Project 365: Week 8

Sunday, February 13, 2011

What happens when there's been lots of snow? Answer: lots of mud. Gabe enjoyed a little mud-slingin' this evening.

And then we had our popcorn night.

While watching Kipper the Dog. If you haven't seen Kipper, I highly recommend it. It's refreshingly entertaining (read: not one bit annoying). So that's good!  ;)  For your viewing pleasure (if you so desire):

Monday, February 14, 2011

A friend's kiddo came to play today because he was out of school. These two used to be in child care together during a Tuesday night Bible study I attended waaaaaay back when Noah was a baby and up until he was about two and a half years old. It's funny to see them together after all these years.

And, oh, by the way, Happy Valentine's Day!!

It's always so fun to open mail from Mimi and Da.

Especially when there's money inside!

Atticus reads his card...post-cupcake.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Saylor is really driving me crazy lately with trying on clothes all day long. She puts 'em on, but then she doesn't put 'em up. She HAS a huge supply of actual dress-up clothes, but for some reason she's been changing from outfit to outfit from her CLOSET. It's a real problem. Because her entire room looks like THIS at the end of the day. Time for a new rule!!

However, the combinations she chooses can certainly be quite interesting.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

This is Saylor's improvised workbox system for school. You can read more about it here.

And, in the meantime, these two were in awe of big brother's project.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Brothers are good for fixing bikes. Even pink, glittery ones.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Tonight we went to a family picnic and movie. 

But here's some big news: 

The Rackleys are letting us use their computer they had left behind when they moved to Africa. It was actually delivered to. my. door. before 8:00 this morning! (Thanks, Grand-Kate!) That's what I call "good friends"!!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

We took Noah for a good hair cut today.

That glassy-eyed expression can be explained. He was playing a video game. You can do anything you want to that boy's head as long as he's playing video games.

Saylor enjoyed time on the iPhone.

While the little boys played at the train table.

And then we had friends over for dinner. This cutie-pie was born the day after Atticus.

I feel like a brand new person typing away on an actual keyboard. What a relief! Oh!!!!! I almost forgot. You seriously need to check out my giveaway. It runs through next Sunday night. I'm giving away a $45 gift card to CSN Stores. Don't miss out!!! Thanks, Sara, for hosting the "Project 365" fun.

What's in the Workbox?

School for Saylor, up to this point, has consisted mostly of her asking me for something to do, I dig it up, and then she comes back for more when she's done. Not very efficient. And all my planning energy was spent on Noah's schoolwork, leaving her with a handful of last-minute ideas hastily snatched up in desperation. Well, I finally determined a way to get Saylor started on a workbox system...withOUT purchasing another cart of drawers. Eventually, I might like to move to a cart, but for now this works really well. And I didn't have to spend a penny because I already owned it! Yay for me!

I'm starting her on six boxes/folders, since she's six. (Well, it just so happened that was how many folders I had, too.) She may be ready to add a couple more pretty soon, though, as she works really well with this system. She really enjoys order, especially when it's all laid out for her.  :)  Bless her heart.

For today:

1. Handwriting Without Tears "Get Set for School." She loves all the components to this program. Fine motor skills are not her strong-suit, but this is her favorite part of school now--simply because she gets to listen to a CD, "build" letters with wood pieces, and write with chalk on a slate while doing the work. Besides, the music and the tactile aspects HELP her learn better.

2. We love this series for its "big picture" style. The kids enjoy the one-on-one time with Mommy as we read through it. And that's pretty much all we do. Unless I get a wild hair and feel a sudden burst of inspiration to "take off" on a certain subject matter. Doesn't happen often. But we have gotten a lot out of it just from reading and discussing things together. Right now she's learning some interesting facts about each of the seven continents.

3. This is a great independent activity for exploring the world of spelling. There are plenty of easy-to-decode words like "cat" and "hut," but there are more difficult ones as well, like "eye" and "egg." So it provides children with the opportunity to explore words with strange spellings.

4. This is technically a file folder game I made for my kindergarten/first grade class years and years ago. But I simply put the pieces into a baggie. She has to use decoding and word recognition skills to match the correct-colored "yolk" to the egg white.

5. Reading lesson.

6. This book provides interesting spatial problems to solve while using pattern blocks. Sometimes I assign a specific page. Other times I let her explore the book on her own.

She was on folder #5 by the time big brother was on his box #2, which says something about how much fun SHE had, as opposed to how much HE enjoys school.

In other news, we've rearranged the whole house (just about) and Mommy here has decided to move all the school BACK upstairs. *sigh* The homeschool is an ever-changing thing. Stay tuned for more details.

Friday Findings...PLUS a Giveaway!!

What have you been looking for lately? Matching Easter outfits for your kiddos? A pair of jeans that actually fit?! Some peace and quiet? Perhaps you're in the market for a new swing set for your back yard. Or a computer that won't crash. (Ahem...) Well, look no further. Today is all about FINDING things!!

As a mommy of four, I FIND all sorts of things around my house. Sometimes good things, sometimes not so good. I might FIND a child reading (or..."reading") a book--captivated by its pages. I might FIND someone snuggling next to me when I wake up in the morning. Awww... I might FIND two little stinkers conspiring against me with a sink full of water and a completely-drenched hand towel. That would fall into the not-so-good category. Right along with FINDING a sippy cup that has been missing for over a week...and it's still half full of milk! *sigh* Some FINDINGS completely perplex me, while others are oh, so typical of my life. Here are a few recent FINDINGS, for example:

A reeeeeally close shot of a sweet boy. But, alas, one I did not take. Hmmm...

Exceedingly messy counters. (I'm so ashamed.)

A funny birthday card.

My old sticker album from elementary school. I. was. such. a. nerd.

Unlikely sleeping partners. But tucked away very nicely, wouldn't you say?

A vacuum attachment in...the dishwasher. Good thing I caught this before starting it! Pretty sure it wouldn't have meant extra clean dishes for me.

Two cuties in a boatie.

A Nerf dart in MY Bible study bag. Found while AT Bible study.

Watch out for monster trucks! They're lurking around every corner.

And in honor of FINDING things, I was thrilled to FIND that CSN Stores is once again giving me the opportunity to work with them on a blog giveaway. What does CSN have??? you ask. Ummmmm.... Just about anything you can think of. If you want it, you can probably FIND it. The aforementioned swing set, pillows, food dehydrators, lighting, grills. You can literally shop till you drop on this site. Nice thing is, you can just drop into your nearest comfy chair and peruse to your heart's content. See what you can FIND! And let's don't forget about their amazing customer service. They are truly on top of things over there! (Pretty much the antithesis of ME.)

So...the giveaway part!!! 

One very blessed winner will receive a $45 gift card (cha-ching!) to use on CSN's site, with categories galore! 

This giveaway will run until Sunday, February 27th at midnight. The winner will be chosen at random. Here's what you need to do to win...

For one entry (must do this first):

****Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect (OR Networked Blogs) and then leave a comment.  (See sidebar for both.)

For additional entries (please leave a separate comment for each and every additional entry you choose):

1. Visit CSNstores.com and give me a few examples of items you'd be interested in purchasing with your gift card. (1 additional entry)

2. Tell me the first names of my four children. (1 additional entry)

3. Tell me about something you've "FOUND" around your house--could be recent or very distant past. (1 additional entry)

4. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. (Widget in sidebar.) (2 additional entries)
5. Follow me on Networked Blogs. (In addition to following through an RSS reader. This way you can keep up with me on your Facebook!) (3 additional entries)

6. Visit my friend's blog at suubifamily.blogspot.com. You can click on the button at the top of my sidebar to go straight there. (She and her family are missionaries in Uganda, Africa.) Read something, comment if you like, and then come back here to let me know you did that. (2 additional entries)

7. Follow my friend's blog via Google Friend Connect. (6 additional entries!!!)

8. Blog about this giveaway and provide me with the link to the blog post. (5 additional entries)

9. Put my button on your sidebar. (You have to HAVE a blog for this one.) (4 additional entries)

Okay!! I can't wait to FIND out who the winner is! Y'all have fun with this...and good luck. (Though I don't believe in luck...)

UPDATE: COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED.

How to Cure Cradle Cap

Today I am happy to share this tried-and-true, works-every-time, easy tip for how to get rid of cradle cap. But first...

Did you know that doctors are unsure as to what causes cradle cap, but some think it is often caused by a hormonal imbalance?? That it has nothing to do with how well you wash or rinse your child's hair? Although, that's no excuse for not scrubbing.  :)  Did you know it's considered a kind of rash? I know!! Weird, huh?

Which is why I wasn't ridiculous with panic when I found this little patch of cradle cap on my much-too-old-to-have-cradle-cap child. For some reason, his body was getting rid of impurities, excess hormones, who knows? Detoxing is bizarre. Try it. I dare you.

Anyway, as you can see cradle cap is sorta nasty to look at. And don't even bother with picking it off. You'll be there all day, your child's head will be sore, and the stuff could come back if it's not ALL removed. Besides...ewwww.

So. My tip? (Alright, alright, it's actually our pediatrician's tip. I'll give credit where it's due. But only 'cause we think he's a genius doc.) An. old. toothbrush.

Yep. You heard (read?) me right. Give yourself an excuse to go get a new toothbrush. You probably needed one anyway. ;)  Shampoo the spot, massaging well, and leave it to sit for a few minutes. (Be sure to use a mild shampoo. Or try the homemade version we use! It's also important to note that tea tree oil, which is an ingredient in this shampoo, is one of the home remedies often used to treat cradle cap.) Then take your old toothbrush and scrub. Back and forth, in circles, etc. Don't hurt your child. And be careful if your child actually has some length to his hair, as mine does. But scrub vigorously and fairly hard. And then rinse well.

The next thing you'll need is one of these finest-of-fine-toothed combs they only make for brand-new infants. The teeth, being so close together, will grab any remaining flakes or residue from your scrub fest.

Be thorough. If you get it all now, you won't have to do it again. Just once will knock it out. No need for oils, steroids, antibiotics, or any other over-the-top treatment.

Although, it certainly wouldn't hurt to have your child (if not an infant) eating lots of healthy probiotic foods on a regular basis.

Works for me! (It's Wednesday.)

Greener Pastures

In response to Your Secret Name by Kary Oberbrunner, Chapters 10 & 11:

I just have to say. I loved the author's honesty within these chapters. I mean, have YOU ever felt a bit like a pawn? Ever been confused about why things are going down the way they are? Ever thought to yourself you'd rather not be a part of whatever it is God is doing with your life? Certainly, tough times can lead to some of these thoughts and feelings. Today a gentleman at church shared with us some of the hard times he had faced in his life. But those hard times, while...hard (duh), are some of what God uses to make us who we are today.


AND to get us from one place to another. Because we often don't even realize what all He has in store for us down the road. Especially when all we can see is the mess by which we're currently surrounded.

Look back on your life. At least for me, at almost any given point, there was always somewhere it seemed I wanted to go. Some other place I wanted to BE.  How about you?

I wanted to grow up.

I wanted to be through with school. Have a job.

I wanted to be married. Have a home. Have children. 

Move.

The list could go on and on. Partially because there's really no end to our discontentment.

There's always a greener pasture somewhere. Is there not? 

But, honestly, as I look back on MY life, I can see that each and every time I noticed that "greener pasture" and developed a desire for it, it was really God all along who had given me the desire for that other place.

However.

He didn't give me that desire so I'd take my eyes off of Him--a God who provides for me, loves me, and has a plan for me. He never intended that I should spend all my time transfixed by some really green grass growing (over yonder) on this very temporal earth. Why ever would He want me doing that?!

So then. Why give me the desire in the first place? A desire which seems to consume me (each and every time I get it)....especially since not ONCE has He ever just simply made it happen for me?

I love Mr. Oberbrunner's take: "God wasn't leading me into green pastures by the most direct path." (emphasis mine)

Yeah. No kidding!

The winding path. The obstacles. The distance. The dangers. The uncertainty. And, therefore, the questions. The impatience. The tears. The struggles.

Life. 

This life God gave me--is a gift of JOURNEY. What a boring trip it would be if my life became a story of a bunch of straight lines from point A to point B, point Y to point Z. And not only would it be boring, monotonous, and ordinary, but it would not do much for WHO I am. Or WHO I am to be.

It's like those of you who exercise. (Weirdos.) Without some regular challenge to your muscles, to your cardiovascular system, etc., those muscles and organs grow weak and turn to mush. (Don't ask me how I know this.) Pretty soon, you get tired just LOOKING at your exercise equipment. 

So, now...imagine the path before you as being your exercise equipment. And you're oh, so out-of-shape. Even when it looks like a straight and easy path, you look at it (your life) as one giant reason to give up and go to bed. Exhausting!

But that's not the journey God has for us. His is one of adventure, heartache, joy, victory, challenge, miracles, GROWTH, grace, and praise.

Those greener pastures? Let's be real here. Getting to them is great. But. They're often reached by way of a vast, scorched desert...or a rocky, treacherous mountain...or a narrow, winding path in the dark! Sometimes we can't even see where we're going...much less how we're going to get there! But going--walking with God--means stronger muscles and a healthy heart and lungs: dependence on God to provide, honor for His wisdom, focus on His guidance as our compass, contentment (patience) in His timing, and comfort in His steadfast love.........Even as we stumble, stop too long to rest, get sidetracked, disobediently go a different direction, and persist in asking "why?" about every bend in the road, every pebble on the path.

Why?

So we'll get there!! To that place for which He put a desire in our hearts in the first place. So we'll get there and be stronger and more beautiful for it. So we'll be ready for the next journey. For the next "greener pasture."

This post is part of a Read-Along with Marla Taviano, but I missed the linky because I'm slow (and behind). That's okay. These things take time.

Menu Plan Monday

I have to say one thing right now. PLEASE do not read this menu if you do not genuinely want to. Because I know what it's like to read things like this (or even just to know about other people's lives, etc.) and to compare myself to them, only to feel like I don't nearly measure up in the end. Certainly, it is no one's intention to make anyone feel like that, but it's what we do to ourselves. We punish ourselves. Our lives are not the same. We live in various circumstances and have various personality styles. We need to remember that about people. As with any and all of my blog posts, I absolutely don't post these menus to "show off." (Boy, if you only knew what goes on around here...!) I post to help myself be more organized, to remember things, to hold myself accountable for following through with a plan, and, hopefully, to provide menu ideas for those looking for them. Whew! Okay. I just had to get that off my chest.

Monday

Breakfast: Baked oatmeal, scrambled eggs

Lunch: Tomato soup, crackers

Dinner: Pasta with chicken in lemon dill cream sauce; salad

To do: Boil eggs

Tuesday

Breakfast: Leftover baked oatmeal

Lunch: Hard-boiled eggs, cheese, carrots, bananas with flax seed meal

To do: Soak beans

Dinner: Grilled salmon, roasted new potatoes, green beans

To do: Soak flour for muffins

Wednesday

Breakfast: Soaked muffins, scrambled eggs

Lunch: Peanut butter sandwiches, fruit

Dinner: Brown beans, cornbread, baked sweet potatoes

To do: Grind and soak flour for bread

Thursday

Breakfast: Kefir smoothies, muffins

To do: Bake bread, make stock

Lunch: Tuna sandwiches, fruit

Dinner: Eating at friends' house. Bring something TBD

Friday

Breakfast: Cooked-to-order eggs, leftover sweet potatoes

Lunch: Fresh bread and butter, apples

Dinner: Leftover beans (refried) with cheese and sour cream, chips, carrots, fruit

Saturday

To do: Prepare "breakfast casserole" to rest in fridge

Breakfast: Daddy's Choice

Lunch: Daddy's Choice

Dinner: Breakfast for supper

Sunday

Breakfast: Toast or bagels, fruit

Lunch: Daddy's Choice

Dinner: Popcorn Night

Other menu plans can be found at Organizing Junkie.

Project 365: Week 7

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Atticus has fallen asleep during church the last couple of weeks. It's weird! He's just so cozy and comfortable, I guess.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Today Noah got to build a robot out of a soda can using this kit he got last weekend for Christmas. Daddy happened to come home much earlier than usual, so he was able to help out! (It actually took all three of us. Ha!)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

We had company tonight, and it was SO MUCH FUN...that I totally forgot to take even ONE picture. I was so mad at myself. Ugh. But I did have a chore to take care of when they left and so you get to see a little picture of what bottling my kombucha entails.

So far, our favorite flavor is blueberry. I buy the blueberries frozen in bulk from Azure Standard.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Here came the snow. Again. 'Round about 8:00 this morning. And it didn't stop at all until about 3:45 pm. The kids are pretty much unimpressed with the snow by now. After all, we've had several snows this year. And it IS cold out there. LOL! So we did play dough until Daddy made it home. (Note the cutie on the potty.)

And then Saylor donned her ballet attire and led Atticus in a dance to all the different performances being broadcast on PBS: operas, famous classical pieces, etc. (One piece was from the ballet Saylor's studio did her first year!) They danced, but they'd have to keep their eyes on the TV some, too, to see what was going on. It was a riot.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Atticus riding his "Woody Buzz." He's one cool dude.

And Gabriel had trouble tonight with a little congestion. It's nice to have a recliner in his bedroom. Solves the problem every time. (Pic taken in the middle of the night.)

Friday, February 12, 2011

I took some goodies to a friend today. She's recovering from surgery. She got fresh-baked bread, homemade butter, my granola, chicken broth, organic teas, and some apples and oranges.

Oh! Speaking of...a couple of you asked me why I soak flour/grains before cooking them. The short answer is because I use WHOLE grains. And whole grains contain phytates. Soaking them in something acidic allows the phytates (which are there to protect the "seed" so it can one day make it into the ground and grow into something) to be broken down. (Phytates are NOT good for you to eat.) AND it allows the good, nourishing healthy stuff INSIDE the grain to be more readily available and digestible for your body when you eat it. The long answer is...go to this website (for a quick explanation) and then get this book. It's a must-read. Not kidding. (Wait. Did I get my answers backwards???)

Here is a ball of soaked dough, for instance, which I made into...

...crackers! Yum!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Today Poppy kept all four kiddos (thank you, Poppy!!!!) while we attended a marriage conference. If you'll remember, we previewed this a while back. Go here for more info. I recommend.

The year is already going by quickly, isn't it? Today is a beautiful spring-like day. And it has me so very hopeful that it will stay. like. this. I'm not dumb. I know it won't. And that's ever so slightly depressing. But don't worry. I'll enjoy it while it's here.  :) Go by Sara's to see everyone else's week.