I've been quiet for 3 months. That doesn't mean things here have been quiet, just that I haven't bothered to sit down and write.
So, my quest to be healthier (and skinnier) was going great! I lost nearly 20lbs. I was down to 141! Lower than when I started my first pregnancy nearly 12yrs ago. Alas, God told me it is not to stay that way. You see, I was just looking too fine. The beer was good. And pregnancy seven (yes SEVEN) is underway! Yikes! I've already gained 5lbs. Some of that is from increasing my food intake from 1100ish calories a day, and much of it is from a decreased workout schedule. I know in theory, I can still work out like I did before. In reality, I have been so darned tired, and when you feel like you are going to throw up when you run, you tend to not run. I need to get back into doing something but I think running is on hold.
That really is the "big" (or at least the unexpected) thing that happened to us this summer. All the drama camps and tennis lessons, while keeping me busy were planned. I had an idea how I was going to get all of that done. The baby(ies) well, they be another story. My van fits 8, that is 6 kids, 2 adults. If I ever want my hubby in the same car with me again, we need a bigger car. I gave away pretty much all our baby stuff as Rita outgrew it. Yes, monetary fears racked me when I saw the test results, but the bigger fear is ME. How am I going to handle adding more kids to the crew? And did I mention that I will be 40.5 when this pregnancy delivers? Oy Vey!
And then there is the fear of multiples. You see, as you get older AND as you have more pregnancies, your risk of multiples is higher. I am more than a little concerned that there is more than one in there. God only gives you what you can handle. (repeat, until calmer)
Do you want to know the worst part if there is more than one? It isn't that I MUST buy a bigger van, though that is a concern, it is that my doctor wouldn't be able to deliver. :( You see, I go to a general prac. And if we have twins (or more) she can't deliver as the risk of c-sections is higher. She will have to refer me to an OB. I already don't get "my" doula. She retired from doula-ing. I need to get a different doula. Yes, I know, women deliver without doulas all the time. I also know that I do better if there is someone in the room I don't know that well and I have to "keep up appearances for" not to mention, it is not inconceivable that Steve will have to leave to take care of one of our other 6 children. And then there is the fact that if I have a doula, I have an "in" on getting the things I want at the hospital. Want the birthing ball, no problem, the doula is there JUST FOR ME, she will go look for it, not when she has time between patients, but now. Need more towels? Same thing. Doulas are great! :)
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Happy Birthday Mercedes!
Yesterday was the fourth birthday of my Mercinator! I can't believe how the time flies. :)
So, following with "tradition" - a condensed version of her birth story:
Mercedes was due April 11, 2006. As I have mentioned, my body doesn't kick in by itself near the due date... I have to wait. Since Merce is baby 5, my doctor and I had this figured out and a couple weeks from the due date she asks me if I want to set an induction date. I asked for Friday the 14th as in 2006 that was Good Friday. As you may have noticed, Brandy was born on Good Friday. I thought it would be cool to have two children born on Good Friday. But, the hospital was allowing any bookings for that day. Ok, so that leaves me with the option of the 13th or A L L the way to Monday the 17th. I am at 38 weeks, waddling around, huge, uncomfortable, and ready to have this baby already, I chose the earlier date.
I went into the hospital for my scheduled induction. Of course I don't get hooked up to the pitocin right away. I'm not worried. I have fairly fast labors (except Josh). Around noon things finally start happening. I'm walking around and bouncing on the birthing ball. I'm really doing great. I was handling the pain well, laughing with Steve and the doula about the gallons upon gallons of "water" that I have lost. I think we went through at least 50 towels mopping up after me. Fast forward to a little after 2pm. I'm still doing well, but the contractions are on top of each other. I'm in transition. I have chosen to not use any meds with this one. Something I only regretted during transition and "the moment."
At 2:10 Steve says he is going to leave. Yes you read that right, he is going to leave me just as things are coming to a head - literally. You can't blame him though. Brandy was to get out of school at 2:35 and someone needed to be home to meet the bus. I really didn't want Steve to leave and asked (read: screamed through the panic and pain) him to call my friend Susan. Susan, the dear, sweet woman that she is, left her job to go pick up my Brandy. (Thankfully she has a flexible job, she is the secretary at the church we attended at the time.) While Steve was talking to her, I was having a little problem with er, um, control. I was letting out some very primal screams - hey it felt good to have complete control of SOMETHING, even if it was just my voice. Mercedes was born at 2:19pm weighing in at 8 lbs 13.5 oz. I stress the .5 because she was only half a pound bigger than Jessi, but it I sure felt every bit of that - could it be the no meds?
Because Susan heard me yelling, she felt it best that she not bring Brandy right away. She took her for a treat before bringing her up to meet her baby sister. I was getting a bit impatient, and anxious, I mean, what if something went wrong and Brandy was sitting at the house all by herself? But, they did come up together, carrying balloons and smiles.
Through the pregnancy I was sure Merce was a boy. Part of that was due to simply wanting another boy, but... that girl sure could kick. She is still my tomboy. She doesn't like anything girly and is by far my most active girl, she might be my most active overall. She can be trying at times (can't they all) and she is loud! But she is also a RIOT! And she has a heart of gold. I am truly blessed. :)
So, following with "tradition" - a condensed version of her birth story:
Mercedes was due April 11, 2006. As I have mentioned, my body doesn't kick in by itself near the due date... I have to wait. Since Merce is baby 5, my doctor and I had this figured out and a couple weeks from the due date she asks me if I want to set an induction date. I asked for Friday the 14th as in 2006 that was Good Friday. As you may have noticed, Brandy was born on Good Friday. I thought it would be cool to have two children born on Good Friday. But, the hospital was allowing any bookings for that day. Ok, so that leaves me with the option of the 13th or A L L the way to Monday the 17th. I am at 38 weeks, waddling around, huge, uncomfortable, and ready to have this baby already, I chose the earlier date.
I went into the hospital for my scheduled induction. Of course I don't get hooked up to the pitocin right away. I'm not worried. I have fairly fast labors (except Josh). Around noon things finally start happening. I'm walking around and bouncing on the birthing ball. I'm really doing great. I was handling the pain well, laughing with Steve and the doula about the gallons upon gallons of "water" that I have lost. I think we went through at least 50 towels mopping up after me. Fast forward to a little after 2pm. I'm still doing well, but the contractions are on top of each other. I'm in transition. I have chosen to not use any meds with this one. Something I only regretted during transition and "the moment."
At 2:10 Steve says he is going to leave. Yes you read that right, he is going to leave me just as things are coming to a head - literally. You can't blame him though. Brandy was to get out of school at 2:35 and someone needed to be home to meet the bus. I really didn't want Steve to leave and asked (read: screamed through the panic and pain) him to call my friend Susan. Susan, the dear, sweet woman that she is, left her job to go pick up my Brandy. (Thankfully she has a flexible job, she is the secretary at the church we attended at the time.) While Steve was talking to her, I was having a little problem with er, um, control. I was letting out some very primal screams - hey it felt good to have complete control of SOMETHING, even if it was just my voice. Mercedes was born at 2:19pm weighing in at 8 lbs 13.5 oz. I stress the .5 because she was only half a pound bigger than Jessi, but it I sure felt every bit of that - could it be the no meds?
Because Susan heard me yelling, she felt it best that she not bring Brandy right away. She took her for a treat before bringing her up to meet her baby sister. I was getting a bit impatient, and anxious, I mean, what if something went wrong and Brandy was sitting at the house all by herself? But, they did come up together, carrying balloons and smiles.
Through the pregnancy I was sure Merce was a boy. Part of that was due to simply wanting another boy, but... that girl sure could kick. She is still my tomboy. She doesn't like anything girly and is by far my most active girl, she might be my most active overall. She can be trying at times (can't they all) and she is loud! But she is also a RIOT! And she has a heart of gold. I am truly blessed. :)
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Birthday Brandy!
I am a couple days late in this post as Brandy and I had a mom and daughter weekend to celebrate her birthday. I posted about Jessi's birth, now I will do the same for Brandy. :)
Our first little baby was due 4-5-1999. After a little disagreement with the doctor (she thought that baby 1 was due 3-28-1999, based solely on lmp... I knew when O was.) and an ultrasound, she agreed that the due date was indeed 4-5. You know, it felt like such an accomplishment to be right in the beginning of the pregnancy, but near the end, I was wishing her dates were the correct ones.
I had an easy, breezy pregnancy. Really. I had my last check up on March 31st. I guess my bp was elevated, for me... the only doc I had that paid attention to "normal for me" vs "in the normal range." She had me lay on my left side for what seemed like an eternity, but was really just 20 minutes. She said she wanted to induce me. Steve was out of town on a frac job and wasn't expected back until the 2nd. We agreed that I would go in on the 1st for some "prep." And on the 2nd I would get hooked up to the pitocin. I went in for the prep, stayed hooked up to baby monitoring machines for 4 long and boring hours and was allowed to go home. I was having some minor contractions but was told that was normal and to go rest and come back in the morning. About an hour later the contractions were on top of each other, coming about 1.5 minutes apart. Steve called the hospital. They said it was false labor and to get some rest. I was pacing the bedroom, moaning and hollering, Smokey, our cat, was sitting in the edge of the doorway watching me. He had a deer in the headlights look and you could tell he wanted to be anywhere but there, but he also didn't want to leave me. Steve was sitting in our bed - his look identical to Smoke's but without the fur. :) Steve looked helpless. I felt helpless. I guess we were a good pair. I walked and yelled, he sat looking terrified. After going to the bathroom for about the 1,000th time, Steve freaked out. Apparently, there was blood everywhere. He said he was taking me to the hospital and we weren't leaving until there was a baby in my arms. I honestly don't remember there being blood. I was in a total fog of pain. We had talked to the nurses at least 3 times and they kept telling me to get some rest. I was sure that if this wasn't real labor I was going to die the next day, and even if I didn't die, there would be no more children.
The drive to the hospital was funny. We had to drive all of about 8 blocks. The whole time I am yelling at Steve to slow down. Every bump was excruciating. He couldn't help but laugh because of all those movies and tv shows with the couple racing to the hospital.
We walked into the hospital and got the "you should be resting for tomorrow bit." Steve told them that there was blood all over the bathroom and we were staying. They took me into a labor room and checked. I had gone from nothing to 9cm in less than 2hrs. The doc was called. It took over an hour for her to get there, during which time the nurse kept telling me not to push. By the time the doc got there I was exhausted, and inexperienced. It took 2 hours of pushing to bring my beautiful, little girl into the world. She was a whopping 7 lbs, even. When you know my mom's history (smallest babe 9lbs 2 oz) you know I was surprised to have such a little baby. I was moved to a recovery room and Steve went home. Yah, even with no other little ones to care for, he went home to sleep. No company for me in the hospital.
I'd love to say that nursing started off great. But, we had an inexperienced mommy and an inexperienced baby. We eventually got it figured out, but it took weeks before we were easy and comfortable with it.
This is kind of a special year as Brandy was born on Good Friday. This is the first year since that her birthday has fallen on Good Friday again. We just figured out when her birthday falls on Easter... if the calculator we were using is correct, it will be the year she turns 57. It seems that her birthday and Easter being the same day will be a once in a lifetime event. LOL.
Our first little baby was due 4-5-1999. After a little disagreement with the doctor (she thought that baby 1 was due 3-28-1999, based solely on lmp... I knew when O was.) and an ultrasound, she agreed that the due date was indeed 4-5. You know, it felt like such an accomplishment to be right in the beginning of the pregnancy, but near the end, I was wishing her dates were the correct ones.
I had an easy, breezy pregnancy. Really. I had my last check up on March 31st. I guess my bp was elevated, for me... the only doc I had that paid attention to "normal for me" vs "in the normal range." She had me lay on my left side for what seemed like an eternity, but was really just 20 minutes. She said she wanted to induce me. Steve was out of town on a frac job and wasn't expected back until the 2nd. We agreed that I would go in on the 1st for some "prep." And on the 2nd I would get hooked up to the pitocin. I went in for the prep, stayed hooked up to baby monitoring machines for 4 long and boring hours and was allowed to go home. I was having some minor contractions but was told that was normal and to go rest and come back in the morning. About an hour later the contractions were on top of each other, coming about 1.5 minutes apart. Steve called the hospital. They said it was false labor and to get some rest. I was pacing the bedroom, moaning and hollering, Smokey, our cat, was sitting in the edge of the doorway watching me. He had a deer in the headlights look and you could tell he wanted to be anywhere but there, but he also didn't want to leave me. Steve was sitting in our bed - his look identical to Smoke's but without the fur. :) Steve looked helpless. I felt helpless. I guess we were a good pair. I walked and yelled, he sat looking terrified. After going to the bathroom for about the 1,000th time, Steve freaked out. Apparently, there was blood everywhere. He said he was taking me to the hospital and we weren't leaving until there was a baby in my arms. I honestly don't remember there being blood. I was in a total fog of pain. We had talked to the nurses at least 3 times and they kept telling me to get some rest. I was sure that if this wasn't real labor I was going to die the next day, and even if I didn't die, there would be no more children.
The drive to the hospital was funny. We had to drive all of about 8 blocks. The whole time I am yelling at Steve to slow down. Every bump was excruciating. He couldn't help but laugh because of all those movies and tv shows with the couple racing to the hospital.
We walked into the hospital and got the "you should be resting for tomorrow bit." Steve told them that there was blood all over the bathroom and we were staying. They took me into a labor room and checked. I had gone from nothing to 9cm in less than 2hrs. The doc was called. It took over an hour for her to get there, during which time the nurse kept telling me not to push. By the time the doc got there I was exhausted, and inexperienced. It took 2 hours of pushing to bring my beautiful, little girl into the world. She was a whopping 7 lbs, even. When you know my mom's history (smallest babe 9lbs 2 oz) you know I was surprised to have such a little baby. I was moved to a recovery room and Steve went home. Yah, even with no other little ones to care for, he went home to sleep. No company for me in the hospital.
I'd love to say that nursing started off great. But, we had an inexperienced mommy and an inexperienced baby. We eventually got it figured out, but it took weeks before we were easy and comfortable with it.
This is kind of a special year as Brandy was born on Good Friday. This is the first year since that her birthday has fallen on Good Friday again. We just figured out when her birthday falls on Easter... if the calculator we were using is correct, it will be the year she turns 57. It seems that her birthday and Easter being the same day will be a once in a lifetime event. LOL.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Toothpaste Mess revised
In January I wrote about our constant toothpaste mess. The TouchNBrush worked fine for about a month. I had to frequently take the bottom piece off and wash it, but better than the gobs of paste I used to find on the floor, the sink, the towel, the mirror, etc. (Please remember I have 6 kids and the oldest is 10.) Changing the toothpaste was a huge pain, it simply did not work as smoothly and easily as advertised. Now for a couple where a tube will last a month or more this will probably not be an issue. We got through a tube about every other week (yes, I buy the largest tubes possible).
The big problem? The stupid thing attaches to the wall with suction cups. Initially they seemed pretty strong with a fairly secure fit. Apparently though, as it gets knocked down a few times the suction cups just do not secure as well the next time. Yes, I tried cleaning the cups, the wall, etc. But the stupid thing just falls down.
End result: $20 wasted. We are back to using binder clips.
The big problem? The stupid thing attaches to the wall with suction cups. Initially they seemed pretty strong with a fairly secure fit. Apparently though, as it gets knocked down a few times the suction cups just do not secure as well the next time. Yes, I tried cleaning the cups, the wall, etc. But the stupid thing just falls down.
End result: $20 wasted. We are back to using binder clips.
Monday, March 15, 2010
I don't know when it happened...
but I have become a planner. Yep, me. Somewhere along the line I figured out I like nice, neat and orderly. I don't like surprises - usually. I don't like my plans to be thrown out the window. My husband calls me curious. I'm not curious so much as I am trying to see a few steps down the line so that I know if my "master plan" will need adjustment.
Yesterday had all the ear marks of potential disarray. I tried to cut off the confusion at the turn of the road. Denied. My true failing - not listening to my gut. You see, it was 4pm. Will and the kids were leaving the hospital for my house to play computer games with my crew. I said, "Should I pick up another take and bake pizza?" The answer was that, no, they were going to eat at their house. I didn't want an extra pizza sitting around, so I went against my best judgement and did not purchase another pizza. Of course they were still playing games at 6 and it looked like it would be hours longer.
I was irked. Not only because I was forced to make do with what we had - which really just means that kids didn't get to eat endless amounts of pizza. But also because I was now making food for everyone. I don't mind making for everyone, especially when I have such an easy meal planned -- but I want to KNOW that I will be making food for everyone BEFORE it is meal time.
I know I should be more go with the flow. I will work on that. And in the mean time I have my treadmill to pound my aggravation out on. :)
Yesterday had all the ear marks of potential disarray. I tried to cut off the confusion at the turn of the road. Denied. My true failing - not listening to my gut. You see, it was 4pm. Will and the kids were leaving the hospital for my house to play computer games with my crew. I said, "Should I pick up another take and bake pizza?" The answer was that, no, they were going to eat at their house. I didn't want an extra pizza sitting around, so I went against my best judgement and did not purchase another pizza. Of course they were still playing games at 6 and it looked like it would be hours longer.
I was irked. Not only because I was forced to make do with what we had - which really just means that kids didn't get to eat endless amounts of pizza. But also because I was now making food for everyone. I don't mind making for everyone, especially when I have such an easy meal planned -- but I want to KNOW that I will be making food for everyone BEFORE it is meal time.
I know I should be more go with the flow. I will work on that. And in the mean time I have my treadmill to pound my aggravation out on. :)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
What has that woman been up to?
or sew sane II. I have been pretty quiet this week. So, I thought I would share some of what I have been doing - you know other than the normal mom stuff. And this week the kids have given me just a bit more mom stuff to do. Wednesday morning started off with one child throwing up in bed at 4:45 am, Thursday a different child was sick and Friday yet another child was down. Luckily, I only had one mess to clean up and as far as messes go, it was a small one. :)
So, I am still trying to exercise regularly, I wasn't as good this week. I think I missed the 'mill three out of 7 days -- but on one of those days I walked for around 3 hours total and another day I swam with the kids for about 2 hours. Anyway - on to the fun stuff!
As I mentioned in the above post, my sister not only motivated me to start taking better care of myself, she motivated me to dust off my sewing machines. I did eventually find some of the print she really liked and shipped off a big ole box of napkins to her. :) Ok, not that big of a box but I think it held something like 40-50 napkins.
While the machines were out and dusted off, I looked at the January preschool calender and realized that Merce had a pj day coming up at school. Merce didn't have any jammies suitable for preschool, so I pulled out my fabric stash
and came across some cute penguins on sea foam green. I made her some pjs.
Which started the great pj month. I realized that Josh needed more pjs. He got a pair of camo flannel jammies. Steve has been wanting flannel pjs all winter. I wasn't successful at finding his size in stores, so I made him some pj pants out of some football flannel I had laying around... yep, that is jammies for three Wills, out straight out of my stash box!
Then Jes said she wanted some with this cheetah fabric she saw in my box.
You see where this is going right? I have now made pjs for 1/2 my kids... Yep. Brandy was next. We picked out some fabric that I had, but she didn't seem excited about it and I had already decided to make some napkins for another friend, who happens to like Tweety. So, I had her look on the site I was going to buy Tweety from and she picked some cute pandas on blue flannel. I came next as I discovered that the elastic band of my Cookie Monster pj pants was wearing out. I made me some Dr. Seuss Thing One and Thing Two pants! FUN! And still from my fabric stash. Then Rita with some surfin' monkeys on blue (stash) and Bekki with adorable hearts on light blue (stash) - but I didn't have enough of that fabric so I ended up making her pants from a tye-dye look purple flannel (had to buy that one... darn, I had to go into a fabric store... mmmm, fabric)
So, now I am done with pjs, for now. I have made pjs for 8 people in about 6 weeks. I do know that come summer I have at least one more pair to make as my nephew was sent a pair of pjs that Josh outgrew and he told his mom he wished she could make pjs like Aunt Barb. I told sis to let him know that when we see him this summer that he and I could pick out fabric and I would make some for him. :)
I haven't even gotten started telling you about all the napkins I made... but we'll save that for another day. I'm just thrilled to be behind my machines again. And my stash box is a whole lot lighter for it. LOL.
So, I am still trying to exercise regularly, I wasn't as good this week. I think I missed the 'mill three out of 7 days -- but on one of those days I walked for around 3 hours total and another day I swam with the kids for about 2 hours. Anyway - on to the fun stuff!
As I mentioned in the above post, my sister not only motivated me to start taking better care of myself, she motivated me to dust off my sewing machines. I did eventually find some of the print she really liked and shipped off a big ole box of napkins to her. :) Ok, not that big of a box but I think it held something like 40-50 napkins.
While the machines were out and dusted off, I looked at the January preschool calender and realized that Merce had a pj day coming up at school. Merce didn't have any jammies suitable for preschool, so I pulled out my fabric stash
and came across some cute penguins on sea foam green. I made her some pjs. Which started the great pj month. I realized that Josh needed more pjs. He got a pair of camo flannel jammies. Steve has been wanting flannel pjs all winter. I wasn't successful at finding his size in stores, so I made him some pj pants out of some football flannel I had laying around... yep, that is jammies for three Wills, out straight out of my stash box!
Then Jes said she wanted some with this cheetah fabric she saw in my box. You see where this is going right? I have now made pjs for 1/2 my kids... Yep. Brandy was next. We picked out some fabric that I had, but she didn't seem excited about it and I had already decided to make some napkins for another friend, who happens to like Tweety. So, I had her look on the site I was going to buy Tweety from and she picked some cute pandas on blue flannel. I came next as I discovered that the elastic band of my Cookie Monster pj pants was wearing out. I made me some Dr. Seuss Thing One and Thing Two pants! FUN! And still from my fabric stash. Then Rita with some surfin' monkeys on blue (stash) and Bekki with adorable hearts on light blue (stash) - but I didn't have enough of that fabric so I ended up making her pants from a tye-dye look purple flannel (had to buy that one... darn, I had to go into a fabric store... mmmm, fabric)
So, now I am done with pjs, for now. I have made pjs for 8 people in about 6 weeks. I do know that come summer I have at least one more pair to make as my nephew was sent a pair of pjs that Josh outgrew and he told his mom he wished she could make pjs like Aunt Barb. I told sis to let him know that when we see him this summer that he and I could pick out fabric and I would make some for him. :)
I haven't even gotten started telling you about all the napkins I made... but we'll save that for another day. I'm just thrilled to be behind my machines again. And my stash box is a whole lot lighter for it. LOL.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
I admit it - I'm uber excited
My oldest is a really girly-girl. I am not. She loves to shop and get dolled up, I do not.
She wrote out her birthday list a few weeks ago, and the thing she wanted most was a day with mom. "Shopping or something." I talked to Steve about it, as he would need to watch the other kids. I told him I was thinking about taking her to a spa and getting a manicure/pedicure or something. He suggested we get a hotel and make it a weekend thing. Cool. So, I told Brandy about my plans, hotel, manicure, shopping, etc. She was way excited.
While most of this is not stuff I would choose do do myself, seeing how excited my nearly 11 year old daughter is to spend time doing this with me, got me excited. :) I mean, how many daughters WANT to spend time with their mom? I know I did not! I booked the hotel yesterday and scheduled our pedicures and she is also going to get makeup applied. I figured, I don't know squat about makeup, maybe if someone else does it and I watch we can figure out how she should be doing it. LOL.
So, I think we will spend Friday afternoon at the mall, check into the hotel, swim, eat dinner, maybe catch a movie, then Saturday morning we go to the spa and get our toes done. (I picked pedicures because I hear they come with great leg and foot massages!) Then I think I will take her to Picture People and get her picture taken all dolled up. Either Friday evening or Saturday lunch we will eat at Cheesecake Factory - YUM! I'll share a meal (they are huge) but she's gotta get her own dessert. LOL.
I better be making sure I am REALLY good about working out for the next 6 weeks or so - don't want that cheesecake to hurt me too much. ;-) And I'm kind of hoping that I can make similar plans (all day together doing fun, for my child) for each of my children's eleventh birthdays! How wonderful would it be if all my children still want to spend time with me when they are eleven!
She wrote out her birthday list a few weeks ago, and the thing she wanted most was a day with mom. "Shopping or something." I talked to Steve about it, as he would need to watch the other kids. I told him I was thinking about taking her to a spa and getting a manicure/pedicure or something. He suggested we get a hotel and make it a weekend thing. Cool. So, I told Brandy about my plans, hotel, manicure, shopping, etc. She was way excited.
While most of this is not stuff I would choose do do myself, seeing how excited my nearly 11 year old daughter is to spend time doing this with me, got me excited. :) I mean, how many daughters WANT to spend time with their mom? I know I did not! I booked the hotel yesterday and scheduled our pedicures and she is also going to get makeup applied. I figured, I don't know squat about makeup, maybe if someone else does it and I watch we can figure out how she should be doing it. LOL.
So, I think we will spend Friday afternoon at the mall, check into the hotel, swim, eat dinner, maybe catch a movie, then Saturday morning we go to the spa and get our toes done. (I picked pedicures because I hear they come with great leg and foot massages!) Then I think I will take her to Picture People and get her picture taken all dolled up. Either Friday evening or Saturday lunch we will eat at Cheesecake Factory - YUM! I'll share a meal (they are huge) but she's gotta get her own dessert. LOL.
I better be making sure I am REALLY good about working out for the next 6 weeks or so - don't want that cheesecake to hurt me too much. ;-) And I'm kind of hoping that I can make similar plans (all day together doing fun, for my child) for each of my children's eleventh birthdays! How wonderful would it be if all my children still want to spend time with me when they are eleven!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
What happens to those old soda bottles?
My daughter is in need of a new lanyard for her school USB drive. I looked a little locally but didn't find anything that I really liked so I started looking online a bit. I still haven't bought one for her yet, but I did find these and these! How exciting! Lanyards made from recycled soda bottles!!! And who better to promote them than one of the main soda manufacturers? I would buy them right now, except my daughter doesn't really drink soda at all and I am a Dew drinker. Now if these were green with white words and just said "I used to be a soda bottle." I love being able to buy things that are made from reused or recycled products! :)
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Vindication!
Earlier this week I posted about excitement in my world. I expressed some disappointment that my husband didn't "get it." But...
A day or so ago he came out of the bathroom and he says "Those toilet roll holders are awesome. There shouldn't be any other styles out there." UM, YEAH! I told you. I guess it takes the first time you change a roll to get the awesome-ness of that product.
But we are not done, oh no, not done at all. He vindicates me yet again with Burt's Bees. You see, he has spent much of the winter joking about how his lips go numb when he kisses me because of my Burt's Bees. I know this is the best stuff I've ever used, so whatevs. LOL. Thursday night (really Friday morning) he comes to bed and says "Will you make fun of me if I tell you I used your lip stuff?" I smile smugly and go back to sleep. Friday evening, I find him opening a new package of Bees that he has gone out and purchased for himself. Uh huh. Trust in your wife, she will not steer you wrong - unless you ask her about left and right. ;-)
A day or so ago he came out of the bathroom and he says "Those toilet roll holders are awesome. There shouldn't be any other styles out there." UM, YEAH! I told you. I guess it takes the first time you change a roll to get the awesome-ness of that product.
But we are not done, oh no, not done at all. He vindicates me yet again with Burt's Bees. You see, he has spent much of the winter joking about how his lips go numb when he kisses me because of my Burt's Bees. I know this is the best stuff I've ever used, so whatevs. LOL. Thursday night (really Friday morning) he comes to bed and says "Will you make fun of me if I tell you I used your lip stuff?" I smile smugly and go back to sleep. Friday evening, I find him opening a new package of Bees that he has gone out and purchased for himself. Uh huh. Trust in your wife, she will not steer you wrong - unless you ask her about left and right. ;-)
Friday, February 19, 2010
N E E D more water!
As I probably have mentioned, I have joined my sister in the goal of becoming healthier in 2010. This involves eating better for me foods, proper portion sizes, exercising more and... drinking more water.
I have known for a long time that water consumption is one of my biggest failure points when it comes to my health. But, I hate water. There is no flavor, no fizz, all blah. I have noticed that when I have a bottle of water I will drink the whole bottle, but if I fill a glass it sits half full.
So I began a search for a "good" water bottle. My definition of good may very well be different than most people. For me a reusable water bottle MUST 1) be dishwasher safe 2) not have a metallic taste 3) look and feel like my soda bottle. Bonus points if it has colors or cool designs. This means at least half of the aluminum and stainless steel models were immediately discarded. Nearly all of them have a much wider mouth than a soda bottle. Sigg might be the right size opening, but a)they recommend against dishwashing b) I admit being a bit turned off by the price ($22 locally) and c) I knew that I would find that type of screw top annoying - it needs to have the soda bottle feel. LOL. Ok. Off to google searches on the internet...
I came across this baby. Hey, it looks like a soda bottle, it has fun colors, it opens the way I would like, it is dishwasher safe... LOOKING GOOD. OH! The price!
After looking around for other bottles that had the look I wanted and failing. And looking for other sites that might sell good life cheaper - and failing. I went ahead and ordered two. "Two?" you say. Yes, two. I know that I am more likely to grab a full bottle than to fill a bottle, and I need to wash them sometime, so enough for a rotation is good. Besides, shipping was the same for one or two bottles.
I received these bottles earlier this week. At first I was a little disappointed in its size. It was much bigger than I was expecting.
As you can see from the picture though that the outside dimensions are only slightly bigger than the 24oz sodas that I regularly drink. The mouth is only very slightly larger than a plastic bottle. 
Ok. I washed them up (note that the lids are not dishwasher safe, only the bottles) and tried them out. I love them!
My water intake has at least doubled since buying these bottles. I have left a bottle on the counter over night and the next morning the water was still quite cool. I have left a bottle in the fridge for 24hours, no metal taste. Yep. These are a win. Well worth the price.
I do have to say though for a company that claims (and I quote) "...By purchasing this Good Life bottle, you have already pitched in against destroying our eco-system. 38 million un-recycled plastic bottles are carelessly tossed into America's landfills each year. Keep doing your part so we can all live the Good Life." They sure don't life up to their claims when it comes to packaging the product for shipping:
Yes, those really are styrofoam packing peanuts.
UPDATE!
I emailed my concerns regarding packaging to goodlifebottles. I have already received feedback! "Thank you for the positive review regarding our bottles on your blog. I personally addressed the packaging comment with the president of the company & we are now using organic, biodegradable peanuts for packing =) & recycled cardboard." WHOO HOO HOO! A company that listens to the concerns of it's customers AND responds - quite promptly, I might add!
I have known for a long time that water consumption is one of my biggest failure points when it comes to my health. But, I hate water. There is no flavor, no fizz, all blah. I have noticed that when I have a bottle of water I will drink the whole bottle, but if I fill a glass it sits half full.
So I began a search for a "good" water bottle. My definition of good may very well be different than most people. For me a reusable water bottle MUST 1) be dishwasher safe 2) not have a metallic taste 3) look and feel like my soda bottle. Bonus points if it has colors or cool designs. This means at least half of the aluminum and stainless steel models were immediately discarded. Nearly all of them have a much wider mouth than a soda bottle. Sigg might be the right size opening, but a)they recommend against dishwashing b) I admit being a bit turned off by the price ($22 locally) and c) I knew that I would find that type of screw top annoying - it needs to have the soda bottle feel. LOL. Ok. Off to google searches on the internet...
I came across this baby. Hey, it looks like a soda bottle, it has fun colors, it opens the way I would like, it is dishwasher safe... LOOKING GOOD. OH! The price!
After looking around for other bottles that had the look I wanted and failing. And looking for other sites that might sell good life cheaper - and failing. I went ahead and ordered two. "Two?" you say. Yes, two. I know that I am more likely to grab a full bottle than to fill a bottle, and I need to wash them sometime, so enough for a rotation is good. Besides, shipping was the same for one or two bottles.
I received these bottles earlier this week. At first I was a little disappointed in its size. It was much bigger than I was expecting.
As you can see from the picture though that the outside dimensions are only slightly bigger than the 24oz sodas that I regularly drink. The mouth is only very slightly larger than a plastic bottle. 
Ok. I washed them up (note that the lids are not dishwasher safe, only the bottles) and tried them out. I love them! My water intake has at least doubled since buying these bottles. I have left a bottle on the counter over night and the next morning the water was still quite cool. I have left a bottle in the fridge for 24hours, no metal taste. Yep. These are a win. Well worth the price.
I do have to say though for a company that claims (and I quote) "...By purchasing this Good Life bottle, you have already pitched in against destroying our eco-system. 38 million un-recycled plastic bottles are carelessly tossed into America's landfills each year. Keep doing your part so we can all live the Good Life." They sure don't life up to their claims when it comes to packaging the product for shipping:
Yes, those really are styrofoam packing peanuts. UPDATE!
I emailed my concerns regarding packaging to goodlifebottles. I have already received feedback! "Thank you for the positive review regarding our bottles on your blog. I personally addressed the packaging comment with the president of the company & we are now using organic, biodegradable peanuts for packing =) & recycled cardboard." WHOO HOO HOO! A company that listens to the concerns of it's customers AND responds - quite promptly, I might add!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Exciting things
The things that excite me - the person I have become - really crack me up sometimes. Take this toilet paper holder - my parents have one in their home. They have had it for close to 20yrs. I LOVE the thing. So much better than those d@mn spring loaded things, or even the open style (which tends to fall off into the toilet). I had looked at several local stores and couldn't find them. I began plans for a covert operation to steal Jerry's...
Finally I found them (fwiw, I found them cheaper than amazon sells them for and with cheaper shipping - but amazon has a better picture on their site) and I was super excited! I immediately ordered 3 and ecstatically emailed my husband with the link and told him I ordered 3! He doesn't share my excitement.
I figure "He'll get it when they come in. He'll see how awesome they are then." We get them, I install them and am all about them when he comes home. He says "Yeah, they're nice." Nice? Hello! Did you not just see what I showed you? These are AWESOME! I will say, that his brother "got it" and ordered himself one for each of their bathrooms. Maybe to get the awesome-ness of this product you need to be the one who fishes the paper out of the drink?
Finally I found them (fwiw, I found them cheaper than amazon sells them for and with cheaper shipping - but amazon has a better picture on their site) and I was super excited! I immediately ordered 3 and ecstatically emailed my husband with the link and told him I ordered 3! He doesn't share my excitement.
I figure "He'll get it when they come in. He'll see how awesome they are then." We get them, I install them and am all about them when he comes home. He says "Yeah, they're nice." Nice? Hello! Did you not just see what I showed you? These are AWESOME! I will say, that his brother "got it" and ordered himself one for each of their bathrooms. Maybe to get the awesome-ness of this product you need to be the one who fishes the paper out of the drink?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day!
My day has been wonderful so far! My oldest made us all breakfast - scrambled eggs with ham and peppers. Then the Brandy and Josh started the next load of laundry while Bek and Jes did the dishes. My hubby bought me a scented candle, my oldest bought me a blow horn, awesome! And I have even had a couple pieces of chocolate, which I will have to run off later. ;) But a very nice start to one of the most hated holidays. :) And while I don't normally give gifts for V-day, I did this year and the kids seemed to really appreciate what I got them. A new wallet with a zipper compartment for Brandy and Josh, fish hook earrings for Jes, books for Bek, hot wheel cars for Merce, and a teddy bear for Rita.
Hope you day is at least half as wonderful as mine is!
Hope you day is at least half as wonderful as mine is!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
"There's been a bad accident..."
These words will make your heart stop when they are said to you by the school transportation! Luckily, she immediately said "Let me start over. There is a bad accident on 46 and the bus can't get to your stop." Ok, I like that better. I look outside as we are figuring out where to meet the bus to get our kids. My lane is blocked with completely stopped traffic going west but nothing is heading east, NOTHING. The highway was completely closed due to the accident.
This accident happened just two houses down the road from us. As soon as I got on the highway and headed toward Menard's, where I would be meeting the bus. I called Will. We always get together with their family on Fridays. I let him know that we would be over early today. I knew there was no way I was going to get home anytime soon.
Brandy had a concert last night and we drove by the scene about 3 hours after the accident, there were still two police cars and 2 news crews out there! I don't think any news crews were able to get anything but still pictures from this accident as there was no way video crews could get there.
Our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.
This accident happened just two houses down the road from us. As soon as I got on the highway and headed toward Menard's, where I would be meeting the bus. I called Will. We always get together with their family on Fridays. I let him know that we would be over early today. I knew there was no way I was going to get home anytime soon.
Brandy had a concert last night and we drove by the scene about 3 hours after the accident, there were still two police cars and 2 news crews out there! I don't think any news crews were able to get anything but still pictures from this accident as there was no way video crews could get there.
Our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Birds!
So, I have told you about our cardinal. He has extended his domain. He now tries to fly into our bedroom window as well. And an added bonus, he sits outside the office window and stares in.
So, this gets me giggling and thinking about my dad. You see, there has long been family teasing about how he and his brother watched the A. Hitchcock movie The Birds and it totally freaked Jerry out. To this day he will tell you "It was a scary movie." Maybe - I don't know, haven't seen it. But I might be living The Bird. This cardinal seems to be stalking us.
Fast forward to today. I'm enjoying a little tv time while my children nap. My hubby is working from home and I hear him say "Barb! (unintelligible garble)!" I go to see what he wanted, usually it is help finding a misplaced item or such. He says "THERE'S A BIRD IN HERE!" What? "A BIRD!" (as it buzzes my head on the way to the living room. Yep, that's a bird! WTF?!? (disclaimer: this was NOT our cardinal, this was a wren)
So, I am laughing. I mean, who else would somehow get birds in their house? We have had mice (not unusual for country homes), chipmunks (their not as cute up close and in the house!), a snake (need I say more on this one?!?) and now a bird! Really?!?
My first real response, after laughing, is "Where is that d@mn cat?" and then "Where'd the bird go?" Both questions were answered rather quickly as I saw a black and white streak of fur fly by on the way to the kitchen. She went a little nutty and knocked a few things down, but the kitty got her man, er, um, bird. Then I promptly set them both outside! We don't need any decapitations happening on my kitchen (or any other room) floor! Kitty set birdy down to play with the birdy - as is a cats way. Have you ever seen one of these tortured devices at work? They catch their prey, then let it go and let it think it is getting away and then POUNCE! Anyway, this birdy actually did fly away. Kitty is walking around a little pissed right now.
And that folks, is my big entertainment for the afternoon. "And to think that I saw it all on Mulberry Street." Except, mine is factual... this bird story, is my horse and buggy. LOL.
So, this gets me giggling and thinking about my dad. You see, there has long been family teasing about how he and his brother watched the A. Hitchcock movie The Birds and it totally freaked Jerry out. To this day he will tell you "It was a scary movie." Maybe - I don't know, haven't seen it. But I might be living The Bird. This cardinal seems to be stalking us.
Fast forward to today. I'm enjoying a little tv time while my children nap. My hubby is working from home and I hear him say "Barb! (unintelligible garble)!" I go to see what he wanted, usually it is help finding a misplaced item or such. He says "THERE'S A BIRD IN HERE!" What? "A BIRD!" (as it buzzes my head on the way to the living room. Yep, that's a bird! WTF?!? (disclaimer: this was NOT our cardinal, this was a wren)
So, I am laughing. I mean, who else would somehow get birds in their house? We have had mice (not unusual for country homes), chipmunks (their not as cute up close and in the house!), a snake (need I say more on this one?!?) and now a bird! Really?!?
My first real response, after laughing, is "Where is that d@mn cat?" and then "Where'd the bird go?" Both questions were answered rather quickly as I saw a black and white streak of fur fly by on the way to the kitchen. She went a little nutty and knocked a few things down, but the kitty got her man, er, um, bird. Then I promptly set them both outside! We don't need any decapitations happening on my kitchen (or any other room) floor! Kitty set birdy down to play with the birdy - as is a cats way. Have you ever seen one of these tortured devices at work? They catch their prey, then let it go and let it think it is getting away and then POUNCE! Anyway, this birdy actually did fly away. Kitty is walking around a little pissed right now.
And that folks, is my big entertainment for the afternoon. "And to think that I saw it all on Mulberry Street." Except, mine is factual... this bird story, is my horse and buggy. LOL.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
I love technology!
My phone buzzed with a text message at 6:00 am this morning. It was the school's automated system telling me that school was on a two hour delay. It buzzed again around 6:30 telling me that the school status had changed to cancelled.
I love that our school district started this automated system! I don't have to get up and check the computer to see what the status is. And I have finally gotten smart and didn't set the kids alarms last night! I figured if school was a go, I would just wake 'em up myself.
This system allowed me at least an extra hour of sleep this morning. Technology is BEAUTIFUL! :) Now if we could just convince the district to build in more than just 2 snow days in a school year. We are already at 4 and I expect that we will be out tomorrow as well. Though, IMHO, it should not have been called last Friday! I think they were a little trigger happy in the Super's office. Admittedly, it might be due to the bus that flipped in the ditch a couple weeks ago. -- Yes, one of our district buses, in fact one that goes to my kids school, the one they rode last year even. Luckily, no one was seriously injured. One gal had a suspected broken arm and one boy had a nasty looking scrape - otherwise everyone was fine.
Didn't we have alternate routes when we were kids? Couldn't we do something like that here? And what happened to 1 hour delays? Our district jumps right to 2 hr delays. I know, I know, I have so many complaints maybe I should join the board... maybe I should. LOL.
I love that our school district started this automated system! I don't have to get up and check the computer to see what the status is. And I have finally gotten smart and didn't set the kids alarms last night! I figured if school was a go, I would just wake 'em up myself.
This system allowed me at least an extra hour of sleep this morning. Technology is BEAUTIFUL! :) Now if we could just convince the district to build in more than just 2 snow days in a school year. We are already at 4 and I expect that we will be out tomorrow as well. Though, IMHO, it should not have been called last Friday! I think they were a little trigger happy in the Super's office. Admittedly, it might be due to the bus that flipped in the ditch a couple weeks ago. -- Yes, one of our district buses, in fact one that goes to my kids school, the one they rode last year even. Luckily, no one was seriously injured. One gal had a suspected broken arm and one boy had a nasty looking scrape - otherwise everyone was fine.
Didn't we have alternate routes when we were kids? Couldn't we do something like that here? And what happened to 1 hour delays? Our district jumps right to 2 hr delays. I know, I know, I have so many complaints maybe I should join the board... maybe I should. LOL.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The weekend of the headache -
Friday hubby got a migraine. He was able to function through the beginning of it. It kicked into high gear about dinner time. By bedtime he was moaning in bed. This is not unusual for his migraines (ok, the functioning in the beginning is unusual). I attempted to go to bed and was contemplating moving to the couch if I could figure out where enough blankets were without waking kids. As I am considering this he is doubled over on the floor, reaching across the bed clutching me. Are you wondering why I was considering the couch? And he says "I think I need to go to the hospital."
OMG! Are you serious?!? He has had some doozies where he actually feels better literally bopping his head on the wall, this is the first time he has ever said anything about seeing a doctor while he is in the throes of a migraine. (He has seen doctors about migraines and does have a prescription for them.)
Um, ok, this one must be REALLY bad if he is telling me that he wants to go to the hospital at 10:30! Wow, ok. So now what? Do we wake the kids and drag them out of bed. Not only is it the middle of the night but we are in the middle of a snow storm. Visibility is nill. Hubby says we can call an ambulance or maybe try his brother. I try his brother.
Bro says he will come over to watch the kiddos. I go out to start the car and scrape 4ish inches off of the thing. When his brother arrives he says the roads are bad and he will just take hubby in. I go to bed. :-O Some supportive wife I am, eh?
Hub gets a shot of Demerol and comes home. He still has a headache but it is much more dull and he can sleep. He wakes up, still has a migraine but not too bad. By 9am he is writhing again. We do a hurry up and get him into the doctor office walk in hours. Thank goodness we live on a main road! He gets two more shots and a heartier prescription.
That darned thing finally gave up about 8pm Saturday night! My poor hubby is about wiped out. And so am I. I wish we could figure out his triggers and get rid of these stupid things!
OMG! Are you serious?!? He has had some doozies where he actually feels better literally bopping his head on the wall, this is the first time he has ever said anything about seeing a doctor while he is in the throes of a migraine. (He has seen doctors about migraines and does have a prescription for them.)
Um, ok, this one must be REALLY bad if he is telling me that he wants to go to the hospital at 10:30! Wow, ok. So now what? Do we wake the kids and drag them out of bed. Not only is it the middle of the night but we are in the middle of a snow storm. Visibility is nill. Hubby says we can call an ambulance or maybe try his brother. I try his brother.
Bro says he will come over to watch the kiddos. I go out to start the car and scrape 4ish inches off of the thing. When his brother arrives he says the roads are bad and he will just take hubby in. I go to bed. :-O Some supportive wife I am, eh?
Hub gets a shot of Demerol and comes home. He still has a headache but it is much more dull and he can sleep. He wakes up, still has a migraine but not too bad. By 9am he is writhing again. We do a hurry up and get him into the doctor office walk in hours. Thank goodness we live on a main road! He gets two more shots and a heartier prescription.
That darned thing finally gave up about 8pm Saturday night! My poor hubby is about wiped out. And so am I. I wish we could figure out his triggers and get rid of these stupid things!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Reincarnation?
The other day Steve told me that his brain turned off somewhere between Merce telling him that "If you die you get to start all over" and "You can be a boy or a girl if you have surgery." We're just gonna leave that second one alone for now... but I can tell ya who to thank... that "guy" that had a kid last year.
I posted the quotes on my facebook page because Merce is such a riot I really can't keep her to myself - I got share the fun. :) After reading the quotes my brother texted me and asked if we were a "reincarnation household."
I don't make any claims either way. Children make a compelling argument for reincarnation though. Especially my Brandy. My mother in law (a ELCA pastor) has always said that Brandy has an "old soul." But more compelling than her maturity is her "memories." I first witnessed her memories of things that had never happened to her when she was just 2 yrs old. At the time we did not have a tv, we were not in college and we didn't know anyone who was in college. Brandy came out of her bedroom crying. I asked her what was wrong and she told me that her kids had gone off to college and she missed them. She had very clear and vivid details about her son and daughter leaving in a red car together for college. More recently she was sure that she had sat on our couch watching tv with some woman who spent her life watching tv and smoking. She was dead sure that some woman sat on our couch smoking with Brandy right next to her. I can assure you that no one has smoked in our home for longer than we have had children.
So, I'm curious, what are your thoughts on reincarnation? Possible, probable or completely impossible?
I posted the quotes on my facebook page because Merce is such a riot I really can't keep her to myself - I got share the fun. :) After reading the quotes my brother texted me and asked if we were a "reincarnation household."
I don't make any claims either way. Children make a compelling argument for reincarnation though. Especially my Brandy. My mother in law (a ELCA pastor) has always said that Brandy has an "old soul." But more compelling than her maturity is her "memories." I first witnessed her memories of things that had never happened to her when she was just 2 yrs old. At the time we did not have a tv, we were not in college and we didn't know anyone who was in college. Brandy came out of her bedroom crying. I asked her what was wrong and she told me that her kids had gone off to college and she missed them. She had very clear and vivid details about her son and daughter leaving in a red car together for college. More recently she was sure that she had sat on our couch watching tv with some woman who spent her life watching tv and smoking. She was dead sure that some woman sat on our couch smoking with Brandy right next to her. I can assure you that no one has smoked in our home for longer than we have had children.
So, I'm curious, what are your thoughts on reincarnation? Possible, probable or completely impossible?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Today's project
We are rearranging our office so that it will be easier for Steve to work from home. Because of construction at work he will need to have a good working environment here. As part of this task we have ordered a couple tables to replace the desks we currently have. The were scheduled to arrive at 11:00 am. It is now 2:26pm. I guess my time is some how less valuable then the delivery drivers? A phone call is difficult? I did have a heads up about this as I called my husband at 11:30. He called the company and was told that they were short a driver and that our tables had not yet left. So...
I started the strawberry jam that I was going to make after the tables arrived. I cooked the jam, I added the pectin, I boiled it some more. I poured it in clean jars, put lids and rings on the jars. Put them in the water bath to boil. Read a book to my 3 and 2 yr olds. Took the jars out after 12 minutes in the bath. Heard the beautiful popping sound of nine jars sealing. Watched my soap opera and yet I wait for this truck.
The upside is that the jam smelled delish! And tested as good as it smelled. I can't wait to pop open a jar tomorrow and make some pb&j's!
Um, patience is not my long suit, can you tell? LOL
I started the strawberry jam that I was going to make after the tables arrived. I cooked the jam, I added the pectin, I boiled it some more. I poured it in clean jars, put lids and rings on the jars. Put them in the water bath to boil. Read a book to my 3 and 2 yr olds. Took the jars out after 12 minutes in the bath. Heard the beautiful popping sound of nine jars sealing. Watched my soap opera and yet I wait for this truck.
The upside is that the jam smelled delish! And tested as good as it smelled. I can't wait to pop open a jar tomorrow and make some pb&j's!
Um, patience is not my long suit, can you tell? LOL
Friday, January 29, 2010
"Dillion, did you get presents from Santa?"
Wednesday Merce had a preschool friend (Dillion) over for a playdate. Today she tells Daddy and I that she asked Dillion if he got any presents from Santa. He told her that he did. She informed him that no, he did not. "Santa is dead." Oh!
Our seven year old figured out this year that Mom stuffs the stockings. Something about Dad's stocking having the same stuff as the kids stockings and Bekki mentioning that mom bought that watch. OOOPs. Should've remembered who was with me and given that a week later for her birthday. She asked us about Santa. Steve won't lie. The closest he will come is to say "What do you think?" Jes said that she thought I stuffed the stockings. Steve said she was a smart girl. Bekki and Mercedes were in the room for the conversation. They talked about how the legend of Santa started.
My beloved three year old, armed with freshly attained knowledge has set off to enlighten other three year olds of the farce of Santa. I guess now I sit back and wait for the fall out.
I did know to expect it. When Merce brought her firetruck to show and share at preschool, I pulled the teacher aside. I told her that Merce had learned there was no Santa and to maybe not mention "the man in red" when they talked about her receiving the firetruck for Christmas. I did try. Luckily, I mentioned to Dillion's mom that Merce knew. So, hopefully it won't be a huge shock for her when she finds out what Merce told him.
And if we are all really lucky, she won't find out that Merce happily declared that Dillion has "parts like Josh." Yep, that is a whole different post.
Our seven year old figured out this year that Mom stuffs the stockings. Something about Dad's stocking having the same stuff as the kids stockings and Bekki mentioning that mom bought that watch. OOOPs. Should've remembered who was with me and given that a week later for her birthday. She asked us about Santa. Steve won't lie. The closest he will come is to say "What do you think?" Jes said that she thought I stuffed the stockings. Steve said she was a smart girl. Bekki and Mercedes were in the room for the conversation. They talked about how the legend of Santa started.
My beloved three year old, armed with freshly attained knowledge has set off to enlighten other three year olds of the farce of Santa. I guess now I sit back and wait for the fall out.
I did know to expect it. When Merce brought her firetruck to show and share at preschool, I pulled the teacher aside. I told her that Merce had learned there was no Santa and to maybe not mention "the man in red" when they talked about her receiving the firetruck for Christmas. I did try. Luckily, I mentioned to Dillion's mom that Merce knew. So, hopefully it won't be a huge shock for her when she finds out what Merce told him.
And if we are all really lucky, she won't find out that Merce happily declared that Dillion has "parts like Josh." Yep, that is a whole different post.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Forget House Beautiful, this is HOME beautiful!
As I was tidying up the house today for a playdate a few things occurred to me:
1. If we all showed how we really are, we would be less crazy about cleaning up for company.
2. I really don't anymore. I figure I have 6 kids, deal.
3. I would be sad to live in a house that looked like my kids DIDN'T live there.
And then I was thinking about our furnishing and decorations. Some very generous terms to be sure. But, we have MANY original
and one of a kind paintings and drawings adorning our walls. I can't imagine having it any other way. A print of some famous painting... why? My children - and sometimes my husband create beautiful artwork. By framing some of their projects, they know that I am proud of them and their work. They get to show people when they come over "I drew that last year." Their artwork not only validates them, but it also is a beautiful snapshot in time. One of my favorites
was my birthday gift this year. Steve purchased a posterboard, paints and frame. He painted my hands and his hands brown and we placed them on the poster. Then he painted each of the kids hands in turn, in different colors and arranged them next to ours. Our own family tree in painted hands.
Truly, ours is a "Home Beautiful."
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
She Woman Maaannicoootti hAAAter!
(think Extreme and you will know the tune)
A few years back I came across an excellent recipe for Mexican Manicotti. The first time I made it, I didn't think anything of the effort to stuff the shells. The first time you make something is always the most difficult time, right? And the taste, OMGosh, better than... well, better than chocolate! (that says something!) I made it a few times over that summer. But I found each time I made the dinner I hated and dreaded stuffing those darned shells more and more. I tried spoons, knives, I tried submerging the darned shells in the meat/bean mixture. All to no avail! I set that excellent tasting recipe on the shelf.
I had a "light bulb" moment. Try lasagna noodles. Three layers of lasagna noodles is about the right amount, but the flavor wasn't quite right, too much pasta. Again, it got shelved. Enter my sister. She attended a cooking show and they told her a little trick for filling the shells. Put the stuff in a zipper bag and cut a corner, squeeze into the shells. Simple. My sis tried it, said it was easier.
Ok, I'll pull out the Manicotti again. FIVE zipper bags, half a bottle of hand soap and one half the previous amount of time to stuff the shells. I finished the arduous task.
Five bags you say? Yep! The first one I cut the corner a bit too wide. My err. Ok. Great Value sandwich bags started splitting in the middle, and I don't mean the seams. Cheap bags, ok. Next, Glad double zipper bags, splitting in the middle and top popping open (used two of these). Glad double zipper freezer bags, top pops open. Wonder what kind of super strength zipper bags my sister used?
I guess I'll enjoy dinner tonight and go back to being a manicotti hater. Sigh.
A few years back I came across an excellent recipe for Mexican Manicotti. The first time I made it, I didn't think anything of the effort to stuff the shells. The first time you make something is always the most difficult time, right? And the taste, OMGosh, better than... well, better than chocolate! (that says something!) I made it a few times over that summer. But I found each time I made the dinner I hated and dreaded stuffing those darned shells more and more. I tried spoons, knives, I tried submerging the darned shells in the meat/bean mixture. All to no avail! I set that excellent tasting recipe on the shelf.
I had a "light bulb" moment. Try lasagna noodles. Three layers of lasagna noodles is about the right amount, but the flavor wasn't quite right, too much pasta. Again, it got shelved. Enter my sister. She attended a cooking show and they told her a little trick for filling the shells. Put the stuff in a zipper bag and cut a corner, squeeze into the shells. Simple. My sis tried it, said it was easier.
Ok, I'll pull out the Manicotti again. FIVE zipper bags, half a bottle of hand soap and one half the previous amount of time to stuff the shells. I finished the arduous task.
Five bags you say? Yep! The first one I cut the corner a bit too wide. My err. Ok. Great Value sandwich bags started splitting in the middle, and I don't mean the seams. Cheap bags, ok. Next, Glad double zipper bags, splitting in the middle and top popping open (used two of these). Glad double zipper freezer bags, top pops open. Wonder what kind of super strength zipper bags my sister used?
I guess I'll enjoy dinner tonight and go back to being a manicotti hater. Sigh.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
The weekend
As far as my own healthy lifestyle goes - I haven't been very good this weekend. :( Friday was a bad, bad day. Yesterday wasn't a lot better in the food department. But I felt better about my choices and my control of the situation. You see, I took one child to lunch after an appointment that she had (and I got a massage during her appointment!) She chose McDonald's, I chose a grilled chicken sandwich with light mayo and a bottle of water. I drank the water and refilled it. :) Steve and I went on our first date in MONTHS! We didn't allow ourselves enough time to eat a "nice" meal. So we drove through Arby's. I got a jr. roastbeef with no sauces and a bottle of water. At the theater, I did indulge in a small popcorn with "butter" topping and a large bottle of water. Who can go to the theater and resist popcorn?
On our date we saw Avatar 3D. Steve had seen Avatar at our local theater with a couple of the kids (non-3D), but wanted to see it again. I'm not sure it was worth the extra cost to see it in 3D, but now we know. :) The movie is worth a see.
And in other news, we have mice - AGAIN! We live in an old house (1945) in the country, even with a cat, I think we are doomed to have mice in the winter. The cat is the reason I know they are back though. She has been going nutty to get into some of our cupboards - of course I let her. :D I also put mouse/rat poison down in a few places I know they are likely to visit. Since it has been cleaned out the last three nights in a row - I'm guessing I need to be prepared for the house to smell for a few days. :-S Honestly, I'd rather deal with that, then setting traps and having to take care of the deceased and any mess left behind! And yes, it would be me taking care of it. As if The Gods would smile on me enough to have Steve around when I discover that it needs taken care of.
On our date we saw Avatar 3D. Steve had seen Avatar at our local theater with a couple of the kids (non-3D), but wanted to see it again. I'm not sure it was worth the extra cost to see it in 3D, but now we know. :) The movie is worth a see.
And in other news, we have mice - AGAIN! We live in an old house (1945) in the country, even with a cat, I think we are doomed to have mice in the winter. The cat is the reason I know they are back though. She has been going nutty to get into some of our cupboards - of course I let her. :D I also put mouse/rat poison down in a few places I know they are likely to visit. Since it has been cleaned out the last three nights in a row - I'm guessing I need to be prepared for the house to smell for a few days. :-S Honestly, I'd rather deal with that, then setting traps and having to take care of the deceased and any mess left behind! And yes, it would be me taking care of it. As if The Gods would smile on me enough to have Steve around when I discover that it needs taken care of.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
New uses, common items
After posting about using binder clips for toothpaste I got to thinking about other things that have received a new use around here.
You may remember a post about lunch bags. Well, that was not the only time the bag got left on the bus. Josh and I talked about how he might better remember to grab his lunch bag. His backpack is too full to put the lunch inside. We talked about clipping the bag onto the closing strap - but honestly I don't think that strap could hold the weight of lunch regularly. And the I got the idea! A carabiner clip!
The next time we were at Walmart, I picked up 4 in different colors for a whopping 99c each and clipped them on backpacks. Voila! No more lunch bags left on the bus! :D Now if my oldest would just remember to bring hers home. Baby steps, baby steps. LOL.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Our own kamikaze-
As of yet, he is unsuccessful. I do believe he has earned himself a concussion or more. You see this beautiful red cardinal started flying himself into our bathroom window in Mid-October. He will fly into the window repeatedly, sometimes 15 times in a row before flying off. He does this multiple times a day. (warning: only the first 20ish seconds of the video are worth watching - unless you want to make fun of how I CANNOT hold a camera still while walking)
Now don't go off getting the incorrect opinion that my windows are just that clean. NOT the case. There has been speculation as to why "Kaze" keeps flying into our window -- seriously this guy has been at it for over 3 months. Best guess: our big red bathtub. Not sure if he wants the biggest "mate" he's ever seen or if he is trying to get in to prove that he is really the alpha bird. It is no mystery why our cat has taken to sleeping in the bathroom though. ;-)
I've tried several times to get this little birdie in action - he seems to fly off when he sees me, especially if I have a camera in hand. But about a week ago I finally managed to "capture" him.
So, I gotta wonder, what am I supposed to learn from this crazy cardinal? Is it persistence or to stop beating my head against a wall?
Now don't go off getting the incorrect opinion that my windows are just that clean. NOT the case. There has been speculation as to why "Kaze" keeps flying into our window -- seriously this guy has been at it for over 3 months. Best guess: our big red bathtub. Not sure if he wants the biggest "mate" he's ever seen or if he is trying to get in to prove that he is really the alpha bird. It is no mystery why our cat has taken to sleeping in the bathroom though. ;-)
I've tried several times to get this little birdie in action - he seems to fly off when he sees me, especially if I have a camera in hand. But about a week ago I finally managed to "capture" him.
So, I gotta wonder, what am I supposed to learn from this crazy cardinal? Is it persistence or to stop beating my head against a wall?
Monday, January 18, 2010
The Constant Toothpaste Mess
I know you fellow moms know what I mean! You want your kids to be independent, and of course, you want them to brush their teeth regularly, but allowing both at the same time can make some catastrophic messes!
One of the biggest problems we used to have around here was people squeezing the tube in the middle. Of course, some comes out, and some goes to the back of the tube - making using all of it nearly impossible. So about a year ago I thought to myself, surely someone has come up with a solution to this problem. Yes, they have. But WHO wants to pay $4.50 for each little piece of plastic with a slot in it? NOT me! Then I had a great idea, a new use for an item we already have. The binder clip! (One might call this a duh moment) As the tube is used, I simply roll the tube up and attach the clip.
Well, I thought I was pretty smart for awhile. And the binder clip does help solve the problem of how to keep the kids from squeezing toothpaste back into the rear of the tube, but (there's always a but isn't there?)... There is still a toothpaste mess! The kids squeeze out too much toothpaste, they put on the lid with toothpaste still gooping out, and a 1,001 other little errors that cause a constant, sticky toothpaste mess in the bathroom.
Enter the TouchNBrush. As I was heading out yesterday morning I saw a commercial for this product. The kids said "we need that!" Well, I don't disagree, in theory. But I'm not spending twenty dollars, plus eight dollars shipping, then they include the "free" sonic toothbrush but bump your shipping up by another $6 dollars, for some product that *might* help keep my bathroom cleaner. Luckily, several stores frequently carry "As Advertised on TV" products. :)
I stopped by Target and they had the TouchNBrush. Twenty dollars, no shipping, and I still got the free toothbrush. I was dubious, and willing to admit that I may be wasting twenty dollars - but that just tells you how much I hate that icky, sticky mess.
It was installed yesterday and it does seem to work well! I am pretty excited. There is of course still potential for kids to use too much toothpaste, and I am sure they will find some way to abuse this bathroom addition, but for now, I am a happy consumer. :)
One of the biggest problems we used to have around here was people squeezing the tube in the middle. Of course, some comes out, and some goes to the back of the tube - making using all of it nearly impossible. So about a year ago I thought to myself, surely someone has come up with a solution to this problem. Yes, they have. But WHO wants to pay $4.50 for each little piece of plastic with a slot in it? NOT me! Then I had a great idea, a new use for an item we already have. The binder clip! (One might call this a duh moment) As the tube is used, I simply roll the tube up and attach the clip.
Well, I thought I was pretty smart for awhile. And the binder clip does help solve the problem of how to keep the kids from squeezing toothpaste back into the rear of the tube, but (there's always a but isn't there?)... There is still a toothpaste mess! The kids squeeze out too much toothpaste, they put on the lid with toothpaste still gooping out, and a 1,001 other little errors that cause a constant, sticky toothpaste mess in the bathroom.
Enter the TouchNBrush. As I was heading out yesterday morning I saw a commercial for this product. The kids said "we need that!" Well, I don't disagree, in theory. But I'm not spending twenty dollars, plus eight dollars shipping, then they include the "free" sonic toothbrush but bump your shipping up by another $6 dollars, for some product that *might* help keep my bathroom cleaner. Luckily, several stores frequently carry "As Advertised on TV" products. :)
I stopped by Target and they had the TouchNBrush. Twenty dollars, no shipping, and I still got the free toothbrush. I was dubious, and willing to admit that I may be wasting twenty dollars - but that just tells you how much I hate that icky, sticky mess.
It was installed yesterday and it does seem to work well! I am pretty excited. There is of course still potential for kids to use too much toothpaste, and I am sure they will find some way to abuse this bathroom addition, but for now, I am a happy consumer. :)
Sunday, January 17, 2010
What might have been-
Several years back when living in Wyoming I saw the movie Sliding Doors. The idea of a parallel universe has always intrigued me. There are so many times when you are presented with a decision, or set of decisions, that lead your life down a certain road. Take a different path and the end result might be quite different!
The other week we had my daughter's birthday party at the local roller skating rink. The kids had a great time, mom had a great time, and got in some much needed exercise. She also got a glimpse of what might have been - and it scared the heck out of her!
I grew up, well, white trash. My parents would never admit it, but we were. They didn't drink or do drugs or even smoke (in our presence anyway, but that is another post entirely.) But we were poor, very, very poor. It was not unusual for dad to "fix" things in ways that only a true-redneck could even consider. We are talking even lower than using duct tape for everything - duct tape was too expensive. Mom and I called it Jerry-rigging (dad's first name is Jerry.)
In my teen years I fell very easily in with group of people who smoked, drank, and most did drugs too. I don't mean the popular kids who partied and smoked, I mean the derelicts who were never going to get out of that one horse town. The ones that were going to be flipping burgers and pumping gas for a living. I did indeed have fun.
Fast forward to now, I went to college, met my hubby who got an engineering degree and later a law degree. We have six children and lead an upper middle-class life. We are no longer wondering week to week if we will be able to pay the bills that come our way. It's all good.
So, we are at the skating rink, some of the other skaters that day were the local counterpart to the group I hung with in high school. You know the type (see picture above and think just a smidge scruffier.) And it hit me, I coulda been the "old lady" to one of those guys. Yep, it scared me. LOL.
How'd ya like that glimse into my mind. hahahahaha. And sis, no tellin' anyone who that pic is! ;) Says a lil' sumtin though don't it?
Friday, January 15, 2010
Duh moments
This is kind of a repost as my original was published in November. See, I started the post in November and published it today... so, I wanted to make sure ya'll saw it and am reposting now - in January:
My husband works in intellectual property. He once told me that patentable inventions need to fit a need and when they are first discovered many times there is a "duh moment." You know, when everyone knows that THIS is what solves the problem and everyone wonders why no one thought of it earlier. I have had a handful of these myself and thought I would share some of them with you.
It only took SIX kids to figure out that if I put an old towel between the booster seat and my chair, the chair does not get so nasty and the towel is easily washed. It also protects the chairs from getting scuffed up from the booster seat. This had to be my first shared item as it took me six kids to figure this out and many people don't have six kids anymore. I want you to benefit from my er, um, wisdom. :D
The long handled spoons designed for stirring tea, are ideal for making PB&J sandwiches! I HATE getting jelly all over my hands. After the jar hits 1/2 full I can't get a regular spoon in and out of the jar without getting jelly on my hands - UNTIL I made this little discovery.
Finishing the jar of PB with a rubber scraper - duh. Gets so much more than a simple knife can.
I'm sure there are many more that I am just not thinking of right now - and they will show up in later posts. :-D
My husband works in intellectual property. He once told me that patentable inventions need to fit a need and when they are first discovered many times there is a "duh moment." You know, when everyone knows that THIS is what solves the problem and everyone wonders why no one thought of it earlier. I have had a handful of these myself and thought I would share some of them with you.
It only took SIX kids to figure out that if I put an old towel between the booster seat and my chair, the chair does not get so nasty and the towel is easily washed. It also protects the chairs from getting scuffed up from the booster seat. This had to be my first shared item as it took me six kids to figure this out and many people don't have six kids anymore. I want you to benefit from my er, um, wisdom. :D
The long handled spoons designed for stirring tea, are ideal for making PB&J sandwiches! I HATE getting jelly all over my hands. After the jar hits 1/2 full I can't get a regular spoon in and out of the jar without getting jelly on my hands - UNTIL I made this little discovery.
Finishing the jar of PB with a rubber scraper - duh. Gets so much more than a simple knife can.
I'm sure there are many more that I am just not thinking of right now - and they will show up in later posts. :-D
Thursday, January 14, 2010
"That's my kazard!"
If you live in ANY other home you might not know what that means. But when my two year old pointed to a hair barrette on the coffee table that she had been wearing last night when I left to walk with a friend while saying the above - I knew exactly what she was saying and why. LOL. You see, my hubby is very aware of choke hazards. He points them out to the kids all the time. In fact at preschool conferences in the fall Miss Melinda relayed a story about my 3 year old Merce telling a classmate not to put a toy in his mouth because it was a choke hazard. Lord only knows what else she has said in class... I only hope it isn't too bad!
But back to Rita's kazard. Yep, I knew right away that daddy made her take the barrette out of her hair before bedtime. I knew he had told her it was a choke hazard. She apparently thought a "kazard" was a name for the Elmo barrette as it is now "her kazard." Oh well, one step at a time.
Speaking of steps, I hear a few of them coming in the front door, which means (drumroll) it is time to clear off the computer and get the homework in motion.
Have a great day ya'll!
But back to Rita's kazard. Yep, I knew right away that daddy made her take the barrette out of her hair before bedtime. I knew he had told her it was a choke hazard. She apparently thought a "kazard" was a name for the Elmo barrette as it is now "her kazard." Oh well, one step at a time.
Speaking of steps, I hear a few of them coming in the front door, which means (drumroll) it is time to clear off the computer and get the homework in motion.
Have a great day ya'll!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Where has the fabric gone?
The other week I purchased some white flannel for backs of napkins from our local Hobby Lobby. Great stuff, nice and soft. But, I didn't purchase enough. So, today after taking the youngsters to soccer I decide to take them to JoAnn's to get more flannel. I just want plain white, the closer store is fine, right? Nope.
There is NO plain white flannel there at all. I contemplate loading them up and going to HL, but I have an extra 4 yr old with me (neice) and it is COLD. Ok, red will work, not ideal but it will work. I decide while I am there to look at the holiday fabrics. The selection is dismal! 4 Valentine prints, all just blah. 4 St. Patty fabrics, only 1 would be even suitable for napkins. Sigh. I can't even spend money when I want to. I guess Steve will be happy. They used to carry so many fabrics it would make my head spin. In a good way, of course.
There is NO plain white flannel there at all. I contemplate loading them up and going to HL, but I have an extra 4 yr old with me (neice) and it is COLD. Ok, red will work, not ideal but it will work. I decide while I am there to look at the holiday fabrics. The selection is dismal! 4 Valentine prints, all just blah. 4 St. Patty fabrics, only 1 would be even suitable for napkins. Sigh. I can't even spend money when I want to. I guess Steve will be happy. They used to carry so many fabrics it would make my head spin. In a good way, of course.
Slimfast RTD alternatives
As some of you might know, Slimfast recently had a major recall of all ready to drink products. That stinks. I get mine from Amazon subscribe and save so I don't have to remember to pick them up at the store. I don't like powdered drinks but find if I don't have protein first thing in the morning that I get a little faint through the day. So, now I have to get store brand versions. First I tried Target. 20 fewer calories, not quite as good (and it doesn't start good with Slimfast, just ok) but doable. I was running low on the Target ones and purchased Walmart brand. YUCK! OMGosh they are terrible! Glad I only bought one 6 pack there. They are right in the middle for calories (SF 190, Target 170, Walmart 180) but I am not sure I am even going to drink the rest of these 6. Slimfast, please get your stuff back together so they can be delivered to my door again! And in the mean time, I'm going to pick up a bunch at Target.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
You know it's bad when...
Your own fans are booing you! Pats are down 21-0 with 2 minutes left in the FIRST quarter. Talk about STINKIN' IT UP! Now, ya'all know I'm a 'Boys fan first (though in recent years it is more theory than reality) and a Colts fan second. As a Colts fan I am an anti-Pats fan... as such I'm delighted they are loosing. :)
Friday, January 8, 2010
Saving money with reusable shopping bags!
Reusable/cloth bags are a wonderful idea, not only for an environmentally conscience person like myself, but also for the store. They get to be an environmental hero, touting saving resources while also saving themselves some money (and hopefully passing the savings on to the consumer, we'll get to that in a minute). I worked for Kmart in my late teens and early twenties. At every store I worked at there was a bulletin board of bags on the wall in the break room. Each bag had a number on it. This was how much money each bag cost the store. The average size Kmart bag was $0.004 (or 4/10 of a cent). This was in the late 1980's. Now that doesn't seem like a lot - but it can add up quickly for the store.
The first store I saw selling reusable bags? Target. They are still the bags I like the best! They are ROOMY (as you can see... that is my 3 yr old, who weighs in at 35lbs sitting in the bag). Now, I am getting "paid" to use my reusable bags at two of the stores I shop at frequently. Target scans a coupon for 5 cents off for using reusable bags instead of a plastic bag. And now CVS has a green bag tag program. In a nutshell, you buy their tag for 99c. Each time you use a reusable bag, they scan your tag along with your CVS card. After 4 visits your a credited a $1 CVS buck. That is like getting 25c off each time you reuse a bag. It only takes 4 visits to pay for the tag, then it is equal to a 25c coupon every time you use your tag. I like it. :)
I am not currently affliated with any of the above companies, except as a customer.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Sew Sane
I am publicly thanking my sister for getting me back on the wagon. :) She inquired about making her some cloth napkins. I told ya'all I'm a bit of a environmental freak, right? So, now I am psyched, I get to make more napkins for my sister - and know that she plans to use them.
Originally she talked about buying fabric and shipping it to me to make and ship back to her. I told her we could avoid one way of shipping if she found some fabric online that I might be able to find locally. We went to hunting the internet. Oh, I forgot how I like to look at fabric. :) She mentioned John Deere fabric, and there was a Valentine's print we both liked. She also found a great print that she wanted for everyday. Unfortunately, the print was sold out online and not in my local stores. I am still searching to find it elsewhere online but so far, no luck. But I did make her some JD napkins. I found this fun print, mostly to tease her hubby as he is the JD fan. And I bought a more traditional print as well.
I washed and dried the fabric right away and got started. I love the way they turned out. And it got me back behind both my machines again. I finished her napkins, I finally finished a Christmas wall hanging of Rudolph that I have been meaning to do for at least 4 years, I have things in place for napkins for a friend (waiting for the right color of Woolly Nylon to arrive) and finally decided to dress up our tree skirt.
Oh, I have had fun this week. :) And I must say that tree skirt will look mighty nice next year. You see, it was just a piece of white fleece with light blue snow flakes. I cut it into a "cape" and lay it around the tree. I have thought about cleaning up the look with some blanket binding. But today, I played with Koolaid and Fold over elastic. I dyed some FOE with Berry Blue Kool Aid, washed it, dried it and sewed it on and it looks awesome!
Speaking of Kool aid... I just mentioned that I used it to DYE elastic, right? WHY would your put something into your kid that can be used to dye clothing? Can you imagine all the things that food coloring might be doing to those ingesting it? Well, you don't really have to imagine it... there is more, if you want to google it, migraine triggers, allergic reactions, possible negative affects on the immune system.
And when you start paying attention to the food you are buying, so much of it has food coloring in it! :( There are the obvious, brightly colored cereals, but also the not so obvious ones such as pickle relish - yes, relish.
Originally she talked about buying fabric and shipping it to me to make and ship back to her. I told her we could avoid one way of shipping if she found some fabric online that I might be able to find locally. We went to hunting the internet. Oh, I forgot how I like to look at fabric. :) She mentioned John Deere fabric, and there was a Valentine's print we both liked. She also found a great print that she wanted for everyday. Unfortunately, the print was sold out online and not in my local stores. I am still searching to find it elsewhere online but so far, no luck. But I did make her some JD napkins. I found this fun print, mostly to tease her hubby as he is the JD fan. And I bought a more traditional print as well.
I washed and dried the fabric right away and got started. I love the way they turned out. And it got me back behind both my machines again. I finished her napkins, I finally finished a Christmas wall hanging of Rudolph that I have been meaning to do for at least 4 years, I have things in place for napkins for a friend (waiting for the right color of Woolly Nylon to arrive) and finally decided to dress up our tree skirt.
Oh, I have had fun this week. :) And I must say that tree skirt will look mighty nice next year. You see, it was just a piece of white fleece with light blue snow flakes. I cut it into a "cape" and lay it around the tree. I have thought about cleaning up the look with some blanket binding. But today, I played with Koolaid and Fold over elastic. I dyed some FOE with Berry Blue Kool Aid, washed it, dried it and sewed it on and it looks awesome!
Speaking of Kool aid... I just mentioned that I used it to DYE elastic, right? WHY would your put something into your kid that can be used to dye clothing? Can you imagine all the things that food coloring might be doing to those ingesting it? Well, you don't really have to imagine it... there is more, if you want to google it, migraine triggers, allergic reactions, possible negative affects on the immune system.
And when you start paying attention to the food you are buying, so much of it has food coloring in it! :( There are the obvious, brightly colored cereals, but also the not so obvious ones such as pickle relish - yes, relish.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
A belated Happy New Year!
We had a nice but uneventful New Year... that's the way we like them as parents. ;-)
Our oldest spent the night at a friends, child 3 spent the night with her cousin and we had just 2/3 of the crew. I think I was in bed by 11. Call me a wild woman. LOL.
I am not really into resolutions, but my sister did call me and ask to help keep her accountable. She wants to eat healthier and exercise more. We agreed to email one another with what we ate. DANG! I hate that accountability thing. :) Sure, she lives 700+ miles away and won't know if I "cheat" - but my jeans will know. AND my daughter put the fear of shopping into me earlier today. You see, Steve's brother is getting married in May. Brandy asked me if I was going to wear the dress that I wore for the work formal in 2008. Well, it was a bit big then, and I am about 5lbs less now, not to mention it is a winter dress. So, no. Then she said "But that is your only nice dress." AHHHHHH! She is right.
I look in the closet when we get home. I have a handful of nice-ish dresses that will pass for a wedding. But, I will need to lose some poundage. Be disciplined, go shopping, be disciplined... Yeah, I'll take no cake, cookies or ice cream for $300, Alex.
Not really looking forward to the wedding. Don't get me wrong, I am excited for Ken and his girlfriend. I hope they have a long and happy marriage... just not looking forward to the formal wedding bit. I feel the noose already. I do think I was spoiled by the last wedding I attended - It was an outdoor ceremony, performed by a minister from the Church of Beer. How could that not be a fun wedding? Campsites were set up. No one needed to leave after the reception - just a big ole party on a farm. The upside to this wedding is that Brandy is somehow going to be in it, Jr. Bridesmaid maybe? I don't know, but she is looking forward to being in a wedding and dressing up. And she will look adorable. :)
Ok, since this has turned into a gripe about the relatives post... how 'bout them grandparents? One set hasn't come out since the Beat was 2 weeks old (she is 25 months old now) but are ok with complaining about how rarely I get out to see them. Um, 700+ miles x 6 kids = 4200 reasons we don't visit regularly. (For the record, I was out this summer, made the trip alone with the kids - then I flew back a mere weeks later for my gpas funeral). And the other ones, oh, the other ones...notorious drive-thrus. The last one was in Jan of 2009 after MIL's mom died. They are seriously here for one, two at most, nights. There are 10 grandkids here. Being here for only one night ensures that we are all in one place for their visit. Then Oma tells us that the kids are a "little overwhelming, aren't they?" Hmm, you come out about once a year for an evening visit, the grandkids get 4-5 hours to visit with you for the whole year. They are all excited to see you, they want to share all kinds of things that have happened to them over the year, that they have planned... [think, the show-off, crazy stage, kids go through for the first few minutes when a loved babysitter comes over for the first time in a few months. Now, multiply it by 10.] Overwhelming, probably, but you set yourself up! Come more often. The kids aren't like that with Laura and Paul (the cousins other grandparents)... oh, wait, they see L & P about once a month, sometimes more. There isn't a year of stuff to share.
I better stop as I am obviously PMSing and a bit pissy to boot.
Our oldest spent the night at a friends, child 3 spent the night with her cousin and we had just 2/3 of the crew. I think I was in bed by 11. Call me a wild woman. LOL.
I am not really into resolutions, but my sister did call me and ask to help keep her accountable. She wants to eat healthier and exercise more. We agreed to email one another with what we ate. DANG! I hate that accountability thing. :) Sure, she lives 700+ miles away and won't know if I "cheat" - but my jeans will know. AND my daughter put the fear of shopping into me earlier today. You see, Steve's brother is getting married in May. Brandy asked me if I was going to wear the dress that I wore for the work formal in 2008. Well, it was a bit big then, and I am about 5lbs less now, not to mention it is a winter dress. So, no. Then she said "But that is your only nice dress." AHHHHHH! She is right.
I look in the closet when we get home. I have a handful of nice-ish dresses that will pass for a wedding. But, I will need to lose some poundage. Be disciplined, go shopping, be disciplined... Yeah, I'll take no cake, cookies or ice cream for $300, Alex.
Not really looking forward to the wedding. Don't get me wrong, I am excited for Ken and his girlfriend. I hope they have a long and happy marriage... just not looking forward to the formal wedding bit. I feel the noose already. I do think I was spoiled by the last wedding I attended - It was an outdoor ceremony, performed by a minister from the Church of Beer. How could that not be a fun wedding? Campsites were set up. No one needed to leave after the reception - just a big ole party on a farm. The upside to this wedding is that Brandy is somehow going to be in it, Jr. Bridesmaid maybe? I don't know, but she is looking forward to being in a wedding and dressing up. And she will look adorable. :)
Ok, since this has turned into a gripe about the relatives post... how 'bout them grandparents? One set hasn't come out since the Beat was 2 weeks old (she is 25 months old now) but are ok with complaining about how rarely I get out to see them. Um, 700+ miles x 6 kids = 4200 reasons we don't visit regularly. (For the record, I was out this summer, made the trip alone with the kids - then I flew back a mere weeks later for my gpas funeral). And the other ones, oh, the other ones...notorious drive-thrus. The last one was in Jan of 2009 after MIL's mom died. They are seriously here for one, two at most, nights. There are 10 grandkids here. Being here for only one night ensures that we are all in one place for their visit. Then Oma tells us that the kids are a "little overwhelming, aren't they?" Hmm, you come out about once a year for an evening visit, the grandkids get 4-5 hours to visit with you for the whole year. They are all excited to see you, they want to share all kinds of things that have happened to them over the year, that they have planned... [think, the show-off, crazy stage, kids go through for the first few minutes when a loved babysitter comes over for the first time in a few months. Now, multiply it by 10.] Overwhelming, probably, but you set yourself up! Come more often. The kids aren't like that with Laura and Paul (the cousins other grandparents)... oh, wait, they see L & P about once a month, sometimes more. There isn't a year of stuff to share.
I better stop as I am obviously PMSing and a bit pissy to boot.
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