Sunday, July 31, 2005
Rug in progress
A couple of pictures of my rug in progress. I call it Ocean Breeze. Right now it's about 2x2, and finished it will be about 2x3. I've not worked much on it the last couple of weeks with the sale of store happening, and then needing to get some yardwork done. But I hope to finish it in the next week or so. I think I will use it in Peyton's bathroom and plan the color scheme around it. Right now that bathroom is u-g-l-y, and I've been waiting for an inspiration to repaint and repaper in there.
This is what it looks like from standing (you can see my tootsies, too!). You can see the remaining burlap backing. Doesn't get much cheaper than that.
And a close-up view. I just used some cotton-knit that I found on a remnant table at Hancock's.
For my next rug, I'll probably use a pink background and then use some of Peyton's baby clothes that I have been hanging onto to work in some dresses hanging on a clothesline. This would be a wallhanging for her room, not a rug for walking on.
It's been really nice to have a project to pick up in the evenings to pass the time, and to keep my hands busy while we watch our Netflix rentals. However (totally off-topic here) when we watched The Notebook on Friday night my hands were busy wiping away tears. Who knew that was gonna be such a tearjerker?
That's all for now, just wanted to share!
This is what it looks like from standing (you can see my tootsies, too!). You can see the remaining burlap backing. Doesn't get much cheaper than that.
And a close-up view. I just used some cotton-knit that I found on a remnant table at Hancock's.
For my next rug, I'll probably use a pink background and then use some of Peyton's baby clothes that I have been hanging onto to work in some dresses hanging on a clothesline. This would be a wallhanging for her room, not a rug for walking on.
It's been really nice to have a project to pick up in the evenings to pass the time, and to keep my hands busy while we watch our Netflix rentals. However (totally off-topic here) when we watched The Notebook on Friday night my hands were busy wiping away tears. Who knew that was gonna be such a tearjerker?
That's all for now, just wanted to share!
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Not curriculum...Pictures!
I got a new camera cord, so thought I'd share a couple with you!
Bud and the kids on Father's Day. They each got him a can of whole cashews, his favorite.
Luke and Peyton and their blueberry-pickin' friends. They did a great job picking *and* eating them!
If you'd like to see more pictures, then check out The Bunco Blog with pictures from our fun game Thursday night.
Bud and the kids on Father's Day. They each got him a can of whole cashews, his favorite.
Luke and Peyton and their blueberry-pickin' friends. They did a great job picking *and* eating them!
If you'd like to see more pictures, then check out The Bunco Blog with pictures from our fun game Thursday night.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Stitches, bunco and homeschool
It was Luke who busted his chin. Thanks for asking. Apparently the wood floor was molten lava, so Luke attempted to dive from the stairs onto his bean bag, which would in theory slide across the wood floor, carrying him to the safety of the dining room rug, thus preventing his flesh from being burned from his body in the lava flow. He missed and we went straight to the Primacare. Four stitches and $271 later, all is well. I removed the sutures myself, as I wasn't about to pay for someone else to cut a little string. I would have put them in, but I don't have the proper supplies.
_____________
Bunco was fabulous. There were 16 of us and we had a grand time. I especially love that in our little group, we have the young, newly married ladies, the grandmothers, and everywhere in between. It's so fun to share with and learn from these wonderful ladies. Did I mention that I really like my neighborhood?
_____________
And onto homeschool. With the beginning of school fast approaching (although I haven't decided when it will be, I know it's coming up soon), I'm trying to get it all together. So I figure each day I'll blog a rundown of a subject, and by the time I get through each subject, my thoughts will be clear and I'll be ready for school to start.
So today I will start with the most straightforward (to me) subject. Math. We use Math-U-See and have since we started two years ago using Introdution in the old version with Luke.
I've noticed a few common thoughts regarding MUS*. First, it seems to have the reputation that it is for "math-weak" teachers. I don't get that. Maybe because I'm teaching such young ones, but how strong in math do you need to be to teach addition and subtraction with Singapore or Saxon? I find that odd. I'm quite good at math and I love MUS, because it teaches concepts in the ways I often envisioned them in my head when I was in school.
Also, people complain that it is weak in measurements and time. Now, no one could ever confuse me with an unschooler, but how on earth would a child get to whatever level they need to know these things without having picked them up in life? Okay, time I can see, since most everything is digital anymore. But couldn't you teach it in about five minutes at that age? And measurement - doesn't every kid want to see how tall they are or how much they weigh about a thousand times per day? Don't they all want to build crazy things that take lots of measurements? Don't they help make brownies?
I understand the "order" of presentation concern if you think you might send your kids to school or you need to standardized test. I have neither issue to worry about. And in the off chance that something were to happen and they would have to go to school, I really like the way MUS teaches them to *think* about math, and I think filling in any gaps would be fairly easy because of the thought process.
Drill? I don't know. It seems that Luke gets enough. He knows the facts he's supposed to know. Maybe when he's older that will be a bigger issue.
So, onward with MUS we go. Luke finishing up Beta and Peyton starting Gamma. I had to beat Peyton off with a stick because she wanted to do it this summer. I've kept her satisfied with Math Fact Cafe, though. So it should be a lot of fun doing daily math with her. Luke is easy, he just sits down, gets it done, and moves on to the next thing. Easy child. (As an aside, I love MFC online flash cards, because there is no mess involved! No worksheet to file or to throw away while wondering if I should really keep it. I have a clutter issue.)
Next blog I will begin to tackle Language Arts. Scary.
*Please know that I certainly don't think everyone should use MUS. These are just *my own* answers to these common concerns as I reevaluate my methods as the new year approaches. I hope everyone finds a program that works for their kids as well as MUS does for us.
_____________
Bunco was fabulous. There were 16 of us and we had a grand time. I especially love that in our little group, we have the young, newly married ladies, the grandmothers, and everywhere in between. It's so fun to share with and learn from these wonderful ladies. Did I mention that I really like my neighborhood?
_____________
And onto homeschool. With the beginning of school fast approaching (although I haven't decided when it will be, I know it's coming up soon), I'm trying to get it all together. So I figure each day I'll blog a rundown of a subject, and by the time I get through each subject, my thoughts will be clear and I'll be ready for school to start.
So today I will start with the most straightforward (to me) subject. Math. We use Math-U-See and have since we started two years ago using Introdution in the old version with Luke.
I've noticed a few common thoughts regarding MUS*. First, it seems to have the reputation that it is for "math-weak" teachers. I don't get that. Maybe because I'm teaching such young ones, but how strong in math do you need to be to teach addition and subtraction with Singapore or Saxon? I find that odd. I'm quite good at math and I love MUS, because it teaches concepts in the ways I often envisioned them in my head when I was in school.
Also, people complain that it is weak in measurements and time. Now, no one could ever confuse me with an unschooler, but how on earth would a child get to whatever level they need to know these things without having picked them up in life? Okay, time I can see, since most everything is digital anymore. But couldn't you teach it in about five minutes at that age? And measurement - doesn't every kid want to see how tall they are or how much they weigh about a thousand times per day? Don't they all want to build crazy things that take lots of measurements? Don't they help make brownies?
I understand the "order" of presentation concern if you think you might send your kids to school or you need to standardized test. I have neither issue to worry about. And in the off chance that something were to happen and they would have to go to school, I really like the way MUS teaches them to *think* about math, and I think filling in any gaps would be fairly easy because of the thought process.
Drill? I don't know. It seems that Luke gets enough. He knows the facts he's supposed to know. Maybe when he's older that will be a bigger issue.
So, onward with MUS we go. Luke finishing up Beta and Peyton starting Gamma. I had to beat Peyton off with a stick because she wanted to do it this summer. I've kept her satisfied with Math Fact Cafe, though. So it should be a lot of fun doing daily math with her. Luke is easy, he just sits down, gets it done, and moves on to the next thing. Easy child. (As an aside, I love MFC online flash cards, because there is no mess involved! No worksheet to file or to throw away while wondering if I should really keep it. I have a clutter issue.)
Next blog I will begin to tackle Language Arts. Scary.
*Please know that I certainly don't think everyone should use MUS. These are just *my own* answers to these common concerns as I reevaluate my methods as the new year approaches. I hope everyone finds a program that works for their kids as well as MUS does for us.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Confessions of a Suburban Housewife
You heard it here first folks. I'm a housewife, I live in the burbs, and I really like it.
I feel a little funny about it, as if I must be some odd sheep who enjoys living like the masses. Specifically in homeschool circles, the "norm" is often viewed as undesirable. But I like it. And here's why.
I live in a nice house. It's not a mansion, but it's got everything we need and then some. It's comfortable. It's pretty. And it's affordable. This house in Washington D.C., where we lived for a time just up the road from Georgetown, would probably go for about 4 times what we paid for it here. In Dallas proper it would be two to three times what we paid for it here, depending on the neighborhood.
I live in a nice neighborhood. It's quiet, but friendly. Lots of folks rocking on their front porch around here. Plenty of neighbors to call to watch child B while you take child A in for stitches on his chin (which actually happened a few days ago, btw, too busy to blog it though). Everyone knows eachother well enough to reprimand any kid they see zooming into the street on their scooter without looking, or excessively using potty talk. I know which cars belong here and which ones don't. Someone is always available to share an impromptu dinner with us, salad in hand when they knock on the door.
I don't have to drive much. The grocery store is 2 minutes away. The library is 15 minutes away, but they have a book drop down the road, so that is great with me. I hate to run errands. They are a big time-sucker. So having everything close by makes me very happy. But we're not so far from the city that Bud is on the road for hours when he has to go see customers there.
My yard is small, but it is mine! I get to dig it up and put my hands in the dirt and plant way too many yellow flowers.
There are a lot of minivans on my street. They are bland, but everyone always has a place to sit. (Although I've been pushing it on Tuesdays and Thursdays when I cram 7 kids in mine!)
The suburban life has been bery, bery good to me.
So, it is with my head held high that I tell you I am hosting Bunco at my house tomorrow. A silly dice game that is actually a cover for getting together with other suburban housewives to visit and have a glass of wine together. I will be in my glory, and I wish you could join us!
I feel a little funny about it, as if I must be some odd sheep who enjoys living like the masses. Specifically in homeschool circles, the "norm" is often viewed as undesirable. But I like it. And here's why.
I live in a nice house. It's not a mansion, but it's got everything we need and then some. It's comfortable. It's pretty. And it's affordable. This house in Washington D.C., where we lived for a time just up the road from Georgetown, would probably go for about 4 times what we paid for it here. In Dallas proper it would be two to three times what we paid for it here, depending on the neighborhood.
I live in a nice neighborhood. It's quiet, but friendly. Lots of folks rocking on their front porch around here. Plenty of neighbors to call to watch child B while you take child A in for stitches on his chin (which actually happened a few days ago, btw, too busy to blog it though). Everyone knows eachother well enough to reprimand any kid they see zooming into the street on their scooter without looking, or excessively using potty talk. I know which cars belong here and which ones don't. Someone is always available to share an impromptu dinner with us, salad in hand when they knock on the door.
I don't have to drive much. The grocery store is 2 minutes away. The library is 15 minutes away, but they have a book drop down the road, so that is great with me. I hate to run errands. They are a big time-sucker. So having everything close by makes me very happy. But we're not so far from the city that Bud is on the road for hours when he has to go see customers there.
My yard is small, but it is mine! I get to dig it up and put my hands in the dirt and plant way too many yellow flowers.
There are a lot of minivans on my street. They are bland, but everyone always has a place to sit. (Although I've been pushing it on Tuesdays and Thursdays when I cram 7 kids in mine!)
The suburban life has been bery, bery good to me.
So, it is with my head held high that I tell you I am hosting Bunco at my house tomorrow. A silly dice game that is actually a cover for getting together with other suburban housewives to visit and have a glass of wine together. I will be in my glory, and I wish you could join us!
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Alrighty then...
First things first. Have you read the flap about the Northwestern girls and their flip flops? The flip-flop-flap it's being called. Manolo covered it well in his shoe blog. Mamas, please teach your children how to dress appropriately for any situation!
It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks! I've been working doubletime trying to get the shop organized so the new owner can take over and actually be able to figure things out.
Plus, we've been having a debate for about three months about what to do about our poorly laid out backyard. We have a pool, which is lovely, but the folks who installed it in the very small yard didn't really think about the flow of the yard. The upshot is we finally figured out what we're going to do, so I've been converting grass to new beds. I'm doing the lasagna gardening approach, as I don't have it in me to dig up sod. I dug up the sod in our last house to install my vegetable beds, and it was horrible work. This lasagna thing is easy. And more importantly, for me anyway, it provides quick results. I need to cover it with black plastic tomorrow and let it "cook" for about two weeks, and then I'll be putting in a fall vegetable garden. The beauty of our long Texas summers is you that can have two full growing seasons. I plan on growing green beans, tomatoes, squash, peppers, and lots of herbs.
I'm trying to figure out the best way to set up a compost bin in our small yard. I don't have room for big bins, so I'm looking at buying a tower type bin where you can add to the top and pull the finished compost from the bottom without having to constantly turn it.
My rug is coming along nicely, although it' s been put aside this week while I work on the backyard. I think I'm going to use it for the guest/Peyton's bathroom.
I'm getting geared up for school, I've been hunting Ebay for the things I need, which thankfully is not too much.
The kids have birthdays coming up. Luke will have a swimming party, and Peyton is going to have hers at My Gym. This is wonderful. This makes the workload for me almost nothing. I'm doing a happy dance!
Now that I've updated, I promise to be back for more regular blogging. Really.
It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks! I've been working doubletime trying to get the shop organized so the new owner can take over and actually be able to figure things out.
Plus, we've been having a debate for about three months about what to do about our poorly laid out backyard. We have a pool, which is lovely, but the folks who installed it in the very small yard didn't really think about the flow of the yard. The upshot is we finally figured out what we're going to do, so I've been converting grass to new beds. I'm doing the lasagna gardening approach, as I don't have it in me to dig up sod. I dug up the sod in our last house to install my vegetable beds, and it was horrible work. This lasagna thing is easy. And more importantly, for me anyway, it provides quick results. I need to cover it with black plastic tomorrow and let it "cook" for about two weeks, and then I'll be putting in a fall vegetable garden. The beauty of our long Texas summers is you that can have two full growing seasons. I plan on growing green beans, tomatoes, squash, peppers, and lots of herbs.
I'm trying to figure out the best way to set up a compost bin in our small yard. I don't have room for big bins, so I'm looking at buying a tower type bin where you can add to the top and pull the finished compost from the bottom without having to constantly turn it.
My rug is coming along nicely, although it' s been put aside this week while I work on the backyard. I think I'm going to use it for the guest/Peyton's bathroom.
I'm getting geared up for school, I've been hunting Ebay for the things I need, which thankfully is not too much.
The kids have birthdays coming up. Luke will have a swimming party, and Peyton is going to have hers at My Gym. This is wonderful. This makes the workload for me almost nothing. I'm doing a happy dance!
Now that I've updated, I promise to be back for more regular blogging. Really.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
I don't mean to neglect you...
It's just that I've been busy. Busy SELLING A BUSINESS that is!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, a lovely lady is buying the resale shop from me. Which means that about this time next month (perfectly coincidental with school starting, no less) I will be the owner of one business, and only the landlord of another business. This is a huge answered prayer for me and my family. The buyer is awesome and has great plans. I think she will take my meager beginnings and really do something fabulous. Thank you Lord, for this blessing!
On other fronts, I've been going book crazy lately. I went to Half Price Books today and had quite a time! I got several Mary Engelbreit selections for rug inspiration, The Count of Monte Cristo, a prose translation of The Iliad (so sue me, I hate reading verse), Ann of Green Gables, Children's Garden of Verse, a book of Wysocki Art, and a David Hockney book of faces, and a Reader's Digest Ancient Egypt Treasure Kit (or somesuch name). Oh, and I got the first Harry Potter. I read it a long time ago, and then sent it in a care package to Iraq. Now Luke wants it read to him, and I think he's old enough for it. So that's what triggered the trip that triggered the buying spree.
The rug is coming along. It is going to be really beauitful if I do say so myself. It's a kind of a therapeutic, non-thinking hobby. Very good.
I'm just starting to feel like we are settled in to this house, with everything in it's place and some finishing touches here and there, after moving in 1 1/2 years ago. Now I want to redo everything. I'm talking stripping and painting woodwork, of which there is a lot, and generally lightening things up. Bud, however, will not go for it. He is a functional kind of guy, and there is no need for such impracticality when everything is nice and homey as it is. I'll just have to do it little by little without his help. You think he'll notice when I empty out the kitchen cabinets and remove the doors to strip them? Maybe...
Okay, it is very late and I have insomnia, but I'm going to try to sleep just one more time. Wish me luck!
Yes, a lovely lady is buying the resale shop from me. Which means that about this time next month (perfectly coincidental with school starting, no less) I will be the owner of one business, and only the landlord of another business. This is a huge answered prayer for me and my family. The buyer is awesome and has great plans. I think she will take my meager beginnings and really do something fabulous. Thank you Lord, for this blessing!
On other fronts, I've been going book crazy lately. I went to Half Price Books today and had quite a time! I got several Mary Engelbreit selections for rug inspiration, The Count of Monte Cristo, a prose translation of The Iliad (so sue me, I hate reading verse), Ann of Green Gables, Children's Garden of Verse, a book of Wysocki Art, and a David Hockney book of faces, and a Reader's Digest Ancient Egypt Treasure Kit (or somesuch name). Oh, and I got the first Harry Potter. I read it a long time ago, and then sent it in a care package to Iraq. Now Luke wants it read to him, and I think he's old enough for it. So that's what triggered the trip that triggered the buying spree.
The rug is coming along. It is going to be really beauitful if I do say so myself. It's a kind of a therapeutic, non-thinking hobby. Very good.
I'm just starting to feel like we are settled in to this house, with everything in it's place and some finishing touches here and there, after moving in 1 1/2 years ago. Now I want to redo everything. I'm talking stripping and painting woodwork, of which there is a lot, and generally lightening things up. Bud, however, will not go for it. He is a functional kind of guy, and there is no need for such impracticality when everything is nice and homey as it is. I'll just have to do it little by little without his help. You think he'll notice when I empty out the kitchen cabinets and remove the doors to strip them? Maybe...
Okay, it is very late and I have insomnia, but I'm going to try to sleep just one more time. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
New links
I've added some fun and inspiring links under "Flowers" in the sidebar.
And, although I'm not a Star Wars fan, this is hilarious!
And, although I'm not a Star Wars fan, this is hilarious!
Just wanted to share!
I just received this email from my dear brother-in-law. I know many of you have prayed for my nephew Paul, and I hope today you will rejoice with us!
Hello All,
If you are receiving this, you are one of many kind and caring people who have reached out during the past 5 years to my family and I in support of our son, Sgt. Paul *****, U.S.M.C. Today is the last day of a 5 year commitment Paul made with the Marine Corps. Today Paul completes active duty and will soon return to Texas to pursue job possibilities in the private sector. It seems like it was only yesterday that Sharon and I gave Paul a hug and bid him ‘fare well’ at the Marine Corp recruiting office in Texas. While we were all nervous and a bit apprehensive at his new course, none of us could have imagined what would happen to our world just a little more than a year after his enlistment! By God’s grace, Paul made it through two separate tours in Iraq. Though it was a trying time for Sharon & I, YOU ALL helped to nurture us with your hugs, calls, letters, emails and prayers. Your cards and packages sent to Paul while he was overseas sustained him more than you can imagine! We will never, ever be able to thank you enough for your love and support!
Please continue to remember our men and women members of the armed forces serving abroad and stateside because….”they’ve got our backs!” Thank you again!
David
Hello All,
If you are receiving this, you are one of many kind and caring people who have reached out during the past 5 years to my family and I in support of our son, Sgt. Paul *****, U.S.M.C. Today is the last day of a 5 year commitment Paul made with the Marine Corps. Today Paul completes active duty and will soon return to Texas to pursue job possibilities in the private sector. It seems like it was only yesterday that Sharon and I gave Paul a hug and bid him ‘fare well’ at the Marine Corp recruiting office in Texas. While we were all nervous and a bit apprehensive at his new course, none of us could have imagined what would happen to our world just a little more than a year after his enlistment! By God’s grace, Paul made it through two separate tours in Iraq. Though it was a trying time for Sharon & I, YOU ALL helped to nurture us with your hugs, calls, letters, emails and prayers. Your cards and packages sent to Paul while he was overseas sustained him more than you can imagine! We will never, ever be able to thank you enough for your love and support!
Please continue to remember our men and women members of the armed forces serving abroad and stateside because….”they’ve got our backs!” Thank you again!
David
Monday, July 11, 2005
Feeling chatty today
So, here's a meme from Donna. Feel free to answer these in the comments or on your own blog. If you answer on your blog, please say so in the comments so I can come see your top fives.
5 snacks I enjoy
Chips and salsa
Cottage cheese and salsa
Chocolate chips
cheddar cheese, black pepper crackers and a nice glass of red wine
Ben and Jerry's Pistachio Pistachio Ice Cream
5 songs I know all the words to...
San Antonio Rose
Sweet Baby James
Little Wing
I Come to the Garden Alone
The Aggie War Hymn (Hullabaloo Caneck Caneck Hullabaloo Caneck Caneck...)
5 things I would do with $100,000,000...
Quit cleaning
Support several orphanages around the world
Split my time between my ski house in Wyoming and my beach house in Mexico
Buy Bud a new car or two
Have regular pedicures
5 locations I would love to run away to...
Costa Maya, Mexico
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Phuket, Thailand
pretty much anywhere on the Gulf Coast
a nice sailboat on the Caribbean
5 things I like doing...
Gardening
Cooking
Reading
Rugmaking (grin)
Skiing
5 things I would never wear...
crazy low-rider pants
nose ring
tattoos
any unnatural haircolor (meaning blue or green, I've got no problem with a little Loving Care)
white shoes before Easter or after Labor Day
5 recently seen movies I like...
The Count of Monte Cristo with Jim Cavaziel
Luther
Second Hand Lions
Pirates of the Caribbean
Napoleon Dynamite
5 famous people I'd like to meet...
Jesus Christ
Barbara Bush
Julia Child
Vicki Iovine
the guy who played Napoleon Dynamite
5 biggest joys of the moment...
Luke
Peyton
Bud
the sunshine
my somewhat organized house
5 snacks I enjoy
Chips and salsa
Cottage cheese and salsa
Chocolate chips
cheddar cheese, black pepper crackers and a nice glass of red wine
Ben and Jerry's Pistachio Pistachio Ice Cream
5 songs I know all the words to...
San Antonio Rose
Sweet Baby James
Little Wing
I Come to the Garden Alone
The Aggie War Hymn (Hullabaloo Caneck Caneck Hullabaloo Caneck Caneck...)
5 things I would do with $100,000,000...
Quit cleaning
Support several orphanages around the world
Split my time between my ski house in Wyoming and my beach house in Mexico
Buy Bud a new car or two
Have regular pedicures
5 locations I would love to run away to...
Costa Maya, Mexico
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Phuket, Thailand
pretty much anywhere on the Gulf Coast
a nice sailboat on the Caribbean
5 things I like doing...
Gardening
Cooking
Reading
Rugmaking (grin)
Skiing
5 things I would never wear...
crazy low-rider pants
nose ring
tattoos
any unnatural haircolor (meaning blue or green, I've got no problem with a little Loving Care)
white shoes before Easter or after Labor Day
5 recently seen movies I like...
The Count of Monte Cristo with Jim Cavaziel
Luther
Second Hand Lions
Pirates of the Caribbean
Napoleon Dynamite
5 famous people I'd like to meet...
Jesus Christ
Barbara Bush
Julia Child
Vicki Iovine
the guy who played Napoleon Dynamite
5 biggest joys of the moment...
Luke
Peyton
Bud
the sunshine
my somewhat organized house
Look at me girls, I'm crafty!
Let's be honest, I am what you would call handicraft handicapped. The bottom line is that I lack patience. I would have been a terrible classical student because sitting still for the grammar of anything is very frustrating to me indeed. For example, I tried knitting, but all I got was a few lopsided rows instead of a soft, beautiful cable-knit sweater. It's a similar story with scrapbooking (oh, I talk like I don't see the point, but deep down I would love some fabulous albums), painting, and any number of other handicrafts.
This is why I like to decorate my house (fast results) and to cook (again, immediate gratification). It's amazing that I manage to garden a bit, but I think the love of the sunshine and the dirt multiplies my patience.
Well, a while back, I was in a lovely children's store. You know, the kind with $900 cribs and $45 lovies and everything is just precious? Well, there was this rug. I loved the look of it and the softness of it. I looked at it, examined it. I went back a few weeks later and looked at it again. I tried to figure out how it was made - it seemed so simple, but the way it was finished, I wasn't completely sure. So I went to the library and got books on rug-making. I researched it online. My neighbor gave me some leftover burlap and I ripped some of the kids' old clothes into rags. And now, I'm making a rug! It's beautiful! I feel like I've found something I'm going to enjoy for a long time.
If you want to see what kind of rug I'm making, look here or here. I'm still missing the camera cord, so I can't post a picture. I'm about to break down and buy a new one though because this one seems to be long gone. Then I'll post a picture of The Rug That I Am Making!
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. Proverbs 31:13 One down, 30 to go.
This is why I like to decorate my house (fast results) and to cook (again, immediate gratification). It's amazing that I manage to garden a bit, but I think the love of the sunshine and the dirt multiplies my patience.
Well, a while back, I was in a lovely children's store. You know, the kind with $900 cribs and $45 lovies and everything is just precious? Well, there was this rug. I loved the look of it and the softness of it. I looked at it, examined it. I went back a few weeks later and looked at it again. I tried to figure out how it was made - it seemed so simple, but the way it was finished, I wasn't completely sure. So I went to the library and got books on rug-making. I researched it online. My neighbor gave me some leftover burlap and I ripped some of the kids' old clothes into rags. And now, I'm making a rug! It's beautiful! I feel like I've found something I'm going to enjoy for a long time.
If you want to see what kind of rug I'm making, look here or here. I'm still missing the camera cord, so I can't post a picture. I'm about to break down and buy a new one though because this one seems to be long gone. Then I'll post a picture of The Rug That I Am Making!
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. Proverbs 31:13 One down, 30 to go.
The Peyton, she also loves The Manolo...
When we got The Grill, I bought myself a fancy, hot pink silicone mitt to protect my fingers when grilling. It is a very cute grilling accessory, and of course Peyton, my little lover-of-pink, took to it immediately.
Yesterday she put on the mitt, held it high above her head, and said, "Mommy, look at me, I am The Statue of The Liberty!"
Yesterday she put on the mitt, held it high above her head, and said, "Mommy, look at me, I am The Statue of The Liberty!"
Friday, July 08, 2005
I'm hooked!
I've followed a few links to Manolo Shoe Blog, but today, this made me spew iced tea. It's official, I'm linking this blog!
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Vast, Empty Wasteland
This is how I would describe my brain these days if I were asked. Nothing going on upstairs. It's a good feeling, actually, and I've found it lends itself well to accomplishment. The house is really clean, I've caught up on all sorts of business paperwork miscellany, and I'm having good summer fun with my kids. We've been breaking in The Grill and this has led to a delightfully clean kitchen in the evenings.
But here's a thought for you. Bear in mind I've not been thinking much for the last few days, so the thinker is a bit rusty. I, who am unabashedly conservative, am thankful for the liberal media. Yup. Bud and I watched Control Room last night. It's a documentary on the Al Jazeera network. It really made me consider how lucky we are to have media of all perspectives in this country. As a conservative it gives me the warm fuzzies to listen to the likes of Bill O'Reilly (a conservative no matter what he claims), but I'm so thankful for the guys out there that make me mad. Because they also make me think it through. They challenge me to evaluate my opinions. They show me the other side(s) of the coin. And if any of us are going to participate in the process here, then that's what we need. I'm so thankful I'm not fed one line of thought from all of the available media sources, even if I could handpick that one line of thought.
Just to clarify, Barbara Streisand, Sean Penn, and Tim Robbins do not fall into the category of the liberal media for which I am thankful. He he.
And before I go, just a reminder to keep the people of Great Britain in your prayers. I can't shake the grief from 9/11, and it breaks my heart that they have to experience it too.
But here's a thought for you. Bear in mind I've not been thinking much for the last few days, so the thinker is a bit rusty. I, who am unabashedly conservative, am thankful for the liberal media. Yup. Bud and I watched Control Room last night. It's a documentary on the Al Jazeera network. It really made me consider how lucky we are to have media of all perspectives in this country. As a conservative it gives me the warm fuzzies to listen to the likes of Bill O'Reilly (a conservative no matter what he claims), but I'm so thankful for the guys out there that make me mad. Because they also make me think it through. They challenge me to evaluate my opinions. They show me the other side(s) of the coin. And if any of us are going to participate in the process here, then that's what we need. I'm so thankful I'm not fed one line of thought from all of the available media sources, even if I could handpick that one line of thought.
Just to clarify, Barbara Streisand, Sean Penn, and Tim Robbins do not fall into the category of the liberal media for which I am thankful. He he.
And before I go, just a reminder to keep the people of Great Britain in your prayers. I can't shake the grief from 9/11, and it breaks my heart that they have to experience it too.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
4th of July rundown
Mornin'! I've made a quick scoot through many of the other blogs this morning. There's been talk of favorite patriots, freedom, thankfulness for our founding fathers, poetry about liberty, etc. It's inspiring, really. But here you'll get none of that. But if you hang in there, you will get a Really Good Recipe at the end.
We basically had a relaxed, chilled out Independence Day. We stayed home and had several friends over for good food and company. The kids got to swim a great deal, and Peyton and her friend Anna Grace had a grand time decorating our flag cake with blueberries and strawberries. It was basically a day of enjoying one another and we loved every minute of it. For accompaniment on our lazy day we had Bud on guitar and banjo. Many of our activities were punctuated with Peyton's "One, Two, Three - Happy Birthday America!"
We cooked out on The Grill, of course. Our menu included hummus with pita bread, clam dip and potato chips (my all-time favorite dip), a great tomato salad I had in Boston last week and had to try, shrimp skewers, and steak.
Leanne, my darling friend and neighbor, made homemade ice cream. Chocolate mint. It was to die for! And of course we had the flag cake, which was very average, but also very cute (I quickly grabbed a white cake recipe off Allrecipes and it just wasn't as good as it could have been).
When we finished eating we walked over to a nearby golf course where we had a view of fireworks shows from THREE directions! We spread out our blankets and watched the rockets' red glare while the kids danced around on the greens with sparklers. Then we dragged ourselves home, threw the kids in the pool to get the bugspray off, and went to sleep. A great day!
And now for your recipe. When I make shrimp, they are usually boiled, chilled, and served with very hot cocktail sauce and lemon. But, with The Grill now a member of the family, I thought it only fair to share the fruit of the sea with him.
Shrimp Skewers (This is from the Sunset magazine I stole off my neighbor's coffee table while I was taking care of their dog. I returned the magazine, so this is from memory and may not be exact, but it's very close.)
2-3 lbs of shrimp, shelled and rinsed
3 T kosher salt
3 T sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chopped parsley
3-4 minced garlic cloves
1 1/2 T lemon peel
1. Cure the shrimp. (I've never done this before, and it made them DELICIOUS.) Put the shrimp in a bowl and mix with sugar and salt. Refrigerate for 45 minutes. Then rinse the shrimp and the bowl, and return shrimp to bowl.
2. Mix remaining ingredients with the shrimp. Place the shrimp on the skewers in a C shape, so that the skewer pierces each shrimp twice. If you are using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them very well so they won't catch fire on the grill. You can prepare to this point the day before if you need to, and just cover the skewers and refrigerate until you're ready to grill.
3. Place the skewers on a very hot grill and close cover. Turn skewers in about 2-3 minutes. Shrimp are done when they are pink and opaque. Don't overcook them or they'll be tough.
Enjoy!
We basically had a relaxed, chilled out Independence Day. We stayed home and had several friends over for good food and company. The kids got to swim a great deal, and Peyton and her friend Anna Grace had a grand time decorating our flag cake with blueberries and strawberries. It was basically a day of enjoying one another and we loved every minute of it. For accompaniment on our lazy day we had Bud on guitar and banjo. Many of our activities were punctuated with Peyton's "One, Two, Three - Happy Birthday America!"
We cooked out on The Grill, of course. Our menu included hummus with pita bread, clam dip and potato chips (my all-time favorite dip), a great tomato salad I had in Boston last week and had to try, shrimp skewers, and steak.
Leanne, my darling friend and neighbor, made homemade ice cream. Chocolate mint. It was to die for! And of course we had the flag cake, which was very average, but also very cute (I quickly grabbed a white cake recipe off Allrecipes and it just wasn't as good as it could have been).
When we finished eating we walked over to a nearby golf course where we had a view of fireworks shows from THREE directions! We spread out our blankets and watched the rockets' red glare while the kids danced around on the greens with sparklers. Then we dragged ourselves home, threw the kids in the pool to get the bugspray off, and went to sleep. A great day!
And now for your recipe. When I make shrimp, they are usually boiled, chilled, and served with very hot cocktail sauce and lemon. But, with The Grill now a member of the family, I thought it only fair to share the fruit of the sea with him.
Shrimp Skewers (This is from the Sunset magazine I stole off my neighbor's coffee table while I was taking care of their dog. I returned the magazine, so this is from memory and may not be exact, but it's very close.)
2-3 lbs of shrimp, shelled and rinsed
3 T kosher salt
3 T sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chopped parsley
3-4 minced garlic cloves
1 1/2 T lemon peel
1. Cure the shrimp. (I've never done this before, and it made them DELICIOUS.) Put the shrimp in a bowl and mix with sugar and salt. Refrigerate for 45 minutes. Then rinse the shrimp and the bowl, and return shrimp to bowl.
2. Mix remaining ingredients with the shrimp. Place the shrimp on the skewers in a C shape, so that the skewer pierces each shrimp twice. If you are using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them very well so they won't catch fire on the grill. You can prepare to this point the day before if you need to, and just cover the skewers and refrigerate until you're ready to grill.
3. Place the skewers on a very hot grill and close cover. Turn skewers in about 2-3 minutes. Shrimp are done when they are pink and opaque. Don't overcook them or they'll be tough.
Enjoy!
Friday, July 01, 2005
Summer Recipe
Avocado Tomato Salad
This is a summer favorite around here:
Chop two tomatoes, two avocados, half a sweet onion and mix together. Add some chopped cilantro if you like. Stir it up and eat it.
We eat this with almost every meal during the summer. It's good.
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Bud's father's day gift was a new grill. Not just any grill, but something along the lines of the Binford 2000. In fact, I shall henceforth refer to it as The Grill. So far we've cooked hamburgers on it. Folks, you don't get a grill like this for flipping burgers. So this holiday weekend will be the true inauguration of The Grill.
Any fabulous recipes for The Grill are requested!
And while you are leaving your recipe, do share your plans for the upcoming weekend!
This is a summer favorite around here:
Chop two tomatoes, two avocados, half a sweet onion and mix together. Add some chopped cilantro if you like. Stir it up and eat it.
We eat this with almost every meal during the summer. It's good.
-----------------------------
Bud's father's day gift was a new grill. Not just any grill, but something along the lines of the Binford 2000. In fact, I shall henceforth refer to it as The Grill. So far we've cooked hamburgers on it. Folks, you don't get a grill like this for flipping burgers. So this holiday weekend will be the true inauguration of The Grill.
Any fabulous recipes for The Grill are requested!
And while you are leaving your recipe, do share your plans for the upcoming weekend!
