I had such high hopes of reading lots of books this month, but it just didn't happen. Some of that was from hours wasted online, but much of it was from being super busy. I'm actually about 2/3 finished with a book right now, but I didn't get it done in time for this list. Such is life. I'm going to try getting back on my "one hour of reading in bed" plan. I'm always thankful I've disciplined myself to get in bed early enough to read, so I need to just do it again. Feel free to remind me to read if you see me online late at night.
Here are the books I tackled this month.
Escape, by Carolyn Jessop with Laura PalmerThe author was raised in a Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints (FLDS) community. Members of the FLDS can most easily be described as radical Mormons, though their group has been renounced by the Mormon church, and practice arranged, plural marriages. In other words, they practice polygamy, but the wives have no say in who they marry.
This book was long and definitely would have been just as interesting if it were few chapters shorter. That being said, the more the author shared about her life as one of the wives of a powerful man in the FLDS community, the more you understand her desire to escape.
It completely blows my mind that the things that went on in Jessop's life and community occur in modern day America, the alleged "land of the free". I have a huge amount of respect for the fact that she did what she had to in order to survive life in the FLDS, had the forethought to plan for an escape, showed the immense bravery that it took to flee, and perseverance to do all that was necessary to be the first woman ever to escape and get full custody of all her children.
Cake Wrecks: When Professional Cakes Go Hilariously Wrong, by Jen Yates
The result of the unplanned success of the Cake Wrecks website (which, by the way, you should have in your blog reader), this book is absolutely hilarious ... just like the website. While some of the cakes would make you chuckle, a very sarcastic, witty author is what makes this book so fun to read.
The Staggerford Murders and Nancy Clancy's Nephew, by Jon Hassler
Total disappointment. I enjoyed another book by this author back in March, just an easy read, quaint story, and endearing characters. This book, however, was not as sweet. I kept reading in hopes that I'd like it as much as the first one I'd read, but it never happened. I may read one more, just to see which book was the fluke - the "fluff" book I enjoyed or this one.
THE BOOK I BAILED ON
Ford County Stories, by John Grisham
I don't expect every character in a book I read to be perfectly behaved. However, when the entire story revolves around getting sloshed, using women for your own gratification, and generally avoiding responsibility and accountability, then I lose interest pretty quickly. Perhaps the rest of the book is fantastic, but the above description fits the first short story perfectly.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
TOP TEN ON TUESDAY
Here are ten reasons, in no particular order, why today was a good day.
1. Organized the back porch & storage closet.
2. Ate part of the pineapple shake that Tim got for me yesterday at Mike's Drive-In, but I was too full to eat at the time.
3. Scheduled some family outings and trips for the summer.
4. Baked cherry oatmeal muffins for tomorrow's breakfast.
5. Made lists & gathered coupons for some bargain shopping I'm doing tomorrow.
6. Balanced two checking accounts.
7. Purged coupon files & organized the few I clip.
8. We never left home.
9. The kids got a couple hours to play outside.
10. Read for fun.
Disclaimer for those who may be frazzled with parenting or overwhelmed with all they need to do and think I was a great multi-tasker today - I feel ya! Tim was home all day, so I abandoned 95% of parenting duties in order to catch up on several projects that have been neglected for weeks ... or months. I'm feeling far less crabby than I have been lately. Productivity makes me happy.
1. Organized the back porch & storage closet.
2. Ate part of the pineapple shake that Tim got for me yesterday at Mike's Drive-In, but I was too full to eat at the time.
3. Scheduled some family outings and trips for the summer.
4. Baked cherry oatmeal muffins for tomorrow's breakfast.
5. Made lists & gathered coupons for some bargain shopping I'm doing tomorrow.
6. Balanced two checking accounts.
7. Purged coupon files & organized the few I clip.
8. We never left home.
9. The kids got a couple hours to play outside.
10. Read for fun.
Disclaimer for those who may be frazzled with parenting or overwhelmed with all they need to do and think I was a great multi-tasker today - I feel ya! Tim was home all day, so I abandoned 95% of parenting duties in order to catch up on several projects that have been neglected for weeks ... or months. I'm feeling far less crabby than I have been lately. Productivity makes me happy.
Monday, June 28, 2010
RANDOM PICS FROM THE LAST COUPLE WEEKS
Naomi and Devon were goofing off together one day, when Naomi's right eye connected with the back of Devon's head, creating her first shiner. Only one small bruised area remains more than two weeks later, but her eye went through various shades of purple, blue, green, and yellow. She loved telling people she had a shiner!
I was cleaning out some boxes of random stuff from my past. Most of it was newspaper clippings, writing assignments I'd saved, and a bunch of pictures. There was one bag, however, that had a few things from my infancy and early childhood. Included in that bag was a box of Q-tips that my parents were given at the hospital when I was born. It's a 34 year old box of Q-tips that are still sealed in plastic, "packaged for purity"! I told someone earlier that I don't think "vintage" has the same appeal with cotton swabs as it does with things such as furniture and clothing.
I read Twenty and Ten to the boys for the second time over the last school year. It's historical fiction, a story of twenty French kids at a boarding school who hide ten Jewish kids during WWII. Great book! Silas and I also read The Little Riders, another piece of historical fiction about a young girl living in Holland when it was occupied by the Germans in WWII. Needless to say, Silas had Nazis on his mind, so I wasn't surprised when he showed me this creation, made with a base so you can make it stand, at the end of his down time one day.
I was cleaning out some boxes of random stuff from my past. Most of it was newspaper clippings, writing assignments I'd saved, and a bunch of pictures. There was one bag, however, that had a few things from my infancy and early childhood. Included in that bag was a box of Q-tips that my parents were given at the hospital when I was born. It's a 34 year old box of Q-tips that are still sealed in plastic, "packaged for purity"! I told someone earlier that I don't think "vintage" has the same appeal with cotton swabs as it does with things such as furniture and clothing.
I read Twenty and Ten to the boys for the second time over the last school year. It's historical fiction, a story of twenty French kids at a boarding school who hide ten Jewish kids during WWII. Great book! Silas and I also read The Little Riders, another piece of historical fiction about a young girl living in Holland when it was occupied by the Germans in WWII. Needless to say, Silas had Nazis on his mind, so I wasn't surprised when he showed me this creation, made with a base so you can make it stand, at the end of his down time one day.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
SILAS & DEVON'S BIRTHDAY PARTY
The boys celebrated their birthdays today and it was a fantastic day! For the first time since moving to the Portland area, they had sunny weather for their party, which was really nice. We met some friends at Ibach Park, the kids played, we ate tube steaks and chips, scarfed some cake, opened cards and gifts, then headed home.
The kids took "power showers" and "scrub 'em up baths" (meaning, there was no time for playing or relaxing), then had naps and down time. I went along with my dad for an errand in Portland, then came home a bit before the nappers woke up.
Next on the agenda was our first (well, except for Silas, who has been there before) trip to Bullwinkle's. We ate a bunch of pizza, spent a bunch of tokens, then came home for an hour of playing with the kids, then visited over heaping bowls of ice cream or plates of cake after the offspring went to bed.
I hardly took any pictures at the party because I opted to visit with the adults who were there, but here is what the cakes looked like. The few pictures I did take at the party will get posted on our Picasa site tomorrow night and my dad will get some up tomorrow.
Silas initially wanted a cake that looked like Alexander the Great riding on his horse. I sweetly reminded him that I'm not Jessica Harris, then brainstormed other options. Well, he first suggested that we ask her to come over and make it for us. Stinker. He ended up asking me to surprise him, but clarified that he didn't want anything for little kids, "like fire trucks and stuff". I scoped out the two sites I rely on for cake ideas and opted for an Army tank. I skimmed through all the ones here, then came up with the one below. Once he knew he wasn't required to eat any black licorice, he was happy with it.
Devon requested a repeat of the cake he had last year, a bicycle cake. Honestly, that was the worst cake I'd ever done, but I agreed to do it again. Evidently he didn't realize how pathetic last year's cake was. This one turned out much better than the last one! I used this picture as inspiration both times and the picture below shows how this one turned out. I don't know why I put the streamers on, as we've never had them on our bikes. Guess they make it look more festive. If you want a laugh, then check out the one I did last year where there are no pedals, the wheels are rather caveman-ish, and the back wheel is connected to the frame at the tire. Oy!
I'll never be a professional cake decorator, but it is cool to just be a mom making her kids happy with some fun cakes for their birthday parties. It also helps to be able to laugh at how ridiculous they sometimes turn out. Like the aerodynamic fire truck of a past birthday. But there's no need to dredge that memory up.
The kids took "power showers" and "scrub 'em up baths" (meaning, there was no time for playing or relaxing), then had naps and down time. I went along with my dad for an errand in Portland, then came home a bit before the nappers woke up.
Next on the agenda was our first (well, except for Silas, who has been there before) trip to Bullwinkle's. We ate a bunch of pizza, spent a bunch of tokens, then came home for an hour of playing with the kids, then visited over heaping bowls of ice cream or plates of cake after the offspring went to bed.
I hardly took any pictures at the party because I opted to visit with the adults who were there, but here is what the cakes looked like. The few pictures I did take at the party will get posted on our Picasa site tomorrow night and my dad will get some up tomorrow.
Silas initially wanted a cake that looked like Alexander the Great riding on his horse. I sweetly reminded him that I'm not Jessica Harris, then brainstormed other options. Well, he first suggested that we ask her to come over and make it for us. Stinker. He ended up asking me to surprise him, but clarified that he didn't want anything for little kids, "like fire trucks and stuff". I scoped out the two sites I rely on for cake ideas and opted for an Army tank. I skimmed through all the ones here, then came up with the one below. Once he knew he wasn't required to eat any black licorice, he was happy with it.
Devon requested a repeat of the cake he had last year, a bicycle cake. Honestly, that was the worst cake I'd ever done, but I agreed to do it again. Evidently he didn't realize how pathetic last year's cake was. This one turned out much better than the last one! I used this picture as inspiration both times and the picture below shows how this one turned out. I don't know why I put the streamers on, as we've never had them on our bikes. Guess they make it look more festive. If you want a laugh, then check out the one I did last year where there are no pedals, the wheels are rather caveman-ish, and the back wheel is connected to the frame at the tire. Oy!
I'll never be a professional cake decorator, but it is cool to just be a mom making her kids happy with some fun cakes for their birthday parties. It also helps to be able to laugh at how ridiculous they sometimes turn out. Like the aerodynamic fire truck of a past birthday. But there's no need to dredge that memory up.
Friday, June 25, 2010
SILAS' BIRTHDAY WEEK - 2010
Day 1 - Silas came down with a cough and fever the afternoon before Day 1, so we decided to keep the start of birthday week kinda mellow. Tim took him to the library's bookstore and he got a few books.
Day 2 - Still coughing and feverish, so it was movie night. Silas reserved Beethoven's Big Break (they've watched the first two movies recently) from the library and we all hunkered down to watch it. The boys cracked up through the whole thing.
Day 3 - Still coughing, but wanting to take advantage of some dry weather and trying to deal with some cabin fever. So we went for a hike at Magness Memorial Tree Park. Our time was limited, but we hiked for about 1 1/2 hours. Pretty place and we'll definitely go back when we have more time!
Day 4 - We took advantage of a BOGO sale on shakes at Sonic after dinner, though we ate them at home because Silas wasn't feeling great. It was our first time there and the shakes were a hit.
Day 5 - Silas' fever, which was never scary high, is still hanging on and he's keeping us up much of the night while he hacks up a lung ... or two. Three days is the standard wait time for a fever and he's on day 4/5, so we take him to the doctor. He's diagnosed with pneumonia and starts some antibiotics. We planned on having this day be an activity day, but he's supposed to lay low and we don't want to be around other people. So, we pick up lunch at Arby's and have a picnic at Memorial Park.
Day 6 - It's "Appreciation Night" and we all take turns presenting Silas with a paper that tells him, through words or pictures, what we like about him.
Day 7 - Silas' day starts with the long-time tradition of "Doughnut Date With Daddy". We lay low most of the morning, then my dad arrives in the afternoon. Granny comes over a little later and we all eat the dinner of Silas' choice (raviolis, Ritz, and yellow, orange, and red bell pepper slices). After dinner Silas opens gifts from his family and spends much of the evening playing with them. We sneak in the annual "birthday outfit" pictures at the end of the night and his birthday week comes to an end.
The annual "birthday outfit" picture.
Thinking it's funny to make a "tough guy" face while standing in a shirt that's way too big.
Day 2 - Still coughing and feverish, so it was movie night. Silas reserved Beethoven's Big Break (they've watched the first two movies recently) from the library and we all hunkered down to watch it. The boys cracked up through the whole thing.
Day 3 - Still coughing, but wanting to take advantage of some dry weather and trying to deal with some cabin fever. So we went for a hike at Magness Memorial Tree Park. Our time was limited, but we hiked for about 1 1/2 hours. Pretty place and we'll definitely go back when we have more time!
The whole fam strikes a pose on our way up the mountain.
.Day 4 - We took advantage of a BOGO sale on shakes at Sonic after dinner, though we ate them at home because Silas wasn't feeling great. It was our first time there and the shakes were a hit.
Tired of coughing, but not too tired to suck a caramel shake through his straw.
Day 5 - Silas' fever, which was never scary high, is still hanging on and he's keeping us up much of the night while he hacks up a lung ... or two. Three days is the standard wait time for a fever and he's on day 4/5, so we take him to the doctor. He's diagnosed with pneumonia and starts some antibiotics. We planned on having this day be an activity day, but he's supposed to lay low and we don't want to be around other people. So, we pick up lunch at Arby's and have a picnic at Memorial Park.
The birthday boy and I do a little bonding over lunch.
Day 6 - It's "Appreciation Night" and we all take turns presenting Silas with a paper that tells him, through words or pictures, what we like about him.
Silas is impressed with the paper that Tim did for him.
Day 7 - Silas' day starts with the long-time tradition of "Doughnut Date With Daddy". We lay low most of the morning, then my dad arrives in the afternoon. Granny comes over a little later and we all eat the dinner of Silas' choice (raviolis, Ritz, and yellow, orange, and red bell pepper slices). After dinner Silas opens gifts from his family and spends much of the evening playing with them. We sneak in the annual "birthday outfit" pictures at the end of the night and his birthday week comes to an end.
Eating the doughnut he's envied since Devon's birthday week.
Ready to dig into his birthday dinner, but forcing a smile because he's having a major allergy attack.
Eight dollars on his eighth birthday.
Happy with the gifts his family gave him.
The annual "birthday outfit" picture.
Thinking it's funny to make a "tough guy" face while standing in a shirt that's way too big.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
DEVON, MY NEWEST GRADE SCHOOLER
Devon recently joined the grade school class at church. Being in that class means you have a fun event to attend every month of the year (plus extra ones for fourth and fifth graders), camp (though it's going to be a day camp this year), and some bonus events during the summer. Needless to say, joining the grade school class is something to look forward to. It's a big deal in our family.
Today was Devon's first grade school event - Water Wars I. Silas wasn't able to attend, which I'm kinda thankful for because it allowed Devon a chance to have this introductory event all to himself. Devon still naps at least two hours a day and the event was smack during nap time. It was also on a Thursday, which is, without a doubt, the worst day of our week because the kids are up late for Bible study on Wednesday night. So, I wasn't sure how he'd do.
Well, he did great and had a blast! Cheese sandwich (that's a burger without the meat, as he's almost a vegetarian), two cans of soda, chips, and cookies. Bible study, songs, chatting with friends. Water limbo, launching water balloons into rings of people, squishy water balls, capture the flag with water balloons, hoses, squishy water guns, and various other water activities ... and all under blue skies with 80 degree weather. What more could a kid ask for?
I do, however, think 8:00 will come a little early tonight.
Today was Devon's first grade school event - Water Wars I. Silas wasn't able to attend, which I'm kinda thankful for because it allowed Devon a chance to have this introductory event all to himself. Devon still naps at least two hours a day and the event was smack during nap time. It was also on a Thursday, which is, without a doubt, the worst day of our week because the kids are up late for Bible study on Wednesday night. So, I wasn't sure how he'd do.
Well, he did great and had a blast! Cheese sandwich (that's a burger without the meat, as he's almost a vegetarian), two cans of soda, chips, and cookies. Bible study, songs, chatting with friends. Water limbo, launching water balloons into rings of people, squishy water balls, capture the flag with water balloons, hoses, squishy water guns, and various other water activities ... and all under blue skies with 80 degree weather. What more could a kid ask for?
I do, however, think 8:00 will come a little early tonight.
6/24/10 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful that Bob & Cheri are boarding a plane today.
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
Monday, June 21, 2010
55,555
This blog hit another mononumeric number today and I missed it. Why, oh why, does mononumeracy and alliteration make me smile? I'm such a dork. I've actually been waiting several days for the delight of seeing 55,555 on the site meter, but I was too busy cleaning my room to catch it.
Anyway, such a cool number must be celebrated, so I decided to do a giveaway. I wanted to keep the mononumeric theme going, so I shortened the 55,555 down to just 55 and counted back 55 comments on my blog. The 55th most recent comment was from Shelley, so she'll be getting some soap from The Custom Soap Shop.
Ok, my mononumeric party is over. Time for me to finish cleaning and organizing my bedroom.
Sidenote - Shelley remains the winner even if people left comments, which would change the 55th most recent comment, while I was typing this post.
Anyway, such a cool number must be celebrated, so I decided to do a giveaway. I wanted to keep the mononumeric theme going, so I shortened the 55,555 down to just 55 and counted back 55 comments on my blog. The 55th most recent comment was from Shelley, so she'll be getting some soap from The Custom Soap Shop.
Ok, my mononumeric party is over. Time for me to finish cleaning and organizing my bedroom.
Sidenote - Shelley remains the winner even if people left comments, which would change the 55th most recent comment, while I was typing this post.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
FATHER'S DAY - 2010
His Majest "T" with his three loyal subjects, about to watch a movie on Father's Day.
SO MUCH FOR PLANNING
Yesterday was our anniversary. The plan was to do a part of Silas' birthday week, a part that involved leaving the house, in the morning, then Tim and I were going on a date in the evening. I had freebie birthday coupons that expired today, so the timing was perfect for an inexpensive anniversary date.
The reality was that Silas got a fever and cough. So we did a different part of birthday week, stayed in jammies all day, tackled our pig sty of a bedroom (it's still not done), and had Papa Murphy's for dinner.
The plan for today was to go to church as a family, take naps, go a on family date to Cold Stone tonight, then do another part of birthday week at home. Three of us have freebie birthday coupons at Cold Stone and we have a gift card to use for the other two, so it would have been a fun Father's Day outing.
The reality is that Silas is still sick, so I had to skip church with him. Tim is on parking duty this month and wasn't able to take the other two kids, so they stayed home too. Naomi ended up with a bit of a cough, so it's good she ended up at home. We can't do a family ice cream trip and the coupons for Devon and I expire today, so he and I will go alone and run a couple errands while we're out. My other birthday freebie, a burger at Red Robin, also expired today. So, everyone else went down for naps and I took off. I did my drugstore bargains, picked up a couple movies at the library, then went to Red Robin alone. Other than a little visiting with a family from church who showed up, I spent my time eating a delicious burger and fries, drinking a fantastic limeade (I always drink water, so this was an indulgent splurge), and reading magazines that I'd brought. We'll still do the birthday week thing as a family tonight.
Birthdays, an anniversary, Father's Day. None of them have gone as planned this week. Pretty frustrating, but life goes on.
The reality was that Silas got a fever and cough. So we did a different part of birthday week, stayed in jammies all day, tackled our pig sty of a bedroom (it's still not done), and had Papa Murphy's for dinner.
The plan for today was to go to church as a family, take naps, go a on family date to Cold Stone tonight, then do another part of birthday week at home. Three of us have freebie birthday coupons at Cold Stone and we have a gift card to use for the other two, so it would have been a fun Father's Day outing.
The reality is that Silas is still sick, so I had to skip church with him. Tim is on parking duty this month and wasn't able to take the other two kids, so they stayed home too. Naomi ended up with a bit of a cough, so it's good she ended up at home. We can't do a family ice cream trip and the coupons for Devon and I expire today, so he and I will go alone and run a couple errands while we're out. My other birthday freebie, a burger at Red Robin, also expired today. So, everyone else went down for naps and I took off. I did my drugstore bargains, picked up a couple movies at the library, then went to Red Robin alone. Other than a little visiting with a family from church who showed up, I spent my time eating a delicious burger and fries, drinking a fantastic limeade (I always drink water, so this was an indulgent splurge), and reading magazines that I'd brought. We'll still do the birthday week thing as a family tonight.
Birthdays, an anniversary, Father's Day. None of them have gone as planned this week. Pretty frustrating, but life goes on.
Friday, June 18, 2010
TIM'S COMING HOME
Tim's year should have ended yesterday, but he was sent to a conference that wraps up this afternoon and he'll be flying home tonight. His arrival marks the beginning of summer. I can't tell you how ready I am for him to be home for a while!
Our kids are beyond ready for having Tim around. Areas where their behavior leaves something to be desired always get back on track during the summer. Part of that is due to having two parents in the house, but most of it is because they just respond differently to his leadership. I'm fine with that, knowing our kids benefit from both of our parenting. It's a team effort.
Behavior isn't the only reason they need him around. They also love to hang out with him. I'm pretty worthless when it comes to pitching baseballs, wrestling matches, chess games, and video game tips. Again, we bring different things to the parenting table.
Then there's the apartment. We'll be going into lockdown for the first few days of next week. There are some boxes that still haven't been dealt with since our move, closets that need to get organized, and a few household things that need to be taken care of. So, we'll be going nowhere until those tasks are completed. I long for the day when walking into my bedroom doesn't stress me out, but it's been the dumping station since our move and is a total mess. It will be much easier to tackle those things when there are two adults in the house!
We'll also be doing school, since we do it all year. However, we always start our year in July and having a bunch of new books makes it kinda fun. We'll be combining the boys in some areas this year, which will make life much easier for all of us. Having Tim around to participate in school stuff is a nice change of pace.
Having Tim around won't only mean working on stuff. There will be time to play too. In fact, we're sitting down in the next few days to get activities and trips on the calendar. We've got a second birthday week about to start and a third one in August. We'll have some family outings around the Portland area. There will be a trip to my dad's. We're going to try and squeeze in some camping, other than the church trip we always go on. We'll hit the beach. Tim will have softball games. And we'll get some marshmallow gun wars scheduled. Can't forget the MGW!
So, that's the really long way of saying that I'm happy Tim is coming home tonight and look forward to all his presence means.
Our kids are beyond ready for having Tim around. Areas where their behavior leaves something to be desired always get back on track during the summer. Part of that is due to having two parents in the house, but most of it is because they just respond differently to his leadership. I'm fine with that, knowing our kids benefit from both of our parenting. It's a team effort.
Behavior isn't the only reason they need him around. They also love to hang out with him. I'm pretty worthless when it comes to pitching baseballs, wrestling matches, chess games, and video game tips. Again, we bring different things to the parenting table.
Then there's the apartment. We'll be going into lockdown for the first few days of next week. There are some boxes that still haven't been dealt with since our move, closets that need to get organized, and a few household things that need to be taken care of. So, we'll be going nowhere until those tasks are completed. I long for the day when walking into my bedroom doesn't stress me out, but it's been the dumping station since our move and is a total mess. It will be much easier to tackle those things when there are two adults in the house!
We'll also be doing school, since we do it all year. However, we always start our year in July and having a bunch of new books makes it kinda fun. We'll be combining the boys in some areas this year, which will make life much easier for all of us. Having Tim around to participate in school stuff is a nice change of pace.
Having Tim around won't only mean working on stuff. There will be time to play too. In fact, we're sitting down in the next few days to get activities and trips on the calendar. We've got a second birthday week about to start and a third one in August. We'll have some family outings around the Portland area. There will be a trip to my dad's. We're going to try and squeeze in some camping, other than the church trip we always go on. We'll hit the beach. Tim will have softball games. And we'll get some marshmallow gun wars scheduled. Can't forget the MGW!
So, that's the really long way of saying that I'm happy Tim is coming home tonight and look forward to all his presence means.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
6/17/10 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful that my back spasms have ended and I don't need drugs anymore. Almost back to normal!
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
MENU - SECOND HALF OF JUNE 2010
Well, I got to leave the couch this morning for a trip to WinCo. Exciting, huh? The change of scenery was nice and my back, though still medicated, feels great. Progress! Here are the two weeks of meals I bought groceries for, including a couple repeats that we missed on the last rotation.
BREAKFASTS
oatmeal
granola (crockpot)
baked oatmeal (missed last time, prep night before)
cherry oatmeal muffins (missed last time, double batch & freeze half, trying buttermilk substitute)
sausage pinwheels
apple bran muffins (freezer stash from last menu)
DINNERS
leftovers x2
tacos x3
Mexican casserole (freezer stash from last menu)/cornbread (freezer stash from last menu)/salad
creamy white bean & chicken chili (not a repeat, we just liked it a lot & have more beans in the freezer)/tortilla chips
Italian sausage & bowties/Leslie's salad (missed last time)
teriyaki chicken salad/rice (missed last time)
freezer fest (a smorgasbord of leftovers I've thrown in the fridge)
raviolis/red, orange, yellow bell pepper slices/crackers/cheese (Silas' request for his birthday dinner)
beef eldorado/broccoli
grilled Hawaiian chicken/tropical salad
new soup recipe (total flop)/frozen rolls
pasta salad
Cajun chicken pasta/salad
DESSERTS
apple cinnamon cake (missed last time, will make for Father's Day, since it's Tim's favorite)
two birthday cakes (boys' party)
BREAKFASTS
oatmeal
granola (crockpot)
baked oatmeal (missed last time, prep night before)
cherry oatmeal muffins (missed last time, double batch & freeze half, trying buttermilk substitute)
sausage pinwheels
apple bran muffins (freezer stash from last menu)
DINNERS
leftovers x2
tacos x3
Mexican casserole (freezer stash from last menu)/cornbread (freezer stash from last menu)/salad
creamy white bean & chicken chili (not a repeat, we just liked it a lot & have more beans in the freezer)/tortilla chips
Italian sausage & bowties/Leslie's salad (missed last time)
teriyaki chicken salad/rice (missed last time)
freezer fest (a smorgasbord of leftovers I've thrown in the fridge)
raviolis/red, orange, yellow bell pepper slices/crackers/cheese (Silas' request for his birthday dinner)
beef eldorado/broccoli
grilled Hawaiian chicken/tropical salad
new soup recipe (total flop)/frozen rolls
pasta salad
Cajun chicken pasta/salad
DESSERTS
apple cinnamon cake (missed last time, will make for Father's Day, since it's Tim's favorite)
two birthday cakes (boys' party)
Monday, June 14, 2010
BETHANY'S BAD BACK BRINGS BEDREST
I love alliteration, so I'm using it as a way to find something positive in a bummer situation.
As most of you know, yesterday was my birthday. It wasn't the greatest day I've ever had, that's for sure. You see, it seems that Friday morning I pulled a muscle in my back, though I don't know exactly how or when. It hurt periodically through the day, particularly if I turned quickly or twisted my torso, but wasn't a big deal.
Saturday it didn't hurt too badly, a blessing since I was having fun on my feet all day. Saturday night it became obvious that the blessing may have actually been a bummer. Apparently all that running around put more strain on my back and I was pretty uncomfortable Saturday evening. I took some Tylenol PM and hit the sack.
Sunday morning, which was my birthday, I was uncomfortable, but I went to church and ran a couple errands with the kids afterward. By the time I got home I was in a foul mood, due to majorly increased pain. I laid low for most of the day, but every move I made caused back spasms. Keep in mind that Devon and I share a birthday, so I was trying desperately (and not doing very well, I must confess) not to ruin his day, while wallowing in self-pity that my day was lousy. I was uncomfortable and irritable.
Sunday evening I took some Tylenol PM and was in bed by 9:00. The drama started at 10:00 when a spasm woke me up. I decided to go to the bathroom while I was awake and it took me about ten minutes to get from my bed to the door about five feet away. By the time I reached the bathroom I thought I was going to pass out from the pain. I called Tim and asked him to get me a cool rag for my face, then started lowering myself to the ground so I wouldn't fall so far if I fainted. Bad move. Well, it was a good move in theory, but I ended up stuck on the bathroom floor. Tim had to lift me up off the floor. Pathetic.
I slept a couple more hours, then woke up when Tim came to bed, which I never do. Couldn't fall back asleep and my back really hurt, so I decided to move to the couch. Another idea that was good in theory, but I couldn't sit up. Tim had to lift me out of bed. Really pathetic.
I spent four hours, from midnight to 4:00 am alternating between the floor, couch, and chair, spending time resting or distracting myself online. I was in pain no matter what I did. I can't sleep sitting up, but knew I wouldn't be able to get up if I laid down. Ugh. It was miserable.
I finally laid down at 4:00, with the plan that Tim could lift me up on his way to work. A back spasm woke me up at 6:00.
When Tim walked out, realized that I'd only slept two hours, and saw how much pain I was in, he decided to stay home. This is his last week of school and he's already missing two days because of a conference they're flying him to. So staying home was a sacrifice of important work time and I'm really grateful. He headed out to get me an anti-inflammatory and some ice packs, got a sub for work, then made waffles for breakfast. He spent most of the day working from home while monitoring the kiddos. That allowed me to go on bedrest. I took a nap in the morning, but spent the entire day in bed or on the couch.
Tim also got subs for the games he was supposed to work tonight, made dinner (Italian sausage with bowties and Leslie's salad, already one of my favorite meals, tastes even better when someone else makes it!), and is taking the kids to the park for a while. He's earned some major "good husband" points today!!
The drugs have helped me stay fairly comfortable, the ice packs feel great, and I've given my back muscles a day to do nothing but heal. I can't do bedrest for the rest of the week, which is why I took full advantage of it today, but I'm going to take it pretty easy until I have full mobility without being drugged. It's just about killed me to do nothing when there are a gazillion things I could get done, but I've been good. You should be proud. I must say, I certainly have a new respect for people with serious, chronic back pain!
I will add, in an attempt for this not be an entirely whiney post, that there were a few bright spots on my birthday. Tim had taken the kids to go birthday shopping for me on Saturday night. Then he and Devon left early on Sunday morning for their doughnut date and the rest of us met them at church. When I walked out to my van on Sunday morning I noticed that it had changed color. No longer was it varied shades of grey, but had been washed and was now a shiny white. They had taken it to get washed the night before! You know you're getting old when getting your car washed is a great birthday present. If nothing else, you know how filthy your car was. When I opened my door I found a singing birthday card and a Cold Stone gift card on my dashboard. My family loves me.
I was also blessed with a gazillion birthday wishes via e-mail, Facebook, and at church. My grandma came over for a few hours, joined us for dinner, and brought me a gift. My sister sent a group gift (perfect, as she lives overseas and we have a bunch of summer birthdays) for the family. Wonder what it was? A Cold Stone gift card. Do you notice a theme here? My family certainly knows what makes me happy!
Birthdays and bedrest. That's my world.
As most of you know, yesterday was my birthday. It wasn't the greatest day I've ever had, that's for sure. You see, it seems that Friday morning I pulled a muscle in my back, though I don't know exactly how or when. It hurt periodically through the day, particularly if I turned quickly or twisted my torso, but wasn't a big deal.
Saturday it didn't hurt too badly, a blessing since I was having fun on my feet all day. Saturday night it became obvious that the blessing may have actually been a bummer. Apparently all that running around put more strain on my back and I was pretty uncomfortable Saturday evening. I took some Tylenol PM and hit the sack.
Sunday morning, which was my birthday, I was uncomfortable, but I went to church and ran a couple errands with the kids afterward. By the time I got home I was in a foul mood, due to majorly increased pain. I laid low for most of the day, but every move I made caused back spasms. Keep in mind that Devon and I share a birthday, so I was trying desperately (and not doing very well, I must confess) not to ruin his day, while wallowing in self-pity that my day was lousy. I was uncomfortable and irritable.
Sunday evening I took some Tylenol PM and was in bed by 9:00. The drama started at 10:00 when a spasm woke me up. I decided to go to the bathroom while I was awake and it took me about ten minutes to get from my bed to the door about five feet away. By the time I reached the bathroom I thought I was going to pass out from the pain. I called Tim and asked him to get me a cool rag for my face, then started lowering myself to the ground so I wouldn't fall so far if I fainted. Bad move. Well, it was a good move in theory, but I ended up stuck on the bathroom floor. Tim had to lift me up off the floor. Pathetic.
I slept a couple more hours, then woke up when Tim came to bed, which I never do. Couldn't fall back asleep and my back really hurt, so I decided to move to the couch. Another idea that was good in theory, but I couldn't sit up. Tim had to lift me out of bed. Really pathetic.
I spent four hours, from midnight to 4:00 am alternating between the floor, couch, and chair, spending time resting or distracting myself online. I was in pain no matter what I did. I can't sleep sitting up, but knew I wouldn't be able to get up if I laid down. Ugh. It was miserable.
I finally laid down at 4:00, with the plan that Tim could lift me up on his way to work. A back spasm woke me up at 6:00.
When Tim walked out, realized that I'd only slept two hours, and saw how much pain I was in, he decided to stay home. This is his last week of school and he's already missing two days because of a conference they're flying him to. So staying home was a sacrifice of important work time and I'm really grateful. He headed out to get me an anti-inflammatory and some ice packs, got a sub for work, then made waffles for breakfast. He spent most of the day working from home while monitoring the kiddos. That allowed me to go on bedrest. I took a nap in the morning, but spent the entire day in bed or on the couch.
Tim also got subs for the games he was supposed to work tonight, made dinner (Italian sausage with bowties and Leslie's salad, already one of my favorite meals, tastes even better when someone else makes it!), and is taking the kids to the park for a while. He's earned some major "good husband" points today!!
The drugs have helped me stay fairly comfortable, the ice packs feel great, and I've given my back muscles a day to do nothing but heal. I can't do bedrest for the rest of the week, which is why I took full advantage of it today, but I'm going to take it pretty easy until I have full mobility without being drugged. It's just about killed me to do nothing when there are a gazillion things I could get done, but I've been good. You should be proud. I must say, I certainly have a new respect for people with serious, chronic back pain!
I will add, in an attempt for this not be an entirely whiney post, that there were a few bright spots on my birthday. Tim had taken the kids to go birthday shopping for me on Saturday night. Then he and Devon left early on Sunday morning for their doughnut date and the rest of us met them at church. When I walked out to my van on Sunday morning I noticed that it had changed color. No longer was it varied shades of grey, but had been washed and was now a shiny white. They had taken it to get washed the night before! You know you're getting old when getting your car washed is a great birthday present. If nothing else, you know how filthy your car was. When I opened my door I found a singing birthday card and a Cold Stone gift card on my dashboard. My family loves me.
I was also blessed with a gazillion birthday wishes via e-mail, Facebook, and at church. My grandma came over for a few hours, joined us for dinner, and brought me a gift. My sister sent a group gift (perfect, as she lives overseas and we have a bunch of summer birthdays) for the family. Wonder what it was? A Cold Stone gift card. Do you notice a theme here? My family certainly knows what makes me happy!
Birthdays and bedrest. That's my world.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
DEVON'S BIRTHDAY WEEK - 2010
Day 1 - We all headed out with the intention of playing a family game of kickball, one of Devon's favorite games. Couldn't find an empty baseball field, so we played pickle instead, then spent some time goofing off in a school playground.
Day 2 - I take Devon to the bookstore at the library and chooses a couple new books for himself, a chapter book about King Arthur (he loves watching Sword in the Stone) and a random Mickey Mouse book.
Day 3 - The kids and I stopped by Starbucks for strawberries and creme frappucinos.
Day 4 - Each family member makes and presents a paper to Devon. Some are abstract drawings, others illustrate things the person enjoys doing with Devon, others list the qualities they appreciate about Devon.
Day 5 - Everyone jammies up and settles down for a movie that Devon got at the library.
Day 6 - We spend the morning at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. The rhodies are basically done for the year, but the park is a pretty place and we all had a great time walking around, watching the various birds, and soaking in the sunshine.
Devon eating a doughnut with blue frosting and colored rice crispy cereal sprinkled on it. The doughnut of a child's dreams!
The birthday boy and I goofing off on the field.
Day 2 - I take Devon to the bookstore at the library and chooses a couple new books for himself, a chapter book about King Arthur (he loves watching Sword in the Stone) and a random Mickey Mouse book.
Day 3 - The kids and I stopped by Starbucks for strawberries and creme frappucinos.
Devon has fun finishing off his drink.
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Day 4 - Each family member makes and presents a paper to Devon. Some are abstract drawings, others illustrate things the person enjoys doing with Devon, others list the qualities they appreciate about Devon.
Devon listens in as Tim presents his paper.
Devon loves to get kisses from his parents. Obvious, isn't it? Just for the record, Devon is cracking up, not crying.
Day 5 - Everyone jammies up and settles down for a movie that Devon got at the library.
Day 6 - We spend the morning at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. The rhodies are basically done for the year, but the park is a pretty place and we all had a great time walking around, watching the various birds, and soaking in the sunshine.
The 5 Ws striking a pose at the garden. Don't I look tall?!
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Day 7 - The day starts with a tradition we've had going for a few years, a "Doughnut Date With Daddy". Tim and Devon meet the rest of the family at church after their date. Since Devon's birthday falls on a church day, he asks to take snickerdoodles to share with his class. Granny comes over in the afternoon and joins us as Devon opens a few gifts. Then we all eat a dinner that Devon requested (a variation on this ham recipe and fruit salad, with plain yogurt and cinnamon in it, of course) Before heading off to bed, we do one more long-standing tradition. Each year, starting on their first birthdays, we take a picture of the kids wearing a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt that belonged to the same gender parent. They've obviously got a while before the clothes fit, but it's fun to watch them put the same outfit on each year.
Devon eating a doughnut with blue frosting and colored rice crispy cereal sprinkled on it. The doughnut of a child's dreams!
Stacks of snickerdoodles for his classmates and teachers.
Happy about a gift he just opened from his siblings.
The annual outfit.
Proof that it will be a while before the outfit actually fits.
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It was a fun week and we did it frugally. Our total cost for the entire week was about $15 and about $10 of that was for Starbucks.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
A FANTASTIC DAY
8:30 am - The whole fam heads to the store for bagels.
8:45 am - Head off for a part of Devon's birthday week. I'll do a separate post about his birthday week tomorrow, but this stop was outdoors and lasted well over an hour.
10:45 am - Pop in for at Grandma Linda's for a quick visit.
11:15 am - Head to Thriftway for a kid's safety fair they have going on. Kids earn prizes at some games, take a trolley ride around the parking lot, everyone gets a free hot dog and root beer float. See a couple girls from church with their grandparents and Silas sees a boy he knows.
12:45 pm - Time to go home. Devon and Naomi head down for naps. Tim, Silas, and I have some down time.
2:00 pm - I head to Old Navy. Get some new flip flops and find some jeans for Tim on the clearance rack. Love new clothes at thrift store prices! End up standing in line behind someone from church. Educate her on the ease of getting a sunburn.
3:00 pm - Drive to the beauty school for a five dollar haircut. Have fun chatting about money management (or lack thereof) in our culture, marriage (he's been married 20 years), canning (think I'm going to try it this summer), and various other things with the guy cutting my hair.
5:00 pm - Stop to chat with Granny for a few minutes on my way back from checking the mail.
5:30 pm - Tim serves his egg, potato, and bell pepper scramble for dinner. Tasty!
6:30 pm - The kiddos take off with Tim to buy me a birthday present. I get online to figure out tomorrow's bargains and listen to Dave Mincy. Empty house and mellow music are a great combo.
7:45 pm - Troops come home.
8:00 pm - Kids in bed, Tim starts doing some school stuff online, putter around the house.
8:30 pm - Bake 129 snickerdoodles. Devon requested some to take to his class at church tomorrow, as it will be his birthday, so I decided to make a double batch and keep some for our family. Work on this blog post and some other online stuff while cookies bake.
10:15 pm - Last batch of cookies comes out of the oven. House smells great.
10:30 pm - Hoping to be in bed with a book and asleep by 11:00.
8:45 am - Head off for a part of Devon's birthday week. I'll do a separate post about his birthday week tomorrow, but this stop was outdoors and lasted well over an hour.
10:45 am - Pop in for at Grandma Linda's for a quick visit.
11:15 am - Head to Thriftway for a kid's safety fair they have going on. Kids earn prizes at some games, take a trolley ride around the parking lot, everyone gets a free hot dog and root beer float. See a couple girls from church with their grandparents and Silas sees a boy he knows.
12:45 pm - Time to go home. Devon and Naomi head down for naps. Tim, Silas, and I have some down time.
2:00 pm - I head to Old Navy. Get some new flip flops and find some jeans for Tim on the clearance rack. Love new clothes at thrift store prices! End up standing in line behind someone from church. Educate her on the ease of getting a sunburn.
3:00 pm - Drive to the beauty school for a five dollar haircut. Have fun chatting about money management (or lack thereof) in our culture, marriage (he's been married 20 years), canning (think I'm going to try it this summer), and various other things with the guy cutting my hair.
5:00 pm - Stop to chat with Granny for a few minutes on my way back from checking the mail.
5:30 pm - Tim serves his egg, potato, and bell pepper scramble for dinner. Tasty!
6:30 pm - The kiddos take off with Tim to buy me a birthday present. I get online to figure out tomorrow's bargains and listen to Dave Mincy. Empty house and mellow music are a great combo.
7:45 pm - Troops come home.
8:00 pm - Kids in bed, Tim starts doing some school stuff online, putter around the house.
8:30 pm - Bake 129 snickerdoodles. Devon requested some to take to his class at church tomorrow, as it will be his birthday, so I decided to make a double batch and keep some for our family. Work on this blog post and some other online stuff while cookies bake.
10:15 pm - Last batch of cookies comes out of the oven. House smells great.
10:30 pm - Hoping to be in bed with a book and asleep by 11:00.
Friday, June 11, 2010
SECRETS
A few days ago I was looking through a book of quotes I've collected for the pep talk I needed. One of the quotes I came across had nothing to do with what I need to hear on that particular day, but it's one I really like. Here it is.
The severest test of character is not so much the ability to keep a secret as it is, when the secret is finally out, to refrain from disclosing that you knew it all along. ~ Sidney J. Harris
Isn't that a good one? I've experienced "the severest test of character" a few times in the last couple months. Mature, huh? Why is it that people, generally speaking, tend to pride themselves on having the inside scoop on something? Why does that desire to gloat increase with the significance of the secret? How silly we can be!
The severest test of character is not so much the ability to keep a secret as it is, when the secret is finally out, to refrain from disclosing that you knew it all along. ~ Sidney J. Harris
Isn't that a good one? I've experienced "the severest test of character" a few times in the last couple months. Mature, huh? Why is it that people, generally speaking, tend to pride themselves on having the inside scoop on something? Why does that desire to gloat increase with the significance of the secret? How silly we can be!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
6/10/10 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful we didn't bring our piano with us to our apartment. Really thankful.
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
TIMBER!!
That's the word Naomi calls before flipping off the couch. Gotta love the boredom busters kids come up with! Sorry it's a little blurry.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
PEP TALK
I read through a book of quotes and looked up some verses for myself today. I'm guessing there's something in the mix that will encourage someone else, so I'm posting some of the things that jumped out at me.
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
~ Sir Winston Churchill
Psalm 126:5-6 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
The roots grow deep when the wind is strong.
Isaiah 40:11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.
~ Will Rogers
John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Sometimes the Lord calms the storm, sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child.
Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.
~ James Baldwin
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 24:3 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.
The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night's sleep.
~ E. Joseph Cossman
Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another. ~ Walter Elliot
Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Without struggle there can be no progress.
~ Fredrick Douglas
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
John 13:34-35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."
Keep your chin up. It helps you keep your mouth shut.
James 1:19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Life by the mile is a trial. Life by the yard is hard. Life by the inch is a cinch.
James 1:5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubt is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
It takes no more time to see the good side of life than it takes to see the bad.
~ Jimmy Buffett
I John 4:9 We love because he first loved us.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.
I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love.
~ Mother Theresa
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
~ Sir Winston Churchill
Psalm 126:5-6 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
The roots grow deep when the wind is strong.
Isaiah 40:11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.
~ Will Rogers
John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Sometimes the Lord calms the storm, sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child.
Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.
~ James Baldwin
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 24:3 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.
The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night's sleep.
~ E. Joseph Cossman
Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another. ~ Walter Elliot
Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Without struggle there can be no progress.
~ Fredrick Douglas
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
John 13:34-35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."
Keep your chin up. It helps you keep your mouth shut.
James 1:19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Life by the mile is a trial. Life by the yard is hard. Life by the inch is a cinch.
James 1:5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubt is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
It takes no more time to see the good side of life than it takes to see the bad.
~ Jimmy Buffett
I John 4:9 We love because he first loved us.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.
I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love.
~ Mother Theresa
Monday, June 7, 2010
A NEW BIRTHDAY TRADITION
A couple weeks before we moved I was talking to my friend Angela, who was in the midst of "birthday week" with one of their kids. Not knowing what birthday week consisted of, I asked her to clue me in. It turns out that she always thought having a birthday celebration that only lasted a couple hours wasn't worth all the anticipation that built up through the year. So, when she started having kids she decided to celebrate all week long.
I loved the idea, so we're implementing it this year for our kids. In Angela's family the culmination of birthday week is the child's party, but that doesn't work for us because our boys share a party. So, we're celebrating birthday week during the week leading up to the child's actual birthday, though that still gives us two birthday weeks during June.
You don't have to break the bank to have fun or make a kid feel valued, so we're keeping our birthday weeks pretty frugal, limiting them to cheap and free things. Our goal is just to have some part of each day include something special for the child whose birthday is coming up, whether it's a family outing or activity, something we give the child, or a special privilege. We'll wrap up birthday week on their birthday night by serving a dinner they requested and opening gifts from immediate family.
Our first birthday week started today. I think it's going to be a fun addition to our birthday traditions!
I loved the idea, so we're implementing it this year for our kids. In Angela's family the culmination of birthday week is the child's party, but that doesn't work for us because our boys share a party. So, we're celebrating birthday week during the week leading up to the child's actual birthday, though that still gives us two birthday weeks during June.
You don't have to break the bank to have fun or make a kid feel valued, so we're keeping our birthday weeks pretty frugal, limiting them to cheap and free things. Our goal is just to have some part of each day include something special for the child whose birthday is coming up, whether it's a family outing or activity, something we give the child, or a special privilege. We'll wrap up birthday week on their birthday night by serving a dinner they requested and opening gifts from immediate family.
Our first birthday week started today. I think it's going to be a fun addition to our birthday traditions!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
OFF TO THE ZOO
Tim is virtually gone all weekend because of an officiating camp, coming home only to sleep. Silas is gone today from 8:00am til 8:00pm on a church outing. My friend Denise is in town for a family member's graduation. A mutual friend had a free morning. Today is the first warm and sunny Saturday in several months.
What did all those things add up to? A zoo trip with The Devs and Nomes-a licious that was also a meetup with friends.
We looked at animals. We ate food. We chatted. We got elephant ears. We ran into Erica, another mutual friend, who recognized Naomi, looked around for me (I was off purchasing deep fried, sugary treats), and ended up finding our whole crew. We ran into a couple from church (they're technically on vacation, so they'll remain nameless in order to make people believe they're actually out of town) who willingly took our group picture on three different cameras. We stayed an hour past naps. The offspring are napping late and I am blogging in a quiet home (tried napping, but it didn't work).
What did all those things add up to? A zoo trip with The Devs and Nomes-a licious that was also a meetup with friends.
We looked at animals. We ate food. We chatted. We got elephant ears. We ran into Erica, another mutual friend, who recognized Naomi, looked around for me (I was off purchasing deep fried, sugary treats), and ended up finding our whole crew. We ran into a couple from church (they're technically on vacation, so they'll remain nameless in order to make people believe they're actually out of town) who willingly took our group picture on three different cameras. We stayed an hour past naps. The offspring are napping late and I am blogging in a quiet home (tried napping, but it didn't work).
Denise, myself, and Heidi - simply because there has to be picture of the amigas
Three silly W faces - simply because that's the pose the little Ws are most fond of making
The mob - simply because a group picture is mandatory
From left to right - Denise & her crew (two offspring, two bonus kids), three Ws (the child behind a balloon is mind ... no surprise), Heidi & her crew (three offspring, two bonus kids), Erica & one offspring (stopped by long enough to hop in the picture with us, as we needed proof we saw her)
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Thursday, June 3, 2010
READY. SET. BID!!!!
Cheri (she's the one I just hosted a baby shower for) and Bob, along with a team of helpers, have launched a fantastic online auction to raise the money they need to bring their daughter home from Ethiopia. They have passed court and will probably be traveling in late June. Due to some miraculous timing, they will not have to meet Ethiopia's new requirement for adoptive parents to travel twice. However, international adoptions are still very costly and you have a fun opportunity to help them out by bidding in their auction.
The auction runs from 6/3-6/13, but I got a sneak preview last night. Oh my word!! I was blown away by all the items and services that were donated. It's amazing!
First, I want to thank my readers, some who have never met Cheri, who donated to the auction. You know who you are and I appreciate your generosity. Second, I'm asking all my readers to go check out the auction. While some things, particularly services, will work best for people in or around the Portland metro area, there are a gazillion other things that would be great for people living anywhere.
Shop for yourself. Shop for Father's Day. Shop for summer weddings. Shop for baby showers. Shop for Christmas. Shop for birthday gifts. And if you really don't feel like shopping, then you can just donate directly through a link on the auction site.
Still not convinced it's worth your time? Well, how about if I tell you a few of the things up for bidding? There is a little overlap between categories, but check out this list.
* Six different bed & breakfast or hotel accommodations, one including whitewater rafting, some in historic locations, others at the coast.
* Ten activities, including horseback riding, rafting, indoor gym for kids, and dance classes.
* Ten items relating to art & photography, including photo shoots, custom paintings, and yard decor.
* Fifteen baby & kid things, including professional childcare services, handmade clothing items, nursery decor, and books.
* Eleven health and beauty services, including tanning, massages, haircuts, and facials.
* Four classes, including cooking and coffee roasting.
* One music option, but it's a big one - a handmade, custom, acoustic guitar.
* Fourteen food-related opportunities, including a four course meal for eight, free monthly pizza for a year, free monthly dessert for a year, and organic Ethiopian coffee.
* Twenty-two goods and services, including $100 at Oil Can Henry's, designer soaps, 6' x 9' area rug, and a child's easel.
* Two jewelry offerings, one with Czech glass beads and the other sterling silver.
Surely there is something on that list that intrigues you. Maybe something you were already planning on paying for, but could do through the auction and have all your money go toward giving a little girl a family. If not, then know that there are items I didn't list, so you better go check it out for yourself!! Then tell your friends about it, post info about it on your blog, link to it on Facebook, etc. Just spread the word!
The auction runs from 6/3-6/13, but I got a sneak preview last night. Oh my word!! I was blown away by all the items and services that were donated. It's amazing!
First, I want to thank my readers, some who have never met Cheri, who donated to the auction. You know who you are and I appreciate your generosity. Second, I'm asking all my readers to go check out the auction. While some things, particularly services, will work best for people in or around the Portland metro area, there are a gazillion other things that would be great for people living anywhere.
Shop for yourself. Shop for Father's Day. Shop for summer weddings. Shop for baby showers. Shop for Christmas. Shop for birthday gifts. And if you really don't feel like shopping, then you can just donate directly through a link on the auction site.
Still not convinced it's worth your time? Well, how about if I tell you a few of the things up for bidding? There is a little overlap between categories, but check out this list.
* Six different bed & breakfast or hotel accommodations, one including whitewater rafting, some in historic locations, others at the coast.
* Ten activities, including horseback riding, rafting, indoor gym for kids, and dance classes.
* Ten items relating to art & photography, including photo shoots, custom paintings, and yard decor.
* Fifteen baby & kid things, including professional childcare services, handmade clothing items, nursery decor, and books.
* Eleven health and beauty services, including tanning, massages, haircuts, and facials.
* Four classes, including cooking and coffee roasting.
* One music option, but it's a big one - a handmade, custom, acoustic guitar.
* Fourteen food-related opportunities, including a four course meal for eight, free monthly pizza for a year, free monthly dessert for a year, and organic Ethiopian coffee.
* Twenty-two goods and services, including $100 at Oil Can Henry's, designer soaps, 6' x 9' area rug, and a child's easel.
* Two jewelry offerings, one with Czech glass beads and the other sterling silver.
Surely there is something on that list that intrigues you. Maybe something you were already planning on paying for, but could do through the auction and have all your money go toward giving a little girl a family. If not, then know that there are items I didn't list, so you better go check it out for yourself!! Then tell your friends about it, post info about it on your blog, link to it on Facebook, etc. Just spread the word!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
MENU - FIRST HALF OF JUNE 2010
I can't believe it's June!! We've only got one new recipe in this menu, which is kinda odd, but we've done a lot of new ones lately. I always update old menus with links to new recipes that we liked, but you can just head straight over to FOR THE LOVE OF GRUB to see the most recent recipes we've tried.
I don't know what our problem was during the second half of May, but there were a few things we never got around to making. Life's been a little stressful in the W household, so we ended up doing leftovers more often than usual. And Tim offered to get Papa Murphy's one night. Good man, he is. All that to say, there will be a few things on the menu again this time around because we never had them last time.
BREAKFASTS
oatmeal
granola (crockpot)
baked oatmeal (prep night before)
breakfast pizza
cherry oatmeal muffins (double batch & freeze half)
apple buttermilk bran muffins (intended for a few batches, but will make all & freeze a bunch)
wheat germ whole wheat buttermilk pancakes
egg & potato scramble (Tim)
DINNERS
leftovers x2
tacos x3
Mexican casserole (eat half & freeze half)/cornbread (make two & freeze one)/salad
meatloaf/rice/frozen veggie
easy baked ham/fruit salad (Devon's birthday request)
rice cooker mac & cheese/salad
chicken casserole/salad
creamy white bean & chicken chili/tortilla chips
Italian sausage & bowties/Leslie's salad
teriyaki chicken salad/rice
pizza from somewhere (I get a night off cooking for my birthday, but it will be a different night than my birthday because I'm cooking for Devon, who I share a birthday with, on my actual birthday. Clear as mud?)
herb & cheese stuffed burgers/coleslaw/watermelon
DESSERTS
sugar cookies (sending a bunch with Tim, as his co-workers love them and he won't be working with that group next year)
apple cinnamon cake
snickerdoodles (Third time on the menu, but still haven't been made. Devon's birthday falls on a Sunday, so he wants to take some snickerdoodles to share with his classmates. Fine with me, as I made a couple hundred banana spice cookies for Silas to take to an event that fell on his birthday last year.)
I don't know what our problem was during the second half of May, but there were a few things we never got around to making. Life's been a little stressful in the W household, so we ended up doing leftovers more often than usual. And Tim offered to get Papa Murphy's one night. Good man, he is. All that to say, there will be a few things on the menu again this time around because we never had them last time.
BREAKFASTS
oatmeal
granola (crockpot)
baked oatmeal (prep night before)
breakfast pizza
cherry oatmeal muffins (double batch & freeze half)
apple buttermilk bran muffins (intended for a few batches, but will make all & freeze a bunch)
wheat germ whole wheat buttermilk pancakes
egg & potato scramble (Tim)
DINNERS
leftovers x2
tacos x3
Mexican casserole (eat half & freeze half)/cornbread (make two & freeze one)/salad
meatloaf/rice/frozen veggie
easy baked ham/fruit salad (Devon's birthday request)
rice cooker mac & cheese/salad
chicken casserole/salad
creamy white bean & chicken chili/tortilla chips
Italian sausage & bowties/Leslie's salad
teriyaki chicken salad/rice
pizza from somewhere (I get a night off cooking for my birthday, but it will be a different night than my birthday because I'm cooking for Devon, who I share a birthday with, on my actual birthday. Clear as mud?)
herb & cheese stuffed burgers/coleslaw/watermelon
DESSERTS
sugar cookies (sending a bunch with Tim, as his co-workers love them and he won't be working with that group next year)
apple cinnamon cake
snickerdoodles (Third time on the menu, but still haven't been made. Devon's birthday falls on a Sunday, so he wants to take some snickerdoodles to share with his classmates. Fine with me, as I made a couple hundred banana spice cookies for Silas to take to an event that fell on his birthday last year.)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
WE'VE BEEN HERE A MONTH
Moving day was exactly one month ago. Wow. I think I'll tell you what I like about our apartment, ask a couple questions for the locals, then give a couple Wilsonville-related updates.
Here are some things I like.
* While having one bathroom had never been a big deal, there have been a few times where having two has come in handy.
* My blue wall in the living room.
* The floor plan in the main area is much more conducive to interaction between people in the living room, kitchen, and dining area. In other words, I'm not banished to a separate room when I'm cooking meals.
* While having our washer and dryer in our kitchen was convenient (and way better than the coin-op machines in another building back in Ashland), it's nice to have them tucked out of sight in a closet.
* It's warm. In other words, we don't have to run the heater 24/7 just to keep the temps at 62. In fact, we've only turned the heat on once and often have our windows cracked when it's 60 degrees outside because it's so warm inside. I don't have to wear four layers of clothing and sleep in fleece sheets through June.
* While the 12-18 inch path around our bed in Beaverton was functional (we didn't have the biggest room), it's really, really, really nice to have a room that's big enough that I can stretch out on the floor.
* Though I could count on less than one hand the number of times we've used it, it's nice to have a dishwasher available.
* Fifty extra square feet.
* Comparable indoor storage as Beaverton, though it's shifted to different rooms.
* Window screens.
* Heater vents low, rather than on the very top of, the walls.
* 2+ miles to church, rather than 12+
* 30ish miles to work, rather than 45ish
I know those last two are more about our town than our apartment, but they're going on the list anyway.
That's all I can think of off the top of my head. While I obviously miss our honkin' yard, plus the mowing, gardening, and playing that came with it, and don't necessarily get excited about hearing my neighbors pee, we're content in our apartment.
So, now I've got a couple questions.
We love our dentist in Beaverton, but don't want to drive all the way up there for cleanings. Our kids look forward to going to the dentist and have never been to a kid-oriented facility. We'd prefer a regular place we could all go to, rather than a pediatric place. We laugh at the fact there's a dentist on every corner here, but I'm curious who the locals like.
We also loved our pediatrician and need a new doc down here. Tim and I see the doctor about once every 10 years and the kids average out to less than once a year, so this isn't an urgent thing, but I would like to establish care with someone for those rare times we need it. We're fine with the whole family seeing the same doc or having a ped for the kids and someone different for us. Ideas?
And now for some updates on our phone and water issues.
Our water is fine. I don't know what the deal was, but one day it just ceased tasting like a swimming pool. Yeah!
Our phones are also fine. When we first moved here Tim had decided to switch our internet to Sprint. He also requested a signal booster from them once we realized we had virtually no service here. While we were waiting for the signal booster to arrive, he decided to stick with Comcast for our internet and canceled the Sprint internet.
Flash forward to a week ago. I asked him to contact Sprint with a last ditch effort to figure out a solution to our phone problem. We really didn't want to have to change providers!! Anyway, it turns out that when they cancelled our internet they also cancelled the signal booster. Of course, that happened before the booster ever arrived at our house, so it never worked and we just assumed we were doomed to bad service. The booster would turn on, but it wouldn't improve our service. So it was just a little misunderstanding on their end and they immediately corrected it. So we have phones that work!!!
And that's that. A little snippet of our life in Wilsonville.
Here are some things I like.
* While having one bathroom had never been a big deal, there have been a few times where having two has come in handy.
* My blue wall in the living room.
* The floor plan in the main area is much more conducive to interaction between people in the living room, kitchen, and dining area. In other words, I'm not banished to a separate room when I'm cooking meals.
* While having our washer and dryer in our kitchen was convenient (and way better than the coin-op machines in another building back in Ashland), it's nice to have them tucked out of sight in a closet.
* It's warm. In other words, we don't have to run the heater 24/7 just to keep the temps at 62. In fact, we've only turned the heat on once and often have our windows cracked when it's 60 degrees outside because it's so warm inside. I don't have to wear four layers of clothing and sleep in fleece sheets through June.
* While the 12-18 inch path around our bed in Beaverton was functional (we didn't have the biggest room), it's really, really, really nice to have a room that's big enough that I can stretch out on the floor.
* Though I could count on less than one hand the number of times we've used it, it's nice to have a dishwasher available.
* Fifty extra square feet.
* Comparable indoor storage as Beaverton, though it's shifted to different rooms.
* Window screens.
* Heater vents low, rather than on the very top of, the walls.
* 2+ miles to church, rather than 12+
* 30ish miles to work, rather than 45ish
I know those last two are more about our town than our apartment, but they're going on the list anyway.
That's all I can think of off the top of my head. While I obviously miss our honkin' yard, plus the mowing, gardening, and playing that came with it, and don't necessarily get excited about hearing my neighbors pee, we're content in our apartment.
So, now I've got a couple questions.
We love our dentist in Beaverton, but don't want to drive all the way up there for cleanings. Our kids look forward to going to the dentist and have never been to a kid-oriented facility. We'd prefer a regular place we could all go to, rather than a pediatric place. We laugh at the fact there's a dentist on every corner here, but I'm curious who the locals like.
We also loved our pediatrician and need a new doc down here. Tim and I see the doctor about once every 10 years and the kids average out to less than once a year, so this isn't an urgent thing, but I would like to establish care with someone for those rare times we need it. We're fine with the whole family seeing the same doc or having a ped for the kids and someone different for us. Ideas?
And now for some updates on our phone and water issues.
Our water is fine. I don't know what the deal was, but one day it just ceased tasting like a swimming pool. Yeah!
Our phones are also fine. When we first moved here Tim had decided to switch our internet to Sprint. He also requested a signal booster from them once we realized we had virtually no service here. While we were waiting for the signal booster to arrive, he decided to stick with Comcast for our internet and canceled the Sprint internet.
Flash forward to a week ago. I asked him to contact Sprint with a last ditch effort to figure out a solution to our phone problem. We really didn't want to have to change providers!! Anyway, it turns out that when they cancelled our internet they also cancelled the signal booster. Of course, that happened before the booster ever arrived at our house, so it never worked and we just assumed we were doomed to bad service. The booster would turn on, but it wouldn't improve our service. So it was just a little misunderstanding on their end and they immediately corrected it. So we have phones that work!!!
And that's that. A little snippet of our life in Wilsonville.
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