Happy Friday!
Bear and I had a good day. She slept in til almost 7:30, and was very well behaved all morning. We went grocery shopping together, and when we got home she colored at the table while I put everything away.
You know you have been married a while (or you are getting old, or a little of both) when your idea of a nice birthday evening is dinner at home. Of course, when your husband was out of town for 4 days and 3 nights prior, the idea of going to a loud restaurant with toddler in tow and not knowing if toddler will behave is not very appealing. I picked up a couple of sirloin steaks at Publix, and marinated them all day. Hubby did a great job grilling them; they were perfectly cooked medium-well. We also had baked sweet potatoes and I sauteed onions, mushrooms & green peppers in butter and a little worschteshire sauce. Mmmmm. Hubby helped me clean up by sweeping the floor and vacuuming while I did dishes. It's all about teamwork, baby.
I loved watching Bear's expression as she ran toward her daddy as he came through the front door.
I rented Dream Girls... I decided that since it was my birthday, a chick flick was in order. You can't get much more chick flick than a musical. It was good. Jennifer Hudson can really sing. I bet the original play was better, because that's usually the case with musicals-turned-movies, but this adaptation was very good.
There's still birthday cake left from my party last weekend- the thing was huge. And ice cream. Hubby made root beer floats for us tonight. Mmmmm...
I am officially in my thirties, instead of just 30. At least I don't look it (according to most people).
Good night!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
It came!
My new camera arrived yesterday. I haven't been so scared of breaking anything since I held my newborn daughter. So I barely touched it until this morning, when Baby Bear was asleep in her crib. I've taken quite a few pics... some will be posted here, others on the other blog.
I have sooo much to learn about photography. I am excited that the zoom is even better than my old camera. In one shot, I zoomed in on the bird's nest I mentioned earlier this week... and you could actually tell there was a nest in the tree. I got some good action shots of Bear after her naptime... as in "get me out of here!" action. I want to learn how to maximize my new toy's capabilities and take the best photos it is capable of with it.
Where are the pics? Well, I decided I didn't want to get chocolate cake on my beautimous new camera, so I am finishing off a piece of my cake before I get to "work".
My new camera arrived yesterday. I haven't been so scared of breaking anything since I held my newborn daughter. So I barely touched it until this morning, when Baby Bear was asleep in her crib. I've taken quite a few pics... some will be posted here, others on the other blog.
I have sooo much to learn about photography. I am excited that the zoom is even better than my old camera. In one shot, I zoomed in on the bird's nest I mentioned earlier this week... and you could actually tell there was a nest in the tree. I got some good action shots of Bear after her naptime... as in "get me out of here!" action. I want to learn how to maximize my new toy's capabilities and take the best photos it is capable of with it.
Where are the pics? Well, I decided I didn't want to get chocolate cake on my beautimous new camera, so I am finishing off a piece of my cake before I get to "work".
Pray for Windy & Baby Zoe
Windy is a friend from a message board I'm on. She is about 36 weeks pregnant and her blood pressure has been going crazy. With her son Gabe's pregnancy, she had pre-eclampsia and mini-strokes, so of course she is nervous this time around, too. It sounds like she may be having a c-section this weekend.
Windy is a friend from a message board I'm on. She is about 36 weeks pregnant and her blood pressure has been going crazy. With her son Gabe's pregnancy, she had pre-eclampsia and mini-strokes, so of course she is nervous this time around, too. It sounds like she may be having a c-section this weekend.
It's HOT outside!
The forecasters predict the temp will reach 104 today. By the time we returned from our stroll at 8:50, I was sweating buckets. None of that Southern belle glistening going on here. Baby Bear didn't even protest going inside...
My hostas look like they won't make it, and a lot of the verbena have died. My little potted rose bush has about 2 leaves left. The cherry tomatoes don't seem to want to ripen. (I did try picking off some of the green ones to see if the others would ripen.) Something thinks my black-eyed susans are really yummy. I did trim off the dead day-lily and calla lily leaves, and pulled out the celosia, which just looked kind of funky and bushy. The chinese lantern plant, which looked half dead in its pot when we returned from vacation, is making a comeback. We do have about 7 cantaloupe plants growing from when my nieces planted their seeds... I hope they mature before we get a frost. (Of course, it doesn't seem like frost will come anytime soon around here. But weather is a crazy thing.)
The forecasters predict the temp will reach 104 today. By the time we returned from our stroll at 8:50, I was sweating buckets. None of that Southern belle glistening going on here. Baby Bear didn't even protest going inside...
My hostas look like they won't make it, and a lot of the verbena have died. My little potted rose bush has about 2 leaves left. The cherry tomatoes don't seem to want to ripen. (I did try picking off some of the green ones to see if the others would ripen.) Something thinks my black-eyed susans are really yummy. I did trim off the dead day-lily and calla lily leaves, and pulled out the celosia, which just looked kind of funky and bushy. The chinese lantern plant, which looked half dead in its pot when we returned from vacation, is making a comeback. We do have about 7 cantaloupe plants growing from when my nieces planted their seeds... I hope they mature before we get a frost. (Of course, it doesn't seem like frost will come anytime soon around here. But weather is a crazy thing.)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
an odd confession/product review/possible tmi
ok, a while back i posted that i bought baby bear her new tankini and swim diaper from my friend Sunny,mommy of triplets and proprietor of Cutie Tooties.
well, i have a confession to make. we have been using disposable swim diapers under the swim diaper we purchsased. you see, while the fabric seemed strong, it wasn't exactly padded a whole lot. hubby wasn't convinced that the Imse Vimse swim diaper would do its job and hold everything in. (Never mind the fact that it ought to for as much as it cost!) so for our whole vacation, we used little swimmers inside her fancy-pants swim diaper. and wouldn't you know, i don't recall her pooping in them once.
well, this morning baby bear was begging to go to the pool. the non-existent pool. our neighborhood doesn't have a swimming pool, and we never got around to buying a kiddie pool for our back yard. so i did the next best thing and moved the sprinkler to the back yard. i dressed baby bear in her tankini and matching swim diaper- minus the "extra protection". baby bear even handed me a little swimmer as if to say ,"what do you think you are doing mom?"
"you'll be fine." i told her.
she was fine. she ran through the "rain", played with her pail and plastic containers, and picked up leaves and rocks in her standard fashion. she protested when i told her it was time to go inside.
next, it was time for a bath, as she had dirt on her. i didn't smell anything out of the ordinary, but as i unsnapped her swim diaper and pulled it down... well, i found a present. so that swim diaper without all the extra padding did its job. it held in her mess. it even concealed the smell, or else my senses are going bad. the mess did not seep through the fabric to the outside.
of course, not using disposables meant i actually had to soak and wash the swim diaper as i would any cloth diaper (if i actually used them).... but that's one less diaper in the landfill. and as we flushed the mess down the toilet, baby bear proudly proclaimed ,"bye bye poop."
"maybe next time you can sit on the potty and put your poop straight in?"
"no."
oh, well. at least the diaper did its job.
ok, a while back i posted that i bought baby bear her new tankini and swim diaper from my friend Sunny,mommy of triplets and proprietor of Cutie Tooties.
well, i have a confession to make. we have been using disposable swim diapers under the swim diaper we purchsased. you see, while the fabric seemed strong, it wasn't exactly padded a whole lot. hubby wasn't convinced that the Imse Vimse swim diaper would do its job and hold everything in. (Never mind the fact that it ought to for as much as it cost!) so for our whole vacation, we used little swimmers inside her fancy-pants swim diaper. and wouldn't you know, i don't recall her pooping in them once.
well, this morning baby bear was begging to go to the pool. the non-existent pool. our neighborhood doesn't have a swimming pool, and we never got around to buying a kiddie pool for our back yard. so i did the next best thing and moved the sprinkler to the back yard. i dressed baby bear in her tankini and matching swim diaper- minus the "extra protection". baby bear even handed me a little swimmer as if to say ,"what do you think you are doing mom?"
"you'll be fine." i told her.
she was fine. she ran through the "rain", played with her pail and plastic containers, and picked up leaves and rocks in her standard fashion. she protested when i told her it was time to go inside.
next, it was time for a bath, as she had dirt on her. i didn't smell anything out of the ordinary, but as i unsnapped her swim diaper and pulled it down... well, i found a present. so that swim diaper without all the extra padding did its job. it held in her mess. it even concealed the smell, or else my senses are going bad. the mess did not seep through the fabric to the outside.
of course, not using disposables meant i actually had to soak and wash the swim diaper as i would any cloth diaper (if i actually used them).... but that's one less diaper in the landfill. and as we flushed the mess down the toilet, baby bear proudly proclaimed ,"bye bye poop."
"maybe next time you can sit on the potty and put your poop straight in?"
"no."
oh, well. at least the diaper did its job.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
I just tracked my packages....
and there is a possibility that all of them should arrive before Friday. The big gift (pictured below if you scroll down) is supposed to be here tomorrow, the others shipped today, so maybe I'll have my camera and my books soon. I'd better finish reading those library books I checked out along with Bear's things.
There. No more not-so-subtle messages to my blog family that I'll be 31 soon. I promise.
and there is a possibility that all of them should arrive before Friday. The big gift (pictured below if you scroll down) is supposed to be here tomorrow, the others shipped today, so maybe I'll have my camera and my books soon. I'd better finish reading those library books I checked out along with Bear's things.
There. No more not-so-subtle messages to my blog family that I'll be 31 soon. I promise.
Musing about the quest for authenticity...
Why is it such a struggle? I can be part of myself with certain people, but there are very few with whom I can be completely honest and/or vulnerable. Not that I want to be an open book in all situations, but still...
(Contrary to what some might think, my whole life is not on my blogs and facebook combined. Not the nitty-gritty, anyway.)
Why is it such a struggle? I can be part of myself with certain people, but there are very few with whom I can be completely honest and/or vulnerable. Not that I want to be an open book in all situations, but still...
(Contrary to what some might think, my whole life is not on my blogs and facebook combined. Not the nitty-gritty, anyway.)
Tackles of the week...
Sort through coupons and throw out old ones**- Clean out under my bathroom sink:
Make shopping list- groceries and cleaning/household products that are running low***
Catch up on washing clothes
Change/wash sheets
Investigate toy storage solutions- bins, cubes, etc....
Take a shower (hopefully more than one for the week!) ***
Sweep/wash kitchen floor**
clean off counters (throw out junk mail and disinfect)
clean bathrooms
pull dead plants out of flower bed (had to work hard to keep bear from pulling out my callas, too.)
water living plants
create a "plan of attack" for baby bear's scrapbook- I have enough papers to get something going, but am so behind on photo organization and printing. I have about 10 pages left before I have to buy more, so if I can just get them planned and done.....
key:
Red= to do
Yellow= in process
Green= done
***= priority , to be done on Tuesday!
I feel so unmotivated today. As I type this post and try to kick myself into gear, Baby Bear and I are watching the Preschool Prep video Meet the Shapes, which we borrowed from the library. She LOVES it as much as she loved Meet the Numbers. I love how she soaks up words and tries to say them. Hubby is working out of town the rest of the week, and I miss him already. I managed to make eggs and bacon for breakfast this morning, sending hubby and tech dad off on their road trips with something that will "stick with them". Baby Bear has decided she no longer likes scrambled eggs.
I know Tackle It Tuesday is mainly for projects, but for me just organizing myself and sticking with a plan of action is a project in itself, as I try to overcome my laziness. So I'm color-coding and will update the list periodically...
WHAT ARE YOU TACKLING???
To read about more Tackle It Tuesday projects, visit 5 minutes for Mom.
To read about more Tackle It Tuesday projects, visit 5 minutes for Mom.
updated 12:07 p.m.
still in lazy mode. can't we just eat out for every meal? especially since hubby isn't home. pretty please? oh, and organizing myself is an oxymoron. who was i kidding? i have a toddler with a "poot" diaper that needs to be changed... ahhh. when hubby gets back, he can change all the diapers for 4 days.
4:15 p.m.
i am still unmotivated in the housework arena. but baby bear and i had some fun today. she ran around the front yard, picking up rocks, throwing her ball, chasing it, and trying to catch it. she tried to push her tricycle. (why ride?) she flirted with the next door neighbor's 4 month old. some day we'll teach her that "wild girl" is not really what we want her to be when she grows up. for now we'll keep laughing as she sings "wild girl, wild girl" (it sounds more like "wide gur"). We were dangerously low on baby wipes, and I used a huggies coupon and splurged on the ones that smell like green tea and cucumber.... so fresh and clean smelling!
we read some books, she had a bath, and when it was time for bed, she dove into her crib. i do wish she would let me rock her to sleep, but i guess i should be grateful she goes to bed without a fight. i hope she stays in her toddler bed when hubby gets it converted.
now it's my turn to go to bed. 'nitey night!
we read some books, she had a bath, and when it was time for bed, she dove into her crib. i do wish she would let me rock her to sleep, but i guess i should be grateful she goes to bed without a fight. i hope she stays in her toddler bed when hubby gets it converted.
now it's my turn to go to bed. 'nitey night!
10:19 p.m.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Have you ever stared at a bird's nest in a tree as it blows in the wind?
I'm I the only one? As Baby Bear played with her bucket, sticks and stones on our front porch today, I sat in my chair and noticed something for the first time. There is a bird's nest in our birch tree. It's no more than 3 inches in diameter and depth, and the bird that made it appears to have used grasses and woven them together, in and out of the branches.
We've had a blustery day. Still hot, but last night's storms left behind some breezes and clouds. Or maybe it's another front moving in, I'm no meteorologist. I'm just grateful that the breeze makes it bearable to be outside for more than 2 minutes.
As bear played with nature's toys (and a few plastic ones), the nest caught my eye. Our birch tree is 4 years old, and we don't exactly water every day. Its branches are not the most stable of tree branches. Apparently their fineness does not lack strength. And neither does the weave of the petite nest 5/6 of the way to the top.
I don't know how long the nest has been there, but I just noticed it today.
I'm I the only one? As Baby Bear played with her bucket, sticks and stones on our front porch today, I sat in my chair and noticed something for the first time. There is a bird's nest in our birch tree. It's no more than 3 inches in diameter and depth, and the bird that made it appears to have used grasses and woven them together, in and out of the branches.
We've had a blustery day. Still hot, but last night's storms left behind some breezes and clouds. Or maybe it's another front moving in, I'm no meteorologist. I'm just grateful that the breeze makes it bearable to be outside for more than 2 minutes.
As bear played with nature's toys (and a few plastic ones), the nest caught my eye. Our birch tree is 4 years old, and we don't exactly water every day. Its branches are not the most stable of tree branches. Apparently their fineness does not lack strength. And neither does the weave of the petite nest 5/6 of the way to the top.
I don't know how long the nest has been there, but I just noticed it today.
i found this blogthing, and had to take it...
| Your Linguistic Profile: |
 65% General American English 10% Dixie 10% Yankee 5% Midwestern 5% Upper Midwestern |
What Kind of American English Do You Speak?
***********************
Tech Dad's Results:
50% General American English
20% Yankee
15% Upper Midwestern
10% Dixie
0% Midwestern
************************
Hubby's Results:
70% General American English
10% Dixie
10% Upper Midwestern
5% Midwestern
0% Yankee
I actually got the boys to play along with this one!
Anybody else care to play along?
***********************
Tech Dad's Results:
50% General American English
20% Yankee
15% Upper Midwestern
10% Dixie
0% Midwestern
************************
Hubby's Results:
70% General American English
10% Dixie
10% Upper Midwestern
5% Midwestern
0% Yankee
I actually got the boys to play along with this one!
Anybody else care to play along?
Saturday, August 18, 2007
happy birthday to me....
...and merry christmas, happy anniversary, valentine's, etc... for a while(my birthdday's not til friday.) i "really" think my hubby was so excited about my blogiversary that i let slip by the week before we went on vacation that he decided to get me a new camera. to take pictures for my blogs, of course. we ordered this with some professional consultation from our family photographers, caslon and photo guy. i wanted something user friendly with better zoom and image stability than i have now (my current zoom on my olympus hand-me-down from my dad is good, the noise (fuzziness) is not so great....) i didn't want to go to a super-compact tiny thing, but i am not experienced enough for a true DSLR camera. this thing should give me plenty of opportunity for improving my photographic skills without being overwhelming. it's not here yet, but will be soon. followed shortly afterward by a soft case for it along with my copies of Mommy, Teach Me! & Sacred Marriage.
thanks, hubby! te amo... MUCHO!!!!!
bec and comic guy gave me some pretty papers and stickers for scrapbooking. i really have to go through my pics on my computers and order some prints so i can get back to work on that...
thanks, hubby! te amo... MUCHO!!!!!
bec and comic guy gave me some pretty papers and stickers for scrapbooking. i really have to go through my pics on my computers and order some prints so i can get back to work on that...
Friday, August 17, 2007
Friday "fun"
Last Sunday morning, before they went home, Em & Mad reminded me that I had promised them we could plant their cantaloupe seeds (taken from their actual melon) in the pot that held my dying green bean plants. Look what I found when I watered the "garden" this morning:
When I set up the sprinkler for my front flower-bed, it started raining. It was barely enough to settle the dust, so I still had to water the flowers after it stopped, but it made me happy:
Baby Bear and Juliana have no comprehension that it is dangerous to be outside very long in this heat (it will reach over 100 again today). We took them out for a brief 5-minute walk and to check out the new retaining wall. They actually finished the wall while we were on vacation, then put the seed and straw down yesterday afternoon:
It's not stone-faced like the developer said it would be, but at this point, we are just happy not to have an eroding cliff. Now I have to decide if I'm going to attempt to landscape with ground cover, spring bulbs, & shrubs or just see if the grass seed takes.
Last Sunday morning, before they went home, Em & Mad reminded me that I had promised them we could plant their cantaloupe seeds (taken from their actual melon) in the pot that held my dying green bean plants. Look what I found when I watered the "garden" this morning:
When I set up the sprinkler for my front flower-bed, it started raining. It was barely enough to settle the dust, so I still had to water the flowers after it stopped, but it made me happy:
Baby Bear and Juliana have no comprehension that it is dangerous to be outside very long in this heat (it will reach over 100 again today). We took them out for a brief 5-minute walk and to check out the new retaining wall. They actually finished the wall while we were on vacation, then put the seed and straw down yesterday afternoon:
It's not stone-faced like the developer said it would be, but at this point, we are just happy not to have an eroding cliff. Now I have to decide if I'm going to attempt to landscape with ground cover, spring bulbs, & shrubs or just see if the grass seed takes.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
a special guest
baby bear's younger cousin, juliana, is coming to visit for a couple of days while her mommy & daddy celebrate their anniversary. i thought about cleaning up nice, but then reality hit. we just vacuumed yesterday and scrubbed the kitchen floor a couple of days ago... why clean up extra when two toddlers are sure to take care of things in a matter of minutes?
baby bear's younger cousin, juliana, is coming to visit for a couple of days while her mommy & daddy celebrate their anniversary. i thought about cleaning up nice, but then reality hit. we just vacuumed yesterday and scrubbed the kitchen floor a couple of days ago... why clean up extra when two toddlers are sure to take care of things in a matter of minutes?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
more blog parties!
Going on now:
I have been wanting to buy Barbara Curtis' book Mommy, Teach Me since it came out. I read and liked the Mommy Manual, and am re-reading it. I even told hubby that I want this book as much as a new camera for my birthday (in part because I don't think we can really afford the new camera right now and think he should wait until Christmas for the big purchase, though I would LOVE to have it sooner.) It's actually in my shopping cart on amazon as I type... not checked out yet, but maybe soon... Anyway, if I win Barbara's book through this contest after purchasing it for myself, then I will have an extra copy to give away.
Anyway, our contest host, Tasra, has compiled quite the list of prizes. True to her blog, you will find scrapbooking is a major theme. Click on the picture above to check it out! Have fun!
******
haley's avon contest:
*******coming soon:
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
I've been tagged by Erin!
E- Each day is an adventure with a toddler in the house.
L- Lauren is my first name.
I- I have dark brown hair and eyes, and my freckles have come out from being in the sun.
Z- Zzzzz... I love naps. I have been known to stick my daughter in her crib with books so I can get my nap.
A- Alabama has great beaches... scroll below to see pics from our vacation.
B- Boating is fun. My family had a 16' sailboat when I was a teenager in Michigan. Don't ask me to raise a jib, though, at least not without re-teaching me how.
E- Em is my oldest niece. She loves bugs and snails and puppy dog tails. And crabs. And cantaloupe. She was great with her youngest cousin last week! She does not love jellyfish.
T- Time flies too quickly in my life; I am learning to enjoy each moment.
H- Hopelessness is a scary state. If you ever feel that way, please get help. Just because one knows the Source of all Hope (Jesus Christ) doesn't mean you might not struggle with feeling hopeleess at some point, and ignoring it will not help it go away. Been there, done that.
I tag:
Tech Mom
Jackie
Madame Rubies
Samantha
Emily
the other Lauren
Michelle
Becca
Sara @ There She Grows
THE RULES:
My middle name:1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts.
2. You must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your
middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.
3. When you are tagged, you need to write your own blog post containing your own middle name game facts.
4. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
2. You must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your
middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.
3. When you are tagged, you need to write your own blog post containing your own middle name game facts.
4. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
E- Each day is an adventure with a toddler in the house.
L- Lauren is my first name.
I- I have dark brown hair and eyes, and my freckles have come out from being in the sun.
Z- Zzzzz... I love naps. I have been known to stick my daughter in her crib with books so I can get my nap.
A- Alabama has great beaches... scroll below to see pics from our vacation.
B- Boating is fun. My family had a 16' sailboat when I was a teenager in Michigan. Don't ask me to raise a jib, though, at least not without re-teaching me how.
E- Em is my oldest niece. She loves bugs and snails and puppy dog tails. And crabs. And cantaloupe. She was great with her youngest cousin last week! She does not love jellyfish.
T- Time flies too quickly in my life; I am learning to enjoy each moment.
H- Hopelessness is a scary state. If you ever feel that way, please get help. Just because one knows the Source of all Hope (Jesus Christ) doesn't mean you might not struggle with feeling hopeleess at some point, and ignoring it will not help it go away. Been there, done that.
I tag:
Tech Mom
Jackie
Madame Rubies
Samantha
Emily
the other Lauren
Michelle
Becca
Sara @ There She Grows
Tackle It Tuesday...
Each week, I have grand intentions of moving past the mundane-should-be-daily-chores so I can tackle one of the numerous projects-in-waiting. With a clingy toddler who likes to attach herself to my leg, I find it difficult to do the tasks that may involve household cleaners or other items that I don't want her getting into.
Well, today's tackle is the kitchen. The floor is crusty. (Ask crt if you think I'm exaggerating.) The inside of the fridge holds a plethora of projects worthy of use in a biology classroom.
I'm too embarrassed to post the before pictures.
I also need to finish folding and put away the remaining laundry from yesterday's "wash day."
****
2:35 p.m.
The main compartment of the fridge has been thoroughly washed. I still need to tackle the door, but considering the bottom glass tray was so bad it had to take a bath in the tub, I feel good about seeing sparkling glass shining out from the fridge.
The floor is drying. Note to self: buy swiffer wet jet refills soon. It is so much easier than the other mop. Ignore the cost. One of these days I will get on my hands and knees and buff the hardwood to a nice shine instead of just letting it air dry (The murphy's bottle says that it's ok to just let it dry, but my floor is not as shiny as it should be, and I can't help but wonder if the air-drying instead of hand-towel-dried is part of the problem.) Anyway, other than some spots along the molding that I didn't think to scrub before I did the floor, that project is done. thanks to a pack and play in front of the tv upstairs- Baby Bear stayed out from underfoot and occupied.
Baby Bear's clothes are put away. She had fun trying to help me stack her clothes in piles on the back of the couch. It did not matter that it took twice as long with her "help". Oh, and she demanded to wear her new outfit which crt bought for the family beach picture.
*****
Each week, I have grand intentions of moving past the mundane-should-be-daily-chores so I can tackle one of the numerous projects-in-waiting. With a clingy toddler who likes to attach herself to my leg, I find it difficult to do the tasks that may involve household cleaners or other items that I don't want her getting into.
Well, today's tackle is the kitchen. The floor is crusty. (Ask crt if you think I'm exaggerating.) The inside of the fridge holds a plethora of projects worthy of use in a biology classroom.
I'm too embarrassed to post the before pictures.
I also need to finish folding and put away the remaining laundry from yesterday's "wash day."
****
2:35 p.m.
The main compartment of the fridge has been thoroughly washed. I still need to tackle the door, but considering the bottom glass tray was so bad it had to take a bath in the tub, I feel good about seeing sparkling glass shining out from the fridge.
The floor is drying. Note to self: buy swiffer wet jet refills soon. It is so much easier than the other mop. Ignore the cost. One of these days I will get on my hands and knees and buff the hardwood to a nice shine instead of just letting it air dry (The murphy's bottle says that it's ok to just let it dry, but my floor is not as shiny as it should be, and I can't help but wonder if the air-drying instead of hand-towel-dried is part of the problem.) Anyway, other than some spots along the molding that I didn't think to scrub before I did the floor, that project is done. thanks to a pack and play in front of the tv upstairs- Baby Bear stayed out from underfoot and occupied.
Baby Bear's clothes are put away. She had fun trying to help me stack her clothes in piles on the back of the couch. It did not matter that it took twice as long with her "help". Oh, and she demanded to wear her new outfit which crt bought for the family beach picture.
*****
What are you tackling today?
For more stories from people who have made housework bloggable, visit 5 minutes for mom.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Sunday, August 12, 2007
we're home
vacation was good. too short, but good.
baby bear has been asking for more of her cousins all day.
after church, we took a nice long nap. 2 1/2 hours.
aaaahhh. almost makes up for having an early riser in the house.
the retaining wall is up in the side of our yard. no sign of the stone-facing that was mentioned, but at this point, we'll take what we get after 4 years of gettingn othing but headaches out of the develop `er11111111AWQ.
baby bear says hi. and "elmo". she wants to play a game. she still smells like pickles from lunch. is my toddler the only one who eats black beans and pickles (not together, of course, but still... i thought crt was going to die of shock when she watched bear eat. the child eats like a horse.)
i should start washing clothes now. you'd never guess we actually had a washer and drier there by the size of our laundry pile, and you certainly would not believe i used it!
vacation was good. too short, but good.
baby bear has been asking for more of her cousins all day.
after church, we took a nice long nap. 2 1/2 hours.
aaaahhh. almost makes up for having an early riser in the house.
the retaining wall is up in the side of our yard. no sign of the stone-facing that was mentioned, but at this point, we'll take what we get after 4 years of gettingn othing but headaches out of the develop `er11111111AWQ.
baby bear says hi. and "elmo". she wants to play a game. she still smells like pickles from lunch. is my toddler the only one who eats black beans and pickles (not together, of course, but still... i thought crt was going to die of shock when she watched bear eat. the child eats like a horse.)
i should start washing clothes now. you'd never guess we actually had a washer and drier there by the size of our laundry pile, and you certainly would not believe i used it!
Thursday, August 09, 2007
one more day? please don't tell me that!
we're having a great vacation. tonight we went out on one of those dolphin-watch boats where you are guaranteed to see dolphins. it was worth the money, but we learned that when all else fails and you went to see dolphins, chase the shrimping boats. we saw several, along with the osprey, laughing gulls, great blue herons and smaller blue heron. we also saw the reason we have been stung by jellyfish... it looked like someone dumped a truck full of them next to the boat where the gulf meets perdido pass. it's no wonder the girls prefer the pool.
on sunday night, we ran into one of our groomsmen and his family (i think i mentioned that already). well, they joined us on our excursion tonight. we saw them a lot when we lived in memphis, but now we are lucky if we are able to get together during our visits. their daughter is in between baby bear and mad's ages, and they seemed to get along really well.
i must say, if you ever go to gulf shores, it is well worth it to go with a group of people who love eachother and split the cost of renting a house in the less-populated part of the beach. as we drove past all the highrises in orange beach tonight, i thought my claustrophobia was going to kick in. i know the condos are nice on the inside, but i love the cozy, "elegant country" feel out here. we have a big living room/kitchen area, and as i type caslon is next to me on the couch, tech mom is in a rocking/swivel chair, crt is in the other rocking swivel chair, and hubby and computer guy are in folding chairs we brought in.
yesterday, we women hit the outlet mall while the men had daughter duty. i think my sis-in-laws and mom-in-law are some of the few people i enjoy shopping with. we got some serious shopping done, and i found some carter's pj's for 3.99 for baby bear, among other things. she loves them. tonight she chanted "pretty jammies" after i put them on her.
tomorrow is our last full day here. i wish i lived in europe where 6 weeks of vacation a year is the minimum.
we're having a great vacation. tonight we went out on one of those dolphin-watch boats where you are guaranteed to see dolphins. it was worth the money, but we learned that when all else fails and you went to see dolphins, chase the shrimping boats. we saw several, along with the osprey, laughing gulls, great blue herons and smaller blue heron. we also saw the reason we have been stung by jellyfish... it looked like someone dumped a truck full of them next to the boat where the gulf meets perdido pass. it's no wonder the girls prefer the pool.
on sunday night, we ran into one of our groomsmen and his family (i think i mentioned that already). well, they joined us on our excursion tonight. we saw them a lot when we lived in memphis, but now we are lucky if we are able to get together during our visits. their daughter is in between baby bear and mad's ages, and they seemed to get along really well.
i must say, if you ever go to gulf shores, it is well worth it to go with a group of people who love eachother and split the cost of renting a house in the less-populated part of the beach. as we drove past all the highrises in orange beach tonight, i thought my claustrophobia was going to kick in. i know the condos are nice on the inside, but i love the cozy, "elegant country" feel out here. we have a big living room/kitchen area, and as i type caslon is next to me on the couch, tech mom is in a rocking/swivel chair, crt is in the other rocking swivel chair, and hubby and computer guy are in folding chairs we brought in.
yesterday, we women hit the outlet mall while the men had daughter duty. i think my sis-in-laws and mom-in-law are some of the few people i enjoy shopping with. we got some serious shopping done, and i found some carter's pj's for 3.99 for baby bear, among other things. she loves them. tonight she chanted "pretty jammies" after i put them on her.
tomorrow is our last full day here. i wish i lived in europe where 6 weeks of vacation a year is the minimum.
Monday, August 06, 2007
quips and quotes
- crt: my broccoli is rancid
- waiter: i don't know what that means
- caslon: it means it tastes spoiled. (we got 25% off our bill. that was only a small part of the saga of last nights disastrous dinner out. we wish to put that behind us, so i will not share the rest of the story.)
- tech dad: what are we using for milk? (he meant to ask what we are using for coffee creamer)
glimpses from paradise
baby bear's 1st steps on the sand
my man(he never wears this shirt to the gym, like i thought he would when i helped his mom pick it out. but it makes a great sleep shirt and now beach shirt. he's hoping to even out the skin tones this week.)
this was growing right next to my towel.it was far from the rest of the grasses. i thought it was neat.
looking westSunday, August 05, 2007
vacation is in full swing!
we are so blessed. our rental home for the week is away from the busy hubbub and in a private community. it has a pool, which is clean and even has 2 cascades which flow into it. we can see the lagoon and the ocean, and the walk to the beach access is not too far.
i awoke about 4 a,m with insomnia. after tossing and turning for an hour, i got up and took my journal out to the front veranda. i call it a veranda because porch is too generic a term. the thing is huge and has 16 steps leading up to it. anyway, it has a couple of comfy wooden adirondack chairs, and i positioned the chair so i was facing east, with the lagoon in view to the left, the "city" skyline straight ahead in the distance, and the ocean to the right. it's interesting to be awake before the seagulls. from my vantage point, i noticed quite a number of bikers, joggers, and even families out for morning exercise. though i am not normally a morning person, i savored this opportunity to pause and reflect on God's awe-inspiring creation.
a while later, i journeyed down to the beach for the first time since our arrival last night. my only company was a great blue heron, and he was several hundred feet away. stoic. poised.
as the sun rose, the harmonies played by nature's orchestra increased. i returned back to the house, and this time i went out on the upstairs balcony. caslon and photo guy were not here yet, so i could get to it without waking baby bear by going through their room. i sat down again, this time able to see the various shades of grey and black under the wings of the sea gulls as the flew within feet of me. mr. heron perched atop a neighboring villa. i had forgotten what unusual screech can come out of a heron. it is hardly musical, but entertaining none the less.
we had a wonderful day. baby bear experienced her first steps in the sand and splashes of "ocean" in her face. she shoveled sand, and "swam" in the pool. she idolizes her cousins. she adores her gramma and grandpa and her aunts and uncles.
while we waited outside the restaurant for dinner, who drove past and recognized hubby but some old friends, one of our groomsmen and his wife and daughter?!?! we hope to get together with them at some point this week.
hubby and i walked on the boardwalk over the marsh and to the lagoon in the dark tonight. fish flew out of the water, even at 10:oo-ish. the fog was starting to form over the water, but there was also a nice breeze, and the stars sparkled in the sky.
this vacation is so greatly needed, and it is already more than i could have imagined. having family plan ahead to take time to spend together is so important. holidays and other gatherings can often be so rushed, we need this time with our extended family to relax and enjoy one another's company. and since our girls live 5+ hours apart, it's so special for them to spend time with their cousins.
well, good night, friends. i may or may not get around to posting again, though most likely i will try to post photos on one of my blogs.
we are so blessed. our rental home for the week is away from the busy hubbub and in a private community. it has a pool, which is clean and even has 2 cascades which flow into it. we can see the lagoon and the ocean, and the walk to the beach access is not too far.
i awoke about 4 a,m with insomnia. after tossing and turning for an hour, i got up and took my journal out to the front veranda. i call it a veranda because porch is too generic a term. the thing is huge and has 16 steps leading up to it. anyway, it has a couple of comfy wooden adirondack chairs, and i positioned the chair so i was facing east, with the lagoon in view to the left, the "city" skyline straight ahead in the distance, and the ocean to the right. it's interesting to be awake before the seagulls. from my vantage point, i noticed quite a number of bikers, joggers, and even families out for morning exercise. though i am not normally a morning person, i savored this opportunity to pause and reflect on God's awe-inspiring creation.
a while later, i journeyed down to the beach for the first time since our arrival last night. my only company was a great blue heron, and he was several hundred feet away. stoic. poised.
as the sun rose, the harmonies played by nature's orchestra increased. i returned back to the house, and this time i went out on the upstairs balcony. caslon and photo guy were not here yet, so i could get to it without waking baby bear by going through their room. i sat down again, this time able to see the various shades of grey and black under the wings of the sea gulls as the flew within feet of me. mr. heron perched atop a neighboring villa. i had forgotten what unusual screech can come out of a heron. it is hardly musical, but entertaining none the less.
we had a wonderful day. baby bear experienced her first steps in the sand and splashes of "ocean" in her face. she shoveled sand, and "swam" in the pool. she idolizes her cousins. she adores her gramma and grandpa and her aunts and uncles.
while we waited outside the restaurant for dinner, who drove past and recognized hubby but some old friends, one of our groomsmen and his wife and daughter?!?! we hope to get together with them at some point this week.
hubby and i walked on the boardwalk over the marsh and to the lagoon in the dark tonight. fish flew out of the water, even at 10:oo-ish. the fog was starting to form over the water, but there was also a nice breeze, and the stars sparkled in the sky.
this vacation is so greatly needed, and it is already more than i could have imagined. having family plan ahead to take time to spend together is so important. holidays and other gatherings can often be so rushed, we need this time with our extended family to relax and enjoy one another's company. and since our girls live 5+ hours apart, it's so special for them to spend time with their cousins.
well, good night, friends. i may or may not get around to posting again, though most likely i will try to post photos on one of my blogs.
Friday, August 03, 2007
buen viaje
we head out for our beach vacation tomorrow. crt and her crew arrived here last night, and we'll caravan with them tomorrow, meeting up with tech mom and dad at our home for a week. caslon and photo guy will follow, after shooting a wedding. then it will be a whole week in paradise. or as close to paradise as you can get in alabama.
don't know how much internet access we'll have, but i will try to post some pics if we can. i got some cute ones of the girls running through our sprinkler today, a prequel of sorts.
baby bear adores her cousins. and the older girls are being very good about including her and modifying games so she can play along.
but right now i have to go finish packing. i am sooo behind on blogging, but i guess that's a good thing. i have been too busy.
we head out for our beach vacation tomorrow. crt and her crew arrived here last night, and we'll caravan with them tomorrow, meeting up with tech mom and dad at our home for a week. caslon and photo guy will follow, after shooting a wedding. then it will be a whole week in paradise. or as close to paradise as you can get in alabama.
don't know how much internet access we'll have, but i will try to post some pics if we can. i got some cute ones of the girls running through our sprinkler today, a prequel of sorts.
baby bear adores her cousins. and the older girls are being very good about including her and modifying games so she can play along.
but right now i have to go finish packing. i am sooo behind on blogging, but i guess that's a good thing. i have been too busy.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Thankful Thursday: blessings
Yes, this is material. No deep spiritual significance to my thankfulness today. Today I am thankful for extra 25% off spring clearance items I found at Babies R Us. Baby Bear inherited quite a few shorts from her cousins, but their matching shirts didn't survive their active lifestyle. The poor girl has been sleeping in 18 month pj's for far too long now (she wears 2T). I've picked up a couple of pj's along the way, and now with the shorts and tees, she should be all set for pj's and play clothes in her size. I paid about $3 per piece on average (the pj set brought up the average, the individual pieces were $2 something each.)
I've already warned hubby that unless Baby Bear stops growing, there is a possibility that she may not fit into her winter hand-me-downs. (His pay can't hit fast enough.) That's what happens when you have a child that eats like Cookie Monster. I am glad I haven't shopped ahead a whole lot; that would have been a waste of money, even for bargains. I do expect she may lose a pound or two while chasing after the big girls next week.
So anyway, good sales make me VERY Thankful this Thursday. Now to quit procrastinating and get packing...
I've already warned hubby that unless Baby Bear stops growing, there is a possibility that she may not fit into her winter hand-me-downs. (His pay can't hit fast enough.) That's what happens when you have a child that eats like Cookie Monster. I am glad I haven't shopped ahead a whole lot; that would have been a waste of money, even for bargains. I do expect she may lose a pound or two while chasing after the big girls next week.
So anyway, good sales make me VERY Thankful this Thursday. Now to quit procrastinating and get packing...
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Ok, I confess. I am lazy. What? You already knew that?
When I found out that a girl I know from college was starting
her own cloth diaper business,
I thought I might be a candidate for making the switch. My blogging bud Stephanie sings the praises of cloth. Then something happened. Even with Sunny's patient answering of my questions, I got scared of combining the amount of laundry that I don't complete with the idea of washing cloth diapers. I got lazy. And I confess, I wanted the fanciest, most expensive options or disposables. But I do have to say, I have explored Cutie Tooties, and cloth diapers are so much different than what I expected. Of course, the prefolds are the most economical, but there are some cute and comfy options that are just as easy as disposables.
Well, I have not yet switched to cloth, but I did purchase the swim tankini in the photo for my little one. Sunny also has some washable wetbags for storing anything from wet diapers to suits to clothes, as well as some other natural mommy products.
And I just want to say that Sunny has awesome follow-up and has always answered my questions promptly. She has triplets who are about a month younger than Baby Bear, so she has probably experienced any situation that one might encounter with cloth diapers.
If you have ever thought about using cloth diapers, but don't know where to begin, Sunny can answer your questions. She even has a thorough survey on her site to gauge your familiarity and needs.
Well, I have not yet switched to cloth, but I did purchase the swim tankini in the photo for my little one. Sunny also has some washable wetbags for storing anything from wet diapers to suits to clothes, as well as some other natural mommy products.
And I just want to say that Sunny has awesome follow-up and has always answered my questions promptly. She has triplets who are about a month younger than Baby Bear, so she has probably experienced any situation that one might encounter with cloth diapers.
If you have ever thought about using cloth diapers, but don't know where to begin, Sunny can answer your questions. She even has a thorough survey on her site to gauge your familiarity and needs.
Anybody know what breeds of lizards are native to middle TN?
About a month ago, a leathery lizard, about 2 or 3 inches long, slipped out from under the gutter/rain protector at the end of our front porch. It moved quickly, but looked black with a silver or white stripe down its back.
This morning, as Baby Bear and I returned from our Starbucks Stroll around 9 a.m. (while it was still only 81 degrees outside), I saw a smaller lizard which looked like the same type zoom across the porch and into the shrubs.
Too bad they are so fast, because I really want to get a picture.
Hubby wants to move to Anchorage. The summer temps are tempting, and apparently he thinks that Anchorage is not much colder than Chicago in the winter. Something must be wrong with me, because I'm almost willing to move with him, and I have turned down the A/C two days in a row now.
About a month ago, a leathery lizard, about 2 or 3 inches long, slipped out from under the gutter/rain protector at the end of our front porch. It moved quickly, but looked black with a silver or white stripe down its back.
This morning, as Baby Bear and I returned from our Starbucks Stroll around 9 a.m. (while it was still only 81 degrees outside), I saw a smaller lizard which looked like the same type zoom across the porch and into the shrubs.
Too bad they are so fast, because I really want to get a picture.
Hubby wants to move to Anchorage. The summer temps are tempting, and apparently he thinks that Anchorage is not much colder than Chicago in the winter. Something must be wrong with me, because I'm almost willing to move with him, and I have turned down the A/C two days in a row now.
WORDLESS WEDNESDAY
...awaiting their "proper" use at the beach!
For more WW posts, visit the WW Headquarters or 5M4M.
Now I'm off to try to clean, pack or something, while Baby Bear watches a video.
...awaiting their "proper" use at the beach!For more WW posts, visit the WW Headquarters or 5M4M.
Now I'm off to try to clean, pack or something, while Baby Bear watches a video.
Welcome to another "member" of Blogoholics Anonymous!
Well, she might not be addicted YET, but is on her way! Samantha is a friend I made through hubby's job. She's married to one of his coworkers. She has recently started blogging to record her experiences as a new Mommy.
Well, she might not be addicted YET, but is on her way! Samantha is a friend I made through hubby's job. She's married to one of his coworkers. She has recently started blogging to record her experiences as a new Mommy.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
New poll!
I was shocked a couple of weeks ago to learn that hubby's cousin had never seen the ocean. She and her new husband were going to drive to the Atlantic before heading home to WI after her brother's wedding.
Growing up, I didn't realize how fortunate I was to go with my family to visit relatives on Cape Cod for SEVERAL consecutive years. We camped at Nickerson State Park the first few times we went, then two of my Dad's brothers bought/built homes on the cape, so we didn't have to go to the bathroom in the woods (or the campground's facilities) anymore.
During our visits, we walked the trails through the salt marshes, swam in the lakes in the park, swam in the bay (& walk out onto the sand bars at low tide), went on whale watches, walked to the Brewster Store and back, spent time with our cousins (who we barely saw otherwise), got sand in our shoes, rode our bikes on the rail trail, saw real cranberry bogs, picked and sucked honeysuckle along the path to the beach, and made homemade chowder. Okay, our parents made the chowder from the clams and crabs that the dads and boys caught while the tide was low. You haven't lived until you've had homemade seafood chowder. Oh, yeah, my little sister ate sea kelp. I wish I had a copy of that photo, it was priceless. We learned what barnacles were and to be extra careful climbing on the rocks, had hermit crabs tickle our palms, and collected shells and wave-tossed glass and bricks.
This year will be our second trip with hubby's side of the family to Gulf Shores. I can't wait to watch Baby Bear try to keep up with her cousins. I want to capture (or should I say I want our family photographers to capture) her first reaction to sand in her fingers and the waves lapping over her feet. I want her to see dolphins, great blue herons, and pick up sea shells. I don't want her to get sunburned, and I hope her swimsuit still fits. It was snug the last time she tried it on. Thankfully we do have one that I know fits, but sheesh... how fast can a child grow?
Anyway, maybe sometime my side of the family can journey back to the Cape with the little additions in tow.
I was shocked a couple of weeks ago to learn that hubby's cousin had never seen the ocean. She and her new husband were going to drive to the Atlantic before heading home to WI after her brother's wedding.
Growing up, I didn't realize how fortunate I was to go with my family to visit relatives on Cape Cod for SEVERAL consecutive years. We camped at Nickerson State Park the first few times we went, then two of my Dad's brothers bought/built homes on the cape, so we didn't have to go to the bathroom in the woods (or the campground's facilities) anymore.
During our visits, we walked the trails through the salt marshes, swam in the lakes in the park, swam in the bay (& walk out onto the sand bars at low tide), went on whale watches, walked to the Brewster Store and back, spent time with our cousins (who we barely saw otherwise), got sand in our shoes, rode our bikes on the rail trail, saw real cranberry bogs, picked and sucked honeysuckle along the path to the beach, and made homemade chowder. Okay, our parents made the chowder from the clams and crabs that the dads and boys caught while the tide was low. You haven't lived until you've had homemade seafood chowder. Oh, yeah, my little sister ate sea kelp. I wish I had a copy of that photo, it was priceless. We learned what barnacles were and to be extra careful climbing on the rocks, had hermit crabs tickle our palms, and collected shells and wave-tossed glass and bricks.
This year will be our second trip with hubby's side of the family to Gulf Shores. I can't wait to watch Baby Bear try to keep up with her cousins. I want to capture (or should I say I want our family photographers to capture) her first reaction to sand in her fingers and the waves lapping over her feet. I want her to see dolphins, great blue herons, and pick up sea shells. I don't want her to get sunburned, and I hope her swimsuit still fits. It was snug the last time she tried it on. Thankfully we do have one that I know fits, but sheesh... how fast can a child grow?
Anyway, maybe sometime my side of the family can journey back to the Cape with the little additions in tow.
A country song worth listening to.
This is the link to an article about a famous country singer and his wife's relationship, and in it is also a link to a song he wrote for the book. I never expected People to not edit out such a strong testimony of how God can heal. Wow. The song is definitely country in style, not crossover, so if you aren't a country music fan, get over it.
This is the link to an article about a famous country singer and his wife's relationship, and in it is also a link to a song he wrote for the book. I never expected People to not edit out such a strong testimony of how God can heal. Wow. The song is definitely country in style, not crossover, so if you aren't a country music fan, get over it.
"Somebody, quick... watch for flying pigs!"
-hubby
-hubby
Baby Bear slept in until almost 8:00 this morning. But that was not the cause for astonishment. As hubby began his day of working on reports in the guest room/office, and I tossed and turned, I was fully awakened by the sound of a bulldozer, shovels, & a saw outside our window. I know it is not normal to be excited about hearing such sounds at 7:45 a.m. It might be a little bit crazy. But elections are in 2 days, and I suspect our city councilman wants our vote and put some pressure somewhere. And by golly, now that hades has frozen over and pigs are flying in 90-degree weather, leading us to the beginning of a retaining wall on the side of our property, well, I just might go out and vote on Thursday. I suppose I should vote for Mayor while I'm at it.
So, this
at our house is actually being done by a team of workers, but it took effort on my part to find someone to listen to us. After 4 years of my requests being put off by the developer it appears we are finally getting somewhere with the help of the city councilman and public works department. Our yard may not wash off the hill after the next rainstorm after all. (For those of you who are new around here, the cliff was not so bad when we moved in. It was sloped nicely. After we closed, they tore up that side of our lot to put in a sidewalk part of the way down. Almost a year ago, they tore it up further to extend the sidewalk, and left it as an even worse safety hazard and eyesore.)
Please pray that in the steepest part, the wall is high enough to make it safe for hubby to mow the back corner of our lot without twisting his ankle or falling and braking his neck. Right now they are saying the retaining wall will be 4 feet at its highest point... I'm not convinced that will make the situation better on that part of the cliff, but I am far from a landscape design expert. They are actually beginning the wall further toward the front yard than we expected... no complaints about that!
Here are the "before" pics:
"After" pics to come. Or maybe some "during" pics when they take a break. I don't think the workers would appreciate having their photo taken in their sweaty grandeur.
As for my Tackle? The usual housework. I need to fold all the laundry that was washed yesterday. Maybe I'll try to see if there are any swimsuits on clearance at Kohl's or the mall department stores. Oh, and I should really make a list of everything I need to pack for our upcoming family vacation.
Happy Tackles!
2:15 p.m.- Other than their lunch break/siesta on the neighbor's gently sloped yard, the workers have been very busy. The frame/support for where the wall will be poured is coming along. Granted, it looks worse in some ways because that's just how the process goes, but once we have the wall, with somewhat stable ground to work with, we might possibly be able to put in shrubs or a fence or something so nobody dies falling off our yard. Until this point, we were very limited, and we didn't appreciate having the developer tear into the corner lot (which we paid a premium for because it was supposed to be a good lot).
Please pardon my run on sentences. I'm going to fold laundry now.
Here are the "during" pictures...
please, God, let the slope at least be mowable when they are done filling in the dirt....
updated 5:26 p.m.
Please pardon my run on sentences. I'm going to fold laundry now.
Here are the "during" pictures...
please, God, let the slope at least be mowable when they are done filling in the dirt....
updated 5:26 p.m.
Monday, July 30, 2007
It's the last day to take my gardening poll!!!! Please do it if you have not already!
Why is it that my toddler wants to brush her hair with the hand-broom? Okay, I know why. She thinks it's a soft hairbrush. But ewwwww.... I have repeatedly shown her its proper use. She then reaches toward the pile of junk the broom has acquired and tries to eat the "leftover" blueberries an cherry tomatoes.
Why is it that my toddler wants to brush her hair with the hand-broom? Okay, I know why. She thinks it's a soft hairbrush. But ewwwww.... I have repeatedly shown her its proper use. She then reaches toward the pile of junk the broom has acquired and tries to eat the "leftover" blueberries an cherry tomatoes.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
refreshing
not the waking up early, but baby's sweet giggles
fellowship with believers in Jesus: sharing prayer requests and thanksgiving
learning how the Gospel affects (or should affect) our homes.
vibrant and soulful music... classic hymns and contemporary classics
pastors who are not afraid of tackling tough topics in light of the Word
leaders who actually confess their weaknesses and shortcomings in public
God's grace filling a room as He is praised.
sweet toddler-ese from the backseat on the way home from church.
leftovers which make meal prep relatively easy.
alphabet puzzle and story time
nap time... eventually lasting an hour and a half, after 45 minutes of toddler-ese coming through the monitor (somebody was fighting her fatigue and in denial of her eye rubs)
a quick dinner, and a toddler who shares her mommy's love of "toe-toes" and "umbers" and daddy's preference for meat (even as she calls the pork "chicken" half the time)
more toddler giggles and chuckles, "ma-ma's" and "da-da's", hugs and kisses
sitting-on-elmo-for-stickers-time (a.k.a. unproductive bedtime stalling on the potty-seat). just getting her to sit on the seat is progress.
bedtime stories
rocking and lullabies
kisses and prayers
tucked in with kitties and bear
good night, sleep tight
not the waking up early, but baby's sweet giggles
fellowship with believers in Jesus: sharing prayer requests and thanksgiving
learning how the Gospel affects (or should affect) our homes.
vibrant and soulful music... classic hymns and contemporary classics
pastors who are not afraid of tackling tough topics in light of the Word
leaders who actually confess their weaknesses and shortcomings in public
God's grace filling a room as He is praised.
sweet toddler-ese from the backseat on the way home from church.
leftovers which make meal prep relatively easy.
alphabet puzzle and story time
nap time... eventually lasting an hour and a half, after 45 minutes of toddler-ese coming through the monitor (somebody was fighting her fatigue and in denial of her eye rubs)
a quick dinner, and a toddler who shares her mommy's love of "toe-toes" and "umbers" and daddy's preference for meat (even as she calls the pork "chicken" half the time)
more toddler giggles and chuckles, "ma-ma's" and "da-da's", hugs and kisses
sitting-on-elmo-for-stickers-time (a.k.a. unproductive bedtime stalling on the potty-seat). just getting her to sit on the seat is progress.
bedtime stories
rocking and lullabies
kisses and prayers
tucked in with kitties and bear
good night, sleep tight
Saturday, July 28, 2007
I love the Dollar Tree.
We're preparing for vacation. We don't have a pool at our house or in our neighborhood, so there's no need to buy tons and tons of fancy pool toys for our week with a pool outside our door and the beach just a couple of minutes away.
I found "bugcatcher kits" for our nieces, who LOVE science. (They just released some monarch butterflies which they raised from caterpillar by feeding milkweed.) They are sure to find some bugs they are unfamiliar with. I bought one for Baby-Bear, too. After all, she is sure to want to copy every thing her older cousins do. The kits came with a binocular-case shaped plastic container with matching net and plastic tweezers.
I also found some fun toys... 2 nets with a water soaker ball for playing "catch" in the pool, and a ring toss set. We'll see if the thing floats or not. I mean, it was a dollar. Both of these can be used in or out of the water. Baby-Bear has tested the nets and approves. (I may have to pick up another set or two so everyone else gets a chance to play.)
In a week, we'll be settling into our home for a week with hubby's side of the family. I wonder if Em & Mad will pick the top or bottom bunks in their room?
p.s. Have I ever mentioned I hate shopping for clothes, and the only reason I must fit into that pair of size 8 shorts is that they've stretched with me? I did end up buying a pair of capris in size 12. The 10's had just a tad too much pooch at the waistline, no room for shrinkage. And don't even get me started on tops...
We're preparing for vacation. We don't have a pool at our house or in our neighborhood, so there's no need to buy tons and tons of fancy pool toys for our week with a pool outside our door and the beach just a couple of minutes away.
I found "bugcatcher kits" for our nieces, who LOVE science. (They just released some monarch butterflies which they raised from caterpillar by feeding milkweed.) They are sure to find some bugs they are unfamiliar with. I bought one for Baby-Bear, too. After all, she is sure to want to copy every thing her older cousins do. The kits came with a binocular-case shaped plastic container with matching net and plastic tweezers.
I also found some fun toys... 2 nets with a water soaker ball for playing "catch" in the pool, and a ring toss set. We'll see if the thing floats or not. I mean, it was a dollar. Both of these can be used in or out of the water. Baby-Bear has tested the nets and approves. (I may have to pick up another set or two so everyone else gets a chance to play.)
In a week, we'll be settling into our home for a week with hubby's side of the family. I wonder if Em & Mad will pick the top or bottom bunks in their room?
p.s. Have I ever mentioned I hate shopping for clothes, and the only reason I must fit into that pair of size 8 shorts is that they've stretched with me? I did end up buying a pair of capris in size 12. The 10's had just a tad too much pooch at the waistline, no room for shrinkage. And don't even get me started on tops...
Another great drawing from 5 minutes for mom!
They are giving away an Insignia® 37″ Flat-Panel LCD HDTV!!!
This incredible prize is valued at $799.99 and is courtesy of Best Buy.
I must say, this would be very nice...
Go enter for yourself if you want a chance to win.
Friday, July 27, 2007
I won something, I actually won!!!!!
Gretchen over at Quantum Leap is going to custom make me a quilted table topper!
Wow! I am sooo honored!
I can already imagine it a) laid across our little drum table with the mini Christmas tree underneath
b) draped over our piano with family photos on top
c) accenting our kitchen table during a holiday meal
or
d) being used to help keep th dice from rolling too far during a bunko game at my house
I'm feeling like I really need to learn to do something by hand, especially if the Dog Days of Summer Bloggy Giveaway becomes a tradition (other than typing)...
Wow! I am sooo honored!
I can already imagine it a) laid across our little drum table with the mini Christmas tree underneath
b) draped over our piano with family photos on top
c) accenting our kitchen table during a holiday meal
or
d) being used to help keep th dice from rolling too far during a bunko game at my house
I'm feeling like I really need to learn to do something by hand, especially if the Dog Days of Summer Bloggy Giveaway becomes a tradition (other than typing)...
Take one last look and cross your fingers....
the winner of these silver-plated petite tennis bracelets is......
Diann!
Congratulations!
*******
This week has been so much fun! I love meting new people. I've been visiting blogs, trying to leave comments and enter contests, but wow! This contest thing could really takeover one's life!!! Thank you, Shannon for coordinating this event!
Now I just want to share a bit more about those bracelets.
They are NOT in the Premier Designs' catalog for purchase.
The only way you can get one is as a gift from a Jeweler (Distributor), usually for being a hostess or letting them share more info about their business with you. I had a couple left, and thought I would share them in a less-conventional way. Although I am not a jeweler right now, if you contact the company, they would be glad to connect you with a jeweler in your area. If you live in Nashville or Memphis, TN, Lancaster PA, or the Atlanta, GA area, I could refer you to jewelers who I know personally, so contact me if you want their info.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
a small miracle for this domestically challenged woman
we have not eaten dinner out since sunday. there just may be hope for me yet. we have enough leftovers from tonight's italian pork chops and egg noodles for another meal (and guess who ate the leftover squash-pepper-onion mix- yep, me. it was yummy, too, having stewed in the marinade for over 24 hours before being cooked). actually, we can think of at least 3 meals we have enough food for if we scrape the fridge, freezer and cupboards. but i think we'll go out tomorrow, anyway. we'll see. i may change my mind and try to set a record for us... oh, wait, this just may be it. maybe i mean i may try to break my record. perhaps i'll get brave and jump on the meal-plan-monday bandwagon...
we have not eaten dinner out since sunday. there just may be hope for me yet. we have enough leftovers from tonight's italian pork chops and egg noodles for another meal (and guess who ate the leftover squash-pepper-onion mix- yep, me. it was yummy, too, having stewed in the marinade for over 24 hours before being cooked). actually, we can think of at least 3 meals we have enough food for if we scrape the fridge, freezer and cupboards. but i think we'll go out tomorrow, anyway. we'll see. i may change my mind and try to set a record for us... oh, wait, this just may be it. maybe i mean i may try to break my record. perhaps i'll get brave and jump on the meal-plan-monday bandwagon...
Thankful Thursday-Joy
This week's theme for Thankful Thursday is "Joy".
How fitting, since I have been on a hormonal roller coaster this week, struggling to look past how I feel and embrace life. So here are some things which bring me joy, especially when I want to just stay in bed or sit on the couch:
This week's theme for Thankful Thursday is "Joy".
How fitting, since I have been on a hormonal roller coaster this week, struggling to look past how I feel and embrace life. So here are some things which bring me joy, especially when I want to just stay in bed or sit on the couch:
- Our toddler. She is so busy, so joyful, and so affectionate. Her belly-laugh fills any room.
- My hubby. He is very patient during the tough times, understanding & even helped with dinner by grilling what I prepared 2 days in a row!
- These cruddy symptoms should be gone before we leave for our family vacation in Gulf Shores next week.
- The Lord's faithfulness IS new every morning. Just because I had a rough day yesterday (note- not 1 thing on my weekly tackle list got done), doesn't mean today has to be a repeat. Now, where is that ibuprofen? It's easier to be joyful when the wonders of science have kicked in!
- Blue's Room DVD- I can go get a shower while BabyBear has a playdate with her friends on the tv screen.
- Rain. We had more rain storms yesterday afternoon. (The crabgrass is thriving. At least it's green.) The day lillies and black-eyed susans are flowering. Oh, so are the pink spirea shrubs. Their bloom is so delicate, reminds me a little of queen-anne's lace, but it is pink and smaller.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
506
the # of giveaways linked to at the DOG DAYS OF SUMMER GIVEAWAY HQ
167
the # of entries in my drawing as of the moment i began typing this post
Whoooaah....
talk about overwhelming!
There are some REALLY cool prizes being given out,
so even if you don't have anything to give,
go enter a few of the drawings!
the # of giveaways linked to at the DOG DAYS OF SUMMER GIVEAWAY HQ
167
the # of entries in my drawing as of the moment i began typing this post
Whoooaah....
talk about overwhelming!
There are some REALLY cool prizes being given out,
so even if you don't have anything to give,
go enter a few of the drawings!
Wordless Wednesday: Flashback to 12/6/05
It doesn't seem like she was ever this little.
For more WW pictures, visit the WW Headquarters or 5 minutes for mom!
Time to bite the bullet...
A few weeks ago, my glasses broke. They are only going on 4 or 5 years old... I'm not sure which. My toddler loves pulling off jewelry, glasses, hats, you name it. Well, they got so bent that the screws would not go in. I posted a photo of hubby's ingenious solution a couple of weeks ago.
With vacation coming, I want to be able to wear my glasses instead of contacts if I feel like it. I don't want to know how much glasses cost at expensive boutiques, and I am trying to convince myself that if they last another 5 years they will be worth the "discount" store price... But really, is vision insurance worth it when you only get glasses every 4 or 5 years? (Thankfully my prescription has stablized. I still have to pay extra for the thin kind so they won't be coke-bottle lenses, but if they last 5 years... without my sweet child breaking them....)
Not sure if I'll have a Wordless Wednesday post or not today. Perhaps, if I dig through my photo archives I'll be able to come up with something to share.
Oh, it rained cats, dogs & who knows what else last night so I don't have to water today! My rose bush was sooo wet that the water was at least 1/2" deep above the soil. Too bad I dumped it out before realizing it would have been a worthy pic for WW.
A few weeks ago, my glasses broke. They are only going on 4 or 5 years old... I'm not sure which. My toddler loves pulling off jewelry, glasses, hats, you name it. Well, they got so bent that the screws would not go in. I posted a photo of hubby's ingenious solution a couple of weeks ago.
With vacation coming, I want to be able to wear my glasses instead of contacts if I feel like it. I don't want to know how much glasses cost at expensive boutiques, and I am trying to convince myself that if they last another 5 years they will be worth the "discount" store price... But really, is vision insurance worth it when you only get glasses every 4 or 5 years? (Thankfully my prescription has stablized. I still have to pay extra for the thin kind so they won't be coke-bottle lenses, but if they last 5 years... without my sweet child breaking them....)
Not sure if I'll have a Wordless Wednesday post or not today. Perhaps, if I dig through my photo archives I'll be able to come up with something to share.
Oh, it rained cats, dogs & who knows what else last night so I don't have to water today! My rose bush was sooo wet that the water was at least 1/2" deep above the soil. Too bad I dumped it out before realizing it would have been a worthy pic for WW.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
I've made a poll!!!!
Unfortunately, half the responses got cut off... so here they are for your answering pleasure. (Please actually answer in the sidebar. I thought this might be fun to do since there are a lot of new wanderers these days...)
Question: What's growing in your garden right now?
Answer Options:
Unfortunately, half the responses got cut off... so here they are for your answering pleasure. (Please actually answer in the sidebar. I thought this might be fun to do since there are a lot of new wanderers these days...)
Question: What's growing in your garden right now?
Answer Options:
- Garden? What Garden?
- Shrubs
- A healthy mix of annuals and perennials
- veggies- lots of them
- herbs
- weeds, and more weeds
- moles. and bugs. and mushrooms.
- a couple of tomato plants and struggling green beans bushes
- this drought is killing my dreams of a garden!
- a couple of flowers have survived
just so you know... (my regular readers will really understand)
i made a menu plan for dinner this week. i'm not posting it, because we've already changed course. it's only tuesday! we stuck to my plan last night, then tonight hubby suggested that instead of the smothered chicken bake, we bbq the chicken breasts on the grill. that makes my job easier, so who am i to complain? i thawed the frozen chicken breasts in water, smothered them in Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet Vidalia Onion sauce (yumm!), and stuck them back in the fridge to marinate for a couple of hours.
baby bear LOVED the chicken. she also loved the cucumber bits and fresh-from the "garden" (veggie-pot) cherry tomatoes (halved and quartered)... tomato seeds ended up all down her shirt. but i am so relieved that for the time being, my toddler still eats healthy food, at least sometimes. and the true miracle occurred when i half-heartedly asked hubby if he wanted a salad and he said YES!
our deviation from the menu plan was a success- and we have actually used most of the bag of spring mix salad greens that i purchased yesterday instead of iceburg lettuce for our tacos.
but hubby ate SALAD- lettuce, tomato, a little cheese... it may not be my side of the family's traditional soupy Italian salad, but it's progress. and he's been voluntarily ordering salads at restaurants when he used to substitute them with other sides.... umm... what is going on here? i kinda miss nagging him...
not really.
i made a menu plan for dinner this week. i'm not posting it, because we've already changed course. it's only tuesday! we stuck to my plan last night, then tonight hubby suggested that instead of the smothered chicken bake, we bbq the chicken breasts on the grill. that makes my job easier, so who am i to complain? i thawed the frozen chicken breasts in water, smothered them in Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet Vidalia Onion sauce (yumm!), and stuck them back in the fridge to marinate for a couple of hours.
baby bear LOVED the chicken. she also loved the cucumber bits and fresh-from the "garden" (veggie-pot) cherry tomatoes (halved and quartered)... tomato seeds ended up all down her shirt. but i am so relieved that for the time being, my toddler still eats healthy food, at least sometimes. and the true miracle occurred when i half-heartedly asked hubby if he wanted a salad and he said YES!
our deviation from the menu plan was a success- and we have actually used most of the bag of spring mix salad greens that i purchased yesterday instead of iceburg lettuce for our tacos.
but hubby ate SALAD- lettuce, tomato, a little cheese... it may not be my side of the family's traditional soupy Italian salad, but it's progress. and he's been voluntarily ordering salads at restaurants when he used to substitute them with other sides.... umm... what is going on here? i kinda miss nagging him...
not really.
Tackles of the week:
General Housework
Well, I'm behind on chores (shocking, I know), so this week I am returning to public posting of my To-do list so it stares me in the face. I think I'll even do the color coding. As one who is domestically challenged and a procrastinaholic to boot, I find this to be an effective way of holding myself accountable.
Red= needs to be done
Yellow= in process
Green= tackle completed
Yellow= in process
Green= tackle completed
Ok, so here's my "Master List". An * indicates what I will focus on today.
- Sweep kitchen floor*
- Mop kitchen floor*
- wash, fold & put away clothes (5 loads)*
- clean out fridge*
- clean bathrooms (2)
- straighten living room
- pick up nursery
- vacuum all carpets
- water flowers & cherry tomatoes*
- change and wash bed & crib sheets
My list is stuck as you see it. I should tackle more. Specifically, the fridge. But I'm in a slump today. Headache. (Probably from wasting time online). I'm wearing my most comfy pair of jeans- the ones with the holes in the knee and back pockets that I can't bear to throw out. I have rotated laundry. I keep hoping a summer shower will pop up so I don't have to water the flowers and tomatoes. Although it is a little fun to try to flood the mole tunnels as I water the flowerbeds. Hubby came home for lunch and has set up his office in the guest room for the afternoon. PBS is on TV- Clifford the Big Red Dog, to be exact. Not much variety here- no cable or satellite. Yet. Maybe in a few months, when hubby gets a raise.
Anyway, I will try to get back to the tackle and continue updating the color-codes as I complete my tasks.
Oh, and I must say I am overwhelmed by the # of responses to my giveaway. They are pretty bracelets. Dainty yet eye-catching. I'm going to have to make a raffle ticket shuffler out of an oatmeal container or something! Actually, I do think I have a value-sized diaper box that will do the trick. After all this insanity of the giveaway is done, hopefully some of you will stick around!
**** Almost halfway through the list... not a bad start for the day. Tomorrow I hope to spend more time playing with my daughter. But today, she thought it was fun helping me push wet clothes into the dryer and throw dirty clothes into the washer from atop a step ladder. Too bad laundry is an ever-growing pile! 8:43 p.m.
Anyway, I will try to get back to the tackle and continue updating the color-codes as I complete my tasks.
Oh, and I must say I am overwhelmed by the # of responses to my giveaway. They are pretty bracelets. Dainty yet eye-catching. I'm going to have to make a raffle ticket shuffler out of an oatmeal container or something! Actually, I do think I have a value-sized diaper box that will do the trick. After all this insanity of the giveaway is done, hopefully some of you will stick around!
**** Almost halfway through the list... not a bad start for the day. Tomorrow I hope to spend more time playing with my daughter. But today, she thought it was fun helping me push wet clothes into the dryer and throw dirty clothes into the washer from atop a step ladder. Too bad laundry is an ever-growing pile! 8:43 p.m.
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