How in the world is a middle-income family supposed to pay for childcare? No matter how I arrange the numbers, it always comes down to either eating, or paying for daycare. We make "too much" money to qualify for state-funded daycare or assistance programs, and the cheap daycare centers are scary!
So far we've resorted to juggling family members and the occasional unlicensed nanny, but that juggling act causes no end of stress. And now that both Johnny and I's schedules have changed, the availability of the sitters we did have doesn't match our current needs.
I'd love to do some sort of childcare exchange, but I work so many hours it's hardly plausible, I feel awful always asking a friend to watch Caelan for free, and I feel even worse about the pitiful amount of money I'm able to offer even an occasional babysitter.
Waking up every night from the same nanny nightmare is no fun at all.
Until I find a solution....
Liz
PS ~ Christina McGee! Get your rear in gear and move back to Washington!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Pretty, Pretty Pictures
Finally put some of Caelan's photos in frames today. Went to hang them up and discovered that there are no hanging apparatus on these particular frames... So now I just have stacks of framed photos on my table. Not enough surfaces to place them all, so I think I'll be purchasing some museum putty or something to that effect.
If you are looking to get photos taken of your little one or family, I highly recommend Deb Rumpza Photography. (Email me for contact info.) The day of the shoot, Caelan was extra contrary. She didn't want to wear the outfits I brought, she didn't want to smile, she didn't want to hold the green parasol, she didn't want me to do her hair, and on and on. Deb managed to capture every bit of attitude and nuanced expression; her photos are a perfect snapshot of Caelan, and she got her to smile! I cannot wait to have her do some family portraits. These are a few of my favorites, but it is hard to choose, they all are amazing!
More tomorrow :)
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Salted Caramel Popcorn
Well I've been horridly neglectful of my blog lately, but I'm turning over a new leaf. Once a day, new habit to form :)
In a sort of reverse honor of the "Game on" inspiration for my new habit, here is my newly developed Salted Caramel Popcorn recipe.
Ingredients:
8oz Real Butter
1.5lbs Light Brown Sugar
1/4 cup 2% Milk
1-3.5oz bag Microwave Popcorn, your favorite variety will do
Sea Salt
Butter a sheet of parchment paper and sprinkle with sea salt, set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar and bring to a boil. While waiting for it to come to a boil, pop corn, and put off to the side in a large bowl. Once butter and sugar mixture is boiling, add milk. Boil until caramel hits soft ball stage. Mixing after each addition, pour caramel over popcorn in small amounts until all popcorn is evenly coated. Spread popcorn over buttered and salted parchment paper in a thin, even layer. Let come to room temperature and ENJOY!
Another installment coming tomorrow :)
In a sort of reverse honor of the "Game on" inspiration for my new habit, here is my newly developed Salted Caramel Popcorn recipe.
Ingredients:
8oz Real Butter
1.5lbs Light Brown Sugar
1/4 cup 2% Milk
1-3.5oz bag Microwave Popcorn, your favorite variety will do
Sea Salt
Butter a sheet of parchment paper and sprinkle with sea salt, set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar and bring to a boil. While waiting for it to come to a boil, pop corn, and put off to the side in a large bowl. Once butter and sugar mixture is boiling, add milk. Boil until caramel hits soft ball stage. Mixing after each addition, pour caramel over popcorn in small amounts until all popcorn is evenly coated. Spread popcorn over buttered and salted parchment paper in a thin, even layer. Let come to room temperature and ENJOY!
Another installment coming tomorrow :)
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