Lost

Lost's second to final season starts one week from tonight!

Resolutions

Are you embracing or avoiding the "R" word? By that, I mean resolutions.

Some people 1) are gung-ho R-word embracers, 2) just smile politely when that word is even mentioned, then steer the conversation to something else. Others still 3), declare that any time of year is a good time to start (or end) something and why must one start (or end) something in January? Do you fit in any of these categories?

If you have made Resolutions in the past, have you had success? What made you successful? Did you have a cheering section? Were they big Resolutions or small ones? What was your mind set for the year? Did you keep up with them after the year was over or go back to pre-Resolution mode?

Conversely, did you not have success? Why? Why not? What kept you from keeping your Resolution? What can you do differently to try again and gain victory over your Resolution?

Here is a website that has some great ideas on how you can stick to your Resolutions.

Oh, did you want to know about my own Resolutions? Yes, I'm making some this year.

During 2009, I am resolving to:
1. Create one - two page layout for each month this year, complete with pictures and journaling. January is almost done already - I think I'm off to a good start. I will post as I complete or near completion.

2. Exercise (or "move") four times per week. I like this better than "I must lose x pounds by some month this year." This encourages me to do something positive instead of setting a goal that seems intimidating and doomed for disaster. I plan on walking most mornings, but I also found some free yoga videos that do not expire. Yay!

May you keep your Resolutions this year - if you are bold to make them!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you all!

We opted for a busy last day of the year and a quiet evening at home.

We went to the science museum during the day, played with all sorts of gadgets that help demonstrate different science concepts, sat in on a States of Matter demonstration using dry ice, listened to a little nanotechnology talk, played with K'nex and Keva Planks, and had a fun time.

We went to a book store afterwards and thought that Chuck Season 1 and Enchanted (both on sale, too - YAY!) should come home with us.

We did some grocery shopping to finish out our outing.

After some homemade pizza (yum!), a lesson in choices (our boys decided that playing with couch pillows near glasses of apple cider was a good choice... can you imagine what happened?), and the usual bedtime routines, we put our boys to bed.

My Dearest and I relaxed, enjoyed some ice cream, and watched some Chuck to ring in the New Year.

Merry Christmas!

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.

Luke 2: 9-12, ESV

Tag! 73... I have a life *snort

SUPPOSEDLY if you have seen over 85 films, you have no life. Mark the ones you've seen. There are 239 films on this list. Copy this list, then, put x's next to the films you've seen, add them up, and let me know you played along.

Have fun and consider yourself tagged.

Life or no life... something to contemplate as you make your list and play along because you have nothing else to do considering today is Christmas Eve. :-)

(x) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(x) Grease
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest
( ) Boondock Saints
( ) Fight Club
( ) Starsky and Hutch
( ) Neverending Story
( ) Blazing Saddles
(x) Airplane
Total: 5

(x) The Princess Bride
( ) Anchorman
( ) Napoleon Dynamite
(x) Labyrinth
( ) Saw
( ) Saw II
( ) White Noise
( ) White Oleander
( ) Anger Management
( ) 50 First Dates
(x) The Princess Diaries
(x) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
Total so far: 9

( ) Scream
( ) Scream 2
( ) Scream 3
( ) Scary Movie
( ) Scary Movie 2
( ) Scary Movie 3
( ) Scary Movie 4
( ) American Pie
( ) American Pie 2
( ) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp
Total so far: 9

(x) Harry Potter 1
( ) Harry Potter 2
( ) Harry Potter 3
( ) Harry Potter 4
( ) Resident Evil 1
( ) Resident Evil 2
(x) The Wedding Singer
( ) Little Black Book
( ) The Village
( ) Lilo & Stitch
Total so far: 10

(x) Finding Nemo
( ) Finding Neverland
(x) Signs
(x) The Grinch
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
( ) White Chicks
( ) Butterfly Effect
(x) 13 Going on 30
(x) I, Robot
( ) Robots
Total so far:15

( ) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
( ) Universal Soldier
( ) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
( ) Along Came Polly
( ) Deep Impact
( ) KingPin
( ) Never Been Kissed
( ) Meet The Parents
( ) Meet the Fockers
( ) Eight Crazy Nights
( ) Joe Dirt
( ) KING KONG
Total so far: 15

( ) A Cinderella Story
( ) The Terminal
( ) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris
( ) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
( ) Final Destination
( ) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
( ) Halloween
( ) The Ring
( ) The Ring 2
( ) Surviving X-MAS
( ) Flubber
Total so far: 15

( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
( ) Practical Magic
( ) Chicago
( ) Ghost Ship
( ) From Hell
(x) Hellboy
( ) Secret Window
( ) I Am Sam
( ) The Whole Nine Yards
( ) The Whole Ten Yards
Total so far: 16

( ) The Day After Tomorrow
( ) Child's Play
( ) Seed of Chucky
( ) Bride of Chucky
( ) Ten Things I Hate About You
( ) Just Married
( ) Gothika
(x) Nightmare on Elm Street
(x) Sixteen Candles
(x) Remember the Titans
( ) Coach Carter
( ) The Grudge
( ) The Grudge 2
(x) The Mask
( ) Son Of The Mask
Total so far: 20

(x) Bad Boys
(x) Bad Boys 2
( ) Joy Ride
( ) Lucky Number Slevin
(x) Ocean's Eleven
(x) Ocean's Twelve
(x) Bourne Identity
(x) Bourne Supremecy
( ) Lone Star
( ) Bedazzled
(x) Predator I
( ) Predator II
( ) The Fog
( ) Ice Age
( ) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
( ) Curious George
Total so far: 27

(x) Independence Day
( ) Cujo
( ) A Bronx Tale
( ) Darkness Falls
( ) Christine
(x) ET
(x) Children of the Corn
( ) My Bosses Daughter
( ) Maid in Manhattan
( ) War of the Worlds
(x) Rush Hour
(x) Rush Hour 2
Total so far: 32

( ) Best Bet
(x) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
( ) She's All That
( ) Calendar Girls
( ) Sideways
(x) Mars Attacks
( ) Event Horizon
(x) Ever After
(x) Wizard of Oz
(x) Forrest Gump
(x) Big Trouble in Little China
(x) The Terminator
(x) The Terminator 2
( ) The Terminator 3
Total so far: 40

(x) X-Men
(x) X-2
(x) X-3
(x) Spider-Man
(x) Spider-Man 2
(x) Sky High
( ) Jeepers Creepers
( ) Jeepers Creepers 2
(x) Catch Me If You Can
(x) The Little Mermaid
( ) Freaky Friday
( ) Reign of Fire
( ) The Skulls
( ) Cruel Intentions
( ) Cruel Intentions 2
( ) The Hot Chick
(x) Shrek
( ) Shrek 2
Total so far: 49

( ) Swimfan
(x) Miracle on 34th street
( ) Old School
( ) The Notebook
( ) K-Pax
( ) Krippendorf's Tribe
(x) A Walk to Remember
( ) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
( ) The 40-year-old Virgin
Total so far: 51

(x) Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring
(x) Lord of the Rings The Two Towers
(x) Lord of the Rings Return Of the King
(x) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(x) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(x) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Total so far: 57

( ) Basketball
( ) Hostel
( ) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects
( ) Elf
( ) Highlander
( ) Mothman Prophecies
( ) American History X
( ) Three
Total so Far: 57

( ) The Jacket
( ) Kung Fu Hustle
(x) Shaolin Soccer
( ) Night Watch
(x) Monsters Inc.
(x) Titanic
(x) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
( ) Shaun Of the Dead
( ) Willard
Total so far: 61


( ) High Tension
( ) Club Dread
(x) Hulk
( ) Dawn Of the Dead
(x) Hook
(x) Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
( ) 28 days later
( ) Orgazmo
( ) Phantasm
( ) Waterworld
Total so far: 64

( ) Kill Bill vol 1
( ) Kill Bill vol 2
( ) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
( ) Kingdom of Heaven
( ) the Hills Have Eyes
( ) I Spit on Your Grave aka the Day of the Woman
( ) The Last House on the Left

( ) Re-Animator
( ) Army of Darkness
Total so far: 64


(x) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
(x) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
(x) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(x) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(x) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(x) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
( ) Ewoks Caravan Of Courage
( ) Ewoks The Battle For Endor
Total so far: 70

(x) The Matrix
(x) The Matrix Reloaded
(x) The Matrix Revolutions
( ) Animatrix
( ) Evil Dead
( ) Evil Dead 2
( ) Team America: World Police
( ) Red Dragon
( ) Silence of the Lambs
( ) Hannibal

GRAND TOTAL: 73

Way Too Much Time On My Hands

I seem to have way too much time on my hands lately. Enjoy the fruits of my labor. :-)


911 Math Emergency ~ Yeah, this might qualify.

Straight No Chaser - 12 Days of Christmas ~ Love this version.

Hat tip to Shannon for this final one - I think my wife is a Calvinist.

Seven Years Ago

Seven years ago, I became the mom to two boys. I was in disbelief that My Dearest and I had two boys. I thought for sure that our newest child was going to be a girl. She was going to be Audrey or Sophie.

Seven years ago, I did not know it would be two days after his birth before we learned his name, as My Dearest says.

Seven years ago, I hoped he would live up to his name and he certainly does. He laughs and certainly brings laughter into my life.

Seven years ago, I did not know that I would hear fun sentences as, "I'm half-Asian and half-Korean!" and "I need to lay such that I don't fall off the couch!"

Seven years ago, I did not know what a goof-ball he would be.

Seven years ago, I did not know what a love for God and Jesus he would have.

Seven years ago, I did not know how loving and kind he could be towards others.

Seven years ago, I did not know that he could frustrate me so fully and that I could love his so fully... at the same time.

Seven years ago, I did not know that my heart could swell to love both boys, plus My Dearest, and that my heart would still have room to love others.


Happy birthday, dear boy.

Happy Boys!

My boys are happy right now. Not because it's almost my youngest's birthday. Not because it's almost Christmas. They are happy because we just had our annual cookie exchange.

Eleven of us in our homeschool group make 7 dozen cookies each (or treats, as I made truffles this year which is not really a cookie) and we all received about seven of each item made.

Yup. My boys are very happy. My Dearest included.

Little Baby Boy

Go see this fabulous video of the Little Baby Boy!

To Taste

I have always enjoyed cookbooks - reading for fun or education and using them for actual cooking. Some of these recipes I would probably never make (never say never, I know) as I think some are too "gourmet" for me, too simple, or not quite healthy enough for us.

Years ago, I received a fabulous breakfast recipe (Egg Casserole)and shared it with my sister. In the recipe, it calls for pepper and salt to be added to the egg mixture "to taste." (Actually, if you click on the link, I omitted salt and pepper entirely from the recipe. I think the sausage contributes enough salt and pepper can be added at the table to each person's own liking. In the original recipe it called for salt and pepper to be added "to taste.")

My sister commented on the directions and said something like, "How do you add 'to taste' if it is being added to an egg mixture?" In all of my perusing cookbooks, this had never stood out to me.

Now, every time I look at a recipe, I notice funny directions like this. I wonder, "How does one taste seasonings if they are being added to an egg or raw meat mixture?"

Happy Thanksgiving!

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!

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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!

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.

Interesting Election Reading

Just wanted to pass along an interesting article and website.


Don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour tonight.


Be sure to tune in tomorrow to see who wins the two fall cards I'm giving away!