...against a 5-disc cd changer.
This morning, I *made* the boys listen to the first in our kids Classical Music series, "Mr. Bach Comes to Call". DS #1 settled into it okay, but DS #2 kept griping at me about how boring it was, and how he didn't like the music.
At the end of the CD, the disc-changer activates, and lo and behold, what should start playing but our latest "Ladies" CD, Barenaked Ladies Are Me.
To which DS #2 says: "Wow! I like Bach!"
<sigh>
Yes, we are all goin' to hell in a handbasket.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Reading Lesson, Nut-house Style
DS #2: (reading a plaque that hangs in our kitchen)
"If Mama Ain't Happy, Ain't Nobody Happy"
(looks at me)
DS #2: Why does it say that?
DH: Because it's true.
DS #2: But why is it hanging right there?
Me: So you won't forget it.
"If Mama Ain't Happy, Ain't Nobody Happy"
(looks at me)
DS #2: Why does it say that?
DH: Because it's true.
DS #2: But why is it hanging right there?
Me: So you won't forget it.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Searching searching...
...for an American History "textbook", well more like a storybook that would be interesting for DS #1 (3rd grade).
We started out this year with "How Our Nation Began" from Emmanuel books. DS #1 took one look at it and informed that he did it last year in school. (Oh, right, your school was one year ahead of each grade.....silly me I forgot. Argh.....I could do a whole post on that. Anyway) And so I was thinking about using the 4th grade history book from Emmanuel books. It's "Our Pioneers and Patriots". And then Kolbe has a great "Atlas of American History" that has tons of maps that help to illustrate battles, immigration tendencies, civil war boundaries, etc.
There is so much out there!
Anyone else have any other recommendations?
Thanks!
We started out this year with "How Our Nation Began" from Emmanuel books. DS #1 took one look at it and informed that he did it last year in school. (Oh, right, your school was one year ahead of each grade.....silly me I forgot. Argh.....I could do a whole post on that. Anyway) And so I was thinking about using the 4th grade history book from Emmanuel books. It's "Our Pioneers and Patriots". And then Kolbe has a great "Atlas of American History" that has tons of maps that help to illustrate battles, immigration tendencies, civil war boundaries, etc.
There is so much out there!
Anyone else have any other recommendations?
Thanks!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Tidy Little Boxes
Read a great post over at Kiwords today. She's one of my favorite stops, her writing is beautiful.
She talks about judging people's outsides against your own insides.
Let's think about that for a moment.
We all do it, don't we?
I sure do.
Kira gives a perfect example, about how her neighbor thinks she always dresses so great, but Kira insists that she would wear jeans if she could find some that fit her properly, and that her dockers are comfy, and when she looks down at the sweater she is wearing, all she sees is the egg yolk stain from breakfast.
Perfect.
There are many Moms I know who seem to have it all together. And especially with homeschooling, there are a few I know who's system rivals the FBI in being a well-oiled, hierarchical machine; with everyone's duties clearly outlined, and all agents reporting in, in concert.
At least that's how it seems. Spend a few heart-to-heart moments with these Moms, and you get a completely different picture.
But, out in the real world, you can't spend heart-to-heart moments with everybody you see. And that's really too bad. (well, I guess in some cases it might be better not to know, eh?) I don't know about you, but I hate the labels people put on me. They find out one thing about you, and wham! slap! goes the label on your forehead.
Examples:
5 kids- breeder
Catholic- uptight
Homeschooler- weirdo idealist
Soccer player- jock chic
Rock music-lover- goin' to Hell in a handbasket
Skinny- super fit
Plump- lazy
Pretty- stuck up
Dress trendy- snob
Dress frumpy- sloppy, dumb
And there are so many more! I can't tell you the number of times I needed a "second go-round" when meeting people. Either they rubbed me the wrong way, or my first impression of them was so entirely off-base, that I needed to re-vamp it and "meet them again" so to speak. And I am so glad I did! A couple who recently moved to California had me up in arms when I first met them. Their son (#3 in their family) kept knocking down my son (only child at the time) and they did nothing. I was not impressed. Fast forward a few years, and we ended up great friends, laughing at the incident, how they were oblivious and I was over-protective....
Oh! And the comparing! It's unreal. Even we Catholic Moms do it. From daily mass to curriculums to children's manners.....
But, thank goodness, we have the common sense of the Faith behind us. How we are all members of the same Body, how we all have a role to play. How there are many different paths to holiness. How we are not to judge.
And guess what?
That goes for ourselves. We are not to hold ourselves to other's standards. We are to be honest and realistic at the same time. This is the toughest thing of all.
We may not be at the same place in our Faith journey as someone else. Should we be content where we are? No, we must keep striving, keep moving forward. But we must not be disheartened.
Things are not always what they seem.
And that is why we pray for each other, and hold each other in our hearts. Not to compare, but to love...
OK, off my soapbox now. These are a few things I needed to write out today to sort through some stuff...
Thanks.
She talks about judging people's outsides against your own insides.
Let's think about that for a moment.
We all do it, don't we?
I sure do.
Kira gives a perfect example, about how her neighbor thinks she always dresses so great, but Kira insists that she would wear jeans if she could find some that fit her properly, and that her dockers are comfy, and when she looks down at the sweater she is wearing, all she sees is the egg yolk stain from breakfast.
Perfect.
There are many Moms I know who seem to have it all together. And especially with homeschooling, there are a few I know who's system rivals the FBI in being a well-oiled, hierarchical machine; with everyone's duties clearly outlined, and all agents reporting in, in concert.
At least that's how it seems. Spend a few heart-to-heart moments with these Moms, and you get a completely different picture.
But, out in the real world, you can't spend heart-to-heart moments with everybody you see. And that's really too bad. (well, I guess in some cases it might be better not to know, eh?) I don't know about you, but I hate the labels people put on me. They find out one thing about you, and wham! slap! goes the label on your forehead.
Examples:
5 kids- breeder
Catholic- uptight
Homeschooler- weirdo idealist
Soccer player- jock chic
Rock music-lover- goin' to Hell in a handbasket
Skinny- super fit
Plump- lazy
Pretty- stuck up
Dress trendy- snob
Dress frumpy- sloppy, dumb
And there are so many more! I can't tell you the number of times I needed a "second go-round" when meeting people. Either they rubbed me the wrong way, or my first impression of them was so entirely off-base, that I needed to re-vamp it and "meet them again" so to speak. And I am so glad I did! A couple who recently moved to California had me up in arms when I first met them. Their son (#3 in their family) kept knocking down my son (only child at the time) and they did nothing. I was not impressed. Fast forward a few years, and we ended up great friends, laughing at the incident, how they were oblivious and I was over-protective....
Oh! And the comparing! It's unreal. Even we Catholic Moms do it. From daily mass to curriculums to children's manners.....
But, thank goodness, we have the common sense of the Faith behind us. How we are all members of the same Body, how we all have a role to play. How there are many different paths to holiness. How we are not to judge.
And guess what?
That goes for ourselves. We are not to hold ourselves to other's standards. We are to be honest and realistic at the same time. This is the toughest thing of all.
We may not be at the same place in our Faith journey as someone else. Should we be content where we are? No, we must keep striving, keep moving forward. But we must not be disheartened.
Things are not always what they seem.
And that is why we pray for each other, and hold each other in our hearts. Not to compare, but to love...
OK, off my soapbox now. These are a few things I needed to write out today to sort through some stuff...
Thanks.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
My brother...
...is a great writer, as evidenced by the first few posts on his blog.
"T" is 11 years my junior. I spent most of my teenage years revelling in his cuteness and rescuing Mom from his constant mess-making by scooping him up each afternoon on my way to my room after I got home from school. There, I would wrestle with him, tossing him on my bed, tossing pillows on top of him, and just tossing things around in general. I even wrote a poem for him as one of my English assignments, expressing my wish that we would always be close.
He's a great guy, and an awesome uncle to my kids.
And his writing career is off to a great start.
Enjoy.
"T" is 11 years my junior. I spent most of my teenage years revelling in his cuteness and rescuing Mom from his constant mess-making by scooping him up each afternoon on my way to my room after I got home from school. There, I would wrestle with him, tossing him on my bed, tossing pillows on top of him, and just tossing things around in general. I even wrote a poem for him as one of my English assignments, expressing my wish that we would always be close.
He's a great guy, and an awesome uncle to my kids.
And his writing career is off to a great start.
Enjoy.
What NOT to ask...
...your Mama after coming home from a grueling 3 hour co-op to breakfast dishes and starving children, ready for lunch....
DS #2: Mom, do you know what we're having for dinner tonight?
DS #2: Mom, do you know what we're having for dinner tonight?
Monday, September 25, 2006
Rules, Rules...
Overheard in the Livingroom:
DS #1: (after DS #2 lost his tooth and was unable to find it for the fourth time today) Don't worry, the Tooth Fairy knows you lost it and will still leave you a dollar.
Mom: That rule only applies when your younger sister swallows it, not when you lose it, baggy and all, by yourself.
Yes, we have had a tooth-swallowing incident here, a few short years ago.
I'll give you one guess which younger sister up-ended the bottle we were keeping it in, and swallowed the dang thing whole.
One guess.
DS #1: (after DS #2 lost his tooth and was unable to find it for the fourth time today) Don't worry, the Tooth Fairy knows you lost it and will still leave you a dollar.
Mom: That rule only applies when your younger sister swallows it, not when you lose it, baggy and all, by yourself.
Yes, we have had a tooth-swallowing incident here, a few short years ago.
I'll give you one guess which younger sister up-ended the bottle we were keeping it in, and swallowed the dang thing whole.
One guess.
Second (or Fifth) Thoughts....
And so, one of our homeschooling co-op mates has elected to put her eldest in school. It's actually the same school that DS #1 attended last year! It's an excellent school, with a rock-solid administration, and amazing teachers. The families are very supportive and I couldn't think of any reason not to send one's kiddos there! Except $$$$, of course. Which is one reason why we decided to homeschool this year.
Here's the deal.
I'm being hit with the "not-enough" syndrome again.
When I see my ruffian boys sprawling in the dirt, swords swishing in the air as they roll over each other in a pirate dance, at 1pm, I think....surely they're missing something in their curriculum? Surely there are a few more worksheets I could drum up from somewhere, so I'll feel like they're accomplishing something?
When I see my eldest perusing the NASA website, or constructing a building in the dirt (using mud as cement) I wonder if I should haul him over to the homeschool table for more flashcard work, or math drills.
I worry about the boys when they spend so much time listening to books on tape (Little House series are the favorite right now), thinking they need to be doing something more academic, like writing their dissertation?
:)
Just joking about the dissertation.
But not about everything else.
I really do worry that my (our) choices for this year aren't up to par. I try so hard to create a learning environment in the home, so that when the kids aren't doing formal schooling, they are still learning something.
But, I still get hooked, and caught up in what we do versus "real, serious" school.
Thoughts....
Answers....
Hope....?
Here's the deal.
I'm being hit with the "not-enough" syndrome again.
When I see my ruffian boys sprawling in the dirt, swords swishing in the air as they roll over each other in a pirate dance, at 1pm, I think....surely they're missing something in their curriculum? Surely there are a few more worksheets I could drum up from somewhere, so I'll feel like they're accomplishing something?
When I see my eldest perusing the NASA website, or constructing a building in the dirt (using mud as cement) I wonder if I should haul him over to the homeschool table for more flashcard work, or math drills.
I worry about the boys when they spend so much time listening to books on tape (Little House series are the favorite right now), thinking they need to be doing something more academic, like writing their dissertation?
:)
Just joking about the dissertation.
But not about everything else.
I really do worry that my (our) choices for this year aren't up to par. I try so hard to create a learning environment in the home, so that when the kids aren't doing formal schooling, they are still learning something.
But, I still get hooked, and caught up in what we do versus "real, serious" school.
Thoughts....
Answers....
Hope....?
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Prayers... *updated*
...for my beloved alma mater.
Because of the enormous fire located in the Los Padres National Forest (of which the campus is a border) the students have been evacuated.
I haven't heard from my sister, who is a freshman, but I am not too worried, since she knows so many people, and is probably already in either a fellow student's home, or a professor's home. Of course, I'll feel better once I speak with her!
The campus is absolutely beautiful, and it would be heartwrenching if it were lost...
Please pray for the campus, the homes, the firefighters, and all who have been evacuated!
Thank you.
**updated to say, that I just spoke with CA sis, and CO sis is with her, safely away from the fires, and having a smashing time (literally, since they are now about to play a rousing game of croquet whilst sipping aged vintage.....I asked if I could evacuate...)**
Because of the enormous fire located in the Los Padres National Forest (of which the campus is a border) the students have been evacuated.
I haven't heard from my sister, who is a freshman, but I am not too worried, since she knows so many people, and is probably already in either a fellow student's home, or a professor's home. Of course, I'll feel better once I speak with her!
The campus is absolutely beautiful, and it would be heartwrenching if it were lost...
Please pray for the campus, the homes, the firefighters, and all who have been evacuated!
Thank you.
**updated to say, that I just spoke with CA sis, and CO sis is with her, safely away from the fires, and having a smashing time (literally, since they are now about to play a rousing game of croquet whilst sipping aged vintage.....I asked if I could evacuate...)**
Saturday, September 23, 2006
The Good News is....Nothing's Broken (or, how to waste a couple of hours at the ER)
Seems that DD #3 needed something a bit more official than just strawberry cupcakes to commemorate her 2nd birthday....
I know, I know, how about a trip to Children's Hospital!
Yessiree.
Little Mae-love decided that the 18"x18"x2" cement block Papa had set upright on the ground really needed to be laid down, directly on top of her very own pudgy foot. While she screamed bloody murder, her two oh-so-helpful big brothers ran around the house with their hands over their ears (more from fright than the noise...I know, it's weird, I don't know where they get it from!) screaming, "her foot! her foot!"
I dashed outside and heaved the 10 ton block off her squished toes.
We gave her ibuprofen, and a cold washcloth, and thought we should bring her in. I couldn't imagine that her little foot could have weathered that crash.
She was a trooper throughout the whole ordeal, the x-rays, the probing, the blood pressure taking, the pulse-rate monitoring...(why does every person within a ten foot radius of the child have to listen to her heart??)
As noted in the title of this post, nothing is broken. But she will be sore for awhile, and I will feel like I have a newborn, since she prefers to be carried rather than limp along eveywhere....
It's about time for a newborn around here, anyway, right? (no, I have no. news.)
;)
I know, I know, how about a trip to Children's Hospital!
Yessiree.
Little Mae-love decided that the 18"x18"x2" cement block Papa had set upright on the ground really needed to be laid down, directly on top of her very own pudgy foot. While she screamed bloody murder, her two oh-so-helpful big brothers ran around the house with their hands over their ears (more from fright than the noise...I know, it's weird, I don't know where they get it from!) screaming, "her foot! her foot!"
I dashed outside and heaved the 10 ton block off her squished toes.
We gave her ibuprofen, and a cold washcloth, and thought we should bring her in. I couldn't imagine that her little foot could have weathered that crash.
She was a trooper throughout the whole ordeal, the x-rays, the probing, the blood pressure taking, the pulse-rate monitoring...(why does every person within a ten foot radius of the child have to listen to her heart??)
As noted in the title of this post, nothing is broken. But she will be sore for awhile, and I will feel like I have a newborn, since she prefers to be carried rather than limp along eveywhere....
It's about time for a newborn around here, anyway, right? (no, I have no. news.)
;)
Friday, September 22, 2006
Grumpy Birthday to You!
Well, it's DD #3's birthday today.
And you know what that means.
Grump-a-rama!
It seems that, without fail, the birthday girl (or boy) is the grumpiest on their birthday. The day that Mama and Papa want to celebrate their birth and spoil them a little extra, the little princess decides to be a tyrant.
So far today, she's had 4 temper tantrums, bitten her sister, and taken away approximately 23 toys. It's been so bad, she even put herself into the corner....
And so, she is officially two years old!
And you know what that means.
Grump-a-rama!
It seems that, without fail, the birthday girl (or boy) is the grumpiest on their birthday. The day that Mama and Papa want to celebrate their birth and spoil them a little extra, the little princess decides to be a tyrant.
So far today, she's had 4 temper tantrums, bitten her sister, and taken away approximately 23 toys. It's been so bad, she even put herself into the corner....
And so, she is officially two years old!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
A quick question...
Is it just me, or does anyone else spend countless minutes of every day putting Mr. Potato Head's hind quarters back on him? What is it about that part of him that none of my children are able to manage replacing it independently?
Showering themselves? Dressing themselves? Feeding themselves?
All overrated.
I just want them to able to put Mr. Potato Head's butt back on!
Just thought I'd share.....
:)
Showering themselves? Dressing themselves? Feeding themselves?
All overrated.
I just want them to able to put Mr. Potato Head's butt back on!
Just thought I'd share.....
:)
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Out with the Old, In with the New
Just doing a bit of clean up on my side bar.
Nothing against anyone over there, but I have deleted some links, and added some. The blogs I deleted never visit me anyway, and do not link to me either, so no love lost.
The new blogs are mommy blogs, new ones to me, and these mommy's have visited me and since I have visited them, I thought I would add them.
So, do go enjoy when you have a few spare moments.
Which leads me to a related topic.....meeting fellow bloggers.
I am NOT a hardcore blogger. And the thought of meeting other mommy bloggers seemed so remote that when I heard that other bloggers would set up these "meet-fests" I would smirk and shake my head.....I am so NOT a hardcore blogger!
And now I have been invited to meet a bunch of awesome Christian mommy bloggers in my hometown next month. I am really really nervous. Because I am super super shy around people I don't know. And I am trying desperately to "get to know" these 24 other women by reading their blogs....and I'm noticing that they all comment on each other's blogs all the time!! AACK!
I'm feeling a little out of the loop.
Anyhow, that's next month. I need to get through this month.
And, I almost didn't!
Here's that story. At my soccer game on Sunday, I got bit by a Black Widow spider.
Obviously, it's Wednesday, so I didn't die or anything. But isn't that crazy?? And boy, did it hurt. I didn't know what bit me, just that it hurt, and then I just kept running around trying play my game. We tied, no thanks to me or the torrential downpour, but my leg was starting to seize up by the time I got home. I called the doctor on call, who told me to go to the ER, but I figured since my heart had been pounding all during the game (due to me being out of shape) surely I would be dead by now if there had been a fatal dose of anything venomous in my system. So, I took some Benadryl and went to bed.
Three days later, and I finally get to the doctor, since now it's white on top, surrounded by red and starting to streak. My doctor says it definitely looks like a widow bite, and that I was lucky it was, and not a brown recluse spider bite....since those are really really nasty looking.
So, now I'm on Zyrtec, for the itching.
Any weird stories out there from you guys today?
Nothing against anyone over there, but I have deleted some links, and added some. The blogs I deleted never visit me anyway, and do not link to me either, so no love lost.
The new blogs are mommy blogs, new ones to me, and these mommy's have visited me and since I have visited them, I thought I would add them.
So, do go enjoy when you have a few spare moments.
Which leads me to a related topic.....meeting fellow bloggers.
I am NOT a hardcore blogger. And the thought of meeting other mommy bloggers seemed so remote that when I heard that other bloggers would set up these "meet-fests" I would smirk and shake my head.....I am so NOT a hardcore blogger!
And now I have been invited to meet a bunch of awesome Christian mommy bloggers in my hometown next month. I am really really nervous. Because I am super super shy around people I don't know. And I am trying desperately to "get to know" these 24 other women by reading their blogs....and I'm noticing that they all comment on each other's blogs all the time!! AACK!
I'm feeling a little out of the loop.
Anyhow, that's next month. I need to get through this month.
And, I almost didn't!
Here's that story. At my soccer game on Sunday, I got bit by a Black Widow spider.
Obviously, it's Wednesday, so I didn't die or anything. But isn't that crazy?? And boy, did it hurt. I didn't know what bit me, just that it hurt, and then I just kept running around trying play my game. We tied, no thanks to me or the torrential downpour, but my leg was starting to seize up by the time I got home. I called the doctor on call, who told me to go to the ER, but I figured since my heart had been pounding all during the game (due to me being out of shape) surely I would be dead by now if there had been a fatal dose of anything venomous in my system. So, I took some Benadryl and went to bed.
Three days later, and I finally get to the doctor, since now it's white on top, surrounded by red and starting to streak. My doctor says it definitely looks like a widow bite, and that I was lucky it was, and not a brown recluse spider bite....since those are really really nasty looking.
So, now I'm on Zyrtec, for the itching.
Any weird stories out there from you guys today?
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Teaching Kids to Read
Teresa had a great question about teaching kids to read.
Of course, I have my opinions and thought I would share.
I am currently using a program that was designed to teach kids how to read by using phonogram cards and having the kids "memorize" the sound each letter makes. The kids learn all 70 sounds, and once they have them down pat, they then begin to form words with them. I am using this method with my 2nd and 3rd grader for spelling only. My personal opinion is that when kids want to read, they want to read. And the sooner they have their own book to read (book 1 of the Bob books, for example) the more excited they are about reading.
And so, I used an eclectic approach when teaching DD #1. (my boys learned to read in the Montessori school they had attended) Hooked on Phonics had sent me a little "teaser" set that included phonogram cards (blech) 5 little books, (yay) and a drill book that listed short 'a' and short'i' blends. Like: at, bat, hat, mat, sat, etc. Each page featuring a different blend. Once DD could master a few of those pages, she was ready for the first book. Oh! She was super proud!
After her success with the short 'a' sound, I picked up with the Little Angel Reader series available from Emmanuel Books. They start with the short'a' sound too. We are currently working on the last sound of Reader A, the short 'o'. And then she will move to Reader B. I think we may be a tad bit behind, but I'm confident she knows it and will pick up the pace on her own. DS #2 has read all the Readers, but still needs to finish the workbook pages. He loves to read, but isn't thrilled about doing the work!
On a related note here, I noticed that DD #1's handwriting had a lot to be desired. And so we went through the Handwriting Without Tears program. It just gave her a set explanation of how to form each letter. There are other programs, to be sure, I just chose one that had some manipulatives and a catchy cd....(yes, I'm a sucker for those things)
I think I will do the same thing for DD #2 next year. It just seemed to work better, to go slowly at first, to let them form the words, to show them what to do with these sounds they are learning. The purpose of the letters is the sounds they make in a word, after all. And I think that making them memorize all the sounds at once might confuse the kids, and they may end up thinking that the means to the end is the end...
My two cents......anyone else?
Of course, I have my opinions and thought I would share.
I am currently using a program that was designed to teach kids how to read by using phonogram cards and having the kids "memorize" the sound each letter makes. The kids learn all 70 sounds, and once they have them down pat, they then begin to form words with them. I am using this method with my 2nd and 3rd grader for spelling only. My personal opinion is that when kids want to read, they want to read. And the sooner they have their own book to read (book 1 of the Bob books, for example) the more excited they are about reading.
And so, I used an eclectic approach when teaching DD #1. (my boys learned to read in the Montessori school they had attended) Hooked on Phonics had sent me a little "teaser" set that included phonogram cards (blech) 5 little books, (yay) and a drill book that listed short 'a' and short'i' blends. Like: at, bat, hat, mat, sat, etc. Each page featuring a different blend. Once DD could master a few of those pages, she was ready for the first book. Oh! She was super proud!
After her success with the short 'a' sound, I picked up with the Little Angel Reader series available from Emmanuel Books. They start with the short'a' sound too. We are currently working on the last sound of Reader A, the short 'o'. And then she will move to Reader B. I think we may be a tad bit behind, but I'm confident she knows it and will pick up the pace on her own. DS #2 has read all the Readers, but still needs to finish the workbook pages. He loves to read, but isn't thrilled about doing the work!
On a related note here, I noticed that DD #1's handwriting had a lot to be desired. And so we went through the Handwriting Without Tears program. It just gave her a set explanation of how to form each letter. There are other programs, to be sure, I just chose one that had some manipulatives and a catchy cd....(yes, I'm a sucker for those things)
I think I will do the same thing for DD #2 next year. It just seemed to work better, to go slowly at first, to let them form the words, to show them what to do with these sounds they are learning. The purpose of the letters is the sounds they make in a word, after all. And I think that making them memorize all the sounds at once might confuse the kids, and they may end up thinking that the means to the end is the end...
My two cents......anyone else?
Monday, September 18, 2006
Classic...
...BNL song off of their new album.
This band that I love has a way of taking a situation and bringing out the irony of it. Example, "When I Fall" is about a window washer who is afraid of heights. Anyway, "Bank Job" is about a bank heist gone wrong because.....well, listen and see.
It's classic...
And you will have to put up with my excitement over the next two months or so, at least until we go see them in concert.
Sorry.
(not really)
:)
ps. when you get to the myspace website, click on "Bank Job" at the right, and turn up your volume...it's a mellow song, don't worry.
This band that I love has a way of taking a situation and bringing out the irony of it. Example, "When I Fall" is about a window washer who is afraid of heights. Anyway, "Bank Job" is about a bank heist gone wrong because.....well, listen and see.
It's classic...
And you will have to put up with my excitement over the next two months or so, at least until we go see them in concert.
Sorry.
(not really)
:)
ps. when you get to the myspace website, click on "Bank Job" at the right, and turn up your volume...it's a mellow song, don't worry.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
It's been a month...
...I think. And if it hasn't, please don't bring it to my attention that my house is way more out of control than I'd like to admit.
So, here's the contest.
Name me some things that are out of place, in the most wackiest (double superlative, I know) places in your house.
Here's mine:
1. outdoor spotlight on top shelf of bookshelf
2. Obi Wan child-size light saber on tippy top of same book shelf
3. grocery bag of paper garbage hangs on the sliding glass door
4. DD #2's sandals in our bookshelf (OK, just what isn't in our bookshelf?)
5. Yes, the bee is still frozen in a cup of ice in our freezer...
6. And until just recently, Aqua Man has been hanging from a thread (literally, I think it was pink thread) from one of the knobs to the closet in our bedroom...a souvenir from the days when the kids occupied our room...
Take a gander around your abode and let us know what you find!
So, here's the contest.
Name me some things that are out of place, in the most wackiest (double superlative, I know) places in your house.
Here's mine:
1. outdoor spotlight on top shelf of bookshelf
2. Obi Wan child-size light saber on tippy top of same book shelf
3. grocery bag of paper garbage hangs on the sliding glass door
4. DD #2's sandals in our bookshelf (OK, just what isn't in our bookshelf?)
5. Yes, the bee is still frozen in a cup of ice in our freezer...
6. And until just recently, Aqua Man has been hanging from a thread (literally, I think it was pink thread) from one of the knobs to the closet in our bedroom...a souvenir from the days when the kids occupied our room...
Take a gander around your abode and let us know what you find!
Friday, September 15, 2006
Randomness
Just a few random thoughts floating around my head this evening...
** Any concern that buying that extra set of glassware would result in an overstocked cupboard is being dashed (literally) by the earnest efforts of DD #1, who must have a large adult glass full of water when taking a break from playing outside, and absolutely must bring it into the bathroom thus ensuring that when it falls out of her grasp, the saltillo tile will smash it into approximately 8.9 billion pieces. I'll be needing that extra set sooner than I thought.
** How do mosquitos find that one spot between your toes that you missed with the Off summer scent family spray?
** When discerning one's vocation, one really needs to consider how one is motivated. One of my sisters is almost a self-moved mover (almost = not God) she runs and works out and studies hard and inflicts all kinds of misery on her body and mind. I, on the other hand, am being constantly propelled forward by little beings that seem to live under the same roof as I do, having made replicas of my heart, and daring to walk around with them. Case in point as well, I hate running and will only do so if there is a soccer ball around....and even then, sometimes I won't bc/ sometimes it's not worth it. (toooo tired!) And so, God has chosen my vocation well. He gave me one where I can't help but lose myself in it.
** Allow me a moment to brag, sorry! But I am amazed that my (almost) two year old knows so many signs! Thanks to our Signing Time DVD watching, she can do the signs for boots, hat, eat, leaf, tree, and baby....with no reminding! Sometimes, she'll just come up to me out of the blue, saying "boots" and doing the sign for it. I'm a believer, and if/when God blesses me with #6, we are doing sign language from day #1.
** And last, but certainly not least, as I was typing this evening, here is what I turned around to see:
Yes, DD #2 had to inform me that Papa needed to come home (he's working late) because he has to have dinner. But, well, maybe he needs to eat dessert at work and then he'll come home... and, do we have any glow sticks? (recognize the blankie, CMW?)
** Any concern that buying that extra set of glassware would result in an overstocked cupboard is being dashed (literally) by the earnest efforts of DD #1, who must have a large adult glass full of water when taking a break from playing outside, and absolutely must bring it into the bathroom thus ensuring that when it falls out of her grasp, the saltillo tile will smash it into approximately 8.9 billion pieces. I'll be needing that extra set sooner than I thought.
** How do mosquitos find that one spot between your toes that you missed with the Off summer scent family spray?
** When discerning one's vocation, one really needs to consider how one is motivated. One of my sisters is almost a self-moved mover (almost = not God) she runs and works out and studies hard and inflicts all kinds of misery on her body and mind. I, on the other hand, am being constantly propelled forward by little beings that seem to live under the same roof as I do, having made replicas of my heart, and daring to walk around with them. Case in point as well, I hate running and will only do so if there is a soccer ball around....and even then, sometimes I won't bc/ sometimes it's not worth it. (toooo tired!) And so, God has chosen my vocation well. He gave me one where I can't help but lose myself in it.
** Allow me a moment to brag, sorry! But I am amazed that my (almost) two year old knows so many signs! Thanks to our Signing Time DVD watching, she can do the signs for boots, hat, eat, leaf, tree, and baby....with no reminding! Sometimes, she'll just come up to me out of the blue, saying "boots" and doing the sign for it. I'm a believer, and if/when God blesses me with #6, we are doing sign language from day #1.
** And last, but certainly not least, as I was typing this evening, here is what I turned around to see:
Yes, DD #2 had to inform me that Papa needed to come home (he's working late) because he has to have dinner. But, well, maybe he needs to eat dessert at work and then he'll come home... and, do we have any glow sticks? (recognize the blankie, CMW?)
Thought-provoking...
...read over at Owlhaven.
No, I haven't linked to Mary, mom to many. But her blog is worth a quick post here.
Mary has 8 children, 4 of whom are adopted from Ethiopia. She lives in a big house on a hill surrounded by a huge garden, and, of course, owls.
Her regular posts are filled with fun anecdotes about her children and their life. She is real, normal, and very blessed.
This month she has named 30 days of nothing. She has vowed to buy only the necessities, no clothes, treats, or books, for 30 days. She has even done extra projects like have her children wash clothes by hand, and one day all they had was rice (and apples or veggies) all day long. All of this to help get them in touch with what it is like for many many others in our world.
In the meantime, she has saved oodles of money. Her monthly grocery bill is usually around $700, (remember, they have a big garden!) and I think last count, she had only spent a bit over $150. And she is almost half-way through the month.
Amazing, huh?
Go check out her daily status and many other fun stories she has to share!
No, I haven't linked to Mary, mom to many. But her blog is worth a quick post here.
Mary has 8 children, 4 of whom are adopted from Ethiopia. She lives in a big house on a hill surrounded by a huge garden, and, of course, owls.
Her regular posts are filled with fun anecdotes about her children and their life. She is real, normal, and very blessed.
This month she has named 30 days of nothing. She has vowed to buy only the necessities, no clothes, treats, or books, for 30 days. She has even done extra projects like have her children wash clothes by hand, and one day all they had was rice (and apples or veggies) all day long. All of this to help get them in touch with what it is like for many many others in our world.
In the meantime, she has saved oodles of money. Her monthly grocery bill is usually around $700, (remember, they have a big garden!) and I think last count, she had only spent a bit over $150. And she is almost half-way through the month.
Amazing, huh?
Go check out her daily status and many other fun stories she has to share!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Chocolate...
...and skipping your exercise regimen for the day are sure-fire remedies for a migraine, right?
Oh!
And a 40 minute nap in the sun (with an ice pack on your forehead, of course)...
And lots of chatting with good friends on the phone...
And no housework; cooking, cleaning, or otherwise...
Yes, I think I've got this migraine thing beat.
;)
Oh!
And a 40 minute nap in the sun (with an ice pack on your forehead, of course)...
And lots of chatting with good friends on the phone...
And no housework; cooking, cleaning, or otherwise...
Yes, I think I've got this migraine thing beat.
;)
Words for Today...
lightning
jackhammer
strain
cement
blinding
nausea
screeching
noise
Yes, I do have a migraine today, whatever made you ask?
jackhammer
strain
cement
blinding
nausea
screeching
noise
Yes, I do have a migraine today, whatever made you ask?
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Schedules and Routines...
I am not a schedule person. I hate adhering to the clock, and would much rather my day flow rather than be held to down to strict time schemes.
That being said, I love to finish up homeschool and look at the clock and realize that it is only 10 minutes after 11. (like today)
The kids are now watching a Signing Time DVD after having "learned" how to make banana muffins.
Of course, the house is a wreck.
And that's what I want to chat about today.
And no, I'm not going to complain. (I can hear the relief) lol
I was talking to a friend a few weeks ago about routine. She had tried Flylady, (who I love!) and also A Mother's Rule of Life (which is not for me) And she crashed and burned.
I don't blame her.
Both of these methods can be overwhelming if you try to do the whole thing all at once. I coached her to try one thing this month: make tv a privilege to work for. In other words, have the kids clean a specific area before they can turn on the tube. At least that area will be spotless for most of the day, and make her feel like she has a handle on something. (background: she just had a baby and things-and kids- were getting a little out of control....like we don't know how that is!)
I spoke with her yesterday, and she has two whole days under her belt. And the sound of her voice was one of victory and strength. I was soooo happy to hear it!
One big change I have had to make this year in homeschooling is not to let the mess impede my schooling. I have this image in my head of homeschooling, and in the background, there is an immaculately clean house. And so last year, I would sacrifice a day of schooling to get the house clean, thinking that I could make up the work the next day with a clean house.
What was I thinking? Did I really think that once the house was clean, it would stay that way? Apparently I was thatoptimistic naive the entire year. This year, we wade through the mess some mornings to get to the homeschool table, sharpen our pencils and begin our day. I know subconsciously that chaos impedes work habits, but I also know that no school hinders their work even more. And so I have let that perfectionism in me go. I try my best to keep things organized and picked up, but I will not let the house dicate when we do schooling and when we do not.
What about you? Any secrets or suggestions to share? Any changes you've made that have helped you?
That being said, I love to finish up homeschool and look at the clock and realize that it is only 10 minutes after 11. (like today)
The kids are now watching a Signing Time DVD after having "learned" how to make banana muffins.
Of course, the house is a wreck.
And that's what I want to chat about today.
And no, I'm not going to complain. (I can hear the relief) lol
I was talking to a friend a few weeks ago about routine. She had tried Flylady, (who I love!) and also A Mother's Rule of Life (which is not for me) And she crashed and burned.
I don't blame her.
Both of these methods can be overwhelming if you try to do the whole thing all at once. I coached her to try one thing this month: make tv a privilege to work for. In other words, have the kids clean a specific area before they can turn on the tube. At least that area will be spotless for most of the day, and make her feel like she has a handle on something. (background: she just had a baby and things-and kids- were getting a little out of control....like we don't know how that is!)
I spoke with her yesterday, and she has two whole days under her belt. And the sound of her voice was one of victory and strength. I was soooo happy to hear it!
One big change I have had to make this year in homeschooling is not to let the mess impede my schooling. I have this image in my head of homeschooling, and in the background, there is an immaculately clean house. And so last year, I would sacrifice a day of schooling to get the house clean, thinking that I could make up the work the next day with a clean house.
What was I thinking? Did I really think that once the house was clean, it would stay that way? Apparently I was that
What about you? Any secrets or suggestions to share? Any changes you've made that have helped you?
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Lesson learned...
Yesterday was a horrific day.
It all started the day before. Funny how decisions made the previous day can affect the entire next day. I was nursing my wounds and ego from my soccer game, eating lots of yummy food and visiting with friends (yes, we had friends over that evening....yes, I am crazy) and when it came time to straighten up the house and get things ready for school in the morning, I opted out and went to bed. No big deal, I thought, I'll just get up early and do it in the morning.
Enter DD #3, who decided that the hours from 11pm-1am would be the perfect time to wail for no apparent reason.
Enter DD #2, who needed absolutely to sleep with us from 1am-6am.
Enter DS #1, who had a small accident and needed to be tended to at 6:30am
Of course, I didn't get up at 6:30am, (although I could have) and as a result fell into the deepest sleep known to man. You know the kind, with your mouth hanging open, and your joints solidified into cement....
So that when I was awakened at 8:30am, I was already behind. And spent the whole day that way.
Grumpy Mama. (ARGH)
Last night, DH ran the dishwasher and emptied it for me. We cleaned up the living areas and homeschool area. I got the kids' clipboards set with all of their work. And woke up at 7am to get a jump start on my day.
And how am I spending this wonderful gift of extra time?
Blogging, of course....
:)
It all started the day before. Funny how decisions made the previous day can affect the entire next day. I was nursing my wounds and ego from my soccer game, eating lots of yummy food and visiting with friends (yes, we had friends over that evening....yes, I am crazy) and when it came time to straighten up the house and get things ready for school in the morning, I opted out and went to bed. No big deal, I thought, I'll just get up early and do it in the morning.
Enter DD #3, who decided that the hours from 11pm-1am would be the perfect time to wail for no apparent reason.
Enter DD #2, who needed absolutely to sleep with us from 1am-6am.
Enter DS #1, who had a small accident and needed to be tended to at 6:30am
Of course, I didn't get up at 6:30am, (although I could have) and as a result fell into the deepest sleep known to man. You know the kind, with your mouth hanging open, and your joints solidified into cement....
So that when I was awakened at 8:30am, I was already behind. And spent the whole day that way.
Grumpy Mama. (ARGH)
Last night, DH ran the dishwasher and emptied it for me. We cleaned up the living areas and homeschool area. I got the kids' clipboards set with all of their work. And woke up at 7am to get a jump start on my day.
And how am I spending this wonderful gift of extra time?
Blogging, of course....
:)
Sunday, September 10, 2006
When playing soccer...
...it is always a good idea to pay attention to the name of the opposing team.
Like, when they call themselves Collision?
There is probably a very good reason for it.
Ouch.
I have to share a frusteration here. I have been doing a bit of running every other day this week, with some muscle-toning exercises on my off-running days. I was pretty proud of myself, for having accomplished this for the entire week.
Did it make a difference?
Maybe. We'll see how sore I am tomorrow. But when I was out there, it sure didn't seem to be any easier at all.
The problem today seemed to be that I put my cleats on the wrong feet....as in, they were not my feet, just someone else's random feet lying around. I couldn't do a thing with the ball today. It kept bouncing off of me, or I would miss it entirely. I felt like a clown.
Between that, being winded, and bouncing off the opposing team who did a great job of living up to their namesake, I am feeling very bruised physically, and my self-esteem isn't doing so great either.....
Share some love in the combox, if you so desire....
:)
Like, when they call themselves Collision?
There is probably a very good reason for it.
Ouch.
I have to share a frusteration here. I have been doing a bit of running every other day this week, with some muscle-toning exercises on my off-running days. I was pretty proud of myself, for having accomplished this for the entire week.
Did it make a difference?
Maybe. We'll see how sore I am tomorrow. But when I was out there, it sure didn't seem to be any easier at all.
The problem today seemed to be that I put my cleats on the wrong feet....as in, they were not my feet, just someone else's random feet lying around. I couldn't do a thing with the ball today. It kept bouncing off of me, or I would miss it entirely. I felt like a clown.
Between that, being winded, and bouncing off the opposing team who did a great job of living up to their namesake, I am feeling very bruised physically, and my self-esteem isn't doing so great either.....
Share some love in the combox, if you so desire....
:)
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Attractions
DD #1 is 6 years old. She and her brothers are obsessed with Star Wars. Specifically, these days, with Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Now, before you think we just turned on the movie for them and walked away, let me explain that they have seen approximately one-eighth of the film. Just the battle scenes, and only three of those. Nothing else.
I can really see more about the personality of my children when they reveal to me who is their favorite character in these types of movies.
DS #1: (ever the adventuresome one) Anakin, but only before he turns to the dark side. (again, they never saw him as Lord Vader, they just *know* it happens)
DS #2: (ever the sensible, attracted to the good) Obi-Wan, no question about it. Feels disdain for those who disagree.
DD #1: (ever the romantic one) Anakin, and she likes to pretend that Pad-me changes his mind about going to the dark side.
DD #2: (see all previous posts about her) Chewbacca, need there be an explanation?
DD #3: Leia, she's too little to actually say, but she always grabs Leia away from whoever is playing with her.
DD #1's choice got me thinking. It made me realize how similar she and I are. You see, as a goody-two-shoes for my entire life, I was naturally attracted to guys that were not. Luckily, since I was/am such a goody-two-shoes, I never got burned. I had crushes on, and/or dated guys in high school who wore earrings, were jocks and had cars. (a big thing back in my day, in my high school)
And when I met DH in college....he was the wildest-looking one there! He had this hair like Robert Smith from The Cure, crazy-trendy clothes, and a bit of a "devil-may-care" attitude. He was athletic, and fit, and fun. And I was immediately attracted to him.
The funny thing is, he was immediately attracted to me because he thought, "now, here is girl who can straighten me out..." So, while I was looking for some fun, he was looking for some life-altering improvements. And so, we balanced each other perfectly.
I was (am) lucky. You see, God took what I was attracted to, and turned it into me finding my soul-mate for life. He took a guy who was a bit of a "rebel" in my eyes, made him come from an awesome family that brought him up in the sacraments. And so, I was neither burned nor disappointed. My DH has lots of fun stories to tell and experiences to share ("war stories"....I'm sure there are a few I haven't heard...) yet he ends up being this rock-solid amazing husband and father.
Now there's a combination you don't come across too often.
I have high hopes for DD #1. May God bless her as abundantly as He has me.
I can really see more about the personality of my children when they reveal to me who is their favorite character in these types of movies.
DS #1: (ever the adventuresome one) Anakin, but only before he turns to the dark side. (again, they never saw him as Lord Vader, they just *know* it happens)
DS #2: (ever the sensible, attracted to the good) Obi-Wan, no question about it. Feels disdain for those who disagree.
DD #1: (ever the romantic one) Anakin, and she likes to pretend that Pad-me changes his mind about going to the dark side.
DD #2: (see all previous posts about her) Chewbacca, need there be an explanation?
DD #3: Leia, she's too little to actually say, but she always grabs Leia away from whoever is playing with her.
DD #1's choice got me thinking. It made me realize how similar she and I are. You see, as a goody-two-shoes for my entire life, I was naturally attracted to guys that were not. Luckily, since I was/am such a goody-two-shoes, I never got burned. I had crushes on, and/or dated guys in high school who wore earrings, were jocks and had cars. (a big thing back in my day, in my high school)
And when I met DH in college....he was the wildest-looking one there! He had this hair like Robert Smith from The Cure, crazy-trendy clothes, and a bit of a "devil-may-care" attitude. He was athletic, and fit, and fun. And I was immediately attracted to him.
The funny thing is, he was immediately attracted to me because he thought, "now, here is girl who can straighten me out..." So, while I was looking for some fun, he was looking for some life-altering improvements. And so, we balanced each other perfectly.
I was (am) lucky. You see, God took what I was attracted to, and turned it into me finding my soul-mate for life. He took a guy who was a bit of a "rebel" in my eyes, made him come from an awesome family that brought him up in the sacraments. And so, I was neither burned nor disappointed. My DH has lots of fun stories to tell and experiences to share ("war stories"....I'm sure there are a few I haven't heard...) yet he ends up being this rock-solid amazing husband and father.
Now there's a combination you don't come across too often.
I have high hopes for DD #1. May God bless her as abundantly as He has me.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Appliance Woes
No, I am not talking about the Maytag, Whirlpool, or Frigidaire kind. I'm talking about the Ortho kind. As in Orthodontic appliance. Specifically, a contraption called the Essix Retainer. Here's an actual quote from the website:
"An Essix Retainer is a removable, virtually invisible, (HA!) plastic device that can be used not only for retention, but also for a variety of functions including tooth movement, bridges, bite planes, stabilizers, fluoride and bleaching trays, and TMJD relief." (emphasis mine)
(And no, I have no idea what TMJD means...."Too Much Junky Donuts"???)
It now rests in the unfortunate mouth of DS #1, to the tune of a couple grand.
Oh, the joys of an Orthodontic appliance! Let me count the ways we love it's presence in our lives!
We enjoy the sore lips
The complaints and the moans,
The constant reminders
To leave it alone.
The messes at mealtime
Attempting to gnaw
With this half pound of plastic
Inhibiting his jaw
And then there's the talking,
Oh what a joy!
With the teasing that follows
From our second boy
But when it's removed,
What do you think?
It's greatest defense
Is the way that it stinks!
"An Essix Retainer is a removable, virtually invisible, (HA!) plastic device that can be used not only for retention, but also for a variety of functions including tooth movement, bridges, bite planes, stabilizers, fluoride and bleaching trays, and TMJD relief." (emphasis mine)
(And no, I have no idea what TMJD means...."Too Much Junky Donuts"???)
It now rests in the unfortunate mouth of DS #1, to the tune of a couple grand.
Oh, the joys of an Orthodontic appliance! Let me count the ways we love it's presence in our lives!
We enjoy the sore lips
The complaints and the moans,
The constant reminders
To leave it alone.
The messes at mealtime
Attempting to gnaw
With this half pound of plastic
Inhibiting his jaw
And then there's the talking,
Oh what a joy!
With the teasing that follows
From our second boy
But when it's removed,
What do you think?
It's greatest defense
Is the way that it stinks!
Thursday, September 07, 2006
A Whole New World
As my "baby" turns two in a few weeks, I am constantly amazed at how quickly the time is passing. Yes yes, you say, babies grow up so fast, I've heard that before. And so have I! But I have never experienced it fully, b/c usually by this time, there is a newborn to tend to, and the cycle has started all over again. And so the "used to be baby" has been replaced and we eagerly tend to and watch the new baby develop and grow, while helping a long the now-toddler achieve new goals and feats of independence.
My "baby" is now that toddler. And there isn't one coming up right behind her.
Not yet anyway.
There are a lot of joys, and a lot of challenges in dealing with this age so intensely. Our little Mae is quite the talker. She says the funniest things...or maybe they are funny because she is so little and it sounds funny coming from her in her pre-two-year-old voice. My favorites:
"too tight!" (when putting big sister's goggles on)
"Anakin, *swish swish* fi-ight" (commentary on Star Wars)
"boys, *swish swish* fi-ight" (boys and their light sabers)
"too much!" (when helping herself to water)
"dank u" (thank you)
"dorry, Mama" (sorry)
Some of my not-so-favorites: (all self-explanatory)
"no. Ma-ma!"
"Okay, pee pee" (compliments of DD #2 thankyouverymuch)
"wait, wait!"
"I do! I do!"
And this last one has challenges all it's own. I need to allow an extra 5 minutes to go anywhere, since she is all independence when it comes to getting on her shoes, "wrong feet?" getting herself into her car seat, "I will!" and sitting down.
Luckily, I still get to do the actual buckling, or I'd have to give it an extra 20 minutes.
Oh! And my favorite?
"Night night, Mama!"
My "baby" is now that toddler. And there isn't one coming up right behind her.
Not yet anyway.
There are a lot of joys, and a lot of challenges in dealing with this age so intensely. Our little Mae is quite the talker. She says the funniest things...or maybe they are funny because she is so little and it sounds funny coming from her in her pre-two-year-old voice. My favorites:
"too tight!" (when putting big sister's goggles on)
"Anakin, *swish swish* fi-ight" (commentary on Star Wars)
"boys, *swish swish* fi-ight" (boys and their light sabers)
"too much!" (when helping herself to water)
"dank u" (thank you)
"dorry, Mama" (sorry)
Some of my not-so-favorites: (all self-explanatory)
"no. Ma-ma!"
"Okay, pee pee" (compliments of DD #2 thankyouverymuch)
"wait, wait!"
"I do! I do!"
And this last one has challenges all it's own. I need to allow an extra 5 minutes to go anywhere, since she is all independence when it comes to getting on her shoes, "wrong feet?" getting herself into her car seat, "I will!" and sitting down.
Luckily, I still get to do the actual buckling, or I'd have to give it an extra 20 minutes.
Oh! And my favorite?
"Night night, Mama!"
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Signing Time
Life in a Nutshell
Does anyone else love these?
Now, not to downplay the importance of Latin in my little darlings' repretoire, but these Signing Time DVDs are just awesome. So awesome, that they are a part of my homeschooling week.... (replacing one day of Latin) *said sheepishly*
OK, so it's not the Roman's fault that the Latin folks couldn't live up to the color and music that ST incorporates into it's production. And the woman who teaches Latin has a southern accent as long as the Red River...(I guess there is no accent when you're signing, so that's not a fair comparison) But the color! And the music! And the constant fun repetition! It's awesome, and my kids love it, and I feel noooo guilt, none about kicking Latin down to once a week so they can also learn sign language.
Well, maybe a little bit.
OK, all you alumni of my Alma Mater can come out and hit me over the head with some third declensions!
:)
Does anyone else love these?
Now, not to downplay the importance of Latin in my little darlings' repretoire, but these Signing Time DVDs are just awesome. So awesome, that they are a part of my homeschooling week.... (replacing one day of Latin) *said sheepishly*
OK, so it's not the Roman's fault that the Latin folks couldn't live up to the color and music that ST incorporates into it's production. And the woman who teaches Latin has a southern accent as long as the Red River...(I guess there is no accent when you're signing, so that's not a fair comparison) But the color! And the music! And the constant fun repetition! It's awesome, and my kids love it, and I feel noooo guilt, none about kicking Latin down to once a week so they can also learn sign language.
Well, maybe a little bit.
OK, all you alumni of my Alma Mater can come out and hit me over the head with some third declensions!
:)
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
I am a snob...
Life in a Nutshell
...when it comes to maple syrup. I have written about this before.
We used to buy our 100% pure maple syrup at Sam's Club. It was $11.00/ half gallon, and that was the best deal going. Well, it seems that Sam's no longer carries it anymore, and I have had to resort to the cheap-o stuff. And as a result, been unable (really, un-able not unwilling...) to stomach eating pancakes ever since.
Then! I remembered my very resourceful French Canadian Mother-in-law who has been known to (but don't quote me here) take chainsaws to walls in order to have doors where she wants to; or disassemble entire dishwashers to find the part that is broken, (some obscure wire or somesuch) take it to the local "junky parts store", use their welder to mold it back together and then put it all back, turning on the dishwasher (now running smoothly), declaring to all that she just fixed the appliance herself for a whopping 50 cents! (Canadian, of course...)
But I digress.
Maple syrup. Right.
My amazing Mother-in-law makes her own maple syrup. And I, the big MS snob, actually like it! And so, yesterday, while DH made MIL's bread doughnut recipe, I made MIL's maple syrup recipe. And it was delicious!
Here it is:
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup water
stir over med heat until sugar is dissolved
add 1 cup white suger
2 tbsp maple flavor
2 tbsp corn syrup
stir over med heat until dissolved
YUM.
;)
...when it comes to maple syrup. I have written about this before.
We used to buy our 100% pure maple syrup at Sam's Club. It was $11.00/ half gallon, and that was the best deal going. Well, it seems that Sam's no longer carries it anymore, and I have had to resort to the cheap-o stuff. And as a result, been unable (really, un-able not unwilling...) to stomach eating pancakes ever since.
Then! I remembered my very resourceful French Canadian Mother-in-law who has been known to (but don't quote me here) take chainsaws to walls in order to have doors where she wants to; or disassemble entire dishwashers to find the part that is broken, (some obscure wire or somesuch) take it to the local "junky parts store", use their welder to mold it back together and then put it all back, turning on the dishwasher (now running smoothly), declaring to all that she just fixed the appliance herself for a whopping 50 cents! (Canadian, of course...)
But I digress.
Maple syrup. Right.
My amazing Mother-in-law makes her own maple syrup. And I, the big MS snob, actually like it! And so, yesterday, while DH made MIL's bread doughnut recipe, I made MIL's maple syrup recipe. And it was delicious!
Here it is:
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup water
stir over med heat until sugar is dissolved
add 1 cup white suger
2 tbsp maple flavor
2 tbsp corn syrup
stir over med heat until dissolved
YUM.
;)
Monday, September 04, 2006
Little Girls...
...should stay little as long as possible. Go read Everyday Mommy's post and sign your agreement to her comments. The goal is 100, I'm sure she'll get that and more!
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Snacking
Life in a Nutshell
I've been reading some interesting posts on food here and here.
I love love love eating good meals. I especially love cooking with fresh veggies, the smell of garlic lingering on my fingers long after the meal has been consumed. Making healthy meals can require a bit of forethought, but it's not necessary to make it complicated.
My problem is snack time. It rears it's ugly head at least two or three times a day, and I just want to scream as I see the entire contents of my pantry being devoured over the course of the two weeks... I am very strict about what they can eat and when. To the point where my (almost) 9 year-old will see everyone else eating a peach and ask please please can he have one... :)
We usually have one fruit and one starch (pretzels, popcorn, granola bars, tortilla chips, peanuts) for each snack, and then only two snacks a day, one between breakfast and lunch, and the other between lunch and dinner. I'd like to keep it as healthy as possible, with not a lot of "filler" calories, but these kids' stomachs do need to stay filled for a few hours a day!
My problem?
It seems to cost us so much money to keep snack foods in the house! At one point, I thought I could make my own granola bars (never found a recipe) but the main problem is the cost of fruit. I always buy what's on sale, but with 5 kids eating two pieces of fruit a day, that's 70 pieces (servings) of fruit a week!
Alas, we aren't farmers....and so we must rely on the grocery store.
And as far as the pretzels and popcorn and such....we just go through them like crazy.
Any ideas? suggestions? sympathy?
:)
I've been reading some interesting posts on food here and here.
I love love love eating good meals. I especially love cooking with fresh veggies, the smell of garlic lingering on my fingers long after the meal has been consumed. Making healthy meals can require a bit of forethought, but it's not necessary to make it complicated.
My problem is snack time. It rears it's ugly head at least two or three times a day, and I just want to scream as I see the entire contents of my pantry being devoured over the course of the two weeks... I am very strict about what they can eat and when. To the point where my (almost) 9 year-old will see everyone else eating a peach and ask please please can he have one... :)
We usually have one fruit and one starch (pretzels, popcorn, granola bars, tortilla chips, peanuts) for each snack, and then only two snacks a day, one between breakfast and lunch, and the other between lunch and dinner. I'd like to keep it as healthy as possible, with not a lot of "filler" calories, but these kids' stomachs do need to stay filled for a few hours a day!
My problem?
It seems to cost us so much money to keep snack foods in the house! At one point, I thought I could make my own granola bars (never found a recipe) but the main problem is the cost of fruit. I always buy what's on sale, but with 5 kids eating two pieces of fruit a day, that's 70 pieces (servings) of fruit a week!
Alas, we aren't farmers....and so we must rely on the grocery store.
And as far as the pretzels and popcorn and such....we just go through them like crazy.
Any ideas? suggestions? sympathy?
:)
Saturday, September 02, 2006
My hero
Life in a Nutshell
In he swaggers, the ol' Texan with slicked back hair, raspy southern accent, having just pulled up in front of our home in a Mercedes...
Out comes the dreaded foundation surveying equipment. Along with a mile-a-minute narrative about this crack and that crack and this sticky door, and oh look at that cracked tile...
He's been in business since God, he declares, and he's not in it for oodles of dough (as I glance at his car) and we really shouldn't be afraid of him (as I cower in the corner)...
I am skeptical, to say the least.
Enter my knight in shining armor.
DH is all business, asking questions, probing obscure explanations, nailing down specifics. Just seeing him tower over greasy money man with shield and sword sets my mind at ease. And although I am skeptical, I am confident in my knight. He will slay the evil money dragon.
Alas...
The money dragon must be appeased, lest our entire house fall into the clay bottom-less pit that our entire city was built upon. Apparently we can put it off no longer.
And slick Tex? Backed by years of Better Business Bureau recommendations, he's practically #1 on their list. Of course my knight did his homework!
Sometimes guys get this "intuition thing" better than us gals. If it had been me, I would've pitched him out the door with the first swaggering "HOWDY".
And although I know things will be tight, and creative financing will be attempted, we will get through it. I am so grateful for my dear knight, drawing his sword and leading us down the proper path, no matter the cost.
*for a more manly account of this morning (aka, just the facts, no embellishments...) go here.*
In he swaggers, the ol' Texan with slicked back hair, raspy southern accent, having just pulled up in front of our home in a Mercedes...
Out comes the dreaded foundation surveying equipment. Along with a mile-a-minute narrative about this crack and that crack and this sticky door, and oh look at that cracked tile...
He's been in business since God, he declares, and he's not in it for oodles of dough (as I glance at his car) and we really shouldn't be afraid of him (as I cower in the corner)...
I am skeptical, to say the least.
Enter my knight in shining armor.
DH is all business, asking questions, probing obscure explanations, nailing down specifics. Just seeing him tower over greasy money man with shield and sword sets my mind at ease. And although I am skeptical, I am confident in my knight. He will slay the evil money dragon.
Alas...
The money dragon must be appeased, lest our entire house fall into the clay bottom-less pit that our entire city was built upon. Apparently we can put it off no longer.
And slick Tex? Backed by years of Better Business Bureau recommendations, he's practically #1 on their list. Of course my knight did his homework!
Sometimes guys get this "intuition thing" better than us gals. If it had been me, I would've pitched him out the door with the first swaggering "HOWDY".
And although I know things will be tight, and creative financing will be attempted, we will get through it. I am so grateful for my dear knight, drawing his sword and leading us down the proper path, no matter the cost.
*for a more manly account of this morning (aka, just the facts, no embellishments...) go here.*
Top Ten
Life in a Nutshell
Here are the top ten excuses for why any of our children must get out of bed after we've said good night:
#10. Need cold water (in water bottle)
#9. Need band aid
#8. Need throat drops
#7. Need cream on my bum
#6. Need drops in my ear
#5. Did you forget to kiss me good night?
#4. What is Dad watching on TV?
#3. (so-n-so) is out of bed
#2. (so-n-so) kicked my head
#1. Do I have two noses?
Multiply that by 4, (not 5, since the littlest cannot escape her crib...bwahahaha) and you pretty much have our evening from 8:30-10pm.
And on a note not entirely unrelated, our Netflix DVD of Pirates of the Carribean: Curse of the Black Pearl has been sitting in its packaging for over a week, unwatched.
Here are the top ten excuses for why any of our children must get out of bed after we've said good night:
#10. Need cold water (in water bottle)
#9. Need band aid
#8. Need throat drops
#7. Need cream on my bum
#6. Need drops in my ear
#5. Did you forget to kiss me good night?
#4. What is Dad watching on TV?
#3. (so-n-so) is out of bed
#2. (so-n-so) kicked my head
#1. Do I have two noses?
Multiply that by 4, (not 5, since the littlest cannot escape her crib...bwahahaha) and you pretty much have our evening from 8:30-10pm.
And on a note not entirely unrelated, our Netflix DVD of Pirates of the Carribean: Curse of the Black Pearl has been sitting in its packaging for over a week, unwatched.
Friday, September 01, 2006
The world...
Life in a Nutshell
...according to Beth (aka DD #2)
Favorite Game: Duck Duck Stink
Favorite song: He's Got the Whole Stink in His Hands
Favorite TV show: Stinky Dinky Doo
New verb usage: "Gemma just went stinkin' out the door..."
New adjective: "Stinky Noah!"
Worst insult yet: Stupid stinky poo-poo head
Best explanation sequence: "I was sweet yesterday, and I'm being nasty today. (sigh) I just don't think that's a very good idea."
Yes, we have loads to work on, why do you ask?
...according to Beth (aka DD #2)
Favorite Game: Duck Duck Stink
Favorite song: He's Got the Whole Stink in His Hands
Favorite TV show: Stinky Dinky Doo
New verb usage: "Gemma just went stinkin' out the door..."
New adjective: "Stinky Noah!"
Worst insult yet: Stupid stinky poo-poo head
Best explanation sequence: "I was sweet yesterday, and I'm being nasty today. (sigh) I just don't think that's a very good idea."
Yes, we have loads to work on, why do you ask?
Sharing
Life in a Nutshell
As you may have noticed from the last post, "Life in a Nutshell" now has two authors, DH and I. Don't know if there's enough room for the two of us, but I figure if we've been married and shared a home for 10 years, then we should be able to manage sharing a blog.
He still has his own personal blog for sports and philosophy stuff. He'll post his family stuff over here.
As you may have noticed from the last post, "Life in a Nutshell" now has two authors, DH and I. Don't know if there's enough room for the two of us, but I figure if we've been married and shared a home for 10 years, then we should be able to manage sharing a blog.
He still has his own personal blog for sports and philosophy stuff. He'll post his family stuff over here.
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