And this:
And for payment, he accepts large hand fulls of Goldfish crackers:
Not a bad trade off I'd say.
March 31, 2009
A Boy Who Likes To Clean
If Morgan keeps up his cleaning ways, I don't think I'll have much to complain about as he gets older. He loves to help pick things up, sweep the floor, wipe off the counters, and pull laundry out of the dryer into the basket. Now that he can open doors and get into the pantry, I will often find him doing this:
And this:
And this:
March 30, 2009
Spring Break, Day 1
So here it is - Day 1 of Kendle having no school. We let her sleep in a little tent in the living room last night, which I don't know why I keep getting duped into letting her do that, because every time she wakes up and is scared and comes in crying to me in our room. So I think she slept in her room the half of the night, and then crawled back into the tent early this morning. Nothing is ever easy with that girl.
The Southridge Boys are hosting a soccer camp for kids this week, so Riley got Kendle dressed and was going to drop her off at that for a few hours. Now, when I mean dressed - I mean full on primo soccer gear. It's sad to say, but my husband is a soccer clothing diva. He buys Kendle all of this really nice stuff that she hardly ever wears (except for just such occasions) and then it is a huge process to get it all on. I will just state for the record, I hate putting (pulling, using major force) on shin guards, tight soccer socks, and soccer cleats. I am sweating by the time we are done. I think Kendle felt more like a mummy than a soccer player by the time she walked out the door this morning. It will be nice for her to have an activity to get her out of the house and outside for a few hours this week to stay active though.
The Morgster and I have been picking up the house a little, and I'm getting ready to work out. I swore to myself that I would re-commit this week to doing a better job and not miss a day. Spring is here, which means cuter clothing and I've been totally slacking off on my fitness goals. I purposely bought myself a few cute new skirts and outfits for church that are a tad too small so that I have some motivation. I feel like when the weather gets nicer I'm more inclined to be active and do yard work, take walks, etc....on top of my regular workouts. I must stop making bread and other yummy things or I'm never going to get anywhere.
Some plans for the rest of the week:
*Sleep in
*Work Out
*Have a family yard cleanup day.
*Look at plants and flowers and clean out my flower pots
*Take the kids bowling
*Go to the park
*Get paint swatches/samples
*Painting?
*Organize our bedroom closet (yikes)
*Have fun with the kids!
The Southridge Boys are hosting a soccer camp for kids this week, so Riley got Kendle dressed and was going to drop her off at that for a few hours. Now, when I mean dressed - I mean full on primo soccer gear. It's sad to say, but my husband is a soccer clothing diva. He buys Kendle all of this really nice stuff that she hardly ever wears (except for just such occasions) and then it is a huge process to get it all on. I will just state for the record, I hate putting (pulling, using major force) on shin guards, tight soccer socks, and soccer cleats. I am sweating by the time we are done. I think Kendle felt more like a mummy than a soccer player by the time she walked out the door this morning. It will be nice for her to have an activity to get her out of the house and outside for a few hours this week to stay active though.
The Morgster and I have been picking up the house a little, and I'm getting ready to work out. I swore to myself that I would re-commit this week to doing a better job and not miss a day. Spring is here, which means cuter clothing and I've been totally slacking off on my fitness goals. I purposely bought myself a few cute new skirts and outfits for church that are a tad too small so that I have some motivation. I feel like when the weather gets nicer I'm more inclined to be active and do yard work, take walks, etc....on top of my regular workouts. I must stop making bread and other yummy things or I'm never going to get anywhere.
Some plans for the rest of the week:
*Sleep in
*Work Out
*Have a family yard cleanup day.
*Look at plants and flowers and clean out my flower pots
*Take the kids bowling
*Go to the park
*Get paint swatches/samples
*Painting?
*Organize our bedroom closet (yikes)
*Have fun with the kids!
March 28, 2009
Coming to Tri-Cities soon?
*The following article tells about something that could be affecting us here in our area soon.*
Spokane residents rebel over dirty dishes
Spokane residents smuggle detergent after environmentally friendly soap leaves dishes yucky
Nicholas K. Geranios, Associated Press Writer
Friday March 27, 2009, 3:26 pm EDT
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- The quest for squeaky-clean dishes has turned some law-abiding people in Spokane into dishwater-detergent smugglers.
They are bringing Cascade or Electrasol in from out of state because the eco-friendly varieties required under Washington state law don't work as well.
Spokane County became the launch pad last July for the nation's strictest ban on dishwasher detergent made with phosphates, a measure aimed at reducing water pollution. The ban will be expanded statewide in July 2010, the same time similar laws take effect in several other states.
But it's not easy to get sparkling dishes when you go green.
Many people were shocked to find that products like Seventh Generation, Ecover and Trader Joe's left their dishes encrusted with food, smeared with grease and too gross to use without rewashing them by hand. The culprit was hard water, which is mineral-rich and resistant to soap.
As a result, there has been a quiet rush of Spokane-area shoppers heading east on Interstate 90 into Idaho in search of old-school suds.
Real estate agent Patti Marcotte of Spokane stocks up on detergent at a Costco in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and doesn't care who knows it.
"Yes, I am a smuggler," she said. "I'm taking my chances because dirty dishes I cannot live with."
(In truth, the ban applies to the sale of phosphate detergent -- not its use or possession -- so Marcotte is not in any legal trouble.)
Marcotte said she tried every green brand in her dishwasher and found none would remove grease and pieces of food. Everybody she knows buys dishwasher detergent in Idaho, she said.
Supporters of the ban acknowledge it is not very popular.
"I'm not hearing a lot of positive feedback," conceded Shannon Brattebo of the Washington Lake Protection Association, a prime mover of the ban. "I think people are driving to Idaho."
Steve Marcy, manager of the Costco in Coeur d'Alene, about 10 miles east of the Washington state line, estimated that sales of dishwasher detergent in his store have increased 10 percent.
He knows where the customers are coming from.
"I'll joke with them and ask if they are from Spokane," Marcy said. "They say, `Oh yeah.'"
Shoppers can still buy phosphate detergents in Washington state by venturing outside Spokane County, but Idaho is more convenient to many Spokane residents.
Phosphates -- the main cleaning agent in many detergents and household cleaners -- break down grease and remove stains. However, the chemicals are difficult to remove in wastewater treatment plants and often wind up in rivers and lakes, where they promote the growth of algae. And algae gobble up oxygen in the water that fish need to survive.
While traditional detergents are up to 9 percent phosphate, those sold in Spokane County can contain no more than 0.5 percent.
The Washington Lake Protection Association has launched a campaign to encourage people to give the environmentally friendly brands a fair chance. The group suggests consumers experiment with different brands or install water softeners to help the green detergents work better.
"Clean lakes and clean dishes do not have to be mutually exclusive," said association president-elect Jacob McCann.
Phosphates have been banned in laundry detergent nationally since 1993. Washington was the first state where the Legislature passed a similar ban against dishwasher detergents, in 2006.
The ban is being phased in, starting with Spokane County.
"It's nice to be on the cutting edge," Spokane resident Ken Beck, an opponent of the ban, said sarcastically.
Among other states that have banned or are banning phosphates in dishwasher detergent are Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts and New York. A bill on Capitol Hill would impose a nationwide ban.
The Soap and Detergent Association, which represents manufacturers, initially fought the bans.
But as the movement gained strength across the country, the association asked legislatures to delay bans until July 2010 to allow for a uniform rollout of products.
The industry has been working to develop better low-phosphate detergents, said Dennis Griesing, vice president of the manufacturers group.
"This is an irrevocable, nationwide commitment on the industry's part," he said.
For his part, Beck has taken to washing his dishes on his machine's pots-and-pans cycle, which takes longer and uses five gallons more water. Beck wonders if that isn't as tough on the environment as phosphates.
"How much is this really costing us?" Beck said. "Aren't we transferring the environmental consequences to something else?"
*I guess I should start stocking up on the good stuff while I can. I'm not smiling about this.
Spokane residents rebel over dirty dishes
Spokane residents smuggle detergent after environmentally friendly soap leaves dishes yucky
Nicholas K. Geranios, Associated Press Writer
Friday March 27, 2009, 3:26 pm EDT
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- The quest for squeaky-clean dishes has turned some law-abiding people in Spokane into dishwater-detergent smugglers.
They are bringing Cascade or Electrasol in from out of state because the eco-friendly varieties required under Washington state law don't work as well.
Spokane County became the launch pad last July for the nation's strictest ban on dishwasher detergent made with phosphates, a measure aimed at reducing water pollution. The ban will be expanded statewide in July 2010, the same time similar laws take effect in several other states.
But it's not easy to get sparkling dishes when you go green.
Many people were shocked to find that products like Seventh Generation, Ecover and Trader Joe's left their dishes encrusted with food, smeared with grease and too gross to use without rewashing them by hand. The culprit was hard water, which is mineral-rich and resistant to soap.
As a result, there has been a quiet rush of Spokane-area shoppers heading east on Interstate 90 into Idaho in search of old-school suds.
Real estate agent Patti Marcotte of Spokane stocks up on detergent at a Costco in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and doesn't care who knows it.
"Yes, I am a smuggler," she said. "I'm taking my chances because dirty dishes I cannot live with."
(In truth, the ban applies to the sale of phosphate detergent -- not its use or possession -- so Marcotte is not in any legal trouble.)
Marcotte said she tried every green brand in her dishwasher and found none would remove grease and pieces of food. Everybody she knows buys dishwasher detergent in Idaho, she said.
Supporters of the ban acknowledge it is not very popular.
"I'm not hearing a lot of positive feedback," conceded Shannon Brattebo of the Washington Lake Protection Association, a prime mover of the ban. "I think people are driving to Idaho."
Steve Marcy, manager of the Costco in Coeur d'Alene, about 10 miles east of the Washington state line, estimated that sales of dishwasher detergent in his store have increased 10 percent.
He knows where the customers are coming from.
"I'll joke with them and ask if they are from Spokane," Marcy said. "They say, `Oh yeah.'"
Shoppers can still buy phosphate detergents in Washington state by venturing outside Spokane County, but Idaho is more convenient to many Spokane residents.
Phosphates -- the main cleaning agent in many detergents and household cleaners -- break down grease and remove stains. However, the chemicals are difficult to remove in wastewater treatment plants and often wind up in rivers and lakes, where they promote the growth of algae. And algae gobble up oxygen in the water that fish need to survive.
While traditional detergents are up to 9 percent phosphate, those sold in Spokane County can contain no more than 0.5 percent.
The Washington Lake Protection Association has launched a campaign to encourage people to give the environmentally friendly brands a fair chance. The group suggests consumers experiment with different brands or install water softeners to help the green detergents work better.
"Clean lakes and clean dishes do not have to be mutually exclusive," said association president-elect Jacob McCann.
Phosphates have been banned in laundry detergent nationally since 1993. Washington was the first state where the Legislature passed a similar ban against dishwasher detergents, in 2006.
The ban is being phased in, starting with Spokane County.
"It's nice to be on the cutting edge," Spokane resident Ken Beck, an opponent of the ban, said sarcastically.
Among other states that have banned or are banning phosphates in dishwasher detergent are Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts and New York. A bill on Capitol Hill would impose a nationwide ban.
The Soap and Detergent Association, which represents manufacturers, initially fought the bans.
But as the movement gained strength across the country, the association asked legislatures to delay bans until July 2010 to allow for a uniform rollout of products.
The industry has been working to develop better low-phosphate detergents, said Dennis Griesing, vice president of the manufacturers group.
"This is an irrevocable, nationwide commitment on the industry's part," he said.
For his part, Beck has taken to washing his dishes on his machine's pots-and-pans cycle, which takes longer and uses five gallons more water. Beck wonders if that isn't as tough on the environment as phosphates.
"How much is this really costing us?" Beck said. "Aren't we transferring the environmental consequences to something else?"
*I guess I should start stocking up on the good stuff while I can. I'm not smiling about this.
March 27, 2009
Friday Photos
I was impressed with some of the art projects my sister has been doing in college and thought I'd share a few:
My personal favorite is the cow. How cute huh?
Happy Weekend, spring break is almost here!
March 25, 2009
*Journal Thoughts*
For today March 25, 2009
Outside my window...
The sun is shining and there is a small breeze. I see some dark clouds off in the distance that hopefully will stay away. There are a few buds and plants that are trying to come up and make me believe it really is spring.
I am thinking...
About movies I would like to find online to buy for our kids. I loved the Anne of Green Gables movies as a girl, and some of the old family feature films. There are also a lot of good old Disney movies you can't find at the stores anymore. I get really sick of a lot of the kids movies out nowadays that seem to be more and more obnoxious.
I am thankful for...
Wonderful friends. I feel really lucky to be at a place in my life right now where I am surrounded by people who genuinely care about me and bring zero drama to the table.
From the kitchen...
I made home made pizza last night with a new recipe for the crust and it was really tasty. I found a pizza hut copy-cat recipe that was surprisingly easy and I thought it turned out well. Even Kendle, the pickiest child on the planet scarfed down a big piece and proclaimed it "very yummy". So at least that's one more meal I can make that I know she will eat.
I am going...
To pick up the house a bit, pick up Kendle from a friends house in a little while, and then head to my parents to visit my little brother and sister who are on spring break from college. I still have not quite recovered from the weekend. I have just been going, going, going a million miles a minute for the last three days. I went to bed at nine o'clock last night I was so tired. What I really need to do though, is fix Kendle's pants that need to be hemmed and patched. That girl literally has only one or two pairs of pants left that are not holy and ragged.
I am reading...
Still on "The Appeal" by John Grisham. It is about a chemical company that has been taken to court for toxic dumping that has caused deaths and illnesses to half the town. There are lots of people working behind the scenes to make sure the chemical company comes out on top. It is starting to get really good. My mind always tries to start working out the possible scenarios for how the story is going to end, but with John Grisham it could end up being something totally unexpected.
I am hoping...
We can do something fun during spring break next week. So far we don't have any plans, but I've been doing some brainstorming. Hmmm.....what to do.
I am hearing...
Almost complete silence, Morgan is down for a nap and this is my favorite part of the day. The house is quiet and peaceful. I could almost go take a nap...
Around the house...
There are lots of things that need to be done, many of which I would rather not get to anytime soon. All of the closets need to be cleaned out and organized. Our linen closet in our bedroom is out of control, I went to grab a towel this morning and I thought I was being attacked by everything else that was falling down on me.
One of my favorite things...
My new red sunglasses.
A few plans for the rest of the week...
I'm attending a Relief Society activity at the church tomorrow night. It is to celebrate the "birthday" of the Relief Society organization in our church. With more than 5.2 million members in more than 170 countries, the Relief Society is one of the oldest and largest women’s service organizations in the world. I am so thankful for the opportunity it provides for me to serve and reach out to others. Also, Riley has games tonight and Saturday so hopefully the weather stays nice.
Something to remember...
I went to visit Kristen in the hospital this morning and got to hold her new baby boy Colton. He was asleep the whole time I held him and I couldn't stop thinking about how little babies are the sweetest things in the entire universe. If I got to sit and rock new babies all day long I would be one happy lady. It never ceases to be amazing to me that these tiny little human beings are so precious and perfect.
Outside my window...
The sun is shining and there is a small breeze. I see some dark clouds off in the distance that hopefully will stay away. There are a few buds and plants that are trying to come up and make me believe it really is spring.
I am thinking...
About movies I would like to find online to buy for our kids. I loved the Anne of Green Gables movies as a girl, and some of the old family feature films. There are also a lot of good old Disney movies you can't find at the stores anymore. I get really sick of a lot of the kids movies out nowadays that seem to be more and more obnoxious.
I am thankful for...
Wonderful friends. I feel really lucky to be at a place in my life right now where I am surrounded by people who genuinely care about me and bring zero drama to the table.
From the kitchen...
I made home made pizza last night with a new recipe for the crust and it was really tasty. I found a pizza hut copy-cat recipe that was surprisingly easy and I thought it turned out well. Even Kendle, the pickiest child on the planet scarfed down a big piece and proclaimed it "very yummy". So at least that's one more meal I can make that I know she will eat.
I am going...
To pick up the house a bit, pick up Kendle from a friends house in a little while, and then head to my parents to visit my little brother and sister who are on spring break from college. I still have not quite recovered from the weekend. I have just been going, going, going a million miles a minute for the last three days. I went to bed at nine o'clock last night I was so tired. What I really need to do though, is fix Kendle's pants that need to be hemmed and patched. That girl literally has only one or two pairs of pants left that are not holy and ragged.
I am reading...
Still on "The Appeal" by John Grisham. It is about a chemical company that has been taken to court for toxic dumping that has caused deaths and illnesses to half the town. There are lots of people working behind the scenes to make sure the chemical company comes out on top. It is starting to get really good. My mind always tries to start working out the possible scenarios for how the story is going to end, but with John Grisham it could end up being something totally unexpected.
I am hoping...
We can do something fun during spring break next week. So far we don't have any plans, but I've been doing some brainstorming. Hmmm.....what to do.
I am hearing...
Almost complete silence, Morgan is down for a nap and this is my favorite part of the day. The house is quiet and peaceful. I could almost go take a nap...
Around the house...
There are lots of things that need to be done, many of which I would rather not get to anytime soon. All of the closets need to be cleaned out and organized. Our linen closet in our bedroom is out of control, I went to grab a towel this morning and I thought I was being attacked by everything else that was falling down on me.
One of my favorite things...
My new red sunglasses.
A few plans for the rest of the week...
I'm attending a Relief Society activity at the church tomorrow night. It is to celebrate the "birthday" of the Relief Society organization in our church. With more than 5.2 million members in more than 170 countries, the Relief Society is one of the oldest and largest women’s service organizations in the world. I am so thankful for the opportunity it provides for me to serve and reach out to others. Also, Riley has games tonight and Saturday so hopefully the weather stays nice.
Something to remember...
I went to visit Kristen in the hospital this morning and got to hold her new baby boy Colton. He was asleep the whole time I held him and I couldn't stop thinking about how little babies are the sweetest things in the entire universe. If I got to sit and rock new babies all day long I would be one happy lady. It never ceases to be amazing to me that these tiny little human beings are so precious and perfect.
March 24, 2009
Baby Gourley is here!
Kristen just called me and let me know they had their new baby boy this morning at 7:08 am!
She went to the doctor yesterday and was dilated to a 4, and then did a lot of walking last night to help it along. Her water broke last night and they headed to the hospital, she said things went very smoothly and quickly.
Here is the baby's info:
Name: Colton (they are still working on his middle name)
Weight: 8 pounds 7.8 ounces
Length: 21 inches
She said there is a strong family resemblance and he looks a little like Porter. I'm sure he is a cutie. I think she will be coming home tomorrow sometime, she wasn't sure. I am so happy that everything went well and the baby is healthy and strong.
Congratulations Gourley Family!!!
She went to the doctor yesterday and was dilated to a 4, and then did a lot of walking last night to help it along. Her water broke last night and they headed to the hospital, she said things went very smoothly and quickly.
Here is the baby's info:
Name: Colton (they are still working on his middle name)
Weight: 8 pounds 7.8 ounces
Length: 21 inches
She said there is a strong family resemblance and he looks a little like Porter. I'm sure he is a cutie. I think she will be coming home tomorrow sometime, she wasn't sure. I am so happy that everything went well and the baby is healthy and strong.
Congratulations Gourley Family!!!
March 23, 2009
I went, I saw, I loved
[All of us girls at Jer and Molly's house before heading to the show. The guys (minus Riley) watched the kids for us and kept them entertained while we were gone.]
Keller Auditorium where Wicked was being performed is a really neat theater. Our seats were right in the middle in the second balcony, which was a little high but you could see the whole stage really well. The set design, all of the stage props, costumes and digital effects they added were amazing. There was not one second that I wasn't totally consumed and enthralled by what was happening on stage, and unlike most musicals that have only one or two songs that are my favorite, I would have a hard time picking just one from this show. I think I had goosebumps the whole entire time. It was also very family friendly and the little girls in our group loved it as well. I would love to take Kendle if I have the chance to go again.
More than anything though, I loved the premise of the storyline that history has a way of rewriting itself according to who's telling the story. Was the Wicked Witch of the West really as bad as everyone made her out to be? Do those who choose to be different from the norm become shunned by society? Is it easy being green? Guess you'll have to see the show and find out!
After we left the theater, we went to the Macaroni Grill for some tasty dinner and more chatting before we headed back to my brother's house. We kept running into some of our fellow Pasco friends, it was quite hilarious - but so fun to see familiar faces amongst the sea of strangers. Even though I didn't get home until very late Saturday night and was completely exhausted, it was so, so worth it and we had such an amazing time. Can't wait to do it again!
March 20, 2009
I'm off to see the Wizard
I'm taking off tonight to stay at my parents house so we can leave bright and early for the show tomorrow. I've been listening to the music all week, and thinking about what it will be like to see the musical for real - with actors, costumes and special effects. I think it will be very exciting since I love these characters.
Here's a clip from the original cast performing at the Tony Awards in 2004:
I hope we have a fantastic time. I always wanted to go to visit the Emerald City, and I'll be wearing a little green myself. :)
March 18, 2009
Spring Fresh
I love all of the spring colors that are popping up all over the place. Yellow and green are definitely my favorites. It's amazing what a little color can do to brighten up your day and attitude. Every time spring rolls around I'm tempted to paint my walls yellow and lighten everything up.
Here are a few of my favorite things for spring:
*This cute wreath from A Soft Place To Land would make me happy every time I opened my door:
Can you believe she just used ping pong balls spray painted yellow? Genius.
*This necklace and cute scarf from Old Navy are so fun:
*Cute green short sleeved jacket by Forever 21:
Here are a few of my favorite things for spring:
*This cute wreath from A Soft Place To Land would make me happy every time I opened my door:
Can you believe she just used ping pong balls spray painted yellow? Genius.
*This necklace and cute scarf from Old Navy are so fun:
*I'm in love with this kitchen cabinet makeover from Tater Tots and Jello:
*Cute green short sleeved jacket by Forever 21:
*I think This lunch box is adorable:
*The creamy yellow in this duvet cover set from Pottery Barn would brighten up my bedroom decor:
So, those are just a few things that have been capturing my attention the last few days.
What is your favorite thing to do/buy/wear/ or make for spring?
March 17, 2009
Happy St. Patrick's Day
[The Chicago River is dyed green each year for the St. Patrick's Day celebration, shown here in 2008.]
Kendle was so excited to wear some green today for school. I don't know how many of the other kids will be wearing green, but I remember when I was in grade school it was a big deal to make sure you had at least a little bit of green on - nobody wanted to get pinched!
While reading about St. Patrick's Day on Wikipedia this morning I learned something new:
"St. Patrick's Blue, not green, was the color long-associated with St. Patrick. Green, the color most widely associated with Ireland, with Irish people, and with St. Patrick's Day in modern times, may have gained its prominence through the phrase "the wearing of the green" meaning to wear a shamrock on one's clothing. At many times in Irish history, to do so was seen as a sign of Irish nationalism or loyalty to the Roman Catholic faith. St. Patrick used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish. The wearing of and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs have become a ubiquitous feature of the saint's holiday. The change to Ireland's association with green rather than blue probably began around the 1750's."
I thought that was interesting, that the original "wearing of green" was to wear a shamrock and not green clothing.
If you want to make a treat for your kids today, you can visit this link to the blog Every Day Food Storage to read about a recipe for some green shamrock cookies. These would be fun to make.
*
March 16, 2009
*Journal Thoughts*
For Today: Monday March 16, 2009
Outside my window...
It doesn't look too bad out there today. It has been really windy the last few days around here though. The forecast is saying mostly wind and clouds today, if the gusts would stop it would be pretty nice out there. Definitely ponytail weather for me as long as it keeps up.
I am thinking...
About laundry, bills to be paid, bath tubs that need scrubbing, and my kitchen floor that needs mopping. Nothing too exciting and none of which I am very excited to do.
I am thankful for...
My family. On Saturday my mom came up and helped me wrestle Morgan at the soccer game and it was really cold. Probably not the most fun way for her to spend her Saturday afternoon, but the kids love seeing her. Later that evening one of Riley's old friends came for a visit and talked about how much he wants to get married and have a family (and how much his parents want grandchildren). I know that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. *The Family: A Proclamation to the World
From the kitchen...
Kendle helped me do the dishes last night and my kitchen is really clean, a good way to start my Monday morning. We also got a jump on our before school morning routine by doing one of our biggest time savers, which is making all of her sandwiches that go in her lunch for the whole week all at one time and then sticking them in the freezer.
It's so much easier to do it this way and only have to make one mess, then I just pull one out in the morning, stick it in her lunch box and it's ready to eat by lunch time. They thaw pretty quick. It makes me a much happier mom, I really dislike making peanut butter sandwiches in the morning.
I am going...
To zip around town doing some quick errands to today. I need to return a few things to a store, drop off some books and return a movie.
I am reading...
The Appeal by John Grisham. So far so good, typical Grisham storyline revolving around a legal case, shady workings behind the scenes and some drama.
I am hoping...
We can reach our family goal of having Family Home Evening every week for the whole year. So far we have not missed. It's getting tricky now that Riley has started soccer and they have nightly practices, but we're still determined and have worked around it so far. When we hit the six month mark we'll do something fun.
I am hearing...
The big street sweeper truck just drove by with a big rumble. Morgan is eating his favorite breakfast of cinnamon roll flavored oatmeal and laughing at some cartoons on TV.
Around the house...
I have the urge to de-clutter Kendle's room while she's at school. This is a regular thing, she accumulates lots of stuff. If one of her friends gives her something or draws her a picture, she will hang on to it forever. Morgan also had a "party" in his room yesterday and pulled out all of his dirty clothes from the hamper and all of his shoes and hats from their baskets. Maybe I can get him to "help" me clean up. Riley and I have been making plans to do new floors, and repaint - now we just need to get motivated to do it. Riley is also cleaning out the garage for me today, hurray for that!
One of my favorite things...
Mr. Clean magic erasers. I will be getting some good use out of them this week. Little man took a pen and wrote all over the inside of the computer armoire.
A few plans for the rest of the week...
Primary and Cub Scout meetings, Kendle has class pictures, Riley has soccer practice and a game on Friday, and Saturday is Wicked in Portland. Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait. I get to see lots of family too and it will be a real treat.
Something I want to remember...
Morgan is so funny about wearing his hats around. He likes to wear them slightly to the side and pulled down at an angle over his eye. Whenever I try and fix it he gets really mad and says "no!" and then moves it back to where it was. He is so particular about certain things like that. Also when he eats, he has to have everything very orderly. He puts his cup in it's spot and lines up his plate. We definitely have a little guy on our hands that knows how he likes things to be.
Outside my window...
It doesn't look too bad out there today. It has been really windy the last few days around here though. The forecast is saying mostly wind and clouds today, if the gusts would stop it would be pretty nice out there. Definitely ponytail weather for me as long as it keeps up.
I am thinking...
About laundry, bills to be paid, bath tubs that need scrubbing, and my kitchen floor that needs mopping. Nothing too exciting and none of which I am very excited to do.
I am thankful for...
My family. On Saturday my mom came up and helped me wrestle Morgan at the soccer game and it was really cold. Probably not the most fun way for her to spend her Saturday afternoon, but the kids love seeing her. Later that evening one of Riley's old friends came for a visit and talked about how much he wants to get married and have a family (and how much his parents want grandchildren). I know that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. *The Family: A Proclamation to the World
From the kitchen...
Kendle helped me do the dishes last night and my kitchen is really clean, a good way to start my Monday morning. We also got a jump on our before school morning routine by doing one of our biggest time savers, which is making all of her sandwiches that go in her lunch for the whole week all at one time and then sticking them in the freezer.
It's so much easier to do it this way and only have to make one mess, then I just pull one out in the morning, stick it in her lunch box and it's ready to eat by lunch time. They thaw pretty quick. It makes me a much happier mom, I really dislike making peanut butter sandwiches in the morning.
I am going...
To zip around town doing some quick errands to today. I need to return a few things to a store, drop off some books and return a movie.
I am reading...
The Appeal by John Grisham. So far so good, typical Grisham storyline revolving around a legal case, shady workings behind the scenes and some drama.
I am hoping...
We can reach our family goal of having Family Home Evening every week for the whole year. So far we have not missed. It's getting tricky now that Riley has started soccer and they have nightly practices, but we're still determined and have worked around it so far. When we hit the six month mark we'll do something fun.
I am hearing...
The big street sweeper truck just drove by with a big rumble. Morgan is eating his favorite breakfast of cinnamon roll flavored oatmeal and laughing at some cartoons on TV.
Around the house...
I have the urge to de-clutter Kendle's room while she's at school. This is a regular thing, she accumulates lots of stuff. If one of her friends gives her something or draws her a picture, she will hang on to it forever. Morgan also had a "party" in his room yesterday and pulled out all of his dirty clothes from the hamper and all of his shoes and hats from their baskets. Maybe I can get him to "help" me clean up. Riley and I have been making plans to do new floors, and repaint - now we just need to get motivated to do it. Riley is also cleaning out the garage for me today, hurray for that!
One of my favorite things...
Mr. Clean magic erasers. I will be getting some good use out of them this week. Little man took a pen and wrote all over the inside of the computer armoire.
A few plans for the rest of the week...
Primary and Cub Scout meetings, Kendle has class pictures, Riley has soccer practice and a game on Friday, and Saturday is Wicked in Portland. Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait. I get to see lots of family too and it will be a real treat.
Something I want to remember...
Morgan is so funny about wearing his hats around. He likes to wear them slightly to the side and pulled down at an angle over his eye. Whenever I try and fix it he gets really mad and says "no!" and then moves it back to where it was. He is so particular about certain things like that. Also when he eats, he has to have everything very orderly. He puts his cup in it's spot and lines up his plate. We definitely have a little guy on our hands that knows how he likes things to be.
March 15, 2009
Stop the Madness
[Had to share this video clip for those who are as sick of texting and people who can't put their cell phones away as I am]
March 13, 2009
Good Deals
For those of you with baby's and young children here are some great printable coupons you can use:
Huggies has two awesome printables right now for $5/1 Huggies Gentle Care diapers (and products) and $3/1 Huggies Natural Fit Diapers (and products). Click here to print both - you probably have to scroll over to the 7th or 8th button. If you hit your back button you can print them twice and then it will tell you that your print limit has been reached. You do not have to use these for diapers, you can buy wipes or other products as well. Walgreens this week has an awesome deal going on where when you buy $25 worth of Kimberly Clark products, you get a $10 register reward back to use on your next in store purchase. I love doing transactions like this when it's for products I need anyways (like diapers). On Monday I went there and stocked up and I'm going back today and will use that register reward to get an even better deal. Huggies hardly ever puts out coupons like this, so when they do - take advantage of it. I've heard that Target also has wipes on sale that would make this a good deal as well.
*I will mention that the Gentle Care Diapers are only for sizes newborn and 1,2, but you can buy them for a friend or someone you know that's having a baby soon.
The next awesome printable is for Johnson Baby products which I use to stock up on FREE Johnson's Buddies soap. I love these easy grip sudzing bars and have a ton under my bathroom sink. They put out coupons for these every few months it seems and Walmart always has them priced around 97 cents making them free with these coupons. My kids love them and they smell really good, even Morgan at 21 months can grab it and scrub himself up. Follow this link to Money Saving Mom to print yours off and stock up on free soap every time you make a trip to the store.
Did you also know that Target has printable coupons? You can follow this link or visit Target's website, scroll to the bottom of the page where it says Target Stores, and under that click on grocery coupons. Sometimes even with a coupon, the products are still a little more than what I would normally pay at another store, but every once in a while they will have a really good one (like this week's $1 off Mott's single serve applesauce) that you can combine with a manufacturer coupon to get a GREAT deal. Even if the coupon printed says Super Target on it, I've never had a problem with them not accepting it, except for one experience but that's a whole other post.
Click here for another Mott's coupon for an additional 55 cents off.
I truly believe that it is not being cheap to look for good deals and bargains, but it is being a good steward of the money that you have. To me it's like flushing money down the drain if I have a coupon for something I needed and bought the item without out. This does not mean however that I buy something just because I have a coupon for it. Quite the opposite. And sometimes, word of mouth is the best way to share all of the good deals out there and we can all help each other get the best bang for our buck. So if anyone else has any great deals or finds to share please do!
****P.S.
Don't forget to tune in to Glenn Beck on Fox News [205 on dish network] today at 2:00. Use your DVR if you are going to miss it. We are not alone. We surround them. Go here to learn more.
Huggies has two awesome printables right now for $5/1 Huggies Gentle Care diapers (and products) and $3/1 Huggies Natural Fit Diapers (and products). Click here to print both - you probably have to scroll over to the 7th or 8th button. If you hit your back button you can print them twice and then it will tell you that your print limit has been reached. You do not have to use these for diapers, you can buy wipes or other products as well. Walgreens this week has an awesome deal going on where when you buy $25 worth of Kimberly Clark products, you get a $10 register reward back to use on your next in store purchase. I love doing transactions like this when it's for products I need anyways (like diapers). On Monday I went there and stocked up and I'm going back today and will use that register reward to get an even better deal. Huggies hardly ever puts out coupons like this, so when they do - take advantage of it. I've heard that Target also has wipes on sale that would make this a good deal as well.
*I will mention that the Gentle Care Diapers are only for sizes newborn and 1,2, but you can buy them for a friend or someone you know that's having a baby soon.
The next awesome printable is for Johnson Baby products which I use to stock up on FREE Johnson's Buddies soap. I love these easy grip sudzing bars and have a ton under my bathroom sink. They put out coupons for these every few months it seems and Walmart always has them priced around 97 cents making them free with these coupons. My kids love them and they smell really good, even Morgan at 21 months can grab it and scrub himself up. Follow this link to Money Saving Mom to print yours off and stock up on free soap every time you make a trip to the store.
Did you also know that Target has printable coupons? You can follow this link or visit Target's website, scroll to the bottom of the page where it says Target Stores, and under that click on grocery coupons. Sometimes even with a coupon, the products are still a little more than what I would normally pay at another store, but every once in a while they will have a really good one (like this week's $1 off Mott's single serve applesauce) that you can combine with a manufacturer coupon to get a GREAT deal. Even if the coupon printed says Super Target on it, I've never had a problem with them not accepting it, except for one experience but that's a whole other post.
Click here for another Mott's coupon for an additional 55 cents off.
I truly believe that it is not being cheap to look for good deals and bargains, but it is being a good steward of the money that you have. To me it's like flushing money down the drain if I have a coupon for something I needed and bought the item without out. This does not mean however that I buy something just because I have a coupon for it. Quite the opposite. And sometimes, word of mouth is the best way to share all of the good deals out there and we can all help each other get the best bang for our buck. So if anyone else has any great deals or finds to share please do!
****P.S.
Don't forget to tune in to Glenn Beck on Fox News [205 on dish network] today at 2:00. Use your DVR if you are going to miss it. We are not alone. We surround them. Go here to learn more.
March 12, 2009
Little Man
I failed to do an update post for Morgan last month. Tomorrow he will be 21 months old and I figure I better jot down some of the things he's doing at this time before I forget.
He's been a boy of few words and hasn't really talked much the last couple of months, but lately he is breaking out and saying new words almost every day. Here are some new ones from the last week or so:
-go
-cracker
-glasses
-hat
-football
-popcorn
-diaper
-you
He has started babbling on the phone a little. That is a big improvement for him, before he would just sit there and I wouldn't be able to get him to say hi to anyone.
He likes to be very neat and tidy for the most part. He doesn't like his hands to have gook on them and will even bring me a new diaper when he needs one.
He still loves to wear hats, I can tell he watches his daddy. He'll go find his hat and put it on, then find his toy phone and walk around talking on it. He is at that fun stage now where he has figured out how to play and pretend. He plays on his own a lot better than Kendle did at this age. He is pure entertainment to sit and watch. This morning he was playing with a big baby doll that Kendle had in her room and he was carrying it around by the neck. He brings it over to me and is showing me the baby's eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. He puts his finger in the baby's mouth and then pulls it out and yells "ow, ow". Then he does it again, pretending that the baby is biting his finger. Too funny. One of my favorite things is when he's dancing he pretends he's snapping his fingers to the beat, it's hilarious.
Morgan is usually one of the happiest little boys and just follows me around all day "helping". He has gotten the best of Riley the last few nights by repeatedly unplugging his alarm clock and his lamp on the nightstand by our bed. He is a tricky little guy. You never know what you will find and in what place you'll find it sometimes. His little smile can be very deceiving.
Last night after we put Morgan to bed, Riley and I agreed that he is everything we ever wanted in a little boy. He is fun, smart, sweet, and completely adorable. I feel lucky to be his mom every single day.
He's been a boy of few words and hasn't really talked much the last couple of months, but lately he is breaking out and saying new words almost every day. Here are some new ones from the last week or so:
-go
-cracker
-glasses
-hat
-football
-popcorn
-diaper
-you
He has started babbling on the phone a little. That is a big improvement for him, before he would just sit there and I wouldn't be able to get him to say hi to anyone.
He likes to be very neat and tidy for the most part. He doesn't like his hands to have gook on them and will even bring me a new diaper when he needs one.
He still loves to wear hats, I can tell he watches his daddy. He'll go find his hat and put it on, then find his toy phone and walk around talking on it. He is at that fun stage now where he has figured out how to play and pretend. He plays on his own a lot better than Kendle did at this age. He is pure entertainment to sit and watch. This morning he was playing with a big baby doll that Kendle had in her room and he was carrying it around by the neck. He brings it over to me and is showing me the baby's eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. He puts his finger in the baby's mouth and then pulls it out and yells "ow, ow". Then he does it again, pretending that the baby is biting his finger. Too funny. One of my favorite things is when he's dancing he pretends he's snapping his fingers to the beat, it's hilarious.
Morgan is usually one of the happiest little boys and just follows me around all day "helping". He has gotten the best of Riley the last few nights by repeatedly unplugging his alarm clock and his lamp on the nightstand by our bed. He is a tricky little guy. You never know what you will find and in what place you'll find it sometimes. His little smile can be very deceiving.
Last night after we put Morgan to bed, Riley and I agreed that he is everything we ever wanted in a little boy. He is fun, smart, sweet, and completely adorable. I feel lucky to be his mom every single day.
March 10, 2009
Making Books into Movies
Sometimes taking a good book and turning it into a cinematic experience is a wonderful thing, other times it leaves you hugely disappointed.
I found out that two of my favorite children's books are being adapted for the big screen and will be coming to theaters this year.
If you have never read "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" by Judy Barrett, you must put it on your list to check out the next time you are at the library.
The book is about the town of Chewandswallow where the people don't shop at grocery stores, they eat the food that falls from the sky. Soup, pancakes, and even hamburgers land in their town and everything is great until the weather takes a turn for the worst. This story has been a family favorite of ours since I was in grade school. It is just one of those funny books that I never get tired of reading and the illustrations are fantastic.
[Who knows, with this crazy weather we've been having lately, maybe hamburgers will be the next thing to fall from the sky.]
The movie adaption which is scheduled for theaters in September, uses a different take on the main plot of the book. Here's a short description:
"Inspired by the beloved children's book, the film focuses on a town where food falls from the sky like rain. Bill Hader will voice Flint Lockwood, a young inventor who dreams of creating something that will improve everyone's life. Anna Faris takes on the role of Sam Sparks, a weather girl covering the phenomenon who hides her intelligence behind a perky exterior. James Caan plays Tim Lockwood, Flint's technophobic father. Andy Samberg plays Brent, the town bully who has plagued Flint since childhood. Bruce Campbell plays Mayor Shelbourne, who figures out that Flint's invention can put the town, and more importantly himself, on the map. Mr. T plays the by-the-rules town cop Earl Devereaux, and Tracy Morgan takes on the role of Earl's rule-breaking son, Cal."
I understand that to make a movie out of the book, they had to come up with some main characters who live in the town, but I hope it doesn't stray too far from the fun and outlandish tall tale that made the book so great.
Another favorite book being turned into a movie, is "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak. I'm pretty sure everyone knows that story, and if you don't - crawl out from under the rock you've been living under and go check it out at the library.
"The adventures of a young boy named Max who, after being sent to bed for misbehaving, imagines that he sails away to where the wild things are. Max is loved by the wild creatures who make him their King, though he soon longs to be back home with his family."
Spike Jonze, an Academy Award-nominated director and producer in film and television, most notably the 1999 film Being John Malkovich, is at the helm for this movie and it has been receiving some mixed reviews. I'm not really sure at this point what age group this movie will be targeted for, I've read that it is a little bit of a darker take on the story. It is set to open in October and the cast includes: Max Records, Benicio Del Toro, Paul Dano, Tom Noonan, Catherine O'Hara, Forest Whitaker, Lauren Ambrose, Catherine Keener and Michael Berry Jr. Here are some production pictures:
I found out that two of my favorite children's books are being adapted for the big screen and will be coming to theaters this year.
If you have never read "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" by Judy Barrett, you must put it on your list to check out the next time you are at the library.
The book is about the town of Chewandswallow where the people don't shop at grocery stores, they eat the food that falls from the sky. Soup, pancakes, and even hamburgers land in their town and everything is great until the weather takes a turn for the worst. This story has been a family favorite of ours since I was in grade school. It is just one of those funny books that I never get tired of reading and the illustrations are fantastic.
[Who knows, with this crazy weather we've been having lately, maybe hamburgers will be the next thing to fall from the sky.]
The movie adaption which is scheduled for theaters in September, uses a different take on the main plot of the book. Here's a short description:
"Inspired by the beloved children's book, the film focuses on a town where food falls from the sky like rain. Bill Hader will voice Flint Lockwood, a young inventor who dreams of creating something that will improve everyone's life. Anna Faris takes on the role of Sam Sparks, a weather girl covering the phenomenon who hides her intelligence behind a perky exterior. James Caan plays Tim Lockwood, Flint's technophobic father. Andy Samberg plays Brent, the town bully who has plagued Flint since childhood. Bruce Campbell plays Mayor Shelbourne, who figures out that Flint's invention can put the town, and more importantly himself, on the map. Mr. T plays the by-the-rules town cop Earl Devereaux, and Tracy Morgan takes on the role of Earl's rule-breaking son, Cal."
I understand that to make a movie out of the book, they had to come up with some main characters who live in the town, but I hope it doesn't stray too far from the fun and outlandish tall tale that made the book so great.
Another favorite book being turned into a movie, is "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak. I'm pretty sure everyone knows that story, and if you don't - crawl out from under the rock you've been living under and go check it out at the library.
"The adventures of a young boy named Max who, after being sent to bed for misbehaving, imagines that he sails away to where the wild things are. Max is loved by the wild creatures who make him their King, though he soon longs to be back home with his family."
Spike Jonze, an Academy Award-nominated director and producer in film and television, most notably the 1999 film Being John Malkovich, is at the helm for this movie and it has been receiving some mixed reviews. I'm not really sure at this point what age group this movie will be targeted for, I've read that it is a little bit of a darker take on the story. It is set to open in October and the cast includes: Max Records, Benicio Del Toro, Paul Dano, Tom Noonan, Catherine O'Hara, Forest Whitaker, Lauren Ambrose, Catherine Keener and Michael Berry Jr. Here are some production pictures:
I always think it's interesting too see a story that I've imagined in my mind come to life in a movie. Sometimes that's good, sometimes it's not so good. I'm intrigued about these two movies either way.
March 9, 2009
Journal Thoughts
*For Today March 9, 2009*
Outside my window...
We've had really pretty sunshine the last few days that have been so nice. We've had the blinds all open and windows open all weekend. Today however, they are predicting rain or snow. It's pretty cold out too. No snow please.
I am thinking...
About Parent Teacher Conferences we have this week. It's always interesting to visit with Kendle's teacher and talk about the progress she's been making. I like her teacher a lot and that she pushes Kendle to do more. I'm so grateful for good teachers who really care about their students.
I am thankful for...
The ability to purchase medicine. Our whole family was so sick this week (some still are) and I don't think I would have made it through without being able to take medicine to help me feel better. It's something so small that I usually take for granted, but it really is a blessing.
From the kitchen...
I made a menu last night for this week again, it makes everything so much easier for grocery shopping and planning. I always leave one night open for leftover/cook's choice so we have a little flexibility in case we change our plans for a night. I also don't have to deal with everyone asking me what's for dinner, I can just point to the paper on the fridge. Last week I made some pumpkin muffins that were really yummy that the kids could have for snacks. The recipe calls for using whole wheat-flour, but I think when I make them this week I'll do half wheat, half regular flour. I guess you can also substitute apple sauce for the oil to make them extra healthy.
Pumpkin Muffins
1 cup whole wheat flour (or regular flour)
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 can (15 oz.) 100% pure pumpkin
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups granola (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, line or grease muffin cups.
Beat sugar and oil until blended, add pumpkin and eggs and beat well. Gradually stir in dry ingredients. Spoon batter into muffin tins. Bake 15 - 20 minutes.
*Optional, press small amount of granola onto top of batter in each muffin tin before baking.
I am going...
To do a quick house clean-up, give Morgan a bath, and get ready for my primary meeting this afternoon. After that I need to go grocery shopping and drop off some books.
I am reading...
I FINALLY finished reading "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle". It was a huge disappointment, in my humble opinion. I feel like I wasted the last three weeks on it. The ending had no closure and left me feeling like - "what the heck happened?" There were parts in it that were good and I thought it had a lot of potential to be very interesting, just didn't measure up to all of the hype I heard about.
I am hoping...
That I don't go crazy with Kendle only having half-day school week because of parent teacher conferences. The "I'm bored" line has reached an all-time record in our house, it's driving me crazy. This weather had better hurry up and get warm so she can play outside.
I am hearing...
Just quiet, Morgan is just starting to stir around in his crib in his room. Our neighborhood is almost completely silent this morning.
Around the house...
It was kind of chilly this morning when I woke up, had to turn the heat up a few notches and grab a sweatshirt. I'm sitting across from the piano, and I can see that some fun little person put about a thousand new hand prints and smudges all over the side of it. That will be on my list of things to clean today. I got a good start on laundry over the weekend, so there is only a few loads to finish today. On Saturday we put Kendle's bed on some of those riser things you can buy to give her some extra storage. She has enjoyed her "tall" princess bed as she says. I'm thinking I'll buy her some clear under-bed storage containers like I have to put her off-season clothes in to free up room in her closet and dresser. She really wants to repaint her room pink, but I'm not so sure about it. I'd rather do it something more neutral, but we'll see.
One of my favorite things...
My KitchenAid stand mixer. I use it all of the time to make cookies, bread, whatever. I've had it for almost 4 years now I think, and it is probably getting kind of tired from all of the use. Too bad KitchenAid doesn't have a trade-in/trade-up program because I'm thinking I'll need a new one before too long.
A few plans for the rest of the week...
We have PTC's tomorrow night, Riley has soccer practice all week with a game on Friday night and a game on Saturday. Saturday they play Pasco so it should be a really good game. Other than that we don't have a lot going on, just hoping to enjoy the week and hopefully get to see some sunshine. Hopefully Riley and I can get a date night in there somewhere.
Something I want to remember...
Last night Riley was really tired and miserable from his cold and was laying on the couch watching something on TV. Pretty soon, I mosied over to relax on the couch by him. Next thing I know, here comes Kendle, and then Morgan and pretty soon we are all just scrunched up together on our big couch. It was kind of comical, but I took a mental snapshot of it in mind because I know it won't be too far in the near future when our kids won't want to snuggle with us on the couch like that. It was great and a good feeling knowing that our kids want to be where we are.
Happy Monday!
*For journal ideas visit the simple womans daybook.blogspot.com
*picture viaMarch 6, 2009
Short Rundown
(can't wait to see these beautiful trees blossoming up and down the streets)
picture via
This week has been so laid back and relaxed at our house for the most part. Other than Riley starting soccer (real practices, even though they've been doing conditioning for the last few weeks) things have been pleasantly slow. He leaves about 6:30 pm and doesn't get home until around 9:30 pm or so. He knows I can get kind of bitter about their practice and game schedules so I think he's been trying to be extra nice this week. :) He has been gone really early for work all week as well, so he has been one tired guy. The soccer team has their annual sleep over tonight at the high school. Who wouldn't want to chaperone some 40+ high school boys who will probably stay up until the wee hours of the morning?
picture via
This week has been so laid back and relaxed at our house for the most part. Other than Riley starting soccer (real practices, even though they've been doing conditioning for the last few weeks) things have been pleasantly slow. He leaves about 6:30 pm and doesn't get home until around 9:30 pm or so. He knows I can get kind of bitter about their practice and game schedules so I think he's been trying to be extra nice this week. :) He has been gone really early for work all week as well, so he has been one tired guy. The soccer team has their annual sleep over tonight at the high school. Who wouldn't want to chaperone some 40+ high school boys who will probably stay up until the wee hours of the morning?
I just put Morgan down for a nap and I can tell he is feeling so much better because he is getting back to his happy, fun little self. He still has the worst runny nose though, yuck. Poor little guy takes off sprinting (and he is fast) when he sees me coming at him with a tissue. The humidifier in his room has helped a lot, and I think he realizes it because when I go to put him to sleep he points to it and then points to the wall outlet for me to plug it in. Bless his little heart. He loves to play catch and he throws so hard we have to make him backup. Little boys are like puppies in a lot of ways. I can sit and play "fetch" with him - I'll throw his little foot ball into the living room and then he'll chase it down and come throw it back to me. I get such a kick out of his stubby little legs running in super-speed mode.
Kendle has had a fun week at school. Some people from Petland came to their school yesterday and brought some animals with them. She said they were all very cute, but she liked the little dog the best. Big surprise. I've never met another little girl who likes dogs so much, in fact probably 90% of her stuffed animal collection consists of dogs and puppies. They must also have been talking about St. Patrick's day in her class because yesterday she came home and wanted to Google "are leprechauns real?" She sat at the computer for a long time and looked up all sorts of information about leprechauns. Then she went in her room for a while and drew a picture at her desk of a rainbow with a leprechaun gaurding a pot of gold at the end. She is a funny girl. When she gets something in her head that she wants to know about, she will pepper you with questions until your throat is sore from talking. She wants to know about everything. She is getting so tall now too, I just can't believe it. She is one of the youngest in her grade, but just keeps growing like a weed. Must be all of that peanut butter she eats. Maybe she will get some height like her aunt Tamra.
I've been loving this sunshine and am getting antsy to start sprucing up our yard. I absolutely love this time of year and have been airing out our house all week. I should have been doing some spring cleaning this week since things have been so slow, but it was nice to just kind of relax and take it easy and try and nurse myself back to health. I have cleaned out my closet (although that feels like a constant chore) and some of Kendle's things and have a huge pile of clothes I need to do something with. Some items are too nice to just give away, so maybe if I'm feeling motivated enough I'll post them on my blog and anyone who wants something can come pick it up. Tonight I'm going to make some chicken potato soup and homemade bread for dinner. After I put the kids down, I'm going to watch Australia. We saw it at the movie theater and I just loved it. I can't understand why the critics didn't like it - I thought it was great. I think Baz Luhrmann is a genius. So that's my fun Friday night in a nut-shell.
Hope everyone has a great sunshine filled weekend!
March 4, 2009
Happiness Is.....
*Cuddling with the Morgster on the couch watching American Idol.
*A husband who stops to rent DVDs on his way home because he knew how much you liked a movie that came out this week.
*The sun coming out to light up an otherwise bleak week, and hearing Kendle and Morgan laughing on the swings outside.
*Being mistaken for the babysitter.
*Dancing around the kitchen with the kids while we're making dinner.
*Low-fat chocolate pudding with extra whipped cream on top. Counterproductive, but nice.
*Walking to get the mail without getting pelted with rain or cold wind.
*Having a menu for the week posted on the fridge, and hearing little or no complaints from the troops.
*Knowing Kendle still needs my kisses and hugs at night.
*Reading stories with her before bed and laughing together at all the right moments.
*Sitting down after a long day to relax and hearing -- quiet.
Even though I am still miserable with this darn cold that has wreaked havoc on me the last few days, today was a good day.
*A husband who stops to rent DVDs on his way home because he knew how much you liked a movie that came out this week.
*The sun coming out to light up an otherwise bleak week, and hearing Kendle and Morgan laughing on the swings outside.
*Being mistaken for the babysitter.
*Dancing around the kitchen with the kids while we're making dinner.
*Low-fat chocolate pudding with extra whipped cream on top. Counterproductive, but nice.
*Walking to get the mail without getting pelted with rain or cold wind.
*Having a menu for the week posted on the fridge, and hearing little or no complaints from the troops.
*Knowing Kendle still needs my kisses and hugs at night.
*Reading stories with her before bed and laughing together at all the right moments.
*Sitting down after a long day to relax and hearing -- quiet.
Even though I am still miserable with this darn cold that has wreaked havoc on me the last few days, today was a good day.
March 3, 2009
*Worth Watching*
I recently discovered Clara Cannucciari, who is a 93 year old cook. She has her own cooking videos you can watch here that feature recipes her family made during the Great Depression. On each video she teaches how to make simple and affordable meals while telling stories about her life during the Great Depression.
I sat hooked watching all of the video's and listening to her share interesting tid-bits about the hardships they faced, but also the good things she remembers. She has such a cute personality and lots of great information to share. Some of her stories are so funny. This has inspired me to want to do the same thing with my grandmother.
Here is just one of the videos I thought I'd share. To see the rest clink on the link above.
(make sure to pause the music playlist on my side bar first)
I sat hooked watching all of the video's and listening to her share interesting tid-bits about the hardships they faced, but also the good things she remembers. She has such a cute personality and lots of great information to share. Some of her stories are so funny. This has inspired me to want to do the same thing with my grandmother.
Here is just one of the videos I thought I'd share. To see the rest clink on the link above.
(make sure to pause the music playlist on my side bar first)
March 2, 2009
Happy Anniversary
This morning while helping Kendle get ready for school, she grabs something from underneath her pillow and hands it to me:
(front)
(back)
Today is not just a celebration of our marriage, but of our family as well. We have two of the most wonderful children I could have ever hoped for and I feel it is a great accomplishment and a blessing to be a wife and a mother.
While we were away this past weekend I really enjoyed how lovely it was to have some peace and quiet and get caught up on my sleep. We had nothing tethering us to a schedule and it was fabulous. It is quite freeing to be able to go shopping, go to a movie, and out to eat without feeling the need to rush home to a babysitter or have a time crunch. The ability to get a good nights sleep without a little one waking me up was very restorative. I literally felt like a new person (minus this dratted cold I've been nursing). Everyone needs a break like this once in a while.
But what is not surprising, is how by Sunday afternoon I was anxious to get to my parents house and see our kids. It was great to get away for that very reason. I'm glad I missed them. I couldn't wait to see Morgan's happy little face and Kendle's toothless grin (she lost her other top tooth Thursday night).
I really feel so lucky to have such a great family and am thankful for the marriage and husband that I have.
*Some of the best parts of our weekend:
-The scenery was gorgeous! To get to where we were staying we had to drive around the lake and through the mountains on a very snakey twisty turny road. There was lots of snow, but the sun was shining for the most part and the lake was stunning. We saw a lot of deer. Every direction you looked was an unbelievable view. I'd go back in a heart beat.
-The Mackenzie River Pizza Company. They only have locations in Montana and Coeur d' Alene. We need one here, the food was fantastic.
-Riley humored me all weekend. We saw a chick-flick (which he actually thought was funny) did lots of shopping, and he didn't listen to sports radio at all the whole weekend. It was great!
**Extra tid-bit: Did you know that for the 7th wedding anniversary you are supposed to buy something made of copper or wool? How exciting. Could that wool have anything to do with the 7 year itch? Ha.
***I also need to add that my parents are rockstars, without them this weekend would not have been possible. The kids had so much fun with them they didn't want to leave. My mom even made sure the tooth fairy visited Kendle at their house. They were spoiled with root beer floats, treats, and lots of love. You guys are the best!
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