Forgive me for not posting lately. I've been having a difficult time with my children and fighting an allergy/cold, due to something one of my children did.
Last week, one of my children decided that as I was in the shower, it was the perfect time to spray my Cool Water perfume all over my bedroom. As I got out of the shower, I thought I smelled Cool Water but thought it was from the bath gel that I didn't use. Yeah, I wasn't quite thinking straight. When I went into my room, it was ... overwhelming, which doesn't even cover how strongly it smelled. I thought about having the offender sleep in my room that night as My Dearest and I slept elsewhere, but I was more concerned about what else he might find to do.
We vacuumed with backing soda, opened windows, and lit candles but it was still smelling strongly when the windows closed and the room warmed again. Due to the irritation, my sinuses started draining down the back of my throat. I thought I could beat it on my own, but my symptoms worsened and it was Tuesday morning, which meant if I had to see my doctor, it would have to wait until Monday, as they are closed on Wednesdays.
My Dearest is also suffering the same symptoms. I talked to him on Tuesday morning and told him I made a doctor's appointment, at which time he said that he also was contemplating making an appointment. We have the same doctor so I told him that I would make an appointment for him and he could meet me there. I called, made the appointment, and called my Dearest to tell him what time. He told me that it was too early and he had customers at work; I told him he could call and reschedule for when it would be convenient for him, as it would be easier for both of us.
I got to the doctor's office, and there in the parking lot was my Dearest's car. What happened to "too early?" It turns out that he thought he was meeting me at the doctor's office to watch the children while I had my appointment. But he still canceled his appointment.
Thankfully, since we know the staff well, they squeezed him in and we both got our meds. We are on a nasal spray, an anti-histamine, and magic pills. All thanks to our fabulous doctor.
So, now we are ready to continue on the Thanksgiving road. The pumpkin pies, cranberry bread, and stuffing were made last night. The stock is simmering; the turkey ready to be stuffed and roasted. Potatoes and veggies will be done while the turkey roasts.
Here's our menu:
Awesome Tangerine-Glazed Turkey
Awesome Sausage, Apple, and Dried Cranberry Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole (my sister's favorite side dish, but she's visiting in-laws)
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Pumpkin Pie
Cranberry Sauce
May we be especially thankful this day for the many ways God provides for us, not just enjoy the food and football.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Re-Introducing...
Every so often, (or more often than not), we come to the point when we parents are trying to encourage the children to take some responsibility for their actions and for maintaining some semblance of order with their clothes. So far, they take their folded clothes and "put them away." Oh, you parents get the quotes, I know you do. I KNOW I'm not alone in this. At least, I sincerely hope I'm not.
The clothes end up in the dresser, but not folded any longer. Nor are the clothes in what I would call the "Proper Place." At one time, the drawers were labeled with what belonged in them so that when one child claimed that he couldn't find anything to wear, I could direct him to the proper drawer to find something on his own without needing too much hand-holding from me.
Yeah.
The drawers are a jumbled mess now. The clothes are shoved into any drawer that seems convenient at the moment. No rhyme or reason. Sometimes, if the child planned well, whatever is hanging out of the drawer can be claimed and worn without even opening the drawer to root around for clothes!
Of course, this child may not even notice that many of the clothes in the drawer do not fit or haven't fit for a long time now. Sometimes he decides that it still fits wonderfully, despite the fact that he has to manipulate the shirt collar and possibly his head to get the shirt on, let alone off.
One day, we decided it was time for an intervention; basically we reset some guidelines, re-introduce the dresser to him, and basically help the kid out.
As we dumped out all of his drawers, My Dearest pulled out a pair of jeans in a size 104 (I don't know...we just pulled them out and read the tag). They were boys jeans (I double checked) and were cut for supremely skinny legs, hips, and waist. Yikes. I don't know how we ended up with this pair of jeans or how they migrated to the top of his pile. Actually, I do; he shuffled around enough that it rotated it's way up naturally.
Anyhow, as I we looked at them in disbelief, My Dearest exclaimed, "I don't know what planet these were made on!"
For those who might have been searching high and low for a pair of jeans like this, I'm sorry, we tossed them into the "donate" pile.
We finished the intervention and restocked his dresser with clothes that actually fit him. Now that another load of laundry has been done, we'll see just how long this re-introduction to the dresser lasts.
The clothes end up in the dresser, but not folded any longer. Nor are the clothes in what I would call the "Proper Place." At one time, the drawers were labeled with what belonged in them so that when one child claimed that he couldn't find anything to wear, I could direct him to the proper drawer to find something on his own without needing too much hand-holding from me.
Yeah.
The drawers are a jumbled mess now. The clothes are shoved into any drawer that seems convenient at the moment. No rhyme or reason. Sometimes, if the child planned well, whatever is hanging out of the drawer can be claimed and worn without even opening the drawer to root around for clothes!
Of course, this child may not even notice that many of the clothes in the drawer do not fit or haven't fit for a long time now. Sometimes he decides that it still fits wonderfully, despite the fact that he has to manipulate the shirt collar and possibly his head to get the shirt on, let alone off.
One day, we decided it was time for an intervention; basically we reset some guidelines, re-introduce the dresser to him, and basically help the kid out.
As we dumped out all of his drawers, My Dearest pulled out a pair of jeans in a size 104 (I don't know...we just pulled them out and read the tag). They were boys jeans (I double checked) and were cut for supremely skinny legs, hips, and waist. Yikes. I don't know how we ended up with this pair of jeans or how they migrated to the top of his pile. Actually, I do; he shuffled around enough that it rotated it's way up naturally.
Anyhow, as I we looked at them in disbelief, My Dearest exclaimed, "I don't know what planet these were made on!"
For those who might have been searching high and low for a pair of jeans like this, I'm sorry, we tossed them into the "donate" pile.
We finished the intervention and restocked his dresser with clothes that actually fit him. Now that another load of laundry has been done, we'll see just how long this re-introduction to the dresser lasts.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
15 Things About Me
I was tagged via Facebook, but I thought I'd play here.
Here are "15 Things About Me."
1. I love God. His Son, Jesus, died for my sins. His mercy, love, sovereignty, and forgiveness amaze, overwhelm, and comfort me.
2. I enjoy cooking.
3. I would paper craft all day if I could.
4. I just recently re-learned to can and am looking forward to next summer so I can can some more! :-)
5. I recently opened a store on-line - PaperCrank
6. I am security conscious, but not like H.D. :-) Love you, girl!
7. I always look forward to seeing my sister and singing with her. We harmonize really well together.
8. I don't really enjoy Korean or Chinese food ... once per month or two is plenty enough for me.
9. I would paper craft all day if I could. Oh, did I post that one already? I enjoy sweets, but not usually chocolate.
10. I am homeschooling one year at a time.... you can read more here. :-)
11. I enjoy camping... about once per year... for about five days. Only.
12. I am married to a wonderful man. He bought me my first (and only) pair of Converse. (that one's for you, J.B.!)
13. I am close friends with my siblings. I hope my sons will enjoy the same closeness with each other as I do with my own siblings. That doesn't mean that we didn't have our moments, though.
14. I enjoy reading all different types of books and revisiting those places and characters, a.k.a. I re-read books.
15. It was much harder to think of 15 things that I thought.
Now, I'm supposed to tag 15 people. If you'd like to play, leave me a comment so I can come check out your 15 Things!
Oh, come on and play; it'll be fun!!
Here are "15 Things About Me."
1. I love God. His Son, Jesus, died for my sins. His mercy, love, sovereignty, and forgiveness amaze, overwhelm, and comfort me.
2. I enjoy cooking.
3. I would paper craft all day if I could.
4. I just recently re-learned to can and am looking forward to next summer so I can can some more! :-)
5. I recently opened a store on-line - PaperCrank
6. I am security conscious, but not like H.D. :-) Love you, girl!
7. I always look forward to seeing my sister and singing with her. We harmonize really well together.
8. I don't really enjoy Korean or Chinese food ... once per month or two is plenty enough for me.
9. I would paper craft all day if I could. Oh, did I post that one already? I enjoy sweets, but not usually chocolate.
10. I am homeschooling one year at a time.... you can read more here. :-)
11. I enjoy camping... about once per year... for about five days. Only.
12. I am married to a wonderful man. He bought me my first (and only) pair of Converse. (that one's for you, J.B.!)
13. I am close friends with my siblings. I hope my sons will enjoy the same closeness with each other as I do with my own siblings. That doesn't mean that we didn't have our moments, though.
14. I enjoy reading all different types of books and revisiting those places and characters, a.k.a. I re-read books.
15. It was much harder to think of 15 things that I thought.
Now, I'm supposed to tag 15 people. If you'd like to play, leave me a comment so I can come check out your 15 Things!
Oh, come on and play; it'll be fun!!
Friday, November 14, 2008
One Year at a Time
When we started our homeschooling adventure three years ago, we decided to homeschool one year at a time and by the grace of God.
When we meet new people, they often ask how long we plan to homeschool. Our answer has always been that we'll take it one year at a time, re-evaluating as necessary, as we continue.
This past spring, I tutored a friend, a college gal, in Chemistry. I have fond memories of my high school and college chem classes. The funky, oh-so-stylish goggles, watching and creating reactions, balancing equations, and titrating (my favorite experiment!). We got together every week for about 4 or 5 weeks. I had a blast and enjoyed helping her, even if some of the concepts were a little rusty for me. Overall, it must have helped, as she got a A in the class!
This year, we decided to start a history curriculum. We settled on - The Mystery of History after much discussion, viewing lots of other curricula, and headaches from trying to keep it all straight. Ad plug for my friend who owns Soli Deo Gloria Homeschool and Christian Resource store; she is very knowledgeable about homeschooling curricula. I'm blessed to call her a friend. Go shop at her site and tell her Julia sent you!
We started MoH, Volume 1 Creation to Resurrection this past fall. I realized (during the selection process) that this is a multi-volume, cummulative program. This is not really a stand-alone program. Although I suppose it could be.
Anyhow, my mind started whirring along. By the time we finish the five volumes (two of which have not been written yet!), my oldest will be in 8th or 9th grade. Then, we can whiz along with American Revolution, Civil War, World War I, World War II, and whatever else he would like to study.
The refresher in Chemistry and tutoring my friend was eye-opening and I look forward to teaching my boys Chemistry, then Physics!
Squeal!! (Those would be my brakes.) What happened to homeschooling one year at a time? All of a sudden, I've planned through high school!
Yup, I need to relax and go back to my original plan... taking it one year at a time and by the grace of God alone. I'm still looking forward to high school for my boys, through whatever method we decide to school our children.
When we meet new people, they often ask how long we plan to homeschool. Our answer has always been that we'll take it one year at a time, re-evaluating as necessary, as we continue.
This past spring, I tutored a friend, a college gal, in Chemistry. I have fond memories of my high school and college chem classes. The funky, oh-so-stylish goggles, watching and creating reactions, balancing equations, and titrating (my favorite experiment!). We got together every week for about 4 or 5 weeks. I had a blast and enjoyed helping her, even if some of the concepts were a little rusty for me. Overall, it must have helped, as she got a A in the class!
This year, we decided to start a history curriculum. We settled on - The Mystery of History after much discussion, viewing lots of other curricula, and headaches from trying to keep it all straight. Ad plug for my friend who owns Soli Deo Gloria Homeschool and Christian Resource store; she is very knowledgeable about homeschooling curricula. I'm blessed to call her a friend. Go shop at her site and tell her Julia sent you!
We started MoH, Volume 1 Creation to Resurrection this past fall. I realized (during the selection process) that this is a multi-volume, cummulative program. This is not really a stand-alone program. Although I suppose it could be.
Anyhow, my mind started whirring along. By the time we finish the five volumes (two of which have not been written yet!), my oldest will be in 8th or 9th grade. Then, we can whiz along with American Revolution, Civil War, World War I, World War II, and whatever else he would like to study.
The refresher in Chemistry and tutoring my friend was eye-opening and I look forward to teaching my boys Chemistry, then Physics!
Squeal!! (Those would be my brakes.) What happened to homeschooling one year at a time? All of a sudden, I've planned through high school!
Yup, I need to relax and go back to my original plan... taking it one year at a time and by the grace of God alone. I'm still looking forward to high school for my boys, through whatever method we decide to school our children.
Altered Corkboard
I've had some time to play and here is the fun 3D item I've made:
The Altered Corkboard measures: 5 7/8" x 11 7/8" x 1/4"
Cork area measures: 4 7/8" x 4 1/8"
Ribbon measures (from apex of ribbon to top of corkboard): 8 1/4"
I love this paper. In my opinion, it features the perfect shades of blue. There are enough lighter colors that the darker blues are not oppressive and the overall combination is calming.
Wouldn't this be lovely hanging in your craft area, kitchen, computer area, or teenager's bedroom?
It's in my shop now.
The Altered Corkboard measures: 5 7/8" x 11 7/8" x 1/4"
Cork area measures: 4 7/8" x 4 1/8"
Ribbon measures (from apex of ribbon to top of corkboard): 8 1/4"
I love this paper. In my opinion, it features the perfect shades of blue. There are enough lighter colors that the darker blues are not oppressive and the overall combination is calming.
Wouldn't this be lovely hanging in your craft area, kitchen, computer area, or teenager's bedroom?
It's in my shop now.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Cinnamon!
Last night, I whipped up a batch of Applesauce Dumplings (from Zonya Foco) while we were finishing dinner. (Did I mention that it's a quick recipe?) The boys didn't know what I was making, but as it simmered along on the stove, my youngest exclaimed, "Mom! I think I smell something that tastes like cinnamon!"
Here's the recipe:
Combine the following ingredients in a non-stick medium-sized pan and heat to med-high heat:
3 cups unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup water
1 tsp. cinnamon
Meanwhile, combine in a medium bowl and stir until just moistened:
1 cup baking mix
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
Drop dumpling batter onto boiling applesauce mixture (six mounds). Cover and let simmer for 12 minutes. No peeking!! Remove from heat and let cool (optional, but highly recommended as a burnt tongue hurts... yes, I know from experience). Serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
See more of Zonya's recipes here.
Here's the recipe:
Combine the following ingredients in a non-stick medium-sized pan and heat to med-high heat:
3 cups unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup water
1 tsp. cinnamon
Meanwhile, combine in a medium bowl and stir until just moistened:
1 cup baking mix
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
Drop dumpling batter onto boiling applesauce mixture (six mounds). Cover and let simmer for 12 minutes. No peeking!! Remove from heat and let cool (optional, but highly recommended as a burnt tongue hurts... yes, I know from experience). Serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
See more of Zonya's recipes here.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
New Bloggy Give-Aways Winner Announced
Sadly, I didn't hear from my first winner so I have had to pick another one.
My random number generator generated ... number 11... Tami! Congratulations on winning the Fall cards! Please email your address to me so I can mail your cards.
Congratulations, Tami!!
My random number generator generated ... number 11... Tami! Congratulations on winning the Fall cards! Please email your address to me so I can mail your cards.
Congratulations, Tami!!
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Up, Up, and Away!
Well, I've done it now. I've launched my store. Remember? I was telling you about it here.
My shop is starting to live and breathe. The first item is in the shop tonight.
Want a preview? I thought you would. ;-)
It is a set of four standard size cards (4.25" x 5.5") and envelopes, blank inside.
Go have a look. More items will be in the shop this week.
Here we go!
My shop is starting to live and breathe. The first item is in the shop tonight.
Want a preview? I thought you would. ;-)
It is a set of four standard size cards (4.25" x 5.5") and envelopes, blank inside.
Go have a look. More items will be in the shop this week.
Here we go!
Bloggy Give Aways Winner!
First of all, thank you to all of the entrants for the cards for your kind words regarding my card-making ability.
Secondly, according to my random number generator, number 36 is the winner ... Pamela S! Congratulations, Pamela!! Please email me (jscrappymom (at) gmail (dot) com) with your address so I can send you your cards. If I don't hear from you by Tuesday at noon, I'll draw for another winner.
Thirdly, if you are not Pamela (or even if you are) and would like to purchase your own handmade cards, tags, or other paper goods, please visit my Etsy store.
Secondly, according to my random number generator, number 36 is the winner ... Pamela S! Congratulations, Pamela!! Please email me (jscrappymom (at) gmail (dot) com) with your address so I can send you your cards. If I don't hear from you by Tuesday at noon, I'll draw for another winner.
Thirdly, if you are not Pamela (or even if you are) and would like to purchase your own handmade cards, tags, or other paper goods, please visit my Etsy store.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Interesting Election Reading
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