tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64611265124540019162024-03-13T16:19:57.248-04:00herd o' turtlesLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-66959711432586990132012-04-07T19:22:00.002-04:002012-04-07T19:27:05.904-04:00Growing UpSomehow, dealing with the emotional ups and downs of a tween makes me feel so much more grown up than giving birth to the babies ever did. I have now arrived at the age in parenting where my children will remember how I was.Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-74748676047864584152012-04-06T08:39:00.002-04:002012-04-06T09:06:17.398-04:00Just Wow<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}"><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}"> βIn the morning I'm like a snake in the spring: I need to lie out on a warm rock and let the sun sink into me before I can start wiggling around and get on with the day.β<br />β Katherine Hannigan, Ida B. . . and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World</span></h6><p>It's funny how Katherine Hannigan's book brought me back to this blog. My oldest daughter climbed into bed with me this morning, the first day of spring break, talking about Ida B. from a book her teacher is reading to the class. She was saying that some people are like birds that flit around right away when they wake up in the morning and others are like snakes and they need to wiggle around a bit and relax before they start their day. I perked right up like a bird (very unlike my snakelike self that had previously been stretching out relaxing) and was like: "Ida B. !?" I have thought of that book from time to time over the last several years, but now it's back and it brought me here. I started this blog with my favorite quote from that book in, gulp, 2008. Where has the time gone? Holy smokes. Anyhow, I may even need to edit that original entry to make it a little less, well, personal.</p><p>We've had our 4th (and last) baby since I last posted and she's almost 3. I can feel myself moving toward the decade of activities from the decade of diapers. I feared that I would long for another baby when that chapter ended for me, but I find that I'm really ready for the next phase. I am trying to soak in all of the adorable cuteness of an almost three year old, though, because I know from experience how soon the mixed up expressions, imaginary friends, high-pitched voice, and cuddly, chubby arms that squeeze "Mama" tight for a sticky hug will morph into full-grown kid that never needs to be carried.<br /></p><p>And I'm back here. No one really knows about this blog right now. It's like my own place. Many of my friends on Facebook tell me I should have a blog. I should write everything down. My kids are funny, my stories are funny. Well, I have read the old posts and they're not so funny. Not so silly. And that's fine. I'm not sure that I have anything beyond a one liner now and then, but we'll see. Right now, this is for me.<br /></p><p>So, what's on my mind today are snakes and birds. My daughter and I are snakes (according to Ida B.) and I spent the day yesterday thinking about birds. My younger son is VERY into birds. Most notably, owls, but any bird will do. We spent the morning listening to bird calls online, took a walk, tried to identify the birds we heard, then returned home to listen to the online calls again. My son is in preschool and his favorite book is his bird guide. A regular, grown-up bird book that he has me read to him as if it were a storybook. He's convinced there's a Great Horned Owl outside his bedroom window in the mornings. I'm convinced he's dreaming it. He asked it we could plant a cactus because he'd really like an elf owl. I explained that cacti and elf owls don't really thrive in the northeastern states. Anyhow, we did make a mean peanut butter and birdseed feeder yesterday. And I'm looking for activities to feed his interest.<br /></p><p>So, yesterday was for the birds. Today I'm a snake. And, maybe, tomorrow I'll be back.<br /></p>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-42965034941307511272008-07-06T21:11:00.002-04:002008-07-06T21:16:39.737-04:00Notable MomentThere are some moments that truly make all of the mommying worthwhile AND they help you forget that you are open to criticism 24/7 (my kids love to inform me that they hate coffee breath, aren't fond of my singing voice, etc.). Today at the park I had the good fortune to experience one of those breathtaking parenting moments. My three year old boy ran over, grabbed my hand, smiled up at me and said "Mommy, you're my hero." Really, what more do I need to say?Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-2043647308391473322008-07-03T19:21:00.003-04:002008-07-03T19:43:11.283-04:00Construction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwZfRmRlQzirpROzXac3clfYP6y6wvniN9p4XCK4vr5fyq4pPQ-FtyCRH_r2vr216gvb2HFO82R2kWcAJvmspvw33TXyRoVXp5L-X1uLpyaTYdh-p8YQ5YeaRYUV6q_CJ82lnnlwCQpc/s1600-h/S1050481.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwZfRmRlQzirpROzXac3clfYP6y6wvniN9p4XCK4vr5fyq4pPQ-FtyCRH_r2vr216gvb2HFO82R2kWcAJvmspvw33TXyRoVXp5L-X1uLpyaTYdh-p8YQ5YeaRYUV6q_CJ82lnnlwCQpc/s320/S1050481.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218933684196545234" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWklAC1wqYSV9qw6_yegqnSpYOOUMlDBAE9k7ryg4sPVqqlrMG_kDye6Gwm_bQawDO-tFVUQEFoIfCFt9vvNUfdI39aDcwfQ4RBSGEiifQAesrqFjcWhhsr46ncTvWpLynWk3BJw3ER8/s1600-h/S1050502.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWklAC1wqYSV9qw6_yegqnSpYOOUMlDBAE9k7ryg4sPVqqlrMG_kDye6Gwm_bQawDO-tFVUQEFoIfCFt9vvNUfdI39aDcwfQ4RBSGEiifQAesrqFjcWhhsr46ncTvWpLynWk3BJw3ER8/s320/S1050502.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218933689583542242" border="0" /></a>We made the overzealous decision to rip out all of the flooring on the first floor of our house this summer and replace it with bamboo. Since we were doing this, I thought we should paint first (in case we spilled - which I did, actually). I am so hoping that we don't regret inviting in all of the extra chaos, but mostly I am praying that we get it all done. We have a tendency to procrastinate home improvements (example: the paint we bought for our bedroom that was NEVER used - we have since had two kids, moved, and had a third baby!). Anyway, as you can see, the troops are rallying to help out. It has been especially fun ripping out the double layers of vinyl flooring in the hallway - we haven't even gotten to the kitchen full of it yet. Let's hope that we get it all done soon. Did I mention that we promised the kids a tree house this summer?Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-5295934869506342142008-06-28T21:57:00.005-04:002008-06-28T22:38:33.881-04:00Life with the Kids<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAln2_u_gpcTT3nspPf-zGp30ltHJ5z6TloJv60cRc-c-GqT40ln_jU7jlSAmAq17bpyQN8WW5ZuyyAd989BOYlX9e30PMI1b8kzk0PYsYZYjIS8sAro9Qgor07V9dQsUhROffEU1caTc/s1600-h/S1050427.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAln2_u_gpcTT3nspPf-zGp30ltHJ5z6TloJv60cRc-c-GqT40ln_jU7jlSAmAq17bpyQN8WW5ZuyyAd989BOYlX9e30PMI1b8kzk0PYsYZYjIS8sAro9Qgor07V9dQsUhROffEU1caTc/s320/S1050427.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217118040291445298" border="0" /></a>So, we've been passing the time here playing trucks and splashing in puddles. I have not been particularly creative, but I have been soaking in my ever changing 15 month old's personality. He's a stitch.<br /><br />We've also been dealing with the aftermath of Singulair - my three year old boy seemed like he had a personality disorder on it. We will continue to investigate our options as we take him to an upcoming allergy appointment. A while back, a pulminologist had him on Pulmicort through a nebulizer daily, Singulair daily, and albuterol or Xopenex as needed. We'll see what the verdict is with the new specialist. I'm just hoping this person is more kid and mom friendly. I don't need someone telling me to pump a ton of medication into my child and then snickering in a self-important way as he tells me that this is for my child's well-being and he "highly recommends you don't read the warnings on the package inserts" when I express concerns. Funny how all the negativity surrounding Singulair came out 2 years later, huh?! Between the breathing issues and trying to seal the deal in the last steps of potty training, the three year old little guy has kept us busy around here.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjXd8iCCmzapNTGIt03QjfFiC1Qd_9_cs46k4dFdxIJ03OO9r-YlPOcDD1uSdVb7CTf6iQkDN38GldNnwM-gME0LaADsPUEu7qKFFmKUzblURyMbSi_RK8O2rBlfhBdqL5BsP6bMb6AY/s1600-h/S1050411.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjXd8iCCmzapNTGIt03QjfFiC1Qd_9_cs46k4dFdxIJ03OO9r-YlPOcDD1uSdVb7CTf6iQkDN38GldNnwM-gME0LaADsPUEu7qKFFmKUzblURyMbSi_RK8O2rBlfhBdqL5BsP6bMb6AY/s320/S1050411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217118055637311762" border="0" /></a>Not to be left out, Princess Buttercup has been showing her personality as well. She loves to be the bigshot (she took the doll picture above) and has been helping out when it suits her. The other day, she helped me unload groceries from the car and informed me: "You can go in, Mom, I've got it." She's also on the road to developing a lovely sarcastic sense of humor much like mine where people aren't ever quite sure if you're kidding or not - interesting in a 5 year old. Yesterday as we were bringing her friend home, I made a wrong turn (shocking, I know) and turned around in a driveway. The little girl asked what I was doing and told me this wasn't her house. My daughter turned to her and said: "It is now. Your mom moved today while you were at our house." Totally deadpan. Her friend's mouth dropped open and I couldn't tell if she looked comatose or about to cry as I quickly let her know my daughter was goofing her. Apparently my responses (for instance when they ask me for a snack and I inform them that I will, in fact, never feed them again) are rubbing off. As I closed the door last night saying "Goodnight, Goofy," I felt guilty name calling for a fraction of a second until I heard her sleepy response: "Goodnight, Stinky," and my husband laughingly groaned: "Oh, God, she's you."Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-33318918366205366002008-06-08T09:28:00.004-04:002008-06-08T09:36:17.608-04:00Mosaic Attempt<div style="padding: 3px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/herdoturtles/2561186906/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/2561186906_f4194a9e4c.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/herdoturtles/2561186906/">My creation</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/herdoturtles/">herdoturtles</a>.<br /><br /><br />As you can see, I was able to get myself so distracted that I have a blank!! This happened when I realized that I had put brownies into the favorite food category and I wanted to change it to favorite dessert. It is fairly ironic that the one spot that is blank is favorite dessert considering that I am known for my sweet tooth! Since I have sick kids and I spent a large portion of the morning figuring out Flickr and how to publish this to the blog, I better say goodbye to the computer.<br /></span></div><p></p>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-47071565819542214342008-06-08T09:14:00.003-04:002008-06-08T09:19:07.226-04:00Mosaic Attempt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/21969697@N03/2561186906/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://flickr.com/photos/21969697@N03/2561186906/" alt="" border="0" /></a>Okay, here is my attempt at the mosaic I have seen around:<br /><br />1. What is your first name?<br />2. What is your favorite food?<br />3. What high school did you go to?<br />4. What is your favorite color?<br />5. Who is your celebrity crush?<br />6. Favorite drink?<br />7. Dream vacation?<br />8. Favorite dessert?<br />9. What you want to be when you grow up?<br />10. What do you love most in life?<br />11. One Word to describe you.<br />12. Your flickr name.<br /><br />I had seen them around, but the instructions were here:<br /><a href="http://lottielulu.blogspot.com/">http://lottielulu.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />Uggh, it was more time consuming and less fun than I wanted it to be!! Then again, menstrual cramps have that effect on most activities.Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-28753679293741945962008-06-06T08:40:00.002-04:002008-06-06T08:48:09.270-04:00One gift, doneThe good news is that I finished a gift for a friend just in time for the party. The bad news is I forgot to take a picture. Uggh. I kept trying to remind myself along the way and then I rushed out for the party and forgot. Welcome to life with kids, I guess!<br /><br />I made her three aprons and a jar of homemade oatmeal pancake mix. Now she can cook with her 3 and 1 year old boys and not worry if they are wearing the results! I think the aprons were very cute, though a bit homespun looking (there is one crooked pocket and the waist ties are way too long, for example).<br /><br />It was fun coming up with the idea and making it myself. I will try to do this more and more for gifts or around here.<br /><br />I just got two full rubbermaid totes of fabric from my mother and aunt, so there is lots to choose from. Crying baby indicates a need to go now.Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-85774166938448235302008-05-30T15:18:00.003-04:002008-05-30T15:25:38.100-04:00BAD MoodHere is why I am grouchy right now: I attempted to make doll jeans. I was so proud of myself, I looked at a pair and made my own pattern. Then, I fixed the elastic on the pair that I had copied (before anyone gets mad at the copying thing - my mom made the originals), then I tried to do the elastic on the ones I made. This is how I learned that baby elastic is not so good with denim. Probably this would be a "duh" for some people, but I didn't know that. After SEVERAL attempts to make it all work, I have decided they cannot be saved. I don't even want to look at the sewing machine right now. All of the excitement has been sucked out of me. Maybe I'll go to Goodwill and buy some baby clothes for them to use.Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-11213678877941660622008-05-24T20:28:00.004-04:002008-05-24T20:45:00.810-04:00Projects and pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rfWbBbZkNJ46BSOBq8ll0VuUFo214mDAcIpbDGQQxL8HCD8GwoN4qBLOQA5vXHQdkI_D7b6Pags4ylwLhxyom_IZXmwe8J20RgCqpUmj4z_-mvGwUE82_-qSpKYy79ivrhH1PuJz_pk/s1600-h/Picture+031.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rfWbBbZkNJ46BSOBq8ll0VuUFo214mDAcIpbDGQQxL8HCD8GwoN4qBLOQA5vXHQdkI_D7b6Pags4ylwLhxyom_IZXmwe8J20RgCqpUmj4z_-mvGwUE82_-qSpKYy79ivrhH1PuJz_pk/s320/Picture+031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204107754731716370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9ZhhfYp-R_krz3f8YqBum7ySxePr5lxy1l_DZ_hpEoASd-Dbov_aSGdM9MN_9wzKXdo6lPHch7DfOzybdgjWH0X9i_fsPBe0CvjC0HrUjSvnybERWFEj0LWbSuuyv8sJShj3EqwUONY/s1600-h/Picture+032.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9ZhhfYp-R_krz3f8YqBum7ySxePr5lxy1l_DZ_hpEoASd-Dbov_aSGdM9MN_9wzKXdo6lPHch7DfOzybdgjWH0X9i_fsPBe0CvjC0HrUjSvnybERWFEj0LWbSuuyv8sJShj3EqwUONY/s320/Picture+032.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204107766716697682" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiz4UAkf-CSeg16KIKsfvAZwIryyRFqvCI71gq3Voa7XW3P32f9JDoI74w9xcGt6q5l8OYy8MivpHbXKunZOzNt7pMmSGqdV9ZwInpDlDv0C5oUn7cfvvCZzOC0VDNBUguEWyRxk5C7UU/s1600-h/Picture+034.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiz4UAkf-CSeg16KIKsfvAZwIryyRFqvCI71gq3Voa7XW3P32f9JDoI74w9xcGt6q5l8OYy8MivpHbXKunZOzNt7pMmSGqdV9ZwInpDlDv0C5oUn7cfvvCZzOC0VDNBUguEWyRxk5C7UU/s320/Picture+034.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204107770425009202" border="0" /></a><br />Okay, so I have made the tops of two quilts using the online instructions I found here: <a href="http://www.capitalquilts.com/freeproject/infantsnug.htm">http://www.capitalquilts.com/freeproject/infantsnug.htm</a>. The one pictured is for my niece and the second one I made is for a friend's little girl (I'm hoping to make a coordinating toy to go with). I am such a newbie that, sadly, the second quilt is totally uneven across the bottom.<br /><br />I also made the bag (pictured above) last week to give my teenage cousin as a birthday gift (I filled it with "beach" stuff like a beach towel, sunscreen, magazines, etc.). I winged the bag and was quite happy, though I have some changes in mid for next time.<br /><br />I have also made a dress (out of our former shower curtain) for Princess Buttercup that went straight into the dress-up bin. My sister laughed at my choice of practice fabric calling me "Maria Von Trap" (sp?) and bringing up the movie <span style="font-weight: bold;">Enchanted</span>. Considering the sad state of the garment, I am thankful I decided to practice before using the fabrics I purchased.<br /><br />The bottom picture just happens to be a pair of adorable tootsies that are currently at rest in my bedroom tonight so that I can paint his. No time to ramble today, it's 8:43 PM and I have to start painting a room. Goodnight (I hope).Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-24859491686695216662008-04-13T09:34:00.003-04:002008-04-16T21:06:40.214-04:00Return of this turtleWow, I guess the blog is aptly named! Time sorta flew by. I think I got frustrated trying to figure out some blogging tricks way back in January and gave up! Also, I was spending an inordinate amount of time online and too little time in "real life."<br /><br />Anyway, a tentative fresh start. I did make Princess Buttercup a dress out of a men's shirt following this tutorial: <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=170402.0"> http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=170402.0</a>. It turned out super cute AND it is so my kind of pattern. I am such a newbie with the language of store bought patterns that I have abandoned several because I get overwhelmed. Add them to my "to do" list - I will have to enlist my mom's help.<br /><br />I have also learned to knit since my last post=) I took a knitting class here at a local shop and started a scarf. Since then I have started another scarf and a dish cloth (notice a trend?). I did finish knitting two mini blankets for the kids' dolls/stuffed animals to enjoy.<br /><br />I have also made two sets of basic cafe curtains for my sister's nursery. We are waiting for the arrival of her little munchkin any day now. She's been 4 cm dilated and 100% effaced for almost a week now! I think she's ready to give up at this point - the baby has decided to stay in.<br /><br />I do have pics of the shirt dress on Princess Buttercup and maybe someday I will post them! I am still a little nervous about putting pictures of the kids online, so I'll see what I can do with cropping.<br /><br />I am currently experimenting with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">yoyos</span>. We'll see where it goes.<br /><br />There, now, the post is rather dull, yes, but as I am pretty much the only one that reads it, I feel that I have accomplished the goal of getting back in the saddle - a more time consuming endeavor than I originally intended considering that I forgot my password and had to go through the whole rigmarole of setting up a new one.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"></span>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-68560971074634019212008-01-06T09:59:00.000-05:002008-01-06T10:07:39.468-05:00Above, below, and beyondAt bedtime, Princess Buttercup and I often have exchanges such as "I love you to the moon and back" or "I love you to infinity and beyond" stealing our good nights from favorite books or movies. Not wanting to miss out on the action, Little Man said to me "I love you above, below, and beyond." How sweet is that?! When I asked him where he came up with that, he said "That's what you say, Mommy." I prefer his version to the original.Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-83561695360011730802008-01-04T09:18:00.000-05:002008-01-06T09:58:49.633-05:00Welcome New YearI am way too lazy to put a picture up right this minute, but I will get one of a project I accomplished this week later.<br /><br />So, New Year's resolutions. I don't recall really making any serious ones in the past because I realize that you are basically ensuring that you won't follow them by making them into somewhat of a chore. But, I do always like the idea of setting goals (I know, not a big difference, but somehow the wording changes the feel. Anyway, the other night before bed, I made a list of craft goals for the year by month. I have been spending so much time surfing to get the juices flowing and considering all of the great ideas out there and coming up with my own that I get on overload and can't remember what I wanted to do. Of course, since coming up with the list, I have worked on two projects around the house that weren't even on the list.<br /><br />My husband made me a shelf for Christmas so the kids could hang up coats and bags and we could have a handy place for hats and mittens. I wanted baskets and was not impressed with the price or selection that I found in the size I needed so I proceeded to get the other stuff I needed like baby wipes, diapers, and baby food. It occurred to me that the wipes containers were the perfect size, so I bought 5 packs, came home, stuck the wipes in some Ziploc bags, steamed off the labels, and covered the boxes with fabric. Perfect! Now each one of us has a little bin for one hat and one set of gloves. I actually remembered, and could find, my gloves three times yesterday - hooray! since my hands are so chapped my knuckles have started to bleed.Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-15663730007250260492007-12-22T09:19:00.000-05:002007-12-22T14:13:40.068-05:00It's Almost Here"Even if you win a battle, as long as the enemy's got a heart that's beating and a brain that's working, you'd better be prepared for a counterattack."<br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">Ida B. </span>by Katherine Hannigan<br /><br />After over six years of repressing any reaction when frustrated with my sister-in-law, I reacted in October. My husband and I were trying to make some changes to our holiday schedule well in advance to avoid stress and let's just say that it wasn't received well by his side. When I spoke to his sister, I shared much of what had been bottled up for years. I don't know if anyone can relate, but I tend to hold in my feelings (with the exception of those for my poor husband) of frustration out of politeness and in hopes of avoiding conflict for so long that when they do come out, they are a bit like a landslide. While I may have been justified, I would probably have been more effective to have reacted to each incident over the years. Of course, if you feel that choosing battles is important, you don't want to make a big deal out of every little thing. Anyhow, since that conversation in October, there has been very little contact with Sis and I am waiting and waiting for the counterattack. I know it's coming. It's only a matter of time.<br /><br />We've been making lots of cookies and candy around here. Yesterday was molasses cookies. The recipe is from my great-grandmother and the cookies are delicious. Enjoy!<br /><br />Molasses Cookies<br /><br />3/4 cup marg.<br />1 cup sugar<br />1/4 cup molasses<br />1 egg<br />2 tsp baking soda<br />2 cups sifted flour<br />1/2 tsp cloves<br />1/2 tsp ginger<br />1 tsp cinnamon<br />1/2 tsp salt<br /><br />Melt marg. in sauce pan over low heat. Remove and let cool. Add sugar, molasses, and eggs. Beat well. Add flour and dry ingredients. Chill. Form balls. Roll in sugar and bake on cookie sheet 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees.<br /><br />Note: I melted the margarine in the microwave - Great-Grandma Emma didn't have that option in her day. Also, I sprayed the cookie sheets with cooking spray.<br /><br /><br /><br />Craft To Do List:<br />(starting my New Year's Resolutions early)<br /><br />Cap for Little Man<br />Car seat organizer<br />Shopping bag with pouch<br />towel animals (by Princess Buttercup's March birthday)<br />doll<br />doll bed mattress (take two)<br />frog softie, baby bib and slippers (gift needed by April)Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-26590358896161946422007-12-20T10:30:00.001-05:002007-12-22T09:59:48.531-05:00Yea, pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCRLotieBmZe8qQGBwKOXUB8C8d3zL_HrOiWjzxlFpjaQI5Tu_mDuzZYt0vWHhcwy5oeussAVwdY6fJhw-YjCo9UA6H0JhIXRss30iZx79-Sf0Ys18Zv73Etl6RCDQ8NCb1bRhyrFr1k/s1600-h/IM000203.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCRLotieBmZe8qQGBwKOXUB8C8d3zL_HrOiWjzxlFpjaQI5Tu_mDuzZYt0vWHhcwy5oeussAVwdY6fJhw-YjCo9UA6H0JhIXRss30iZx79-Sf0Ys18Zv73Etl6RCDQ8NCb1bRhyrFr1k/s320/IM000203.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146083217824868834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvnSw5X-Kg6Lm-In6a4aUbLXHNHuibidCCD4qKzmgiZbvzCfV9fJQ-d5r1vKu2qKiVPCJ4al7IELVOTXnlY4PKlp7oSj6KiyEdUciaoGdRtlTR1RXlwFcEDqDVRVaCPaWClRiamR2SuI/s1600-h/IM000205.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvnSw5X-Kg6Lm-In6a4aUbLXHNHuibidCCD4qKzmgiZbvzCfV9fJQ-d5r1vKu2qKiVPCJ4al7IELVOTXnlY4PKlp7oSj6KiyEdUciaoGdRtlTR1RXlwFcEDqDVRVaCPaWClRiamR2SuI/s320/IM000205.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146083222119836146" border="0" /></a>Above are the embroidered ornaments of the kids' hands. Little Peanut (smallest one) isn't done. Not that you can really tell, my pictures kinda stink, but you get the general idea.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pUcYesan4-k2OHJ1KxsO2lpbEzLaP6TkjP-SHLLHeKAfoQSPpY5NmP6msXOKbzjNQEcmXjajIm5zm-RvZVVtsiM-TeN16OLRgi3a3sCzJHOiKpITPzkqfL0zqCtWfPF30Qp308iIu2c/s1600-h/Fall+07+055.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pUcYesan4-k2OHJ1KxsO2lpbEzLaP6TkjP-SHLLHeKAfoQSPpY5NmP6msXOKbzjNQEcmXjajIm5zm-RvZVVtsiM-TeN16OLRgi3a3sCzJHOiKpITPzkqfL0zqCtWfPF30Qp308iIu2c/s320/Fall+07+055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146078532015548866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2fTdCYIHj4CsJPKVnSxqbRJnfvP_yMqtH6ClD6s2iTAHwif7s4xEyOGHFeWgRIvwxMaD6x2q537WoTMt2YPIM8X97wj70GPKBT61rJKCnVvMKHTTHTqHqgj98ysCKR7mu6RDAf_CWXo/s1600-h/Fall+07+057.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2fTdCYIHj4CsJPKVnSxqbRJnfvP_yMqtH6ClD6s2iTAHwif7s4xEyOGHFeWgRIvwxMaD6x2q537WoTMt2YPIM8X97wj70GPKBT61rJKCnVvMKHTTHTqHqgj98ysCKR7mu6RDAf_CWXo/s320/Fall+07+057.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146078536310516178" border="0" /></a><br />These are our Christmas card placemats. The table cloth has since been removed after a chocolate milk spill, but with a quick wipe, the mats were good to go:)Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-1555466802658871282007-12-20T09:18:00.000-05:002007-12-20T10:03:36.209-05:00Preparing for ChristmasI am still having trouble with the pictures! I keep starting to load them onto the computer from the camera and then it freezes before I can successfully download them. So, when I can, I will take that step. I have been working on some felt ornaments for the kids that were inspired by: <a href="http://sunshinescreations.vintagethreads.com/2006/11/how-to-make-embroidered-felt-ornament.htm">http://sunshinescreations.vintagethreads.com/2006/11/how-to-make-embroidered-felt-ornament.htm</a><br />I had already traced their hands and was considering paper ornaments when I stumbled on her embroidered felt ornaments. They remind me of the felt ornaments and fabric sunbonnet babies that my mother made back in the '70's.<br /><br />My husband and I thought it would be nice to begin a tradition of giving each child a special ornament each year in their stockings. Then, when they had their first tree, we could pass along their decorations (twenty something ornaments by then - not a bad start). This was very sweet when we had one child. Now that we have three kids and grandma is trying to downsize so she is sending special ornaments our way left and right, and considering my odd addiction to Hallmark ornaments back when I was single, we are wondering where exactly we will fit all of the decorations in 18 years!! And I don't even want to think about the possibility that my kids won't be sentimental enough to care about their collection when the time comes to pass it along (I have considered the look on a future daughter-in-laws' faces when I hand them the boxes of my sons' ornaments for their trees someday).<br /><br />I also made a doll bed mattress for the doll bed that we got our daughter for Christmas from craigslist. This I will not be posting a picture of as it seems I was incapable of sewing a straight line! It will do for now until I can make something nicer.<br /><br />Lastly, I think I was feeling the need to head back to childhood and made placemats with the kids. We took all of our old Christmas cards and I cut them into circles. I let Princess Buttercup (my 4 year old) and Little Man (my 3 year old) pick out their favorites and we arranged them, glued, sandwiched them in contact paper, and PRESTO!! They love Christmas crafts and glue, so we also made some paper garlands with cut out gingerbread men and did the reindeer you make by tracing their hands and feet.<br /><br />I worked my day this week (actually, I subbed a half day, but I won't be going in again until after break - subbing for middle schoolers the last days before Christmas isn't the most fun ever, though they were good yesterday), so now it's time for cookie baking, present wrapping, and house cleaning. Woo hoo!!<br /><br />Oh, and a few more minutes attempting to download those pictures.Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461126512454001916.post-88347721573009875872007-12-18T09:56:00.000-05:002007-12-18T10:21:17.971-05:00Beginnings<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Since I love to write and am completely addicted to the sewing blogs, vintage collecting blogs, and thrifty mom blogs out there, I decided to start one of my own. It seemed I had so much to say about 10 minutes ago, but now that I have begun the process, it seems to have vanished - probably somewhere around the time I had to come up with a name for the address and found several of them were already taken. The creativity was sucked right out of me - it doesn't take much lately!!<br /><br />I guess I'll start here and figure out the ins and outs of blogging as I go. Would love to include a quote or two from a lovely children's novel I am currently reading: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ida B </span>by Katherine Hannigan. I just don't know what the copyright rules are! I guess you can't take the teacher out of me. I quit my full-time teaching job three years ago when I had my second child (only 19 months after the birth of the first one) and here I am now staying home with three little ones preschool and under. <br /><br />I ended up naming the blog for a saying coined on a morning I stuffed everyone into the car so I could go off to work (I substitute teach once a week, more or less - a <span style="font-style: italic;">dream </span>job I am sure I will elaborate on later). The pace of going anywhere with so many youngin's is never fast. In fact, my poor girl is always asking lately: "Are we late?" Sadly, yes. Mommy has no sense of time. It is safe to say that we are <span style="font-style: italic;">always </span>running late. <span style="font-style: italic;">A day late and a dollar short</span> actually. And so, as we pull out of the driveway in our minivan with the broken clock, it is tradition for me to announce "Off we we go, like a herd of . . ." and all of the children who can talk respond with glee: "TURTLES!" Hey, at least they are learning figurative language at a young age (not so sure about the whole turtles traveling in herds part, though).<br /><br />Well, this was my baby step of the day. I'll post and maybe figure out pictures tomorrow. Gotta move at the pace of a herd of . . .<br /></span></span>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825701698192180295noreply@blogger.com0