tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23903402343473178582024-02-20T10:51:09.096-05:00Simply EverythingTrying to describe everything that encompasses the life of a Catholic, frugal, homeschooling momLonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-15172985594892564192012-05-28T23:22:00.001-04:002012-05-28T23:23:01.450-04:00Frugal in the kitchenI've had a few people ask me recently to share some frugal tips. I thought it'd be easiest to share my frugal tips room by room, just for organization's sake. I'm starting with the kitchen, because it seems to be the easiest place to see fast results.<br />
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<b>Food</b> </div>
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<a href="http://simplyeverythinglg.blogspot.com/2008/12/grocery-shopping.html">Here</a> you can read my post about how to start the ball rolling on frugal grocery shopping. Stockpiling is key!<br />
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Next, you must make sure you're using everything you buy. I'm not always perfect in this respect, especially since returning to school. <a href="http://simplyeverythinglg.blogspot.com/2010/11/lovely-bones.html">Here</a> is a post about how I used up our turkey leftovers at Thanksgiving, just to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Dinner leftovers make great lunches the next day. Grilled chicken can become chicken salad, or be diced and thrown into a tortilla with some salsa and a bit of cheese. Even a couple of spoonfuls of veggies can be a side dish for Sam (14 months old) at lunch. I've dressed up fried potatoes with cheese to make a quick lunch for me. And remember to <a href="http://simplyeverythinglg.blogspot.com/2009/07/waste-not-want-not.html" target="_blank">save the heels of bread for homemade croutons or breadcrumbs!</a> Get creative! Try stretching your dollar by delaying your grocery trips by just one more day, if possible. An eight-day week might make your creativity blossom! My trips are usually about every 10 days, not counting a quick stop by Aldi for milk every few days.<br />
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Think ahead! I really liked the suggestion in The Tightwad Gazette, that dinner plans for the next day be made while washing dinner dishes. That way I'm still in the kitchen, thinking about dinner, thinking about what we had and what leftovers I've got - it helps me decide what I'm going to make the next night and determine if anything needs thawing. (That means I'm less likely to have a dinner emergency at 4:30 the next night and run down to the corner grocery for a pricey convenience meal!)<br />
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<b>Cleaning</b></div>
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Most of the cleaning supplies I use, I make myself from non-toxic ingredients. There is no need for me to reinvent the wheel and detail all of my recipes, as so many other women have done a better job than I of putting the info out there. I recommend the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clean-House-Planet-Karen-Logan/dp/0671535951/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338259479&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Clean House, Clean Planet</a> for the best recipes. I've also made my own laundry soap in the past. Go Google it, I know you'll get a few 100 recipes. My tip? Use the dry recipe. It's easier to put together.<br />
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The basic of cleaning with homemade ingredients is vinegar. Don't like the smell? So what?! The smell goes away as soon as the vinegar has dried. I also use tea tree oil, castile soap (Dr. Bronner's Peppermint is my fave), and baking soda. Borax (my one toxic ingredient) is used in the toilet bowl.<br />
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<b>Trash Talk</b></div>
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Don't buy paper products to clean with. Good grief! Talk about throwing your money away! Show of hands - how many people have stained t-shirts that they just throw away? Mismatched or holey socks? Start yourself a little bin in your laundry room or in your kitchen for those odds and ends, and put them to good use. Have an unmentionable mess that you NEED to throw away? Then use that old t-shirt to clean it up and THEN throw it away.<br />
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Are you reusing your food containers for storage? There are so many uses for <a href="http://www.sherbetblossom.com/2010/08/project-organize-upcycled-organizing.html" target="_blank">salad containers</a>, for <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2010/02/tin-cans-made-pretty.html" target="_blank">coffee cans</a>, for cereal boxes - you can pretty up so many items that most "normal" (read: in debt up to their eyeballs) people would throw away. Don't even get me started about milk jugs. Those little wonders are GOLDEN in a frugal kitchen. And don't even tell me if you're not washing out your ziploc baggies after every use - 'cause you know that those couple of bread crumbs left in that bag makes it completely unsanitary for reuse. (that was sarcasm, btw.) That kind of waste keeps me up at night. *shudder*<br />
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Are you composting? Recycling? Trash bags are expensive. Some of you have to pay for trash pickup by weight or volume. Ask yourself, every time you throw something away, "Can I reuse this?"<br />
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Are you using cloth napkins? Handkerchiefs? (Use the 100% cotton variety of both.) Handkerchiefs can often be found at Target after Christmas for a steal. I've also found some beautiful vintage ones at garage sales for a quarter. If you have children, are you <a href="http://simplyeverythinglg.blogspot.com/2011/01/frugal-cloth-wipes.html" target="_blank">cloth</a> <a href="http://simplyeverythinglg.blogspot.com/2009/03/fluffy-and-pretty.html" target="_blank">diapering</a>?<br />
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Okay, that's all I've got for now. Next up? The laundry room!Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-26562652394745107992012-05-20T23:09:00.000-04:002012-05-21T13:46:19.379-04:00Suffer the little children...Today, when we walked into Mass, it was as quiet as a tomb.<br />
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<i>How prescient. </i><br />
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Two parents with five children trooped into church today. Before the Gospel, two parents with five children trooped back out.<br />
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Why?<br />
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<b>Because I will not stay where my children are not welcome. </b><br />
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But let me back up and give you the full story.<br />
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A few months ago, our parish (because of a lack of priests) cut out one Sunday Mass and shifted the remaining Mass times. Our "normal" Mass time was pushed half an hour earlier. Because Hubby works nights (and by necessity sleeps late), it was tough for us to make the new, earlier Mass time. So we started going to Mass at a different parish that had a later Mass time. The new parish has no attached school (read: fewer children), but does have a young priest who gives excellent homilies. I loved going to Mass at the new parish because my sons got to see a young man, vibrant in faith, who has answered God's call to the priesthood. As an added bonus, the building was constructed in the mid-1800's, and is absolutely breathtaking. (Our parish church was built less than 10 years ago. Eyesore. Sad, but true.) There is beautiful, beautiful music - great cantor, knock-your-socks-off choir, pipe organ. Smells and bells all the way. Hubby & I had considered officially changing parishes.<br />
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I don't see that happening now.<br />
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Today, we arrived for Mass our usual 15 minutes early. We came in, crossed ourselves, genuflected, and entered the pew. I didn't have to bug anyone to scoot down, everyone filed in like we've done this 1000 times before - which we have. We sat in our usual spot: a few rows from the front, on the right. Hubby & I knelt to pray. Adam, Luke, and Joey did the same. Gracie thumbed through the missal. Sam babbled.<br />
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The nerve of that baby. He made normal baby noises.<br />
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By the looks I got from the older women sitting near us, it was apparent that this joyful noise unto the Lord was most unwelcome. This sound of LIFE, to members of a religion that goes <i>out of its way to profess its unwavering conviction about the sanctity of life from conception to natural death</i>, was very, very unwelcome.<br />
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Let me make myself clear - he was babbling. Not screaming. Not crying. Not hitting anyone, throwing anything, having a tantrum, making a scene. He. Was. Babbling.<br />
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So the woman sitting two rows in front of us was apparently so distressed at his presumption that she felt it her duty to turn and give my son The Eye. She turned herself, head and shoulders, all the way around in her pew, to make sure that my little heathen child - who's sole purpose was to wreck havoc upon the the Holy Mother Church and bring about all of our ruin and damnation - she had to make sure my evil child (and, by association, my heathen husband, who was holding said Spawn of Evil) knew that he was disrupting her serene and quiet contemplation of her own silent perfection, moral spotlessness, and unparalleled charity.<br />
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Sensing the snit that was brewing, I motioned for Hubby to pass the baby to me, thinking that it was pretty close to nap time and some good walking at the back of the sanctuary could send Rosemary's Baby into dreamland and therefore avoid snittery.<br />
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I rose with Sam, exited the pew, genuflected (no mean feat with 27 pounds of evil in your arms) and started walking back down the aisle that I had just come up not three minutes earlier. I passed a pair of grey-haired ladies on my way, one of whom whispered to me, "Thank you."<br />
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Um, I'm sorry, but WHAT?!<br />
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ARE YOU SERIOUS?<br />
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<i>And this is where I rant, because I couldn't do it there. </i><br />
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We are (supposed to be) a Church that embraces - no, <b><i>celebrates and rejoices</i></b> in - LIFE. Guess what? These are the sounds of that life! Here I am, a married mother of five children, a cradle Catholic who loves her faith, the Holy Father, the Sacraments, the Church - and you made me feel ashamed, if only for the smallest fraction of a moment, of my child.<br />
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Do you have any idea of the Herculean effort it takes to get a family of seven to Mass on time? Everyone must be breakfasted, hair brushed, teeth brushed, shoes found and on the right feet, clothes clean and pressed <i>and on</i>, baby nursed, everyone bathroomed, out the door ("No! Do NOT brush against the dusty car in your clean clothes!") and in the pew before the entrance hymn. My husband gets home from work at 3 am. He gets up at 8 am on Sundays so that we can be out the door on time. I am a full-time nursing student. We homeschool. We are busy people. The Church - the Mass - is at the center of ALL of that. I bank on that grace to get me through another week!<br />
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Let's assume for a minute that I'm not well-grounded in my faith. That I'm not a card carrying member of the open-to-life club. That I don't know my cherubim from my seraphim. Let's say that I was a mom who had to beg and cajole her husband to bring the kids and come to Mass. What did you and your judgement just do? You denied my family a place at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. You made sure that we wouldn't darken the doorstep of another Catholic Church for a good, long time. You are culpable in the eternal damnation of seven people. Good job! Glad you got that quiet time before Mass started.<br />
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Children are <i><b>not</b></i> the future of the Church. Let's be crystal clear on this point - my baptized-and-well-catechized children have just as much right to be at Mass as anyone else. My children <b><i>are</i></b> the Church, just as any baptized person is.<br />
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They are the children of the Almighty. And He loves them.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Mt 18:6</b> <i>But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, <b>it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned</b> in the depth of the sea.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Mt 18:10</b> <i>Take heed that <b>ye despise not one of these little ones</b>; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
How can we expect children to be raised in the faith if we do not welcome them into it? Here we could take a lesson from our Protestant bretheren: they know families. They know how to treat little people. Ah, the irony is rich here! I know that as Catholics we want our children with us at worship - and I agree that children should be in Mass and not at CCD or "Sunday School" during Mass time. Their place is at Mass. They need to be present at the Consecration, to see the miracle of Christ made real, Christ present for every one of us. They need those graces. So do I. But after a few minutes with my fifth blessing in the back of the sanctuary - where neither of us could see a darn thing and I couldn't let him down, as he would have drooled all over the pretty display for the Young Adult Ministry (yes, Lord, I see the irony, too!) I left. I fled the church. Me. I got the stroller out of the minivan and I walked two blocks to the mall.<br />
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So if I felt unwelcome - (me! Cradle Catholic. Homeschool nutjob who has her kids memorize the Baltimore Catechism. Married in the Church. Former Pre-Cana sponsor. Me.) - how would a lonely, searching, unmarried mom of one little baby feel, surrounded by so much judgement? One hairy eyeball and one smarmy comment were enough to ruin my whole morning, and make certain that I'll never cross the threshold of that sanctuary again. What if I had no other options? What if I couldn't drive to another Mass? What if the only experience I had of the Church was that one from this morning?<br />
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No wonder vocations are at a critical level.<br />
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Am I angry? You bet your chapel veil I am! Don't mess with my children. Don't mess with my Church.<br />
<br />Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-84902345865530622572012-05-14T22:18:00.002-04:002012-05-14T22:20:01.593-04:00Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Nursing school hit me like a ton of bricks. Really. It's ridiculous the time that I DON'T have. </div>
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Beforehand, I thought, "It's an associate's degree, how hard can it be?" </div>
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<b>HA!</b></div>
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Let me just say that after I graduate, I will have the same letters behind my name as a bachelor's-prepared nurse. I will be an RN. I will be responsible for keeping people alive. Because of that, I'm not complaining that my schoolwork is hard. I'm going to have some hefty responsibilities on me when I pass my boards. I need to be prepared. </div>
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That said, let me update you a little on what's been going on 'round here. </div>
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Playing in the mud </div>
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Pumpkin picking</div>
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Did some learnin'</div>
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Baked</div>
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Took a nap</div>
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Celebrated some milestones</div>
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And studied. A lot. </div>
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I promise to try to keep up a little better! See you soon! </div>
<br />Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-5776555736327908372011-07-25T23:37:00.008-04:002011-07-26T01:20:55.754-04:00Kids are resilient - a rant<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I picked up a book at the library a few weeks ago, upon the suggestion of someone on a message board. The book is called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Free-Lies-Discovering-Your-Needs/dp/0393338509/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311651889&sr=8-1">"Free from Lies" by Alice Miller</a>. She outlines, in broad strokes, her theory that childhood trauma must be validated in order for the adult to have a healthy emotional life. She asserts that most people who suffer from adult depression do so because they have denied (and others have ignored or denied) the trauma or abuse that depressed adults suffered as children. Though I don't agree with every premise the author suggests, there are some points that she makes that are very insightful. First and most important, she challenges the idea that "kids are resilient."</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkakBXjH1k7IDBmhfHO62aoMj58JC_Vo6XTJn89U3wJd9aPgBOwNK3PKCWeetPLdonTgdubCrSHo9V3_ORCLpBtfGSE56rNhU2FvAP6zFkYj76MS5H-l1UFrTO3oTJ1GiQ7_RlIFY7aVk/s1600/IMG_20110616_144648.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkakBXjH1k7IDBmhfHO62aoMj58JC_Vo6XTJn89U3wJd9aPgBOwNK3PKCWeetPLdonTgdubCrSHo9V3_ORCLpBtfGSE56rNhU2FvAP6zFkYj76MS5H-l1UFrTO3oTJ1GiQ7_RlIFY7aVk/s320/IMG_20110616_144648.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633501923209324354" /></a><br /><div>I've always felt and understood, as a child of an abusive home myself, that children are NOT resilient. Children have no power in the world. Children do not CHOOSE to "deal" with the situation in which they live. Children have to cope, with the best (read:inadequate) mechanisms they have, with what adults subject them to. <i>Children are not resilient.</i> The definition <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/resilient">here</a> tells us that resilient means "recovering readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like." In situations of abuse, there is no "ready recovery." There is suppression and coping. Children do not have the capacity that many adults have, to emotionally process what's happening, to escape the situation that's causing stress, to compare a situation to a frame of reference and understand the abnormality of an event. Children are NOT resilient. <i>They cope because they have no choice. </i></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexP1zYTJtQJwpWAraoGri9kwLJwHVVP__REA8csZRPUNckSllUKMEbGO1Q9zfacNcouiOCZJxVU9K7f6ROKcO6zmafJNMIZP_c16p1A_nuneZ_00ImRBgfUyFk9OahxAsnaFmJrJ2V0s/s1600/IMG_20110702_163908.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexP1zYTJtQJwpWAraoGri9kwLJwHVVP__REA8csZRPUNckSllUKMEbGO1Q9zfacNcouiOCZJxVU9K7f6ROKcO6zmafJNMIZP_c16p1A_nuneZ_00ImRBgfUyFk9OahxAsnaFmJrJ2V0s/s320/IMG_20110702_163908.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633501917277977746" /></a><br /></div><div>There are a few situations in which I see this happening - situations in which adults deny the trauma to which children are subjected:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. <b>Divorce</b>. Do I really need to say this?! How is it that many of us don't understand that divorce emotionally devastates children? The very foundation of a child's life is the dependance he has on his parents. "Oh, they'll be fine. They'll cope. They'll get over it." Really? REALLY?! A child's entire world changes, is turned upside down, <i>and we just expect them to get over it?</i> How do we assume that children don't feel? That because they are young and little that their feelings are <i>less than our own?</i> As adults, we have the choice of whether or not we subject our children to suffer such a monstrous blow. </div><div><br /></div><div>As a society, we frown on "staying together for the children." Why the hell shouldn't we try, with every, every, every effort that we have to keep marriages intact for our children? Are people really so selfish that they can't work like their own lives depend upon the success of their marriage? How about working on their marriage because their children are worth it? "Oh, I just fell out of love with my husband." Are. You. Serious? This isn't like falling off a ladder- you don't "fall out of love" with someone. The kind of love it takes to hold together a marriage is a love that has to be chosen. Every day. It's work sometimes. (Heck, some years it's even work a lot of the time.) But these are our children we're talking about. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOv1YYheHOQo7sIXOC9QnYR0goSwWYWl5T8K3shUzyFr6vxH2ClHhRmh-J6adf3xpyc2jm8A8lT91xC6ru98OTN8zFJsu7w4wmbtb4XmFd2CaKJUzoc_4i-pR0Pgbvp9Y4y_lC89-TpA/s1600/IMG_5252.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOv1YYheHOQo7sIXOC9QnYR0goSwWYWl5T8K3shUzyFr6vxH2ClHhRmh-J6adf3xpyc2jm8A8lT91xC6ru98OTN8zFJsu7w4wmbtb4XmFd2CaKJUzoc_4i-pR0Pgbvp9Y4y_lC89-TpA/s320/IMG_5252.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633501913057680066" /></a><br /></div><div>2. <b>Bullying</b>. One of the main arguments I hear against homeschooling is that I'm not teaching my children how to handle bullies. And that's a valid argument, because I'm <b>not</b> teaching them about bullies. In the adult world, if someone at work harasses you, you take it up with HR. If some acquaintance physically assaults you, you call the police and press charges. In the kid world, those aren't options. In the kid world, you keep your mouth shut and your head down and you hope to God that adults don't get involved because then the bullying worsens and becomes more insidious. But as adults, we forget that. Frankly, I think that all the "bullying awareness" that we have now in schools sounds great on the surface (sounds great to adults), but is just another impotent attempt of adults to make an artificial environment (school, where everyone is segregated by age) operate as a cohesive society. Crazy talk, I tell you. Let's put a group of people who don't have a skill (socialization) together to teach each other that skill that they don't know. Blind leading the blind. Brilliant. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6JHL25pjd00zpVIuBWE0wdUrNcl1FfCI17iCvhslv5arwwn38m3Czt3nf5JvHL7EtVObepJM0j6bF0_0qRik-D23NzExaBOHkG-Gt4U2JSTlQQ14cdIHbm9CO-9WILczloSGCK20k98/s320/IMG_20110603_170435.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633515560421787426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></span></span></div><div>3. <b>Alcoholism.</b> As the child of two alcoholics, I became an expert at keeping The Secret. Any ACOA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) knows what I mean. No one outside the family must ever, ever know what goes on behind closed doors. Problem? There's no problem! See? Good student! Involved in school activities! Has a part-time job, boyfriend, friends! Cheerful! Normal, normal, normal! But the problem comes later, when The Secret is out. When the adult (and less often, the child) stops hiding the truth and lets it free, there is a huge, huge tendency of others to deny the reality of what happened. "Oh, you're such a normal person - surely you're exaggerating! I've met your parents. They're great people." Yes, they're great <i>actors</i>. The whole family is. That's why you don't believe!</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the book - the author has some things to say about how we, as adults, validate the feelings of children. We should admit our own mistakes. We don't want to put the expectation of forgiveness on our children - that is a child's free will, a gift that they can choose or not choose to give, without coercion. But we must acknowledge the "wrongness" of a situation. "I yelled at you, and that was wrong. I'm sorry, and I'll try to do better." And also, we need to understand, truly internalize, that the feelings of children are just as valid as those of adults. Children are people - they feel, oftentimes more acutely, the same feelings we feel. We adults should keep that in mind when we expect children to be "resilient."</div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-2147483961638538352011-07-04T22:51:00.003-04:002011-07-05T21:54:25.815-04:00Holding myself accountable<div>I'm <a href="http://simplyeverythinglg.blogspot.com/2011/06/progress.html">having fun</a> with my kids this summer, and soaking in Sam's babyhood. I love this picture. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15oNB5SxFkfY9XqW_2lXUw0yY9tIbtwWv6DwwBIVI9y8kHMC8FMsrPp4e1tZgEc3DVdLKBX11YnUoYLPy_bMng8jFslsz3RzFXdw0xBVf-trSURKOgeLcVU5llj_yrcLxRnAj-gN5lQM/s1600/IMG_20110629_150539.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15oNB5SxFkfY9XqW_2lXUw0yY9tIbtwWv6DwwBIVI9y8kHMC8FMsrPp4e1tZgEc3DVdLKBX11YnUoYLPy_bMng8jFslsz3RzFXdw0xBVf-trSURKOgeLcVU5llj_yrcLxRnAj-gN5lQM/s320/IMG_20110629_150539.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625696118202862866" /></a>Keeping in mind my vow to <a href="http://simplyeverythinglg.blogspot.com/2011/07/summer-reading.html">keep them away from the TV</a>, we're finding more to do in the backyard. Bucket of soapy water and some stained t-shirts that I cut up along with a scrub brush and a backyard toy made for an hour of fun.<br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFDpNeSFFCc-l8TtdlsR-R82kN08A9tW70HozkF5P7Mm0f6euUB4VWTkTFoUWLDd2i9SlqiT8hROXmeEx06N8N4Xt89sOaAxaPHYEsbHk4fTv05aBQpPGSEjfidIc2z-OBN98VRi8v4I/s1600/IMG_20110625_165344.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFDpNeSFFCc-l8TtdlsR-R82kN08A9tW70HozkF5P7Mm0f6euUB4VWTkTFoUWLDd2i9SlqiT8hROXmeEx06N8N4Xt89sOaAxaPHYEsbHk4fTv05aBQpPGSEjfidIc2z-OBN98VRi8v4I/s320/IMG_20110625_165344.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625696109979859570" /></a><br /></div><div>I realized again that <a href="http://simplyeverythinglg.blogspot.com/2011/05/finding-balance.html">I can't do it all</a>. Now that my kids have more time (because the TV isn't eating all of it) they can help more. Good for them and good for me. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4rTNGvQLmWcrLKZDvOg6AKZU8YmTRAuTdnzYHpkJNt28kvfWaYz4Dr1f65jAoLLsc4xh7SNoZuBcegMZ5pdp_FcHhCF3blytzjH7JawYCYq1a5X0AD3CU9DWiBzwCBHYyryGyvR9TWM/s1600/IMG_20110627_175106.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4rTNGvQLmWcrLKZDvOg6AKZU8YmTRAuTdnzYHpkJNt28kvfWaYz4Dr1f65jAoLLsc4xh7SNoZuBcegMZ5pdp_FcHhCF3blytzjH7JawYCYq1a5X0AD3CU9DWiBzwCBHYyryGyvR9TWM/s320/IMG_20110627_175106.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625696102795306210" /></a><br /></div><div>And this one is so painful to post, but I <i>will</i> be accountable! I must lose the last 25 pounds of baby weight. This was taken on July 3 - that's my belly in the yellow! OUCH! I will remember that my body is not a garbage disposal, and I will mind what I eat! I will NOT sit on the computer every evening. I will get out and WALK with the kids <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">as soon as my husband fixes the gate so that I can get the stroller out.</span></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Pc5oAO0qak2vmhvKwqOqbXa5xZhM1JDnKTfzaJ5ORpdy1dcLsEs8vpdzxCs4LAKeTl-rQiKJAOT4mpGUg1s6DVGNTcAJ2fhpqdq0iBWDoLgrOhnO7hfUKXRvIQ8NOCsTt6E6ENazt6k/s1600/IMG_20110703_210307.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Pc5oAO0qak2vmhvKwqOqbXa5xZhM1JDnKTfzaJ5ORpdy1dcLsEs8vpdzxCs4LAKeTl-rQiKJAOT4mpGUg1s6DVGNTcAJ2fhpqdq0iBWDoLgrOhnO7hfUKXRvIQ8NOCsTt6E6ENazt6k/s320/IMG_20110703_210307.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625696092499907218" /></a><br /></div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-73411869874038655932011-07-04T22:30:00.005-04:002011-07-04T23:21:48.539-04:00Summer reading<div>Upon reading the recommendation of <a href="http://www.gsheller.com/2011/06/yarn-along_15.html">another blogger</a>, I picked this up at the library: </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWO2EbvVUAtFdnBCIBF-8lHW_sZ7epO1Dj_Vy493GapE3M_msas-gipO2l60H0Cp7P6Emzc6jhpiX_aXsInh9LfsLT6EwiRjaUEC1uff5R_qTg4d50mI6KE8NexdGFpDhcEDkHIItRuRU/s1600/IMG_20110625_174225.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWO2EbvVUAtFdnBCIBF-8lHW_sZ7epO1Dj_Vy493GapE3M_msas-gipO2l60H0Cp7P6Emzc6jhpiX_aXsInh9LfsLT6EwiRjaUEC1uff5R_qTg4d50mI6KE8NexdGFpDhcEDkHIItRuRU/s320/IMG_20110625_174225.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625690285425915938" /></a>Yes! This is JUST what I needed to hear! <div><br /></div><div>It's okay to cut the kids' TV time to near nothing. </div><div>It's okay to not study current events with my ten-year-old.</div><div>It's okay that our house is not overflowing with toys. (Really, in the interest of full disclosure, I've never felt the need to have lots of toys around the house. Small house, lots of people... too much stuff makes me feel claustrophobic.) </div><div><br /></div><div><i>I really needed a kick in the pants.</i> The last third of my pregnancy with Sam was physically taxing, moreso than with the other four. I relied entirely too much on the television and video games to entertain the kids. It's time to kick that habit to the curb! To that end, I found <a href="http://www.magicalchildhood.com/index2.htm">this website</a> that gives me TONS of good ideas to engage the little ones. I intend to pass these little nuggets out occasionally for Gracie and Joey, when we're desperate. As for Luke (8) and Adam (10-almost-11), they are just fine finding their own entertainment, thankyouverymuch. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lest I get on my soapbox (too late!), I feel that it's important to say that boredom is not the enemy of childhood! (It might be the enemy of an orderly kitchen, but if I really wanted a neat house I'd live alone.) If a child's every moment is filled with noise - not only the sounds of video games and TV and computers, but the visual clutter of a room packed to the gills with STUFF, and the spiritual and emotional crowding of having an entertainment committee (aka well-meaning parent who schedules every moment) - he cannot exercise creativity and imagination. And we all know what happens without exercise, right? Atrophy. So I'm going to let my kids be kids without the gadgets, bells, and whistles. Boredom is our friend. It forces them (and me) to exercise a little creativity and imagination. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now someone remind me of that when I'm trying to get dinner on the table and they're all underfoot, okay? </div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-11515665925335741132011-07-04T22:24:00.004-04:002011-07-04T22:29:29.464-04:00Isn't this the coolest?Our neighbor, <a href="http://simplyeverythinglg.blogspot.com/2008/07/being-neighborly.html">Mike</a>, built a replica Model A from scratch. Like Hubby said, "He's like MacGyver and Mr. Wizard, all rolled into one!" Of course, all the kids (except Sam) took a ride. What a cool way to celebrate Independence Day! <div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWXxQ2Yp1BZ_6IoHlho2mVPi98swfO9Ofxr9KGq30tOldyiEhrUh7Oh9Qt00pkEzUN6g2bAeaBYM1dcjsNRwNSVp1tM8hFK03T4fmC6JH6qGfHp77j-fdeS3CjIe8ynp8eoMMkL2zkzw/s1600/IMG_20110703_170744.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWXxQ2Yp1BZ_6IoHlho2mVPi98swfO9Ofxr9KGq30tOldyiEhrUh7Oh9Qt00pkEzUN6g2bAeaBYM1dcjsNRwNSVp1tM8hFK03T4fmC6JH6qGfHp77j-fdeS3CjIe8ynp8eoMMkL2zkzw/s320/IMG_20110703_170744.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625688685570605330" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWXxQ2Yp1BZ_6IoHlho2mVPi98swfO9Ofxr9KGq30tOldyiEhrUh7Oh9Qt00pkEzUN6g2bAeaBYM1dcjsNRwNSVp1tM8hFK03T4fmC6JH6qGfHp77j-fdeS3CjIe8ynp8eoMMkL2zkzw/s1600/IMG_20110703_170744.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWXxQ2Yp1BZ_6IoHlho2mVPi98swfO9Ofxr9KGq30tOldyiEhrUh7Oh9Qt00pkEzUN6g2bAeaBYM1dcjsNRwNSVp1tM8hFK03T4fmC6JH6qGfHp77j-fdeS3CjIe8ynp8eoMMkL2zkzw/s1600/IMG_20110703_170744.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-29567576853161620482011-07-04T21:54:00.004-04:002011-07-04T22:22:24.903-04:00Yep, she did it AGAIN!<div><br /></div><div><div>Another unauthorized haircut in our house. You remember <a href="http://simplyeverythinglg.blogspot.com/2009/08/haircut.html">this post</a>? At least this time, Joey is off the hook.</div><div><br /></div><div>Joey asked Hubby if he could have scissors to cut some paper.</div><div>Joey: "Dad, can I have the scissors to cut paper, please?"</div><div>Hubby: "Yes, but what do we cut with scissors?"</div><div>Joey: "Just paper."</div><div>Hubby: "Do we cut our clothes?"</div><div>Joey: "No."</div><div>Hubby: "Do we cut hair?"</div><div>Joey: "No."</div><div>Hubby: "Okay. You can have the scissors. TO. CUT. PAPER."</div><div><br /></div><div>Hubby gave the scissors to Joey. Joey cut the paper he wanted to cut, put the scissors down, and left the room.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enter Gracie, who has seen <i>Tangled</i> about a kajillion times.</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Before</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTi27dLajm7mhwhzdo4HTYS6UIS2YeBkwLDrzx3Qb4TjOQ2_kMpH1bfa38hmLMERg_c7tJwFn5cURsDvqsK9m_r7GuwdI1wJyQbYYSJ6-FgvrYWS9BrXXvV4Qzu9Um7BvAq0j5AoNJ_gA/s1600/IMG_5200.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTi27dLajm7mhwhzdo4HTYS6UIS2YeBkwLDrzx3Qb4TjOQ2_kMpH1bfa38hmLMERg_c7tJwFn5cURsDvqsK9m_r7GuwdI1wJyQbYYSJ6-FgvrYWS9BrXXvV4Qzu9Um7BvAq0j5AoNJ_gA/s320/IMG_5200.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625686320310493394" /></a><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">What you don't see is that her hair in the back is quite a bit longer - about halfway down her back.<b> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b>After</b></span></div></b><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhio3xyPHaq_6cGvTM-Y7HTI9k11wmZk_K24OmnTwxquJTtH8KTfH5yMZiD7UBBM6Vnyc0apDepOG4WhZjI_TScTYfFIgqOFu3MvzM1yNE_hlAL_O5Gflm9Oh9KTwH1vB5rB7EOgC_agNo/s1600/IMG_20110616_163640.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhio3xyPHaq_6cGvTM-Y7HTI9k11wmZk_K24OmnTwxquJTtH8KTfH5yMZiD7UBBM6Vnyc0apDepOG4WhZjI_TScTYfFIgqOFu3MvzM1yNE_hlAL_O5Gflm9Oh9KTwH1vB5rB7EOgC_agNo/s320/IMG_20110616_163640.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625682576183365362" /></a><br /><div>You notice how lopsided it is in the second picture? What you don't see is the mounds of hair that I brushed off her shoulders, the huge pile of hair in the kitchen, and the rat-tail she'd left in the back. We took her out to get a professional haircut the next day to clean it up. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think she looks a bit too pleased with herself. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1esOb_TXzdobC3jQRp2esfpOihQo02WDwZCUoEki-xqzxiJ14Qaqwqm9CFqw97seBi2HVVtMBO8xU7MVK5U90sQRz8wH3lJtBTmj-3cri05feVnu0X3aq6H1aNOc1QzSnr5FUCI6D-M/s1600/IMG_20110617_123837.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1esOb_TXzdobC3jQRp2esfpOihQo02WDwZCUoEki-xqzxiJ14Qaqwqm9CFqw97seBi2HVVtMBO8xU7MVK5U90sQRz8wH3lJtBTmj-3cri05feVnu0X3aq6H1aNOc1QzSnr5FUCI6D-M/s320/IMG_20110617_123837.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625682566086269250" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And here it is, after the "fix." Cute? Yes. Easier? Yes. But I still miss the long hair! </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLu2eRi2czd12REhJTOXw_WKntNYNTEp7vwfQdsxrVoxYNmRiKigGtR4UB-F442Ip-lk4hW2Lv6qrNKO_0JZPhA1M6-innwnYLdtuRlyNBTeM0qsaWFAiIPhE418sqvRYsQ_UYuvzOl8/s1600/IMG_20110617_162643.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLu2eRi2czd12REhJTOXw_WKntNYNTEp7vwfQdsxrVoxYNmRiKigGtR4UB-F442Ip-lk4hW2Lv6qrNKO_0JZPhA1M6-innwnYLdtuRlyNBTeM0qsaWFAiIPhE418sqvRYsQ_UYuvzOl8/s320/IMG_20110617_162643.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625682559378966818" /></a><br /></div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-86817403730433327932011-06-08T23:13:00.003-04:002011-06-08T23:20:58.998-04:00Progress<div>In keeping with my resolutions <a href="http://simplyeverythinglg.blogspot.com/2011/05/finding-balance.html">here</a>, I've made an effort in the past couple of weeks to cut myself some slack. (And frankly, I think everyone else around here would be happier if I would just <i>chill out</i> and not be so. darn. anal. all the time.) </div><div><br /></div><div>What I have learned by stepping back a little and changing my perspective: </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Water is not that messy. </i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMBX5C3QwbZ9mN2ku5i-6dj_tMerGDNErCc7xVedf636uR2kaxta-dL5DSyPrB3iekPtK8cRwhMbstvuzlPgNSTSTLxMyEWN6IN2mOAuqObDuwncOJbe71oQjtdXfe-kD5B0ptk18bCE/s1600/IMG_5334.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMBX5C3QwbZ9mN2ku5i-6dj_tMerGDNErCc7xVedf636uR2kaxta-dL5DSyPrB3iekPtK8cRwhMbstvuzlPgNSTSTLxMyEWN6IN2mOAuqObDuwncOJbe71oQjtdXfe-kD5B0ptk18bCE/s320/IMG_5334.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616053518786323506" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The smiles on their faces are worth the minute or two that it'll take me to wipe up a couple of overflows from preschool dish washing.</i> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkXiGTWMewguj6oFTvBo_v99FEMSpBEEpGhBhCBDdRJWgOqoeO6-QVja5azgtjJfuhSFp4NRtgPuHIM_wrDFLfqSO6cx054n_EWq7XAackANABJc6GxmrZjk2ZVzDcm0asHK7puRtDyI/s1600/IMG_5339.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkXiGTWMewguj6oFTvBo_v99FEMSpBEEpGhBhCBDdRJWgOqoeO6-QVja5azgtjJfuhSFp4NRtgPuHIM_wrDFLfqSO6cx054n_EWq7XAackANABJc6GxmrZjk2ZVzDcm0asHK7puRtDyI/s320/IMG_5339.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616053508037844738" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sometimes I won't get the Perfect Shot of the baby because someone is yelling, "Take a picture of ME, Mom!" (Okay, like I EVER get the Perfect Shot, anyway!) </i></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKM5gWTNK0hQsG2SbCwyM4BTALFZuufwyeQC2TXd-3v-CvLSMwdnGBu4LsZq9RkoMRy702EmesHmFZte5K2dI5Nq1HYm5rLMlzeylFY_mfwjycWPSt7oUdIjlg2FMasRsj1ftEoYXQ7M/s1600/IMG_5255.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKM5gWTNK0hQsG2SbCwyM4BTALFZuufwyeQC2TXd-3v-CvLSMwdnGBu4LsZq9RkoMRy702EmesHmFZte5K2dI5Nq1HYm5rLMlzeylFY_mfwjycWPSt7oUdIjlg2FMasRsj1ftEoYXQ7M/s320/IMG_5255.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616053502919816226" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If you give a five-year-old boy the camera, he WILL take a picture of the toilet. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And that's okay. </i></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRaI-gc4QA0Nxlrh_qv8yEjjfeIeoF1xNtn26O6uAo_YR7f4mxGizl3LcTvYLnKRjpNvbfcgv-IWIJt82J0d7LkbCOPVU5DVJAhuOLuRPwEXochP10c78hIyBY7twzRbe1XCk-mmBz_4/s1600/IMG_5234.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRaI-gc4QA0Nxlrh_qv8yEjjfeIeoF1xNtn26O6uAo_YR7f4mxGizl3LcTvYLnKRjpNvbfcgv-IWIJt82J0d7LkbCOPVU5DVJAhuOLuRPwEXochP10c78hIyBY7twzRbe1XCk-mmBz_4/s320/IMG_5234.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616053494103704082" /></a><br /></div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-77831092453692749082011-05-30T14:44:00.003-04:002011-05-30T14:47:13.188-04:00Marsh Triple Coupons!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIimmUDLmNhWgcXGDwWHqotnCrBVtivsDCmm4f0F2qCnWSRecuMFItQ7KbXwp5YYYaBHdb3mO4Ihx3ZWfL5AbPjBt4-N-gx9kYwyozc1DdWtRuU1FLl2iiL08okYmFUPpCDqziMv-D24/s1600/IMG_5333.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIimmUDLmNhWgcXGDwWHqotnCrBVtivsDCmm4f0F2qCnWSRecuMFItQ7KbXwp5YYYaBHdb3mO4Ihx3ZWfL5AbPjBt4-N-gx9kYwyozc1DdWtRuU1FLl2iiL08okYmFUPpCDqziMv-D24/s320/IMG_5333.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612582273428575746" /></a>Total spent = $20.59<div>Total saved = $66.30</div><div>I would've done better, but I had to get milk. Still, not bad!<br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-7824266208658099112011-05-27T22:13:00.006-04:002011-05-27T23:03:59.984-04:00Finding balance<div style="text-align: center;">Life with a newborn is unpredictable.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Life with a newborn is unpredictable.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Life with a newborn is unpredictable. </i></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm hoping that if I keep saying that to myself, I'll cut myself a little slack. That somehow, I'll really and truly believe that the above applies to me. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are going to be messes that I can't get to right away. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0kcudA6BzhRTzs6SsWTeBA7ydLZxX3SewcKTZLIX0DfUhuPcpm0YIUCqeSWi60NxOPKmRtU7pZJ3rOk4XB9cyuXnCCrBg0NqDutDsnbZUj1xgebZ_N9i_csXy0e_xtd7SHgptCSK4YQ/s1600/IMG_20110424_102039.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0kcudA6BzhRTzs6SsWTeBA7ydLZxX3SewcKTZLIX0DfUhuPcpm0YIUCqeSWi60NxOPKmRtU7pZJ3rOk4XB9cyuXnCCrBg0NqDutDsnbZUj1xgebZ_N9i_csXy0e_xtd7SHgptCSK4YQ/s320/IMG_20110424_102039.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611586621574064786" /></a><br /><div>I won't always get uninterrupted time to work on lesson plans. I can't keep a spotless house <i>all</i> of the time. My to-do list will not always (or often, or usually) get done. I need to be flexible. I need to <i>bend</i>. I need to, temporarily at least, <i>lower my standards</i>. I am only one human being. I am not imperfect, or invincible. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVboEy7yZZkjVwDLSSIZvqJmkER6NZux2WFpuBkddrqvnn9qv1kyMkcMNWxULi17EFEP6qDDxG3yFCQ7rBQCM2j5xE7kCxJHg47juEBbmz_D921cP9CQPpxGtX7dk6riVttio0wOaQ5vI/s1600/IMG_20110515_154753.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVboEy7yZZkjVwDLSSIZvqJmkER6NZux2WFpuBkddrqvnn9qv1kyMkcMNWxULi17EFEP6qDDxG3yFCQ7rBQCM2j5xE7kCxJHg47juEBbmz_D921cP9CQPpxGtX7dk6riVttio0wOaQ5vI/s320/IMG_20110515_154753.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611586615414044466" /></a><br /></div><div>I must, MUST keep my eyes (and my attention) on what is important. Making memories. Crafting a childhood for my children that is worth remembering. Communicating to them that they - not the housework, or the bill-paying, or the grocery shopping - are important. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's such a struggle for me. Maybe it's my perfectionism. I like to be able to point to results and say, "I did that." It's easy to look at a clean kitchen floor, or a basket of folded laundry, or a perfectly balanced checkbook and feel that sense of satisfaction. There is a measurable end, a quantifiable result. Not so with the relationships that I'm trying to build with my children. That is more amorphous, less concrete. But so much more important. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJra2-ncOcZ8KOZqhrKQU6Gri3b_g-w2YsGjEpEfSNdUzzjjwmKvtSUuYNah-5U-0NbcNh826N9mjcfx7aatOhaOG5YspDaQA3tJHQksJ_vphCIZSHSopcyUoSVjwkbVeWMPkaFZsCtE/s1600/IMG_5194.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJra2-ncOcZ8KOZqhrKQU6Gri3b_g-w2YsGjEpEfSNdUzzjjwmKvtSUuYNah-5U-0NbcNh826N9mjcfx7aatOhaOG5YspDaQA3tJHQksJ_vphCIZSHSopcyUoSVjwkbVeWMPkaFZsCtE/s320/IMG_5194.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611586611725604642" /></a><br /></div><div>I read so many blogs about women who rhapsodize about the afternoons they spend with their children: crafting, adventuring, creating memories. (I know, don't compare the inside of my life to the outside of someone else's. Yeah, yeah.) It seems those women are always bemoaning their lack of housekeeping skills. That they have all these unconquerable messes. Laundry is taking over the house, junk mail is piling up, the kitchen floor hasn't seen the business end of a mop in more than a month, etc. I envy them their ability to let go of their housekeeping expectations. That's never been my problem. I can keep house just fine, thanks. Sure, I get behind every once in a while, but for the most part, my house can be company-ready in five minutes or less. The facet of life I struggle with the most is <i>being present</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I know that I need to slow down, to savor this time in my life, when my littles are are little, when I have a baby to snuggle. I know that I shouldn't beat myself up about the dust that's gathering on my windowsills, or the fingerprints on the TV screen, or the baseboards that desperately need to be painted in the living room. The most important thing is to soak this in. Soak in the sweet smell of a new baby, the enthusiasm of a new reader, the unending riddles of an eight-year-old. I should play princesses more often. I should read <i>Go Dog Go</i> and <i>Old Hat New Hat</i>. I should build forts and play Play-Doh. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>should. should. should. </i></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dKv8IB1t66K7UDNpa5X-_x1NVf5GoMcIQoEWfU-rYJ8OjGj7dLrzXc7mO_netZQZuuW72vyjECKDNkZdEUXPzEWfkktEXXzXwOVZlj7xVryjxVu0UmfXKVnlnsaqgFn8St9GvadCDAE/s1600/IMG_20110505_100554.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dKv8IB1t66K7UDNpa5X-_x1NVf5GoMcIQoEWfU-rYJ8OjGj7dLrzXc7mO_netZQZuuW72vyjECKDNkZdEUXPzEWfkktEXXzXwOVZlj7xVryjxVu0UmfXKVnlnsaqgFn8St9GvadCDAE/s320/IMG_20110505_100554.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611586601023497122" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Stop, breathe deep. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Let the housework go. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Hug your kids.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Go outside.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Smile.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Be. </i></div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-11390373633944526032011-05-24T23:25:00.003-04:002011-05-24T23:39:08.099-04:00Random<div>I've been putting off updating my blog for a bit, because I didn't have anything earth-shattering to say. So to break my writer's block, I'm just going to put a hodge-podge of pictures up here, and let you peek at what we've been up to. </div><div><br /></div><div>First up: last day of school, breakfast of homemade crepes. Oh. My. Word. These are sooo good. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKQ788NmXzSFwUNUgWMiDTu7VYDvDWUoQAyj5ITgTTnaHNpqszSLi7p3yZMG4zkOdPV3zAHnAwdFUEqDUUKjVFni2yjXyMG_BZ2UsBCk-lBGBy3JZOo9X4TxCkSR4h2Ajr_hv6BCublc/s1600/IMG_20110519_084626.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKQ788NmXzSFwUNUgWMiDTu7VYDvDWUoQAyj5ITgTTnaHNpqszSLi7p3yZMG4zkOdPV3zAHnAwdFUEqDUUKjVFni2yjXyMG_BZ2UsBCk-lBGBy3JZOo9X4TxCkSR4h2Ajr_hv6BCublc/s320/IMG_20110519_084626.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610491703528096322" /></a><br /><div>Joey "reading" to Gracie in her room, before bedtime: </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAguD-fk8uwF0xt6n_FH3pqjD9TfPMGu7xiUHRNxd7GXs5ZBmHnUcWQsFzDnWUF_bYM9SO09yle-e8t9k-VDLTHkzpglpix89pgeEIrq6u-XcO5OwLMEGsRQ0DYKrLFaR_lLKOkJzcsKI/s1600/IMG_20110426_194620.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAguD-fk8uwF0xt6n_FH3pqjD9TfPMGu7xiUHRNxd7GXs5ZBmHnUcWQsFzDnWUF_bYM9SO09yle-e8t9k-VDLTHkzpglpix89pgeEIrq6u-XcO5OwLMEGsRQ0DYKrLFaR_lLKOkJzcsKI/s320/IMG_20110426_194620.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610491694628699746" /></a><br /></div><div>This is what the kitchen table looks like when we color Easter eggs. Notice that Hubby is brilliant, because he gave the kids Easter coloring pages to work on while they waited for their eggs to finish dying. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h4pKIHHoSK6dsHPU7T3iEF-0dLJRYa4ZvmT3p2oGvGTvcY0RTJ1bIEBPwSeAhMPSIufxr0LWeyB_KHnXJu_3qj9FnHvaAUUPegsd7YWo8e7OMmPEZRtZZhwHVDVnuNg_bq-OZk3kdng/s1600/IMG_20110422_095536.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h4pKIHHoSK6dsHPU7T3iEF-0dLJRYa4ZvmT3p2oGvGTvcY0RTJ1bIEBPwSeAhMPSIufxr0LWeyB_KHnXJu_3qj9FnHvaAUUPegsd7YWo8e7OMmPEZRtZZhwHVDVnuNg_bq-OZk3kdng/s320/IMG_20110422_095536.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610491686633394802" /></a><br /></div><div>Gracie played soccer this spring. This wet, muddy, cold spring. I missed watching a couple of games because it was too cold for me to sit at the field with Sam. (The new baby... we named him Samuel Patrick.) </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahInxNMhqnUkyEay0E4Lqdr8GZEC66cG6m7Gg_imS2bdeIXVtgWSA-6KWK3neAJVaRxYpYViIYd6BiMEtS8NjDsq1R7SdYBFA3yKsLijzTSSmq9Cf0T5lSE4vqcXIBHbn-CVwfKjSYwI/s1600/IMG_20110421_160649.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahInxNMhqnUkyEay0E4Lqdr8GZEC66cG6m7Gg_imS2bdeIXVtgWSA-6KWK3neAJVaRxYpYViIYd6BiMEtS8NjDsq1R7SdYBFA3yKsLijzTSSmq9Cf0T5lSE4vqcXIBHbn-CVwfKjSYwI/s320/IMG_20110421_160649.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610491681549017314" /></a><br /></div><div>Joey, with his t-ball medal. He was so proud! He's worn that medal around the house randomly for a couple of days. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKNZ-sH-HEaNxL2_xK52okQAm57wXWnYVYRXI2xRe2-DFYI6OKu53qxk_QhegMYq6SFuPJGH7Pp8P4JHzg1j7ON3JG8JmZ94BWKeXqPDrNlQ4QxOLofPfSfReXTwbIkw2Cp4Ybzwogkk/s1600/IMG_20110521_130801.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKNZ-sH-HEaNxL2_xK52okQAm57wXWnYVYRXI2xRe2-DFYI6OKu53qxk_QhegMYq6SFuPJGH7Pp8P4JHzg1j7ON3JG8JmZ94BWKeXqPDrNlQ4QxOLofPfSfReXTwbIkw2Cp4Ybzwogkk/s320/IMG_20110521_130801.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610491674685846146" /></a><br /></div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-22340032239437355792011-03-30T13:51:00.001-04:002011-03-30T13:53:42.039-04:00Blessed...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyMaABZPBCxyMlu0r30lbPmd-JDST7i559FzzEiyUdT5gv3KRbDFCvkqEr0lKYaVOkWTmqdyY4N4iQYPtu8tppTHtk-CDD-nRfioaCwDnttGdwoJvcbQChJU7kLLOfrY7FRNgIPJo8S4/s1600/IMG_5165.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyMaABZPBCxyMlu0r30lbPmd-JDST7i559FzzEiyUdT5gv3KRbDFCvkqEr0lKYaVOkWTmqdyY4N4iQYPtu8tppTHtk-CDD-nRfioaCwDnttGdwoJvcbQChJU7kLLOfrY7FRNgIPJo8S4/s320/IMG_5165.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589932520006406690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjfASkh0UIuR4uGrOvXWMGAeyoSfauzXqNE4kHBDm4Khu_XyurwOfRG3SJuRwp_M696xAs73NY_2IAHmxutpUKH3Zo3ieJPM1MQidnSIkP3oq4ByCl88K65H9OORprdVye0Cf-1Z6o2A/s1600/IMG_5167.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjfASkh0UIuR4uGrOvXWMGAeyoSfauzXqNE4kHBDm4Khu_XyurwOfRG3SJuRwp_M696xAs73NY_2IAHmxutpUKH3Zo3ieJPM1MQidnSIkP3oq4ByCl88K65H9OORprdVye0Cf-1Z6o2A/s320/IMG_5167.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589932517338728482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3W1MJfKWCdVCsYLc8CZJxo77psTLINkM7RTiMlIYcmUT3uROgaH9HIs7ETugoHHdBeb7yGtj8gd3E_5f3DnUc_mbfjUtfWmC4qCVw_X6z0uEbGvWrPeg5nNB5Z3movZhgALCZ-2Ys3o/s1600/IMG_5169.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3W1MJfKWCdVCsYLc8CZJxo77psTLINkM7RTiMlIYcmUT3uROgaH9HIs7ETugoHHdBeb7yGtj8gd3E_5f3DnUc_mbfjUtfWmC4qCVw_X6z0uEbGvWrPeg5nNB5Z3movZhgALCZ-2Ys3o/s320/IMG_5169.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589932511334763346" /></a>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-87659349070841441372011-02-04T23:09:00.004-05:002011-02-04T23:25:52.029-05:00Battling cabin fever<div>We have had some real weather this winter. More (and earlier) snow than usual, and now an amazing ice storm. My university actually cancelled classes! (I've had loads of free time this week, which has been wonderful.) I'm quite impressed with what Mother Nature has thrown our way. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4LbKCYE9PD0XOcAl_rNW2JK8Xr7Qh-VxpzVSSU6KabZXBjPbEZvvYRTS23waVTnEp5DJ2DtRJU6lrLZDvb_2NJeZyRbkweseSzltmyd2sPrSSyIm32RnbCYtKxsYnhFIhWfTguyuzqs/s1600/IMG_5082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4LbKCYE9PD0XOcAl_rNW2JK8Xr7Qh-VxpzVSSU6KabZXBjPbEZvvYRTS23waVTnEp5DJ2DtRJU6lrLZDvb_2NJeZyRbkweseSzltmyd2sPrSSyIm32RnbCYtKxsYnhFIhWfTguyuzqs/s320/IMG_5082.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570054656121432930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxkWeBZXbojM9jM79rWUp2AGStWzGr8HWgGHxW6htVA11AGaOyFroJ2UlITFr_z7jRir2tFimdMr3ElrqF6essaVx9xobEMjUkXetKXfhQiI54gGHyBQwSS61-0l1hbkrmtnIk1lNZaE/s1600/IMG_5083.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxkWeBZXbojM9jM79rWUp2AGStWzGr8HWgGHxW6htVA11AGaOyFroJ2UlITFr_z7jRir2tFimdMr3ElrqF6essaVx9xobEMjUkXetKXfhQiI54gGHyBQwSS61-0l1hbkrmtnIk1lNZaE/s320/IMG_5083.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570054644866900386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZq9AWOQpORsEj1RLhcvXYg0Ic2015bo8wGcvnro3ltOQPKdaeSbyij30RY7Bk_5Ax1eBwQMDIX1PxCgzbsfpFUrdvOAlVM2V-VqrlJBdUvQY8piBPtky6q0-e-iNaSfaS6RFbgkT9VE/s1600/IMG_5084.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZq9AWOQpORsEj1RLhcvXYg0Ic2015bo8wGcvnro3ltOQPKdaeSbyij30RY7Bk_5Ax1eBwQMDIX1PxCgzbsfpFUrdvOAlVM2V-VqrlJBdUvQY8piBPtky6q0-e-iNaSfaS6RFbgkT9VE/s320/IMG_5084.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570054638207261874" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>But the weather has kept us indoors more than usual. Fortunately we hadn't yet decorated for Valentine's Day, so I was able to find some interesting projects for the kiddos to do, to keep them busy. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentines-day-is-ready-to-go.html">Nienie</a> inspired me to try <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.0e0eb51a2e6b5ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=34b12e912b11f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&backto=true&backtourl=%2Fphotogallery%2Fvalentines-day-projects-for-kids#slide_23">Crayon Hearts. </a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTdaOhPtY_h2GBpp5Y-OdtGKBoBXemb-xWxyIHtEleS3qgUNnDjT7K_goRieOpJ11sS4QgPLyblFBNDQuZ8ui86d-aN_CyZlHsWYLhDrHgo0NQjUH-De0Hi-NhjgbB_TrE6jOeLa59_I/s1600/IMG_5092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTdaOhPtY_h2GBpp5Y-OdtGKBoBXemb-xWxyIHtEleS3qgUNnDjT7K_goRieOpJ11sS4QgPLyblFBNDQuZ8ui86d-aN_CyZlHsWYLhDrHgo0NQjUH-De0Hi-NhjgbB_TrE6jOeLa59_I/s320/IMG_5092.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570054023349153874" /></a><br /></div><div>I regret to say that I enjoyed making them a lot more than the kids did. But they are pretty! (Not as pretty as Martha's, I guess, but I don't have a staff of people just to cut things out for me.) </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflC41DVo2l_lWEkuFt-lGCjF5yLIK4P_QwxGy3Fe1Vn28UtrXx8U_PAISaT3IDrUPPZ6Mu8zJjxBl6FjMccgFAZ8gkeinHwy9XjUFsNkiU0Dz3KX6rd6_2ciDn5IlAaeLI_b_ixQQu18/s1600/IMG_5091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflC41DVo2l_lWEkuFt-lGCjF5yLIK4P_QwxGy3Fe1Vn28UtrXx8U_PAISaT3IDrUPPZ6Mu8zJjxBl6FjMccgFAZ8gkeinHwy9XjUFsNkiU0Dz3KX6rd6_2ciDn5IlAaeLI_b_ixQQu18/s320/IMG_5091.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570054016511725970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJUZwfMtlGHJ1AGpNAamO3PhP3l2tku6lY7hN0aTOV0gkrgoJvrl-OXX2q2UBJkL_BOJG638jjrsvIgA1MOrwghiH_u21mvjWwmWSLjQWZPtswuDMStIA4kkbDzl1ROYIh060sPxXe0w/s1600/IMG_5089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJUZwfMtlGHJ1AGpNAamO3PhP3l2tku6lY7hN0aTOV0gkrgoJvrl-OXX2q2UBJkL_BOJG638jjrsvIgA1MOrwghiH_u21mvjWwmWSLjQWZPtswuDMStIA4kkbDzl1ROYIh060sPxXe0w/s320/IMG_5089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570054005387398146" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hubby cut out some paper heart mobiles that the kids decorated. That went over much better. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGI1h39NGjsvAHAtNYxEGRVtdB6RmycmlLYKJlnXhXjakkQQtPhQM0w1doNmstX6KqN0H-r5QKyjpaSKsNgZEb0DgxuekRYqL2EBUguiiGDuUVS6X9nIB8sy7pKFPB8GqNdrzbdvMev4I/s1600/IMG_5093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGI1h39NGjsvAHAtNYxEGRVtdB6RmycmlLYKJlnXhXjakkQQtPhQM0w1doNmstX6KqN0H-r5QKyjpaSKsNgZEb0DgxuekRYqL2EBUguiiGDuUVS6X9nIB8sy7pKFPB8GqNdrzbdvMev4I/s320/IMG_5093.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570053997018321394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMewpNx-qhx5VLJIoB01BTOoFWS-k76ecoLCnV5WHs77IqnhAqTe1AEDkDB_jL3o_gEDqAaoJckzQ52lsratmh3YyAjmlRZ64RQdgBJYXPTpyzVFRS1zxwXwGbEOmH7cOtSH3WBIxThX4/s1600/IMG_5094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMewpNx-qhx5VLJIoB01BTOoFWS-k76ecoLCnV5WHs77IqnhAqTe1AEDkDB_jL3o_gEDqAaoJckzQ52lsratmh3YyAjmlRZ64RQdgBJYXPTpyzVFRS1zxwXwGbEOmH7cOtSH3WBIxThX4/s320/IMG_5094.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570053984684868450" /></a>I have to say that I'm getting a bit stir-crazy, and more snow is expected this weekend. (For those of you who don't live in the Midwest, snow on top of ice is BAD NEWS.) I have started nesting (6-ish weeks to go until baby!) and I wish I could get down to a good spring cleaning. However, I don't think I'll be opening any windows any time soon. I'll just have to settle for washing cute baby clothes and purging things we don't need. </div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-76231775640495753562011-01-09T12:54:00.005-05:002011-01-09T13:16:16.882-05:00Frugal Cloth Wipes<div>I know you've heard me wax poetic about cloth diapers in the past. I love my cloth diapers: frugal, earth-friendly, and so much prettier than nasty plastic diapers. To keep with the theme, I also use cloth wipes. It makes no sense to pay out money for the equivalent of chemical-laden paper towels, and it's just not practical to throw a diaper in the pail and a wipe in the trash. (Not to mention, they can get pricey.) </div><div><br /></div><div>I knew that I needed to replenish my stock of cloth wipes - the ones I have are threadbare after being washed, over and over, for years. This time, instead of shelling out $5/dozen for some WAHM-made wipes, I decided to make my own. I kept my eyes peeled in the paper for a good sale/coupon at JoAnn Fabrics, so I could make my wipes as cheaply as possible. </div><div><br /></div><div>And then, guess what I found on Craigslist? A dozen flannel receiving blankets for $5! Just what I needed: cheap flannel! I pounced on those blankets, you can bet! Two of them turned out to be made of something other than flannel, but no worries. </div><div><br /></div><div>Originally, I tried to cut my wipes 8x8 inches, and only zig-zag the raw edges of two squares together. That didn't work - too much fraying. So then I cobbled this method together: </div><div><br /></div><div>1. Cut wipes to desired size. (In my case, that's 8 inches x 8 inches.) </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9dRMD3FdE0tXg0a736I68V1ZJGneroWD4wOr69vYnIiwUEX4bYFa0PMuP8yiLVLO2x3GeTI0wocE45WkkQSNfr6WLkfTn9GuATOOvQ_qgQPmXNrwzrlSaDYyKbmf3PJX1mqQYI5rN_8/s320/IMG_5011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560246976246543826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></div><div>2. Enlist the help of a five-year-old to do my seam ripping. (Not that I make any mistakes, mind you!) </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AIUvmmaVAywSUtniIWFrb31cJb-KEzjKmqpg5tOvMx-SB2qrqFiL4_QWYOZreBV2aU7ICW4rpsIrSt9EaduQ2gBMxZr4xQQiVxipiX8LTU2n3E3oQZVQyk-o2KXpSm_wNzSaF-BcSkI/s320/IMG_5013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560246946243974834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">3. Sew squares right-sides together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Leave an opening to turn wipes right-side-out. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirclnS8ygxYWPMvQSM1tFLwJRBCbW3bLOIO6DHOooPQHzh-gS2qb_IyjVsigIjXJQAiMVmvM8ER3PLSUTjBvwEzD-3dGMAGFZkW5vHCLMloMZ_uTvfjtmskWSwNdsrJnMWltopDoHWQTI/s1600/IMG_5012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirclnS8ygxYWPMvQSM1tFLwJRBCbW3bLOIO6DHOooPQHzh-gS2qb_IyjVsigIjXJQAiMVmvM8ER3PLSUTjBvwEzD-3dGMAGFZkW5vHCLMloMZ_uTvfjtmskWSwNdsrJnMWltopDoHWQTI/s320/IMG_5012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560247188772678530" /></a><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Snip the corners to reduce bulk.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0PWegt_c-c2Sk6aa-mxeUwEjS6BIA2fqtMsZdRDW-BczI8yj3z7t-8u8e3I3hicmFE1hJeXpAIjEt75VWiqWq0y_BabdbHa5uLImB7yd7IYHzaLNCrmM1crlYirm6D-cGkCfRtV1mrA/s320/IMG_5014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560246957846934274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></u></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirclnS8ygxYWPMvQSM1tFLwJRBCbW3bLOIO6DHOooPQHzh-gS2qb_IyjVsigIjXJQAiMVmvM8ER3PLSUTjBvwEzD-3dGMAGFZkW5vHCLMloMZ_uTvfjtmskWSwNdsrJnMWltopDoHWQTI/s1600/IMG_5012.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Turn wipes right-side out, and sew as close to the edge as possible, all the way around. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcSwfa3AHBSM8EQzwGaeuVkUSxADqiAPn-BSY0SvQmLa7pk-FL-zit-rv7YvQ-YLO3ECVWe7TN087qKa0PuA2mR6uPFBx4AReEt1k9DgJ3T_WoEMiB6j5pSMKiNB5GPslJNb5y3CBK18/s1600/IMG_5016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcSwfa3AHBSM8EQzwGaeuVkUSxADqiAPn-BSY0SvQmLa7pk-FL-zit-rv7YvQ-YLO3ECVWe7TN087qKa0PuA2mR6uPFBx4AReEt1k9DgJ3T_WoEMiB6j5pSMKiNB5GPslJNb5y3CBK18/s320/IMG_5016.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560246966314959570" /></a><br /></div><div>6. Enjoy the finished product: 38 wipes for $5. (Quite a savings!)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYUPZwXZSj9LBrIsIixnGF9gUbzTubLgip6hFTiOuAWzu_Yfq1RdVI8IxKrs-gk1XZ8FOw0C4txXgnoJkS7yPhwx6_Smp2Irr95BYE_jPLMuwWckMIo8hUkDShShYE3arv7l9cIs18cI/s1600/IMG_5023.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYUPZwXZSj9LBrIsIixnGF9gUbzTubLgip6hFTiOuAWzu_Yfq1RdVI8IxKrs-gk1XZ8FOw0C4txXgnoJkS7yPhwx6_Smp2Irr95BYE_jPLMuwWckMIo8hUkDShShYE3arv7l9cIs18cI/s320/IMG_5023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560246980798649042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-45704320182853156082011-01-03T13:42:00.006-05:002011-01-06T22:58:14.168-05:00Gracie's birthday<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXOs2eSt3blmgcvmlRHnOqeVH_nmog6f29i6a3Jfhhz2GeiXFPE-P9lzL8nvYz2T3AMDx8bUj_1xETRwhCRFcpInViVrhHBhg3QfhntRRSdH3LtxdtzU9T_Or8Hw2CkjLqk9olhFLCR8/s1600/IMG_5003.JPG"></a><div>Gracie's birthday is a few days after Christmas, and a few days before New Year's. Making the day stand out on its own is challenging, but I give it my best shot. </div><div><br /></div><div>Behold, the princess cake. Eat your heart out, Martha Stewart! </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLjfealg76Q0LyfbQpT1YPBQAjSGq_xtbTeBCAHPYRqv4iFDOwZZ3xdeF49Zxzuye2yyx8gJP1eXoabwE6zl0s_NbPXnuO9ovVF6ACuT7gOXDkheHpjoGQ6RMRqsm6UpHL9er-n_OrX4/s1600/IMG_4995.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLjfealg76Q0LyfbQpT1YPBQAjSGq_xtbTeBCAHPYRqv4iFDOwZZ3xdeF49Zxzuye2yyx8gJP1eXoabwE6zl0s_NbPXnuO9ovVF6ACuT7gOXDkheHpjoGQ6RMRqsm6UpHL9er-n_OrX4/s320/IMG_4995.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558032564916463826" /></a><br /><div>Here's the Birthday Girl, being sung to. Notice the big smile on her face? LOVED the attention. That's the difference between being the first child and the fourth, I guess.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuo__wIXrIlKhFdsemD7UaLcjRFxrsCC9CRJ5roXxnbmWfy1Wr4ukteqqI8J9F2BIqeuJoTcbN5YyiNsYaNLqWm6SZIN50eusqEnkFaPbwX2QpZ8cjLn7uU0JgTV_BCfmndn2MlnKKJU/s1600/IMG_5001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuo__wIXrIlKhFdsemD7UaLcjRFxrsCC9CRJ5roXxnbmWfy1Wr4ukteqqI8J9F2BIqeuJoTcbN5YyiNsYaNLqWm6SZIN50eusqEnkFaPbwX2QpZ8cjLn7uU0JgTV_BCfmndn2MlnKKJU/s320/IMG_5001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558032554969878738" /></a><br /></div><div>No activity at our house would be complete without LEGOs in there, somewhere. We have an embarrassingly large collection of LEGOs. Now, we've even got a LEGO game. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgit3Q3YRkMk_8v-VlZpazdwiJ3oVWjyg9zhGFI33LW7AJ9fRjjlnJb_rlvZlp5B0j7hcjTm5r460Q3v2ClMvQ1yNVyYk6uhrIuqbLxUkg8WjeF1svceXGmZ6zhxZGkHM5xX3U5RGHfU2Q/s1600/IMG_5009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgit3Q3YRkMk_8v-VlZpazdwiJ3oVWjyg9zhGFI33LW7AJ9fRjjlnJb_rlvZlp5B0j7hcjTm5r460Q3v2ClMvQ1yNVyYk6uhrIuqbLxUkg8WjeF1svceXGmZ6zhxZGkHM5xX3U5RGHfU2Q/s320/IMG_5009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558032551540970642" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's called Creationary, and the boys got it for Christmas. They love it. Me? I'm just not very good at building. So I keep score. Uncle Jeff and Shannon graciously offered to play with the kids so I wouldn't have to embarrass myself. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgit3Q3YRkMk_8v-VlZpazdwiJ3oVWjyg9zhGFI33LW7AJ9fRjjlnJb_rlvZlp5B0j7hcjTm5r460Q3v2ClMvQ1yNVyYk6uhrIuqbLxUkg8WjeF1svceXGmZ6zhxZGkHM5xX3U5RGHfU2Q/s1600/IMG_5009.JPG"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXOs2eSt3blmgcvmlRHnOqeVH_nmog6f29i6a3Jfhhz2GeiXFPE-P9lzL8nvYz2T3AMDx8bUj_1xETRwhCRFcpInViVrhHBhg3QfhntRRSdH3LtxdtzU9T_Or8Hw2CkjLqk9olhFLCR8/s320/IMG_5003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559287639996889394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span><br /></div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-28447496214498672502011-01-03T13:35:00.002-05:002011-01-03T13:41:08.146-05:00Christmas Catch-Up<div>Here is a little snapshot of our Christmas baking frenzy. We like to do it all in one day. So much fun for the kids to measure, mix, and bake. (Okay, and I like it, too!) </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGCdo_fz-8-r4GIG-WaVmSndukMiHKfhDrOjyQXGIns5RaNKdKICs9sT-WIPutmA3q0nVnPnlZDylIMjAZveAldOgiqnrBem1g5xgROUPcM8mo_wpZ4eS1YD5b35Acj9gIg-mHlGBWqw/s1600/IMG_4981.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGCdo_fz-8-r4GIG-WaVmSndukMiHKfhDrOjyQXGIns5RaNKdKICs9sT-WIPutmA3q0nVnPnlZDylIMjAZveAldOgiqnrBem1g5xgROUPcM8mo_wpZ4eS1YD5b35Acj9gIg-mHlGBWqw/s320/IMG_4981.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558031203874871682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2XxMxGZVK2nejkwSQsBL6iU07-o9VBOU5mrip9agCEWeO6rn4Bleieu8w65s4QRPocrYo8MRFbWEwfV4dltEfXzl1OQ2KFxYwkLRSq9Iyv5La2h7pt23koVRCcaCypDI7uXuj_WU8qk/s1600/IMG_4980.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2XxMxGZVK2nejkwSQsBL6iU07-o9VBOU5mrip9agCEWeO6rn4Bleieu8w65s4QRPocrYo8MRFbWEwfV4dltEfXzl1OQ2KFxYwkLRSq9Iyv5La2h7pt23koVRCcaCypDI7uXuj_WU8qk/s320/IMG_4980.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558031195399088578" /></a><br /><div>These are the legendary homemade marshmallows. LOVE THEM. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24x7e5-c2dgNkSPkVQJ-rlQx8A2i1cJCA-eUEuSVPm29zaklFKR7tJv4m_GfhaP8gqrUpez4QijjdQx3ytvQOGYVlNWcSuIDrHrDSHHOT_bb15SwW3ZH5l4Zl_Pp4BYWmz11Kg1Q2rUs/s1600/IMG_4983.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24x7e5-c2dgNkSPkVQJ-rlQx8A2i1cJCA-eUEuSVPm29zaklFKR7tJv4m_GfhaP8gqrUpez4QijjdQx3ytvQOGYVlNWcSuIDrHrDSHHOT_bb15SwW3ZH5l4Zl_Pp4BYWmz11Kg1Q2rUs/s320/IMG_4983.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558031189264379154" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8_b4MvDn2928wk3mhztq_IR_phzH1zdQA-qU6eyQOr-82HYBwuxCPjmFxKf-vWxLzD_JEGoXSNZ-gyEDl4e7aFpM8bcDh4NMgs8LDaR7XkrwkVCe-1jfxmt_v0xPb6cVkX2C3ab_h_s/s1600/IMG_4984.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8_b4MvDn2928wk3mhztq_IR_phzH1zdQA-qU6eyQOr-82HYBwuxCPjmFxKf-vWxLzD_JEGoXSNZ-gyEDl4e7aFpM8bcDh4NMgs8LDaR7XkrwkVCe-1jfxmt_v0xPb6cVkX2C3ab_h_s/s320/IMG_4984.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558031182732808914" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-22406216295088050792010-12-09T20:32:00.003-05:002010-12-09T20:33:02.139-05:00Finals weekI have my anatomy final tomorrow, and I don't feel at all prepared. I've been studying like a madwoman, but I think my gray matter has reached maximum capacity. Pray for me!Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-75198398556538892602010-11-29T22:23:00.006-05:002010-11-29T23:43:49.350-05:00CCCs<div>Before I had children, I had a picture in my mind of what kind of mother I wanted to be. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to teach my children, and how I wanted the atmosphere of our home to feel. I knew that I wanted to raise them to be good Catholics, to be kind, to know that they were loved, and to feel that their home was a refuge. There were all kinds of little vignettes in my head about different situations, both extraordinary and mundane, that I would experience with them or provide for them. One of these was a little snippet in my imagination of my kids coming home from school to milk and hot chocolate chip cookies, fresh from the oven, just waiting on the table. Something about a mom who takes the time to make a treat, warm, fragrant, gooey & sweet, called to me. </div><div><br /></div><div>When Adam was a toddler, we baked together. As each child followed, they learned to pull up a chair to the counter, to cream butter and sugar, to dump in the chips. My kids love to bake, especially cookies. Most especially, they love to bake chocolate chip cookies. It's a tradition that grew on its own, considering that my kids have never gotten off the school bus, plopped down a book bag, and sighed about their long day of school. </div><div><br /></div><div>The last few weeks have seen all of us come down with a bad case of negativity. We've all been short with each other, not used the kind words that we know are there. Tonight, I had a paper to write for my psychology class. Instead of writing a paper, I decided to contribute to the mental health of everyone and whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmHjhQSUqjUTK-NAaEZCSESkKgZotTj4sggE5nZIk8JOC_Lm8re99BaFhtEdHWU02zMSaGvy0DLzK-Z6P38052qiXJ9HsUU12k2VjvOVz4F_tauouR57vUtx_ncIKmX3jKux4ybsN424/s1600/IMG_4905.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmHjhQSUqjUTK-NAaEZCSESkKgZotTj4sggE5nZIk8JOC_Lm8re99BaFhtEdHWU02zMSaGvy0DLzK-Z6P38052qiXJ9HsUU12k2VjvOVz4F_tauouR57vUtx_ncIKmX3jKux4ybsN424/s320/IMG_4905.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545179269288887410" /></a><br /><div>It was a good decision. Something about stirring the sugars and vanilla, measuring the flour, breaking the eggs, <i>something</i> there is therapeutic. CCCs are good for the soul. (At least mine are, because frankly, mine are the best I've ever tasted.) (No, you can't have the recipe. Half the fun is figuring out what works!) </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTE6uyTkiDBAdBNy3aFFdpQMv4jF-levNFha_ws9Z7n2T5QIyGYovTNukv1gsy_FH_wvNZVSO6Rj4jkTwBTGIiBGhi1yerl8-JzZdmvDM2Y1xma3Q1w7J2BGiVQFwEKdXu-MH2I428pkU/s1600/IMG_4906.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTE6uyTkiDBAdBNy3aFFdpQMv4jF-levNFha_ws9Z7n2T5QIyGYovTNukv1gsy_FH_wvNZVSO6Rj4jkTwBTGIiBGhi1yerl8-JzZdmvDM2Y1xma3Q1w7J2BGiVQFwEKdXu-MH2I428pkU/s320/IMG_4906.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545179264790429874" /></a><br /></div><div>And it worked. Like magic, everyone loosened up. We all stopped taking everything so. darn. seriously. Everyone liked each other again. When Adam yelled, "TASTE TEST!" and ran for the spoons, Gracie and the other boys cheered. Smiles all around. We each had a spoonful of batter. We licked our spoons clean. And I put a batch in the oven, anticipating the homey fragrance that would seal the deal, that would make the good mood stick, that would put us back on track. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ny6dtyrmHkV8OKQvgYhBar0JXpj-BPQsz9PTLnaTtCAr4gAXnsveE1ZDlzkt5ckQSNXjuAK4bvINjAHiEcL2uEhkPQ5M8UJpCkxIw008eJAswH1sxhiNvmMr0wiBllsUiISNVmQHVAs/s1600/IMG_4908.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ny6dtyrmHkV8OKQvgYhBar0JXpj-BPQsz9PTLnaTtCAr4gAXnsveE1ZDlzkt5ckQSNXjuAK4bvINjAHiEcL2uEhkPQ5M8UJpCkxIw008eJAswH1sxhiNvmMr0wiBllsUiISNVmQHVAs/s320/IMG_4908.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545179260492475282" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Well, hello, Beautiful. </i></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuhsJWEKZ5U4rjl85AWoVJS7HhwQekNkgzLPLCii35Vqs-Q0ON-kZ5P_dTFMD_2X6ChOA19XXmPHcNAJb_nvWww63P55yp7tHziMn5H0rQKEGVyZQjiPe0oYqd5M6syUSZ3RsUDAHKVg/s1600/IMG_4910.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuhsJWEKZ5U4rjl85AWoVJS7HhwQekNkgzLPLCii35Vqs-Q0ON-kZ5P_dTFMD_2X6ChOA19XXmPHcNAJb_nvWww63P55yp7tHziMn5H0rQKEGVyZQjiPe0oYqd5M6syUSZ3RsUDAHKVg/s320/IMG_4910.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545179253592669538" /></a>And that is the sight of happy kids. Never underestimate the power of chocolate to make everything better. </div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-69959306357149065542010-11-26T13:35:00.004-05:002010-11-26T14:01:33.675-05:00The Lovely Bones<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><i>If you're a vegetarian, you'll want to skip this post. </i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a good Thanksgiving. As one of my Facebook friends said, the dessert to main dish ratio was just right. (We had 8 desserts for 15 people.) </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjneln39ZmA0G8niElm7-WEEbGgkxqk4oEtiamnRbmL5-lDvEWMTZo7OvN1tJVu-bMRxgRr24ff1v-d3JQdmMrKh29Ud4t4gyyjgMOy1GQFK2DqXsf1AGO3oqTCcNMQNDqLvhM8OfAzk/s1600/IMG_4889.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjneln39ZmA0G8niElm7-WEEbGgkxqk4oEtiamnRbmL5-lDvEWMTZo7OvN1tJVu-bMRxgRr24ff1v-d3JQdmMrKh29Ud4t4gyyjgMOy1GQFK2DqXsf1AGO3oqTCcNMQNDqLvhM8OfAzk/s320/IMG_4889.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543930230969263730" /></a><br /><div>Yes, I stocked up on turkeys when they were on sale for 57 cents a pound. Not as good as last year's 44 cents a pound, but I'll take it. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRcxJocTCl8FgAkyDpvV-N4V2llAPEhDXClRTUU2MNOTQztRNPuO-tBahST0DKs61aDe00htwAzWFhJJqFyZuZmh0_cdVF6U3Ww9qkWsunOCtWu4x4T1C_0ZfC-u9b4gn9HVt67OL_4Y/s1600/IMG_4839.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRcxJocTCl8FgAkyDpvV-N4V2llAPEhDXClRTUU2MNOTQztRNPuO-tBahST0DKs61aDe00htwAzWFhJJqFyZuZmh0_cdVF6U3Ww9qkWsunOCtWu4x4T1C_0ZfC-u9b4gn9HVt67OL_4Y/s320/IMG_4839.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543930223929170002" /></a><br /></div><div>Now that the feast is over, I have picked the bones clean. Literally. After the feast was done yesterday afternoon, I took the turkey carcass (isn't that just a lovely word, carcass? "What are you eating, dear?" "Carcass! It's delicious!") and stuffed half of it into the crock pot with some unpeeled carrots, unpeeled but halved onions, and some celery stalks. It made a lovely broth that will flavor rice and help with casseroles in the coming month. This morning, I took the second half of the carcass (again! That word!) and repeated yesterday's crock pot adventure. For tonight's dinner, we'll have turkey noodle soup, made from the bone broth/stock I made today. YUMMO! </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZw2wejMoWE5S1BI8n-2WuM3baqZpDV4mTROiHuYDjD4PpdMLJ-qRd9A2CNQifkws6JDNKXLY4SdgTqKXMzLqmWF78s1pKS6CLKfElXAPqZ5d8z59pYkL2xOy4qcGun9VcRTJE5KcyuA/s1600/IMG_4898.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZw2wejMoWE5S1BI8n-2WuM3baqZpDV4mTROiHuYDjD4PpdMLJ-qRd9A2CNQifkws6JDNKXLY4SdgTqKXMzLqmWF78s1pKS6CLKfElXAPqZ5d8z59pYkL2xOy4qcGun9VcRTJE5KcyuA/s320/IMG_4898.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543930219819715234" /></a><br /></div><div>For those of you who are stock-illiterate, let me break down the process: </div><div>1. Strip every piece of usable meat from the bones of your leftover turkey. </div><div>2. Put said bones in a big stockpot or crock pot, set on low. (If you had a big turkey like we did, you may have to do 2 batches.) </div><div>3. Wash some celery and carrots, chop 'em in halves or thirds, and throw them in. Chop a couple of smallish or just one large-ish onion in half, throw it in. (Don't worry about peeling. Really.) Pour in water to cover. </div><div>4. Let simmer for a few hours. At least 3, but 6 is better. </div><div>5. Put a nice big bowl in your sink with a sieve (or colander lined with cheesecloth) on top. Pour the pot's contents into the bowl, letting the sieve filter out all the solids. </div><div>6. Allow your stock to cool. Taste it - you'll need salt! Don't be shy. Like Ina Garten says, "The difference between dishwater and good stock is salt!" </div><div>7. Cover and refrigerate. In a few hours (or the next morning) skim off the fat. Some people like to cook with turkey fat. I sometimes give it to the dog on her food. It's too greasy for me, and I'm not afraid of fat! </div><div>8. Using a ladle, portion the broth into Ball canning jars and store it in the freezer, with the date on the lid. (I put my jars in the sink while I ladle. Less mess.) Leave an inch/an inch and a half headspace to account for expansion during freezing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Simple & frugal. All those trace minerals from the turkey bones are in the broth. Enjoy! </div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-66582965304969448182010-11-17T22:33:00.000-05:002010-11-17T22:35:33.782-05:00Wordless Wednesday<div>At the Children's Museum: </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW0iOvsBDdYdERE-iBvjV92YpkX4XZZ9PuKadKl7BJm6bsysb5P0i9yTvR-7_k2VaJ7UpXGPKU8ZwCFe_dVv8PZfkakOHggf9kUdka6TdCpLpkBLgVtjTJlnPjvEy-j47vuc1YE4-PRc/s1600/Halloween+2010+037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW0iOvsBDdYdERE-iBvjV92YpkX4XZZ9PuKadKl7BJm6bsysb5P0i9yTvR-7_k2VaJ7UpXGPKU8ZwCFe_dVv8PZfkakOHggf9kUdka6TdCpLpkBLgVtjTJlnPjvEy-j47vuc1YE4-PRc/s320/Halloween+2010+037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540728152222040642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwt7BqDbv45x5wRSHdZcssC5KX4fq6sZ4HCM185yFTfiHyxiwRPB5pNJGo0q7QR5fhcTDLTgQZZ0H6ExykMaX4JA8mNbD3He6sw-7ObzHY_GPRBVT5RpYp7t-9FGM_7__jpYPUt_FBPS4/s1600/Halloween+2010+038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwt7BqDbv45x5wRSHdZcssC5KX4fq6sZ4HCM185yFTfiHyxiwRPB5pNJGo0q7QR5fhcTDLTgQZZ0H6ExykMaX4JA8mNbD3He6sw-7ObzHY_GPRBVT5RpYp7t-9FGM_7__jpYPUt_FBPS4/s320/Halloween+2010+038.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540728139489657938" /></a>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-55236314515777136282010-11-12T20:31:00.007-05:002010-11-13T08:14:59.931-05:00What they don't get<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Please forgive my lack of pictures for this post. I'm writing on the PC laptop, and my Mac has the photo library. </span></i><div><br /></div><div>This evening, I had a fun phone call with my mother-in-law. Our conversations are usually peppered with funny jokes and sarcastic comments, stories about the kids and embarrassing things that have happened to us during the week. We share news and stories, laughs and acerbic observations. During the conversation, she shared the comments that several people made to her when she told them that we were expecting, <i>you know</i>, again. I have a pretty thick skin when it comes to peoples' opinions about my life. More often than not, I roll my eyes and mentally sigh about what people fail to grasp about my motives and thought processes. Homeschooling, extending breastfeeding, cosleeping, keeping my boys intact, living a thrifty life, and not using artificial birth control. Those things are puzzling to so many people. When they find out any of those things, I often get, "Oh! I could never do <i>that</i>!" Okay, fine. You're missing out, but do what you want. </div><div><br /></div><div>But the comments that always leave me scratching my head are the ones about having children. They just don't make sense to me. I really, really don't get what people are getting at. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"They're doing that AGAIN?"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"They're having ANOTHER one?"</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"This is FIVE kids? How do they afford that?" </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"I just couldn't do it. I don't have the patience." </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Oh, I was so glad to stop breastfeeding... stop carrying a diaper bag... go on a real vacation... send my kids to school... couldn't wait for them to move out..." </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Really? I don't get it. How do any of those things - <i>any of those things</i> - compare with having another person in your family? How? Yes, pregnancy is hard. I don't like being pregnant. I don't like the physical limitations it puts on me. I'm vain, embarrassingly so, about my weight. I hate being uncomfortable. But it's what? 10 months long? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Yes, 4 weeks per month makes a 40 week pregnancy = 10 months. Don't get me started on THAT.)</span> Ten short months, compared to a lifetime of having another person in your family. I. Don't. Get. It. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, kids can be expensive. But really and truly, kids don't require much. Parents who indulge every whim do their children a disservice - wanting is a good thing. (I'm not talking about necessities here. Food, clothes, shelter, a stable environment, love - those are needs.) Wanting teaches our kids patience (and who couldn't use more of that?) That's a good thing. My kids have wants, plenty of them. Their needs are met and then some, and many of their wants, too. But who could compare spoiling your child with <i>things </i>to having a brother or sister? How many adults say, "Gosh, I wish my parents wouldn't have had my sister Sally. Then I would have been able to have a Barbie Dream House at Christmas." Huh?</div><div><br /></div><div>And let's not forget the adult wants: vacations, sending our other kids to college (yes, that's a want), having adult cars and adult houses (you know - Southern Living Catalog, no sign that anyone lives there!), sleeping in, whole days off - all that stuff. But you know what?</div><div><br /></div><div>It's not about ME, but about US. It's not about this laundry list of things that might be nice to have. It's about love. Pure and simple. How can I look at any one of my children and think, "Gosh, if I didn't have him, we would have been able to take everyone on vacation to Disney last Christmas." Because isn't that the thought process we're following here? That if we have more money and more time to ourselves, we will somehow fill up this well inside ourselves, and be perpetually happy? </div><div><br /></div><div>As if happiness can be bought with money. </div><div>As if money could compare with love. </div><div><br /></div><div>These children are my investment. They are my happiness. I can't imagine my life without any one of them. When Hubby & I were discerning if it was time to expand our family again (oh, there's a Catholic rabbit trail about being open to life...) the thought that brought us both up short was, "Think about the children we have. Wouldn't you do anything, <i>anything</i>, to have that person in your life?" How can I say no to that? How can I close that door, and actually mean that I would rather have a bigger house/smaller car/more presents at Christmas/nicer vacation/smaller purse instead of a <i>child</i>? How do we come to that place? Tell me, because it's a place I never want to see! </div><div><br /></div><div>Looking at my children when they sleep, little rosebud lips and flushed cheeks; watching them play together and look out for one another; seeing silly faces at the breakfast table; listening to whispered conversations between brothers after lights out; smelling the sweet smell of a new baby; being squished by bodies on the couch when we read books; how can I give up any of that for a king's ransom in new clothes, pretty shoes and purses, European vacations, afternoons sipping lattes and reading novels? </div><div><br /></div><div>We cannot fulfill ourselves with things, spending time and money on ourselves, pursuing our own selfish whims constantly. It is only through loving others that we find happiness. I am selfish in this: I want to fill my cup to the brim. I want as much love as I can squeeze into this family. If the cost is mountains of laundry and diapers and sippy cups and Legos, years of potty training and diaper bags, the stretching of my patience and the doubting of my sanity - bring it on! What a small pittance to pay for such a life of <i>love</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>My children love the expectation of a new baby. They understand that this is a gift. There is never an impatient, "Again, Mom?" It's always a very wide-eyed, "Really? Cool!" I am so very, very lucky, so incredibly blessed. Thank You, God, for giving me a husband who understands this wonderful mess of children. Thank You, God, for making me able to have children. Thank You so much for sticky faces and dirty socks and gum in my dryer and dishes to wash. Thank You for letting me be a mother, again! </div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-7523061882927527642010-10-30T22:58:00.003-04:002010-10-30T23:01:29.663-04:00Pumpkin Carving<div>"Daaad! Joey stuck his hand all the way down there and lost the spoon!" </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVrD1EAGb7oBRA3d7m8fsl67vl0R4qPhyphenhyphenhqA4pA5aQzSVrEG9rCny54H8VpN0JX3Cs7vsEgsQdyv_ErPv5YalDujPo4J-wo_S_JFanocipWP3qUwmNZbEHcc3eR6g2xl7bvobEBgkxiQ/s1600/IMG_4773.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVrD1EAGb7oBRA3d7m8fsl67vl0R4qPhyphenhyphenhqA4pA5aQzSVrEG9rCny54H8VpN0JX3Cs7vsEgsQdyv_ErPv5YalDujPo4J-wo_S_JFanocipWP3qUwmNZbEHcc3eR6g2xl7bvobEBgkxiQ/s320/IMG_4773.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534039509270240706" /></a><br /><div>All hands on deck! </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlxo2PvKtqzExoY9BBR2fFgFyw_ANiQqDn56L_QTqnFyE3jWLYUy2o3ilmeAoJW_d8rOcrfYCoa_oIuLj85-iUvcZ-_S4KtwF4_TClWGjZ7rRUlw7Cu6MWB2H3OnCliOFGvi1MBw-hpA/s1600/IMG_4775.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlxo2PvKtqzExoY9BBR2fFgFyw_ANiQqDn56L_QTqnFyE3jWLYUy2o3ilmeAoJW_d8rOcrfYCoa_oIuLj85-iUvcZ-_S4KtwF4_TClWGjZ7rRUlw7Cu6MWB2H3OnCliOFGvi1MBw-hpA/s320/IMG_4775.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534039505084003202" /></a><br /></div><div>"You wanna touch the pumpkin seeds?" </div><div>"NO THANKS!" </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEEysF7aGFh-bAkStrYE0ZLkq6Z-FuhTOtrnlG-278ic-bGzCLXeOcfEdsZmWwm69Hb7CTzKQmQYEdLslNI8sRX9HtPQXxZVUNAV1_YFWaQTCjiy0hFwTIfUlMeP6_CPrufyhsLyTP8g/s1600/IMG_4776.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEEysF7aGFh-bAkStrYE0ZLkq6Z-FuhTOtrnlG-278ic-bGzCLXeOcfEdsZmWwm69Hb7CTzKQmQYEdLslNI8sRX9HtPQXxZVUNAV1_YFWaQTCjiy0hFwTIfUlMeP6_CPrufyhsLyTP8g/s320/IMG_4776.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534039496999445858" /></a><br /></div><div>All done! </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFd-Q9U9k8NFRHjQaJP8aXae1p0HTtBWUH2YoJI72kPI94Bx5zcYPmEnmSIZYN5Hv6Hj7qbVluSBu9VOWkpnOpixA-5U-1vcDVa4YlIJSDdfSumODdZ4O5oehHEy66sB74h6I4PGlt-Jc/s1600/IMG_4784.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFd-Q9U9k8NFRHjQaJP8aXae1p0HTtBWUH2YoJI72kPI94Bx5zcYPmEnmSIZYN5Hv6Hj7qbVluSBu9VOWkpnOpixA-5U-1vcDVa4YlIJSDdfSumODdZ4O5oehHEy66sB74h6I4PGlt-Jc/s320/IMG_4784.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534039492878909410" /></a><br /></div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-46241414640423404702010-10-30T22:02:00.010-04:002010-10-30T22:54:37.865-04:00The Decline of Western Civilization (or, The Lost Art of Bedmaking)<div>I know it won't come as a surprise to anyone who knows me well, but I like things a certain way. There are multiple tasks, procedures, and methods of which I am absolutely certain that the world would come to a screeching end if there were no one on Earth to do them properly. Folding towels, hanging clothes, and making beds are my top 3. </div><div><br /></div><div>I cringe when I hear a wife/mother say with a giggle, "Oh, I am a terrible housekeeper. I just can't keep up, so we live with the disorder and chaos!" Would we find it so funny if she were talking about a paying job? As if any profession that paid money could be as pivotal as being a SAHM. Children need order. Our husbands deserve a tidy, well-ordered home. I know that I function better when the house is picked-up. We bless ourselves and our families when we learn how to do our job properly. It isn't helpful to anyone when there are no matching socks in the drawer, or the beds are so untidy and dirty that they're not a comfort at the end of the day. I wholeheartedly believe that keeping house is pivotal to being civilized. It's as necessary as table manners and Great Books. </div><div><br /></div><div>That brings me to the heart of my post - How To Make a Bed Properly. This is the way civilized people do it. ; ) </div><div><br /></div><div>First, we start with a fitted sheet, with the elastic snug UNDER all four corners, and all four sides pulled down, under the four sides of the mattress. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk-FODhKDLUEg0tNybQX1L8fvsE0rHpFzJEntYepEVx32mNytbgiNmoVLAkPe2NUJNboPsPVpdx6bPEulFIB03Y6BEBI4huOgPZuuDKvdedLShWiAJsmvD3m-lvdzVREoPI9UHTIdFeI/s1600/IMG_4764.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk-FODhKDLUEg0tNybQX1L8fvsE0rHpFzJEntYepEVx32mNytbgiNmoVLAkPe2NUJNboPsPVpdx6bPEulFIB03Y6BEBI4huOgPZuuDKvdedLShWiAJsmvD3m-lvdzVREoPI9UHTIdFeI/s320/IMG_4764.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534026863353800738" /></a><br /><div>Next, we put on the flat sheet. The deepest hem goes at the head of the bed. The sides of the sheet that are hanging down on each side of the mattress are equal in length - no lopsided sheets! (A little trick for that: if, when you store your sheets, your first fold is lengthways in half, you'll have a fold-line right down the middle of the flat sheet to guide you when you put your sheets on the bed.) You'll notice that the print on the flat sheet faces the mattress, NOT the ceiling! There's a good reason for that! </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj906eKen5ISBW6gcaGpFYSlfWtwEPHgdhJRRJEGuPwzuUeIXIPKwUYcPOj1wbEW1v0ya3cJowyiUme9A3RCca2yXLjPIpWeQgHVVWSTBf3J10sNQud2WIl5tHS4L1MEbacRTolp_mi1FU/s1600/IMG_4765.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj906eKen5ISBW6gcaGpFYSlfWtwEPHgdhJRRJEGuPwzuUeIXIPKwUYcPOj1wbEW1v0ya3cJowyiUme9A3RCca2yXLjPIpWeQgHVVWSTBf3J10sNQud2WIl5tHS4L1MEbacRTolp_mi1FU/s320/IMG_4765.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534026859750772594" /></a><br /></div><div>Because when you fold your top sheet down over your blankets/comforter/quilt, or you like to turn down the bed to warm the sheets before getting into bed, the attractive side is visible. Also, this is usually the side on which the nap is on a flannel sheet. You'll be warmer this way. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrivDseCe2BVU80GhhA1WIAXg2ITuu4rRSVGlWUa0flOt96_1rSzA7ypB7L02gK5zlZ591iHhWMCk-NeP8YpOpEXrNlUensjD-bO6bYfj-ud_v3X_lFWl1c0zkDzUNlqmNP1xmbusQNOQ/s1600/IMG_4766.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrivDseCe2BVU80GhhA1WIAXg2ITuu4rRSVGlWUa0flOt96_1rSzA7ypB7L02gK5zlZ591iHhWMCk-NeP8YpOpEXrNlUensjD-bO6bYfj-ud_v3X_lFWl1c0zkDzUNlqmNP1xmbusQNOQ/s320/IMG_4766.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534026642095378818" /></a><br /></div><div>Now that we have the head of the bed tidy, let's look at the foot of the bed. (You've smoothed out all the wrinkles in your sheet, right? Everything's pretty?) At the foot of the bed, you will tuck in your sheet. I don't care if you like to put your feet out at the end of the bed! We are civilized human beings! We tuck in the sheet at the bottom! Stick your feet out the side, if you must, but <i>keep that sheet tucked</i>. We are not bachelors living in squalor. We are the mistresses of households! We are the keepers of civilization! </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, you'll notice in the picture below, the corner isn't exactly perfect. We can fix that, easy-peasy. I've always called it a hospital corner, the fold I'm about to show you. You call it whatever you like, as long as you do it. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pEY_Iymsp-1gJbjDuGRB9SuJoFPuSuAazP6HVKsVyvQ13YejzMQCk6cdI57uvsUQzoNxSGQH_Akw8nQ5I3hlbCTMDacYvDy9Cj_zWF3PTyu26LN6WvQBeCgmh3ugs5k_2RUEJ-rUhZs/s1600/IMG_4768.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pEY_Iymsp-1gJbjDuGRB9SuJoFPuSuAazP6HVKsVyvQ13YejzMQCk6cdI57uvsUQzoNxSGQH_Akw8nQ5I3hlbCTMDacYvDy9Cj_zWF3PTyu26LN6WvQBeCgmh3ugs5k_2RUEJ-rUhZs/s320/IMG_4768.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534026639484340546" /></a><br /></div><div>From the foot of the bed, eyeball about a foot or so toward the head of the bed. Grasp the bottom of the sheet there, and ...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjCcs3VwwHVRnmK9Y3mokHdFgHbJfZ0j8TuK1D87lRlYOy1kdjfLtcs79h6UTzYwZZc8yGiIwgktMOEpNmgEqUPVJhtxDgEa9Ub5t_-UVrS2a2_QQMQu89FlmrUMXte0WK03Ty6DNFRI/s1600/IMG_4769.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjCcs3VwwHVRnmK9Y3mokHdFgHbJfZ0j8TuK1D87lRlYOy1kdjfLtcs79h6UTzYwZZc8yGiIwgktMOEpNmgEqUPVJhtxDgEa9Ub5t_-UVrS2a2_QQMQu89FlmrUMXte0WK03Ty6DNFRI/s320/IMG_4769.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534026641631485234" /></a><br /></div><div>flip it up to the top of the bed. Tuck in whatever still hangs below the bottom of the mattress. (Pay no attention to all the bedding on the floor. It was wash-day for linens, and it all ended up in the laundry. I had to take pictures before I was interrupted, so I didn't have time to make things pretty for my pictures. Such is life.) </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieF0zmpYfmFwIYzmd2wXrkX6GeszAA3xt9OI5F1gkyZrK4ABaXsQEx1utlRtE2krMginNKDGYI4ZcMR501oUA8IRMpbdq5YiVA2FwN_Hw7MulT9EK5RxLWbSvfW3o69AVK8YgwnE2cthQ/s1600/IMG_4771.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieF0zmpYfmFwIYzmd2wXrkX6GeszAA3xt9OI5F1gkyZrK4ABaXsQEx1utlRtE2krMginNKDGYI4ZcMR501oUA8IRMpbdq5YiVA2FwN_Hw7MulT9EK5RxLWbSvfW3o69AVK8YgwnE2cthQ/s320/IMG_4771.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534026629633198354" /></a>Now, flip that bit of sheet back down, smooth your sheet again, and do the other corner. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9fV64uiujve6e2FbHTiT90f7Vrm42mNuYx0LCBO4vW9Qf3NUUHQzASyCS7gJzXmalFF4hVTA4HmBY_MEo_Zp7SMd_hyWhIZQ-Vn6hSgp-wkmAyI51aunYsrUrNv03jCEmgLdHacpeiQ/s1600/IMG_4772.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9fV64uiujve6e2FbHTiT90f7Vrm42mNuYx0LCBO4vW9Qf3NUUHQzASyCS7gJzXmalFF4hVTA4HmBY_MEo_Zp7SMd_hyWhIZQ-Vn6hSgp-wkmAyI51aunYsrUrNv03jCEmgLdHacpeiQ/s320/IMG_4772.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534026628320141954" /></a><br /></div><div>I'm guessing that you don't need me to show you how to put on your top blankets. Just pull the quilt up to right below the top hem of the flat sheet, with both sides of the quilt or blanket hanging down equally on each side of the bed. Tuck in middle-layer blankets, hospital corners and all. No need to tuck in the bottom of a quilt, as it will pull the stitches of the quilt. Besides, we want to see all of the quilt. It's made to be enjoyed for its beauty. (Don't tuck comforters, either, unless you like bending your mattress and sleeping with your feet elevated.) At the head of the bed, fold that deep hem of the top sheet over the edge of the quilt at the head of your bed. It protects the edge of the quilt, and lets you show off your pretty sheets. (And since you put them on the right way, we can see the print, if there is one!) Fluff your pillows, pile them on, and you're done. </div><div><br /></div><div>A word on daily bed making: I firmly believe in the need to let the bed "air" before making the bed for the day. Some people feel just as firmly that a bed should be made as soon as it's vacant. I like to, weather permitting, open the windows in the bedroom, leaving the bed unmade, while I feed the hordes and take my shower. When I come back to my bedroom (about an hour after I wake), I make the bed. That means I do ONE LAYER AT A TIME. Pull up the sheet, then the blanket, then the quilt. We do not do all the layers at the same time - blankets and sheets shift overnight. Husbands steal bedding and untuck sheets! (True. I've seen it.) It takes me about 3 minutes to make my bed every morning. But I enjoy getting into a made bed at night - smooth, unwrinkled sheets, with flat, pretty blankets. If I just pulled all the covers up together, in about 2 days I'd have a mess that would need more than 3 minutes of attention. If my sons (ages 10, 7, and 5) can make a bed properly, (and they can, because I taught them to) so can you! </div><div><br /></div><div>There you are. My bed-making manifesto. I feel so much better having gotten that off my chest. </div><div><br /></div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2390340234347317858.post-55766443039077123332010-10-23T23:17:00.004-04:002010-10-23T23:27:44.121-04:00The apple orchard<div>It's autumn. FINALLY! Anyone who suffered through this hot, humid-yet-rainless 2010 Midwest summer is rejoicing. To celebrate, Hubby took the kids to our favorite orchard to pick apples. I love picking apples. Love smelling apples. Love baking with apples. I love, love fresh apples.</div><div><br /></div><div>But there were no apples to pick. BOO, HISS! Apparently, the apple harvest was early this year because of the unusually hot weather. Hubby did bring home a bag of apples from the orchard, but I'm sure they'd been refrigerated a while. They weren't fresh from the tree. But that's okay. The kids still got to wander around the corn maze...</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkAWm-U_y1HAs1nB7bn0POvyuFO0gkjnP7wgwaT1_7rRP2bluQTM_wHbCzO1bncR42SVNCUm0ye6QRwFR3s4wgfSb6giU4a4X-syfLjRakrYaGsKeq7fjootYeeHjcITk0p6SVlHb8bY/s1600/IMG_4717.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkAWm-U_y1HAs1nB7bn0POvyuFO0gkjnP7wgwaT1_7rRP2bluQTM_wHbCzO1bncR42SVNCUm0ye6QRwFR3s4wgfSb6giU4a4X-syfLjRakrYaGsKeq7fjootYeeHjcITk0p6SVlHb8bY/s320/IMG_4717.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531447763018291730" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI08QFbCiRYcegmR572mNiKsWDz_lRsq_SJo8be5JWr0nFHABHLqhEwsPKc5mFJ8EHBBt97v3F8k6culKvwvT0QZxPxzeYBjjw5gNU5ksAUYwW4CYPuy4JQGdKOQLbZQpi6EobTsUAj_s/s1600/IMG_4718.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI08QFbCiRYcegmR572mNiKsWDz_lRsq_SJo8be5JWr0nFHABHLqhEwsPKc5mFJ8EHBBt97v3F8k6culKvwvT0QZxPxzeYBjjw5gNU5ksAUYwW4CYPuy4JQGdKOQLbZQpi6EobTsUAj_s/s320/IMG_4718.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531447758964049874" /></a><br /><div>No, that's not an apple. That's corn. THE crop of the Midwest. (Is Adam doing the chicken dance in the background?) </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMW5-ScEihR2TQ21G-RS_Jkxxe15d4qdyfszRdhtMxfLEY_wIPqMSvSJUPUoAVm_-hW5IIzR_nwgODziw7Lf_FQUO4HstoScjZzYuFmvWJUS5sYDBUW7F4nFXIbnBA3bzqyRK5A78J5o/s1600/IMG_4719.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMW5-ScEihR2TQ21G-RS_Jkxxe15d4qdyfszRdhtMxfLEY_wIPqMSvSJUPUoAVm_-hW5IIzR_nwgODziw7Lf_FQUO4HstoScjZzYuFmvWJUS5sYDBUW7F4nFXIbnBA3bzqyRK5A78J5o/s320/IMG_4719.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531447759043245522" /></a><br /></div><div>The kids and hubby drowned their sorrows in cider slushies. I was jealous. I stayed home, slaving over my anatomy book, and they didn't even bring me home a slushie! (To be fair, it probably would have melted before they got home.) </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROYqi30xI_TwW5wxEBb0gb2965itF6grGDWZtxQY4-rtx-bbI0mWsSRLYI2Zaf3zAqSoiRnx8cKzzdKfYWZcyZvBWOt4YeeYXQc2J943mHUSbMOiuVmYvz_UE02VpjF73-1toHahSR6A/s1600/IMG_4720.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROYqi30xI_TwW5wxEBb0gb2965itF6grGDWZtxQY4-rtx-bbI0mWsSRLYI2Zaf3zAqSoiRnx8cKzzdKfYWZcyZvBWOt4YeeYXQc2J943mHUSbMOiuVmYvz_UE02VpjF73-1toHahSR6A/s320/IMG_4720.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531447755812444290" /></a><br /></div><div>They'll need a bigger sign, next year! : ) </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qDZQdbWbtxOPnEB_bd1de7AIGXzS0vaUiwI35tJWg8MOYB2IT-fAm7llxk1phqHUPGpeG9pTPiiojYwGaHyO02iW8mP-lQt_r-xSVIAc9lo32_hGz7tqH6A6pACU4Uvp8zOdHtyY70U/s1600/IMG_4723.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qDZQdbWbtxOPnEB_bd1de7AIGXzS0vaUiwI35tJWg8MOYB2IT-fAm7llxk1phqHUPGpeG9pTPiiojYwGaHyO02iW8mP-lQt_r-xSVIAc9lo32_hGz7tqH6A6pACU4Uvp8zOdHtyY70U/s320/IMG_4723.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531447750285801730" /></a><br /></div>Lonihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01939667227668381014noreply@blogger.com0