A Study of Eva
http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2007/03/study-of-eva.html
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Saturday, March 24, 2007
This and That
I started out my day doing this.
This afternoon we're going to take the kids here.
We have to drive all the way here to get there. I don't like the fact that there isn't one in our own fair city.
But, if there was one here we wouldn't be able to have dinner at this fine establishment.
This afternoon we're going to take the kids here.
We have to drive all the way here to get there. I don't like the fact that there isn't one in our own fair city.
But, if there was one here we wouldn't be able to have dinner at this fine establishment.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Bake-Off
Sometime last year I blogged about how I was going to enter the Pillsbury Bake-Off for 2008. The time has come. The deadline is April 22nd so I have a month to come up with an awesome recipe worthy of winning $1 million (or at least getting me to the finals). I have a few ideas drawing on my experience of living and cooking in Mexico. I'm going to be practicing my recipes in the next couple of weeks and we're even having our Enrichment group, the Gourmet Goddesses, have this as our April theme. Should be loads of fun.
Who else is going to try to win?
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Because I know a lot of you won't seek out this fabulous show on your own, I had to blog about it so you can check it out!
Do you have Univisión? Yep, it's that channel en español. While spending my day in bed on Monday I was trying to find something interesting to watch. I came across this gem.
Couples from all over México compete for the "wedding of their dreams" by dancing. They play silly little games to earn extra points, get judged, and the public votes. At the end of the competition one couple wins a wedding, honeymoon, and a house. Not bad.
While I enjoyed being able to understand what the people were saying, it is not necessary to understand what is going on in the show and to enjoy the dancing. Fun stuff.
Check it out!
Do you have Univisión? Yep, it's that channel en español. While spending my day in bed on Monday I was trying to find something interesting to watch. I came across this gem.
"Bailando por la boda de mis sueños"
Couples from all over México compete for the "wedding of their dreams" by dancing. They play silly little games to earn extra points, get judged, and the public votes. At the end of the competition one couple wins a wedding, honeymoon, and a house. Not bad.
While I enjoyed being able to understand what the people were saying, it is not necessary to understand what is going on in the show and to enjoy the dancing. Fun stuff.
Check it out!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Progress
Caleb has been making such great progress this school year. He's been seeing an occupational therapist since school started because he had problems holding a pencil, opening markers, etc...
Caleb has learned to draw people with various expressions. My favorite is "mad". He gives the face downward turned eyebrows and a small mouth.
Caleb has also learned how to open markers by himself. Now that we have the Color Wonder markers, I don't worry so much about this new found skill.
At snack time in preschool, they practice pouring juice. Caleb seems to think this is really fun and insists on pouring his juice at home. With supervision, he does an okay job.
Yesterday, he decided he needed to practice pouring something else...without supervision.
That's 128 fl. oz. of bubbles (the picture was right side up in photoshop...don't know what happened). We now have about 40 oz. left. About 2 oz. made it into the appropriate container. The rest seeped into the couch.
The cushions were hosed down and placed in the middle of the yard so they could get the best sunlight today.
The cushion covers were washed and dried and are now just waiting for the sun to do its work.
The poor couch has seen better days. I'm going to miss sitting on it today. Maybe tomorrow...
The good news? Caleb went to school today and we've been a puke-free house for over 24 hours.
Caleb has learned to draw people with various expressions. My favorite is "mad". He gives the face downward turned eyebrows and a small mouth.
Caleb has also learned how to open markers by himself. Now that we have the Color Wonder markers, I don't worry so much about this new found skill.
At snack time in preschool, they practice pouring juice. Caleb seems to think this is really fun and insists on pouring his juice at home. With supervision, he does an okay job.
Yesterday, he decided he needed to practice pouring something else...without supervision.
That's 128 fl. oz. of bubbles (the picture was right side up in photoshop...don't know what happened). We now have about 40 oz. left. About 2 oz. made it into the appropriate container. The rest seeped into the couch.
The cushions were hosed down and placed in the middle of the yard so they could get the best sunlight today.
The cushion covers were washed and dried and are now just waiting for the sun to do its work.
The poor couch has seen better days. I'm going to miss sitting on it today. Maybe tomorrow...
The good news? Caleb went to school today and we've been a puke-free house for over 24 hours.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Germ Bomb
Wendy came up with an excellent idea that at this point I'd pay big bucks for...a germ/flu bomb. If you can get your house bug bombed, why can't somebody do the same thing for all the nasty germs lurking about?
I'm feeling much better today. It's a good thing, too because last night Caleb came into our room at midnight and said he made a mess in his bed. Carl took care of the mess and gave Caleb some water. Then, he put him in our bed. I was like..."No way, José! He's going to puke up that water in our bed and then where will we sleep?". Carl said, "He's held it down this long so it should be good." We'll see. As soon as he started to leave the room, I felt Caleb heave. I yelled at Carl to grab him and he got him to the bathroom in time. While the boys were in the bathroom I made an excellent bed for Caleb. I took the cushion from our chaise and put it down beside our bed. Then I covered the pillow and the cushion in towels. He got an old Blues Clues blanket for warmth. Caleb loved that bed. We also added a bowl for an accessory...just in case (not needed, thank goodness!). I wish I had taken a picture of this bed before we put it away this morning.
Needless to say, Caleb is home from school today. He moved to our bed when Carl got up and he's still sleeping soundly even with me typing away on the computer.
I really hope this ends soon.
I'm feeling much better today. It's a good thing, too because last night Caleb came into our room at midnight and said he made a mess in his bed. Carl took care of the mess and gave Caleb some water. Then, he put him in our bed. I was like..."No way, José! He's going to puke up that water in our bed and then where will we sleep?". Carl said, "He's held it down this long so it should be good." We'll see. As soon as he started to leave the room, I felt Caleb heave. I yelled at Carl to grab him and he got him to the bathroom in time. While the boys were in the bathroom I made an excellent bed for Caleb. I took the cushion from our chaise and put it down beside our bed. Then I covered the pillow and the cushion in towels. He got an old Blues Clues blanket for warmth. Caleb loved that bed. We also added a bowl for an accessory...just in case (not needed, thank goodness!). I wish I had taken a picture of this bed before we put it away this morning.
Needless to say, Caleb is home from school today. He moved to our bed when Carl got up and he's still sleeping soundly even with me typing away on the computer.
I really hope this ends soon.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Bed-Ridden
Updated to add: It's now 8pm and I've eaten a little more and actually set upright for about an hour and haven't had to lay down again. I'm starting to get a bit of an appetite and it is staying down so I think I'll be feeling much better tomorrow.
I'm feeling a little burst of energy from the 2 bites of toast and 5 bites of oatmeal that I've had today. I figured I better blog now while I'm awake.
Carl came home after he taught his class. Before he got home I was the picture of perfect parenting. Caleb was still at school, Eva watched Nick Jr, ate ranch dressing, pretzels, and 2 lollipops. I stayed in bed until I had to get Caleb off the bus. I went out in my pajamas (even sans support garments--the horror!) to get him in the house. Then I only had to last 30 minutes until Carl came home. Caleb got 5 cookies, 2 cups of juice, and Go Diego Go.
I've been in my room ever since. I took a nap for a few hours, ate my little bit of oatmeal, blogged, and now I'm ready to go back to bed!
I'm feeling a little burst of energy from the 2 bites of toast and 5 bites of oatmeal that I've had today. I figured I better blog now while I'm awake.
Carl came home after he taught his class. Before he got home I was the picture of perfect parenting. Caleb was still at school, Eva watched Nick Jr, ate ranch dressing, pretzels, and 2 lollipops. I stayed in bed until I had to get Caleb off the bus. I went out in my pajamas (even sans support garments--the horror!) to get him in the house. Then I only had to last 30 minutes until Carl came home. Caleb got 5 cookies, 2 cups of juice, and Go Diego Go.
I've been in my room ever since. I took a nap for a few hours, ate my little bit of oatmeal, blogged, and now I'm ready to go back to bed!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
I'm a Hooker, Too!
I finished seaming up the sweater I made for Caleb. It's not quite big enough for him and it is a little big for Eva but by next winter, she should fill it out nicely. 
I tried it on her when I was finished but didn't have the camera handy. So, enjoy the chair shot.
While I was on a roll and practically bed ridden, I decided I could make a hat with the leftover yarn. I didn't have the right needles handy but I did have a crochet hook. I went back to my roots and started hooking. A few hours later, I had a hat.
Eva is in bed so I asked Carl to be the model. We did an impromptu photo shoot.
And, this is his best shot.
I told him to be fierce. I think we watch a little too much "America's Next Top Model".
I tried it on her when I was finished but didn't have the camera handy. So, enjoy the chair shot.While I was on a roll and practically bed ridden, I decided I could make a hat with the leftover yarn. I didn't have the right needles handy but I did have a crochet hook. I went back to my roots and started hooking. A few hours later, I had a hat.
Eva is in bed so I asked Carl to be the model. We did an impromptu photo shoot.
And, this is his best shot.
I told him to be fierce. I think we watch a little too much "America's Next Top Model".
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Round Two
Round two of the International Knit-off was today. The pattern was a doily. I've made tons of doilies in my life but never once have I knit one. I wasn't too excited about having a doily like this so I used up some of my scratchy vintage acrylic. I'd post a picture but I didn't take a very good one. You see, I had knitting group at noon today and at 11:00am I had just a few rows left to go. I had to finish before I left. I cast off and took a picture at 11:50am, posted it to the site at 11:52am, hopped in the shower, and was at knitting group by 12:20pm. Not bad. By the time I was there the last thing I wanted to do was knit. So, I just sat and listened to the program (finishing techniques). We also chose a logo for the guild. Towards the end of the meeting I got out a sweater I had started for Caleb over a year ago. The knitting is finished, I just need to seam it together. I started that and will finish it soon.
My allergies started to really act up today and I didn't take any medication until I got home from knitting group. I got super tired and took a nap for almost 2 hours. I'm still not feeling so great and now I'm wondering if it isn't something more than just allergies. I hope not. Caleb is feeling much better today but with me not feeling that great, we're both going to stay home from church tomorrow just in case. Hopefully I'll feel good enough tomorrow to do something besides just sleep.
Oh yeah, I won round two. Turns out that the lady I was competing against didn't even check her email for the pattern until I was already finished. The hostess of this competition vowed that the next pattern will be much more challenging. I have two weeks to rest up. Luckily it will be during General Conference weekend so I'll have lots of prime knitting time.
My allergies started to really act up today and I didn't take any medication until I got home from knitting group. I got super tired and took a nap for almost 2 hours. I'm still not feeling so great and now I'm wondering if it isn't something more than just allergies. I hope not. Caleb is feeling much better today but with me not feeling that great, we're both going to stay home from church tomorrow just in case. Hopefully I'll feel good enough tomorrow to do something besides just sleep.
Oh yeah, I won round two. Turns out that the lady I was competing against didn't even check her email for the pattern until I was already finished. The hostess of this competition vowed that the next pattern will be much more challenging. I have two weeks to rest up. Luckily it will be during General Conference weekend so I'll have lots of prime knitting time.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Overdue
The picture and blog about one my latest finished objects is finally here.
Baby Surprise Sweater
Pattern by Elizabeth Zimmerman
Yarn: Malabrigo colorway Amore (perfect colors for a February baby!)
Buttons: flower buttons from Joann
Made for: Avery Black
Size: This worsted weight yarn made a sweater that is a 12-18 month size
The Lincoln Knitters are doing a knit-a-long of this pattern and it has been really fun seeing what everyone else is doing. Joanne added a little bit of fun fur and it looks really neat. Mary Pat has perfectly placed stripes. I bought enough yarn to make more of these little sweaters. It took less than a week to knit up but more than a month after that before I got around to seaming it up and putting on the buttons. It arrived at its intended home today so I thought I'd give this neglected knit its proper due. Believe it or not, this used to be a knitting blog!
I'm still plugging away on my blue cotton cardigan. I'm on the first sleeve. It's going to have to take a break this weekend while I start round 2 of the International Knit Off. I'm only competing against one other person in this round so I'll either win, or be put out of my misery quickly.
Kid news: Caleb waited until Eva was feeling better until he got sick. It started this afternoon. He has thrown up everything he's eaten since 3pm. During his third "round" of throwing up, he actually came to get me to tell me he wanted to throw up in the potty. I was so impressed with
his sentence that I thought for sure he had already thrown up and wanted me to clean it up and flush it down. Lo, and behold as soon as we got to the toilet he lifted up the seat and proceeded to projectile vomit in it and all around it (just juice, thank goodness). Carl was at a baptism during all of this so I had to clean up and deal as best as I could. Caleb was a real trooper. When he was done he said, "You need a napkin?" (he doesn't quite grasp pronouns yet). I was so thrilled with his communication success during this whole night that I can't feel too bad about the fact that he made me gag most of the evening. When he was throwing up the 2nd time (on my bedroom floor--luckily in the same spot he had done it just 30 minutes earlier), he also had a little poo poo accident that came out of the diaper and was on the floor. I certainly earned my paycheck today. After he went to bed and once Carl was home I went to the pharmacy and stocked up on Pedialyte (drink and freezer pops), ibuprofen, and lollipops. I'm really sad he's going to miss his very first Primary activity tomorrow. I also hope he's better by the time Monday rolls around so he can go to school.
Here are some pics for the grandparents.
Caleb's latest obsession is blowing bubbles. All.the.time.
Eva spent some of her birthday walking around the house with a laundry hamper on her head. Luckily it is a mesh one and she can see where she's going. My sister used to do this when she was little but she used a trash can that you couldn't see through and would run into all sorts of things.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
What the Mraz?
I don't usually get out much. But, tonight I saw myself swing dancing with my hubby on the big screen. It was kind of weird and I'm glad we weren't on there more because I look a little dorky. I could see where we were more often than any other person that knows us will see us... I guess it helps that I knew where we were dancing (in the lower left of your TV screen--close to the stage--you can see us the best during It Don't Mean a Thing).
What I'm really blogging about tonight, though (this is going to count as tomorrow's blog since I doubt many people will really read it this evening), is what I saw on my way to the theater.
Jason Mraz. Okay, I didn't see him. I saw that he's coming to the Rococo Theater downtown on April 12th. I mentioned to Carl that it would be a might fine birthday present for me (coming soon!! April 11th). We tried to buy tickets then and there but the box office was closed for Spring Break. Tickets aren't on sale online yet but I found out they are $28.50. Carl doesn't want to come with me. Any takers? I think Wendy's in. Hollie--wanna make a trip back to Lincoln? I'm pretty sure there are assigned seats so if any of you want to come with--let me know ASAP and we'll get the tickets together.
What I'm really blogging about tonight, though (this is going to count as tomorrow's blog since I doubt many people will really read it this evening), is what I saw on my way to the theater.
Jason Mraz. Okay, I didn't see him. I saw that he's coming to the Rococo Theater downtown on April 12th. I mentioned to Carl that it would be a might fine birthday present for me (coming soon!! April 11th). We tried to buy tickets then and there but the box office was closed for Spring Break. Tickets aren't on sale online yet but I found out they are $28.50. Carl doesn't want to come with me. Any takers? I think Wendy's in. Hollie--wanna make a trip back to Lincoln? I'm pretty sure there are assigned seats so if any of you want to come with--let me know ASAP and we'll get the tickets together.
Birthday Celebration Overload
Events of the day:
Cupcakes at Wendy's house. Her little girl Whitney shares the same birthday with Eva.
Here are the kids playing with a little dog from Uncle Eric and Aunt Connie. It barks and flips over. Caleb was really scared at first. Eva absolutely loves it and kept patting her legs to have it come to her. Caleb will get close enough to touch it now.
Shopping at Toys R Us. Remember when I blogged about her loving that crazy two headed dragon "horse"? She saw some more of those same toys at Toys R Us and wanted them all Instead I persuaded her to choose a Dora backpack full of games.
We decided to try out Chuck E. Cheese after reading about Hollie's adventures. Caleb did pretty well. He only rolled around on the floor screaming bloody murder three times. It didn't help that they messed up our order and our pizza didn't arrive for almost an HOUR! They did give us 50 free tokens while we waited. So, the kids enjoyed playing.
Eva fell asleep on the way home from Chuck E. Cheese and that was the end of her whirlwind 2nd birthday.
Today is my mom's birthday! Have a happy one and your socks (both of them) are on their way.
Cupcakes at Wendy's house. Her little girl Whitney shares the same birthday with Eva.
Here are the kids playing with a little dog from Uncle Eric and Aunt Connie. It barks and flips over. Caleb was really scared at first. Eva absolutely loves it and kept patting her legs to have it come to her. Caleb will get close enough to touch it now.
Shopping at Toys R Us. Remember when I blogged about her loving that crazy two headed dragon "horse"? She saw some more of those same toys at Toys R Us and wanted them all Instead I persuaded her to choose a Dora backpack full of games.
We decided to try out Chuck E. Cheese after reading about Hollie's adventures. Caleb did pretty well. He only rolled around on the floor screaming bloody murder three times. It didn't help that they messed up our order and our pizza didn't arrive for almost an HOUR! They did give us 50 free tokens while we waited. So, the kids enjoyed playing.
Eva fell asleep on the way home from Chuck E. Cheese and that was the end of her whirlwind 2nd birthday.
Today is my mom's birthday! Have a happy one and your socks (both of them) are on their way.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Happy Birthday, Eva!
Find out all about how we got Eva in the Feb/March 2005 archives.
Eva really was crawling early! This was her getting around at 4 months. She hasn't stopped since.
Eva was happy to be one!
She's growing up so fast!Tomorrow I'll include all the pictures from today's festivities.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Big Screen
A year ago Carl and I went on a magical date. We found out that Nebraska Public Television was hosting a swing dance and concert that was going to be televised some time in the future. That time is now, folks.
The World Premiere of "Hard Times Swing" is this Thursday night at the Ross Media Arts Center. Carl and I will be there!
For those of you in the neighborhood, "Hard Times Swing" will be shown on NET1 at the following dates and times:
Saturday, March 17th, at 7:00 pm.
Sunday, March 18th, at 11:00 a.m.
Monday, March 19th, at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 24th at 4:30 p.m.
The World Premiere of "Hard Times Swing" is this Thursday night at the Ross Media Arts Center. Carl and I will be there!
For those of you in the neighborhood, "Hard Times Swing" will be shown on NET1 at the following dates and times:
Saturday, March 17th, at 7:00 pm.
Sunday, March 18th, at 11:00 a.m.
Monday, March 19th, at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 24th at 4:30 p.m.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Light
I haven't been outside of the house for a few days now and it is getting to me. Today, I'm pretty sure Eva is well enough to venture out so we are at least going to go to the Y. Caleb has been asking to go for days now. I'm glad they like it there because sometimes I feel guilty about taking them almost every day.
It's going to be in the 70's this afternoon and I'm wondering if I should let the kids play outside. Our yard is totally soggy. As of yesterday we still had some snow in the shadier parts by our sliding glass door. Carl is planning on taking Caleb "camping" in our backyard tomorrow night.
Some of you may have noticed that my blog post is later than normal. Thanks to Daylight Saving Time and Spring Break, I slept in until almost 8am. I must have been exhausted from the really rough day I had yesterday lounging around in my pajamas.
I've got something for all of you to look forward to. Not only is Eva's birthday on Wednesday, she shares this special day with math geeks all over the world...Pi Day.
It's going to be in the 70's this afternoon and I'm wondering if I should let the kids play outside. Our yard is totally soggy. As of yesterday we still had some snow in the shadier parts by our sliding glass door. Carl is planning on taking Caleb "camping" in our backyard tomorrow night.
Some of you may have noticed that my blog post is later than normal. Thanks to Daylight Saving Time and Spring Break, I slept in until almost 8am. I must have been exhausted from the really rough day I had yesterday lounging around in my pajamas.
I've got something for all of you to look forward to. Not only is Eva's birthday on Wednesday, she shares this special day with math geeks all over the world...Pi Day.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Productivity
The boys are at church and Eva's asleep. I have a quiet house and I'm not sure exactly what to do with myself. Here are any number of things I could/should be doing:
- taking a nap myself--my fever is under control but a little sleep couldn't hurt
- making dinner
- reading a book--I just finished Peter Pan in Scarlet and am still working on The Fountainhead
- knitting--I have a birthday sock to finish, and several other projects that could use my attention
- laundry--I'm a little behind since I was sick yesterday but I'm probably going to procrastinate at least a day more--who wants to do laundry on a Sunday? Not me!
- watching tv--I have a bunch of shows I need to get through to delete so I can have more room on the DVR. But, I probably won't do this either (unless I decide to knit)
- blogging--actually, I'm done with this for today. I've blogged at 3 different sites today and now I'm done (here, ldsreaders, and Sticks and Stamps).
Saturday, March 10, 2007
On Running Away
Yesterday before Carl left for work he hurt my feelings with something he said. Usually when he says something that he probably shouldn't have, I can blow it off. I know he doesn't really mean to hurt me. Yesterday he also didn't really mean to hurt me but what he said really did. I cried almost instantly and didn't stop for the rest of the day. He tried to blow it off by saying I shouldn't ask him things when he's trying to leave for work. Then, I went upstairs and I'm pretty sure he left right away.
I'm not going to blog about what he said---it is irrelevant. It wasn't derrogatory or mean-spirited. It just cut me to the core.
Before Eva woke up I tried to plan an escape. I thought I might drop the kids off at the babysitter around 4:30, leave a note for Carl to pick them up and then I could just be gone until Saturday night. Nice hotels in Lincoln are expensive and I didn't really have a good idea of what I wanted to do.
Next plan. I thought about loading up the car with the kids and taking a road trip to Oklahoma. We don't have anywhere we need to be for a few days and my mom has a hot tub. The thought of driving all that way by myself kind of nixed that plan.
When Eva woke up she was still a little sick so I figured today would be a bad day to run away. I couldn't leave her with anyone else or subject her to a long road trip.
New plan: a lady from church gave us a gift certificate to the movies for letting her borrow our Karaoke Revolution. Maybe I could go to the movies? I have no problems going to the movies by myself. I looked up the movie times. There was nothing I was too terribly interested in. Dreamgirls was playing at 8:25pm. That's an option.
Then thought came into my mind that it is Friday and a local florist has $5 bouquets every Friday. Carl has never brought home a bouquet without me specifically asking for one ($5 bouquets or otherwise). I wondered if he would bring a bouquet home. If he did, that would be a huge gesture for him. A really big deal.
Okay, if Carl brings a bouquet of flowers home I won't go to the movies (or run away from home for longer than 2 hours).
I'm not going to blog about what he said---it is irrelevant. It wasn't derrogatory or mean-spirited. It just cut me to the core.
Before Eva woke up I tried to plan an escape. I thought I might drop the kids off at the babysitter around 4:30, leave a note for Carl to pick them up and then I could just be gone until Saturday night. Nice hotels in Lincoln are expensive and I didn't really have a good idea of what I wanted to do.
Next plan. I thought about loading up the car with the kids and taking a road trip to Oklahoma. We don't have anywhere we need to be for a few days and my mom has a hot tub. The thought of driving all that way by myself kind of nixed that plan.
When Eva woke up she was still a little sick so I figured today would be a bad day to run away. I couldn't leave her with anyone else or subject her to a long road trip.
New plan: a lady from church gave us a gift certificate to the movies for letting her borrow our Karaoke Revolution. Maybe I could go to the movies? I have no problems going to the movies by myself. I looked up the movie times. There was nothing I was too terribly interested in. Dreamgirls was playing at 8:25pm. That's an option.
Then thought came into my mind that it is Friday and a local florist has $5 bouquets every Friday. Carl has never brought home a bouquet without me specifically asking for one ($5 bouquets or otherwise). I wondered if he would bring a bouquet home. If he did, that would be a huge gesture for him. A really big deal.
Okay, if Carl brings a bouquet of flowers home I won't go to the movies (or run away from home for longer than 2 hours).
Friday, March 09, 2007
Sick Day
*This is an old photo from back in September*My little Eva woke up yesterday with a stuffy nose, an overflowing diaper and a fever. I put her in a fresh pair of pajamas, gave her some medicine and commenced the cuddling. I could tell she wasn't feeling well at all. When she had had enough of cuddling, she moved over to the recliner to chill out with her stuffed sheep, "CHEEP!". Hey, at least it wasn't her freaky dragon-horse.
When Caleb came home, he felt a little hotter than normal. But, he didn't have a high fever. I gave him a 1/2 dose of ibuprofen when I gave Eva her medicine. After that all he wanted to do was watch Mary Poppins. All afternoon I heard, "A Spoonful of Sugar". Good thing I adore that movie.
Eva left the comfort of her chair to come and lay down by me on the couch. I asked her if she wanted to lay down on me and she got up. As soon as she put her head down I felt the heaves. I spun her around and she threw up on the couch. I took off her shirt and was going to go put her in the tub but before I finished she puked one last time on the floor. In toddler terms this was a very dainty puke. It was not totally gross. I won't go into details but I was okay to clean it up, at least. I wrapped her in a towel and held her. She started to fall asleep. I put her in her crib with the towel and she napped most of the afternoon.
Caleb was pretty calm most of the afternoon and he cooled down. I was really hoping that when he woke up this morning he would be feeling fine. Lucky for me, he was! This is his last day of school before Spring Break. I wish the snow would melt and our backyard wasn't so soggy. I think it might be a long week.
Luckily, we have absolutely nothing planned for tomorrow. No committments that I know of. I have one goal: mail out all of the packages that I owe people.
When Caleb came home, he felt a little hotter than normal. But, he didn't have a high fever. I gave him a 1/2 dose of ibuprofen when I gave Eva her medicine. After that all he wanted to do was watch Mary Poppins. All afternoon I heard, "A Spoonful of Sugar". Good thing I adore that movie.
Eva left the comfort of her chair to come and lay down by me on the couch. I asked her if she wanted to lay down on me and she got up. As soon as she put her head down I felt the heaves. I spun her around and she threw up on the couch. I took off her shirt and was going to go put her in the tub but before I finished she puked one last time on the floor. In toddler terms this was a very dainty puke. It was not totally gross. I won't go into details but I was okay to clean it up, at least. I wrapped her in a towel and held her. She started to fall asleep. I put her in her crib with the towel and she napped most of the afternoon.
Caleb was pretty calm most of the afternoon and he cooled down. I was really hoping that when he woke up this morning he would be feeling fine. Lucky for me, he was! This is his last day of school before Spring Break. I wish the snow would melt and our backyard wasn't so soggy. I think it might be a long week.
Luckily, we have absolutely nothing planned for tomorrow. No committments that I know of. I have one goal: mail out all of the packages that I owe people.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
For the Girl That Has Everything
Little Miss Eva's birthday is next week and she's going to be a whopping two years old. I'm trying to do a little internet research on something to get her. 
This stamp set seems to be the most promising. When I'm daring enough to get my stamps out when she's awake, she loves to come and sit with me and stamp. I let her use stamps with no ink. She pretends to ink them up on the table (by pounding them three times--much like I do) and then she stamps onto paper. It is really cute so I think this stamp set by Melissa and Doug would be a good option for her even though the recommended age is 4 and up. Target carries their toys (which are really fun and attractive and QUIET) so I think I'll be heading that way sometime this morning. And, if they don't have this particular item at least I know where to find it online. *Deb-you might want to point Julie in this direction if she wants to get Breanna something with washable ink!*
I also found this cute little sewing and lacing kit. This toy would probably serve Caleb more than Eva since these are things he is working on with the occupational therapist. So, that is why I won't get it for Eva for her birthday. I was happy to find one online. I have such a hard time finding toys for the kids--which is probably why I avoid shopping for toys so much and just let the relatives fill up their toybox.
One thing about Eva is she is becoming obsessed about horses. I don't know whether or not it is because she knows how to say the word or if it is because she genuinely loves them. Any horse-like toy we have is a horse. Any camel, burro, zebra, etc...is not exempt. She has a rocking horse that she got for her first birthday and LOVES IT! She takes her little "horses" and carries them with her. She likes to take them to bed with her. We have this huge, ugly two-headed dragon that Caleb picked out with his birthday money from his Greatgrandma Jacox and Eva just loves that thing like it is her baby. She likes to find it first thing every morning and cuddle with her "horse".
Something else that she likes to do everyday is put on makeup. She'll come into my bathroom, point to the drawer and say "lips". Her daily beauty ritual is watermelon chapstick, an little blush brush for the cheeks, and some Mary Kay spun silk eyeshadow. Between all the dressing up, makeup, and horse loving and I'd say that little Eva is a lot like my sister Lisa.
I don't know how we're going to celebrate for Eva's birthday. It is Spring Break next week for Caleb but not for Carl. We're going to try and have him ditch work one day or two next week so he can play with us. I think we definitely need an outing with the kids. We haven't been to the Children's Museum in a while or the Omaha Zoo to see the penguins again. You'll hear all about it--whatever we decide to do.
This stamp set seems to be the most promising. When I'm daring enough to get my stamps out when she's awake, she loves to come and sit with me and stamp. I let her use stamps with no ink. She pretends to ink them up on the table (by pounding them three times--much like I do) and then she stamps onto paper. It is really cute so I think this stamp set by Melissa and Doug would be a good option for her even though the recommended age is 4 and up. Target carries their toys (which are really fun and attractive and QUIET) so I think I'll be heading that way sometime this morning. And, if they don't have this particular item at least I know where to find it online. *Deb-you might want to point Julie in this direction if she wants to get Breanna something with washable ink!*
I also found this cute little sewing and lacing kit. This toy would probably serve Caleb more than Eva since these are things he is working on with the occupational therapist. So, that is why I won't get it for Eva for her birthday. I was happy to find one online. I have such a hard time finding toys for the kids--which is probably why I avoid shopping for toys so much and just let the relatives fill up their toybox.
One thing about Eva is she is becoming obsessed about horses. I don't know whether or not it is because she knows how to say the word or if it is because she genuinely loves them. Any horse-like toy we have is a horse. Any camel, burro, zebra, etc...is not exempt. She has a rocking horse that she got for her first birthday and LOVES IT! She takes her little "horses" and carries them with her. She likes to take them to bed with her. We have this huge, ugly two-headed dragon that Caleb picked out with his birthday money from his Greatgrandma Jacox and Eva just loves that thing like it is her baby. She likes to find it first thing every morning and cuddle with her "horse".
Something else that she likes to do everyday is put on makeup. She'll come into my bathroom, point to the drawer and say "lips". Her daily beauty ritual is watermelon chapstick, an little blush brush for the cheeks, and some Mary Kay spun silk eyeshadow. Between all the dressing up, makeup, and horse loving and I'd say that little Eva is a lot like my sister Lisa.
I don't know how we're going to celebrate for Eva's birthday. It is Spring Break next week for Caleb but not for Carl. We're going to try and have him ditch work one day or two next week so he can play with us. I think we definitely need an outing with the kids. We haven't been to the Children's Museum in a while or the Omaha Zoo to see the penguins again. You'll hear all about it--whatever we decide to do.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Bravo!
As has been noted on this blog before, Carl is very frugal. Once we realized that we couldn't live without DVR (a MUST for anyone that loves TV and has kids--we can watch our shows whenever we want, fast forward, pause...oooh, I love it), we got the cheapest package there was. It served our needs. We got most of the channels we love and the ones we didn't get would come around every once in a while on a free preview and we'd purge ourselves (e.g. Project Runway marathons on Bravo or any show on the History Channel International). Our first 18 month contract expired with Dish Network this month and some of the deals we had expired so our cost was going up. We were still going to have the least expensive package offered but they sweetened the deal with something we couldn't refuse. For $3 more a month we're getting twice the channels. I barely have enough time to watch all the shows I like in the first place, but not even Carl could resist the allure of BBC America (Robin Hood, anyone?). I'm happy with Bravo and the Game Show Network. Really, who can pass up an episode of the Match Game from 1971? Not me, that's who.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Blog Therapy
I love my blog. I love writing every day. I love reading other people's blogs. I love getting comments. I love giving comments. For the past 2 1/2 years it has been an almost daily ritual with me. I get to read what is going on in my friends' lives. Friends that I probably would have lost touch with but not now! I know more about some of them now than I ever did when we lived in the same town. They also know a WHOLE lot more about me. But, I have pretty much been an open book even pre-blogging. Most of my friends heard all about it when I was going through fertility treatments, they knew about all the adoption drama and successes, and now they know that I am having a heck of a time learning how to parent a child with special needs. Honestly, I'd probably be having a hard time learning how to parent any child--regardless of special needs--because aren't they all "special"? This blog has been my therapy. A bit one-sided, but therapy nonetheless. Theraputic. Yep, that's it.
Today I'm going to do something that feels a little bit like cheating on my blog. I'm starting therapy. Looks like we'll have plenty to talk about.
Today I'm going to do something that feels a little bit like cheating on my blog. I'm starting therapy. Looks like we'll have plenty to talk about.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Random Blog Stuff
These are courtesy of Melessa. I decided to blow off some steam after the knit-off. My victory was indeed confirmed while I was sleeping last night.
Nobody that knows me should be surprised about this one. I had Miss Piggy sheets and even a sweater with Miss Piggy on it when I was younger. I often tell people that the celebrity couple that Carl and I most resemble would be Kermit and Miss Piggy. It's true.
Now, for the visual DNA. I thought this was so interesting. It was really fun to do. Please leave me a comment if you decide to do this and put it up on your blog. I'd love to see what other people choose!
| You Are Miss Piggy |
 A total princess and diva, you're totally in charge - even if people don't know it. You want to be loved, adored, and worshiped. And you won't settle for anything less. You're going to be a total star, and you won't let any of the "little people" get in your way. Just remember, piggy, never eat more than you can lift! |
Nobody that knows me should be surprised about this one. I had Miss Piggy sheets and even a sweater with Miss Piggy on it when I was younger. I often tell people that the celebrity couple that Carl and I most resemble would be Kermit and Miss Piggy. It's true.
Now, for the visual DNA. I thought this was so interesting. It was really fun to do. Please leave me a comment if you decide to do this and put it up on your blog. I'd love to see what other people choose!
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Victory
I think I won my round. I don't have confirmation of that yet, but nobody else in my group has posted a picture yet. My hands hurt and I'm glad to be done. I used the exact yarn specified but it came out with fewer rows than were deemed necessary for a win. So, I included the extra rows (plus a few for good measure) in my stash yarn. It will look nicer once I block it but I didn't have the luxury of doing that before I snapped a picture for the win. The next round starts on March 17th so I guess everyone at the knitting guild will see what the next pattern is there!
I'd like to thank my husband for his support during these past two days. I'd also like to thank my knitting group that didn't come out and call me crazy straight to my face even though I know they all were thinking that.
I'd also like to thank my adorable children. They wanted to go outside this morning while I was knitting. They were ready for church and I was trying to stall them from going outside. I kept saying, you need a hat/scarf/gloves/etc... They finally went out the front door and rang the bell. When I answered the door (I saw them go out there and I grabbed the camera), this is what I saw. They had dressed themselves and you can't see it but Eva has on one pink glove and is carrying a little purse w/ a stuffed Big Bird doll in it. Cute stuff.
Oh, yes. I can't forget to thank Marsha for letting me knit in Relief Society and not telling me to my face that I'm crazy, either.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Still Knitting
After some issues with the yarn choices made pre-knit-off, I got going seriously on the pattern. For the first round the pattern is Uniscarfity from Magknits. I knit as much as I could today without totally neglecting my family and injuring my hands. I would say I'm at least 1/3 of the way finished. I decided to use the yarn it calls for in Husker Red & White. I would have gone with OU Crimson & Cream but I'm going to enter it into the fairs this summer and I think the Husker theme will go over better than OU.
The word on the street is that a lot of people are having problems with the pattern. Or, at least the people that are taking the time to send emails to the knit-off group today. I haven't had any problems and I like the way it is turning out. It isn't a pattern I would have picked for myself and I probably won't wear the scarf all that much, but it is a pretty fun knit.
The word on the street is that a lot of people are having problems with the pattern. Or, at least the people that are taking the time to send emails to the knit-off group today. I haven't had any problems and I like the way it is turning out. It isn't a pattern I would have picked for myself and I probably won't wear the scarf all that much, but it is a pretty fun knit.
Friday, March 02, 2007
International Knit Off
The knit off begins this weekend. I may even have to use some of my blogging "vacation" days so I can spend the time I usually blog for knitting. There are only 99 competitors. Basically, for this first round I have to beat 5 or 6 other people. The moderator is in Ireland so I'm sure we'll get the pattern at some crazy hour. I'm not nuts enough to keep refreshing my email through the night tonight but you can be sure I'll be casting on bright and early tomorrow morning. I have no idea what I'll be making but I'm going to be using up stash yarn so that will be good.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Snow Day
We didn't realize there was snow all over until after we had already got Caleb up and ready for school. Bummer. At least I had the good sense to check my email (they send it via email if you sign up--bonus!) before we went downstairs to wait by the door for the school bus. If I'm not mistaken, this is the first snow day we've had this school year. Most of the snow we've received has been on the weekends or during already scheduled breaks.
Carl was about to get ready for work and then we figured we better check to see if UNL was open. It wasn't. So, we're all at home chillin' today. Here are some of the things we're doing to spend the extra time at home.
1. I stayed in bed most of the morning working on the last bits of Eva's stocking. All I have left is to sew on the back and embroider her name. Luckily, it's only 3 letters!
2. Carl took down the Christmas tree. This was almost a month earlier than last year. Maybe next year we'll get it done by Valentine's Day.
3. I finished the right front section of my cardigan and cast on for a sleeve.
4. I taught Caleb how to play Tetris. Okay, he doesn't really know how to play yet but he won't let me play unless he gets to also.
5. I tried to put Zulu Knots in Eva's hair this morning. Bek inspired me. I did four before Eva resisted, ran away, and began to pull them out.
6. Carl finished doing our taxes. We used up the last of our adoption tax credit so our years of "free" federal taxes are over. I told Carl that a tax break is no reason to get another kid.
7. I paid bills but didn't get them out to the mailbox before the mail came today. I don't know whether or not one of us will venture out to get them to a mailbox before tomorrow.
8. We had smoothies for lunch and we're having meat loaf for dinner (I switched Wed/Thur in my meal plan because we had leftovers from taco night).
9. I don't know what we're going to do with the rest of our day. Eva didn't take a nap so I'm sure we'll have some cranky pants around here.
10. I'm sure we'll watch Survivor. My Thursday tv nights are difficult because we DVR Survivor and Ugly Betty at the same time American Idol is on. So, we can't watch it. Lucky for us, it is just the results show and that is usually pretty boring and I can just find out online who gets voted off.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Last Nail in the Coffin
Hopefully this will be the last time I have to write about how much I hate RUSSWOOD CHRYSLER! We will never, ever go there again. That is, unless I decide to shoe polish the van---then I'll drive around the dealership all day!
The last time we left this saga, they had stepped up to the plate and offered to pay for $100 worth of work on the water pump (that was leaking when we purchased the vehicle). The appointment for the service was today. Carl took the van in and then the courtesy van took him to work. I got this email from Carl this morning:
Carl's not going to say anything more this afternoon when he goes to pick it up. I wish he would. But, we are going to report them to the Better Business Bureau. And, of course...I've got all my blog readers that now know never go to RUSSWOOD CHRYSLER for sales or service!
The last time we left this saga, they had stepped up to the plate and offered to pay for $100 worth of work on the water pump (that was leaking when we purchased the vehicle). The appointment for the service was today. Carl took the van in and then the courtesy van took him to work. I got this email from Carl this morning:
So this morning they quoted me 400 - 100 = 300. I said wait a minute, our other van cost much less on the water pump, so then they said 300 - 100 = 200. I was like ok, that's more like it. Then I called a local shop to get a second opinion. They said right around 200. So I called Russwood and was like what's the deal here. So then they were like, ok it's gonna be around 230 after tax, minus 100 = 130. I was like thanks buster that's what I thought.
Excuse my grammar - just thought I'd give you the play-by-play.
Carl's not going to say anything more this afternoon when he goes to pick it up. I wish he would. But, we are going to report them to the Better Business Bureau. And, of course...I've got all my blog readers that now know never go to RUSSWOOD CHRYSLER for sales or service!
Book Meme
Taken from Melessa's blog.
Look at the list of books below.
The ones I’ve read are in bold.
The ones I want to read are in italics.
I've left alone the ones that I'm not interested in.
Thanks, Melessa!
Look at the list of books below.
The ones I’ve read are in bold.
The ones I want to read are in italics.
I've left alone the ones that I'm not interested in.
1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (J.R.R. Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (J.R.R. Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings:
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (J.K. Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (J.K. Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (J.K. Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27.
28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (George Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. Bible
46. Anna Karenina (Leo Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Charles Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Charles Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Scott Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (J.K. Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrew Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)—reading it right now!!
63. War and Peace (Tolsoy)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davies)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Victor Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Helen Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80.
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (John Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In the Skin of a Lion (Michael Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (William Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)
Thanks, Melessa!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Pillow Talk
Once upon a time when Carl was in Long Beach earlier this month, I got into the habit of using the whole bed to sleep. I would put my head on his pillow and angle the rest of my body over towards my own side of the bed. I grew very accustomed to using his pillow and soon preferred it over my own. Once Carl was home, I had to give him back his side of the bed and the pillow. I was devastated. I told him about how I liked his pillow and he asked if I wanted to trade with him. I felt bad about it and told him I would just go buy myself a pillow like the one he has. He suggested we trade for the night and see how it went.
It turns out that Carl likes my pillow better than the one he traded. We both got something we like better! It's been nothing but pleasant dreams ever since and we lived happily ever after.
The end.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Shopping List
I thought I'd document my shopping list and pantry organization for all of you. I know at least Gigi cares, so that's good enough for a blog post from me!
Basically, I started a few days ago by getting out a notebook and writing down all of the food I normally buy at the store. Then, I added staples that I don't buy too often but need to have around (baking soda, baking powder, spices, aluminum foil, etc...). My list was getting pretty long. I then thought about some of my favorite "go-to" meals. These are meals I make often because we like them and I usually have the ingredients on hand. If I didn't have any of the ingredients for those dishes on my list, I added them.
I went to Menus4moms to get an idea of someone else's pantry list. It turned out to be a fabulous resource and it is even helping me keep my house clean (ala Flylady---but without having to wear shoes or pants--ha ha-- and clean my sink everyday). I filled in whatever gaps I had left on my list and then typed it up. I printed it out and then went around the house clearing out all the shelves in my pantry, cleaning out the fridge and organizing the freezer. I marked on the list what we had on hand. It was interesting to see the things that I had way too much of (bread crumbs and jello). If you'd like a copy of my shopping list, I'll email it to you. Just send me an email and I'll reply with the file (sra_nelson AT yahoo DOT com).
I divided my list into the sections at my local grocery store. I change the items on the list to bold when I need them. Then, I print out the whole list and I'm good to go.
I have very little pantry space in the kitchen. I have a corner lazy susan cabinet and then another corner cabinet. I keep cereal and chips and stuff in a cabinet above the stove but I can hardly reach it so I don't keep essentials up there. Some of the things that I want to have on hand but not necessarily at my fingertips, I keep downstairs on our shelves in the basement. I keep extra cereal, paper towels, extra flour, sugar, corn starch, corn syrup, popcorn, etc... down there and just bring it up when I need it.
This is not really different from how I had it before---but the difference now is that I know exactly what I have (documented) and a list of exactly what I use on a regular basis. Going to the store this weekend was so stress-free. I also know I won't need to go to the store for things other than basics (like milk) for a while.
Here is our menu for the week:
MONDAY: Shake n' Bake Pork Chops, herbed potatoes, corn on the cob
TUESDAY: Mexican Tacos (chicken w/ onion and cilantro on corn tortillas--squeeze of lime--YUM!)
WEDNESDAY: Meatloaf, salad
THURSDAY: Leftovers
FRIDAY: Turkey burgers, salad, fries
SATURDAY: Soup
SUNDAY: Breakfast for dinner
Basically, I started a few days ago by getting out a notebook and writing down all of the food I normally buy at the store. Then, I added staples that I don't buy too often but need to have around (baking soda, baking powder, spices, aluminum foil, etc...). My list was getting pretty long. I then thought about some of my favorite "go-to" meals. These are meals I make often because we like them and I usually have the ingredients on hand. If I didn't have any of the ingredients for those dishes on my list, I added them.
I went to Menus4moms to get an idea of someone else's pantry list. It turned out to be a fabulous resource and it is even helping me keep my house clean (ala Flylady---but without having to wear shoes or pants--ha ha-- and clean my sink everyday). I filled in whatever gaps I had left on my list and then typed it up. I printed it out and then went around the house clearing out all the shelves in my pantry, cleaning out the fridge and organizing the freezer. I marked on the list what we had on hand. It was interesting to see the things that I had way too much of (bread crumbs and jello). If you'd like a copy of my shopping list, I'll email it to you. Just send me an email and I'll reply with the file (sra_nelson AT yahoo DOT com).
I divided my list into the sections at my local grocery store. I change the items on the list to bold when I need them. Then, I print out the whole list and I'm good to go.
I have very little pantry space in the kitchen. I have a corner lazy susan cabinet and then another corner cabinet. I keep cereal and chips and stuff in a cabinet above the stove but I can hardly reach it so I don't keep essentials up there. Some of the things that I want to have on hand but not necessarily at my fingertips, I keep downstairs on our shelves in the basement. I keep extra cereal, paper towels, extra flour, sugar, corn starch, corn syrup, popcorn, etc... down there and just bring it up when I need it.
This is not really different from how I had it before---but the difference now is that I know exactly what I have (documented) and a list of exactly what I use on a regular basis. Going to the store this weekend was so stress-free. I also know I won't need to go to the store for things other than basics (like milk) for a while.
Here is our menu for the week:
MONDAY: Shake n' Bake Pork Chops, herbed potatoes, corn on the cob
TUESDAY: Mexican Tacos (chicken w/ onion and cilantro on corn tortillas--squeeze of lime--YUM!)
WEDNESDAY: Meatloaf, salad
THURSDAY: Leftovers
FRIDAY: Turkey burgers, salad, fries
SATURDAY: Soup
SUNDAY: Breakfast for dinner
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Lace
Remember how I started off the month with big Knitting Olympic-esque plans to knit a lace shawl in February?
I think I have to refine that goal now and make it: pick a pattern for the lace shawl in February!
I've chosen the Mountain Peaks Shawl by Miriam.
I didn't get my act together this month but now that I have my pattern my only goal is to have this started and finished before the county fair. Once it wins some ribbons (and it better!), I'll give the shawl to a blog reader.
I think I have to refine that goal now and make it: pick a pattern for the lace shawl in February!
I've chosen the Mountain Peaks Shawl by Miriam.
I didn't get my act together this month but now that I have my pattern my only goal is to have this started and finished before the county fair. Once it wins some ribbons (and it better!), I'll give the shawl to a blog reader.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
My Village Pantry
I've spent the last few days getting my pantry organized. It's gotten a little out of control and I have been having problems finding food that I know I bought. I made a master shopping list and rearranged the pantry, freezer, and refrigerator. I'm good to go.
Yesterday I took a mini-shopping trip to Super Saver. This is the grocery store I shop at most often. It is not as inexpensive as Wal-Mart but they are closer and don't have all that other stuff that I want to buy (which makes it a more expensive trip in the end). I listed the order of ingredients on my list by my preferred route through the store. I know have an excellent list of all the foods we ever buy so I can just mark the ones we need when we're close to out.
Back to Super Saver...Wendy blogged about seeing a mouse there last year and every time I go I try not to think about it. I'm sure there are mice at a lot of places I go and I'm okay. Well, yesterday I saw one with my own eyes. It ran right in front of me. I'm trying hard to reconcile the fact that I need and want to shop there but there are mice running around. Surely there are mice at other supermarkets, right? Or, do I just need to rearrange my list to fit another grocery store?
Yesterday I took a mini-shopping trip to Super Saver. This is the grocery store I shop at most often. It is not as inexpensive as Wal-Mart but they are closer and don't have all that other stuff that I want to buy (which makes it a more expensive trip in the end). I listed the order of ingredients on my list by my preferred route through the store. I know have an excellent list of all the foods we ever buy so I can just mark the ones we need when we're close to out.
Back to Super Saver...Wendy blogged about seeing a mouse there last year and every time I go I try not to think about it. I'm sure there are mice at a lot of places I go and I'm okay. Well, yesterday I saw one with my own eyes. It ran right in front of me. I'm trying hard to reconcile the fact that I need and want to shop there but there are mice running around. Surely there are mice at other supermarkets, right? Or, do I just need to rearrange my list to fit another grocery store?
Friday, February 23, 2007
Top Design
This week on Top Design, Felicia had some problems. Big Problems. She put a granny square crocheted afghan on the bed. I don't personally have problems with granny squares or crocheted items but this show is all about good design and I don't see where it could have possibly fit in to any room on that show.
There is a really funny mockumentary on Youtube about how knitters look down on crochet. I saw it on Amy's blog. I started out with crochet and I'm slowly but surely turning into a knit snob. I'm going to have to break out the hook sometime soon though if I want to get some entries for the fair this year.
It's just hard to get excited about crochet when there are so many great knit patterns out there! If only Felicia had found one of these beauties...
This first afghan pattern is found here. It is free if you register at Bernat.
This second pattern is found at Knitty. It's called Lizard Ridge. If you used the actual yarn it calls for to make it, it would cost approximately $180. Until I can think of a better yarn substitute, I'll just be admiring the picture.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Step Away From the Shoe Polish
Russwood stepped up and is actually treating us like valuable customers now. This is saving me from shoe polishing my car and stalking the dealership trying to drive away business.
They are going to give us $100 to fix the water pump and paying for half of a spare key.
I'm appeased.
They are going to give us $100 to fix the water pump and paying for half of a spare key.
I'm appeased.
Ask Design Mom
My mom, Darla, wrote in a question to Design Mom a week or so ago and her answer is up on the blog!
Since I have nothing else to blog about today, I'm grateful the answer was posted today. Go and check it out.
Since I have nothing else to blog about today, I'm grateful the answer was posted today. Go and check it out.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
The Secret
At book group (aka cheap therapy) tonight we were discussing The Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris. We talked about the book (I recommend it) for about 5 minutes and the rest of the time we talked about what's going on in our lives. The conversation turned to The Secret. I am a little out of the loop--especially considering I used to watch Oprah all the time and have even been to her show in person SEVEN times. Yep, I'm bragging a little about that. Anyway, The Secret. Deb and Wendy gave an overview and I decided to look it up and see what the heck all the buzz is about.
In my short 10 minute introduction to this concept, I can see that a lot of it is just common sense and some of it I just think is silly. Here are some quotes from the Oprah show about the book and DVD.
I'm not totally in agreement with this statement. However, I do believe that no matter how the good or bad is attracted to ourselves we do have the ability to determine how we respond. I think it is unhealthy to be upbeat all the time. Do I think this just because I'm not always cheerful no matter what? Who knows.
I guess this is assuming that you can visualize your future life being something positive. Okay, I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Things aren't all gloom and doom around here no matter how bad it was today.
Matt 21:22; 1 Nephi 15:11 (from the Book of Mormon)
In my short 10 minute introduction to this concept, I can see that a lot of it is just common sense and some of it I just think is silly. Here are some quotes from the Oprah show about the book and DVD.
The law of attraction means that everything that happens to you—good or bad—you attract to yourself.
I'm not totally in agreement with this statement. However, I do believe that no matter how the good or bad is attracted to ourselves we do have the ability to determine how we respond. I think it is unhealthy to be upbeat all the time. Do I think this just because I'm not always cheerful no matter what? Who knows.
in order to attract the things you want into your life—to place the right order—you have to do what he calls going "three for three." "Your thoughts, your feelings and your actions all have to be firing simultaneously in the same direction," he says. Visualizing your future life can help to hone your thoughts and feelings toward the things you want.
I guess this is assuming that you can visualize your future life being something positive. Okay, I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Things aren't all gloom and doom around here no matter how bad it was today.
everyone…can release themselves from being a victim and begin to take control of their life's destiny.Sure. This I believe is true.
Patience. Humilty. Self control. Not the easiest qualities to aquire.
In chronic situations with no end in sight, Michael says you should ask yourself another important question: "If this were to last forever, what quality would I have to grow to have peace of mind? Now, as my attention goes to the quality I have to grow, that quality starts to emerge."
You can start living the The Secret today by following three simple steps: Ask. Believe. Receive.I guess I didn't really need Oprah after all. I just needed my scriptures.
Matt 21:22; 1 Nephi 15:11 (from the Book of Mormon)
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Ebony and Ivory
Caleb has his first piano lesson today. Last night he was entertaining the missionaries with a medley of Old MacDonald, Take Me Out to the Ballgame, and The Itsy-Bitsy Spider. Once they left he broke out the Georges Bizet and Beethoven. I'm not kidding. His talent for playing by ear far surpasses my own (okay, not too difficult as I have very little talent at all for playing by ear). I'm excited to see what kind of progress he'll make with lessons.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Feeding the Masses
I'm feeding the sister missionaries tonight and I have a somewhat bare pantry. There is no school today so I can't even venture to the store without taking both Caleb and Eva. While this is not impossible to do, it is not recommended. I may have to suck it up anyway because I don't want to feed them canned soup and stale bread. Thanks to Total Body Makeover I do have a plethora of clementines, whole wheat pasta, and frozen veggies. Somehow I think the combination of those foods leaves something to be desired.
I think maybe I need to get organized and join in with Melessa on Meal Plan Monday.
The more I think about it, the more I realize that I just need to go to the store. I'm taking both the kids to the Y today anyway. Plus, It's highly likely that one of the missionaries is getting transferred this week and I'd hate for her last meal with our family to be gross.
Commenters--you have 3-4 hours to leave your most awesome missionary meal ideas.
I think maybe I need to get organized and join in with Melessa on Meal Plan Monday.
The more I think about it, the more I realize that I just need to go to the store. I'm taking both the kids to the Y today anyway. Plus, It's highly likely that one of the missionaries is getting transferred this week and I'd hate for her last meal with our family to be gross.
Commenters--you have 3-4 hours to leave your most awesome missionary meal ideas.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Skimping
I am starting a list of things that I'm not willing to skimp on.
1. Q-tips. Generic cotton swabs just don't cut it for me.
2. Toilet paper. Why did I use that last coupon that I had? Not worth saving $1.50 if I have to use that stuff. I'll shell out the extra dough for Quilted Northern or Charmin from now on.
3. Kleenex. Okay, it doesn't have to be Kleenex brand. But it definitely needs to be Kleenex or Puffs (w/ lotion preferably).
4. Ketchup. Heinz. is. the. only. one. for. me.
5. Oreos. If I'm going to splurge and have cookies...they shouldn't have to be the generic Oreos. Icky.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
Pop! Goes My Heart
So, we saw the movie Music & Lyrics tonight. It was exactly what we were expecting---a great date movie. It was predictable, funny, and sweet. The music was fun and the 80's music video was the best! They show it at the very beginning of the movie and also at the end. I'm going to try and embed it here but you can see at Drew-Barrymore.org and also at YouTube.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Crazy Time- Updated!
This post has taken me all day to write. I come up to the computer and about 2 minutes later, the kids come screaming for something. Or, I hear a ruckus downstairs and know I need to be a referree. Basically, I don't feel like I've gotten any kind of break since Carl came home on Saturday. He's been at the house for about 10 hours total (when the kids are awake) since then. The housework is suffering (more than usual), I'm tired and I'm cranky (more than usual). Tonight he could have come home but he decided to go on some factory tour with some of the young men from church. This normally wouldn't have been a big deal to me because I don't mind if he goes out and does stuff. Heck, I sure do when I get the chance. It's just that for the past 10 days I've had very little down time.Tomorrow he is taking me on a date. But, I have to get the kids ready and to the babysitter's house by myself, drive downtown to pick him up, go do dinner and a movie, drop him back off at work and then go get the kids from the sitter and meet him back at home. Hopefully the movie will be good (Music and Lyrics) and he won't complain about the price of the movie tickets (we're seeing a matinee--which is why I have to meet him downtown) or how much dinner will cost.
Crying kids again. I better post this while I can.
UPDATED TO ADD: Carl came home about an hour after I put the kids to bed. I went to bed not long after that because I just couldn't keep my eyes open anymore and when the alarm went off this morning I asked Carl if he would get Caleb ready for school by himself because I was still feeing a bit groggy. I got to sleep a while longer so now after a good 10 hours of sleep, I'm ready for the day. That was enough of a break to keep me going...especially since we are having a date tonight!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day!
Carl got me a sweet present today. I got a Lantern Moon black sheep tape measure (okay, I bought that myself and told him to give it to me for my birthday---I was surprised to get it today). He also gave me a box that used to hold chocolate (he ate them because I have to win TBM) and it was full of the top ten reasons that he loves me. I asked if I could post them and he agreed. So without further ado, here's the list.
1. You're both crafty and conservative.
2. You don't ever want to own a dog or a horse.
3. You can tell better stories than I can.
4. You're funny.
5. Everyone else loves you too, so it makes me popular.
6. You can cook like Rachael Ray, but you don't use annoying abbreviations like EVOO.
7. It takes 2 slices of parent to make a Caleb sandwich.
8. You're a great mom.
9. You can fix Eva's hair.
10. You don't have a problem saying what you think.
I love him, too and I think he likes his coupon book.
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