Our little mountain goat!
A small water sprinkler can provide hours of fun!
A visit from godfather Ananth
Gerritt - the musician!
We are getting closer to our goal of simplifying our lives. With the economy taking a downturn, I worked very few nursing shifts at the hospital this summer (in July I was cancelled for over a month in a row). So I've applied & was hired for a Saturday Clinician position at the Bellevue clinic. Even though the clinic pay is lower compared to the hospital, at least I have guaranteed hours. Ever since reading The Simplicity Reader a few years ago, I've wanted to "work where I live or live where I work." Now that I live 5 minutes away from my work, I come home for lunch & see my kids as well as run small errands. I am getting so spoiled with having everything I need near me: grocery stores, a library, a large shopping center, a movie theater, a bank, multiple restaurants, GoodWill, Farmer's Market, Gerritt's school, & multiple parks. My husband is only minutes away from his job at Microsoft. This is truly the best house location ever! Some of my other goals for simplifying our lives include turning off TV more often; spending some time each day in nature; going to bed by 9 pm one night a week; never touching a piece of mail more than once (file, recycle or shred right away); & involving Gerritt in household chores more often (have to start early!).
Another trip to the library & a list of new reading material for Gerritt:
Time For Bed by Mem Fox
The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett
Sorry! by Norbert Landa & Tim Warnes
The Perfect Nest by Catherine Friend (Gerritt's favorite)
Gobble Gobble Crash! by Julie Stiegemeyer
What's the Big Idea, Molly? by Valeri Gorbachev
Froggy's Sleepover by Jonathan London
The Little Red Hen by Byron Barton
All for Pie, Pie for All by David Martin (Gerritt's favorite)
Miss Smith Reads Again! by Michael Garland (Gerritt's favorite)
The times Gerritt & I spend snuggling in bed & reading together are some of the best. We both relax, wind down & reconnect. Usually I can't turn off the lights until I've read at least 5 books. If Gerritt refuses to turn off the lights, all I have to say is, "Look how dark it is outside. Bears are coming! If you are still awake, they will come & get you." Occasionally (if whining persists), I have to make a growling bear sound to be more convincing. Amazingly, it works every time! Gerritt immediately lays down on a pillow, hugs Toby & closes his eyes. He usually starts snoring 10-15 minutes later. I wonder how long will this technique keep working?
No comments:
Post a Comment