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
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Hummus Recipe
This is my recipe for Hummus, which I adapted from here. This one's for you, Jane! :-)
I use:
3 - 15 oz cans of garbanzo beans (chick peas), drained with juice reserved
3 T. tahini, or to taste
4 T. lemon juice, or to taste
2 - 3 garlic cloves, or to taste
1/4 c. olive oil, or to taste
1 T. sesame seeds (optional)
a shake or two of salt
Blend all ingredients in food processor, adding about one-third to one-half of the reserved juice to make hummus creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings to taste. Refrigerate one hour to blend flavors.
Play around with it and adjust as you like. I like mine lemony and creamy so I think I add extra lemon juice and olive oil than the recipe states. I don't usually measure ingredients, I generally pour right into the food processor. If in doubt of my measurements, use the reference recipe. :-)
Enjoy!
I use:
3 - 15 oz cans of garbanzo beans (chick peas), drained with juice reserved
3 T. tahini, or to taste
4 T. lemon juice, or to taste
2 - 3 garlic cloves, or to taste
1/4 c. olive oil, or to taste
1 T. sesame seeds (optional)
a shake or two of salt
Blend all ingredients in food processor, adding about one-third to one-half of the reserved juice to make hummus creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings to taste. Refrigerate one hour to blend flavors.
Play around with it and adjust as you like. I like mine lemony and creamy so I think I add extra lemon juice and olive oil than the recipe states. I don't usually measure ingredients, I generally pour right into the food processor. If in doubt of my measurements, use the reference recipe. :-)
Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Bloggy Carnival Give Away
Here is what I'm offering for the Bloggy Carnival - two handmade fall cards and envelopes, perfect for giving as a Thank You or Thinking of You card.
Leave a comment to win these cards! Please be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. This offer is valid for United States mailing addresses only. I will be drawing a winner on Sunday, November 2 at 4 pm, EST; comments will be closed at 3 pm, EST.
Be sure to see what else is being offered over here!
Note: This give-away is now closed. Thanks for entering!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Look Up!
Gas prices are falling remarkably! I filled up our vehicle on Wednesday for $2.59 per gallon and was thrilled it was so low. Now, I find that it's $2.45 per gallon. I hope this trend continues and it falls below $2 per gallon again!
*sigh. Remember the days when $20 would fill up your car and you would get change back?
*sigh. Remember the days when $20 would fill up your car and you would get change back?
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Product Review: Ore-Ida Steam n' Mash Potatoes
From time to time, I'm asked to review a product. What better place to post my thoughts and ideas about the product?
I recently was given an opportunity to review Ore-Ida Steam 'n Mash Potatoes. They are available in four flavors: Russet, Sweet, Garlic-Seasoned, and Three Cheese. These potatoes are different than the flakes of old. These are honest-to-goodness potatoes: washed, peeled, and cubed. To prepare them, one microwaves it in the bag; lets it rest for two minutes; pours the contents into a bowl; mashes; adds butter, milk, sour cream or whatever else one likes in mashed potatoes and voila! mashed potatoes without so much work involved.
I bought the Garlic-Seasoned Steam 'n Mash potatoes last week looking for the perfect opportunity to use them. I was making Chicken Marsala tonight, sauce courtesy of my favorite Joe, and thought some garlic mashed potatoes would be a wonderful addition.
The cooking process went well, nothing blew up in my microwave or smelled like burning plastic (I actually used the alternate directions and microwaved them in a ceramic casserole dish). I let them rest and then proceeded to mash them, quite easily with a hand masher. I added the 1/3 c of milk (rice milk), which the recipe recommended. It looked so smooth and lovely with the flecks of green in it.
I served it to my family. My boys enjoyed it; I thought it was extremely salty, as did my Dearest. He did add that it wasn't so bad when he mixed it with his extra Marsala sauce. He also commented that it must be difficult to produce a product that must have a relatively long shelf life that still tastes good. We generally eat quite a lot of fresh produce or freshly prepared foods, very few processed foods.
So, for about $3 a pop it's worth a try, but I don't think it's worth the shortcut.
I recently was given an opportunity to review Ore-Ida Steam 'n Mash Potatoes. They are available in four flavors: Russet, Sweet, Garlic-Seasoned, and Three Cheese. These potatoes are different than the flakes of old. These are honest-to-goodness potatoes: washed, peeled, and cubed. To prepare them, one microwaves it in the bag; lets it rest for two minutes; pours the contents into a bowl; mashes; adds butter, milk, sour cream or whatever else one likes in mashed potatoes and voila! mashed potatoes without so much work involved.
I bought the Garlic-Seasoned Steam 'n Mash potatoes last week looking for the perfect opportunity to use them. I was making Chicken Marsala tonight, sauce courtesy of my favorite Joe, and thought some garlic mashed potatoes would be a wonderful addition.
The cooking process went well, nothing blew up in my microwave or smelled like burning plastic (I actually used the alternate directions and microwaved them in a ceramic casserole dish). I let them rest and then proceeded to mash them, quite easily with a hand masher. I added the 1/3 c of milk (rice milk), which the recipe recommended. It looked so smooth and lovely with the flecks of green in it.
I served it to my family. My boys enjoyed it; I thought it was extremely salty, as did my Dearest. He did add that it wasn't so bad when he mixed it with his extra Marsala sauce. He also commented that it must be difficult to produce a product that must have a relatively long shelf life that still tastes good. We generally eat quite a lot of fresh produce or freshly prepared foods, very few processed foods.
So, for about $3 a pop it's worth a try, but I don't think it's worth the shortcut.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
TV and Movies
These are my opinions.
Let me repeat that. These are my opinions. I don't care what you do with your time or money; it's your business. This is how I feel about my time and money.
Having said that...
I don't know about you, but I'm finding some fun TV shows out there. One of my problems is, I don't have time to watch all of them either because I am too busy to sit down at the designated time to watch or I am still putting children to bed and cannot plop down in front of the TV to watch.
I realize that there are things like DVRs, Tivos and perhaps even still some VCRs, with which to record and watch later.
I personally refuse to pay for cable/satellite/dish or whatever to get gazillions of channels. In my thinking, if I have to pay for TV, I had better get my money's worth so I had better watch lots. If you follow this logic circle completely, by me doing so, I feel that I would be wasting my time since I wouldn't be doing the other necessary things that need doing. Again, this is my opinion.
I actually know how to program my VCR and have successfully done so. I just forget to insert a usable tape or I insert a tape that has previously recorded something that I knew I wanted to keep, but I forgot to label the tape so I have no clue what it's contents are, and the tab-thingy hasn't been removed or removed and covered with tape so it must be a usable tape! Only to find out that it was a Super Bowl game between the Patriots and Colts that my Dearest taped or something I haven't watched yet.
I think I've found an almost perfect solution on Hulu, though I don't remember where I first heard about it. It is an ad-supported streaming video (online) site (a few :30 commercials scattered throughout the show) available currently in the States - sorry my foreign friends! Many of my favorite shows are there and have full episodes available which I can watch when I am able, which for me is usually stamping or scrapbooking late at night.
Hulu also has movies. Some of my favorites include: Sense and Sensibility, Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie, and Spy Game.
Enjoy!
Let me repeat that. These are my opinions. I don't care what you do with your time or money; it's your business. This is how I feel about my time and money.
Having said that...
I don't know about you, but I'm finding some fun TV shows out there. One of my problems is, I don't have time to watch all of them either because I am too busy to sit down at the designated time to watch or I am still putting children to bed and cannot plop down in front of the TV to watch.
I realize that there are things like DVRs, Tivos and perhaps even still some VCRs, with which to record and watch later.
I personally refuse to pay for cable/satellite/dish or whatever to get gazillions of channels. In my thinking, if I have to pay for TV, I had better get my money's worth so I had better watch lots. If you follow this logic circle completely, by me doing so, I feel that I would be wasting my time since I wouldn't be doing the other necessary things that need doing. Again, this is my opinion.
I actually know how to program my VCR and have successfully done so. I just forget to insert a usable tape or I insert a tape that has previously recorded something that I knew I wanted to keep, but I forgot to label the tape so I have no clue what it's contents are, and the tab-thingy hasn't been removed or removed and covered with tape so it must be a usable tape! Only to find out that it was a Super Bowl game between the Patriots and Colts that my Dearest taped or something I haven't watched yet.
I think I've found an almost perfect solution on Hulu, though I don't remember where I first heard about it. It is an ad-supported streaming video (online) site (a few :30 commercials scattered throughout the show) available currently in the States - sorry my foreign friends! Many of my favorite shows are there and have full episodes available which I can watch when I am able, which for me is usually stamping or scrapbooking late at night.
Hulu also has movies. Some of my favorites include: Sense and Sensibility, Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie, and Spy Game.
Enjoy!
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Boys: Bumps and Bruises
Quite awhile ago...
When a toddler boy is rushed to the pediatrician's office because the brother of said toddler boy did not notice that said boy's wee hand was holding the door near the hinges, and this brother decides to close the door, it's very little consolation that the pediatrician turns to the mother and says with a sigh, "Well, they are boys. I think we may be seeing more of your family in the near future."
Fast forward a bit in time...
This same boy, aged two now, loses his first tooth, a front tooth no less, by a Lego board, thrown frisbee-style into his mouth by his brother. The mother can only hope that this will be the last time such an event will take place.
Fast forward to present day...
A young elemtary age boy carrying a table top (1.5 ft in diameter) up the stairs decides that it looks an awful lot like a steering wheel and decides to play with it as such. He loses balance and bops himself with the edge of the table top in the mouth, knocking out the other front tooth.
Pause.
Yes, I am the mother; these are the stories of one of my sons. The first two instances happened years ago. I cannot believe that it was so long ago. I thank God that the boy in the "stories" is healthy and fine today.
After the first two instances and a relatively long lull, I thought we were over such boisterous boyish behavior. I realize now that I must have lost touch with reality when I thought that. I realize the bumps and bruises won't stop any time soon. However, I do hope that I've seen the last of teeth being knocked out.
When a toddler boy is rushed to the pediatrician's office because the brother of said toddler boy did not notice that said boy's wee hand was holding the door near the hinges, and this brother decides to close the door, it's very little consolation that the pediatrician turns to the mother and says with a sigh, "Well, they are boys. I think we may be seeing more of your family in the near future."
Fast forward a bit in time...
This same boy, aged two now, loses his first tooth, a front tooth no less, by a Lego board, thrown frisbee-style into his mouth by his brother. The mother can only hope that this will be the last time such an event will take place.
Fast forward to present day...
A young elemtary age boy carrying a table top (1.5 ft in diameter) up the stairs decides that it looks an awful lot like a steering wheel and decides to play with it as such. He loses balance and bops himself with the edge of the table top in the mouth, knocking out the other front tooth.
Pause.
Yes, I am the mother; these are the stories of one of my sons. The first two instances happened years ago. I cannot believe that it was so long ago. I thank God that the boy in the "stories" is healthy and fine today.
After the first two instances and a relatively long lull, I thought we were over such boisterous boyish behavior. I realize now that I must have lost touch with reality when I thought that. I realize the bumps and bruises won't stop any time soon. However, I do hope that I've seen the last of teeth being knocked out.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Motivations
I'm a list-maker and love to cross items off of my list. However, for better or worse, I'm an externally motivated person. If it benefits others I am much more easily motivated to do it, because it benefits, you know, them... my Dearest, children, sister, brother, friends. If it's for me, it is much more difficult for me to gather up the motivation. Perhaps a drawback of being an ESFJ?
Having a creative hobby/job, like being a scrapbooking and stamping consultant, is definitely interesting in regard to my list-making tendencies and motivations. Here, my list-making tendencies do not necessarily mesh with my creative muse. What should I create for my next class, workshop, Totally Creative Tuesday get-together, or unit meeting? My list-making tendencies help keep my business on track, but right now, it's seriously wreaking havoc on the fun, whimsical, creativity side of my business.
I have been reading various very creative blogs and find myself wondering when I'll have time (or make time) to play with my stamps, inks, and pretty papers, not to mention the fun accessories!
It is definitely time to carve out some creative play time for myself and not get bogged down in just what needs to get done. I'll be sure to add "Play time with stamps, inks, pretty papers, and fun accessories" to my list.
Having a creative hobby/job, like being a scrapbooking and stamping consultant, is definitely interesting in regard to my list-making tendencies and motivations. Here, my list-making tendencies do not necessarily mesh with my creative muse. What should I create for my next class, workshop, Totally Creative Tuesday get-together, or unit meeting? My list-making tendencies help keep my business on track, but right now, it's seriously wreaking havoc on the fun, whimsical, creativity side of my business.
I have been reading various very creative blogs and find myself wondering when I'll have time (or make time) to play with my stamps, inks, and pretty papers, not to mention the fun accessories!
It is definitely time to carve out some creative play time for myself and not get bogged down in just what needs to get done. I'll be sure to add "Play time with stamps, inks, pretty papers, and fun accessories" to my list.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Welcome back to school!
I just realized that tomorrow is Tuesday and boy, it sure seems like it's been a long week. I suppose it might have something to do with the fact that we started school today. By the carrying on of the boys, perhaps it seemed like I was dropping them off the side of the boat into the depths of a shark-infested ocean without a life-jacket or survival boat.
I'm hopeful for tomorrow. Welcome back to school.
I'm hopeful for tomorrow. Welcome back to school.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Potato Soup Time, aka The Start of Football Season
My Dearest found a Potato Soup recipe at Allrecipes and made it his own. I don't remember the original name of the soup, but around our house, it's called 11 Potato Soup... because it goes one higher.
We made the first batch last week for a couple of reasons: it was finally cool enough and it sounded good. We realize now that it was a trial run to warm us up for dun, dun, dun, dun.. dun, dun ... Football Season! (Did you hear the football theme song, even though it isn't Monday night?)
Last year, it became our Sunday-after-church-Football-thing. I should clarify that my Dearest is the one who prepares and cooks it. I usually peel and chop potatoes or onions, but my Dearest is the brain behind the whole operation. I mostly take up space in the kitchen. Tonight, I'm in charge of making the soup. Uh-huh. We'll see how it goes.
Who are your rooting for tonight? The New York Giants are hosting the Washington Redskins. Kick-off is at 7 pm, EDT on NBC.
Game on!
We made the first batch last week for a couple of reasons: it was finally cool enough and it sounded good. We realize now that it was a trial run to warm us up for dun, dun, dun, dun.. dun, dun ... Football Season! (Did you hear the football theme song, even though it isn't Monday night?)
Last year, it became our Sunday-after-church-Football-thing. I should clarify that my Dearest is the one who prepares and cooks it. I usually peel and chop potatoes or onions, but my Dearest is the brain behind the whole operation. I mostly take up space in the kitchen. Tonight, I'm in charge of making the soup. Uh-huh. We'll see how it goes.
Who are your rooting for tonight? The New York Giants are hosting the Washington Redskins. Kick-off is at 7 pm, EDT on NBC.
Game on!
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