Wednesday, February 28, 2007
A Laugh and More
Tim posted an interesting video today. First it made me laugh. Then it shocked me, and afterward made me think. Intrigued? Check out posting fun.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
A Monday at My House
This is reality people. Messy house, dishes, laundry and crazy kids. This is what Mondays are typically like around here.
Sorry the titles aren't all there. I thought I had more space.
Monday, February 26, 2007
A Little Switcheroo
I am messing with a few on my older posts for a contest I may enter. When I republish those posts, they will show up as the latest post, if you subscribe via feeds like RSS. So, if you are reading and think, "This sounds sooo familiar." it may be because you have already read it.
In other reading, The Carnival of Recipes is up. The topic this week is Slow Cooker Recipes. The Carnival of Family Life is up too.
I must go now and force, I mean convince my kids to go play outside!
In other reading, The Carnival of Recipes is up. The topic this week is Slow Cooker Recipes. The Carnival of Family Life is up too.
I must go now and force, I mean convince my kids to go play outside!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
More Bloggin' Fun
Share a day in your life in pictures. Owlhaven is hosting this fun play along. Pick a day between now and March 2nd. Keep your camera with you all day and snap shots. Then post them. Add them to a Mr. Linky on her site March 2nd. For details click here. How fun and easy!Hmm.... should I clean the house first and let you see how I'd like my day to be? Or let you see the reality?
Friday, February 23, 2007
A Story in My Life #6
I received a very sweet email from a reader yesterday, wondering what was happening with M.R. It has been about three weeks since I spoke with the adoption agency and received the letter from the adoptive family. (All correspondence with the adoptive family goes through the agency. We do not have each others' addresses.) I really did intend on updating here. I can't believe it has been so long. My apologies to those who were waiting for an update.
This story in my life is an ever constant undercurrent. It sometimes comes to the surface, as it had when I started sharing it here. Sometimes there are other things that keep my attention and time, as it has been the last few weeks. The contact with the agency and the adoptive family eased my anxiety, allowing this subject ease back down in my mind.
The last few weeks here have also been filled with out of the normal busyness. I need quiet when I sit to think (or write) about this subject. Quiet has been in short supply lately. There are my excuses, onto the story.
The letter I received was very dated. It was from 1999. I was a bit frustrated by this at first. This letter apparently had gotten buried in a file. Though I wasn't always prompt in keeping my address updated, (We have moved a lot.) I know that it has been updated since 1999! More frustrating, was in the letter the adoptive mother indicated that she would like to keep contact. She asked lots of questions about me and my life now (then.) I had written a letter in 2001 (of course not knowing about this letter from 1999.) I wonder if they ever got it?
It wasn't until the agency hired a new employee that the letter (1999) was forwarded. Coincidence that this happened around the same time this story started bubbling to the surface of my mind again? Maybe.
Maybe it was the Lord's timing. The years (and the Lord) have brought healing. Getting the letter this time was different from times before. Before I really wanted the updates, but each time one came it was like peeling a scab off a wound. I would bleed a little.
Receiving the letter this time was refreshing and joyous. It brought relief. There is a scar there, but the wound seems healed and ready for new things. Why waste time and energy with frustration or anger about what could have been if I'd gotten the letter in 1999? What is done is done. It has been worked together for good.
The letter was full of things about their family and M.R. The adoptive mother included mostly joys about M.R. and hinted at some frustrations. (normal parent type stuff) She also included school pictures from several years and a card made by M.R. that was really sweet. When the letter was written, M.R. would have been about the same age as Kellen is now. It was interesting to think of it with that perspective.
When considering all the letters, it is interesting too seeing how much she is like me, and my other children. The family has three biological sons and M.R. I remember in earlier letters, the adoptive mother saying how different M.R. was from the boys. It went beyond the girl/boy differences. She was just created differently. Maybe my next post will be about the things I know about M.R., like her personality and such.
For now, there really isn't much else to tell. I need to write the letter to the adoptive agency that will allow M.R. to access information if she requests it. I've also decided to include a letter for the adoptive family. Not exactly sure what I will say, but unless their opinion has changed dramatically over the years since they wrote their last letter, I think my letter will be welcomed. The worst that will happen is it will get buried in a file somewhere!
This story in my life is an ever constant undercurrent. It sometimes comes to the surface, as it had when I started sharing it here. Sometimes there are other things that keep my attention and time, as it has been the last few weeks. The contact with the agency and the adoptive family eased my anxiety, allowing this subject ease back down in my mind.
The last few weeks here have also been filled with out of the normal busyness. I need quiet when I sit to think (or write) about this subject. Quiet has been in short supply lately. There are my excuses, onto the story.
The letter I received was very dated. It was from 1999. I was a bit frustrated by this at first. This letter apparently had gotten buried in a file. Though I wasn't always prompt in keeping my address updated, (We have moved a lot.) I know that it has been updated since 1999! More frustrating, was in the letter the adoptive mother indicated that she would like to keep contact. She asked lots of questions about me and my life now (then.) I had written a letter in 2001 (of course not knowing about this letter from 1999.) I wonder if they ever got it?
It wasn't until the agency hired a new employee that the letter (1999) was forwarded. Coincidence that this happened around the same time this story started bubbling to the surface of my mind again? Maybe.
Maybe it was the Lord's timing. The years (and the Lord) have brought healing. Getting the letter this time was different from times before. Before I really wanted the updates, but each time one came it was like peeling a scab off a wound. I would bleed a little.
Receiving the letter this time was refreshing and joyous. It brought relief. There is a scar there, but the wound seems healed and ready for new things. Why waste time and energy with frustration or anger about what could have been if I'd gotten the letter in 1999? What is done is done. It has been worked together for good.
The letter was full of things about their family and M.R. The adoptive mother included mostly joys about M.R. and hinted at some frustrations. (normal parent type stuff) She also included school pictures from several years and a card made by M.R. that was really sweet. When the letter was written, M.R. would have been about the same age as Kellen is now. It was interesting to think of it with that perspective.
When considering all the letters, it is interesting too seeing how much she is like me, and my other children. The family has three biological sons and M.R. I remember in earlier letters, the adoptive mother saying how different M.R. was from the boys. It went beyond the girl/boy differences. She was just created differently. Maybe my next post will be about the things I know about M.R., like her personality and such.
For now, there really isn't much else to tell. I need to write the letter to the adoptive agency that will allow M.R. to access information if she requests it. I've also decided to include a letter for the adoptive family. Not exactly sure what I will say, but unless their opinion has changed dramatically over the years since they wrote their last letter, I think my letter will be welcomed. The worst that will happen is it will get buried in a file somewhere!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Holler Climbing?
Um, more like sliding. . .
Maybe, I shouldn't have been so happy all the snow melted!
They are at it again
Those girls over at 5 Minutes for Mom are give away crazy! Not that I'm complaining, bring it on! Now they are giving away a family game called Rhyme-N-Tyme. It looks like fun so head over to 5 Minutes for Mom
and add your name for the drawing!
and add your name for the drawing!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Some good stuff
Share something good about your kids over at Pass the Torch. I shared the Hillbilly Scouts story. The idea is to catch your kids being good and to share it. Pull something from your archives and head on over there.
The Carnival of Family Life is over at an Island Life.
The Festival of Frugality is up too!
And the Carnival of Homeschooling.
How's that for some good reading material?
The Carnival of Family Life is over at an Island Life.
The Festival of Frugality is up too!
And the Carnival of Homeschooling.
How's that for some good reading material?
Monday, February 19, 2007
A-B-C's of Homemaking
Sara, tagged me for this meme. Here is a peak at my homemaking skills or lack there of!
The A-B-C's of Homemaking
Aprons- Y/N? - Trying to get in the habit. The only apron I own is a Discovery Toys one. It serves the purpose, but I'd like to try making one sometime, maybe for Make It From Scratch.
Baking- I love baking, probably because I love eating the product. The scales show it!
Clothesline- Y/N? Yes, Yes, Yes. Year 'round. Whenever the weather permits.
Donuts- Ever made them? - Not since I was a kid. That sounds yummy though. I might have to try it!
Everyday- One homemaking thing you do everyday? - Pick up toys, again, again and again, and then just leave them for the next day! :) I'm pretty good about keeping the kitchen cleaned up. It is my dominion! Toys rarely enter.
Freezer- Do you have a separate deep freezer? - Oh yeah! Need a place for all that deer meat! We got a fantastic deal on this. We bought it used from a classified ad. We paid some ridiculously small amount for it. ($25? do you remember Tim?) It needed a little cleaning and a little paint. Tim put a new seal on it last year. We've had it for about four years.
Garbage Disposal- Y/N? - Yes, but we use it sparingly. Our septic backs up fairly easily.
Handbook- Y/N? - For cleaning? I'm not that organized.
Ironing- What is that? LOL Tim will do his clothes sometimes. Isn't he a great husband?
Junk Drawer- Where is it? - Not really a drawer, but the cupboards above the washer and drier serve the same purpose.
Kitchen- Design and decorating? - Corner sink with two windows. Counters and cabinets on two walls from either side of sink. Opposite walls have small table and my great grand mothers dry sink. Earth tones.
Love- What is your favorite part of homemaking? - Eating. . . oh, um. . . I mean providing frugal, high quality, nutritious meals, made from scratch for my family.
Mop- Y/N? - The kitchen has fake wood flooring. It is great for hiding dirt! :) Is this asking if I use a rag or a mop? Well, when it gets done it is certainly not on my hands and knees.
Nylons- Wash by hand or in the washer? - Do I own any? I'd probably have to dig pretty hard to find a pair, and those would be from when I was teaching, five years ago.
Oven- Do you use the window or open it to check? - Window, except when the light is burned out, like it has been for awhile now.
Pizza- What do you put on yours? - We like it all. What actually goes on is totally dependent on what I find in the cupboards and refrigerator at the time.
Quiet- What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment? - It is quiet here now.
Recipe card box- Y/N? - No, my recipes are in a pile in the cupboard, but my blog is quickly serving the purpose of a card box.
Style of house - Doublewide, but it has a new roof line and will soon be getting wood siding, so it really looks more like a ranch. We want to build an underground home, someday.
Tablecloths and napkins- Y/N? - Yes, tablecloths and I would like to switch to cloth napkins.
Under the kitchen sink - A mess.
Vacuum- How many times a week? - Need to everyday, but we are waiting on a part for my vacuum right now, and have to borrow Mamaws, so about once a week currently.
Wash- How many loads do you do a week? - Wash is measured in days, not loads, around here. There are six of us. We use cloth diapers. If I can use the line and the dryer, and keep the laundry going all day, I can get done in a day and 1/2. Most weeks it is three days. Last week it took all five.
X's- Do you keep a list of things to do and cross them off? - I am a list maker. Currently, on my refrigerator there are five lists, I think. There is one here by the computer too, and I have a few more in my head! I make them and I cross them off too! For some reason though, cleaning never makes it to my lists unless company is coming! Hmmm. . .
Yard- Who does what? - You mean the mud pit? Not much to do until we actually put the yard in. We both like outside work, so it just kind of depends who has the time and what needs done.
ZZZ's- What is your last homemaking task for the day? - Putting the kids to bed and making sure there is a path from my room to the girls' room in case Vivian gets up during the night.
There is a little glimpse of the homemaking here in the 100 Acre Woods. Who to tag? I'll tag Heather, Toni, and Lauren. Ladies, no guilt if you don't want to play, just thought it'd be fun to see your take on this. Of course, any one else is also welcome to join in!
The A-B-C's of Homemaking
Aprons- Y/N? - Trying to get in the habit. The only apron I own is a Discovery Toys one. It serves the purpose, but I'd like to try making one sometime, maybe for Make It From Scratch.
Baking- I love baking, probably because I love eating the product. The scales show it!
Clothesline- Y/N? Yes, Yes, Yes. Year 'round. Whenever the weather permits.
Donuts- Ever made them? - Not since I was a kid. That sounds yummy though. I might have to try it!
Everyday- One homemaking thing you do everyday? - Pick up toys, again, again and again, and then just leave them for the next day! :) I'm pretty good about keeping the kitchen cleaned up. It is my dominion! Toys rarely enter.
Freezer- Do you have a separate deep freezer? - Oh yeah! Need a place for all that deer meat! We got a fantastic deal on this. We bought it used from a classified ad. We paid some ridiculously small amount for it. ($25? do you remember Tim?) It needed a little cleaning and a little paint. Tim put a new seal on it last year. We've had it for about four years.
Garbage Disposal- Y/N? - Yes, but we use it sparingly. Our septic backs up fairly easily.
Handbook- Y/N? - For cleaning? I'm not that organized.
Ironing- What is that? LOL Tim will do his clothes sometimes. Isn't he a great husband?
Junk Drawer- Where is it? - Not really a drawer, but the cupboards above the washer and drier serve the same purpose.
Kitchen- Design and decorating? - Corner sink with two windows. Counters and cabinets on two walls from either side of sink. Opposite walls have small table and my great grand mothers dry sink. Earth tones.
Love- What is your favorite part of homemaking? - Eating. . . oh, um. . . I mean providing frugal, high quality, nutritious meals, made from scratch for my family.
Mop- Y/N? - The kitchen has fake wood flooring. It is great for hiding dirt! :) Is this asking if I use a rag or a mop? Well, when it gets done it is certainly not on my hands and knees.
Nylons- Wash by hand or in the washer? - Do I own any? I'd probably have to dig pretty hard to find a pair, and those would be from when I was teaching, five years ago.
Oven- Do you use the window or open it to check? - Window, except when the light is burned out, like it has been for awhile now.
Pizza- What do you put on yours? - We like it all. What actually goes on is totally dependent on what I find in the cupboards and refrigerator at the time.
Quiet- What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment? - It is quiet here now.
Recipe card box- Y/N? - No, my recipes are in a pile in the cupboard, but my blog is quickly serving the purpose of a card box.
Style of house - Doublewide, but it has a new roof line and will soon be getting wood siding, so it really looks more like a ranch. We want to build an underground home, someday.
Tablecloths and napkins- Y/N? - Yes, tablecloths and I would like to switch to cloth napkins.
Under the kitchen sink - A mess.
Vacuum- How many times a week? - Need to everyday, but we are waiting on a part for my vacuum right now, and have to borrow Mamaws, so about once a week currently.
Wash- How many loads do you do a week? - Wash is measured in days, not loads, around here. There are six of us. We use cloth diapers. If I can use the line and the dryer, and keep the laundry going all day, I can get done in a day and 1/2. Most weeks it is three days. Last week it took all five.
X's- Do you keep a list of things to do and cross them off? - I am a list maker. Currently, on my refrigerator there are five lists, I think. There is one here by the computer too, and I have a few more in my head! I make them and I cross them off too! For some reason though, cleaning never makes it to my lists unless company is coming! Hmmm. . .
Yard- Who does what? - You mean the mud pit? Not much to do until we actually put the yard in. We both like outside work, so it just kind of depends who has the time and what needs done.
ZZZ's- What is your last homemaking task for the day? - Putting the kids to bed and making sure there is a path from my room to the girls' room in case Vivian gets up during the night.
There is a little glimpse of the homemaking here in the 100 Acre Woods. Who to tag? I'll tag Heather, Toni, and Lauren. Ladies, no guilt if you don't want to play, just thought it'd be fun to see your take on this. Of course, any one else is also welcome to join in!
A Little Book to Give Away
Simple Katie passed along the book, Musings of a Mediocre Gardener
, to me, a few weeks back. This is a thoughtful little book; a gardener's reflections on life, people, and God. I really enjoyed it.
Katie sent the book, only asking, that I also pass it along when I was done. She put her web address in the book, and I will be adding mine also. The idea is to read it, pass it along and see where all it ends up.
I am now finished with it and ready to pass it on. Who would like to read it? Leave a comment. I will randomly pick someone on Friday. Of course, I also ask that you pass it on after you are finished.
, to me, a few weeks back. This is a thoughtful little book; a gardener's reflections on life, people, and God. I really enjoyed it.Katie sent the book, only asking, that I also pass it along when I was done. She put her web address in the book, and I will be adding mine also. The idea is to read it, pass it along and see where all it ends up.
I am now finished with it and ready to pass it on. Who would like to read it? Leave a comment. I will randomly pick someone on Friday. Of course, I also ask that you pass it on after you are finished.
Friday, February 16, 2007
The Return of the Hillbilly Scouts
Do you remember Kellen's (8) Hillbilly Scouts from last spring? This was Kellen's club where you are ranked by your hollow climbing, creek wading and hillbilly abilities. He, his siblings, and cousins played this all summer.
We haven't heard much of it this winter, until last week when he built a club house in the back yard. He used various scrap we have around from different projects. He built a table and used some 5 gallon buckets for chairs. He also claimed and named his territory. He was busy with it for hours!
Then he and Lydia (5) made helmets from shoe boxes. I'm not sure why exactly they need helmets, but it was cute. Lydia's didn't get finished yet.
He put feathers on top of the helmet to represent the levels he has reached. He also added a grouse level with a feather from the bird that crashed into our window.
Then this week he wrote the Hillbilly Scout Pledge of Allegiance. I didn't know what he was up to. I saw him at the computer and asked what he was doing. He was pretty shy about it, but told me. I was pretty impressed with what he wrote. I did help him with some spelling, but the rest is all his. He told me that he tried to use big words. Here is what he wrote:
No rules? Well, we'll see about that part! Meanwhile, imaginations are running wild here at the 100 Acre Wood. I wouldn't have it any other way!
We haven't heard much of it this winter, until last week when he built a club house in the back yard. He used various scrap we have around from different projects. He built a table and used some 5 gallon buckets for chairs. He also claimed and named his territory. He was busy with it for hours!
Then he and Lydia (5) made helmets from shoe boxes. I'm not sure why exactly they need helmets, but it was cute. Lydia's didn't get finished yet.
He put feathers on top of the helmet to represent the levels he has reached. He also added a grouse level with a feather from the bird that crashed into our window.
Then this week he wrote the Hillbilly Scout Pledge of Allegiance. I didn't know what he was up to. I saw him at the computer and asked what he was doing. He was pretty shy about it, but told me. I was pretty impressed with what he wrote. I did help him with some spelling, but the rest is all his. He told me that he tried to use big words. Here is what he wrote:
Hillbilly Scouts Pledge of Allegiance
I pledge my childhood to be a Hillbilly Scout. To go against the ways of civilization. To be under no rules. To go through the world and do outrageous stuff (gross, weird, and just plain out dangerous) to advance up the levels of hillbilly-ness. To try to get our parents to home school us. I pledge this all to hillbilly-ness
No rules? Well, we'll see about that part! Meanwhile, imaginations are running wild here at the 100 Acre Wood. I wouldn't have it any other way!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Nolan is Growing Up
Tuesday, at our homeschool coop, Nolan (3 in May) told me that he had to go to the bathroom. I walked to the restroom with him, and took him into the women's. He walked in about three steps, turned and looked at me, outraged, "Mom, this is the girls potty!" He promptly exited, and joined Kellen in the men's room.
Carnivals, Festivals, Memes & Contests, Oh My!
There are so many good things going on in the blog world this week. I think I could spend a couple of days solid browsing. These four little people, one tall guy, and a mountain of laundry keep interrupting my very important blog browsing! *grin*
Here are a few things I am, or am trying to check out.
Carnival of Family Life
Carnival of Homeschooling
Festival of Frugality
Carnival of the Recipes
Wordless Wednesday
Thursday Thirteen
Owlhaven's I Am contest finalists.
Scribbit's Write Away contest winners.
Make it From Scratch!
Whew!
Here are a few things I am, or am trying to check out.
Carnival of Family Life
Carnival of Homeschooling
Festival of Frugality
Carnival of the Recipes
Wordless Wednesday
Thursday Thirteen
Owlhaven's I Am contest finalists.
Scribbit's Write Away contest winners.
Make it From Scratch!
Whew!
Make it From Scratch!
The entries are up over at Stop the Ride! Go tell everyone what an awesome job they did!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Monday, February 12, 2007
Quick reminder
Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the last day to enter Make It From Scratch! - The Contest. There are already some yummy entries. So far, it is all food. I guess you like to eat as much as I do! On Wednesday, I will be posting the links to all the entries for your browsing pleasure!
We took a liitle test. . . .
Maybe I Should Just Let Them Watch TV
In the past few weeks, Lydia (5) and Nolan (2) have become great playmates. Yes, they still fight some, but it has been a lot less than normal. Lydia will teach Nolan during school. It is so cute. "Nolan, this is the letter b, it says 'b,'" she says. It warms my heart.
They play all kinds of games together. They have named them; sweeties, honeys, Star Wars, mom & dad, and bad guys to mention a few. I love to watch them playing together, and to see their vivid imaginations. It surprises me, how much pretend Nolan is able to do, but I suppose that is just a by product of watching two older siblings.
It is wonderful, except for two things. No matter what they call the game they are playing, every game seems to involve either running between the kitchen and living room, or taking every single toy from one place to another. (sometimes both!) Usually, the toys are coming from bedrooms, and being put under the dining room table. The table is the fort, the house, the space ship or car depending on the game.
It's not so much that I mind toys under the table, but I do mind that when they are done playing, the toys are still under the table. I do mind that although they were able to move all the toys to the table, they believe they are physically incapable of moving toys back where they belong.
Add to this picture, that while they are moving all their earthly possessions under the table, Vivian (almost one) is pulling everything out of any drawer, cupboard, bag or box she can get her hands on. While I am at the computer, she pulls everything out of the diaper bag. While I'm brushing my teeth, she pulls out all the washcloths from the drawer. It looks like the whole house has exploded most days.
Obviously, Vivian is not going to clean up after herself, but Lydia, certainly, and Nolan, to a point, should be able to put toys back where they belong. It is such a battle, but it is one of those battles you know you have to fight. It would be faster just to do it myself, but I firmly believe they need to learn to clean up the messes they make.
This leads me to think. . . they don't make messes when they watch T.V. They don't run through the house either. They sit there in a zombie like stare at the screen. Hmmm. . . maybe. . . Should I trade messy, creative play, and the battle that comes after, for neat, zoned out in front of the T.V. kids? Very tempting, but I think I'll pass.
They play all kinds of games together. They have named them; sweeties, honeys, Star Wars, mom & dad, and bad guys to mention a few. I love to watch them playing together, and to see their vivid imaginations. It surprises me, how much pretend Nolan is able to do, but I suppose that is just a by product of watching two older siblings.
It is wonderful, except for two things. No matter what they call the game they are playing, every game seems to involve either running between the kitchen and living room, or taking every single toy from one place to another. (sometimes both!) Usually, the toys are coming from bedrooms, and being put under the dining room table. The table is the fort, the house, the space ship or car depending on the game.
It's not so much that I mind toys under the table, but I do mind that when they are done playing, the toys are still under the table. I do mind that although they were able to move all the toys to the table, they believe they are physically incapable of moving toys back where they belong.
Add to this picture, that while they are moving all their earthly possessions under the table, Vivian (almost one) is pulling everything out of any drawer, cupboard, bag or box she can get her hands on. While I am at the computer, she pulls everything out of the diaper bag. While I'm brushing my teeth, she pulls out all the washcloths from the drawer. It looks like the whole house has exploded most days.
Obviously, Vivian is not going to clean up after herself, but Lydia, certainly, and Nolan, to a point, should be able to put toys back where they belong. It is such a battle, but it is one of those battles you know you have to fight. It would be faster just to do it myself, but I firmly believe they need to learn to clean up the messes they make.
This leads me to think. . . they don't make messes when they watch T.V. They don't run through the house either. They sit there in a zombie like stare at the screen. Hmmm. . . maybe. . . Should I trade messy, creative play, and the battle that comes after, for neat, zoned out in front of the T.V. kids? Very tempting, but I think I'll pass.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
The Way to My Man's Heart - Cheesecake
Tim is coming home tonight! I was planning on trying my hand at homemade noodles this weekend, and thought I'd make them today for a special "welcome home/ early Valentine" dinner.
On the menu: homemade lasagna, garlic bread, and cheesecake. He has been eating like a king this weekend (the boss is paying), perhaps he will post about his $35 dinner entree later this week, but I know my man, and the way to his heart is homemade, especially homemade cheesecake!
I love lasagna, but do not make it very often. I usually make it from scratch, except the noodles. Today will be my first attempt at noodles. The kids want to help. This should be interesting! I will be posting more about that over at Stop the Ride!. I am waiting for an opportune time (read Nolan 's nap) to venture into noodle making, but I have started a few other things.
The garlic bread is in the machine. This is a recipe from Electric Bread, that I've made many times. There is garlic, spices and Parmesan baked into the bread. It already smells so good and it is just rising!
About a week ago, Michelle at Scribbit, posted a recipe for White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake. Since then, I have had cheesecake on the brain. Tim and I both love cheesecake. I thought about trying Michelle's recipe, but Tim is a purist. He prefers plain cheesecake, so I decided to stick to our favorite recipe. I made it last night before all the craziness started.
This is a recipe we received the first few years we were married. It was part of a solicitation to subscribe to McCall's Cooking School recipe club. It is so good. I only make it a few times a year, for special occasions. It is a large recipe. I haven't tried cutting it down, but I am sure you could.
I was going to put the recipe here for you, but I just did a Google search, and found it posted several places already. So, I will just point you to iChef for the Ultimate Cheesecake Recipe, and give you a few tips about cheesecake I have learned over the years. I usually do not make the raspberry and peach sauce included in this recipe. They are good though, if you want to make them. Tim likes it plain. Sometimes, I will make strawberry sauce or something else too.
Some hints about cheesecake:
On the menu: homemade lasagna, garlic bread, and cheesecake. He has been eating like a king this weekend (the boss is paying), perhaps he will post about his $35 dinner entree later this week, but I know my man, and the way to his heart is homemade, especially homemade cheesecake!
I love lasagna, but do not make it very often. I usually make it from scratch, except the noodles. Today will be my first attempt at noodles. The kids want to help. This should be interesting! I will be posting more about that over at Stop the Ride!. I am waiting for an opportune time (read Nolan 's nap) to venture into noodle making, but I have started a few other things.
The garlic bread is in the machine. This is a recipe from Electric Bread, that I've made many times. There is garlic, spices and Parmesan baked into the bread. It already smells so good and it is just rising!
About a week ago, Michelle at Scribbit, posted a recipe for White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake. Since then, I have had cheesecake on the brain. Tim and I both love cheesecake. I thought about trying Michelle's recipe, but Tim is a purist. He prefers plain cheesecake, so I decided to stick to our favorite recipe. I made it last night before all the craziness started.
This is a recipe we received the first few years we were married. It was part of a solicitation to subscribe to McCall's Cooking School recipe club. It is so good. I only make it a few times a year, for special occasions. It is a large recipe. I haven't tried cutting it down, but I am sure you could.
I was going to put the recipe here for you, but I just did a Google search, and found it posted several places already. So, I will just point you to iChef for the Ultimate Cheesecake Recipe, and give you a few tips about cheesecake I have learned over the years. I usually do not make the raspberry and peach sauce included in this recipe. They are good though, if you want to make them. Tim likes it plain. Sometimes, I will make strawberry sauce or something else too.Some hints about cheesecake:
- Make sure the cream cheese is room temperature.
- Beat the cream cheese well. You want it light and fluffy, before you add ingredients. I usually beat the cream cheese alone, scraping the bowl often, then start adding ingredients. This recipe does not instruct you to do it this way.
- Do beat in one egg at a time. It really makes a big difference.
- Cool in the oven. I slightly under bake the cheesecake, turn the oven off, and prop the door open about 1/2 an inch with a wooden spoon handle. Leave it in there until it is room temperature.
- Put a thin layer of sour cream on top after the cheesecake has cooled. This adds some flavor, but most importantly it hides the cracks. If you choose to top it with sauces or fruit, the sour cream gives you a nice surface for the sauce and looks pretty too! Of course, if you are making a flavored cheesecake, like Michelle's, the sour cream flavor may not be complimentary.
Need Sleep
Tim has been out of town since Wednesday. Wouldn't you think I'd be sleeping better with no one hogging the bed or the covers? I should be getting lots of rest! But when he is gone, it takes me longer to wind down and go to sleep. I don't sleep as well, and I usually wake up earlier. Then of course, I have a night like last night.
10:00 PM
For some reason I can't explain, I decided to start our taxes. I am just getting started, and Tim calls. We chat awhile, and Nolan begins screaming. This sometimes happens and he usually settles down quickly. I'm in there trying to calm him and nothing is working. I go to give him a hug, and then I know what the problem is; either I forgot his diaper or he took it off. Both have happened before, and either way, he and the bed were soaked. I quickly hang up with Tim, and proceed to change him and pull off the wet sheets. He is screaming the entire time.
11:00 PM
He is finally settled in. I try to work on the taxes a bit, but the computer is not cooperating. Just as well, I think and head to bed. I read a few pages of the book I received from Simple Katie and fall asleep.
12:30 AM
Nolan is crying again. I can tell he is already out in the living room, so I call to him to come in my room. He settles into our bed and goes back to sleep.
2:00 AM
Vivian is crying. She sleeps through the night most nights. Tonight, she wants to nurse.
4:00 AM
I hear, "beep," pause, "beep," pause, "beep." I am going to ignore it. I am not getting up. I am going back to sleep. I am out of bed. Why is the smoke detector beeping? There is no smoke. The detectors are electric!
The one with issues, is the one I can barely get to. It is above our entertainment hutch. I push the "hush" button; doesn't help. I take it off the wall, and am trying to read the tiny print on the back the explains what the different beeps and lights are supposed to be telling me. Oh, there is a battery in it too. That is the problem. I take the old battery out, don't forget the detector is also unplugged, the thing keeps beeping at me! It has a life of its' own! One that is determined that I get no sleep. AAAHHHH!
I dig around for a new battery and try to put it in. The detector has a little trip thing at the battery, that you have to hold down, while you put the battery in, the correct way. I think I have it in right, but it is still beeping. I take out the battery, and try again. STILL BEEPING!! I try reading more of the tiny print.
You have to reset the detector when you put in a new battery. Resetting means pushing the test button, which of course means the alarm goes off; at 4:00 AM (or 4:30 by now) with four sleeping children. "Oh please Lord, don't let this wake up the kids." I think, as I push the dreaded button. I tolerate the endless (30 second?) blare of the darn thing, and breathe a sigh of relief; no one woke up. Maybe that should really concern me. After all shouldn't the smoke alarm wake up the kids? Oh, who cares, there is no fire! I put it back on the wall and go back to bed.
4:45 AM
I lay in bed, unable to go to sleep, because I am thinking about how I am going to blog about this sleepless night. Pitiful, isn't it? After a bit, I go back to sleep.
5:45 AM
Nolan, who is still in bed with me, starts fussing and kicking. Again, calming him is not working. Finally, he tells me, "Me hungy." (translation, hungry) He ate almost no dinner, so I know he really is hungry. "Why don't you go get a banana?" I say, thinking he can do that by himself, and I can stay in bed. I'm such a compassionate mom, you know. No, a banana won't do, "Me want cut oats." (translation, steel cut oats) Grumble, grumble, grumble, "Ok, Nolan." I say, because there is no convincing him when he is hungry.
We head out to the kitchen. Steel cut oats take about 30 minutes to cook. Lucky for me, there are some leftovers I can heat in the microwave. He wants applesauce too. I set him up with all his desires and a glass of juice, and I go back to bed.
6:15 AM
Contented, Nolan comes back to my bed too. We sleep.
7:45 AM
I am woken by the sound of Kellen yelling at Lydia, "Lydia, do not go in there and wake Mommy up!" Well, it is the thought that counts. Besides it is almost 8:00, I've slept in.
Tim is home tonight. I am looking forward to a full nights rest!
10:00 PM
For some reason I can't explain, I decided to start our taxes. I am just getting started, and Tim calls. We chat awhile, and Nolan begins screaming. This sometimes happens and he usually settles down quickly. I'm in there trying to calm him and nothing is working. I go to give him a hug, and then I know what the problem is; either I forgot his diaper or he took it off. Both have happened before, and either way, he and the bed were soaked. I quickly hang up with Tim, and proceed to change him and pull off the wet sheets. He is screaming the entire time.
11:00 PM
He is finally settled in. I try to work on the taxes a bit, but the computer is not cooperating. Just as well, I think and head to bed. I read a few pages of the book I received from Simple Katie and fall asleep.
12:30 AM
Nolan is crying again. I can tell he is already out in the living room, so I call to him to come in my room. He settles into our bed and goes back to sleep.
2:00 AM
Vivian is crying. She sleeps through the night most nights. Tonight, she wants to nurse.
4:00 AM
I hear, "beep," pause, "beep," pause, "beep." I am going to ignore it. I am not getting up. I am going back to sleep. I am out of bed. Why is the smoke detector beeping? There is no smoke. The detectors are electric!
The one with issues, is the one I can barely get to. It is above our entertainment hutch. I push the "hush" button; doesn't help. I take it off the wall, and am trying to read the tiny print on the back the explains what the different beeps and lights are supposed to be telling me. Oh, there is a battery in it too. That is the problem. I take the old battery out, don't forget the detector is also unplugged, the thing keeps beeping at me! It has a life of its' own! One that is determined that I get no sleep. AAAHHHH!
I dig around for a new battery and try to put it in. The detector has a little trip thing at the battery, that you have to hold down, while you put the battery in, the correct way. I think I have it in right, but it is still beeping. I take out the battery, and try again. STILL BEEPING!! I try reading more of the tiny print.
You have to reset the detector when you put in a new battery. Resetting means pushing the test button, which of course means the alarm goes off; at 4:00 AM (or 4:30 by now) with four sleeping children. "Oh please Lord, don't let this wake up the kids." I think, as I push the dreaded button. I tolerate the endless (30 second?) blare of the darn thing, and breathe a sigh of relief; no one woke up. Maybe that should really concern me. After all shouldn't the smoke alarm wake up the kids? Oh, who cares, there is no fire! I put it back on the wall and go back to bed.
4:45 AM
I lay in bed, unable to go to sleep, because I am thinking about how I am going to blog about this sleepless night. Pitiful, isn't it? After a bit, I go back to sleep.
5:45 AM
Nolan, who is still in bed with me, starts fussing and kicking. Again, calming him is not working. Finally, he tells me, "Me hungy." (translation, hungry) He ate almost no dinner, so I know he really is hungry. "Why don't you go get a banana?" I say, thinking he can do that by himself, and I can stay in bed. I'm such a compassionate mom, you know. No, a banana won't do, "Me want cut oats." (translation, steel cut oats) Grumble, grumble, grumble, "Ok, Nolan." I say, because there is no convincing him when he is hungry.
We head out to the kitchen. Steel cut oats take about 30 minutes to cook. Lucky for me, there are some leftovers I can heat in the microwave. He wants applesauce too. I set him up with all his desires and a glass of juice, and I go back to bed.
6:15 AM
Contented, Nolan comes back to my bed too. We sleep.
7:45 AM
I am woken by the sound of Kellen yelling at Lydia, "Lydia, do not go in there and wake Mommy up!" Well, it is the thought that counts. Besides it is almost 8:00, I've slept in.
Tim is home tonight. I am looking forward to a full nights rest!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Again Cha Cha?
Well, they don't say breed like rabbits for nothing. About a month ago, I posted about our surprise litter of rabbits, that died. While I was trying to prevent this from happening again, Peter and Cha Cha got together briefly, and I was hoping they did not really "get together."
I marked the date on my planner and we have been watching her. No signs, until today. Kellen and his friend Ryan, found another four dead babies. This time she hadn't even made a nest. She only pulled a tiny bit of hair. Of course, all the hair had not grown back from the last time, so there wasn't much to pull from. We really didn't want them to breed and with this cold weather they may have died anyway. At least this time I know it is not going to happen again, because they are in completely separate hutches now.
We need to think about whether we are keeping Peter and Cha Cha. She especially is so cute and sweet. She is very tame and calm. Peter is ab bit more feisty, but still lovable. Kellen will be breeding rabbits for 4-H. They recommend we get two does and they need to also be New Zealands, like Scotty. We need more space for new does and for their litters. So, do we keep the pets and build more hutches or get rid of the pets and use the hutches we have? Decisions, decisions.
I marked the date on my planner and we have been watching her. No signs, until today. Kellen and his friend Ryan, found another four dead babies. This time she hadn't even made a nest. She only pulled a tiny bit of hair. Of course, all the hair had not grown back from the last time, so there wasn't much to pull from. We really didn't want them to breed and with this cold weather they may have died anyway. At least this time I know it is not going to happen again, because they are in completely separate hutches now.
We need to think about whether we are keeping Peter and Cha Cha. She especially is so cute and sweet. She is very tame and calm. Peter is ab bit more feisty, but still lovable. Kellen will be breeding rabbits for 4-H. They recommend we get two does and they need to also be New Zealands, like Scotty. We need more space for new does and for their litters. So, do we keep the pets and build more hutches or get rid of the pets and use the hutches we have? Decisions, decisions.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Passing Notes
Remember those school days, when you and your friends or current boyfriend would pass notes in the hall or when the teachers back was turned? Sometimes they were filled with juicy bits of gossip, but often just the mundane, "Hey how ya doing? I'm bored. What are you doing this weekend?" or the like. Usually, nothing too exciting, but it kept you connected.
Now we are older, our lives are busier and we aren't sitting in class together or passing in the hall. It is easy to get caught up in your own day, while your spouse is caught up theirs. Then you come together at night, eat dinner, get kids in bed and collapse from total exhaustion to recharge for the next day. It can be a challenge to stay connected as a couple.
Our solution? Pass notes, electronically. We shoot each other emails back and forth. We leave comments on each others' blog. Many times it is very practical, "Could you please stop for a gallon of milk?" Sometimes it is just sharing our day, "I saw what you're watching on ebay. I like it." Rarely is it filled with juicy bits of anything. No matter what words are in the notes, the notes say, "I love you. I am thinking about you. I want to share my day with you." They keep us connected.
Why not just call? We do that too, some. Somehow it is more fun to shoot little notes to each other, and often phone calls get interrupted. It is easier to type a quick note that we can read when we have a minute. It gives you that "we are stealing a minute for each other" thrill.
It is simple. It is fun. It works to keep us connected. How do you stay connected during the day?
Now we are older, our lives are busier and we aren't sitting in class together or passing in the hall. It is easy to get caught up in your own day, while your spouse is caught up theirs. Then you come together at night, eat dinner, get kids in bed and collapse from total exhaustion to recharge for the next day. It can be a challenge to stay connected as a couple.
Our solution? Pass notes, electronically. We shoot each other emails back and forth. We leave comments on each others' blog. Many times it is very practical, "Could you please stop for a gallon of milk?" Sometimes it is just sharing our day, "I saw what you're watching on ebay. I like it." Rarely is it filled with juicy bits of anything. No matter what words are in the notes, the notes say, "I love you. I am thinking about you. I want to share my day with you." They keep us connected.
Why not just call? We do that too, some. Somehow it is more fun to shoot little notes to each other, and often phone calls get interrupted. It is easier to type a quick note that we can read when we have a minute. It gives you that "we are stealing a minute for each other" thrill.
It is simple. It is fun. It works to keep us connected. How do you stay connected during the day?
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
One Year Ago
One year ago, I embarked on a journey to the blogging world. The journey began as a means to keep in touch with out of state family and friends, and record our family happenings. It is still that, but has become so much more.
It has become my longest running journal ever. The place where I sort through and express thoughts and ideas. Where I have found that I can write something other than the research type papers I used to write in college.
The blog world is a place I steal a few minutes of adult interaction between ABC's, diapers and dishes. Where I can laugh, cry and learn with people around the world.
Along the way I've met and interacted with so many interesting people. People on paths similar to mine, and some on very different paths. People who I'd probably never meet in the real world because of our differing lives, but I am very glad I have met here in the blogging world. There has been something to learn from all of them.
Thank you for coming along on this journey with me. I love your feed back and comments. Keep them coming. I am sure there are many, many more stories to come of the Adventures in the 100 Acre Wood.
It has become my longest running journal ever. The place where I sort through and express thoughts and ideas. Where I have found that I can write something other than the research type papers I used to write in college.
The blog world is a place I steal a few minutes of adult interaction between ABC's, diapers and dishes. Where I can laugh, cry and learn with people around the world.
Along the way I've met and interacted with so many interesting people. People on paths similar to mine, and some on very different paths. People who I'd probably never meet in the real world because of our differing lives, but I am very glad I have met here in the blogging world. There has been something to learn from all of them.
Thank you for coming along on this journey with me. I love your feed back and comments. Keep them coming. I am sure there are many, many more stories to come of the Adventures in the 100 Acre Wood.
Carnivals
For your reading enjoyment, stop by The Carnival of Family Life #40, hosted at An Island Life, and the Carnival of Homeschooling hosted at About: Homeschooling.
Happy Reading.
Happy Reading.
It helps to look at your planner
I spent yesterday, gearing up for the week. It is a busy one. We did laundry, cleaned, and the kids and I had a family meeting. We have two field trips with our co-op this week. We normally go to the library on Wednesday, and Friday is the monthly homeschool project day that we attend. Normally, I avoid this kind of busyness, but the field trips are good ones. Tim is also leaving for a conference Wednesday and won't be back until Saturday.
I had the week all planned out, Tuesday the musical, Wednesday the library, Thursday the fire station and then groceries, and Friday (maybe) project day. This morning we got ready with minimal issues (Tim was home to help) and were out the door and on our way to the Clay Center, almost an hour drive for us. We get there and the people at the desk look at me strangely, and then inform me that the musical is tomorrow.
What?! I pulled out my planner. How could I make such a mistake? For weeks I've thought it was on a Tuesday, even though for weeks, it has been written in my planner on a Wednesday. Even though my friend, Mary, who is organizing this, sent an email yesterday about our Wednesday field trip.
So instead, we went to Aldi, without my shopping list. Who knows what all I forgot to buy or bought that we didn't really need? It was a different Aldi than we normally go to, so that counts as a field trip, right?
Mary, who reads this, is probably thinking I am a complete idiot. It is for this same outing that I told her that I didn't need four tickets, just one adult and three kids. "Uh, Steph?" she said, "That is four."
Really, I am not this air headed. NO, REALLY! Tim claims that the only time I do things like this is when I'm in a certain condition, that we are not certain we want to be in again. I have no reason, other than my apparent lack of functioning brain cells, to believe that I am in this condition.
I completely attribute this to overload of the brain. Tim has been working long hours, and when he is home at a decent hour, he usually is working on a vehicle or the house. There is a lot going on, and I can't get everything right! Though, I suppose I could look at my planner before driving an hour with four kids!
I had the week all planned out, Tuesday the musical, Wednesday the library, Thursday the fire station and then groceries, and Friday (maybe) project day. This morning we got ready with minimal issues (Tim was home to help) and were out the door and on our way to the Clay Center, almost an hour drive for us. We get there and the people at the desk look at me strangely, and then inform me that the musical is tomorrow.
What?! I pulled out my planner. How could I make such a mistake? For weeks I've thought it was on a Tuesday, even though for weeks, it has been written in my planner on a Wednesday. Even though my friend, Mary, who is organizing this, sent an email yesterday about our Wednesday field trip.
So instead, we went to Aldi, without my shopping list. Who knows what all I forgot to buy or bought that we didn't really need? It was a different Aldi than we normally go to, so that counts as a field trip, right?
Mary, who reads this, is probably thinking I am a complete idiot. It is for this same outing that I told her that I didn't need four tickets, just one adult and three kids. "Uh, Steph?" she said, "That is four."
Really, I am not this air headed. NO, REALLY! Tim claims that the only time I do things like this is when I'm in a certain condition, that we are not certain we want to be in again. I have no reason, other than my apparent lack of functioning brain cells, to believe that I am in this condition.
I completely attribute this to overload of the brain. Tim has been working long hours, and when he is home at a decent hour, he usually is working on a vehicle or the house. There is a lot going on, and I can't get everything right! Though, I suppose I could look at my planner before driving an hour with four kids!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Something to think about. . . . .
It is amazing how much house work I can get done when Kellen and Lydia need the computer for school. Hmmm I wonder why that is?
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Oh, my mistake!
Two of the cousins are here regularly and the kids are the best of friends. I love that they are close. Kellen and Miles are only three months apart and are virtually inseparable. Lydia and Ashley are almost seven years apart, but amazingly still play together well. Ashley enjoys being with younger kids and is really patient and loving with them.
For some reason, I can't explain she totally caters to and spoils Lydia. Lydia chooses the games and tells Ashley what to do. And yes, the power does go to Lydia's head! After playing with Ashley for awhile, Lydia thinks that I will cater to and spoil her also.
Yesterday, we had such an incident. Lydia was giving orders and throwing a fit when I did not drop everything to meet her requests.
Oh, my mistake!
For some reason, I can't explain she totally caters to and spoils Lydia. Lydia chooses the games and tells Ashley what to do. And yes, the power does go to Lydia's head! After playing with Ashley for awhile, Lydia thinks that I will cater to and spoil her also.
Yesterday, we had such an incident. Lydia was giving orders and throwing a fit when I did not drop everything to meet her requests.
Me: You can't just boss everyone around. You do not always get your way, and can not throw a fit about it. Lydia stop acting like a little queen. You aren't a little queen are you?
Lydia: No, mom. I am a princess!
Oh, my mistake!
Friday, February 02, 2007
Contest Fever
Seems there are contests all over of the blogging world. I told you about Make It From Scratch! - The Contest!, now let me tell you about another one. Five Minutes For Mom is having a contest for free jewelry from Alli’s Originals. I don't wear much jewelry, but these are too cute, and Lydia would love them! Go and see!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
A banner mail day & a contest
Why do we all love getting mail so much? Most days, the mail consists of bills interspersed with junk? Yet, we still look forward to seeing what is in that mail box, because every now and then there is something good there. Some days there the box is full of goodies. Today was such a day.
Tim got the first of the jeans he bought on eBay. I got the peaches from Heidi. They look so pretty I may just look at them for awhile, and then I may hoard them for myself. Thanks Heidi. I also got the package from the adoption agency. I promise I will post about that later. It is all good, don't worry, just need time to process before I write. And if that were not enough for a banner mail day, there were no bills!
On to the contest. I am having a little contest over at Stop the Ride! so go check it out.
There are some issues leaving comments today on Blogger. If it isn't working please try again!
Tim got the first of the jeans he bought on eBay. I got the peaches from Heidi. They look so pretty I may just look at them for awhile, and then I may hoard them for myself. Thanks Heidi. I also got the package from the adoption agency. I promise I will post about that later. It is all good, don't worry, just need time to process before I write. And if that were not enough for a banner mail day, there were no bills!
On to the contest. I am having a little contest over at Stop the Ride! so go check it out.
There are some issues leaving comments today on Blogger. If it isn't working please try again!
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