Raising Sensitive Boys
May 30th, 2012 § 7 Comments
Lazy Cook – Homemade Play dough
May 27th, 2012 § 3 Comments
The Lazy Cook blog is in the process of being revamped. Soon I will feature other people’s recipes and have them do the cooking. I cannot wait, since cooking is not my favorite.
My recipe today is for homemade play dough. Years ago when I was a preschool teacher, I used to whip up play dough every week for my class. Nowadays, I make this for my little son at home. This simple recipe is a must for anyone who spends time with young children.
What I like about this recipe is not only is it easy to make, it is also safe for little children to take a nibble.
Homemade Playdough
Ingredients
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon oil
Food coloring
Directions
1. Place flour, salt and cream of tartar into small pan. Mix well.
2. Place pan on the stove.
3. In a small bowl mix water, oil and food coloring.
4. Add water mixture to the pot. Stir lightly.
5. Cook mixture over medium heat, until a ball forms. Play dough should be slightly sticky, but pulled away from the sides of the pan.
6. Kneed to cool on wax paper.
7. Allow play dough to fully cool before storing in plastic bag.
I have made this recipe hundreds of times. It takes a little practice to know when to stop cooking. Slightly sticky is the key to keeping it from being too dry.
I hope this is something you will enjoy, with the young children in your life.
Talk to you soon.
Off We Go
May 25th, 2012 § 6 Comments
A text conversation between a wife and a husband.
When are you coming home? – Wife
Packing up right now. - Husband
I am going to walk the dog. The landscape guys did not come by today. Will they ever get the job done? Groan. – Wife
What happened to being there at 3? Double groan. This homeowner stuff really stinks. Sell everything and buy us a real big and fancy RV, take the kids out of school and travel the country. – Husband
I am with you babe. First stop, Las Vegas. We are going to need some extra cash. Then off we go!” – Wife
Heal and Go Forward
May 23rd, 2012 § 6 Comments
Last night I read a meditation from the book, Your True Home, by Thich Nhat Hanh. The book is a small, everyday read, relating to Buddhism. Although I am not a practicing Buddhist, I enjoy reading books about the religion.
The meditation focused on how to become a positive influence on others. It discussed the importance of healing childhood pain.
Here is an except from the meditation, titled Begin Immediately.
What I recommend for all of us is to come back to ourselves and take care of the little boy or little girl who inhabits the depths of our wounded souls. Then we will be calmer, more understanding and loving, and the environment will begin to change. Other people will benefit from our presence, and we will be able to influence them and our society.
The meditation relates to a conversation I had yesterday. I was talking to a friend about my childhood. I discussed my parent’s divorce and the impact it had on me. As I spoke to my friend, I realized my attitude toward my childhood situation had changed.
One of the reasons for the change is because I have made a more conscious effort to ‘heal’ the child who was wounded by the divorce. Divorce can impact a child. Some are more negatively affected than others.
The most painful part of my parent’s divorce for me was rejection. Although, no one personally rejected me, I grew up feeling inferior. Most of my adult pain has been a result of seeking approval of others.
Years ago, I felt personally rejected by someone. I could not deal with the issue. The person was not a close friend or relative. It was merely an acquaintance. I began to wonder why I was so concerned about someone’s acceptance of me. Especially since, it was someone I did not admire or know well.
I had not healed from my childhood. The little girl inside me was still needed the approval of her parents.
After this experience, I began transforming my thinking. It was difficult. Convincing myself I was worthy, no matter what the circumstances, was not easy. I looked back at the little girl I was and realized she had done nothing to deserve rejection. The harder I looked, the more I realized my parents had never really rejected me. They simply were dealing with their own issues.
As I released my pain and fear something happened. I became happier. I became more confident. I started to take risks, even though it meant some people would not like me. I became more positive and less judgemental.
Last night’s meditation reminded me, no one can go forth and make the world a better place unless they are at peace with themselves. If we want to be a positive influence on people, we must be healed first.
Forward I move. Healing each step of the way.
Related articles
- Peace is Every Step – Thich Nhat Hanh (booklolly.wordpress.com)
- Thich Nhat Hanh: Connect With and Love Mother Earth to Heal the Planet (commondreams.org)
G Rated Only
May 21st, 2012 § 4 Comments
A conversation between a mother, a father, two teenage boys, and a little boy.
“You know Sweetie, we saw the coolest A-frame trailer when we were out camping. It fits two people and is really easy to set up. Maybe we could get one of those, so you will come camping with us?” – Dad
“Does it have a bathroom?” – Mom
“Um, no. I don’t think so. But at least you won’t be sleeping on the hard ground.” – Dad
“No bathroom? Then I would still have to pee outside, right?” – Mom
“Mom, what is the big deal about going to the bathroom outside? How come you are the only one who cares about it?” – Old Boy
“I am the only one who does not have a penis, that’s why. You guys can just whip it out and go. I have to squat, pull down my pants and wipe.” – Mom
“Whoa, whoa. Let’s keep the conversation G rated Mom. We do have a little kid in the car with us.” – Tall Boy
“Son, I am aware of the little guy. He knows what a penis is. He has one. You all do.” – Mom
Silence.
“So what did you do while we were camping, Honey?’ – Dad
One Lovely Blog Award
May 19th, 2012 § 8 Comments
Well, I have news…happy news. I have been nominated for the One Lovely Blog Award, by fellow blogger, UNFETTEREDBS. A big thank you to UNFETTEREDBS, for the wonderful honor.
When you nominate a blog, you are stating you admire the person’s blog and recommend people check it out. Once you receive a nomination you must follow some simple rules.
* Thank the person who nominated you and link back to them in your post
* Share 7 things about yourself
* Nominate 10 or so bloggers you admire
* Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know
Here are 7 things about me.
1. I am a Michigan native.
2. My favorite color is yellow.
3. I won second place, in a college Flashdance contest.
4. I wanted to be an actress as a child.
5. I would rather clean bathrooms than wash dishes.
6. I have always loved being a brunette.
7. Writing a blog has changed my life for the better.
Here are my nominations for the One Lovely Blog Award. (This was hard for me. I love so many blogs.)
What a wonderful surprise to be nominated. It is the first time I have ever been nominated for anything.
Thank you.
I Rest My Case
May 17th, 2012 § 17 Comments
Every year, at about this time, my family does an annual camping trip. Last night, my husband was preparing for the event. I do not usually go, but if the campsite is close enough, I’ll visit for the day.
The annual camping trip is the only outing my husband plans for 100% alone. I may purchase a few items here and there, but that is it. My husband gets all the gear together, helps the boys pack their bags and gathers all the food for the meals.
I fully planned to visit the family, until I came across the food list for the trip. Now, I have reconsidered.
Water
Spam
Top Ramen
Canned corn
Soda
Chips
Cookies
Juice boxes
Spam
Egg beaters
Cheese
Butter
Fun snacks
5 gallon water
Beer
Instant coffee
If you wonder why I do not like camping, check the list.
I rest my case.
Related articles
- Doomed (insanityofmotherhood.com)
Hiding
May 15th, 2012 § 3 Comments
A conversation between a father, two teenage boys and a little boy.
“Hi Boys. Where is your Mom?” – Dad.
“She’s in the garage.”- Old Boy.
“Doing laundry?”- Dad.
“No, she’s hiding from us.” – Old Boy.
“Sounds like a good night for take out.” – Dad.
