' Now

Lil' Monster has long watched (in his short life) his Pabbi  and Mamma cook breakfast. He has hit the stage for wanting to do things "by myself." Breakfast is one of those things he has wanted to do on his own.

So we gave it a try:

Getting everything pulled together.

Measuring out the Cream of Wheat, and added water and stirred.

Excitedly (despite the look) pressing buttons to cook the bowl of hot cereal.

  Waiting for a few minutes.

Stirring in a little brown sugar

(a rare treat and given for such an accomplishment).

            Wanting to enjoy it with some milk.

And enjoy it he did.

Isn't growing up so fun.

The simple things, that many adults take for granted,
can be so exciting and full of novelty for young ones.

As a mother,

I love my son for helping me to see the world anew and with such excitement and accomplishment.