The momMe Blog....

Dad punishes Facebook post with 8 bullets to daughter’s laptop

2012-02-10T20:15:00.000-05:00

Brilliant!!

Dad punishes Facebook post with 8 bullets to daughter’s laptop

December Pics

2012-01-06T17:05:00.000-05:00

I just love that face!!!

My oldest baby is 17....(sniffle!!!)....

My Jackie Boy

A Poster from a concert he saw earlier in the year....

Christmas Chaos!

'Santa' is handing out gifts...

My 'baby' girl...

Love, love, love those cheeks!!

The Lions Jersey...NOT my idea!!

The babies love their puppy!!

Boyne City, Mich.: Comfy, modest boomtown - NorthJersey.com

2012-01-04T12:52:00.000-05:00

Northern Michigan in the news....:)

Boyne City, Mich.: Comfy, modest boomtown - NorthJersey.com

The Glass Castle

2012-01-02T09:38:00.000-05:00

The Glass House (Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries) is the memoir of how Jeannette Walls and her siblings were able to survive, and in later years flourish, despite a dysfunctional and often dangerous existence growing up. The story begins with Jeanette, at age 3, being terribly burned after cooking hot dogs by herself on the family stove. After her father essentially kidnaps her from the hospital, the family leads a nomadic existence, eventually settling in the small mining town in West Virginia. Extreme poverty, hunger, an alcoholic father, and a mother that wasn't interested in domestic life, made life extremely difficult.

I found the book to be fascinating in a way that I would akin to watching a train crash....horrified and yet unable to turn away. As a mother of six, I cannot imagine putting my children in the situations that the Walls children often, too often, found themselves in. The story shocks you at times. It angers you (or at least me....must be the mommy in me coming out!). At the end, it makes you want to stand up and cheer for these kids who had the fortitude to become responsible adults.

Happy New Years!!

2012-01-01T08:53:00.001-05:00

A couple of New Years Eve pics!

Puppy Time

2011-12-14T16:04:00.001-05:00

Jules-9 Weeks

Naptime!!

Video From Madie's Modeling Moment!!

2011-12-01T10:38:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving Pics

2011-12-01T10:28:00.001-05:00

A few pics from the Thanksgiving Weekend!!

Ready for Thanksgiving Dinner!

Madison looking very Cindy-Lou Who-ish for the downtown Holiday Open House

Madison in the window (back, left, 2nd one in) w/ the very awesome beauticians in the front of the store!

Sisters...(Mia just had chocolate...Can you tell!?!)

Thanksgiving Blessings

2011-11-23T15:55:00.001-05:00

Clip Art Courtesy of Vintage Holiday Crafts

I'll be the first person to admit that I dwell on the negative.

(It's an inherited trait.)

When made angry enough, that anger will sit on the back burner of my brain, and boil (I'm not a simmer type of person). I find my capacity for anger is equal to my capacity to love.

“Angry people are not always wise.”
― Jane Austen

Ms. Austen is right. Anger clouds our vision. We forget to look past those who aren't worth the time we're wasting on them, and remember to be thankful for all the things that make our lives rich and full. We're far more blessed than we often realize. Thanksgiving is a good time to take stock of what is truly important in our lives.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for...

....to God.

...my husband. I can't imagine ever being without him.

....my children. They are healthy. They are here.

....a job that my husband has been able to keep. With so many struggling with unemployment this holiday season, I am thankful we are not in that situation.

....parents and a brother that love me unconditionally.

....and last but not least.....

....for a table filled with food, a good football game, and a long nap in the afternoon (Yes, I had to add that!!!).

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

AND GO PACKERS!!!!!

Jules is 5 Weeks Old!!!

2011-11-22T19:09:00.001-05:00

Isn't she adorable!!!

Updated Pics!!!

2011-11-16T10:40:00.001-05:00

Jules is 4 weeks old!! Only 4 more weeks until we can bring her home!! Every one is so excited! Mia saw the new pics last night and said, "Momma, she's bigger! Does she bark yet?".

Gotta love toddlers!!!

Worth Checking Out!!

2011-11-15T15:02:00.000-05:00

I have been reading Crystal's blog for what seems like forever. She has tons of ideas on how to stretch the dollar. She's recently released this book and I am sooo looking forward to reading it!!

Jesse Bear Printables ~ Free Learning Printables

2011-11-14T09:02:00.000-05:00

Jesse Bear is one of our favorite books. Here is a cool link for free activity sheets that go along with Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?

Jesse Bear Printables ~ Free Learning Printables:

'via Blog this'

White Fish Tacos » Annie's Eats

2011-11-10T16:20:00.000-05:00

Jeff and I have finally tried cooking fish at home. You could say we're hooked (haha! pun intended!!!)!

I LOVE fish tacos!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.

I am trying this recipe Saturday!! Can't wait!!

White Fish Tacos » Annie's Eats:

'via Blog this'

Off The Bookshelf....

2011-11-10T13:42:00.001-05:00

I can sigh deeply for a few moments and enjoy the (almost) quiet house. The babies are both sleeping on the couch. Madison is curled up in the chair with her blanket and a book. Connor is at the table with a cup of tea and his book. Morgan and Sydney have found a quiet corners in their rooms to read.

I can hear my washing machine and dryer running in the basement. Their noise is almost constant. The grey skies outside have had a steady rain/snow mix falling from them all afternoon. A perfect time to curl up with some coffee (or tea or hot chocolate), open up the pages of a book, and get transported to far away lands.

Reading is a big part of our homeschooling approach.

Early on, Jeff and I encouraged the kids to read and read and read. Books were bought for gifts. For rewards. For fun.

We've raided every library we've ever lived near. The kids are very well versed in how to get books sent from anywhere in the country to their local library. The library sells used books year round. My kids are constantly buying...for themselves, even as gifts for each other. They've learned the book is usually better than the movie. Sometimes, a lot better.

I have to say...from a homeschooling perspective, it's been so much fun to watch the kids from learning to read to loving to read. And the characters!! We've been through them...Harry Potter, Nancy Drew, The Boxcar Children, Laura Ingalls, Little Women, Anne of Green Gables. The list could go on and on. Their choices have expanded over the years and their tastes in books are as individual as they are. One child loves anything to do with ancient civilizations. Mummies in particular. Another loves military history. One is an animal lover. Another loves fairy tales.

But, alas, my quiet is coming to an end. A little blond angel has just sat up. Time for me to wrap this up.

Here's our current reading list....

Mo is reading....

Syd is reading-

Connor is reading-

Madison is reading-

Mia and Jack love having this read to them-

I am reading-

Updated Puppy Pics

2011-11-10T07:58:00.002-05:00

Jules is three weeks old!!!

(Yes, we're a little excited!!!)

Our Family Is Growing!!

2011-11-06T14:00:00.000-05:00

No, not THAT way!!!

We are adopting this little sweetie!!

She'll be ready to come home with us next month! We've been through lots of name ideas and so far, everyone seems to like Scout. It's hard to say if that's what it will be in the end, but we're all excited to be getting her!

October Happenings

2011-11-06T13:52:00.000-05:00

Here I am playing catch-up again!!

Mia finally got her first hair cut. I had been putting it off until the top layer had grown to shoulder length. My kid's hair has always grown really slow from birth through the first couple of years (which is totally okay, because I love 'em bald!!!). So, at age 3, she finally got a 'big girl' haircut!!

She's so shy around people she doesn't know, she didn't hardly blink!!

The older girls attended a fall dance at a local high school....

Ready for Fall Ball!!

Halloween! Way fun with the younger kids (the older ones were off on their own with their friends). Mia was scared of all the ghosts and ghouls she saw out trick-or-treating, combined with the fact that she is super shy around people she doesn't know. She had to muster up the courage to go from store to store trick or treating. Jackie just sat in his stroller taking it all in, occasionally waving to a few interesting people along the way.

The Sweetest Little Witch in the world!!

Just love her little pose!

The older kids were still frozen when they got home, and the two little ones were tired of posing!!

Our 'little witch' and Pooh Bear!

His little cheeks are just so kissable!

Worth Pondering

2011-10-23T08:14:00.000-04:00

“Seven Deadly Sins
Wealth without work
Pleasure without conscience
Science without humanity
Knowledge without character
Politics without principle
Commerce without morality
Worship without sacrifice.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

Homeschooling To The Individual

2011-10-22T05:00:00.000-04:00

When you have multiple children, you have multiple personalities. Each one with their own interests, their own abilities, likes and dislikes. One of the many advantages I have found over the years with homeschooling is allowing time in the day for 'growing interests'. I could talk about each one of my children, but for this particular topic, I am going to focus on my 11 year old daughter.

From the time she was little, she was a princess. Anything that was frilly or glittery or pink or purple was her. It was no surprise to us when she showed an interest in ballet.
She's passionate about it. If I'd let her, she'd dance all day and all night. I have scheduled time into each morning to allow her to practice for her dance classes.

I make our schedule at the start of each month. As all of the kids have gotten older, things like orchestra, work schedules, and volunteer time keeps us running in all directions. Because our dancer has practice two nights a week and frequently on Saturdays, I am careful to schedule those days so that she is able to finish her schoolwork and still allow time for her to get ready for class, have dinner, and NOT have schoolwork to finish when she gets home at 9:00 at night.

There is often talk of how over scheduled children are today. And it's true. Even among homeschoolers. It's easy to become involved in more activities than you can possibly have time for. For a time, we fell into that very trap. As the kids grew older and more of them wanted to try different activities, we quickly found we were often double and triple booked. Too many activities, too little time. We wanted to encourage the kids to stick with what they were truly passionate about and drop whatever was just a passing interest. That ended up being easier than we thought. We gave choices, and the kids prioritized. The flexibility of our schedule means they don't spend time in the day 'learning' something that they are not interested in, and do spend time improving their abilities in what they love.

I don't know how far my little dancer will go in the world of dance, but I do know that she is loving every second of it now.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

My 'Bucket List' Before I Turn 40

2011-10-21T15:38:00.003-04:00

First off, I am not dying.

Though, turning 40 feels like it in many ways. The whole bucket list idea seems to fit.
I know, I know...people keep saying 40 is the new 30.

They are Wrong.

I have looked in the mirror and I can say without exaggeration....30 is 30 and 40 is 40.

For example:

I am not so sure those are 'laugh lines'. Creases seems the more appropriate term these days.
I have gray hair. A LOT of gray hair. That is, assuming I don't have it highlighted. Frequently.
The Wonderbra can't help me at this point.
I have enough self respect to stay out of Victoria's Secret.
When my kids talk about Pitbull, I know that they are not referring to a dog, but a singer.
I have actually sang along to Pitbull. A sure sign I am having a mid-life crisis.

I have approximately 10 months before I turn 40. Yes, I am a bit flipped out by that.

Here's my Bucket List-

I have to lose some weight. Seriously. I can't blame it on babies anymore.
I am going to exercise 1 hour a day. I need to find time for myself. It's for my sanity.
I am going to read one book a week. A book I haven't read before. Even if I think I'll hate it.
I love the idea of minimalism, I just haven't done anything about it yet. It's time to streamline my house.
I know I won't be debt free in 10 months, but I need to seriously reduce the amount of debt we have.

That's a start. I will probably add to it.

It's a respectable start.

It Must Be Hockey Time!!!

2011-09-27T13:58:00.001-04:00

Last week I spent the afternoon with a few of my favorite guys...The Detroit Red Wings!!! The Wings were in TC for training camp. We've missed camp for the last three years!! Of course, we did have a good excuse or two....:)

Hubby, being the awesome guy that he is, was able to win some tickets for us to see the coveted Red and White game. What a great way to spend our 19th anniversary!!!!

Besides hubby and myself, we took the two boys with us. This was Connor's second year and Jackie's first!! So much fun! I am already looking forward to next year!!!

Jackie at his first DRW Training Camp

Coach Babcock and myself

22 Fresh, Frugal Cottage Ideas: Inexpensive Ways to Decorate in the Cottage Style

2011-09-02T14:34:00.000-04:00

Now, if I can just find a few extra $$$!!!

22 Fresh, Frugal Cottage Ideas: Inexpensive Ways to Decorate in the Cottage Style:

'via Blog this'

10 Reasons to Escape Excessive Consumerism | Becoming Minimalist

2011-08-17T09:55:00.000-04:00

10 Reasons to Escape Excessive Consumerism | Becoming Minimalist

2011 Dance North Performance at Mackinaw Crossings (3)

2011-08-08T22:07:00.000-04:00

2011 Dance North Performance at Mackinaw Crossings (2)

2011-08-08T17:54:00.001-04:00

(Madison is all the way to the right, at the start of the clip, wearing blue...)

Hurray for the Hubby!

2011-08-02T08:49:00.000-04:00

Jeff built some clotheslines for me!!! I have been wanting outdoor clotheslines for ages and hubby finally heeded my whines. I have been using every day that weather will allow (which is pretty much everyday!!). I love hanging clothes. Honest. I find it's relaxing. The clothes smell so good and fresh and...healthy!! Not running the dryer is good for the pocketbook and then environment!!

My new clothesline

Diapers and training pants...(Forgive the quality on this one....)

The Credit Card Merry-Go-Round

2011-07-25T06:59:00.000-04:00

The only reason a great many American families don't own an elephant is that they have never been offered an elephant for a dollar down and easy weekly payments. ~Mad Magazine

Clerk in any given department store-"Would you like to save an extra 10% by opening a ____________ charge today?". Me, politely smiling, "No".

Several years ago, I swore off department store credit cards. At the time, I had several and I'd manage to dig a rather deep hole for myself. Acquiring a card was easy, using it even easier. Before long, I found myself making monthly payments to several credit card companies and wondering how I had managed to run up the balances as fast as I did. Fast forward a few years. No longer did I keep department credit cards, but....after not having been employed for a couple of years, I had manage to acquire a Visa and a Mastercard. I had no job, no income, but I had two credit cards. I have no idea how much I (we've) paid in interest, fees, etc. over the years and I am pretty sure I don't want to know. The number would sickening.

Fast forward to today. I haven't had one credit card in over a year. Not by choice, but by necessity. It's easy, too easy, to let the balances creep up until you find yourself in over your head. Credit card offers that come in the mail immediately find themselves in the trash can.

We are still paying off those balances. It's painful and I loathe every payment that gets sent.

Never again will I own a credit card. I will not go down this path again. Nothing I can buy will make me feel as good as I will feel when I am free of debt related to credit cards.

Why Green Is Better!!

2011-07-21T22:38:00.000-04:00

Is Your House Making You Sick?

Take Care of The Pennies....

2011-07-14T09:05:00.001-04:00

Netflix informed the world that they will be raising their rates.

(My first thought: I will need to send them a thank you for encouraging me to find my entertainment someplace else.)

It begs the question: How much is too much for something?

And it asks the question: Do I need it?

For the plan that I typically get, Netflix has essentially doubled the cost. Do I need Netflix? Obviously the answer is, no. We are already not paying a cable/satellite bill and I don't miss that. I doubt I would miss a monthly Netflix bill. Do I need to sit in front of my tv? Again, no. That was one of my reasons for cutting ties with my satellite dish. Is there something better that can be done with that $16 a month? Probably. If I combined that $16, with the $70 I was averaging per month on my satellite dish, and invested that....hmm....it's sounding better all the time.

So, where do you draw the line? How many little 'extras' are worth paying for? Ask 10 people, and I am sure you'd get 10 different answers. It does start to make you think, and question, just how many things we are paying for that are unnecessary to our happiness.

"Take care of the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves."

What I have started to wonder....

Am I happier because of it?
Am I healthier because of it?
Am I a better person for it?

Not that I have to say yes to all three, but maybe the criteria should be 2 out of 3.

In the book, Your Money or Your Life, the question posed is: Was what you spent that money on worth the hour(s) you gave up to earn it?

I am thinking of writing down these questions on a card and putting it my wallet as a reminder to think before I spend.

Beach Time

2011-07-12T14:48:00.000-04:00

Madie and Mia. Mia is a little fish in water this year.

Mia in all her cuteness.

Add caption

How can you possibly resist all this chubbiness?

I love the toes.

My whole gang....love 'em.

Sisters....

Subscribing to Frugality-Part 2

2011-07-12T09:52:00.001-04:00

It was big, black, and had eight legs. And it scurried underneath the couch.

The couch I was sitting on, trying to get two babies to nap.

With all the dignity I could muster, I leapt off the couch with two babies in tow, and called my son. He's 13 years old and killing insects is a hobby of his. We pulled out the couch in search of our unwanted guest.

What I found instead, was my overflowing magazine basket.

To be exact; magazines, catalogs, phone books, and old school papers.

Being a bit ADD/OCD (that's a self diagnosis my friends) and having already felt the need to minimize things around here, tackling the magazine basket became first priority.

Much to my son's disappointment.

All catalogs were immediately put in a bag to be recycled. I went to Pottery Barn's website and had my name removed from their mailing list.

That was a little painful.

Seriously. Who needs 3 phone books? I can't remember the last time I even opened one. I Google everything these days, even phone numbers.

I went through all of the magazines and tore out any recipes, etc. that I felt I couldn't live without and tossed the magazine in the bag for recycling.

I kept a phone book, a catalog I use for ordering homeschool supplies, and a handful of gardening and homeschool magazines that I have yet to decide what to do with.

The next step is to get rid of the basket altogether. There is nothing in that basket that can't be found on the internet. The real issue is mentally getting myself to let go.

By the way, that nasty spider was hiding in my curtain.

He got away.

I am still horrified.

Homeschooling Declaration of Independence

2011-07-08T19:36:00.000-04:00

This is so cool. I did a copy and paste here, but it can be found in it's original form at Hip Homeschool Moms.

We, as a homeschooling family, in order to form a more perfect educational experience for our children, do declare the following:

We declare that our children have the right to a childhood.

We declare that the homeschool community is diverse. It consists of Christians of every denomination, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Pagans, atheists, agnostics, blended families, single parents, and every mix you can think of. It’s one of the joys of homeschooling.

We declare that the homeschooling movement belongs to the parents–not to the government, not to the school system, not to a religious institution or belief system, and not to whomever is the loudest voice inside the community at the moment. Homeschooling belongs to the families who are in the trenches, day in and day out. It belongs to the parents who agonize until the early hours of the morning about why Christopher can’t read, or why Sarah is failing math, and who spend countless hours researching, reading, and purchasing curriculum to help their children. It belongs to the mothers who have watched the Big Yellow Bus go by wistfully, only to turn back to their child and teach long division. Again.

We declare that we are free from the homeschool family “mold.” There is no one type of homeschooling family. Each is unique, as unique as every child within a family. Each family is gifted in different ways. There is no perfect homeschooling mom. There is no perfect homeschooling dad. We are all human, and, while some are gifted in one area, they will be lacking in another. And that’s fine. More than fine, that’s wonderful!

We declare that there is no perfect method of homeschooling. Neither is there a perfect curriculum. We understand that while I think my curriculum and methodology is best (otherwise, I wouldn’t be using it), that it is only the best for my children, and my family, and that doesn’t mean that it is the best for yours. Classical education is not inherently better than unschooling, which isn’t better than school-at-home, which isn’t better than Charlotte Mason… and the list goes on. We all use what works best for us and our children.

We declare the right to teach our children our morals, values, and religious beliefs (or lack thereof).

We declare our ability to see past the next testing cycle, and glimpse the long term implications of our choices. We understand that our parents/spouses/families/friends may not understand why our children can’t do what their children do at “grade level,” but that we are looking at the bigger picture.

We declare that our children are not togs in a machine, and, therefore, their educational experience will not be the same as any other. Some will start to read at two. Some won’t read until they are 10, or even 12. We declare freedom from the system that would attempt to categorize our children into little boxes. Each child is unique. Each child is a gift.

We declare that gaps happen. They happen in public school. They happen in private school. They’ll happen in our home schools. In fact, we embrace that fact.

We declare that socializing and socialization are two different things. We will teach our children social graces ourselves. They don’t need 30 other children every day to teach them that. We don’t, however, want them socialized. We declare freedom from socialization. We don’t want them to become like everyone else. We don’t believe that they need the skills of raising their hands to announce to the world when they have to pee, changing subjects with the bell, or eating while being completely silent in 20 minutes flat. Instead, we have opted to ensure that our children are able to relate to a diverse population of people of every age, socio-economic status, race, religion, and creed.

And, finally, we declare that homeschooling is much more than an educational choice. It’s a lifestyle choice. We devote our lives to the education and upbringing of our children. And we deserve the same respect given to any other lifestyle choice.

TV Free...Well, Almost + Summer Pics

2011-07-08T10:42:00.001-04:00

TV Free...Well, Almost

Joshua Becker posted at Becoming Mimimalist, 18 reasons for getting rid of your bedroom tv. He lists some thought provoking reasons for re-thinking having a brain-drain (aka tv), in the bedroom.

A few months ago, our contract was up with Dish Network and we decided to discontinue service altogether. Two schools of thought...the first one being financial.

It was hard to justify the $60+ a month it took to keep it on. Yes, we could have reduced our programming and we have on occasion done just such a thing. What we found was, you ended up with a couple of local channels and a whole lot of crappy stations nobody ever watches. The whole reason we paid for the 'better package' was to get two or three stations we actually wanted. Jeff and I are huge hockey fans. In order to watch the Red Wings play, we need either Detroit Fox Sports or the Versus Network. For several years, we've been die-hard fans, and catch at least half of the games during the season. We really don't watch prime time tv. That is to say, when Lost went off the air last year, we haven't had anything to watch since.

As painful as it was, we decided to shut the dish off and try our luck some other way. First we hooked up an antennae. Not the old rabbit ears of my childhood, but an electronic version. With it, we're able to get two, yes two, local stations...Fox and CBS. We had bought a PS3 for Christmas last year and through that we're able to stream our Netflix Account. Over the internet, there are a couple of sites out there like Justin.tv, where you can usually stream live games. We were able to catch several of the hockey play-off games this way.

The second reason was time. Not that I have found that I watch a lot less tv...Netflix, for $8 a month, fills that void a little too well. What I found when we had 200+ channels to choose from is that I would sit and endlessly loop through them trying to find something I did want to watch. Or, I'd sit down and plan to watch a 3 hour hockey game or baseball game.

Okay...I DO miss my games, but not enough to start paying a monthly bill to watch them again.

I've found that I am pretty okay not paying for cable or satellite. I don't miss them nearly as much as I'd imagined I would. And I miss the bill, even less.

A Few Pics From Summer So Far-

The whole gang!

My baby girl

My oldest girl...She's looking so grown up

My girl....getting grown up as well

The baby of the older kids...and knows it!! It makes her completely perfect!

Helping mommy....:)

My baby boy....just look at those eyes. Nope. Not letting this one grow up!!

Happy 4th of July!

Something Old, Something New

2011-07-07T14:02:00.000-04:00

I was on the campus of our local community college a couple of months ago.

Wow.

When did I get so old?

Don't get me wrong...I'll be 39 next month and that certainly doesn't mean I am ready for the old folks home. But...wow! I am a heck of a lot older than a good many of the people (I will resist the urge to say 'kids') walking around.

I don't feel it. Honestly. It is a crazy, almost out-of-body experience, this getting older business. The way I feel seems the same. They way I think has grown and evolved. The way I look...let's not even go there.

I find myself at a cross-roads...an intersection on the road of life. I am not a 20something anymore. And that's okay. I am hoping the older I get, the wiser I get. Or, at the very least, I will start to learn from the many mistakes I've made along the way. I am not the same person I was at 20 and that is good too. The things I wanted, the things I saw for my future, didn't come to be. I've left those along the road of life. What has stuck with me, the things that seem most important, from 20ish to nearly 40ish, are still there: my passion for my kids, my love for my husband, and that deep satisfaction that can only come from a really good cheeseburger.

Okay. Maybe a few more things than that.

I have an increasing sense of frustration over what I haven't cultivated over the years.

My mind, for one. Don't get me wrong. I love to read. A lot. I have read my fair share of books over the years, but I haven't taken the extra step or steps, to achieve anything educationally. The lack of direction in education leaves me wondering where to go or what to do when I try to re-enter the workforce somewhere in the future.

Discipline. Financial and, dare I say it, physical, discipline. We've been a paycheck to paycheck family for so long, I don't know of a time that it didn't happen. My years of being a stay-at-home-mom (and my natural loathing for exercise and sweat) have lead to a few extra pounds added to my derriere each and every year, which in turn has become an urgent need to pack up and move to the nearest Jenny Craig center asap.

Next year, I turn 40 and I will celebrate my 20th anniversary. It is my wish, my goal to have made radical and meaningful changes in the next 14 or so months. I am ready to take the next step....

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. ~Lao Tzu

Green Cleaning

2011-07-06T22:26:00.000-04:00

Here's my latest venture.

I have started making my own cleaning products.

I bought this basic set of 6 essential oils and have been happily concocting cleaning solutions ever since.

I found cheap spray bottles at Dollar General for $1 a piece. For powdered cleaners, I washed off and removed the labels from Parmesan cheese containers.

A few recipes I've tried and liked so far-

Homemade Febreze-

2 C. water
1 c. rubbing alcohol (or you can use cheap vodka)
12 drops essential oils

Mix together in a spray bottle. I have also used it as an air freshener for the bathroom as well.

Homemade Scouring Powder-

1 c. borax
1 c. baking soda
1 c. salt
6-8 drops essential oils

Pour all ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Pour into an emptied, clean Parmesan cheese container. I use this in the tub with a scratch free scouring pad. So far, so good.

Floor cleaner-

1 gallon hot water
1/2 c. vinegar
1/2 c. rubbing alcohol (optional)
10-12 drops essential oils

I use this for mopping my laminate floors and have really liked the results.

Some websites that I've been finding my ideas at-

Homemade Scouring Powder

Homemade Febreze

Using Essential Oils

I am still trying out a few other concoctions, so I'll let you know what else I find that works!!

Blog Worth Sharing

2011-07-06T07:42:00.000-04:00

Something I would like to share. I follow a blog of an ob/gyn that is currently in Ethiopia as a medical missionary. She's from the Muskegon area and she'd written a post awhile back of things desperately needed at the Christian Hospital that she's at-http://drhail.wordpress.com/2011/04/20/how-you-can-help/. Things like hats for newborns, that we take for granted, are needed. If you can help, please do. Thanks!

Dr. Hail

Subscribing to Frugality

2011-07-05T14:04:00.001-04:00

I received a subscription offer in the mail today.

Normally, I pitch the stuff outright, but...curiosity being stronger than willpower today, I opened up the envelope to see what 'great' offer they had for me.

Truthfully, it wasn't bad. A one year subscription for $5.95 and that included a free cookbook (a weakness of mine...). Fifty cents a month. I could get fifty cents worth of pleasure from reading a magazine once a month. Heck...for me, the monthly recipes alone are worth it.

Or are they...?

I was reaching for the checkbook and debating taking up the company's offer to double my 'savings' by subscribing for two years for only $11.95 (and still get the cookbook!!), when a voice in my head whispered...

"Do you REALLY need another cookbook?".

And yes, I do have voices in my head. Disturbing, isn't it?

Hmm.

Of course I do.

(Have the checkbook and now searching for a pen, while tuning out that annoying voice....)

The voice, as I am now referring to it as, wasn't done.

"You don't have time for ANOTHER magazine".

Yeah. Okay. There may be some truth there.

I have 3 other magazine subscriptions already. Typically, when they come in the mail, I toss them into my magazine basket and about once every couple of months, I sit down with a handful of them, quickly look through them, pull out a couple of recipes, and do a mass recycle of what's left.

Now my brain is running the pros and cons.

Well, mostly cons.

It's very 'not green' to be subscribing to magazines. No, I am not a budding tree-hugging, raw nut eating, everything is bad environmentalist. But, I have become increasingly aware of the huge amount of waste in our society. I do believe everyone should be doing something to reduce, reuse, and recycle. It's not a bad mantra.

I don't have time. It's true. Yes, there are those that will argue that even moms need their small moments of pleasure. I couldn't agree more. But, I do most of my reading online and I have two sites (Tasty Kitchen and Allrecipes) for recipes that could keep me cooking until the ends of time. I don't need to cut out, try to organize and can never find, another recipe.

Do I need more stuff in my house? Definitely no. I need less. Much, much less.

It's $5.95. Not much. But, is there a better use for that money? My new book by Dave Ramsey says yes.

And I think he (and that annoying voice in my head) may be right.

Happy Birthday!!!

2011-07-01T15:32:00.002-04:00

Madison's 11th Birthday was yesterday! I can remember her birth like it was yesterday. What an incredible blessing she is!!

Musical Me: The Spring Concert

2011-05-31T17:59:00.000-04:00

I was a bit lacking in my description of the girl's spring concert, so here's a more detailed account...:)

Musical Me: The Spring Concert: "Hey guys! How have you been? I'm doing pretty good. Enjoying spring? I am. When I see green everywhere, it makes me happy. Another thing th..."

Being a Bookworm: 25 Favorite Things

2011-05-31T17:41:00.000-04:00

Sydney posted this at her blog and I really enjoyed this little insight into her!!

Being a Bookworm: 25 Favorite Things: "Here are my 25 favorite things! My (huge!!) family- yes, they can be absolutely INSANE sometimes, and yes, they can drive me crazy, but I ..."

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-31T17:09:00.002-04:00

Jackie's First Tigers Game!!!

Despite the fact that it was sooo hot Sunday and that the Tigers ended up losing, it was a good time at the ballpark.

My Dad, Connor, my brother, Syd, and the top of Madie's hat!!

We had the usual dietary delights...hot dogs, peanuts, no cracker jacks.

Enjoyed a refreshment on the patio at The Peanut Barrel!!

The next day, we had lunch with my brother in East Lansing. Beautiful day to sit outside. All-in-all, a nice start to the summer!!

Mia

2011-05-31T16:44:00.000-04:00

Summer is upon us. At least here in Northern Michigan. There is no snow, so by default, it must be summer.

Mia loves this fishing pole, by the way. It is pink. And it is Barbie.

Fishing is serious business, for serious folks.

This is going to be a fun summer....:)

Random Pics

2011-05-23T06:19:00.001-04:00

Busy week! The older girls wrapped up orchestra for the year (meaning, the regular school year is done and now summer schedule begins) and Madie wrapped up dance (same scheduling business for her as well!!). Naturally, I completely forgot to get some decent pics, but here's a couple I wanted to share.

Last night of dance recitals for Madison

The perpetually adorable Mia!! Ready for the TC Cherry Festival!

Story time w/ mama. I love this pic!!

We're reading Ferdinand

Birthday Bash In Pics

2011-05-23T06:01:00.000-04:00

Grandma and Grandpa

Birthday boy checking out his cupcake!

The Birthday Banner Jeff made!

We made the cupcake toppers!

Had to dig out an old Tiger's cup for the occasion!!!

Happy Thoughts and A Heavy Heart

2011-05-14T05:50:00.000-04:00

One year ago today, I nervously sat in a hospital room awaiting the birth of the beautiful little boy whose 1st birthday is today. I don't know how an entire year as passed so quickly.

We're having a birthday party today and the rest of the kids are thrilled. Jack is completely oblivious to the fact that all the cleaning and hustle and bustle of the last couple of days has anything to do with him. He has, of late, mastered the art of scooting around on his bottom from place to place. I am not sure if he'll ever actually crawl, but I am loving the scoot, and have knick-named him 'Scooter'. We decided on a baseball theme for his birthday party. We're headed to a Detroit Tigers game at the end of the month and so, we thought the theme fit perfectly. I found this awesome site that had the cutest ideas for party decorations. We're keeping the party group small, just us and grandma and grandpa. Our menu is your basic baseball fare....things like hot dogs, peanuts, and Cracker Jacks!!

I'll be honest.

I am heartbroken today.

Not that I am not completely thankful for this precious little boy, because I am.

He is healthy. He is perfect.

I know how blessed I am.

But he is my last. My last newborn. My last bald, toothless, chubby baby. I am devastated to say good-bye to this stage, and worse, to know that I will never hold another one of my newborn babies again. The knowledge that this part of my life is over weighs heavy on my heart and I have spent this morning grappling with what I know is a part of life and what my heart so deeply desires.

2011-04-21T20:30:00.000-04:00

I have spent this morning catching up on some blog reading. I am terribly behind. I follow two people on missionary work in Ethiopia; Dr. Hail and Sophie (an RN). Their stories are so powerful, so moving.

A trip to the doctor yesterday, yielded a future appointment with the radiology department for an MRI in a couple of weeks. In the mean time, there's really nothing they can do for all the misery I am feeling in my back. Can you hear my groans of agony from where you are?

We bought the new Harry Potter (Deathly Hollows Pt 1) on Blu-ray. Our first Blu-ray movie. Hurray. The kids, who are huge Potter fans, were thrilled. Good fun!

I have figured out what I am doing for the babies birthdays. At least their themes, that is. For Jackie, I am going to do a baseball theme. We're headed to a Tigers game in May, so it works in nicely with his birthday. For Mia, I am going with a Dr. Seuss theme. I found this blog that showed how this mom used Dr. Seuss for a birthday party. Sooo cute! Mia loves her Dr. Seuss books. She can recite large passages from several of the books from memory.

Can't wait!

Obama Gas Prices-Is the President Out of Touch w/ American Families?

2011-04-21T08:44:00.001-04:00

My Own Version of Reality Bites

2011-04-14T13:12:00.000-04:00

It was one of those comments that took me by surprise. The kind that I wasn't sure to how to react to and found myself fumbling to keep a straight face. Truthfully, I wanted to run from the room, find a dark corner, and cry my eyes out. And I'm not even the kind of person that typically cries.

It was a comment about my weight. Meant in jest, but hit home like an arrow hitting its mark. Painfully so.

In a rather vain attempt to make myself feel better, I stepped on the scales first thing this morning. Surely, 2 weeks of C25k had to have done something, anything. I'd be happy with even a half a pound gone.

But, no.

Nothing.

The bathroom scale hadn't budged.

Terrific.

I'll be honest. I hate exercising. For as long as I could remember, I've been finding a way out of it. Most of my life, I've been rather lucky. I haven't had to worry too much about my weight. It's only been in the last 5-6 years that it's been slowly creeping up on me. Two babies and a bad thyroid in the last 3 years hasn't done me any favors either.

I have completed two weeks of the C25K program. Clearly, it hasn't done anything to shrink my waistline.

Not that I was expecting a miracle.

Okay...maybe a small miracle.

Reality is...I should do the first two weeks again. I haven't ran in about a week and a half. My knees were screaming for mercy. I self dosed with a great deal of ibuprofen and I am feeling....better.

I am begrudgingly having to accept the fact that my almost 40 year old body is no longer going to allow me to eat cheeseburgers at will. Or fries. Or soda. Or....the list could go on and on and on. My body is also forcing me to exercise. My brain is having a raging internal debate that sounds very much like a Dr. Seuss book.

The Zaxby Dr. Seuss From The Sneetches and Other Stories Copyright 1961 by Theodor S. Geisel and Audrey S. Geisel, renewed 1989.

One day, making tracks
In the prairie of Prax,
Came a North-Going Zax
And a South-Going Zax.
And it happened that both of them came to a place
Where they bumped. There they stood.
Foot to foot. Face to face.
"Look here, now!" the North-Going Zax said, "I say!
You are blocking my path. You are right in my way.
I'm a North-Going Zax and I always go north.
Get out of my way, now, and let me go forth!"
"Who's in whose way?" snapped the South-Going Zax.
"I always go south, making south-going tracks.
So you're in MY way! And I ask you to move
And let me go south in my south-going groove."
Then the North-Going Zax puffed his chest up with pride.
"I never," he said, "take a step to one side.
And I'll prove to you that I won't change my ways
If I have to keep standing here fifty-nine days!"

Now, I am going to go have a salad.

And I am going to remind myself that something that I once considered only a side dish, is now the main dish.

And that I am going to thank myself later.

I may need to repeat that step more than once.

Nobody's perfect but Nicklas Lidstrom's close | detnews.com | The Detroit News

2011-04-13T07:37:00.000-04:00

Go Wings!!!

Nobody's perfect but Nicklas Lidstrom's close | detnews.com | The Detroit News

Jackie boy at Fiddler's Jamboree

2011-03-05T20:17:00.000-05:00

So Much Fun!!!

2011-02-10T08:32:00.000-05:00

Can you tell who got her the shirt? :)


Bath time this morning...:)

A Story That is Incredibly Heartbreaking....

2011-02-09T12:46:00.001-05:00

This is the final segment in a three part story covering an accident in Michigan over the weekend-

A father says goodbye...

And here is his blog-

Our Little Secret

Lombardi Article For Fellow Cheeseheads!!!

2011-02-03T08:18:00.000-05:00

Gearing up for the Super Bowl!!!

Lombardi Home

An Interesting Read....

2011-02-01T14:02:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed reading this article and I thought I'd pass it along-

10 Surefire Ways to Live Below You're Full Potential

A New Blog To Share

2011-01-27T13:16:00.000-05:00

I've mentioned before how much I enjoy reading about Sophie, an RN doing missionary work in Ethiopia.

Also working in the same region is Dr. Hail, an OB/GYN doctor, also doing missionary work.

Their stories that they share are powerful and sad and moving.

My Helper

2011-01-27T13:06:00.000-05:00


Mia...covered in flour

Mia loves 'helping mommy cook'. She's so cute and so much fun!

Here's a link I thought I'd share-

Marie Madeline Studio

These ladies make aprons for little girls all the way to us 'big girls'. They will make matching mommy/daughter aprons to order. There is a large selection of fabrics to choose from. I was going to have aprons made for Christmas, but just ran out of time (and money!!), so I am thinking of having aprons made for a special gift for Easter baskets this year.

Bath Time!!!

2011-01-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

Online Coupons

2011-01-11T12:11:00.000-05:00

Here's a couple of sites I've started using-

RedPlum
SmartSource

And I've signed up for Meijer Mperks-

Mperks

Don't forget the coupons in your Sunday paper!!!

Homeschooling Resource

2011-01-11T11:17:00.000-05:00

Jeff sent me a link to this site. There is a ton of information here for middle school age and up.

Khan Academy

Sightseeing in Your Home Town

2011-01-11T11:14:00.000-05:00

Potter's Rooming House, Petoskey

Plaque near the front door


Potter's Rooming House is not far from Petoskey's Mitchell Street

Hemingway in Northern Michigan

I'll be honest...I am far more interested in Hemingway, the man and far less interested in Hemingway, the author. Hemingway's life was an adventure and his ties to Northern Michigan have been interesting to look for in the years that we've lived here.

Dick Winters

2011-01-11T10:51:00.000-05:00

Band of Brothers Inspiration Passes Away

A great man that inspired so many...

Digital Kids: Breaking the Texting Code

2010-12-30T14:49:00.000-05:00

Digital Kids: Breaking the Texting Code

From the Kitchen...

2010-12-08T16:47:00.000-05:00

I like to buy cake mixes when they're on sale for $1 a box (or less). There's only a couple of mixes that I like-Red Velvet and Spice. If truth be told, I don't really care for cake at all (this does NOT include cheesecake...I've never met one of those I didn't like). Cake from scratch is not difficult, but cake mixes are convenient. Red Velvet cake is a weakness for me, but I don't like making it from scratch. It's the entire bottle of red food color you have to use. It's messy. It stains everything and I am a magnet for stains. The cake mix is easier, but it doesn't taste nearly as good as homemade. I've been playing around with this and here's what I've come up with to make a boxed Red Velvet cake edible-

Almost Homemade Red Velvet Cake-

1 box Red Velvet cake mix with the following subsitutions-

1 stick of butter (not margarine), melted in place of the oil
use buttermilk in place of the water
use the same amount of eggs the box calls for

and add to the mixture-

1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbls. of cocoa powder

Beat all ingredient for 30 seconds on low and then 3 minutes on high. Bake as directed.

After the cake cools, top with a homemade Cream Cheese Frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting-

1 brick of cream cheese (not the fat free or reduced fat kind)
1 stick of butter (not margarine), room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla extract
4 c. powdered sugar

Beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy and well blended. Beat in vanilla extract. Slowly add in powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. This will frost a 9x13 cake.

(If frosting seems too thick, you can add 1 tsp. of milk at a time to thin it down, but I rarely have this problem.)

Thanksgiving Stupor

2010-12-01T15:09:00.001-05:00

Image Courtesy of VintageHolidayCrafts

It is nearly a week later and I still don't feel like cooking a large meal. It's pathetic. I know.

Thanksgiving went pretty well this year. We ate a bit later in the day than we normally would (3ish), so I didn't have to climb out of bed in the middle of the night to get the turkey in the oven. The onions and celery were already cooked and the bread torn up for my stuffing, the sweet potato casserole was put together and needed only to be put in the oven, and pies had been baked the day before. The whole process went pretty smoothly. Everyone ate until they couldn't stand it anymore and then the kids and I ended up going to see the latest Harry Potter flick.

As I sat looking around the table on Thanksgiving, I felt blessed and incredibly thankful. We, as a society, tend to forget what is truly important in our lives. We measure our success against our neighbor. We feel ourselves to be failures if we don't own the newest and the latest. Without naming any names, I can tell you the story of a rather famous man that lives in a nearby town in this area. By saying he lives in a nearby town, is to say that he keeps a home there, but is not a year round resident. He has at least one other house that I am aware of, in Georgia. He obviously has a great deal of expendable income. I saw him a couple of summers ago, going into the library as we were leaving. If it wasn't for the fact that his young daughter's murder had been famously covered (and continues to be) we wouldn't have known him from Adam. He would just be one of many summer resorters in the area. I cannot imagine the emptiness that must be felt at each passing holiday. A hole that can never be filled. His child was taken by murder, but how many other parents have lost a child to accident or illness.
I thank God with all of my heart that I have a home that is not perfect, clothes that are not the latest fashion, and a van that goes down the road on a fume and a prayer. For it means, that I have all these things. Things that are replaceable when needed.

All that is truly valuable to me and all that I need to be happy and content in my life was sitting at my table on Thanksgiving.

L-R: Morgan, Connor, Mia, Madison, Jack, Sydney. Thanksgiving 2012

Love This Lost Pic

2010-12-01T07:53:00.001-05:00

@DamonLindelof this exists around the city. on Twitpic

An Interesting Read....

2010-11-30T17:29:00.000-05:00

Valedictorian Speaks Out Against Schooling in Graduation Speech

Madison's Dance Recital-Part 2-Russian Dolls

2010-11-30T15:50:00.001-05:00

A Lull In the Action

2010-11-23T16:14:00.000-05:00

What a crazy, insane week we've had! So many ups and downs, I can hardly keep it all straight.

Last Sunday, we found out that Jeff's grandfather had passed away. The world feels just a bit lonelier without your grandparents in it. The funeral was last Wednesday, which meant a trip downstate. We ended up deciding it was best for Jeff to go alone. Jack was sick and Madison had a dance rehearsal that couldn't be missed. Taking myself and the kids would have slowed him down coming home and, as it was, it was cutting it close to make it back in time for Madison to get to dance. It was a sad and difficult funeral for him to attend. I wish I had been able to be there for him. Along those same lines, my friend's husband passed away last week as well. He lost his fight with lung cancer. She is heartbroken. I feel so bad for her. Cancer is such a terrible thing.

All of the kids and myself are in various stages of sickness. Jack and Mia, who've had it the longest, are sicker now than they were last week. Madison, Sydney, Morgan, and myself have all come down with head colds in the last couple of days. Connor has been diagnosed with H. pylori. For years, meaning since he was a baby, Connor has had problems with his stomach. He's never been able to tolerate acidic foods (juice, tomatoes, etc). Doctor's have told me 1. he'll out grow it 2. that's just the way his system is. Well, three doctor's later, he finally gets tested for something , and comes up positive for H. pylori. Of course, it's hard to say how long he's had this and if it's the sole problem or it's just one part of the problem. He's being prescribed two different antibiotics and Prilosec. He'll be taking 6 pills a day for two weeks to cure the bacterial infection and hopefully, cure the problem. Otherwise, we'll have to find out what the next step is once the H. pylori is cleared up.

Madison had two dance rehearsals and then performances Friday and Saturday night last week. We were pretty much running back and forth to practices all week. My folks came up Friday to see her perform and stayed the night with us. Mia was fascinated with the show. I have a feeling I'll have another ballerina on my hands in a few years!!!

Madison dressed as a Russian Doll

Madison dressed as a Princess Ballerina

Sunday we headed downstate for my dad's family reunion. This was my first year heading that up. I have several ideas for next year. We used a hall this year due to the fact it was rather late in the year when I started working on it. Hall's are always so limiting...in both space and what you can do. I had a couple of crafts there for younger kids, but it's not the same as having it outside. Next year, I intend to find a park and rent a pavilion to use. This winter, I will be working on putting together a family cookbook.

Nope...I'm not sure what I was thinking when I took this on!!!

I took my turkey out of the freezer and put in the refrigerator to start thawing. Tomorrow, I need to bake pies and get my side dishes made as far as they can be. Tonight, I will need to fight the crowds and pick up any remaining ingredients I am still missing. It's amazing, I've been to the store countless times and I still don't have everything I need!!!

I am looking forward to a day of food, football, and family!!

Princess Ballerinas-Madison's Dance Recital

2010-11-23T08:49:00.001-05:00

Morning Nap

2010-11-11T15:05:00.001-05:00

A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on. ~Carl Sandburg

Embracing Change

2010-11-10T15:35:00.001-05:00

All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. ~Anatole France

I am neither for nor against change, except when it is forced upon me. I am starting to realize, rather reluctantly, that a change in my (my- meaning me + family, because I do all the cooking) eating habits is at hand.

I LIKE fast food. I could eat a cheeseburger a day and be very happy. I LIKE soda. I LIKE fried foods.

Unfortunately, they no longer like me.

Even though I had my gallbladder removed in July, I am still unable to eat pork of any kind. I have a hard time with things that are greasy, things that are fried, things that have much fat. Essentially, a good many foods that I have enjoyed over the years are no longer acceptable.

And, well…I have a confession. I am getting…older. There. I said it. My metabolism has ceased to exist. I can’t even look at food without gaining 10 pounds.

I find myself cautiously reading about things with the word ‘organic’ or giving thought to ‘ethical trade’. Good grief…what has happened to me? I bought running shoes. I haven’t used them yet. But I bought some…what is up with that? I have had a disdain for exercise since birth.

I am going for a walk today.

If I come back with tofu, send for the doctor.

Belated Pics From Our ‘Stay-cation’

2010-11-09T14:46:00.001-05:00

The Mackinaw Bridge is one of my favorite sights in Northern Michigan.

Driving to the bridge wouldn’t be complete w/o crossing the bridge and a stop in St. Ignace.

Mia was having a great time playing in the water….

Madison likes to tell people that she was standing in two lakes at the same time….

Sweet baby Jack….

A stop on the way home. Apparently, we wore them out!!!

Distractions :)

2010-11-07T21:15:00.001-05:00

I emailed a friend yesterday to apologize for the fact that I have seemingly disappeared from all good society as of late.

My days are a blur of laundry, diapers, occasional cooking, kids activities, kids school, and…well, the list could go on and on. At the center of this hurricane are these two sweet angels. They keep me busy!!!!!

I am desperate to find some time for myself in a day. I need to start exercising (seriously…Jack is going to be 6 months old next Sunday). I am not sure if it’s the weather, the time change, or just what….but I could sleep for many, many hours if someone would just let me. Unfortunately, that’s not likely to happen, so I’m hoping the need passes pretty soon.

A couple of really great recipes I’ve tried lately-

I have started to give some thought to my Thanksgiving Dinner as well. It’s time to pick up a few things every time I’m in the store. I do know that I am NOT making pie crust. In an effort to streamline my holiday, I will be purchasing two prepared deep dish pie crusts. I don’t even feel guilty about that…:)

My Thanksgiving Menu-

Turkey (obviously)
Homemade Stuffing (my favorite part of Thanksgiving)
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Fruit Salad
Cranberry Sauce
Green Bean Casserole
Corn (that’s for the green bean haters in the family)
Homemade Buttered Rosemary Rolls
Sweet Potato Casserole
Pumpkin Pie (w/ the aforementioned store bought pie crusts)

That’s it.

Pretty straight-forward.

Now…if I could just get somebody else to cook it….;)

Can You Blame Me?

2010-11-06T22:20:00.001-04:00

I’ll admit it. I’ve been a bit distracted.

It’s the blue eyes.

And the fat rolls. Definitely the fat rolls.

And the drool. I love the drool.

Enjoying Fall In Northern Michigan

2010-10-04T19:15:00.001-04:00

Fall has to be one of my favorite times of the year. The colors are just about perfect. Hubby and I decided to take a drive north to Cross Village by way of the Tunnel of Trees.

On our way through Harbor Springs we stopped at this bakery called Tom's Mom's Cookies. Yummy is the best word I can think of to describe it!! We tried cookies with names like White Chocolate Cherry, Dark and White Chocolate, and Chocolate Almond Coconut. There wasn’t a bad one in the bunch!!

Great food and a fantastic view was waiting for us at Legs Inn!

Technorati Tags: Legs Inn,Harbor Springs,Tunnel of Trees,Lake Michigan

Jackie Boy laughing

2010-09-26T16:46:00.000-04:00

Not Well Lately...

2010-09-24T17:27:00.000-04:00

My blog is showing its neglect. Bear with me and hopefully I will be back to a normal routine next week.

Metro Times - Arts: Hemingway's 'Last Good Country'

2010-09-23T10:26:00.000-04:00

Here's a link that my hubby had shared w/ me. We live in the heart of Northern Michigan and Hemingway is a local legend in these parts. This is an interesting article for the Hemingway fan.

Metro Times - Arts: Hemingway's 'Last Good Country'

Exploring Minimalism-Part 2

2010-09-04T18:54:00.001-04:00

Part 1 here

When did we get sold the idea that we needed a car payment, a house payment, and a half a dozen credit cards in order to live the ‘American Dream’? When did consumerism become our national religion?

Car sickness is the feeling you get when the monthly payment is due. ~Author Unknown

I remember a brief discussion in high school math about how figure compound interest. What I don’t ever remember happening was why you shouldn’t take on consumer debt to start with. With consumerism comes materialism. This need to ‘keep up with the Joneses’, to use an over quoted cliché, has left us knee deep in unnecessary items that require more storage, a bigger house, more time devoted to organizing and cleaning and buying containers and shelves to store it all in and on.

The gap in our economy is between what we have and what we think we ought to have - and that is a moral problem, not an economic one. ~Paul Heyne

I find myself unhappy at the end of a long road of financial pitfalls and a house full of worthless possessions. I find myself wondering if there is something more than the endless loop of work, acquire, and work to pay for what we just acquired. Christmas is a perfect example. We spend hundreds and often thousands of dollars to provide our loved ones with the ‘perfect’ holiday. How often do those toys, books, games, and clothes find themselves into a yard sale within a year or two, being sold for a few cents or a couple of dollars? Was that temporary moment of happiness worth it? I am not just speaking from a financial perspective, either. Did those items make us better people, did they bring our family closer together? Will my children even remember what they got five years from now besides a stack of presents to tear threw as fast as they can?

Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice. ~Unknown

Next-Part 3-Detox and Rehab

Technorati Tags: minimalist,frugal,consumerism

Interesting Financial Article on MSN

2010-09-03T12:43:00.000-04:00

Living On $18,000 By Choice

Exploring The Idea of Minimalism-Part 1

2010-09-03T09:15:00.005-04:00

My disclaimer-I have stuff. Lots of stuff. Not expensive or nice stuff. Just stuff.

After a visit to the beach, it's hard to believe that we live in a material world. ~Pam Shaw

I like to get rid of stuff. Throw it away, give it away, recycle it, whatever. I get a euphoric afterglow when I have purged an area of my house of unnecessary clutter.The problem is, when you walk into my house, you would never know that. There is stuff every where. Granted I live in a very small house with seven other people, one of whom is an in denial pack rat. In reality, I could probably get rid of half of the stuff sitting around my house and never really notice it missing. The mere idea of that I find depressing. All the money that has been spent on stuff that, in the end, I find to be completely disposable.

He who buys what he does not need steals from himself. ~Author Unknown

So, when I read this article about a lady who transformed her life by eliminating her stuff and significantly downsizing her lifestyle, it got me wondering how I could apply these principles to my own lifestyle.

I'll be honest. My interest in downsizing or a minimalist lifestyle is not to be environmentally friendly. Don't get me wrong, I am not opposed to the idea, but it is not my motivating factor. What does lure me to the idea, is the freedom that can be found from digging out from underneath the material and financial burdens that keep us tied to a lifestyle that is unfulfilling.

Tomorrow-
Part 2-My disillusionment with the material world....

Technorati Tags: minimalist,downsizing

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

2010-09-02T08:57:00.002-04:00

From The Simple Woman's Daybook
FOR TODAY

Outside my window...the morning sky is beautiful…clear and blue. My neighbor's tree reminds me that fall is nearly upon us…it’s once green leaves are tinged orange.

I am thinking...of how many things I need to do today.

I am thankful for...the full and busy life that I have.

From the learning rooms…I am tweaking school schedules for fall.

From the kitchen...I have some remaining zucchini that needs to be baked into bread today.

I am wearing...my pj’s…still.

I am reading...Charlotte Mason Companion (again…I like to read it at the start of each year to get my mind focused on what is I wish to accomplish)

I am hoping...that my garage sale this weekend is succesful and I am able to eliminate a great deal of unnecessary clutter.

I am hearing...my children getting restless, which tells me it’s time to begin school.

One of my favorite things...is seeing the smile on my 2 year old’s face when I am able to understand what it is she is so desperately trying to communicate to me.

Mia & Madison at the beach.

2010-09-01T21:11:00.001-04:00

Some Free Financial Webinars Worth Checking Out

2010-09-01T15:55:00.000-04:00

I am crazy about the book, Your Money or Your Life (Robin/Dominguez). Insightful reading that asks the question, why relegate yourself to a 9-5 lifestyle until you die or are too old to enjoy retirement.

Vicki Robin will be giving 3 free webinars next week discussing the book and its philosophy. I have already registered to 'attend' (via computer for those of you unfamiliar with a webinar).

The classes are free and last about an hour and fifteen minutes.

Literature

2010-09-01T14:34:00.003-04:00

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~Anna Quindlen, "Enough Bookshelves," New York Times, 7 August 1991

I have loved to read for as long as I could remember. In high school, I took a couple of literature classes believing that any class that required nothing but reading was put there entirely for my benefit. Looking back on those classes, it was probably a good thing that I naturally loved reading. Nothing that I read or did in those classes was going to instill a love of reading. The teacher seemed as though she were as anxious for the bell to ring at the end of the day as her students. The textbooks we were given had only bits and pieces collected from a variety of short stories, dramas, and novels. Nothing of substance.

When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes - Erasmus

In the few pages devoted to a story, there was no way to get to know the characters, their stories, their surroundings. We did read a few stories from start to finish; Great Expectations by Charles Dickens and Romeo and Juliet from Shakespeare's Dramas. In my years after high school, I met a good many authors. No, I don’t mean in person. Through their books.

Jane Austen is by far my favorite. Her books hold a place of honor on my bookcase. Jane’s books are always on a regular rotation for me to read.

I had originally started using Susan Wise Bauer’s materials for history, so when she came out with a guide to walk you through some of the most notable works of literature, dramas, poetry, etc. ever written, I was thrilled. Susan’s book, The Well-Educated Mind, is the basis for our high school literature classes. Each section of the book is organized according chronologically. It is my intent to work our literature along side our history. For example, while we’re studying ancient Rome, we’ll be reading Plato’s The Republic. While we study the reign of Elizabeth I, we’ll be reading Shakespeare. A discussion on the Civil War will coincide with the reading of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and understanding the complexities of WWII will be furthered by the reading of Mein Kampf (Hitler).
I am excited to not only be introducing my children to some great works of literature, but to discover or rediscover many of these myself. At the end of their senior year, I feel certain that my children will enter college with a solid foundation in literature.

Technorati Tags: Homeschooling,High School,Literature,Well-Educated Mind,Susan Wise Bauer

Let's Hear A Round of Applause for the Almighty Schedule

2010-08-31T14:47:00.000-04:00

School has started this week in our house. I am ready for it. Actually, I am thrilled that we're going to be back on a schedule. This has been the first summer that we've had 'off'. Between having the baby and not feeling well this summer, there's been no schedule in place since the end of May.

My kids have about drove me crazy.

Even though we've had several classes that they've participated in and outings they've gone on with their grandparents, they've had entirely too much time on their hands. They've done more bickering, more tv watching, and fewer chores than I can ever recall.

I welcome structure at this point.

I placed, what will hopefully be, my last book order until sometime after the New Year. I've needed to order books all summer and I have procrastinated to the last minute. With two kids in high school this year, it's been challenging trying to find a schedule that will accommodate their extra studies, while leaving time for the two middle schoolers and, of course, having a toddler and baby to work into the mix.

We'll be covering our typical subjects for all four grades: Math, Science, Geography, Grammar or Rhetoric, History, Bible Study, Art and Music Appreciation, Logic, Latin, Spelling and Vocabulary, and Literature. The older girls will remain with the Strings Program and do volunteer work twice a month with the local Humane Society and Madison will be taking extra dance classes in place of playing the cello this year. We're completely undecided as to what Connor will do.

As of right now, it looks like we'll be busy with kids activities four nights a week.

Let another year begin!!!

Free Software Download

2010-08-23T20:55:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Money Saving Mom for this alert today!

Enjoying The Morning in Petoskey

2010-08-18T14:46:00.001-04:00

Little Traverse Wheelway, Aug/10

Mia-2 yrs old

Little Traverse Bay

This morning was beautiful up on a bluff overlooking Little Traverse Bay. With the heat finally coming down to temperatures that are much more enjoyable than last week, it turned out to be a great time to enjoy the views with the kids. This section of the wheelway is located between Bay Harbor and Magnus Park. We took scones that we'd purchased at the Grain Train (which I might add are delicious and just plain addictive!!) and a cup of coffee to enjoy before starting our walk from East Park.

Her 'Stuff' Wasn't Making Her Happy, So Tammy, 31, Gave It All Away

2010-08-13T07:32:00.000-04:00

Her 'Stuff' Wasn't Making Her Happy, So Tammy, 31, Gave It All Away

Free Business Cards From Starbucks

2010-08-12T15:15:00.000-04:00

Free Business Cards From Starbucks

Tall Ships 8-10-2010

2010-08-11T14:25:00.001-04:00

Napping

2010-08-05T17:13:00.002-04:00

Mia and Jack

Mia

Wanderlust

2010-08-04T16:15:00.001-04:00

Wanderlust is a strong desire for or impulse to wander,^[1] or, in modern usage, to travel and to explore the world.[2

I've found the word, the term, the very definition that explains me. I can't believe that I've never heard it before. For what feels like forever, I have had a restlessness to travel. Not your typical 2 week vacation that most people take, but the need for travel that extends into weeks, months, or perhaps even years. I love the idea of seeing, exploring, and living briefly in many different areas of this country and, when the urge hits, moving on to the next area. The freedom would be...exhilarating. It is my great desire to be able to travel with my family for an extended period of time and see all the amazing things our country has to offer.

Backyard Playtime!

2010-07-27T12:26:00.000-04:00

Looking like trouble!!!

Beep, Beep!!

Bath Time!!!

2010-07-24T08:03:00.000-04:00

My little man!

My sweet Jack!

I couldn't decide which picture I liked best!!!

Party In the USA - Venetian Festival

2010-07-22T22:12:00.002-04:00

Mia's 2nd Birthday Party (3 of 3)

2010-07-19T20:31:00.001-04:00

Mia's 2nd Birthday Party (2 of 3)

2010-07-19T20:30:00.001-04:00

Mia's 2nd Birthday Party (1 of 3)

2010-07-19T20:29:00.001-04:00