tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66811113349622402872024-02-18T20:59:42.903-05:00Mom's MagicA little bit baby book, a little bit lessons learned, and a whole lot of funny stories about my kidsRLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.comBlogger625125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-16212461466030897432016-01-25T22:20:00.000-05:002016-01-25T22:29:11.633-05:00Raising Grateful Kids - book review I was fortunate to be chosen this past fall to participate in the book launch group for <a href="http://raisinggratefulkids.com/">Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World</a> by Kristen Welch of <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/">We Are THAT Family</a>. I received an advance version of the book to read over the holiday season. It gave me a lot to think about, and I can't wait to have my paper copy (that I purchased with my own money) in my hands this week! The official launch is <i>tomorrow!</i> <br />
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<i>Raising Grateful Kids</i> has been an interesting read for me for several reasons, but mostly because my husband and I have already made some counter-cultural choices - and this book addresses how gratefulness has become counter-cultural and entitlement the norm.<br />
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Eight years ago, my husband and I started working hard to become debt free, living off of what we earned and not relying on credit. From there, we have learned so many lessons (and are still learning them!) about wants v. needs, enough v. excess, and being content in our circumstances. We haven't always made the right choices, and of course - for better or for worse - we are role models for our children. As he and I learn, change, and make different choices, we are teaching new lessons to our children and ourselves. It is not always easy - we have made sweeping lifestyle changes over the years - but we are so much happier <i>because</i> we live a bit differently. Because we have more content in our circumstances, not the circumstances which society says we should create for ourselves.<br />
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Of course entitlement hasn't entirely disappeared from our family. Remember that I mentioned I got the book just before the holidays? I <i>may</i> have seen some moments of entitlement in our home in the last couple of months. I also saw many, many links to articles online around this same topic, so I know we aren't the only folks who deal with these issues. But more than that, I've seen examples in our culture that <i>encourage</i> entitled behavior. How can we fight that? Maybe you have the entitlement handled, and are simply trying to encourage gratefulness - I know we could definitely do this more in our home. Either way, I think you might find Kristen's book to be a helpful and interesting read.<br />
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Kristen addresses gratefulness and entitlement across several different topics, including wants and needs, technology, and the normalization of that which was previously taboo. Whether I found confirmation from her words or encouragement to change, each chapter gave me plenty to consider. There were definitely portions that I needed to read and ponder
before I was able to move ahead in the book. There were some moments
when I had to "agree to disagree", but I think that's the mark of a good read -
not simply blind agreement with everything written. Another important note, especially since I have know way of knowing how far this post may go, is that this book, while written from a Christian perspective, can be helpful no matter your level of spirituality. Entitlement and gratefulness affect each of us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CY68n7eAhhRSIhvEA6EQ3cX3TPUZTvgRqsFgDTrVcN7lFj7Z5WB6EbAQtEIzDBzLrAH1PcY_NULOi4F_5sjz4G8d5rmM5rhYveFsS5V0vNqAjqUPoJup5GLnHnWYZ-Bygu8ZsQn9RH8/s1600/rgk5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CY68n7eAhhRSIhvEA6EQ3cX3TPUZTvgRqsFgDTrVcN7lFj7Z5WB6EbAQtEIzDBzLrAH1PcY_NULOi4F_5sjz4G8d5rmM5rhYveFsS5V0vNqAjqUPoJup5GLnHnWYZ-Bygu8ZsQn9RH8/s320/rgk5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We've been snowed/iced in for a few days here. We've cooked, eaten, played outdoors, played card games, played video games, done chores, read books, watched tv, and more. We have watched the entire season of Fixer Upper with the kids and oohed and aahed over the cool, beautiful, or funky updates that we loved. We voted on which house families should select and why. We all enjoyed a show <i>together</i> - and then the "wants" came for a visit. So then we had a discussion about appreciating the home we have, and perhaps ways we could make it work better for us that didn't require many thousands of dollars (which don't happen to be in our budget). You see, teaching gratefulness isn't a one-time lesson. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to read Kristen's book and participate in this book launch - and to have a little more encouragement to continue living against the grain when the "wants" tried to settle in again.<br />
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Buy a copy - <a href="http://raisinggratefulkids.com/">raisinggratefulkids.com</a><br />
Learn more about the author - <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/">wearethatfamily.com</a><br />
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Read what others think:<br />
<a href="http://lifeinlapehaven.com/2016/01/25/raising-grateful-kids-giveaway/">Life in Lape Haven</a><br />
<a href="http://courtneystanford.com/?p=1167">Let Every Heart</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cranberryteatime.com/2016/01/book-review-raising-grateful-kids-in.html">Cranberry Tea Time</a><br />
(and more to come, I'm sure!)RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-24655072164513611622015-11-29T11:04:00.001-05:002015-11-29T11:04:07.649-05:00Thanksgiving 2015We're home from what I affectionately call "the Southern loop" - the great, not-quite-circular sweep from our home to the homes of the grandparents and back. We slipped in time with three (three!) sets of friends along the way. Our "sweep" looked more like a poorly-thrown pottery pitcher - but I guess that's not really the point!<div><br></div><div>We started with a few lazy days, which was just what this mama needed. The boys helped grandpa with some work on Uncle J's vintage ride. My boy was under. a. car. But he thought it was fantastic, and can't wait to do even more work. My girl gets to change the oil on Grandpa's vintage ride next time we are there. I'm sensing a theme, as there's talk of picking up another vintage ride (the very first car I ever drove) as a restoration project. The family that drives vintage together....</div><div><br></div><div>While at our first stop, we were able to share a meal with friends who moved away from our area back in the spring. Thankfully, they are just a few hours away - AND near the grandparents- so we get to see them fairly often. We miss them a LOT (and their nieces, too, who we got to see on occasion), but are so happy for their opportunity to grow their respective careers in their new hometown. </div><div><br></div><div>Our next stop - after an across-the-state drive - was meeting my sister at our mom and (step)dad's place. It was just the five of us, as the 'rents were still on their way home from a trip to NOLA! And next up - Thanksgiving! A table for fourteen, please - with the 'rents and four of the five daughters (and their kids and significant others), it was a wonderfully full house! We met a sweet poodle, Chloe, who needs a new home. I wanted so badly to bring her home with us, but it's just not the right time to add a new, four-legged family member. (If anyone's looking for a 10yo standard poodle, let me know). </div><div><br></div><div>While at our second stop, we connected with friends from home who were on vacation for the holiday week. Our schedules are so busy that we rarely see them outside of school, so it was a treat! It was a party of 8 for putt putt, and the kids were glad to be with friends<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> their own age (they were the only kids at Thanksgiving). Our kids also helped clean magnolia leaves out of grandma's flower beds and fed the ducks and turtles living in a nearby pond, so we had plenty of ways to #OptOutside on Black Friday. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The next day, we were on the road again with a detour to see college friends in their new home. They moved in July, and now live close enough that we can make a day trip or stay for the weekend. We stayed for dinner, and then finished the drive home. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And now, it's our day to "reset" and get ready for a new week. Coming up in just a few days, our boy turns 12! I simply cannot believe it. For today, laundry, groceries, someone has a school project that needs a little bit of attention, and we have to finalize some birthday plans!</span></div>RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-47224238396702644792015-11-22T09:12:00.001-05:002015-11-22T09:12:55.842-05:00(Re)start your engines!Hi friends! I think I've still got a few readers left out there ;)<div><br></div><div>It's time to fire the blog back up! I've got some exciting news. In the past few days, I have been invited to join two (two!!) book launch teams. </div><div><br></div><div>I'll be reading and posting about Brandon Hatmaker's new book, A Mile Wide. I'll also be reading and posting about Raising Grateful Children in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch (of We are THAT Family). </div><div><br></div><div>The timing is peeeerfect! I'll be wrapping up my current group Bible study very soon. I'd been planning on reading All I Really Want: Readings for a Modern Christmas (Quinn G. Caldwell) again this year, which I'll still read, but the opportunity to dig into two new books (because I usually get some reading in over the holiday break) is a gift itself!</div><div><br></div><div>Oh, yeah - I do still have that stack of "waiting to be read" books. I don't think they'll mind waiting a little longer - though I am currently moving at a pretty speedy pace through For the Love (J Hatmaker). I've heard parts of it will wreck me (which might have also happened when I read 7), so we shall see. </div><div><br></div><div>So excited to share this news - and to keep sharing through blog and social media! Stay tuned!</div>RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-24371602996325471352015-10-28T18:03:00.001-04:002015-10-28T18:03:56.608-04:00Snippets of my days...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A few photos from the past week or so. I've been camera-happy, it seems!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4J03VxZ9SmRjet7UXWg3Sb_NB0d1lBZ5PCNojsr2JqpCpJiljm9a8XW05x-ZvREaIbLbyVGD_hqO0LBkowXwlbQvtd1FhU81OLTPcvfoef0wtgWXUrvIjSu-6SFyuGLgo-lngRIJjfM/s640/blogger-image--1598026974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4J03VxZ9SmRjet7UXWg3Sb_NB0d1lBZ5PCNojsr2JqpCpJiljm9a8XW05x-ZvREaIbLbyVGD_hqO0LBkowXwlbQvtd1FhU81OLTPcvfoef0wtgWXUrvIjSu-6SFyuGLgo-lngRIJjfM/s640/blogger-image--1598026974.jpg"></a></div>Look at that cute fox duct tape! It's giving my retro funky flowers a run for the money. Allllmost bought a roll. The green scroll to the left isn't bad, either!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9k33uhhmMQT6YQTYYm7uSFHyN3QOC3-CB2U7hz9r7JEzWZHOffOZ0fLskWH2qBWG_8SSYdLRKi5OgeaxMjQASdK8WuOXqMEKrpF_Wa04wllyyeotoiKTlwMyKNgF17M62sK9erfThTrk/s640/blogger-image--817712076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9k33uhhmMQT6YQTYYm7uSFHyN3QOC3-CB2U7hz9r7JEzWZHOffOZ0fLskWH2qBWG_8SSYdLRKi5OgeaxMjQASdK8WuOXqMEKrpF_Wa04wllyyeotoiKTlwMyKNgF17M62sK9erfThTrk/s640/blogger-image--817712076.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My favorite fall foliage - burning bush. I love how bright these leaves become, and I'm always a little bummed when the leaves are gone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJ03z5fMgkCXmPwn1R5uwleuxcdo1ejh-ouvfQUIez2FlKreymXAwIoNbrPT00v9GmymOO1UrCDxlhQoaYTbCSJ0HDizuyTCXiwV6hHqq-2_AmwckdUsmJjzZKnZh4h5uPxDA7qKOvgY/s640/blogger-image-508379948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJ03z5fMgkCXmPwn1R5uwleuxcdo1ejh-ouvfQUIez2FlKreymXAwIoNbrPT00v9GmymOO1UrCDxlhQoaYTbCSJ0HDizuyTCXiwV6hHqq-2_AmwckdUsmJjzZKnZh4h5uPxDA7qKOvgY/s640/blogger-image-508379948.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Impromptu visit with a friend. We had some adult beverages and heavy (but needed and good) conversation. I treasure these visits, and I'm so happy we are putting time with each other on our calendars! She's a homeschooling mama to many, so it means the world that she makes time for a visit every other week or so!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTw-NTDWP2AIm1lQj_cV5ehsqrC_1IdVF9SPATz17t8pzFulWOWJ0uJM6g7m9jXzw_lv4JEnb7AmB5eAI4xx3WU0kt_JGzUbM_au5boU5Rn4pMC0gVrGuiTk9KWmjAPQlvKK_THj45-PY/s640/blogger-image-639222277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTw-NTDWP2AIm1lQj_cV5ehsqrC_1IdVF9SPATz17t8pzFulWOWJ0uJM6g7m9jXzw_lv4JEnb7AmB5eAI4xx3WU0kt_JGzUbM_au5boU5Rn4pMC0gVrGuiTk9KWmjAPQlvKK_THj45-PY/s640/blogger-image-639222277.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I should probably have taken the mommy-van on a Costco-and-groceries run, but I still managed to get everything in the trunk. The front of the car had to have room for people after school pick-up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0O3T63Bu6HSFEx8pzydttNJNcKjkPzI0HKSWAJY3BJXsza5KUIqmmWHJvqXBG9ji827tn5iqtV5zYbd4PmCvT5NejgknCoFqv28uOVEsuibWlaaXdIQTNxOlbT5IAuKV29cfzu1IsXs/s640/blogger-image-1337750251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0O3T63Bu6HSFEx8pzydttNJNcKjkPzI0HKSWAJY3BJXsza5KUIqmmWHJvqXBG9ji827tn5iqtV5zYbd4PmCvT5NejgknCoFqv28uOVEsuibWlaaXdIQTNxOlbT5IAuKV29cfzu1IsXs/s640/blogger-image-1337750251.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My favorite store, REI, has decided to close on Black Friday. Now I love them even more. I do not enjoy the holiday shopping chaos. Give me baking or grocery shopping chaos any day ;) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(image credit, REI)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoN-r-mCQC3cgBt5PTfI8c5EsZsBKXn4fFXtNmuAQKUcvGue4EN-T-kHdQvXV9z2NG2DedLhAlNaAWCWP6n7GqhycwRwyDTwaFkalDFJs0p9NfinZcK902WvhZyIXvIkRA1Mb1D0nUQ4/s640/blogger-image--566288509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoN-r-mCQC3cgBt5PTfI8c5EsZsBKXn4fFXtNmuAQKUcvGue4EN-T-kHdQvXV9z2NG2DedLhAlNaAWCWP6n7GqhycwRwyDTwaFkalDFJs0p9NfinZcK902WvhZyIXvIkRA1Mb1D0nUQ4/s640/blogger-image--566288509.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We visited the Apple Store in the "big city" and I snapped this shot. I </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">wish I had taken a similar image of sleeping bags hanging up on display at REI (which we also visited on that trip). My other family members love this store about as much as I love REI.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TY1VPAb3YrFCMv8ddE6PBZaT1qKJzKcYwLtMDtfTZ15iv33Wz1v70U6TAdt8zWJI3DJjAKyJA-dN18U7xhILpP6q9dMICVDG16-wyjKtljaA3ZPX63tLPLtpDTY3iRT6cgMkx_AAl0I/s640/blogger-image--1591192558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TY1VPAb3YrFCMv8ddE6PBZaT1qKJzKcYwLtMDtfTZ15iv33Wz1v70U6TAdt8zWJI3DJjAKyJA-dN18U7xhILpP6q9dMICVDG16-wyjKtljaA3ZPX63tLPLtpDTY3iRT6cgMkx_AAl0I/s640/blogger-image--1591192558.jpg"></a></div></div>Get thee to Costco and purchase a bag (or two). They are delicious. I'm putting this on my Christmas list. Really. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rBXwCn6uhUExS7JeXEUmmQ_t6oc5X9udb8eCtFm8xvFuIeGA9tghDqmxLxb-3StmJcc8SQ0TmZ5tR4IBiH2E_mw4SrdnFMeZqzzEMoi2tKtDN0BpadnL_9yt4swwhIq_I8W4_xqE5Ds/s640/blogger-image-1449704996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rBXwCn6uhUExS7JeXEUmmQ_t6oc5X9udb8eCtFm8xvFuIeGA9tghDqmxLxb-3StmJcc8SQ0TmZ5tR4IBiH2E_mw4SrdnFMeZqzzEMoi2tKtDN0BpadnL_9yt4swwhIq_I8W4_xqE5Ds/s640/blogger-image-1449704996.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div>Yum. And a splash in your coffee isn't a bad idea, either. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jiC36o2TS02zTaanThvu-WQIwboQ4iOL0qRqqc47dTEVqP7B3nz37o1GglGNqJ9zpLJy1Co8Jp69WT2uVi4dz96ZEs74hd4QF6dZ3WRA-pFE30zriFk4mAdtDfPWSBIGpOwtyWxUFjk/s640/blogger-image--329590578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jiC36o2TS02zTaanThvu-WQIwboQ4iOL0qRqqc47dTEVqP7B3nz37o1GglGNqJ9zpLJy1Co8Jp69WT2uVi4dz96ZEs74hd4QF6dZ3WRA-pFE30zriFk4mAdtDfPWSBIGpOwtyWxUFjk/s640/blogger-image--329590578.jpg"></a></div>Blueberry cobbler - a late-evening baking whim. Maybe I should have a small business on the side - cookies, cakes, quick breads, etc. I love to bake waaaay too much!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3Yet8S-15vXWyvne4nEwm2ooDmSjqzbmCpxlT0SPXpwVDE1AJcn8TfsLQdmYaI2uTr6W_NlOccTfPC_15yOYe1ZvSSizWmFRBGejNdaUO2i_WdVGcD9K0BPaUD1KvYIDtuaBZOdKKVM/s640/blogger-image-71614232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3Yet8S-15vXWyvne4nEwm2ooDmSjqzbmCpxlT0SPXpwVDE1AJcn8TfsLQdmYaI2uTr6W_NlOccTfPC_15yOYe1ZvSSizWmFRBGejNdaUO2i_WdVGcD9K0BPaUD1KvYIDtuaBZOdKKVM/s640/blogger-image-71614232.jpg"></a></div>You guys. Santa brought me one of these last Christmas. I am such a "saver" when it comes to fancy dark chocolate treats - it took me months to finish these. I can't decide if I want another one this year or not. I was going to spring for the grown-up chocolate advent calendar, but it has glutinous ingredients. Boo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq61jz-w-sECYkXBTHI3oKqcwMxm7AE8xUY01Jq3ketVIfoNEcT7N1FsAYe8Y8glgAFQmdTyYBWD0BhC8IGPBxFzjHBT9jzgqTx8usBbbW4e_vMHj6T6XPDMZlNct1ZpcLuv_ZpWm7Ww4/s640/blogger-image-669710170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq61jz-w-sECYkXBTHI3oKqcwMxm7AE8xUY01Jq3ketVIfoNEcT7N1FsAYe8Y8glgAFQmdTyYBWD0BhC8IGPBxFzjHBT9jzgqTx8usBbbW4e_vMHj6T6XPDMZlNct1ZpcLuv_ZpWm7Ww4/s640/blogger-image-669710170.jpg"></a></div>One of our favorite local restaurants serves some of the best breakfast and brunch I've ever had. My favorite is the Benedict- you can make your own, or try the weekend specials. This is my own recreation with a biscuit and my first try at Hollandaise - not too bad, and lessons learned for next time. Also, not the prettiest egg ever, but overall it was good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6QbyLTktFUkMGSm8zOOCyRIhye3n8nuMdO6kSsk1yep2mDsEkpPuABdSPSw2Six9DboL8XicvHX70zGPc4q5etRBFfNndKlBwXNWGCKe8gebh5C5SkXYesZK5tnr_9m4uhH1Vv7ZnIM/s640/blogger-image--346076003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6QbyLTktFUkMGSm8zOOCyRIhye3n8nuMdO6kSsk1yep2mDsEkpPuABdSPSw2Six9DboL8XicvHX70zGPc4q5etRBFfNndKlBwXNWGCKe8gebh5C5SkXYesZK5tnr_9m4uhH1Vv7ZnIM/s640/blogger-image--346076003.jpg"></a></div></div>Pretty apples, nice lighting. Ahhh, fall..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In other news, I'm hoping to shuffle a few rooms in the house. Big J's office has moved from the "den" - which will become the guest room/mom cave. Don't worry, the den has a door. Miss M's room will go to the former guest room, and her "old" room may get Mr. J as the new occupant. Whichever room is then vacant will hopefully get some use as a craft space while I get some scrap booking caught up. So very far behind, I don't want to talk about it - but I have the supplies just sitting there, and I want to get them caught up and get all of the memorabilia either tucked away or tossed. My goal is to keep the most meaningful items and get rid of things that are truly not important or loved and enjoyed. We will see how it goes, as this (the room-moving more than the scrap booking) is not a solo project! But I'm very excited about the "new" guest room. </div>RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-32244135459355067262015-08-23T16:29:00.001-04:002015-08-23T16:29:14.657-04:00The price of perfection<div>"Falling would have been better. I could have gotten up from a physical fall. But being told that failure must be avoided at all costs kept me from ever getting back up on those monkey bars again." </div><div>- from <u>The Best Yes</u> by Lysa Terkeurst</div><div><br></div><div>That's lesson number two I've learned about the value of letting kids have small failures early on. The first - from Love and Logic - is the actual learning curve of making a mistake and having to deal with the results. Let kids begin with "small" mistake and consequences before they become "big" mistakes and the consequences much more serious. Let them learn how to consider the consequences of making a particular decision. However, I don't know that I've ever read anything that addresses (in quite this way) the emotional aspect of not requiring perfection and "allowing" mistakes quite like the book I'm reading now. </div><div><br></div><div>Perhaps it struck a chord with me because I am a perfectionist to some degree. And sometimes it prevents me from doing what needs to be done, when all I really need to do is <i>take action</i>. Just start somewhere. But I want to start <i>perfectly</i>. Not go back and have to redo. When that might actually be faster than doing <i>nothing at all</i>. There's a huge cost in expecting this of myself - or of my children. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to remind my older child - earlier this afternoon, before I picked up this book and read this passage - that his worth is not in how well or quickly he can master a skill. I don't love him less because he's not a quick study on my old flute from middle school. He may never be able to play it perfectly, but I also reminded him that his scientific mind may allow him to understand how and why the flute works the way it does better than I probably ever will. He has worth to me because he is who he is, not for what he can do. And I can show him just how much by allowing him to make mistakes, and to do so without criticism, but with guidance and love and encouragement. </div><div><br></div><div>I can't tell you how much more lovely his music was to me - and how much more patience I had for being in that moment with him when he was frustrated - when I just let go of the desire for perfection. Yes, I wanted to be the "perfect" parent in that moment. I think I did an ok job. </div>RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-66634196294386259662015-07-20T19:37:00.001-04:002015-07-20T19:37:51.414-04:00It's gonna be okay, Mama<div>I received compliments on my son's behavior three days in a row last week/weekend. Friday - at the end of Lego camp, from the camp director. Saturday - when we picked him up from a friend's bar mitzvah - from the parents, the lady who was running the photo booth, and a "silent" compliment from the DJ, who was letting Jonah run the DJ booth! Sunday - from the lady who was sitting beside him at church, someone whom I did not know. </div><div>I've got admit, my mama heart has had a little bit of worry about sending him off to a week of Scout Camp for the first time. (I'll also admit that this worry really took me by surprise, as I've had such a great time with him lately and have seen so much growth in him!) Yes, I'm a little worried he might be homesick. I'm more worried that he's hot (it is hotter then normal and SO humid here right now) and hopeful that he's staying hydrated and hasn't lost his towel this year! I'm pretty certain he only took one shower at Cub Scout camp one year, as he came home without his towel! Ew! But those compliments said to me, "You're doing a good job, mama. He's going to be just fine!" </div><div>So thankful for small gestures and encouragement that mean so much!</div>RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-68492661710399138292015-07-16T14:50:00.001-04:002015-07-16T14:50:34.085-04:00What are you looking forward to this weekend?An Instagram friend posted this question today, and I wanted to save my reply by sharing it here. <div><br></div><div>Is it bad that I'm looking forward to sending my boy child off to scout camp? Not excited that he will be gone! 😂😉 but for the great time he's going to have! He always comes back a little "older" - and that's just so cool to see. I've had a couple of good conversations with him this week that give me a peek into the young man he's becoming, and it's been wonderful. So exciting to see my kiddos grow into the next stage!</div><div><br></div><div>I've seen a bigger boy this week than the one I saw just a few days ago. I've asked him some bigger questions, talked about some deeper topics, and told him I'm ready to hand over some of the choices to him a little at a time. I can see he's growing up, and it's time to let him practice bigger and bigger decisions before the really big ones come up! I've told him how I'm trying to be a better, more patient and understanding mom. Car rides with my boy this week have been so, so special. I've let him ride in the front seat (yes - he's growing up!) and without a sister to pick on in the backseat, I've had his attention and he's had mine. Love, love that one-on-one time!</div><div><br></div><div>So, what are you looking forward to this weekend? Doesn't have to be "deep" - lets just chat!</div>RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-86892735643239293132015-06-14T13:34:00.001-04:002015-06-24T18:46:10.928-04:00Gallery Wall project - part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Miss M has always (always!) loved art. Her love of art is a big reason we chose to enroll her (three years ago) in our local charter school that integrates the arts into other areas of study. She has also participated in an art camps and classes in the past, and will do an art and writing camp this summer. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mister J has been at our charter school for two school years now, and tried out an animation class last summer. They have both created some lovely (and to us, pretty impressive) artwork at school, and one of the projects we are tackling this summer is to get some of their artwork framed and hang it up to create a gallery area in our home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We purchased a lot of frames yesterday - size and quantity based on my quick measurements of a few pieces. I didn't have 100% success sizing things, and I need to go back for some additional mounting paper and hanging hardware, but I've gotten a good start. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left - Miss M's artwork from an art camp; Center - J's 'splatter painting' from this past school year; Right - J's pencil drawing of a diamondback rattlesnake (done in conjuction with study of the American West)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left - M's cherry blossoms (done in conjunction with a study of Japan); Right - "Help" by M, based on the story of Icarus</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not all of our goodies are from school - or even by the kids. Left - print of Seattle's Pike Place Market, a gift from my brother- and sister-in-law, previously framed but now in a more substantial frame; Right - M's work from a summer camp a few years ago.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are several more items to frame, including some larger-format photos we are picking up later today.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span> I can't wait to put our gallery together ans see all of these things in one place! I'll try to post pictures when it's all complete!</div>
RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-68597641161650957502015-06-13T21:05:00.001-04:002015-06-24T18:44:50.197-04:00Settlers of AmericaOn the fourth day, we finished! So much fun! Look for an update from Mr J in the coming days.<br />
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June 23, 2105 - update from Mr. J<br />
Catan Settlers of America is a game where you settle in different places as you move west and as you build tracks to deliver goods to the opponents towns. To win, you need to deliver all your goods to the opponents' towns. You can try to stop them from getting to your town by building tracks so that they pay you when they move on your track. There are special cards called development cards that can give you the ability to move a train up to 5 tracks for free no matter how many opponents' tracks you move over. But there can also be other abilities that the cards give you. The winner for game 1 was my mom and the winner of game number 2 was me, Mister J. </div>
RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-87782426596605204342015-06-12T13:35:00.002-04:002015-06-12T13:35:52.691-04:00Summer projects & a guest blogger!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It's summer! We've been out of school for nearly a week now, and after a quick weekend trip we are settling into our summer routine. A summer camp here, a home project there, and fun and games, too!</div>
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I'm also trying to get things back in gear on the blog, with the help of a guest blogger! Mister J - who is now 11.5 years old and just completed 5th grade - will be helping me write posts, starting with a quick rundown of this morning's fun project. (As a reminder, I don't use the names of our family members on the blog; for those of you who know us, please keep this in mind as you comment!)</div>
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Hi I am mister J, and this is going to be about a simple way to clean your jewelry and silverware. you need to take a bowl(it doesn't matter what type of bowl) and put tinfoil in the bowl as shown below. then you heat some water up to a boil but don't put it in yet. you put your silver items in the bowl with tin foil and pour baking soda on it. after that, you pour the hot water in the bowl, wait a minute and the tarnish should be gone!</div>
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my mom knew what to do, she just wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do. so we found a video on <a href="http://www.adoringthesimple.com/2013/02/clean-your-sterling-silver-jewelry.html">this blog post</a>. <br />
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Thanks to my guest blogger for pitching in today! Hopefully this is the start of several posts over the summer documenting our projects and progress. We have a couple of bigger projects in mind, though we are juggling those with camp schedules and other to-dos (for both the parents and kids!). <br />
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<br />RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-75978062464763556022014-10-22T09:51:00.001-04:002014-10-22T09:51:44.956-04:00Bible Study and a Bittersweet ReminderI'm sitting at my favorite coffee shop this morning, reading for my Bible study tomorrow. It's a welcome break from the "everyday" - I really do love digging into a book and searching out scripture in the Bible. <div>As I flipped through my Bible this morning, I found my copy of the passage I read at my dad's funeral (from Meditation 17 by John Donne) and noticed my bookmark still tucked into the scripture I had chosen for that day, John 1:12. </div><div>I think about my dad <i>every day</i> - and sometimes wonder if (and hope that) I thought about him that often before he was gone. </div><div>The days are creeping by, and I'm also inching closer to a trip that will give me the opportunity to stop by his grave. I broached the subject with the kids last night, and my girl definitely wants to go and to leave flowers. It'll be a tough visit - the first time back, and also near his birthday - but I think it will be good to do it together. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULvXUdRnkxiWgs_OizZ0ChiXP8kgQRU1GFN0FU4QimFkNLB-8t0Zglfivm4E9BshB4QsFrPyWLxbg2H-WECvPL8T4_B-745_3jBbZVAyn_9WynrNiZzQC0cesNwdndYf5F9P7gvfNO_g/s640/blogger-image--1177023599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULvXUdRnkxiWgs_OizZ0ChiXP8kgQRU1GFN0FU4QimFkNLB-8t0Zglfivm4E9BshB4QsFrPyWLxbg2H-WECvPL8T4_B-745_3jBbZVAyn_9WynrNiZzQC0cesNwdndYf5F9P7gvfNO_g/s640/blogger-image--1177023599.jpg"></a></div></div>RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-39283754243704735802014-08-28T21:35:00.000-04:002014-08-28T21:35:45.155-04:00Wondering what the "after" will feel likeFor now, you can catch me <a href="http://lifeinforsyth.blogspot.com/2014/08/mama-is-that-you.html">here</a> (in the first comment).<br />
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<a href="http://lifeinforsyth.blogspot.com/">Lucy</a>'s written a lot about her mom - mostly sweet and funny memories. She's written posts about what it's like to miss her mom, too. I've searched and re-read a lot of those posts lately. (Lucy, if you've been paying attention to your blog stats, that was me...) I don't know if I'll say much more about what I'm feeling in this season, but in case you were checking in, well, here's just one of the reasons for the blog silence. RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-60912215145674202512014-08-28T21:31:00.000-04:002014-08-28T21:31:35.361-04:00An Interesting DayI posted a status update on Facebook a few hours ago:<br />
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"It has been an interesting day..."<br />
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I got a couple of inquiries by folks just checking in, a couple of encouraging comments, and three likes. I wasn't really trying to stir things up or make anyone super-curious, I was just commenting on the day thus far. There was fodder for interesting conversation and there were some things that gave me pause, made me reflect.<br />
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We have actually had an interesting <i>few</i> days leading up to this point. There have been things that make me question and pray, things that make me wonder if I really just need to grow a thicker skin, and things that have brought me to tears. I have been frustrated, sad, annoyed, perplexed, thrilled, excited, and fearful. <br />
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And no, reader, I'm not going to publish a laundry list of all those things here. I hate to be "mysterious" - because truly, I'm pretty much an open book to anyone who knows me. No poker-playing for me. Now is simply not the time, and it may never be. However, this is my space to share, to think, to save things for later. For now, I'm using it to "think out loud." <br />
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There have been bright spots, for sure. We spent a quiet day at home for the 4th of July (one of my favorite holidays, right behind Thanksgiving), and went over to a friend's house for lounging and fireworks later in the evening. We had a lovely Saturday - the weather has been exemplary for this time of year, and I truly love having very few commitments and 'to-do' items for a weekend. I have missed running with my BRF (best running friend) this week, but trading in an early morning run for a quiet Saturday morning did our whole family good.<br />
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I've never been more guarded, and yet more open and vulnerable, than since I went back to work last summer. It sounds like such an oxymoron - like "deafening silence" - and yet it feels so very true. <br />
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((I stopped writing at this point, and am coming back much later to review the draft. I've decided to click "Publish" - 8.28.2014)) RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-50430800136150674602014-06-28T22:25:00.001-04:002014-06-28T22:31:41.522-04:00More of birthday #8<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Miss M needed a cake on her "real" birthday, and I was more than happy to oblige! I love to bake, so birthdays are extra fun in that respect. I rarely bake cakes - we just never finish them - but there are usually some extra folks around for birthdays to help us out!</div>
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The day actually started with a fun new tradition, the birthday streamers, that Big J and I set up the night before. (And the birthday streamers started with Little J's birthday last year. Due to a crazy schedule, we needed something a little extra fun and crazy to commemorate his big day. It was such a hit, Miss M has been eagerly looking forward to it this year!)</div>
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It's sure hard to get good pictures at night! We set this all up the night before, after the kiddos were asleep. </div>
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I missed seeing M wake up and discover all of the streamer craziness, but Big J said she loved it!</div>
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I let her take some selfies with my phone on the way to day camp, we had her well check that afternoon (thankfully no shots, and she was excited to get her hearing checked!), then met her Birthday Buddy (a friend from church with the exact same birthday, just a couple of hours older) for ice cream. That evening, we had dinner at a restaurant of her choosing (Cheddar's) and came home for birthday cake! Yep, you can have two desserts on your birthday - and one before dinner!</div>
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There were a few gifts waiting at home - a couple of art and activity books and a camp chair in her favorite color (blue!). She's also gotten a couple of birthday cards with money and gift cards, so today we took her shopping to buy something special. She picked out a Lego set, which she completed with just a little help. I'm pretty sure she's going to enjoy Lego camp later this summer!</div>
RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-70574711258485225912014-06-28T22:09:00.001-04:002014-06-28T22:13:05.125-04:00Happy #8, M!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My kids are growing up, y'all. And last weekend we had a party for the littler of my littles (though they really are not so little any more). Miss M turned 8! We had a small, backyard party that she helped plan. She also helped with some of the favors and decorations. Our theme was "magical rainbow" - and here's a bit of what we put together...</span></div>
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Wreath for the front door with removable number 8. As you can see, I hadn't actually attached it at this point. </div>
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Water bottles - and plenty of them - since the weather would be pretty warm, even for a party in the morning. </div>
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Tissue paper pins for decorations - eventually hung underneath the canopy we set up (to provide some shade for the refreshments). </div>
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Party favors in progress - magic wands, of course! These were definitely a team effort - and so much fun! Each party-goer got their own color or wand, silly string, and goody bag (see other items in the background).</div>
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Cake pops!!! So yummy! And all 35 disappeared between party goers and parents (Miss M is ever the hostess, so she gave them to parents as they picked up their kids from the party). Which was good, since I knew I'd be baking a layer cake for her actual birthday.</div>
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Centerpiece painted by Miss M!</div>
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The refreshment table. I didn't get a good pic of the poms hanging underneath - but they really added a lot!</div>
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It was such a low-key, fun morning! Additional festivities and pictures to follow - her real birthday wasn't for a couple more days!</div>
RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-48376509870740885272013-09-30T22:25:00.000-04:002013-09-30T22:25:19.289-04:00Girls' Weekend - Success!This is a little late, but just wanted to give a shout out to my mom, my sis, my cousin, and my little girl. <br />
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Y'all know I hate to shop (except for groceries and running clothes, go figure...), but I was really in need of some new clothes, and these ladies spent part of our girls' weekend helping me find some. Four {four!} pairs of jeans, several tees, tops, & tanks, and even a summer dress (on clearance!) later, I'm well ahead of the game. Most of y'all are thinking, "Isn't girls' weekend all about shopping?" Maybe, but not of the "I'm desperate, the seasons are changing and I have no pants" variety. And besides, we like to eat and then check out the clearance racks at Target. These ladies took me to the mall! <br />
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And my little girl, well, she is not only growing up into a responsible young lady, but she's got a great sense of style, too. Not to mention her awesome sense of humor! We had some awesome mom-and-daughter time on the drive down and back.<br />
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It would be a shame if I didn't mention that my husband and son enjoyed their weekend, too. My son asked me last night if we could have kid-and-parent time every weekend! Or at least more often :) <br />
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I think it's a wonderful idea! RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-56095728867169396032013-08-12T23:30:00.000-04:002013-08-12T23:30:42.751-04:00Summer is winding down! (Brain Dump Edition)I cannot believe that Mister J returns to school in two weeks and Miss M in just 9 days! This is the part of summer that usually has me getting excited, but I can't start the back-to-school countdown just yet. You see, M is away at her first spend-the-night - and she got to stay for two nights! She's been having a ball, which makes me so happy! Also, I've had some one-on-one time with J. I think we should make time to do this more often, but somehow we manage to let our "free" weekends get away from us. They are few and far between, and we often spend time enjoying the simple fact that they are unplanned. But even a few hours one-on-one would be something to celebrate. Hmmm... Food for thought.<br />
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I've managed to continue running throughout the summer, and even improve my pace! I cannot wait for cooler weather - I love to run in the fall and winter. Actually, I just love to run - which is how I've managed to keep up the routine over the summer (though I did take a bit of a break early on). I am thankful for the cooler-than-normal summer, and think that's a big reason I've been able to continue running. I have also reached the point that I don't ditch a run just because my running buddy can't make it. I'm tackling those mental roadblocks and learning to enjoy being out there even if it's just me. However, I do have a bit of a physical roadblock - so I'll be taking at least a few days off. I've managed to deal with (and treat) pain from a tight quad and I've conquered plantar fasciitis, but I've been sidelined because I took a spill on (or rather, off of) a bike yesterday. Ouch. Most of the impact was to my elbow and shoulder, but I also have a bruised hip. I'd love to say I'll be back out there Wednesday morning, but that may be a bit too ambitious. Darn.<br />
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And - surprise! - I've taken a part-time job at our church. It's 4 mornings a week, and when school is in session it will be during the kids' school day - perfect! I'll do drop-offs and pick-ups just like always, and I'll be home for homework in the afternoons. I started about 3 weeks ago, so we've had to do a bit of juggling with camps, transportation, and child care - but thankfully Big J has some flexibility with work and the kids are able to entertain themselves if he is working from home. I think the transition to the school year may be a bit challenging - I'm used to grocery shopping on Monday mornings, going for a run in the late morning, and spending a day doing laundry. I know that part of my schedule will necessarily change - and I'll still need to fit in volunteer hours at school on my day off - but I'm certain we'll figure it out. I have to admit, these first few weeks have left me worn out in the afternoon. It seems odd to me - because it's an administrative position - that I should be so tired in the afternoons. Again, another adjustment and I know it'll just take a little time. <br />
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For now, I'm looking forward to getting the last of the school supply shopping complete, meeting the kids' new teachers, and getting back into a routine. Summer is fun, and I love that we can send our kids to camps that feed their interests, but some of us around here seem to operate better with a routine. (Um, that would be me and Mister J!) Also, I love fall. Jeans weather! Camping weather! Running capris weather! <br />
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<i>So, how've you been doing? What do you love about this time of year? Or do you prefer summer?</i>RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-66141004096355168372013-07-06T19:31:00.001-04:002013-07-06T19:40:08.349-04:00How One Project Becomes Two<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our microwave quit working about a week ago. We took it to an appliance repair shop hoping for an inexpensive fix that would give us a couple more years, but that wasn't the case. So we spent part of Friday evening and Saturday afternoon looking for a new one. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">While we were out on Friday we did a few other things on our to-do list. Target was one of our stops, and couple of new outdoor pillows found their way into my shopping cart. Today, I moved our small set of porch furniture from the back porch to the front, tossed on the new pillows, and decided the front door needs a new paint color. (We'll probably want some {more} furniture for the back porch eventually, too.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porch furniture ca. 2004. It's help up pretty well! I like how the new pillows perk it up a bit!</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I think the door will be a happy, peacock blue when A) it stops raining, and B) it's cool enough to leave a door open all day for paint to dry. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And that is how one project quickly became two. (Never mind the imminent master bedroom makeover - I've got a few (small) new pieces on order of that room. They will be here in August, I hope!)</span></div>
RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-19632211748691445632013-07-06T19:26:00.001-04:002013-07-06T19:41:58.046-04:00And the rain...We had big plans to head to the drive-in movie theatre on July 4th. It had been raining all week, and Thursday looked to be our best chance for a clear evening. After a day of off-and-on showers with sun in between, the sky really started to look dark in the afternoon. The drive-in is an hour away, so we really didn't want to risk getting there and then have the movies (always a double feature!) cancelled due to weather. So, we passed on our plans for the drive-in, hopeful for another family-friendly double feature (maybe in the fall?).<br />
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The kids were looking forward to popping a big bowl of popcorn (we recently tried and succeeded at popping it on the stove), so we did that anyway and had an indoor picnic and a movie at home (I got the movies from the Redbox just before our big evening shower began). We made three flavors of popcorn and everyone was happy.<br />
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{Hmmm, this sounds a lot like our <a href="http://momsmagic.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-found-that-little-cord.html">rained-out plans two years ago</a>!} </div>
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It's been rainy for several days now - the same on-and-off showers. It's not so bad, I guess, except there's never enough time for the grass to dry out and time to mow. It's starting to get tall! And it's humid, but thankfully the temps are not too, too warm. </div>
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Today, it was sunny and dry enough for the kids to go to tennis lessons. Big J and I played on a nearby set of courts. Well, "played" might make it sound like we could volley more than about 4 hits in a row - but we still enjoyed the time outside!</div>
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As we settled back in at home this evening following a search for a new microwave, the rain started again. It's really a nice, gentle rain for the most part, but its completely unpredictable. I'm ready for all-day sun again!</div>
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{Aside from books, movies, video games, and complete stir-craziness from being indoors, here's something I did with Miss this week. It was fun, and we've even gotten a couple of compliments! M picked my colors - I'd have never chosen these myself, but I really like them!}<br />
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RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-82440081126034634402013-07-02T15:29:00.004-04:002013-07-02T15:29:58.450-04:00Already?!?How is it already July? The kids have been out of school for close to a month now, and it seems we've barely had a moment to just ... be. <br />
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Don't get me wrong - we have certainly planned for a lot of our busy-ness. Camps for the kids, home study visits with our social worker as we make progress with our plans to adopt, and some to-dos around the house (due to slacking off during a very busy May and June) were all in our plans. (And somebody had a birthday!) Don't think I'm complaining when I say this, but things are just <i>different</i> when the kids are not in school all day. The hours seem to be <i>more full</i> and to fly by <i>even faster</i> than the days during the school year. Busy-ness has a way of speeding up the clock, doesn't it?<br />
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But along with the, "Whoa, where's the summer going?" feeling, I realize that we really <i>are</i> taking it a little easy on our days "off." The kids are playing with friends in the neighborhood, they have quiet/reading time in the afternoons (Mister J is making great progress on a book series), and although there are plenty of free/inexpensive opportunities we could take advantage of, I have not rushed us out to any of them. Not even to sign up for the free summer reading program at one of my favorite local bookstores. But I <i>have</i> been taking advantage of the library, and may even let the kiddos try out some e-books that they can read via my kindle app. <br />
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I've been participating in an informal book study on <a href="http://francinerivers.com/books/lineage-grace">A Lineage of Grace</a>, I've had some fun with <a href="http://momsmagic.blogspot.com/2013/06/first-day-of-summer-break-2013.html">Flappy Mail</a>, and I'm trying to make some progress on a master bedroom restyle. (I'm pretty inspired to do some switcheroos in the kitchen/dining/living room, too, but the MBR is first!) Oh, and then there's the normal "just being an adult" stuff like getting along without a microwave while you ponder the repair/replace dilemma. <i>*sigh*</i><br />
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Today, for our 'relaxed' day, we have cooked breakfast, emptied/reloaded/run the dishwasher, I let the kids wash the items that could not go/fit into the dishwasher (I was not prepared for the amount of water that found its way out of the sink...), prepared and cleaned up lunch, had some playtime with the neighbors' kids, reading time, and now they are having a bit of screen time before ... before I figure out what's next. <br />
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There's plenty on my to-do list - always is! - but mostly I need to work on a meal plan for this evening (not to mention the rest of the week) and probably do some grocery shopping to round things out (I wish I could find all of my needs and favorites in one store). I may get the kids in on the meal planning - especially our snack supply for a drive-in movie we'll see later in the week. (So excited about that - and hoping the weather cooperates!) <br />
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<b>How's your first month of summer? Have you had a moment to catch your breath?</b>RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-22264534537365640372013-06-12T22:15:00.001-04:002013-06-14T07:44:28.001-04:00First Day of Summer Break - 2013Technically, it's not M's first day of break - last Thursday was her last day - but today was J's first day of break. To me, it's the first day of summer because the lunch-packing and taxiing about is over for just a little while. <br>
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Today has been such a fun, cool, special day that I wanted to post a quick rundown. <br>
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Here's my Facebook status from mid-afternoon:<br>
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<i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Today's Top 5 (and it's not even 5pm):<br> 1) Getting my run in first thing this morning<br> 2) Getting the boy off to camp (big smile from him and no tears from me!)<br> 3) Making orange-mango creamsicles with the girl<br> 4) Chocolate cayenne protein bites in the fridge (recipe from <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=387815820129&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="http://afoodiestaysfit.com/">A Foodie Stays Fit</a>)<br> 5) Fun things in the mail from new friends<br> That's a pretty good start to summer vacation, I think!</span></i><br>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I met my best running friend at 6:15am. It was already warm then, and I've had a short break from running, so today seemed especially hard. But I was out there and I got the miles in. And going for a run just makes me feel good!</span><br>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">(I didn't even include the yummy breakfast I made in the top 5. I did that as soon as I got home - I was hungry! Bacon, roasted lemon thyme asparagus, and baked eggs. A one dish meal, and I put some sliced tomatoes on the side. My husband ate it, but I don't think he's convinced that meal is really 'breakfast.')</span><div><br><div><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqbMZHTh85I72Y3IzKwdjfSre5MAirHZun5EQ8a4ntqRVfGMovCrqUE2nfXmFVXV3nmPwZVrj8c2T189-naJ11T_gBHlhEGEjbId-IXzPvwQGFwIoJvmBJYjS-jfzyXljfl2UVTaiC1s/s640/blogger-image--844641255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqbMZHTh85I72Y3IzKwdjfSre5MAirHZun5EQ8a4ntqRVfGMovCrqUE2nfXmFVXV3nmPwZVrj8c2T189-naJ11T_gBHlhEGEjbId-IXzPvwQGFwIoJvmBJYjS-jfzyXljfl2UVTaiC1s/s640/blogger-image--844641255.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br></span></div><div><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">(Nor did I mention the three paintings M worked on this morning. She was so happy to get paints and canvases out!) </span></div><div><br>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">The end of the school year for J meant saying goodbye to J's teacher of the past two years. I thought I would be a wreck - she is such a treasure, and she loves not just J, but all of us! I made it through yesterday okay, but figured sending him off to camp this morning would really be hard on my mama heart. After breakfast and a shower, I dropped him off for his ride to camp (he rode with a couple other boys and their dads/leaders).</span><br>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">M and I spent some time in the kitchen today. I haven't been in the kitchen for anything besides just regular meals lately, so making some special treats was wonderful! We took a basic recipe and made our own variation with what we had on hand - that became the creamsicles. We had fun tasting as we went, deciding how much vanilla we needed and realizing we didn't need all the honey the recipe called for (glad we only added a little at a time!).</span><br>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">A friend of mine from college organizes a fun little "swap" between her Instagram friends called #flappymail. I'm trying it for the first time, and my goodies came today. They are just perfect! I will send my package off pretty soon, and I'm excited for my 'person' to get her package.</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYy8HB6GVK9j5W7ypWS_Jnl3_X2RlcUuaiEdXzHi0fZ3QScd2tzUCaJC9TUrCJEsadvjhGjBI8zjoBeTvD44SVg7XtGErf6E25BL9SQkeWYsWstOC-COHUrIw-H2oZfKi8xLF7_83jz4M/s640/blogger-image--1677854595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYy8HB6GVK9j5W7ypWS_Jnl3_X2RlcUuaiEdXzHi0fZ3QScd2tzUCaJC9TUrCJEsadvjhGjBI8zjoBeTvD44SVg7XtGErf6E25BL9SQkeWYsWstOC-COHUrIw-H2oZfKi8xLF7_83jz4M/s640/blogger-image--1677854595.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0jud4c1x4ub1f70AvsCqd17RlMBEcYusaWu98iY5dp3raNqc97BK-_N16ZJVwlLhSHDX-5ZmThFSmSScXESQavNclRykguNsHIS1UsJmhiPk_Xs7D9P18RRI6Wj4rPm_5DwmoKQxCDM/s640/blogger-image-719763928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL0jud4c1x4ub1f70AvsCqd17RlMBEcYusaWu98iY5dp3raNqc97BK-_N16ZJVwlLhSHDX-5ZmThFSmSScXESQavNclRykguNsHIS1UsJmhiPk_Xs7D9P18RRI6Wj4rPm_5DwmoKQxCDM/s640/blogger-image-719763928.jpg"></a></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">And the rest of the day kept on in the same vein. M and I went to the local running store. I picked up my new running shoes, a belated Mother's Day gift, and also found a new pair of shoes for M, too (on sale!).</span><br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mizuno Wave Inspire 9</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br></td></tr>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Maggie had a little bummer of a situation to deal with, the result of a misunderstanding, and she was <i>very</i> calm and mature in working through her disappointment and finding the silver lining. I was so proud of her, and I'm not sure that I can even express to her just how proud. But I did take my big girl - whose love language is gifts - out for a sweet treat at her favorite local ice cream shop. As we were headed in for ice cream, we happened to see J's teacher coming out of another store in the shopping center. We had a brief visit (Maggie had actually called out to her to day hello) before heading into the ice cream shop. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigF5aUOiiQuo12uvzH01zBJcgrWSkWnBZHIMa_CJLpErUEqxrd2aMI7-_qX0DtqhwHaLcA-VbbPUXbil-duF_Wp2_aUrV4OgNCYcqVT9LaoRkLNdDNOclulxXD59-GLIrGQ4delHuNxx4/s640/blogger-image--400960969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigF5aUOiiQuo12uvzH01zBJcgrWSkWnBZHIMa_CJLpErUEqxrd2aMI7-_qX0DtqhwHaLcA-VbbPUXbil-duF_Wp2_aUrV4OgNCYcqVT9LaoRkLNdDNOclulxXD59-GLIrGQ4delHuNxx4/s640/blogger-image--400960969.jpg"></a></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">After that, we headed home to try out our new shoes with a quick dash up the street and back. Of course, with those speedy new shoes on, M was the fastest! Our plan is to really break them in at the Popsicle Fun Run tomorrow evening. </span><br>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Shortly afterwards, M's fourth tooth fell out! We knew it wouldn't make it to the weekend :)</span><br>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">And then - then! - we worked together on dinner. Spaghetti and meatballs (M helped mix and shape the meatballs), a salad (M helped prepare nearly every item), and popsicles for dessert (ones we made earlier in the day; and yes, she had dessert before and after dinner!). I adjusted the meatball recipe a bit, but started with the basic recipe from <a href="http://www.themom100.com/">The Mom 100 Cookbook</a>. This cookbook is fantastic! It was a gift last Christmas, and it's the one I pull out most often right now. The vinaigrette recipes - yum! The marinated flank steak - tasty! The chicken tenders - oh, my! I have even given this one as a gift - I love it that much!</span><br>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Big J and I enjoyed every bit of dinnertime conversation with our girl this evening. She is just a riot - and she really has some time to shine while her brother's at camp. </span><br>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Then she watched a bit of a hockey game - to the extent of cheering for a particular team - before declaring hockey "violent"! So then we switched to a show about building tree houses and snuggled a bit on the sofa. Love her....</span><br>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Switching gears to the boy at camp - wow, it's different with him gone. I had the opportunity to go with him, but I am so glad we decided that he should attend solo if possible (we had to find another parent going who would be J's "adult" for the week, which we were able to do). But this is a time for him to shine, too. He really needs this chance to just be himself, be responsible, and make his own choices. Of course, I spent time with him packing, talking about some of the non-negotiable things (like brushing teeth, sunscreen, etc.), and telling him that I know he can do it. And I tucked a note into his bag when we wasn't looking. He should find it tomorrow night :) And we have seen a picture of him with a smile on his face waiting in line for dinner - so that did a mama heart good.</span><br>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">This is an all-over-the-place post, so here's the summary:</span><br>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><b><i>What an awesome first day of summer break - for all of us!</i></b></span></div></div>RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-41596414730955672632013-06-04T09:53:00.001-04:002013-06-04T09:53:34.282-04:00Shopping without a meal planThe list:<div>Peanuts</div><div>Peanut butter</div><div>Milk</div><div>Cereal</div><div>Green apples</div><div><br></div><div>The reality:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JyhLtuamlcXSkc19wfp1FkE6BXwRqqPKBr0oRXS2_Dd5hkEIsfI2MyXDFLAC1zIWiXswlBvLRfs1v7jS02LfnPYEeYGwzwID5TnLCMfW5Ie_KU9pDRuJWGo5_gsgbYzzG5wOBhULtpU/s640/blogger-image--1985606941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JyhLtuamlcXSkc19wfp1FkE6BXwRqqPKBr0oRXS2_Dd5hkEIsfI2MyXDFLAC1zIWiXswlBvLRfs1v7jS02LfnPYEeYGwzwID5TnLCMfW5Ie_KU9pDRuJWGo5_gsgbYzzG5wOBhULtpU/s640/blogger-image--1985606941.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Not too bad, considering that I can use items I already have to go alongside an entree I purchased for later in the week. Also, I purchased some items to keep in the freezer for quick meals. Still, funny that one short list (and notice I only too one bag in with me...) can blossom once I walk into the store. </div>RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-54204722751182268072013-05-30T21:36:00.003-04:002013-07-06T19:41:01.094-04:00Honestly, 2nd ed.After a low-key morning, I spent the afternoon checking a few things off of my to-do list while I let my kids watch a movie and eat jello and popcorn for dinner. The big kid just finished EOGs today - and <i>honestly</i>, I'm feeling a little "yeah, whatever..." after a couple of rule-filled, potentially stressful days. I really think schools put too much emphasis on this, and (I am <i>not</i> a fan of standardized testing, especially for ants-in-the-pants, 3rd grade boys.)<br />
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I did redeem this less-than-impressive dinner with some fruit and chicken quesadillas a little later. And there may or may not have been some chocolate-covered pretzels involved, too. <br />
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At bedtime, we read about Laura and Mary and Carrie and Grace and Ma and Pa having Christmas Dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Boast "By the Shores of Silver Lake" - and then they were both "hungry" again. How can roast duck made on a coal-buring stove 150+ years ago make them hungry when they won't even eat a roast chicken that I cook present-day? All joking aside, we have been slowly working our way through the Little House series since our <a href="http://momsmagic.blogspot.com/2012/06/camping-for-week.html">camping vacation last summer</a>. (It's what M picked, while J picked the Harry Potter series.) The kids are both enjoying the stories, we get in a little conversation about manners or vocabulary words or history here and there, and I'm enjoying the time to sit with them as we slow down at the end of the day (I read to them at bedtime). We don't get to it every night, but they miss it when we don't get to read. <i>Honestly</i>, I do too.RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-50340068738342461312013-05-29T21:20:00.001-04:002013-05-29T21:20:41.698-04:00Overheard #48<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">If you want to be crazy, you're in the right house!</span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Miss M, almost 7 </span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(Yes, it's been a long, long while since I've posted. This one was too good to not share. And maybe - maybe - I can do better on posting.... It's been a busy month. Or year. Or some other long period of time....) </span></span></span></h5>
RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6681111334962240287.post-38480307898464826382013-03-17T20:24:00.001-04:002013-03-17T20:24:54.638-04:0010k - check!Just popping in with a quick update to say -<br />
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Woohoo! I did it! The 10k was yesterday, and I can check it off of my list now!<br />
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It was a beautiful day, but 10-15 degrees warmer than any day I've gone running in preparation for this race. That made it a little harder, especially in miles 3 and 4. I also didn't do the best job pacing myself (running about 25 seconds per mile faster than usual) - I had lots of butterflies beforehand and the closer it got to race time, the more excited I got.<br />
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Still.... I finished 5 minutes faster than my estimated time - which was pretty exciting!<br />
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The best part - my family coming to see me! I got to see them at 4 different points during the race, and my sweet husband even ran with me for a bit of the last mile so he could check in on how I was feeling and give me some encouragement to make it to the end. And there's nothing like having high fives from your kids or having them run alongside for half a block!<br />
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Next up, increasing speed! I'm running a 5k in May, and I need to set my time goal for that race. I'll have to go back and look at my old 5k times, my current 5k pace, and figure out a good goal to work towards. Although I'm not excited about hill repeats and track workouts, I know they are good for me! And when I reach that goal it will all be worth it! RLRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07186598026843397100noreply@blogger.com3