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Sunday, October 31, 2010

Give away

The parenting passageway is a wonderful source of information I found in my parenting journey.  And right now there is an added bonus...the giveaway of a book I'd really wished to read- discipline without distress. 
You can read a very interesting post on the Twelve to Twenty Two month old traditional perspective of child development following this link and of course you might want to enter the giveaway as well.

Hugs to all!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

projects & rhythms

I've been refining our daily schedule-rhythm and am quite happy with the outcome.  Next on the list is starting an activity every week with Greg so I really need to plan in advance what we'll be doing, any materials I'll need etc.  Then there is the family time to sort out, the couple time and the me time..... its quite a list I know. 

Yet it's the first time I am feeling really optimistic and am into it to truly give it a go.  I might not be socialising a lot or going out of the house so much with family &  friends but I am busy and am happy and all I need is enough courage to start projects I have been wishing to do but always postponing like:

bread making
trying to knit
doing crafts for my son and with my son

Apart for these, have been sorting our house renovations projects and will start getting quotes soon for the bedroom.  It's quite exciting and with some good luck we might have a new bedroom by mid next year.

Any projects you are doing right now?

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

We might have cracked the code

For the past week and a half I started grieving.

My beloved son whom I enjoy breastfeeding, turned from nursing to simply suckling my breast like a pacifier.

Since I believe this is not an option I have to freely give him and since if he starts this he doesn't stop till he wakes up and doesn't sleep well anyway, I together with my husband's support decided to quit nursing.  We both didn't like it and so he was tantruming his heart out while refusing straight and plain to go to sleep and me got angry at him for being stubborn and not nursing as he should.

Of course it didn't help and after a few days of battling, I tried to find some help on the net as usual.  Although I didn't find actual info relevant to my situation, we still found some worthwhile solutions.  So yesterday we changed a bit the bedtime routine so that the usual steps which he associates with sleeping time didn't happen and Dave took up the responsibility of bath and sleep.  This worked wonderfully- he slept within 20 minutes without a single cry and when he woke up at night he went to sleep alone and when he couldn't Dave took him up and helped him back to sleep.  In the end half an hour before he usually wakes up, he came for me for some breast and I did let him suckle on for 30 mins (which I will reduce with 5 mins every week).  Now will see what happens tonight!

As for nap time, it is still a bit of a struggle since I'm alone at home and he wants the breast but when the worse comes to the worse I take him for a ride in the car.  The same thing as night time we do at nap time - if he asks for my breast a few minutes before he usually wakes up I give it to him.  This meant that 2 days in a row he woke up with a smile from nap time which of course made me smile.

It is so sad actually for a nursing mother to have and stop doing what comes so natural.  However, I am blessed to have been able to do it for nearly 2 years and God willing the new comer in January will be more than happy to nurse as well.  Maybe part of the sadness is also as I wish to see both my children breastfeed together and feel complete and happy all of us together... I know its a fantasy story but still.....

If we have truly found a solution, I can thank God once more that things are settling more rapidly than ever.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

1000 graces from God no 9 -11

Life throws us a lot of unexpecteds.  Sometimes they are easy to deal with.  Others consume us with questions, guilt, grief and such emotions.  Grace no 9- remembering that God is our leader and we must submit to Him and let Him guide us in the quest called life.

I wanted the perfect baby shower but as already said things happen that makes us change tactics.  Grace no 10 - that just catching up with family and friends and having some time to enjoy their company is all we need.  Parties are just excuses to do so even if they turn out different.

Lately I felt more in tune with hubs and found this a wonderful bonding time in its way.  Grace no 11 - Knowing I have the prefect husband for me and doing something that makes him smile is always wonderful

Reassured yet confounded
Lost but knowing the way
Sad but finding happiness
Adjusting yet maladjusting
This is me and I trust me!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

1000 graces from God No 5- 8

5. Rain - We've been having a lot of rain so far this Autumn.  I am not complaining at all really considering the very dry Winter we have had, this is a wonderful blessing even if it means we stay in.
6. Family - Met up with my cousin yesterday.  We sometimes don't meet for years even if we live jsut 15 mins by car away.  it was great seeing him and spending time with him and his wife.  Also grateful to still have 2 grandparents alive whom I can visit often. My nanna is wonderful and wouldn't change her in the whole world!
7. Health - Been very tired but I am healthy so I remind myself of that so as to stop myself from complaining!
8. Tantrums - The terrible 2s at 20 months---bring it on! I might feel overwhelmed, defeated, worried and insecure but my little man shows me he's got a will and he will use it at every possible moment to try and get his wants.  Isn't that wonderful knowing that?


It is not an easy time at our house right now.  However, when I write here or in my journal something always triggers me to remember something else which in turn helps me in these trying times.  Maybe I hardly see any progress but I know that one day we will get there.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

mummy can't take it anymore

I can't wait for next weekend.

It's not the party really- that is just a plus- some time to spend with friends and get to know them even better.

It's simply the me time I haven't had in ages.  Just thinking of going out from early morning and spending a whole day all by my self is dizzying! 

I've been nagging and complaining non stop and although I see it and disgust myself hearing me speak I can't stop it.  I am tired.  I haven't had any me time for a long time now since I had to stop yoga classes.  When I am alone like now as hubs took Greg for a walk with the hope he finally sleeps, I still can't really relax.  Maybe i simply am so exhausted or its hormones and pregnancy.  We've been havin sleeping issues which i can't seem to resolve and are getting me even more tired.....I just can't function anymore!

I know what to do to get back into balance but I don't have the energy to even start trying or thinking about it.  Also I know its a vicious cycle and when the mama is not into it everyone else in the family is effected.

So what is a mama feeling in burnout to do? pray and love and thank and wait for next week and trust that tomorrow will be better and if Greg can have a normal nap again and sleep till 6 am again instead of 4, I can start planning the balancing act.  Coz really who am I kidding, unless I do it and quick, things will get worse not better.

Friday, October 15, 2010

26 weeks - nearing the countdown

Although 30 weeks for me is the official countdown as there would only be 10 weeks left for the due date, it still feels like its a lot of weeks.  Or maybe its too little weeks...depending on the mood!

Wondering if this baby will be early or late or on time.  Wondering if I should still do my son's birthday party or if I just have to leave it open just in case (since my son was born a day after the due date of my new baby).  If I should still confirm my place at the mother & baby club for the second semester starting in January.  Quite a few questions running around my head but its only the person within me who like to have everything scheduled and in order and sorted a long way before anythng happens that is thinking of these.  Most of the time I just take it easy and simply take it day by day.  After all there is nothing else I can really do since its up to the baby.  The rest will most certainly fall in its place when the time comes.

Other than the random thoughts of nearing the end of this longish journey, the baby kicks as much as can be.  Is already head down though not engaged yet and a good size.  However, re the last bit of info I was aware of already since my weight is sky rocketing this time round!  I realise I don't actually look that big really but the fact remains I am gaining like 3 to 5 kg a month!

My major complaint remains tiredness- lots of it even when my day is very easy. 

That is all for this update folks.  Trust your week is faring as good as mine!

Monday, October 11, 2010

A day in Autumn 2010

Today its a good day!

We finally managed to sleep so woke up well rested albeit still earlier than usual. It was raining cats and dogs and that gave me a smile.  It was coldish and for the first time although not quite necessary put on long sleeves. Can you see my smile growing wider?

Round about 8 am it wasn't raining anymore thought still completely cloudy and decided for a short walk.  Greg was ecstatic about the rain- seems he loves the wintry weather just like mama.  I felt a springy touch to my foot.  The crisp, clean air was great, the snails coming all out looked great, the green grass everywhere looked great.  We had a ball!

Back home we watched some TV, played, sang, ran around and drew.  After lunch we both dropped off for a nap and while Greg is still napping I woke up feeling still outta space.  As soon as my pup wakes up I decided to try my hand and pumpkin carving...halloween is still far off but then here we don't really celebrate it...only its a fun thing to try and get Greg interested in.

How is your Monday faring?

Friday, October 8, 2010

1000 graces from God - No 4

Both me and Greg were tired today!  We didn't have a good night and he didn't manage to sleep come nap time.  By 4 pm we were both exhausted!  I complained with anyone I met and talked to and even got angry at hubs for asking me just a couple of questions. I am tired a said irritatingly, don't ask me anything just let me be.

As usual I was shown how ignorant and ungrateful I am. 

There are people who do body breaking work daily, whose plate is fuller than mine most of the time and yet, they just trudge along and keep their faith that one day it will be better.

So feeling ashamed of myself, I thanked God for another blessing- a good day even though we were tired and tantrum proned.  Than I came here to tell you all about it and eat some nutella pick me up!

What blessing was it showered your way today?

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

1000 graces from God- No 3

I tend to belittle my husband.
It happens so automatic that most of the time I don't even know I am doing it.
However, there are those revealing moments where you hear yourself, your tone, your implications and it made me feel sad.  And more sadder that only once in a while I get any comments re this from hubby.
I realise I am a very lucky woman- I've known this fact for a long while- but putting this into perspective I am very lucky indeed.

God showed me the wrong I am doing and like I am nurturing my son to become a better person, I will do my utmost to bring more happiness to my husband.  I mostly used to think that our problem is communication, however I think it might be more stemming from my own ways and I will strive to make life a better place for all of us.  God's graces are incredibly more clear since I started this challenge and although I am still a long way from 1000, I know He is with me all along the way.

Thanks my dear hubs for all the love you offer me even when I reject it!

Monday, October 4, 2010

my son is a person with his own traits

See today started off bad and degenerated later on  and was finally saved.  However I simply am exhausted and tensed and can't wait for actual bed time so I can do some yoga and unwind.

The main problem was last night with an alarm going off for 4 hours and NO ONE switching it off before 6 am!!  By this time both me and Greg had exhausted our will to try and sleep again and were both in a bad mood.  So I kinda knew how the day will play out.

I actually tried to be thankful that we are alive and healthy and had food and clothes etc to make me feel better and more calm.  BUT (of course there is one!)  Gregory didn't share my effort to feel better and happy and so due to lack of  sleep, some teething pain and general bad mood we proceeded from playing quietly to a full blown tantrum.  I silly cow that I am let my anger take over and manhandled him :( which straight away made me feel guilty and bad but at least made me slow down and take a hold of my emotions.

In the end although he was still prone to sudden outbursts, he calmed down enough to eat, nap, watch TV and play.  To smile and run and just be!  This however, made me look at Gregory in a different way.  Actually I was simply skimming this surface when I read a very resonating post at a fellow blogger which made me decide to share this with you as well.

Our children are persons just like us.  Yeah we do tend to forget it just because they are young and we the know it all.  We at times believe that if we are not in a bad mood, they can't be either or else if they are we can make it better.  If they do not oblige us we get angry and make it worse.

But children do have their bad days just like us and as we wouldn't appreciate someone telling us to get over it and smile, neither do our children.  At the same time, it is important that we let them express these feelings for no other reason than to learn about all the different feelings. how to handle them and so on.  When my mind clicked that anger will bring us no where and hugging etc neither because he refused them, I had to think of something else.  It was simple really, I just talked in a gentle way saying that it was ok to be angry and sad, that these moments pass.  Eventually he let me rock him and pat him and soon after calmed down enough to be picked up, hugged, kissed and continue with our day.  It took a long while and a lot of nonsense talking together with the reassurances but we did get there.  His mood improved but was still lets say trigger happy.

This experience and that blog post, made me see more clearly how present I must be.  Gregory can't yet tell me all he feels inside him.  Frustration is an all time high.  He is also his own person and not only I can't control his feelings but its important to acknowledge them and accept them.  No feelings anyone has are bad or good.  It is the way we express them that can be unacceptable socially.  So we are obliged to show them that no matter how they feel, we love them.  That what they are feeling is good.  But show them gently how it is best to control our feelings so they won't get out of hand.  And what better way to do that than us keeping track of our own feelings?

Friday, October 1, 2010

1000 Grace from God - No 2

I can excuse myself today that the night before was horrible and couldn't sleep.  This resulted in about 4 hours sleep total for which I got up feeling tired and grumpy.  Add to that a failed menu this week and had no idea what to cook and so my hubs suggested rice and pasta to which I sullenly replied that we had already both and don't feel like them.

How regale of me to not wanting to eat the same foods over and over isn't it?  I guess most of us do take food and the easy means by which we get it for granted.

But God showed me his second grace- I was crudely reminded that there are loads of other people who frankly would give anything to eat rice or pasta every day ....as long as they had something to eat.  That some would go find food in the bins of restaurants... as long as they can provide something for the family.

And here I was complaining that I would be eating pasta again for the 3rd time this week!  So I did a plate of ravioli and thanked God that although my cupboards are quite bare at the moment, next week once the pay cheque comes in we would have plenty for another whole month!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Give away

The parenting passageway is a wonderful source of information I found in my parenting journey.  And right now there is an added bonus...the giveaway of a book I'd really wished to read- discipline without distress. 
You can read a very interesting post on the Twelve to Twenty Two month old traditional perspective of child development following this link and of course you might want to enter the giveaway as well.

Hugs to all!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

projects & rhythms

I've been refining our daily schedule-rhythm and am quite happy with the outcome.  Next on the list is starting an activity every week with Greg so I really need to plan in advance what we'll be doing, any materials I'll need etc.  Then there is the family time to sort out, the couple time and the me time..... its quite a list I know. 

Yet it's the first time I am feeling really optimistic and am into it to truly give it a go.  I might not be socialising a lot or going out of the house so much with family &  friends but I am busy and am happy and all I need is enough courage to start projects I have been wishing to do but always postponing like:

bread making
trying to knit
doing crafts for my son and with my son

Apart for these, have been sorting our house renovations projects and will start getting quotes soon for the bedroom.  It's quite exciting and with some good luck we might have a new bedroom by mid next year.

Any projects you are doing right now?

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

We might have cracked the code

For the past week and a half I started grieving.

My beloved son whom I enjoy breastfeeding, turned from nursing to simply suckling my breast like a pacifier.

Since I believe this is not an option I have to freely give him and since if he starts this he doesn't stop till he wakes up and doesn't sleep well anyway, I together with my husband's support decided to quit nursing.  We both didn't like it and so he was tantruming his heart out while refusing straight and plain to go to sleep and me got angry at him for being stubborn and not nursing as he should.

Of course it didn't help and after a few days of battling, I tried to find some help on the net as usual.  Although I didn't find actual info relevant to my situation, we still found some worthwhile solutions.  So yesterday we changed a bit the bedtime routine so that the usual steps which he associates with sleeping time didn't happen and Dave took up the responsibility of bath and sleep.  This worked wonderfully- he slept within 20 minutes without a single cry and when he woke up at night he went to sleep alone and when he couldn't Dave took him up and helped him back to sleep.  In the end half an hour before he usually wakes up, he came for me for some breast and I did let him suckle on for 30 mins (which I will reduce with 5 mins every week).  Now will see what happens tonight!

As for nap time, it is still a bit of a struggle since I'm alone at home and he wants the breast but when the worse comes to the worse I take him for a ride in the car.  The same thing as night time we do at nap time - if he asks for my breast a few minutes before he usually wakes up I give it to him.  This meant that 2 days in a row he woke up with a smile from nap time which of course made me smile.

It is so sad actually for a nursing mother to have and stop doing what comes so natural.  However, I am blessed to have been able to do it for nearly 2 years and God willing the new comer in January will be more than happy to nurse as well.  Maybe part of the sadness is also as I wish to see both my children breastfeed together and feel complete and happy all of us together... I know its a fantasy story but still.....

If we have truly found a solution, I can thank God once more that things are settling more rapidly than ever.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

1000 graces from God no 9 -11

Life throws us a lot of unexpecteds.  Sometimes they are easy to deal with.  Others consume us with questions, guilt, grief and such emotions.  Grace no 9- remembering that God is our leader and we must submit to Him and let Him guide us in the quest called life.

I wanted the perfect baby shower but as already said things happen that makes us change tactics.  Grace no 10 - that just catching up with family and friends and having some time to enjoy their company is all we need.  Parties are just excuses to do so even if they turn out different.

Lately I felt more in tune with hubs and found this a wonderful bonding time in its way.  Grace no 11 - Knowing I have the prefect husband for me and doing something that makes him smile is always wonderful

Reassured yet confounded
Lost but knowing the way
Sad but finding happiness
Adjusting yet maladjusting
This is me and I trust me!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

1000 graces from God No 5- 8

5. Rain - We've been having a lot of rain so far this Autumn.  I am not complaining at all really considering the very dry Winter we have had, this is a wonderful blessing even if it means we stay in.
6. Family - Met up with my cousin yesterday.  We sometimes don't meet for years even if we live jsut 15 mins by car away.  it was great seeing him and spending time with him and his wife.  Also grateful to still have 2 grandparents alive whom I can visit often. My nanna is wonderful and wouldn't change her in the whole world!
7. Health - Been very tired but I am healthy so I remind myself of that so as to stop myself from complaining!
8. Tantrums - The terrible 2s at 20 months---bring it on! I might feel overwhelmed, defeated, worried and insecure but my little man shows me he's got a will and he will use it at every possible moment to try and get his wants.  Isn't that wonderful knowing that?


It is not an easy time at our house right now.  However, when I write here or in my journal something always triggers me to remember something else which in turn helps me in these trying times.  Maybe I hardly see any progress but I know that one day we will get there.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

mummy can't take it anymore

I can't wait for next weekend.

It's not the party really- that is just a plus- some time to spend with friends and get to know them even better.

It's simply the me time I haven't had in ages.  Just thinking of going out from early morning and spending a whole day all by my self is dizzying! 

I've been nagging and complaining non stop and although I see it and disgust myself hearing me speak I can't stop it.  I am tired.  I haven't had any me time for a long time now since I had to stop yoga classes.  When I am alone like now as hubs took Greg for a walk with the hope he finally sleeps, I still can't really relax.  Maybe i simply am so exhausted or its hormones and pregnancy.  We've been havin sleeping issues which i can't seem to resolve and are getting me even more tired.....I just can't function anymore!

I know what to do to get back into balance but I don't have the energy to even start trying or thinking about it.  Also I know its a vicious cycle and when the mama is not into it everyone else in the family is effected.

So what is a mama feeling in burnout to do? pray and love and thank and wait for next week and trust that tomorrow will be better and if Greg can have a normal nap again and sleep till 6 am again instead of 4, I can start planning the balancing act.  Coz really who am I kidding, unless I do it and quick, things will get worse not better.

Friday, October 15, 2010

26 weeks - nearing the countdown

Although 30 weeks for me is the official countdown as there would only be 10 weeks left for the due date, it still feels like its a lot of weeks.  Or maybe its too little weeks...depending on the mood!

Wondering if this baby will be early or late or on time.  Wondering if I should still do my son's birthday party or if I just have to leave it open just in case (since my son was born a day after the due date of my new baby).  If I should still confirm my place at the mother & baby club for the second semester starting in January.  Quite a few questions running around my head but its only the person within me who like to have everything scheduled and in order and sorted a long way before anythng happens that is thinking of these.  Most of the time I just take it easy and simply take it day by day.  After all there is nothing else I can really do since its up to the baby.  The rest will most certainly fall in its place when the time comes.

Other than the random thoughts of nearing the end of this longish journey, the baby kicks as much as can be.  Is already head down though not engaged yet and a good size.  However, re the last bit of info I was aware of already since my weight is sky rocketing this time round!  I realise I don't actually look that big really but the fact remains I am gaining like 3 to 5 kg a month!

My major complaint remains tiredness- lots of it even when my day is very easy. 

That is all for this update folks.  Trust your week is faring as good as mine!

Monday, October 11, 2010

A day in Autumn 2010

Today its a good day!

We finally managed to sleep so woke up well rested albeit still earlier than usual. It was raining cats and dogs and that gave me a smile.  It was coldish and for the first time although not quite necessary put on long sleeves. Can you see my smile growing wider?

Round about 8 am it wasn't raining anymore thought still completely cloudy and decided for a short walk.  Greg was ecstatic about the rain- seems he loves the wintry weather just like mama.  I felt a springy touch to my foot.  The crisp, clean air was great, the snails coming all out looked great, the green grass everywhere looked great.  We had a ball!

Back home we watched some TV, played, sang, ran around and drew.  After lunch we both dropped off for a nap and while Greg is still napping I woke up feeling still outta space.  As soon as my pup wakes up I decided to try my hand and pumpkin carving...halloween is still far off but then here we don't really celebrate it...only its a fun thing to try and get Greg interested in.

How is your Monday faring?

Friday, October 8, 2010

1000 graces from God - No 4

Both me and Greg were tired today!  We didn't have a good night and he didn't manage to sleep come nap time.  By 4 pm we were both exhausted!  I complained with anyone I met and talked to and even got angry at hubs for asking me just a couple of questions. I am tired a said irritatingly, don't ask me anything just let me be.

As usual I was shown how ignorant and ungrateful I am. 

There are people who do body breaking work daily, whose plate is fuller than mine most of the time and yet, they just trudge along and keep their faith that one day it will be better.

So feeling ashamed of myself, I thanked God for another blessing- a good day even though we were tired and tantrum proned.  Than I came here to tell you all about it and eat some nutella pick me up!

What blessing was it showered your way today?

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

1000 graces from God- No 3

I tend to belittle my husband.
It happens so automatic that most of the time I don't even know I am doing it.
However, there are those revealing moments where you hear yourself, your tone, your implications and it made me feel sad.  And more sadder that only once in a while I get any comments re this from hubby.
I realise I am a very lucky woman- I've known this fact for a long while- but putting this into perspective I am very lucky indeed.

God showed me the wrong I am doing and like I am nurturing my son to become a better person, I will do my utmost to bring more happiness to my husband.  I mostly used to think that our problem is communication, however I think it might be more stemming from my own ways and I will strive to make life a better place for all of us.  God's graces are incredibly more clear since I started this challenge and although I am still a long way from 1000, I know He is with me all along the way.

Thanks my dear hubs for all the love you offer me even when I reject it!

Monday, October 4, 2010

my son is a person with his own traits

See today started off bad and degenerated later on  and was finally saved.  However I simply am exhausted and tensed and can't wait for actual bed time so I can do some yoga and unwind.

The main problem was last night with an alarm going off for 4 hours and NO ONE switching it off before 6 am!!  By this time both me and Greg had exhausted our will to try and sleep again and were both in a bad mood.  So I kinda knew how the day will play out.

I actually tried to be thankful that we are alive and healthy and had food and clothes etc to make me feel better and more calm.  BUT (of course there is one!)  Gregory didn't share my effort to feel better and happy and so due to lack of  sleep, some teething pain and general bad mood we proceeded from playing quietly to a full blown tantrum.  I silly cow that I am let my anger take over and manhandled him :( which straight away made me feel guilty and bad but at least made me slow down and take a hold of my emotions.

In the end although he was still prone to sudden outbursts, he calmed down enough to eat, nap, watch TV and play.  To smile and run and just be!  This however, made me look at Gregory in a different way.  Actually I was simply skimming this surface when I read a very resonating post at a fellow blogger which made me decide to share this with you as well.

Our children are persons just like us.  Yeah we do tend to forget it just because they are young and we the know it all.  We at times believe that if we are not in a bad mood, they can't be either or else if they are we can make it better.  If they do not oblige us we get angry and make it worse.

But children do have their bad days just like us and as we wouldn't appreciate someone telling us to get over it and smile, neither do our children.  At the same time, it is important that we let them express these feelings for no other reason than to learn about all the different feelings. how to handle them and so on.  When my mind clicked that anger will bring us no where and hugging etc neither because he refused them, I had to think of something else.  It was simple really, I just talked in a gentle way saying that it was ok to be angry and sad, that these moments pass.  Eventually he let me rock him and pat him and soon after calmed down enough to be picked up, hugged, kissed and continue with our day.  It took a long while and a lot of nonsense talking together with the reassurances but we did get there.  His mood improved but was still lets say trigger happy.

This experience and that blog post, made me see more clearly how present I must be.  Gregory can't yet tell me all he feels inside him.  Frustration is an all time high.  He is also his own person and not only I can't control his feelings but its important to acknowledge them and accept them.  No feelings anyone has are bad or good.  It is the way we express them that can be unacceptable socially.  So we are obliged to show them that no matter how they feel, we love them.  That what they are feeling is good.  But show them gently how it is best to control our feelings so they won't get out of hand.  And what better way to do that than us keeping track of our own feelings?

Friday, October 1, 2010

1000 Grace from God - No 2

I can excuse myself today that the night before was horrible and couldn't sleep.  This resulted in about 4 hours sleep total for which I got up feeling tired and grumpy.  Add to that a failed menu this week and had no idea what to cook and so my hubs suggested rice and pasta to which I sullenly replied that we had already both and don't feel like them.

How regale of me to not wanting to eat the same foods over and over isn't it?  I guess most of us do take food and the easy means by which we get it for granted.

But God showed me his second grace- I was crudely reminded that there are loads of other people who frankly would give anything to eat rice or pasta every day ....as long as they had something to eat.  That some would go find food in the bins of restaurants... as long as they can provide something for the family.

And here I was complaining that I would be eating pasta again for the 3rd time this week!  So I did a plate of ravioli and thanked God that although my cupboards are quite bare at the moment, next week once the pay cheque comes in we would have plenty for another whole month!