elizevdmerwe From Muddy Princess to Raising Superheroes

[Mrs Van]

From Muddy Princess to Raising Superheroes... ok, I've always been trying to raise my two superheroes. This challenge I'm just (again) putting a conscious effort into it, specifically about health and fitness.

I scandalously borrowed the title idea for this challenge from Banting's children's recipe book: Raising Superheroes. I'll be using some recipes from this book as well.

Apparently I have a cape somewhere...

 

While raising the next generation of superheroes I need to take care of myself as well. So although I'll be focusing on what The Boys are eating, drinking and doing in the background, here I'll mostly note my own feats of heroism w.r.t. health, exercise and sleep, to be the best Superhero mom I can be. Who am I kidding? I can't help but chat to my Rebel friends about all that is life.

Health:

• Water & Rooibos: At least one bottle of water and/or some Rooibos.
• Coffee: No more than 3x mugs per day.
• Healthy Lunch: Yes/No. Breakfast and Dinner are mostly sorted, but lunch can be a bit much on the nerves especially if we are busy and The Boys are Hungry! Have lunch prepped and ready to take-and-go.

Exercise: Only one morning with organised sport, which Youngest will take part in. Super Mom will have to save the day by getting them fit and strong!

• Mondays: BW Strength @ Home with The Boys. A walk during the afternoon would be an extra (not compulsory).
• Tuesdays: Youngest @ Playball; Oldest and SuperMom Walk; SuperMom and FriendC Walk.
• Wednesdays: Dance with Youngest +- 30min session.
• Thursdays: Self Defense with The Boys. Following our friendly neighbourhood Spiderman's programme.
• Thursday Rehashed: XBox Kinect game or OFF
• Fridays: BW Strength @ Home without The Boys. This is when I pull the irons out.

Sleep: Every superhero has "kryptonite" and mine is lack of sleep. I must try and get at least 7hrs sleep in every night.

• Evening routine:
  • 20h00 Boys shower. Then Oldest tells Youngest some bedtime stories.
  • I tidy the kitchen, take out meat for next day to defrost, etc. etc.
  • I shower. Say final good night. Lights off.
  • 21h00 I must go to bed! 21h30 LATEST!

EDIT: It keeps throwing out my images! What evil super villainy is this?

[Mrs Van]

RESPONSIBILITIES, POINTS AND PRIZES

 

 

Health: 5  4 weeks including week 0, thus 35 28 days to achieve these goals.

To earn a Prize: Little Supers => 20 days. SuperMom => 24 days.

• SuperMom:
  • Water & Rooibos: At least one bottle of water and/or some Rooibos.
  • Coffee: No more than 3x mugs per day.
  • Healthy Lunch: Yes/No.
• Little Supers:
  • Milk: No more than 3x cups per day.
  • Healthy Lunch: Eat healthy lunch; choose good snacks.
• Prizes:
  • Little Supers: R50 each at end of challenge.

 

 

Exercise: Little Supers need to be active at least 3x days a week. SuperMom needs to be active at least 4x days a week.

To earn a Prize: Little Supers => 12 days. SuperMom => 16 days.

• BW Strength: 2x a week is possible.
• Playball: Youngest only - 1x a week if not cancelled due to weather.
• Walking: 2x a week if not cancelled due to weather.
• Dancing: 1x a week.
• Youngest: A new Spiderman costume (buy or make)
• Oldest: R100 at end of challenge

 

Sleep: Little Supers need at least 9hrs sleep per night. SuperMom needs min. 7hrs sleep at night. Little Supers will earn their prize each night. Money paid at end of challenge. Oldest => 20 days. SuperMom => 24 days.

• Youngest: A small cup of milk IF in bed before lights out @ 21h00.
• Oldest: R50 at end of challenge IF in bed before lights out @ 21h00.

 

Youngest's birthday is the Sunday after this challenge, 12 March. We'll be planning his party, and hopefully nothing flies out the window when the challenge ends.

Again the evil Supervillain of "steal those images" attacks!

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

I noticed last challenge your talk of life stuff has shifted almost entirely from grown-up drama to focusing on your children. Yet another benefit of eliminating drama from your life.

[Mrs Van]

5 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

I noticed last challenge your talk of life stuff has shifted almost entirely from grown-up drama to focusing on your children. Yet another benefit of eliminating drama from your life.

Yes, when I got out from under the cloud of being overwhelmed, over stressed, and maybe blocked, I realised there was still a whole world out there. I am a little in awe of how many friends have suddenly "come out of the woodwork" so to speak, and how much more fun the boys and I am having and looking forward to have. Even Brandt seems "lighter" as if a weight was lifted off his shoulders. He is also spending much more time with the boys. He is also still smiling widely from last night's dance We haven't done that in such a long time.

[lucky fire dragon]

oooooooooh gorgeous challenge again, I love your theme!

 

What a joy to be freed up to focus on your kids and family life. A whole world of adventure every day

Go SuperMom Go!

 

 

PS: this says "Mothers can't always be saving the world, they also have to cook at times!"

[Mr_Willes]

9 hours ago, elizevdmerwe said:

Who am I kidding? I can't help but chat to my Rebel friends about all that is life.

 

And i'm so glad for this, is just love reading your day to day adventures!

[Mrs Van]

58 minutes ago, lucky fire dragon said:

oooooooooh gorgeous challenge again, I love your theme!

 

What a joy to be freed up to focus on your kids and family life. A whole world of adventure every day

Go SuperMom Go!

 

 

PS: this says "Mothers can't always be saving the world, they also have to cook at times!"

I got the gist of it, but was super thankful to read your translation underneath   ADVENTURE AWAITS!

29 minutes ago, mr_willes said:

 

And i'm so glad for this, is just love reading your day to day adventures!

We just had to run to "save" the cat. The monkeys are out and they were chasing Stampy Cat! When we ran out of the house with the dogs short on our heels, Stampy ran into the house and the monkeys scattered. They have him pegged for their menu, it seems.

[jonfirestar]

Hey what a super challenge Definitely a theme close to my heart! following again.

[Mrs Van]

21 hours ago, jonfirestar said:

Hey what a super challenge Definitely a theme close to my heart! following again.

You're always welcome.

 

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Quick summary for Monday:

Health:

• SuperMom:
  • Water & Rooibos: Enough water and some tea.
  • Coffee: Nope, had 4 mugs by last night.
  • Healthy Lunch: Yes. Chicken and beef fillet leftover pieces with a lot of salad veg.
• Little Supers:
  • Milk: Youngest had 4 cups, and 1 during the night.
  • Healthy Lunch: Yes, chicken mayo with fresh veg.

Exercise: BW @ Home with Boys (Boys | Me)

• I did one set with each boy, going through one circuit for myself basically, then started from the top and did a 2nd set or circuit for each exercise.
• Joint Circles: Neck, Arms, Hips, Knees, Ankles
• Burpees: Slow ones to warm up, and get the knack of it. 5x | 2x10
• Crunches: 10x | 2x20
• Lunges: each leg 10x | 2x20
• Cobra: with push up for me 5x | 10x - 8x
• Downward Dog: 5x | 10x - 8x
• Sit-Twist Stretch: 2x | 2x2

And we danced: quote from my last posts in the previous challenge. I'm feeling all of this today. Ouch!

Quote

A friend shared a video of Bruce Springsteen's impromptu song-put-together of "Never can tell" at a show in Germany, and we of course just had to dance   Never mind that hubby just cycled 20km home, and then played chase and hide-n-seek with the boys, I grabbed him off his chair (just after he sat down) and we did a quick two-step around the room. As he was smiling broadly the whole time I guess he wasn't too put out by it. Then I had to dance with both boys as well. So mark cardio off for today as well.

Sleep: Little Supers were in bed in time, but Oldest kept telling stories, and they kept giggling till way past 21h00! I only went to bed very late (around 24h00), because I kept trying to put this challenge together with pictures. Eventually left and added pictures to the introduction this morning.

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Quick summary for Tuesday (so far):

Health:

• Water & Rooibos: On second bottle already (half).
• Coffee: Nope, uumh yes going well. It's lunchtime and only having my 2nd mug now.
• Milk: Youngest already had 3x cups, so he isn't allowed to have any more. If we can change this, then he is through.
• Healthy Lunch: Yes. Bought rotisserie chicken from Superspar, along with a bit more fat options and new, fresh (unfrozen) veg. Came home and we all had that buttery chicken (oh yum!), carrots, cucumber, etc. Oldest had some nuts and we all had some of the macadamia butter with cocoa. The boys were ooh-ing and aah-ing in the shop, but I kept saying no, no, nope... so Youngest chose the chicken and watermelon, and Oldest the nuts and carrot balls. Got fresh asparagus as well.

Exercise:

• Youngest did Playball: cricket. The coach says the dynamic of the group is already changing with not having Oldest there. The kids are all between 6-8yrs old now.
• Oldest and I walked just over 2 laps (<1km)
• Friend C and I walked ??? laps (>2km) for a total of 3.13km in 40min. Avg. speed of 4.64km/hr.

Sleep:

• Little Supers: 20h30 in bed, Oldest told Youngest a story, and 21h00 lights out. Youngest tried his luck by getting out of bed, and then he wanted to get in our bed, and maybe just... but I said "No, go to bed. I'll come say good night just now."
• SuperMom: I'm going to shower and then bed, as soon as I've chatted to you guys. Got in bed just in time, but was woken up by Youngest twice during the night, and it seems the dogs are up and want out by 5h00 every morning now. But I managed 7hrs, if only by the hair on my teeth. <- edited.

 

[Lightning]

Such a wonderful theme and the title is perfect!  I was very close to adding a 'kid component' to my challenge but it would have made mine too long.  So glad you are remembering how important it is to take care of yourself too.  

 

I'm with you on the coffee challenge.  I'm to the point where I will accept any unsweetened liquid that isn't coffee.  Do you think the coffee is what keeps you up or messes with your sleep?

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

8 hours ago, elizevdmerwe said:

We just had to run to "save" the cat. The monkeys are out and they were chasing Stampy Cat! When we ran out of the house with the dogs short on our heels, Stampy ran into the house and the monkeys scattered. They have him pegged for their menu, it seems.

That's how you get Stampy and the dogs to solidify their alliance, unite them against a common enemy.

[Fonzico]

Your challenge looks great! 

It's so much fun to have a common goal with your littles, it's so good!

 

Ahh! Monkeys! Poor Stampy cat..

[Mrs Van]

5 hours ago, Lightning said:

Such a wonderful theme and the title is perfect!  I was very close to adding a 'kid component' to my challenge but it would have made mine too long.  So glad you are remembering how important it is to take care of yourself too.  

 

I'm with you on the coffee challenge.  I'm to the point where I will accept any unsweetened liquid that isn't coffee.  Do you think the coffee is what keeps you up or messes with your sleep?

The boys are seeing this almost like a game/deal/competition thing. Oldest is set to stick to the rules and he keeps a close watch on Youngest. But they will both make a bit of money out of this and Oldest especially has his eye on some Steam games I was a bit surprised at the little back chat and arguments I got back from Youngest today when I said he can't have something from the shop, or when I told him to go to bed. Usually he is full of comments and come backs. I'm just too tired to handle any "talk".

 

No, the sleep has nothing to do with the coffee. I can literally have a cup of filter coffee, turn around and go to sleep. It is another thing totally if I have instant coffee though. Then I'll be awake with a tired, woolly head, but can't sleep. No, the lack of sleep is usually hubby deciding late at night that he wants to look at car adverts, or something that he wants to discuss with me, then we are both up till late. We just sat now discussing cars on Gumtree that's for sale for the last 30min. when I was supposed to go to bed. I'll still make my 7hrs sleep if I get in bed before 22h00, but at this stage I need more. I managed a 30min. cat nap this afternoon because I fell asleep while reading to the boys. Nearly fell out of the plastic stoep chair So I have to look better after myself, I'm not doing a good job sleep-wise.

3 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

That's how you get Stampy and the dogs to solidify their alliance, unite them against a common enemy.

I hope they'll be able to relax even more. At the moment Stampy tries his luck to play with the dogs, even Snippie, but they don't understand. Cat body language isn't the same as dog body language. The way Snippie wants to play (jump and run around) scares Stampy, and the way he wants to play (bat at her with his paws), unsettles her... They now just need time and a sharp eye. We've had patience for all these months, more patience will only be rewarding. But it is amazing to see him walk in and around with no problem. Rubbing himself a bit against a dog. Sometimes all of them squeeze in under my table, with Stampy lying in their mids. I honestly thought at a stage that will never happen. But as Oldest says, we prayed a lot, and a lot, and some more

1 hour ago, Fonzico said:

Your challenge looks great! 

It's so much fun to have a common goal with your littles, it's so good!

 

Ahh! Monkeys! Poor Stampy cat..

It actually is fun, especially with Oldest who wants to make money out of this challenge Hubby at first thought, cool, we aren't going to have to pay, but then he looked on in amazement how Oldest shepherded Youngest in and out of the shower, into the bedroom and under the covers! I only had to speak once when Youngest tried to get out of sleeping.

The monkeys are becoming very brazen again. One tried to come in the back door, but couldn't squeeze through the burglar bars I think. I actually just caught him clinging to the bars, then he jumped off on to the stair railing at the back, this afternoon. They smell food and especially fruit. I'll have to put those plastic snakes out again.

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I'm off to have a quick shower and then bed. Long and big yawns this side. I'm exhausted. My glutes are stiff and a bit sore, better than this morning though. But this has been a good start I think. Just to keep the momentum going now. And Sunday is our first shoot at the new club.

 

Oh! I received the most horrific photo from mil! She fell on the sidewalk this morning and has a cut on her forehead with a couple of stitches. The blood under the skin moved down to under the eyes, across and under the nose area, and it is now blue and purple! She says she is ok, just fell over uneven pavement. Well she laughed about it, and she is still set on doing the "Ride for Sight" 116km road cycle race in two weeks' time! She is now 72 yrs old. It was such a shock to see, but we feel better after talking to her on the phone.

[Sloth the Enduring]

 

Monkey stories are my favorite, but maybe not the one where they actually catch Stampy cat.

 

 

Your MIL is tough. I bet she's a good biker, but 116 km at 72 proves that I guess. If my mental math is right a mile for each year?.

 

[Mrs Van]

5 hours ago, Sloth the Enduring said:

 

 

Monkey stories are my favorite, but maybe not the one where they actually catch Stampy cat.

 

Your MIL is tough. I bet she's a good biker, but 116 km at 72 proves that I guess. If my mental math is right a mile for each year?.

 

I would prefer if the monkeys not try to have Stampy as a snack as well. I've heard they steal kittens and puppies especially when food is scarce, but never a cat that is a bit bigger. Problem is if they just want to play, they might play him to death. So we'll rather jump to the rescue. This morning Snippie J.R. tried to play with Stampy! Woot! Woot! It was so funny because they were still so cautious of one another.

 

Yes, you're right! 116km = 72miles = a mile for each year! She is tough. She only does three races a year now though. This Ride for Sight one, The Argus (106km - her 20th this year in March), and then a short 60km Amashova with hubby in October. That one they do just for fun. Because they can. It is "tradition" for her to come down, visit for the weekend, and do the race. They've been doing it as long as we've stayed in Pmb, which is since 1998. Next year when she gets her gold number for the Argus race (21st), she wants hubby and his brother to cycle with her. A couple of years ago we also went down to the Cape for the Argus so hubby could do her 11th race with her, where she got her green number. Hubby is a lot faster and stronger, but he stays with her during the races. He doesn't care about race times.

 

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A big electricity box blew so we were without electricity from yesterday around 14h00 till 5h00 this morning. Luckily I have the gas plates, so dinner was made, but we all sat on the stoep till after 18h00 when it started getting dark. No electricity = no music, so Youngest said he would rather I play Lego with him. He thought out his own "board game" making levels, all kinds of weapons we could buy, things to pick up to get more money, but otherwise a free for all There were 7 levels to conquer! The evil guys did not stand a chance! I read some stories to them, and I got a good hour's snooze time in! When hubby got home he made a fire just for fun and we sat watching the boys while they figured out why sticks burn with smoke, others don't and which sticks gave off which smells. The ones that are poisonous when burnt, hubby took away from them, so all was safe. Later we watched some old episodes of Big Bang Theory on hubby's laptop, but we were all in bed before 21h30! So a win for sleep!

 

Quick summary for Wednesday:

Health:

• Water & Rooibos: More than a bottle. No tea.
• Coffee: No. Had my 3 mugs for the day, then hubby really wanted some coffee later on. It felt strange not to have coffee with him, so I succumbed to a 4th.
• Milk: Youngest already had 3x cups, and a 4th as "prize" when he went to bed on time.
• Healthy Lunch: Yes! They helped themselves to carrots, cheese, pork sausages, a bit of peanut butter. And Oldest was in 7th heaven when he tasted the spring onion and chives cream cheese and the biltong cream cheese I've made. Later we had some more healthy snacks.

Exercise:

• No electricity for music. Youngest is now trying the "boom box" sound effects that he's heard the guys make in Home Free. So he did that for a bit, but wasn't interested in trying to dance. He jumped a lot on the trampoline and we had a good Lego game going. The two boys are also inventing their own Pokémon games in the garden, running, playing, whatever after Pokémon, or attacking bad guys... They played for a good part of the afternoon. I was totally off from training.

Sleep:

• Little Supers: Was in bed before 21h00. By 21h00... fast asleep.
• SuperMom: I was in bed just after 21h00, but got up to double check the doors, check on all the animals, and was just a bit restless (afternoon nap I guess), but I know I was asleep before 21h30.

Boys woke us up around 5h00 this morning when lights suddenly came on in the house and woke them up. Snoozed some more till 5h30 when hubby made us coffee, and I got coffee in bed while doing my Bible study.

 

[Fonzico]

Sounds like a great day, despite the power going out!

 

Hehe the Lego game sounds like a blast

 

Maybe the restlessness had something to do with the extra cup of coffee??

[crashy]

Following since you have great family quests, and are a fellow South Africa, AND are from my home town

[Mrs Van]

14 hours ago, Fonzico said:

Sounds like a great day, despite the power going out!

 

Hehe the Lego game sounds like a blast

 

Maybe the restlessness had something to do with the extra cup of coffee??

We had a blast with the Lego. Eventually we beat the Computer Overlord by replacing his bad chip with a good chip and he became our friend Then I withdrew from the game and the boys went on to shoot every bad guy in the area *throw hands in the air* "Boys!"

Don't think it was the coffee as we had that just after dinner, around 19h00. I had an hour's snooze during the afternoon which I think could have been just enough to take the edge off my tiredness, but who knows?

3 hours ago, crashy said:

Following since you have great family quests, and are a fellow South Africa, AND are from my home town

A fellow Maritzburra is always welcome. You moved from The Sleepy Hollow to Mountain Sleepy Hollow?

 

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Quick summary for Thursday:

Health:

• Water & Rooibos: More than a bottle. Big mug of tea, but it was blah.
• Coffee: Had my 3 mugs for the day. I am really struggling to keep to 3 mugs now that the focus is suddenly on coffee. The last challenge I had no trouble staying around 3 mugs a day, maybe 4.
• Milk: Youngest already had 3x cups, and a 4th as "prize" when he went to bed on time. Same again, but there is a lot of moaning in between about not having another glass of milk, to drink his water, to have some tea... This is turning into a battle of wills. Me willing him not to drink more milk, him seeing how long I'll last not giving in. He does listen, it is just the moaning. Stopped him short this morning by telling him if he moans he is in a time out with no computers, because he is making it a habit to moan and that is just irritating and ugly. He gave me a look and didn't moan. Now for the rest of the afternoon *sigh*.
• Healthy Lunch: Yes. They actually like that they can choose from the options available. Butcher will hopefully bring the drywors and extra pork sausages today, otherwise tomorrow.

Exercise:

• I felt totally drained. Had a good night's sleep Wednesday, but woke up feeling more tired and thick-headed. I think I'm coming down with something though, or it is just bad sinus, because blocked nose the whole day long. Went to bed last night with a sore throat, woke up with a sore throat. Glands under my chin and in my neck is swollen today and particularly sore. So nothing for Thursday, and nothing for Friday. ??? protocols in place (can't remember the word, sorry).

Sleep:

• Little Supers: Was in bed by 20h30. Asleep by 21h00
• SuperMom: Was in bed just after 21h00 I think.

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We watched the movie "Epic" this morning and went through the "Extras" to learn about rot and it's purpose in the world. Then continued with English and Science: Light we can't see. Had some fun trying to see the infrared light of the remote through the cellphone camera. Actually got two nice photos of the light! Now I need to phone some people who are selling Citroën Xsara Picasso's, exactly like the one we had, which I'm still nervous about. It's stupid I know, but I'm working on it. Then I have to start proof reading the book I got before we went on holiday. Sunday is the first club shoot! Have I said it maybe too many times already? No? Ok. Sunday is the first club shoot, at the new club.

It's been raining since last night, and my throat and neck is sore.

[Lightning]

1 hour ago, elizevdmerwe said:

 

• Milk: Youngest already had 3x cups, and a 4th as "prize" when he went to bed on time. Same again, but there is a lot of moaning in between about not having another glass of milk, to drink his water, to have some tea... This is turning into a battle of wills. Me willing him not to drink more milk, him seeing how long I'll last not giving in. He does listen, it is just the moaning. Stopped him short this morning by telling him if he moans he is in a time out with no computers, because he is making it a habit to moan and that is just irritating and ugly. He gave me a look and didn't moan. Now for the rest of the afternoon *sigh*.

 

• I felt totally drained. Had a good night's sleep Wednesday, but woke up feeling more tired and thick-headed. I think I'm coming down with something though, or it is just bad sinus, because blocked nose the whole day long. Went to bed last night with a sore throat, woke up with a sore throat. Glands under my chin and in my neck is swollen today and particularly sore. 

 

It's been raining since last night, and my throat and neck is sore.

 

Wait until you get to the eye roll stage. . My son used to be addicted to gummies. I can remember the way he would try to negotiate additional packs out of me.  I finally told him if one wasn't good enough then I might as not give him any.  It actually worked!

 

i hope you are just dealing with allergies. I have a mild allergy that pops up at different times of the year.  Maybe some hot tea and nap will help. 

[annyshay]

On 2/7/2017 at 10:09 AM, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

That's how you get Stampy and the dogs to solidify their alliance, unite them against a common enemy.

Mwahahahaha

[Mr_Willes]

On 2/9/2017 at 8:16 AM, elizevdmerwe said:

Yes, you're right! 116km = 72miles

 

That makes me think of

 

 

4 hours ago, Lightning said:

Wait until you get to the eye roll stage.

 

My little girl... This... Sigh

[Elastigirl]

Sounds like you all weathered the power outage well. Good plan to tell your son anymore whining loses computer time. My son loved his computer time, and  that was how I usually got his attention too. Or like Lightning said, tell him if he was going to whine about it, I could just cut out the privilege altogether

[Mrs Van]

19 hours ago, Lightning said:

 

Wait until you get to the eye roll stage. . My son used to be addicted to gummies. I can remember the way he would try to negotiate additional packs out of me.  I finally told him if one wasn't good enough then I might as not give him any.  It actually worked!

 

i hope you are just dealing with allergies. I have a mild allergy that pops up at different times of the year.  Maybe some hot tea and nap will help. 

Oldest is at the eye-roll stage, but he is a "stick to the rules"-kid, and he is seriously worried that his brother's health will get worse. Hubby told them that his family is extra sensitive to cholesterol and sugar. Why his dad died young, his sister had to use medication and his aunt and her kids are still on heavy diabetes and cholesterol meds. Youngest isn't impressed, but I think he doesn't quite understand the impact. Oldest can still remember not being able to breath and having to use pumps.

 

I think it is just allergies, aggrevated by last week's fish allergy. The homeopath's allergy and sinus pillules are doing a good job though, so I'm without aches and pains today.

15 hours ago, annyshay said:

Mwahahahaha

15 hours ago, mr_willes said:

 

That makes me think of

 

 

 

My little girl... This... Sigh

Kids! And older, much older kids, in granny skins

13 hours ago, Elastigirl said:

Sounds like you all weathered the power outage well. Good plan to tell your son anymore whining loses computer time. My son loved his computer time, and  that was how I usually got his attention too. Or like Lightning said, tell him if he was going to whine about it, I could just cut out the privilege altogether

We're used to power outages, but I'm really impressed that the guys worked through the night. Ok, they were contractors and not municipality workers. But still.

Yip, cut computers, cut dvds, lock the fridge. Time out... Half an hour to distract him, then we can move forward. I'm learning patience, again. And some more patience... I once saw a video made by a mom and her son about him loosing weight  for health issues. He was also bullied and teased a lot because of his weight, which Youngest doesn't get, but I think that will make an impression on him. Just to find it on Youtube again.

 

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Quick summary for Friday:

Health:

• Water & Rooibos: More than a bottle. Big mug of tea. It was ok, because it was a cold, rainy day.
• Coffee: Had my 3 mugs for the day. Last one I kept to have with hubby just after he got home. Also learned, only make enough in the perculator for one mug each. No more! No extra for later, as it becomes bitter anyway. If there isn't ready made, then I think twice about having to grind beans and make coffee. I'm not going to cut it out totally, just cut down.
• Milk: Again... BUT this time he took extra cereal during the day because he didn't want to eat any of the sausage, fish, etc. available, so I told him, fine... but I'm cutting a milk from your rations. That made him think whether he really wanted that cereal instead of healthy snack. He had a much smaller bowl than he first intended to have.
• Healthy Lunch: Yes. The butcher forgot the drywors for the boys. I'll buy some today. See above about cereal. We've run out of fruit, except for some berries. Buying groceries again today.

Exercise:

• Nothing due to sinus/allergy aches and pains. Is better today, not gone, but much better.

Sleep:

• Little Supers: Was in bed by 21h00. Fridays are always a bit more slack, but I'm trying to keep them to this new routine.
• SuperMom: Was in bed just after 21h00. Slept through till early morning again. Opened the doors for the dogs, got back in bed. Woke up with coffee in bed.

[annyshay]

Congrats on more sleep!

[Mrs Van]

1 hour ago, annyshay said:

Congrats on more sleep!

Thanks. It was much, much needed. Now to keep the sleep coming.

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Allowed Treats this week:

Made a chocolate yoghurt "milkshake" thing this afternoon. Some of it is frozen for lollipop treats.

Used 2.5c of hubby's maas (milk left to go sour)

1.5c coconut cream

1/4c xylitol

1/4c cocoa powder

Blended all together to a thickish, smooth drink consistency. Tastes a bit like a yoghurt drink, and it isn't very sweet, but very filling. Poured into popsickle holders and froze.

 

Chocolate Truffles (in same line as chocolate fat bomb)

1/2c coconut oil

1/4c honey (recipe asks for 1/2c honey)

1/8c xylitol

1/4c cocoa powder (recipe asks for 1/2c)

2t vanilla (recipe asks for 1t)

2c shredded coconut

1c additional shredded coconut to coat the truffles. I sprinkled with chopped almonds and drizzled some melted chocolate with coconut cream (ganache) over.

 

Mix coconut oil, honey, xylitol, vanilla, and cocoa powder together. Stir with wooden spoon until mixed thoroughly.

Add 2c shredded coconut. Mix until all the coconut is  evenly distributed.

Use a teaspoon and make heaped teaspoon balls (mine came out oval shaped). Roll in coconut or nuts.

Place on parchment paper and freeze.

After 15-20min. can be but in airtight container, but must be kept refrigerated.

 

I've decided to order less milk from the farmer from now on. Hopefully we'll be able to get some cream for us, but with less milk in the house readily available, less milk for Youngest to drink. But this is actually for all of us. Less milk, less coffee (ain't gonna drink it black, no way!).

 

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Oldest saved an old Blue headed lizard in the garden from Stampy. I got home from grocery shopping and he had this Blue headed agama in his hands. It was stressed, and a little worse for wear, but not too bad. We put Stampy in the room and the lizard in a sunny spot. After heating up and calming down, it scuttled off - took a couple hours though. Oldest says he is now training to rehabilitate animals. Stampy already caught another striped skink... the down side of having a cat on the property I guess.