The last few days have been an adventure.
Wednesday was frustrating, everything went "wrong"
Thursday was spend in the moment, except for the late evening when cranky boys who hadn't napped wouldn't stay in bed.
Today I thought I had a plan that would work. A. isn't cooperating. She has foregone her usual sleep in an hour later tan everyone else routine and wants to nurse instead. I did get the bathroom cleaned up, and hopefully we will have some breakfast soon.
I am still working on living in the moment. WE had some wonderful success in that yesterday. I read a book about bugs to the boys, then we went outside and found some. I didn't bring a book or my phone, we just wandered around the common area and played in the dirt. A. slept in the sling. Later in the afternoon I was scrubbing down the dining chairs and the kitchen floor and the boys wanted to help. I gave them some plain water and rags, and were they ever helpful!! we even dried the floor together. They also wanted to help with the dishes, which just turned into splashing around in the water while I nursed the baby...again.
we also had some massive failures. We went outside and both the boys melted down initially, J. had an accident. I dragged everybody upstairs in spite of tantrums, feeling quite angry myself, and then realized in our enthusiasm to get outside before the heat, that we forgot to eat breakfast, and use the bathroom! I felt bad then, but we made up a picnic breakfast and went back out for some wonderful play time. Bedtime was a nightmare, I am out of ideas. They just won't stay in bed, and they are totally exhausted. J. has been keeping himself up late and awake during nap time as well, the result is an extremely grumpy and somewhat aggressive toddler. I guess we will just try again today and see what happens.
Showing posts with label flexibility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flexibility. Show all posts
Friday, August 27, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Morning snuggle time
In the spirit of learning to savor the moment, I thought I would post a few moments from the day that I really enjoy.
Morning snuggle time! Pregnancy makes me extra tired, so the boys and I got in the habit of snuggling in the morning...mainly so I could doze off for a few more miunites. They wake up pretty early, between 6:30 and 7:00. they would both climb into my bed and snuggle. Now that we have our little princess, I have been continuing the tradition. S. snuggles uner my left arm, A. is under my right and J. snuggles next to "his baby" and reaches over to play with my hair. All in all, a wonderful way to spend the morning, untill of course they start getting squirmy and silly.
I don't know if I am going to continue returning to bed in the morning after Garrett leaves when I am off my "Restricted duty" then again, I am loving the lazy mornings! I am excited about re-vamping my days. This break has really helped me to learn to relax and re-focus!
Morning snuggle time! Pregnancy makes me extra tired, so the boys and I got in the habit of snuggling in the morning...mainly so I could doze off for a few more miunites. They wake up pretty early, between 6:30 and 7:00. they would both climb into my bed and snuggle. Now that we have our little princess, I have been continuing the tradition. S. snuggles uner my left arm, A. is under my right and J. snuggles next to "his baby" and reaches over to play with my hair. All in all, a wonderful way to spend the morning, untill of course they start getting squirmy and silly.
I don't know if I am going to continue returning to bed in the morning after Garrett leaves when I am off my "Restricted duty" then again, I am loving the lazy mornings! I am excited about re-vamping my days. This break has really helped me to learn to relax and re-focus!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Resting and recovering
I had a remarkably easy birth this time through. I feel fantastic. I am still supposed to be "resting" allowing my body to heal from the last 9 months of pregnancy. This has proven to be quite difficult at times. But I must say the "permission" to forget about the hosework is certianly easing much of my guilt. Actually at times it is quite nice, in fact I hope to retain this low stress low guilt attitude even when I am able to get up and around. Now, if only I can keep off of the couponing web-sites and just forget about the deals I am missing....they will come again, in a few months, but it would be so nice to hit CVS and pick up FREE items. sigh. But, really, in the long run I might be trading in my health to save a few bucks. Definately not a good bargain.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Impression without expression...
...leads to depression.
and was I "depressed" yesterday! I was having an off-day and decided to putter about online a bit. I found some radio and video programs by the author of "from boom to bust and beyond" Jerry Tuma. The man is an economist and he uses demographics to predict/explain the current economic and social crisis. It is AMAZING stuff! There was just so much in it, and I had nobody really to share it with, my darling hubby was just too exhausted from the daily grind to listen to the complex details. Poor guy, but I guess that is my privilege in being able to stay at home and manage my own days. I do get to spend quite alot of time learning new things. I really really enjoy listening to lectures and sermons online while I putter about the house doing chores and playing with the boys.
Back to Jerry Tuma. He predicted the housing market bubble, quite easily and used demographics (the study of populations) to explain what may happen next. Here goes..
Most People reach the peak of their "spending" power in their late 40's, this is when they buy the house and all the fancy stuff inside. The baby-boomers have been buying up homes for quite some time now. The last--and biggest wave of boomers hit that critical time in 2005. The market was peaked (also super inflated due to the large demand for homes) builders kept on building, the next generational wave is MUCH smaller than the boomers (thank you birth control and the changing attitudes towards children in society) and therefore we wound up with too many houses and not enough people to buy them. If you pair that with the fact that people took out unsustainable loans and were foreclosed on housing values plummeted. We have NOT bottomed out yet. The ARM loans (the ones where your rate is fixed super low for 5 years then go up) as well as the "liars loans" (those that required absolutely NO income verification and had adjustable rates) are about to come due. Nearly 7 million more homes will be foreclosed on in the coming two years. It looks dire.
BUT there is good news! It will be prime time to invest in real estate in the next 2-3 years! Start saving every penny you can now, and perhaps you may find a real bargain coming up!
History repeats itself, during the great depression when so many lost everything, those who were prepared for the coming crash made MILLIONS. Properties were picked up for pennies on the dollar, good stocks and investments were purchased at all time low prices and when everything recovered, their net worth did too. The same can happen for us if we look at this as an opportunity and not a time to panic.
We are also, living in a time of a generational and a demographic change. Neil Howe has written a book "The fourth turning" using History to describe what is/may happen in the coming years. His book was written in the mid-90's when we were in the middle of the greatest economic upswing in our history and nobody paid attention. He accurately predicted the economic crash...as an event that would change us all starting in about 2005. HMMMM....did you know this has all happened before? Holland and the tulips anyone? His point of view is a generational one. Basically that every 'fourth' generation there is a rebirth or death of society. Every generation in history has connected with and acted like a previous one, and economics and politics have reflected that as well. We (those of us born in 1982 and after) are now emerging onto the political scene, and things are going to be shook up. Basically we all follow the same pattern: Generation 1 experiences a conservative high after a major war, the 2nd gen hits the spiritual revival mode, 3rd Gen has the wild unraveling of all the values that have come before, and the 4th generation experiences the Crisis that will reset or change everything. Generation 1 raised gen 3, Gen 2 raised Gen 4. Gen 4 has little contact with Gen 1 and therefore does not learn from their experiences so society must re-invent the wheel. This could be very very good, or very very bad. During this time of Crisis a political party will set itself up and try their darnedest to patch things up, but it most likely will not work...its the ones that come immediately after that will establish what America will look like for the next FOUR generations.
Once again, there is hope. WE can change things, as long as enough of us wake up and start voting our values and shaking up the political and social systems. Don't be afraid to express your beliefs and values, live the life you want to live and change your corner of the universe!
The third thing is mentioned a bit by both authors (please note, I haven't been able to read the books yet, I am discussing based on their interviews and radio broadcasts) Is the demographic switch. Europe is in the middle of a demographic crisis. The birth rate in many countries are FAR below replacement levels (in fact, the world birthrates are just about there as well) Meaning there are less young workers to support the elderly retired. (china, anyone?) this is BAD for our current economy, and our social programs--all of which are based on an ever-growing economy. America is about 10-15 years behind Europe (I still find it odd that half of Europe is going bankrupt due to unsustainable government funded health care, retirements ect. and yet our politicians keep saying we NEED to be like them, it will save our society!) Basically Europe is dying off, and we are quickly following. Now, there are three things that can be done about this. 1.people can have more babies--many countries now offer tax breaks and outright payments to native-born citizens who are willing to have more children. This has not worked so far. 2. Active immigration. Allow those from developing countries (who have growing populations) to become citizens and start paying taxes. or 3. Change the system. (Yeah right, who wants to give up all their "free" government benefits and start doing things on their own.)
SO, in reflection of all these ramblings here are my thoughts: This has all happened before and it will all happen again, there is nothing new under the sun. History has shown that. We will not repeat it exactly but it will echo the past. WE are in the midst of a great change, and if we stand strong and trust in God there is a chance for a great rebirth of society and even personal economic prosperity.
What will I do? Save every penny I can squeeze out of my budget and get ready for the second wave of real estate foreclosures. I will continue to support politicians who want to radically change government BACK to the values of the constitution and who practice sound fiscal policy, who have strong moral character and a sense of absolute truth. I will keep having babies and not let this crisis mode destroy our dreams.
whew. that was a tiring post, I hope it made sense! I am off to find some more stuff to study!
and was I "depressed" yesterday! I was having an off-day and decided to putter about online a bit. I found some radio and video programs by the author of "from boom to bust and beyond" Jerry Tuma. The man is an economist and he uses demographics to predict/explain the current economic and social crisis. It is AMAZING stuff! There was just so much in it, and I had nobody really to share it with, my darling hubby was just too exhausted from the daily grind to listen to the complex details. Poor guy, but I guess that is my privilege in being able to stay at home and manage my own days. I do get to spend quite alot of time learning new things. I really really enjoy listening to lectures and sermons online while I putter about the house doing chores and playing with the boys.
Back to Jerry Tuma. He predicted the housing market bubble, quite easily and used demographics (the study of populations) to explain what may happen next. Here goes..
Most People reach the peak of their "spending" power in their late 40's, this is when they buy the house and all the fancy stuff inside. The baby-boomers have been buying up homes for quite some time now. The last--and biggest wave of boomers hit that critical time in 2005. The market was peaked (also super inflated due to the large demand for homes) builders kept on building, the next generational wave is MUCH smaller than the boomers (thank you birth control and the changing attitudes towards children in society) and therefore we wound up with too many houses and not enough people to buy them. If you pair that with the fact that people took out unsustainable loans and were foreclosed on housing values plummeted. We have NOT bottomed out yet. The ARM loans (the ones where your rate is fixed super low for 5 years then go up) as well as the "liars loans" (those that required absolutely NO income verification and had adjustable rates) are about to come due. Nearly 7 million more homes will be foreclosed on in the coming two years. It looks dire.
BUT there is good news! It will be prime time to invest in real estate in the next 2-3 years! Start saving every penny you can now, and perhaps you may find a real bargain coming up!
History repeats itself, during the great depression when so many lost everything, those who were prepared for the coming crash made MILLIONS. Properties were picked up for pennies on the dollar, good stocks and investments were purchased at all time low prices and when everything recovered, their net worth did too. The same can happen for us if we look at this as an opportunity and not a time to panic.
We are also, living in a time of a generational and a demographic change. Neil Howe has written a book "The fourth turning" using History to describe what is/may happen in the coming years. His book was written in the mid-90's when we were in the middle of the greatest economic upswing in our history and nobody paid attention. He accurately predicted the economic crash...as an event that would change us all starting in about 2005. HMMMM....did you know this has all happened before? Holland and the tulips anyone? His point of view is a generational one. Basically that every 'fourth' generation there is a rebirth or death of society. Every generation in history has connected with and acted like a previous one, and economics and politics have reflected that as well. We (those of us born in 1982 and after) are now emerging onto the political scene, and things are going to be shook up. Basically we all follow the same pattern: Generation 1 experiences a conservative high after a major war, the 2nd gen hits the spiritual revival mode, 3rd Gen has the wild unraveling of all the values that have come before, and the 4th generation experiences the Crisis that will reset or change everything. Generation 1 raised gen 3, Gen 2 raised Gen 4. Gen 4 has little contact with Gen 1 and therefore does not learn from their experiences so society must re-invent the wheel. This could be very very good, or very very bad. During this time of Crisis a political party will set itself up and try their darnedest to patch things up, but it most likely will not work...its the ones that come immediately after that will establish what America will look like for the next FOUR generations.
Once again, there is hope. WE can change things, as long as enough of us wake up and start voting our values and shaking up the political and social systems. Don't be afraid to express your beliefs and values, live the life you want to live and change your corner of the universe!
The third thing is mentioned a bit by both authors (please note, I haven't been able to read the books yet, I am discussing based on their interviews and radio broadcasts) Is the demographic switch. Europe is in the middle of a demographic crisis. The birth rate in many countries are FAR below replacement levels (in fact, the world birthrates are just about there as well) Meaning there are less young workers to support the elderly retired. (china, anyone?) this is BAD for our current economy, and our social programs--all of which are based on an ever-growing economy. America is about 10-15 years behind Europe (I still find it odd that half of Europe is going bankrupt due to unsustainable government funded health care, retirements ect. and yet our politicians keep saying we NEED to be like them, it will save our society!) Basically Europe is dying off, and we are quickly following. Now, there are three things that can be done about this. 1.people can have more babies--many countries now offer tax breaks and outright payments to native-born citizens who are willing to have more children. This has not worked so far. 2. Active immigration. Allow those from developing countries (who have growing populations) to become citizens and start paying taxes. or 3. Change the system. (Yeah right, who wants to give up all their "free" government benefits and start doing things on their own.)
SO, in reflection of all these ramblings here are my thoughts: This has all happened before and it will all happen again, there is nothing new under the sun. History has shown that. We will not repeat it exactly but it will echo the past. WE are in the midst of a great change, and if we stand strong and trust in God there is a chance for a great rebirth of society and even personal economic prosperity.
What will I do? Save every penny I can squeeze out of my budget and get ready for the second wave of real estate foreclosures. I will continue to support politicians who want to radically change government BACK to the values of the constitution and who practice sound fiscal policy, who have strong moral character and a sense of absolute truth. I will keep having babies and not let this crisis mode destroy our dreams.
whew. that was a tiring post, I hope it made sense! I am off to find some more stuff to study!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Potty training, camping
well, that was a wash. I had a long, detailed post for you, but then my PC froze up and I lost it all. Here is what I said, in a nutshell
J. is near fully potty trained, after two days of accidents, he has now had two days in the clear! we are going to practice with all his clothing on today (he has just been in undies and a t shirt the last few days) as we are going camping last-minute. we will be in a Cabin (woo hoo) with its own bathroom (even better!) Our church goes up every year this time, and we have missed the last 3 years due to babies/pregnancy. But having access to a cabin is a "game changer" for me! Just have to pack food and clothing and bedding of course! I can't wait!! I will try and take pictures and figure out how to work our new-to-us camera on this PC.
Well, I have a lot to do today, as I fell behind on housework during the potty training. Gotta clean the whole house, catch up on laundry and pack!
J. is near fully potty trained, after two days of accidents, he has now had two days in the clear! we are going to practice with all his clothing on today (he has just been in undies and a t shirt the last few days) as we are going camping last-minute. we will be in a Cabin (woo hoo) with its own bathroom (even better!) Our church goes up every year this time, and we have missed the last 3 years due to babies/pregnancy. But having access to a cabin is a "game changer" for me! Just have to pack food and clothing and bedding of course! I can't wait!! I will try and take pictures and figure out how to work our new-to-us camera on this PC.
Well, I have a lot to do today, as I fell behind on housework during the potty training. Gotta clean the whole house, catch up on laundry and pack!
Friday, March 19, 2010
I don't miss my mop
It broke a few months ago, and I still haven't replaced it. I have been scrubbing my floors on hands and knees with a hot bucket of water, with just a dash of vinegar and some rosemary and lavender essential oil. and I LOVE it. It is easier on my back, and it seems to do a much better job than my old sponge mop. I don't think I'll even bother with a replacement. The vinegar aids the cleaning and cuts the smells, the oils are disinfectant/anti-microbial and also smell yummy! If great-grandma had vinyl floors and access to a health-food store I am sure this is how she would have done it!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Depression hurts....Purpose can help!
I have spent the last two weeks in an incredible funk. My amazing hubby has been taking care of his dying grandfather and is therefore, not here. I miss him. Alot. I didn't realize how much I depended on him until he was gone. I would up getting "depressed" Meaning, basically, I was tired, irritated, didn't feel like doing anything and wallowing in self pity and self hatred.
Two nights ago I couldn't sleep, and I cried out to the lord in desperation.
Today I feel fantastic. I have a renewed vision for this particular (hopefully short) season as well as some coping ideas.
I had made my marriage/husband my idol, and the Lord has corrected me.
So, today I woke to a nearly clean house, having stayed up later doing a little more cleaning than I would have liked, but I slept well. Today I managed to get the dishes cleaned and went grocery shopping. It was a real treat to wander around Winco again. I did toss in a few extra items that I wanted into the cart, as did J. In fact, he was quite energetic and ran back and forth along the isles while I read labels---don't worry, the store wasn't crowded and I was able to keep an eye on him--but we had a good time overall. I was super excited to find a 50 lb bag of whole wheat flour for $20. I didn't buy it, as I couldn't lift it at this point, nor do I have a way to store all of that in my small condo. Maybe when Garret's back we can get a bag and i can freeze some.
Back to the previous line of thought. Living with purpose helps the moody-blues. I realize now that I need to live a life pleasing to God, not just my Husband. The manner in which I do things is just as important as getting them done. I also have to keep my spirits up to help the children cope...I ant them to handle all of life's bumps with a (somewhat) positive, flexible attitude and therefore I need to model it.
So there you have it, all the deep stuff that has been rolling about my head.
The weather out here is just beautiful! I will be bringing out my drying rack for the laundry tomorrow, and we may even plant some seeds. It is actually a little late to be starting indoor plants, even late to begin our spring planting here in the valley, but I will be growing mostly herbs and some mid-summer/fall harvesting crops. When our tax return comes I want so bad to get some new window-boxes and grow some strawberries in them! Woo hooo! With the big pine-trees gone my little balcony area actually gets some sun. I think I'll head out there and fix up some of my plants before the boys wake up. Afternoons are mine now, I do my own projects and rest. I love it!
Two nights ago I couldn't sleep, and I cried out to the lord in desperation.
Today I feel fantastic. I have a renewed vision for this particular (hopefully short) season as well as some coping ideas.
I had made my marriage/husband my idol, and the Lord has corrected me.
So, today I woke to a nearly clean house, having stayed up later doing a little more cleaning than I would have liked, but I slept well. Today I managed to get the dishes cleaned and went grocery shopping. It was a real treat to wander around Winco again. I did toss in a few extra items that I wanted into the cart, as did J. In fact, he was quite energetic and ran back and forth along the isles while I read labels---don't worry, the store wasn't crowded and I was able to keep an eye on him--but we had a good time overall. I was super excited to find a 50 lb bag of whole wheat flour for $20. I didn't buy it, as I couldn't lift it at this point, nor do I have a way to store all of that in my small condo. Maybe when Garret's back we can get a bag and i can freeze some.
Back to the previous line of thought. Living with purpose helps the moody-blues. I realize now that I need to live a life pleasing to God, not just my Husband. The manner in which I do things is just as important as getting them done. I also have to keep my spirits up to help the children cope...I ant them to handle all of life's bumps with a (somewhat) positive, flexible attitude and therefore I need to model it.
So there you have it, all the deep stuff that has been rolling about my head.
The weather out here is just beautiful! I will be bringing out my drying rack for the laundry tomorrow, and we may even plant some seeds. It is actually a little late to be starting indoor plants, even late to begin our spring planting here in the valley, but I will be growing mostly herbs and some mid-summer/fall harvesting crops. When our tax return comes I want so bad to get some new window-boxes and grow some strawberries in them! Woo hooo! With the big pine-trees gone my little balcony area actually gets some sun. I think I'll head out there and fix up some of my plants before the boys wake up. Afternoons are mine now, I do my own projects and rest. I love it!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Trying week...
It feels soooo good to be back in our routine...sort of.
Two weeks ago Garrett spent Monday and Tuesday at his Grandparents, he was driving them back and forth from the hospital as Grandpa has taken a turn for the worse. His mother also had an accident, she fell out of a truck and broke her kneecap in half, requiring surgery and some screws attached to a metal screen to put it all back together. we then found out Grandpa has less than a month to live.
The rest of the week was spent with his best friend Ron, and his wife Nikki, who were visiting from Wisconsin, so we had a mini-vacation, in between, of course, phone calls from mom and grandma as well as his classes and my La Leche work. It was a wonderful time of visiting, but we all stayed up too late and ate too much junk. sigh.
So this week, Garrett has basically moved in with the grandparents to provide hospice care, and the boys and I have been keeping the home fires burning...and fighting the flu. again. I am starting to think there might be something in our condo or the complex that is aggravating our immune systems. Once again, something out of our control at this point.
We have been visiting back and forth, but couldn't go today (Germs) but Garrett did come and check up on us (while other family was there helping out) So, basically, prayers are needed, for Grandpas salvation, and wisdom and strength for both Garrett and I.
Menu:
Breakfast boiled eggs and toast
Lunch leftover chicken, corn and black-bean soup (yummy!) sourdough toast (impulse buy when I was shopping for grandma)
Dinner Bean and cheese quesadillas with Guacamole.
Tomorrow is a day of running around, I have dr's appointments for the boys, Farmer's market, WIC and maybe the Library. Whew! I'm exhausted just thinking about it!
Two weeks ago Garrett spent Monday and Tuesday at his Grandparents, he was driving them back and forth from the hospital as Grandpa has taken a turn for the worse. His mother also had an accident, she fell out of a truck and broke her kneecap in half, requiring surgery and some screws attached to a metal screen to put it all back together. we then found out Grandpa has less than a month to live.
The rest of the week was spent with his best friend Ron, and his wife Nikki, who were visiting from Wisconsin, so we had a mini-vacation, in between, of course, phone calls from mom and grandma as well as his classes and my La Leche work. It was a wonderful time of visiting, but we all stayed up too late and ate too much junk. sigh.
So this week, Garrett has basically moved in with the grandparents to provide hospice care, and the boys and I have been keeping the home fires burning...and fighting the flu. again. I am starting to think there might be something in our condo or the complex that is aggravating our immune systems. Once again, something out of our control at this point.
We have been visiting back and forth, but couldn't go today (Germs) but Garrett did come and check up on us (while other family was there helping out) So, basically, prayers are needed, for Grandpas salvation, and wisdom and strength for both Garrett and I.
Menu:
Breakfast boiled eggs and toast
Lunch leftover chicken, corn and black-bean soup (yummy!) sourdough toast (impulse buy when I was shopping for grandma)
Dinner Bean and cheese quesadillas with Guacamole.
Tomorrow is a day of running around, I have dr's appointments for the boys, Farmer's market, WIC and maybe the Library. Whew! I'm exhausted just thinking about it!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Be where you are...
"Be where you are, and do what you are doing." was the single best piece of advice I ever got while I attended college. Unfortunately It was given by an extreeeeeemly dry English professor and I had a great deal of trouble focusing on his classes.....
So, Yesterday was a disaster according to my schedule...but a total success family/relationship wise. After paying the bills, we all loaded up in the car and had a family fun day! We had a fast food lunch (not such a good idea) and went to the mall play-place and let the boys run around. J. slept so hard afterwards! In fact, I didn't get to clean their room at all as it was being occupied by a sleeping boy during nearly all hours of the day! The other hours were spent snuggling and having meals.
I did get a head start on today's work, which is the Family room....or as my mom has nick-named it the "Welcome room" which now alliterates with Wednesday and also gives me a good perspective on what that room's purpose is, as this is where guests enter my home!
So, Today's task list:
1. De-Clutter all surfaces
2. Dust
3. wipe windows and sills
4. Vacuum
5.re-organize one area.
In addition, I will be "purging" again, and try to find one trash-bag worth of items to donate to charity. I am so tired of clutter.
Our menu:
Breakfast: Orange/Cranberry oatmeal (which the boys are happily eating/wearing at the moment)
Lunch: Been and cheese quesadillas with guacamole (made with whole grain tortillas)
Dinner: Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti and green salad (mom's recipe)
Alright....lets go!
So, Yesterday was a disaster according to my schedule...but a total success family/relationship wise. After paying the bills, we all loaded up in the car and had a family fun day! We had a fast food lunch (not such a good idea) and went to the mall play-place and let the boys run around. J. slept so hard afterwards! In fact, I didn't get to clean their room at all as it was being occupied by a sleeping boy during nearly all hours of the day! The other hours were spent snuggling and having meals.
I did get a head start on today's work, which is the Family room....or as my mom has nick-named it the "Welcome room" which now alliterates with Wednesday and also gives me a good perspective on what that room's purpose is, as this is where guests enter my home!
So, Today's task list:
1. De-Clutter all surfaces
2. Dust
3. wipe windows and sills
4. Vacuum
5.re-organize one area.
In addition, I will be "purging" again, and try to find one trash-bag worth of items to donate to charity. I am so tired of clutter.
Our menu:
Breakfast: Orange/Cranberry oatmeal (which the boys are happily eating/wearing at the moment)
Lunch: Been and cheese quesadillas with guacamole (made with whole grain tortillas)
Dinner: Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti and green salad (mom's recipe)
Alright....lets go!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
More feminine dress
So I realize I am hopelessly behind in my blogging....Here is another dress I love, it is a "maxi-dress" I have to wear the sweater because the modest length is "compensated" for by having far less fabric in the bodice than I would desire. Sigh, sorry for the long delay, I am off agin to try and clean this place up. Our stovetop decided to stop working yesturday, so now I have to try and arrange some crockpot/microwave meals for the week. so that has been fun too!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Pillow covers
I finally did it! I am down to the last few items on my to do list for the living room. Just the other day I woke up at 5 am, and, after stumbling about in a muddled cloud while attempting to fix a cup of coffee I realized how quiet it was in the house. It was just perfect to do some sewing. All of my previous attempts to do so while the boys are awake simply ended int frustration and tears--from all of us! So the entire project took roughly and hour and fifteen minutes, and that includes the time to rummage about and find my materials and set up. I did not clean up. In fact, I still have not. I probably should as J. is fascinated with the sewing machine and will not stay away. So here are the pictures. I don't have a pattern, in fact I don't even measure half the time. I just kind of eyeball it. so far it has worked for me. I also did a set of matching curtain tie-backs but didn't take pictures of the process.
Here is the before shot. As you can see, the pillow is fraying and does not actually match the couch. When we bought it at the thrift store it appeared to be a lovely tan with green undertones. When we got it home it had changed into this red-brown color that doesn't quite go.
This is how I cut the cloth: I folded it over into thirds, laid the pillow on top, and cut the edges so they fit around. Note the perfect straight lines ;)
This is just to show that it will, indeed fit. I am creating a pillow-sham type covering, with overlapping fabric in the back instead of zippers or buttons--which are beyond my ability at such an early hour.
Sewing. I used a total of 4 pins to hold the overlap together. I really really hate pinning even if it does make things easier. Note the entirely spotless work area...not! I'm working on keeping the table cleared off, but for now it's my only work area.
Here is the cover, half on, the other half comes around and will overlap it a bit.
Ta da! all on, and it fits just perfectly! The other is just the same (I had 2 pillows, but only took pictures of the first one.)
Here it is, on the couch. I must say it looks much better. I will, eventually, put some embroidery on it, but for now I need to finish unpacking the house, and finish up crocheting a baby blanket for a very pregnant friend.
Here is the before shot. As you can see, the pillow is fraying and does not actually match the couch. When we bought it at the thrift store it appeared to be a lovely tan with green undertones. When we got it home it had changed into this red-brown color that doesn't quite go.Here I am, hard at work on the kitchen floor in my pj's and robe, as you can see the kids have been playing here and I still have not cleaned up--just so you know I am NOT perfect! (note: I just realized that this pic is actually of me working on the tiebacks, but I don't know how to re-arrange things so I will just pretend it goes here)
This is how I cut the cloth: I folded it over into thirds, laid the pillow on top, and cut the edges so they fit around. Note the perfect straight lines ;)
This is just to show that it will, indeed fit. I am creating a pillow-sham type covering, with overlapping fabric in the back instead of zippers or buttons--which are beyond my ability at such an early hour. 
Sewing. I used a total of 4 pins to hold the overlap together. I really really hate pinning even if it does make things easier. Note the entirely spotless work area...not! I'm working on keeping the table cleared off, but for now it's my only work area.
Here is the cover, half on, the other half comes around and will overlap it a bit.
Ta da! all on, and it fits just perfectly! The other is just the same (I had 2 pillows, but only took pictures of the first one.) Here it is, on the couch. I must say it looks much better. I will, eventually, put some embroidery on it, but for now I need to finish unpacking the house, and finish up crocheting a baby blanket for a very pregnant friend.Monday, August 10, 2009
What I indended
What I intended to do this morning was rise early and start my day by blogging. Well, I did wind up rising early...Garrett woke up at 4:30 and decided to stay up for the day so he has been puttering about the house cleaning up and organizing...I love it when he gets in these moods. I got up an hour later, and now about 45 mins after that my mind is finally awake enough to perform simple tasks.
What I intend to do in a day is not, often, what happens. I am learning to just go with the flow. I am also adopting a trick my mother taught me, to add the items I did do to my "to do" list and then check them off. That way I can see what I did, and not what I didn't do. So, let's ponder the day shall we. Hmm.... My priority right now is to finish up cleaning and unpacking the living room (yes, I still haven't done that yet) so here is my first "to-do" list. This will not all get done today, but I need to have a reference list of what needs to be done in here.
Financial paperwork (it takes a long time to work out our ever-changing budget)
Meal plans
Grocery shopping
bag up goodwill stuff
Dust
wash mini blinds
hang mini blinds
hang curtains
sew pillow covers
sew curtain tie-backs
make seasonal flower arrangement
Hang pictures
organize cd's
find a new home for toolbox
move rocking chair
clean out file cabinet
take pictures of cleaned rooms for home tour.
Whew I am tired already! I am going to see if I can find the "before" pictures I once took so I can post them with the "after" pics later! Will update you soon!
What I intend to do in a day is not, often, what happens. I am learning to just go with the flow. I am also adopting a trick my mother taught me, to add the items I did do to my "to do" list and then check them off. That way I can see what I did, and not what I didn't do. So, let's ponder the day shall we. Hmm.... My priority right now is to finish up cleaning and unpacking the living room (yes, I still haven't done that yet) so here is my first "to-do" list. This will not all get done today, but I need to have a reference list of what needs to be done in here.
Financial paperwork (it takes a long time to work out our ever-changing budget)
Meal plans
Grocery shopping
bag up goodwill stuff
Dust
wash mini blinds
hang mini blinds
hang curtains
sew pillow covers
sew curtain tie-backs
make seasonal flower arrangement
Hang pictures
organize cd's
find a new home for toolbox
move rocking chair
clean out file cabinet
take pictures of cleaned rooms for home tour.
Whew I am tired already! I am going to see if I can find the "before" pictures I once took so I can post them with the "after" pics later! Will update you soon!
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