tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148479712024-03-13T15:00:54.295-07:00Shoe PrintsThe life and times of our family in The Shoe.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-34297054904935319802013-10-01T09:08:00.000-07:002013-10-01T10:15:25.795-07:00sister security detailThis morning is the first morning of enrichment classes at our web academy. The school offers optional, on-site classes twice a week: PE, math support and writing plus semi-monthly science labs and additional electives for the high-schoolers. It gives the kids a chance to meet other students, get some energy out and interact with the teachers face-to-face. It also gives me two mornings a week with just Nolan and Evie. Our kids are regular attendees. <br />
<br />
As Mason was eating his oatmeal, he remarked, "There is this boy named Evan who kept bothering Sarah last year. He's my age, and I am going to tell him to leave her alone."<br />
<br />
Puttering in the kitchen, I answered "I love it that you want to protect your sister!"<br />
<br />
To which he replied, "She doesn't want me to protect her, so I am just going to have to do it in secret."<br />
<br />
My heart swelled with pride. I love the nobility of character that leads my son to protect his sisters. I love seeing the sibling love shine through, especially since it is hard to spot some days.<br />
<br />
<br />Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-26621526579151262672012-02-10T08:30:00.000-08:002012-02-10T08:30:01.952-08:00Bulk cooking: Chicken: Jan 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LI-JgYCvLMY/TzLELWnzF2I/AAAAAAAABOU/zYoCqvcAM-k/s1600/zaycon-button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LI-JgYCvLMY/TzLELWnzF2I/AAAAAAAABOU/zYoCqvcAM-k/s1600/zaycon-button.jpg" /></a></div>
Another<a href="https://secure.zayconfoods.com/refer/zf6955"> Zaycon chicken order</a>, but only 80 lbs this time. I really didn't have the energy for even 2 boxes, but these meals rescue me from dinner prep so often that I can't afford to run out!<br />
<br />
Instead of having one long, "Just do it" session, I broke it down. We did one box Friday and one box Saturday. With 3 people working, it took less than an hour per box.<br />
<br />
Person 1 trims the fat and cut the breast in half, using kitchen shears. Person 2 slices off the tender then fillets the breast. Person 3 labels and fills freezer bags. Voila! Done.<br />
<br />
I kept it simple this time, relying on prepared sauces instead of making everything from scratch. Here's the breakdown of meals:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>20 lbs cooked, chopped chicken, for salad, pizza, tossing with pasta, etc., 7 bags total</li>
<li>4 trays, 10 fillets each, parmesan chicken</li>
<li>5 bags BBQ sauce chicken</li>
<li>4 bags Creamy cesar chicken</li>
<li>4 bags Honey Chipotle chicken (recipe below)</li>
<li>4 bags diced, raw chicken for soups and stir frys</li>
</ul>
<div>
28 meals for a family of 9 = ~2.86# per meal at $1.69 per lb. = an average meat cost of $4.82 per meal. ($0.54 per person) My goal for dinner is to keep the total cost under $15. ($1.67 per person). So this leaves plenty of room in the budget for side dishes and the sauces I used on the chicken.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(When I posted this to Facebook, I forgot to include the cooked chicken in my total.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Honey Chipotle Chicken</span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3 cups prepared salsa</div>
<div>
1 cup honey</div>
<div>
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Blend all ingredients together in the blender. This will make ~4 cups sauce. Add it to fresh chicken before freezing. I add 1/2 cup sauce for each pound of chicken. Label and freeze.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To prepare, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Dump the chicken into a large casserole dish and cook for ~45 min at 350 F. OR using tongs, carefully retrieve the chicken from the bag and lay it flat on a rimmed cookie sheet. Discard remaining sauce. Cook for 45 min at 350. (The 2nd method results in a nicer presentation.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Using a sharpie, I label my bags with the name of the recipe, the date and either the number of fillets (F) or the weight of the tenders (T).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For example:</div>
<div>
Honey Chipotle chicken</div>
<div>
1/29/12 10F</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
or</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
BBQ Chicken</div>
<div>
1/29/12 3.5# T<br />
<br />
The point of this post is to emphasize that putting up a batch of meals isn't all that time consuming or difficult.<br />
<br />
Any questions about the process? or anything else? Do you have a go-to recipe for OAMC chicken? What about ground beef? (I pick up 40# this Saturday and need to get organized!)<br />
<br />
*This post may contain affiliate links which support this blog. Thank you!</div>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-70333906729065035102012-02-08T09:52:00.000-08:002012-02-08T09:52:49.119-08:00a soft moment"Mommy, willaputtabownmyhay?" asks Evie.<br />
<br />
"You want me to put a clip in your hair?"<br />
<br />
"No, Mommy. A bow!"<br />
<br />
"Okay, you want a bow in your hair?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah,nmypretty."<br />
<br />
I put a clip in her hair. I don't happen to have a bow handy. Thankfully, she is satisfied.<br />
<br />
"Danue, Mommy. Bye."<br />
<br />
She turns to run from the room but stops just short of the door and turns, arms outstretched.<br />
<br />
"Huh, Mommy?"<br />
<br />
She runs back to hug me. Turns and heads towards the door again. Stops, again. Turns with lips pursed.<br />
<br />
"Kih?"<br />
<br />
She gives me a slobbery kiss, which I manage to direct to my cheek. I kiss her cheek, thankful for the soft moment. She is so very two that these moments are rare.<br />
<br />
One last look over her shoulder, she smiles and is off to play with her siblings.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-70198518290309749152012-02-07T10:32:00.000-08:002012-02-08T09:01:07.846-08:00the value of margin<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Hello to all my
new friends from Frugal Living Northwest! Welcome!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">If you popped over
to see how I incorporate margin into my life, I wish I could tell you
that I've got it nailed, but the truth is I am still working on it.
Our family needs more space between our commitments and our capacity.
Make that my capacity.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A recent change in my health has
forced me to slow down, to let go, to create margin. Surprisingly, letting go
hasn't killed me! (I felt sure it would.) I am ever tempted to push
myself to my limits, to give up my margin, but I almost always regret
the cost. Sometimes, it is "only" harsh words spoken
to my loved ones in a moment of haste. Sometimes, it is days
lost to an illness that my stressed body couldn't fight off.
Sometimes, it is simply the bad habit of a rushed life.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Around here, our family size plus those pesky health issues dictate what activities we are able to take part in. For example, putting our kids in sports would push me, screaming, off the Cliffs of Insanity. Two practices and a game each week for each of our 5 school aged children with 2 preschoolers in tow? Not within my current capacity. Certainly not a lifestyle that leaves me with any margin. Are team sports bad? Of course not. Would my children enjoy playing sports? Probably. Is it the best lifestyle choice for our family in this season of life? No.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't compare your capacity to the capacity of others. There are too many factors that differ between families -season of life, family size, health, finances- to name a few.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">There is a difference between the urgent and the important, between what is good and what is best, </span>between a full life and a fulfilling life.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">You follow Frugal
Living NW to learn frugality with your money, let me encourage you to
practice frugality with your commitments. Spend your time wisely and
don't spend it all in busyness. Leave some time, some margin, for
smoothing out the inevitable bumps in life's road. Invest in your
margin and reap the rewards in your relationships and your health. </span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">A few posts to introduce you to my blog:</span><br />
*<a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2010/12/laundry-thirty-loads-down-rabbit-trail.html">Laundry in the large family</a><br />
*<a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/02/bulk-cooking-chicken.html">Bulk Cooking</a><br />
*<a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2007/11/soup-day.html">a favorite recipe</a><br />
*<a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/09/theres-pirate.html">bathtime shenannigans</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-40597188446569563012011-12-21T13:41:00.000-08:002011-12-21T13:41:09.391-08:00wants vs. needsIt's been a bad year for appliances over here at The Shoe. I posted about Matilda's prolonged bout with illness. I'm not sure if I mentioned that our dryer and dishwasher required repair or that our refrigerator quit (on Thanksgiving Day, no less). One of our freezers, Thing 2, died. I am exceedingly thankful that Thing 1 hasn't noticed all the hubub and decided to complain. Of course, the year isn't over yet.<br />
<br />
Our stove showed signs of pyromania this week, so he is outta here.<br />
<br />
What I wanted:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgm35ZmetAI/TvJQqqQ1PTI/AAAAAAAABHc/g7x1yi5Rx0Q/s1600/want+stove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mgm35ZmetAI/TvJQqqQ1PTI/AAAAAAAABHc/g7x1yi5Rx0Q/s320/want+stove.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What I got (and all that I really need):<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QInTB-15MUI/TvJQqBS9D0I/AAAAAAAABHY/H44VYZcNXp0/s1600/stove1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QInTB-15MUI/TvJQqBS9D0I/AAAAAAAABHY/H44VYZcNXp0/s1600/stove1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I am thankful, truly thankful that I will be able to prepare a hot meal for my family tonight.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-52399629016847359052011-12-16T12:47:00.000-08:002013-10-01T10:15:52.308-07:00overheardGavin was in the bathroom preparing to take a shower when Sirena walked up and pounded on the door. <br />
<br />
"Tell me that password or I will run the dishwasher and turn on all the sinks!"<br />
<br />
A mumble was heard through the door and she walked away, singing happily.<br />
<br />
I think they might just have this communication thing down!Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-91752285971655256292011-10-04T09:40:00.000-07:002011-10-04T11:30:47.561-07:00Nose to the grindstoneLife. Is. Very. Very. Very. Busy. I could search for a few more descriptive words if you insist, but I think you get the point.<br />
<br />
Here's the breakdown:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 yo and 3 yo at home and into everything</li>
<li>1st and 2nd graders attending the local elementary school</li>
<li>7th, 8th and 10th graders attending a web academy, mostly from home</li>
<li>12th grader attending community college and living with my brother and his family</li>
</ul>
Don't forget Boy Scouts, Venturing, music lessons, various appointments, enrichment classes, library visits, groceries, laundry, dates and everything else that goes into life.<br />
<br />
We have made some radical changes to our lifestyle with the goal of a year (or so) of rest for the mama. So far, that ain't happening. I'm tellin' ya- the meaningless busywork is killing me. We have "logs" for everything from read aloud minutes to PE to math practice minutes. Add journals and projects and you get rebellion. From Mommy. The kids are coping much better than I am!<br />
<br />
Actually, the mental rebellion started with grammar. When a predicate nominative walked into my kitchen and started giving orders, I pitched a fit. My child was truly trying to get this concept that had not been covered AT ALL in our previous grammar curricula. But understanding was elusive, and she was in tears. Grammar should be a four letter word. Hmph. Since I had never met a predicate nominative before this school year, I felt confidant in claiming that she still had a chance, albeit small, at a successful and meaningful life. Of course, I added that grammar develops character, and we can all use help in that department. I'm not sure she agrees.<br />
<br />
Where was I? Oh, yes. The sheer busyness of it all. It is as if we are launched into flight from the deck of an aircraft carrier each morning. From dead sleep to all go in a few beeps of the alarm. The metaphor continues to fit quite nicely in the evenings, as we hook the children back out of busyness and into their beds. All go to all stop. Except, children don't really work that way and bedtime is painfully prolonged each night.<br />
<br />
While my body is keeping up, changing diapers, <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/09/theres-pirate.html">fishing pirates out of toilets</a>, helping with schoolwork, my mind isn't. I recently heard rush hour traffic described as "creep and lurch", a phrase that seems to perfectly describe my mental capacity these days. I'm okay on the basics, but creative or critical thinking don't come as easily. Most days I creep along and occasionally there's a lurch of progress.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.frugallivingnw.com/tips-tricks/fall-frenzy-creating-new-routines-in-times-of-change/">That schedule I've been working on</a>? We've been limping along with trial schedule #1. I'm still trying to understand what is keeping us from function. (I suspect there are flaws in both the schedule and its maker.) Here's what it currently looks like:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uV6c3FN7xDE/Top2R_3PDsI/AAAAAAAABG4/aMB1j2W1U8M/s1600/weekly+chore+rotation_2011_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="491" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uV6c3FN7xDE/Top2R_3PDsI/AAAAAAAABG4/aMB1j2W1U8M/s640/weekly+chore+rotation_2011_6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The chalkboard on our school wall has this motto emblazoned across it:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>GOAL: FIND NORMAL</b></span></div>
<br />
That might be the real problem. Not where the kids are being educated. Not that our schedule needs a complete overhaul. Not that I am living in a fog. We just aren't far enough into our "new normal" yet. The only answer for right now is "Hang in there!" <br />
<br />
Hmmm. That's not entirely true...our favorite parenting adage also fits. "Try something, if that doesn't work, try something else. Repeat as needed."Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-81013125229735807572011-09-26T09:19:00.000-07:002011-09-26T09:19:33.703-07:00Winners!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KxBtw3KJIY/ToClfrJUslI/AAAAAAAABG0/B-hNhzEh3-Y/s1600/sunburst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9KxBtw3KJIY/ToClfrJUslI/AAAAAAAABG0/B-hNhzEh3-Y/s200/sunburst.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Congrats to Crysmi and EE, the winners of <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/09/curriculum-clean-out-1-mystery-of.html">Mystery of History</a> and <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/09/curriculum-clean-out-2-story-of-world.html">Story of the World</a> give-aways!<br />
<br />
Don't forget to hop over to give-away #3, <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/09/curriculum-clean-out-3-switched-on.html">Switched on Schoolhouse</a>, before it ends Wednesday at ~9 a.m.<br />
<br />
Did you read about the <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/09/theres-pirate.html">pirates</a>? Me thinks that the situation is not entirely resolved. Unnatural things are still happening with nearly every flush. Certainly reminds me of <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2008/04/weve-got-trouble-right-here-in-river.html">this situation</a>. I'm not sure what I've done to deserve children with an excessive fondness for flushing, well, everything that shouldn't be. Mom? Dad? Anyone? I've never treated toilets with anything but the deference they deserve. I mean, indoor plumbing is a most wonderful thing. So, why me?<br />
<br />Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-53632215829236204252011-09-25T22:37:00.000-07:002013-10-01T10:17:32.403-07:00There's a piratedown my toilet, and I don't think he is looking for treasure. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGkVNFqENyQ/ToALrQhZyYI/AAAAAAAABGw/zSwsLc_wKE4/s1600/pirate+toob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGkVNFqENyQ/ToALrQhZyYI/AAAAAAAABGw/zSwsLc_wKE4/s400/pirate+toob.jpg" width="250" /></a><br />
Evie, Nono and Mason were having a quick scrub before bed when Evie tossed several small <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BR9DPK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=shoeprints-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B000BR9DPK">bath toys*</a> into the toilet. <br />
<br />
Yes, the tub is quite full with three squirmy children in it. But when you have a large family and ordinary water heater, it works.<br />
<br />
Bathing Evelyn is like bathing an octopus. She loves the water and starts disrobing at the first mention of a bath. Once she is in the tub...woo eee! She is busier than a one-armed paper hanger (to quote <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142401102/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=shoeprints-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0142401102">Grandma Dowdel*</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shoeprints-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0142401102&camp=217145&creative=399369" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />).<br />
<br />
In about 14 seconds, she had dumped bubbles over both her brothers' heads, pitched the pirate and his buddy into the toilet, given herself a bubble beard, drank a cup of soapy water and climbed out of the tub twice.<br />
<br />
For the record, I was fishing for pirate #1 when she made her escapes. I was never more than 18" from the little miscreant. <br />
<br />
I was just deciding that the pirate's buddy was already too far gone when Madelyn handed me my cell phone. Poor timing, poor Mara. She got an earful. <br />
<br />
"Hi, Mommy. Did you get my text?"<br />
<br />
"No. I'm a bit busy. Up to my elbow in the toilet fishing for pirates, while supervising a bath, if you want the truth!"<br />
<br />
"Gross. Ummmmm, okay. I need a ride. J____ is sick and can't drive me home. Can you pick me up?"<br />
<br />
"I think there's another pirate down the toilet that I can't reach; the kids are going bonkers in the tub, and, besides, I am already in my jammies!"<br />
<br />
The rest of the earful is best forgotten. I got the details regarding the pick up location and time, hung up and pried the children, dripping bubbles, from the tub.<br />
<br />
I wrapped the octopus in a towel and handed her to Madelyn, ordered Gavin to fetch, dry and get Nolan into bed. Mason was wordlessly handed a towel, and Mommy took herself to time out.<br />
<br />
I may have shouted something towards my husband about the need to snake the toilet, but I didn't check to see if he heard me. I turned in my mommy card and didn't look back...until...<br />
<br />
Sarah came flying out of the bathroom to announce that the toilet was overflowing. The sound of cascading water always has a galvanizing affect on me. Bryan and I arrived on scene at about the same time. <br />
<br />
"Didn't you hear me when I asked you to snake this thing?"I asked in what was not the friendliest tone of voice I have ever used as we grabbed dirty towels to sop up the pool of dirty water.<br />
<br />
"Nope. Didn't hear that," he looked at the floor, me, his watch , my jammies and grabbed his car keys to go get Mara.<br />
<br />
After sopping up the water and ordering Sirena to start a load of towels, I gave myself another short time out. <br />
<br />
Coming to my senses, I went in search of the snake. Yes, I do know how to use one. I am a brave girl and have unplugged many a porcelain throne, albeit reluctantly.<br />
<br />
Clenching my jaw, I worked it into the depths. Further and further, deeper and deeper. Finally, I tried to pull the thing out hoping that Mr. Pirate would come along for the ride. Nothing doing. The snake was all the way extended and stuck. Nothing was visible except flakes of rust. <br />
<br />
Being in no mood to concede to a toilet, I gave it a mighty effort. Triumph! Over the snake, anyhow. I was able to pull the nasty thing back out from around all those bends. <br />
<br />
As for Mr. Pirate, he has gone to his final resting place. Our septic tank. Come to think of it, it might not be such a final resting place after all! We are scheduled to have the tanks pumped soon so his chance of making to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I0RQVI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=shoeprints-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B000I0RQVI"> Davy Jones' Locker*</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shoeprints-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000I0RQVI&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
is not entirely out of the question.<br />
<br />
Blogging is therapeutic; my sense of humor is restored. Good night.<br />
<br />
(*Affiliate links help support my story-telling habit and buy diapers. Thank you.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-11253444376354008062011-09-23T14:46:00.000-07:002011-09-28T09:26:01.551-07:00Curriculum Clean-Out #3: Switched on Schoolhouse 9th (2008) 2 subjects<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><b>Congratulations, </b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 33px;"><i><b>A (Daily) Woman!</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 33px;">Give-away #3: (closed)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Switched on Schoolhouse, </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2008 edition</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Science 900 </span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">History 900 </span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">In Very Good condition. We have used this curriculum for several children but have chosen to enroll our highschoolers in a local web-based charter school. Although this is the 2008 edition, it continues to work even with the 2011 platform. If you don't have SOS installed, this comes with the 2008 installation discs. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0lc2iDW51Ug/TnyriHzh_kI/AAAAAAAABGo/T-r6vHECqps/s1600/sos+discs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0lc2iDW51Ug/TnyriHzh_kI/AAAAAAAABGo/T-r6vHECqps/s320/sos+discs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">I appreciate that SOS is easily customizable. If my season of life doesn't allow for 4 projects and 3 experiments per month, I can adjust the assignments to meet our family's needs. Self-correction is also a fantastic feature for the mother of many. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">To enter: Leave a comment! (Is that getting boring yet?) Any burning questions for me as a mom of 8? As a midwife-on-sabatical? As a has-been-homeschooler? Ask away!</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">You can earn a second entry by subscribing by RSS or email. If you already hang out around here, just say. "I already follow you." </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">The winner for this give-away will be announced Wednesday, 9/28/11 @ 9 a.m., Pacific time.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">Don't forget, I will need a way to contact you if you win. Please respond with shipping information within 24 hours or I will force random.org to draw another winner for me! Free shipping by media mail to US addresses only.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">All my other curriculum clean out give-aways:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">(1) </span><a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/09/curriculum-clean-out-1-mystery-of.html" style="color: #249fa3; line-height: 1.4; text-decoration: none;">Mystery of History, Vol. 1</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">, ends 9/26/11 @ 9 am</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">(2) <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/09/curriculum-clean-out-2-story-of-world.html">Story of the World, Vol. 1 with Activity Book,</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"> ends 9/26/11 @ 9 am</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">(3) <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/09/curriculum-clean-out-3-switched-on.html">SOS 2008 Science 900 & History 900</a>, ends 9/28/11 @ 9 am</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">This give-away post is linked to the Fall 2011 Curriculum Clean-OUT hosted by </span><a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-2011-curriculum-clean-out-begins.html" style="color: #249fa3; line-height: 1.4; text-decoration: none;">Jolanthe over at Homeschool Creations</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">. So, comment here then head over to see what other goodness is available!</span></span></div>
Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-80526120209705985342011-09-22T17:41:00.000-07:002011-09-27T07:34:23.819-07:00Curriculum Clean-Out #2: Story of the World, Vol. 1, with Activity Book<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Congratulations!</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><b>Ellen</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've emailed for shipping info so I can get this in the mail ASAP. Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Give-away #2: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Story of the World, </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Vol. 1: Ancient Times</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Story of the World</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b> Activity Book, Vol 1.</b></span></div>
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<i>by Susan Wise Bauer</i></div>
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In Very Good condition. Our family has listened to the audio version of this curriculum and enjoyed it immensely, but the actual books are not being used. Especially since we aren't homeschooling this year.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k9CZoY6Np7k/TnvVCBGx6vI/AAAAAAAABGY/GDRUWdmw-nM/s1600/SOTW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k9CZoY6Np7k/TnvVCBGx6vI/AAAAAAAABGY/GDRUWdmw-nM/s320/SOTW.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLwOyExlog4/TnvVCU9d-DI/AAAAAAAABGc/5IIAtYKGul8/s1600/SOTW+AB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLwOyExlog4/TnvVCU9d-DI/AAAAAAAABGc/5IIAtYKGul8/s320/SOTW+AB.jpg" width="225" /></a>To enter: Leave a comment. Are you following a strictly classical approach or something more eclectic? Are you just curious about these books or on your drooled-over wishlist for ages?<br />
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You can earn a second entry by subscribing by RSS or email. Just say "I'm now a follower" or "I already follow you." <br />
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The winner for this give-away will be announced Monday, 9/26/11 @ 9 a.m., Pacific time.<br />
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Don't forget, I will need a way to contact you if you win. Please respond with shipping information within 24 hours or I will force random.org to draw another winner for me! Free shipping by media mail to US addresses only.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">All my other curriculum clean out give-aways:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">(1) </span><a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/09/curriculum-clean-out-1-mystery-of.html" style="color: #249fa3; line-height: 1.4; text-decoration: none;">Mystery of History, Vol. 1</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">, ends 9/26/11 @ 9 am</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">(2) <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/09/curriculum-clean-out-2-story-of-world.html">Story of the World, Vol. 1 with Activity Book,</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"> ends 9/26/11 @ 9 am</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">(3) <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/09/curriculum-clean-out-3-switched-on.html">SOS 2008 Science 900 & History 900</a>, ends 9/28/11 @ 9 am</span></span></span></div>
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This give-away post is linked to the Fall 2011 Curriculum Clean-OUT hosted by <a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-2011-curriculum-clean-out-begins.html">Jolanthe over at Homeschool Creations</a>. So, comment here then head over to see what other goodness is available!Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-14796079610836061702011-09-21T07:05:00.000-07:002011-09-27T07:34:33.688-07:00Curriculum Clean-Out #1: Mystery of History, Vol. 1<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Congratulations!</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/10918570308858178921" rel="nofollow" style="color: #249fa3; text-decoration: none;">crysmi</a> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've emailed for shipping info so I can get this in the mail ASAP. Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The time has come! </span>Clean(er) shelves are on the horizon. This give-away post is linked to the Fall 2011 Curriculum Clean-OUT hosted by <a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-2011-curriculum-clean-out-begins.html">Jolanthe over at Homeschool Creations</a>. So, comment here then head over to see what other goodness is available! </div>
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I will try to post other give-aways during the day, however my dear hubby and I are taking an unexpected road trip (350 miles roundtrip) to look at and hopefully purchase a new-to-us van for our family. You can see how that may make posting a challenge! </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Give-away #1: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Mystery of History</b></span></div>
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<i>by Linda Hobar</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7s6vBxpQVE/Tnjmz-V6k5I/AAAAAAAABGM/4fPOKwtjyhQ/s1600/MOH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7s6vBxpQVE/Tnjmz-V6k5I/AAAAAAAABGM/4fPOKwtjyhQ/s400/MOH.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
In Very Good condition. Our family found this curriculum informative but not truly able to meet the needs of our wide age span. I had to stretch to make it interesting for my junior highers. Since I was also trying to "do" this curriculum while nursing a baby and holding (down) a toddler, it was just a bit much for that <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/02/timeline-of-my-motherhood.html">seemingly perpetual</a> season of life. I have heard that it works well in a co-op.<br />
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To enter: Leave a comment telling what age(s) will be using the curriculum. That's it! Simple as pie.<br />
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***Since I entered the wrong link in Mr. Linky, I am leaving the give-away open until Monday, 9am. Thanks for your patience!*** NOW CLOSED.<br />
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Don't forget, I will need a way to contact you if you win. Please respond with shipping information within 24 hours or I will force random.org to draw another winner for me!<br />
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Free shipping by media mail to US addresses only.<br />
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<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8052612020970598534" style="position: relative; width: 630px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">All my other curriculum clean out give-aways:</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">(1) </span><a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/09/curriculum-clean-out-1-mystery-of.html" style="color: #249fa3; line-height: 1.4; text-decoration: none;">Mystery of History, Vol. 1</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 1.4;">, ends 9/26/11 @ 9 am</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">(2) <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/09/curriculum-clean-out-2-story-of-world.html">Story of the World, Vol. 1 with Activity Book,</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"> ends 9/26/11 @ 9 am</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">(3) <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/09/curriculum-clean-out-3-switched-on.html">SOS 2008 Science 900 & History 900</a>, ends 9/28/11 @ 9 am</span></span></span></div>
Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-73331515877019689662011-09-20T09:01:00.000-07:002011-09-20T09:01:25.612-07:00Curriculum Clean-OUT previewI have decided to clean out several shelves of gently used curriculum by giving it away as part of the great Curriculum Clean-out sponsored by Homeschool Creations.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQ14vJ1vLZU/Tni4Ica1JcI/AAAAAAAABGI/h-MfojBNJNw/s1600/book+stack+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQ14vJ1vLZU/Tni4Ica1JcI/AAAAAAAABGI/h-MfojBNJNw/s400/book+stack+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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* Story of the World, Vol. 1 and Vol. 1 Activity Book<br />
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* Switched on Schoolhouse 9th Grade Science and History, includes 2008 installation discs<br />
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* Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons<br />
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* Writing Strands, Level 4<br />
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* Mystery of History, Vol. 1<br />
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As we get closer to launch, each give-away will have its own post. Shipping to US addresses only, sorry.<br />
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The rules of the Clean-Out are simple:<br />
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<li>Check in throughout the day, Wednesday, Sept 21st.</li>
<li>Comment on the post of the give-away you want to enter. </li>
<li>Using random.org, I will choose a winner and email them for shipping info.</li>
<li>I ship your glorious prize, at no cost to you, to a home where it will be loved and used.</li>
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<center><a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Curriculum%20Clean-Out" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv146/homeschoolcreations/CurriculumCleanOutButton.jpg" /></a></center> Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-31295832556261034512011-09-19T07:45:00.000-07:002011-09-20T15:18:57.455-07:00New Friends from Frugal Living Northwest!Welcome! Welcome! Come on in and get cozy!<br />
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This is the place to find:<br />
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* stories about our large family life. We are the Waltons +1. My husband and I, our eight children plus my mother and father-in-law living together at "The Shoe". It has been a wonderful arraignment for almost 14 years now, but I have to say that having "in-loves" instead of "in-laws" has helped immensely.<br />
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* recipes and tips for cooking frugally for a large family, including <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/02/bulk-cooking-chicken.html">bulk-cooking</a> and freezer meal preparation.<br />
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* stories from my <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/08/long-ago-birth-story.html">family's history</a>. I have a heart to record bit of verbal storytelling where they won't get lost. (I guess I should back up my blog?)<br />
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* methods for <strike>herding cats</strike>, <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2009/01/chores-children-part-1-look-in-mirror.html">assigning chores</a> to your family to BLESS YOUR HOME together.<br />
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* <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2009/03/on-potters-wheel.html">honesty</a>. Life is too short to live falsely in order to impress anyone. You will recognize my faults in short order, but I hope that we can strive, together, towards our better selves.<br />
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* a bit of <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2011/04/disbelief.html">silliness</a>, now and then. A merry heart is, after all, good medicine.<br />
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* quilting and sewing. I am just an artist in need of an audience!<br />
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Regarding our frenzied fall, the perfect schedule still eludes me, but we hammered together a routine to try this week. I am sure that life will point out its weaknesses. Updates will surely follow.<br />
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I would love introductions! Please leave comments below. You will find an email subscription box in the right margin.<br />
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<br />Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-973738776692586842011-09-15T12:02:00.000-07:002011-09-15T12:02:18.288-07:00Coming Soon! Curriculum Clean-OUT!!!<br />
<center><a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/search/label/Curriculum%20Clean-Out" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv146/homeschoolcreations/CurriculumCleanOutButton.jpg" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">To find out more, head on over to <a href="http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-2011-curriculum-clean-out-coming.html">Homeschool Creations</a>!</span></center><center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></center><center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">Now to decide which of the MANY neglected (but fabulous) items on my shelf will go on the docket!</span></span></center>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-80405074065671233922011-09-14T08:37:00.000-07:002011-09-14T08:37:42.498-07:00ChangesLots of changes at our house right now. For one thing, I am not homeschooling this year. After prayerfully considering, Bryan and I decided that a change was in order for this season. So, Mason and Sarah are enrolled at the local elementary school for 1st and 2nd grade. Madelyn, Sirena and Gavin are enrolled in a home-based charter school. Mara in enrolling at a local community college. <br />
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Honestly, I envisioned this change would be restful for this worn-out mama, but until we figure out this new normal, life is just as crazy as ever. For example, several times a day I panic when I realize that I haven't seen Sarah or Mason in "quite some time" only to further realize that they at school.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dWA2mtWoOkQ/TnDI2dQP8eI/AAAAAAAABF4/yGmn_oyFKwk/s1600/IMG_0219-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dWA2mtWoOkQ/TnDI2dQP8eI/AAAAAAAABF4/yGmn_oyFKwk/s400/IMG_0219-1.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Day of School</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The learning curve is steep. We are, for the first time in years, slave to an outside schedule. Getting everyone moving, food packed and kids to the bus on time is a challenge. Oh, I know that many of you have been doing it for years, but it is new to us. My kids are still learning how to put together "school appropriate" outfits. I am still learning to _hear_ my alarm clock. We're getting there, it's just gonna take time for it to feel normal. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DeCfl-GPiDo/TnDI31WrdLI/AAAAAAAABGA/4AySVEO47Bw/s1600/IMG_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DeCfl-GPiDo/TnDI31WrdLI/AAAAAAAABGA/4AySVEO47Bw/s320/IMG_0238.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk8i4hhlLEI/TnDIz3IIK_I/AAAAAAAABFw/osffILTuW9k/s1600/IMG_0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk8i4hhlLEI/TnDIz3IIK_I/AAAAAAAABFw/osffILTuW9k/s320/IMG_0239.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
Nolan and Evie are adapting. They miss their playmates pretty desperately at times. This morning, Nolan was inconsolable when the school bus pulled away with his sibs. Thankfully, Kipper came to the rescue. As you can see, he is enthralled. You can also see that he prefers the basket where we keep our snuggly blankets to a chair or the couch. At least peace has been restored.<br />
<br />
Now, blog post finished and Kipper is over. It must be time to finish my morning chores. Ugh. Chores. Our old system isn't meeting our needs and I don't even know what we need a new system to accomplish yet. More on that to come. Life is surely keeping me humble and prayerful these days.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-33652838022779268182011-08-18T09:27:00.000-07:002011-08-18T09:27:19.997-07:00Miss Matilda is BrokenYes, it's true. My <a href="http://shoeprints.blogspot.com/2010/12/laundry-thirty-loads-down-rabbit-trail.html">beloved washer</a> is under-the-weather, out-of-comission, BROKEN. She started getting sick about a week ago, making a wretched thumping noise. Her sweet little display looked so sad with a code splashed across the screen. "LF" Sigh. <br />
<br />
How thankful I was to remember that we have good insurance for her. I rang Sears to set up a housecall and was put through a rigmarole of non-human menu choices, but I ended the call with a same-day appointment, even though the non-human on the other end insisted that there would be a $75 diagnostic fee. <br />
<br />
Trying a different phone number, I finally reached a real, live, native-english-speaking human who informed me that my previous phone call was completely and totally wrong. There would be neither a fee nor a same day appointment. The serviceman had already gone home for the day. "Would Tuesday be convenient?" No, it would not be convenient. Not with 12 people depending on Matilda for clean underwear. BUT, it is certainly better than never and I accepted the first appointment on Tuesday morning.<br />
<br />
Sadly, it was not to be. That same serviceman who started his weekend early had the gall, outrageous insolence to call in sick. SICK. When my poor washer and family were suffering. Harrumph. Of course, Sears didn't call to tell me this until 10 am, at which time I had already been waiting for the tech for 2 hours. The informant was not particularly sympathetic when she offered me this morning's first appointment.<br />
<br />
Having no better offers, I took it and was pleased to speak to our serviceman at 7:30 a.m. when he called to confirm our 8 a.m. appointment. With great joy, I envisioned a day of washing and folding laundry. Again, sadly not to be. As soon as he took Matilda's lid off, it was apparent what the problem was. Can you guess?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVGa3jIdo-I/Tk045nuAAtI/AAAAAAAABFc/7oB-6itgfCw/s1600/DSCF7930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVGa3jIdo-I/Tk045nuAAtI/AAAAAAAABFc/7oB-6itgfCw/s320/DSCF7930.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5saI5dqNms/Tk089EI7c1I/AAAAAAAABFg/EAnrAi2mU1o/s1600/DSCF7935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--5saI5dqNms/Tk089EI7c1I/AAAAAAAABFg/EAnrAi2mU1o/s320/DSCF7935.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Her counterweight is broken, as you can see. It is a genetic defect and very rare. Our doctor had never seen this ailment before. Because it is so rare, the treatment options are not quick: 9 days. NINE MORE DAYS until the part will be in and Matilda undergoes counterweight replacement surgery. <br />
<br />
Get well soon, Matilda. We miss you.<br />
<br />
In lieu of cards, send chocolate. Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-2729173299457774942011-08-15T09:00:00.000-07:002011-08-19T22:43:51.800-07:00PandoriaWhere have we been? At the Farm. The Farm is my grandparents' house, or was. Grandma Shirley passed into eternity in November 2004; Grandpa Royce followed her in August 2005. Their home became a house and is owned jointly by my mother and her two sisters. A renter has been in residence until recently. Now that he is gone, the house is getting a much needed renovation.<br />
<br />
When I first went out to The Farm mid July, it had been about 2 years since I last saw the property. The sight which met my eyes broke my heart. Grandma was an avid gardener, especially prized was her rose garden. All of us "girls" dug roses to bring to our homes the summer after her passing, but a few were considered too old or too large to be safely transplanted and those were left in place. To my horror, I saw that someone had mowed them down. MOWED THEM DOWN TO THE GROUND. With a brush hog. AND AND AND they had run that same brush hog into the flower beds eliminating any surviving plants from Grandma's era. I was angry and hurt and grieved. Someone, who was just trying to mow the yard and bring the weeds under control, had erased Grandma's marks from her land. I wept, hot tears of anger and sorrow coursing down my face, as I called my husband to explain the carnage before me. <br />
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The storm passed, thankfully, but the sorrow remains. I really, truly miss my grandparents and love their house/property. Ramshackle is really the only word that describes the place. What started out as a one room house has been added onto by un-handymen through the decades. This is DIY, but not at its finest. The floor slopes. The walls are not plumb. NOTHING is square. In measuring for backsplash I discovered a 1.75" difference in the distance between cabinets and countertops over a 12 foot run. Their is a 2" slope in the entry hall: the 5 foot wide entry hall. A picture begins to form, yes? At one point the roof was patched with a metal folgers can. OY! And yet I am in house love. LOVE. And so we labor to make this heap more homelike.<br />
<br />
On the first day, my dear Madelyn was able to find the joy even as we carried oily, filthy, urine-soaked carpets to the dumstper, "Mommy, working together like this is making precious memories."<br />
<br />
In the past 5 weeks we have ripped out carpets too nasty to describe, painted, cleaned, scraped up linoleum, heat stripped cabinets, repaired sheetrock, etc. The family, by which I mean extended family, gathers randomly to work on whatever needs doing- yardwork, pressure washing, cabinet painting, toilet cleaning. This weekend it was yardwork, flooring removal and outside painting. <br />
<br />
I can say that the project has turned a corner. For weeks, everything we did felt like follow up to Pandora's box incident. Every wall, light, outlet and floor register hid a nasty surprise. We took to calling the house "Pandoria", but hope has finally been released and I can't wait to showcase the before and after photos for you all!<br />
<br />
Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-90389500274184454012011-08-08T13:42:00.000-07:002011-08-08T13:42:47.698-07:00a long-ago birth storySome months ago, my grandmother told me the story of her youngest brother's birth. Today, while doing the bills, I came across the paper on which I had feverishly jotted down notes during our conversation.<br />
<br />
December 1941 in a farmhouse outside of Topeka, my great-grandma Bessie was laboring to bring forth her 8th child. Dorothy, my grandmother, was 11 and paying close attention. All of the other babies had been born at home, but it was becoming obvious that this baby had a different plan. "Something wasn't quite right. She was having problems," Grandma Dorothy told me. Of course, being a home-birth midwife, I probed for more details, but 70 years of time passed plus her 11 year-old perspective meant that this simple story was all the detail she had to offer. "She needed to go to the hospital but there was snow up the yin-yang. It was much too deep for the truck." The "driveway" such as it was (a 3/4 mile dirt road) was impassable so they had to use the tractor. Great-grandpa hitched up a trailer to that tractor, put a mattress on it and covered Bessie as well as he could before driving off into the night. Snow covered fields and intense cold, in labor on a trailer pulled by a tractor: I can't imagine that traveling to the hospital was a journey that Bessie ever forgot. Phil Jean was born, safely, December 21, 1941 and came home, to his family's great joy on Christmas Day.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-89205838782459925972011-07-09T13:11:00.000-07:002011-07-09T14:05:04.864-07:00midnight reflections & crying babies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrhU7XfxtwE/Thi1fijoyUI/AAAAAAAAA5s/nULKINH8h08/s1600/midnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrhU7XfxtwE/Thi1fijoyUI/AAAAAAAAA5s/nULKINH8h08/s320/midnight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I stand in hallway listening to the teething baby cry. Everything in my power to comfort has been done, but I am not willing to stay up all night and entertain her to distract her from her discomfort. Into bed she went- for the 4th time? or was it the 5th? Leaning wearily against the wall, I wrestled with the situation. <br />
<br />
Under consideration:<br />
<br />
(1) My husband's alarm is set to go off in 4.5 hours. Since that alarm will mark the beginning of his sixth 10-hour work day this week, he obviously needs his sleep. <br />
<br />
(2) Teething makes babies cranky. Erupting molars are NOT our friends. Miss Evie is not normally prone to tantrums, but this week has been spent perfecting the art. <br />
<br />
(3) Crying babies make it difficult for anyone and everyone to sleep. <br />
<br />
(4) Baby needs to JUST GO TO SLEEP. Heaven help me, I want to have a snooze button installed in her navel. At the same time, I want to sit all night with her fuzzy head nestled under my chin. <br />
<br />
(5) This isn't my first go around with this issue, why don't I have "the answer" yet? An answer of complete confidence as an experienced mother. For some unknown reason, my accumulated mama wisdom doesn't include a decisive, perfect answer for tonight.<br />
<br />
While I stand listening to her half-hearted cries grow fainter and further apart, I still can't decide if I want to snatch her from her bed for a snuggle or creep quietly by her room towards my bed. It is all too clear to me that babies grow up and eventually neither need or want to snuggle their mamas in the night. The seven other children lying in their beds no longer call for me in the night. While I prize the sleep, and tonight I desperately need it, my heart is achingly aware that she is my last wee one. <br />
<br />
Silence reigns at long last. How long? Minutes not hours, although every minute feels like an hour when you are listening to a tired baby fight sleep. <br />
<br />
I crept down the hallway, oh-so-carefully so as not to make the boards squeak, and eased my door open, making for bed. It's after midnight and, weekend or not, she'll be awake long before I want to be.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-91714993820363922162011-07-05T09:00:00.000-07:002011-07-05T09:00:06.749-07:00a portrait by mara<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khi8qFaR39I/Tg-jvuomcgI/AAAAAAAAA5c/wA1GbchfS5k/s1600/IMG_3843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khi8qFaR39I/Tg-jvuomcgI/AAAAAAAAA5c/wA1GbchfS5k/s400/IMG_3843.JPG" width="337" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy with Evie</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Mara drew this picture from a memory of me during my pregnancy with Evelyn. It is a sweet thing to be able to share the mysterious wonders of pregnancy with older daughters and sweeter still when you realize that all the disruption and change pregnancy and new babies bring has not blinded her eyes to the beauty of it all.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQcDGkISqLY/Tg-mL7nyUmI/AAAAAAAAA5o/Dp1G29s_BXQ/s1600/close+up+drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQcDGkISqLY/Tg-mL7nyUmI/AAAAAAAAA5o/Dp1G29s_BXQ/s400/close+up+drawing.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having no drawing ability, I am amazed at the ability of artists, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mara included, to capture so much with so little.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCnOryoWTDY/Tg-jv2j1a5I/AAAAAAAAA5g/ssKHYUlzITE/s1600/mara+sig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCnOryoWTDY/Tg-jv2j1a5I/AAAAAAAAA5g/ssKHYUlzITE/s320/mara+sig.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's MY girl!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g4sdX1Gb6mI/Tg-jwy69XwI/AAAAAAAAA5k/-BRlmBUAmvw/s1600/mommy+w+evie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g4sdX1Gb6mI/Tg-jwy69XwI/AAAAAAAAA5k/-BRlmBUAmvw/s320/mommy+w+evie.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I found this fabulous frame 50% off at Michael's and ordered a custom matte (the drawing is not a standard size). The matte won't be ready for another couple of weeks but I couldn't wait that long to see it framed. Acid free photo corners will do the trick until I have the chance to pick up the matte, hinge tape and foam core backing. With this much talent in the family, I might to learn how to cut my own mattes!Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-676986523919323442011-07-02T14:21:00.000-07:002011-07-02T14:21:10.192-07:00family portrait<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm0YiyNFJ4I/Tg-LBYXzQOI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/7HqKu0l2Mvg/s1600/family+portrait+by+Sarah+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm0YiyNFJ4I/Tg-LBYXzQOI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/7HqKu0l2Mvg/s400/family+portrait+by+Sarah+2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Shoe Family</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">as drawn by Sarah in 2010</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">finally framed by Mama in 2011</span><br />
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(sorry about the crazy reflection...please ignore.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-21661879288808963942011-06-30T19:53:00.000-07:002011-06-30T20:27:13.074-07:00June 2011 Bulk Cooking Chicken: part 1- Gettin' ReadyThis is the first in a series of long promised, long procrastinated blog posts about my afternoon adventure with 160 lbs of chicken as it was magically transformed into 49 meals for our family of 10.<br />
<br />
We arrived home from vacation just a few days before the "chicken event", so I didn't do much planning this time; I was just too tired and too busy, but I felt comfortable just forging ahead because I knew that I just wanted to expand on my last session with a few tweaks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m4J3o5Gqp30/Tg04w2tNidI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/Hx0yi1KEvCI/s1600/Kitchen_scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m4J3o5Gqp30/Tg04w2tNidI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/Hx0yi1KEvCI/s200/Kitchen_scale.jpg" width="200" /></a>Tweak #1: I finally bought a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/EatSmart-Precision-Digital-Kitchen-Silver/dp/B001N07KUE?ie=UTF8&tag=shoeprints-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">kitchen scale</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shoeprints-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001N07KUE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />*. My baby scale is fine for weighing babies, and many of you have seen your nekkid, cute little babies on my scale. Still, it is not ideal when you want to continue adding before it flashes a total.<br />
<br />
Tweak #2: Instead of measuring the sauce recipes into the individual ziploc baggies, I mixed them in $ Tree plastic pitchers that have measurements on the side. I used my handy-dandy Advantage Cooking Software to scale the recipe to x4 and then measured just once for each sauce. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gj3FdgazQ28/Tg04yXu-SmI/AAAAAAAAA5U/9YIqj3d5ifQ/s1600/cutting+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gj3FdgazQ28/Tg04yXu-SmI/AAAAAAAAA5U/9YIqj3d5ifQ/s200/cutting+board.jpg" width="200" /></a>Tweak for next time: smallish sized wood cutting board, like <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40082918">this one</a>, from Ikea. I think the cutting board I was using dulled my knife quite quickly, requiring more time spent sharpening than should be necessary.<br />
<br />
Here's how Sirena and I got the job done in 5 hrs 15 min. That does NOT include the time necessary to disinfect the kitchen afterwards but does include many interruptions from visiting neighbors and crying and/or naughty children.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I use <a href="http://www.advantagecooking.com/index.html">Advantage Cooking Software</a> and my previous session was saved as a "Cooking Day" collection of recipes. I swapped out a few recipes and printed out the grocery list. Gotta love software that does the thinking for you! I compared the list to my pantry and made a run to the local Cash-n-Carry. My trip to Winco earlier in the week had included quite a few of the ingredients I knew I would want for this cooking day.</div><br />
<br />
Equipment:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Soft-Handled-Kitchen-Scissors/dp/B00004OCKL?ie=UTF8&tag=shoeprints-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">kitchen shears (I prefer the ones that have a spring.)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shoeprints-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00004OCKL" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shoeprints-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00004OCKL" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />*<br />
gallon-size freezer bags<br />
Sharpie marker<br />
empty #10 can (two would be even better. These are excellent bag-holders.)<br />
several 2-quart plastic pitchers<br />
vinyl gloves (We have 2 sizes here. I wear a medium but some of my helpers wear smalls.)<br />
a sharp knife, for filleting the chicken<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/W%C3%BCsthof-2904-7-W%25fcsthof-2-Stage-Sharpener/dp/B0009NMVRI?ie=UTF8&tag=shoeprints-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">knife sharpener</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shoeprints-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0009NMVRI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> *<br />
newspaper or other disposable counter covering<br />
large baking sheet with rim (like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Bakers-Half-Sheet/dp/B000G0KJG4?ie=UTF8&tag=shoeprints-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">this</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shoeprints-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000G0KJG4" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />)<br />
bowl to catch the trimmings (fat, gristle, tiny pieces of meat)<br />
recipes in sheet protectors<br />
COMFY, SUPPORTIVE SHOES<br />
extra: good working music or an audiobook<br />
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<i>Part 2: "The Process and Results" soon to follow</i><br />
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(All items marked with an * are affililiate links, meaning that making a purchase by clicking through supports this blog and my darling family.)Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-83852814960036927092011-04-04T21:31:00.000-07:002011-04-16T15:18:58.540-07:00DisbeliefBryan and I were having a quiet, end of day conversation when there was a soft tap on the door. It was so soft that, when I opened the door just to check, I was almost surprised to see Mason standing there in his pajamas.<br />
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"Mom," he said, "Nolan just peed on his pillow."<br />
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My mouth dropped open and I just stood there, speechless. Mason must have felt that I needed confirmation because he nodded his head briskly, as if to say "Yes. It's true," before pulling the door closed.<br />
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To help you understand my complete disbelief, you should know that Nolan was tucked into bed wearing a pull-up under his footie pajamas. The amount of work required to accomplish the stated misdeed would be considerable for a not-quite-three-year-old who can't always get his elastic-waist pants down in time.<br />
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Finding my voice, I pointed at Bryan, "Tag. You're it."<br />
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He graciously went to investigate the pillow and returned with the report that the pillow was indeed wet, but did not smell of urine. (Bryan has the most sensitive nose on earth.) A upturned cup nearby seemed to justify his theory that the wetness was harmless.<br />
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An odor of urine in the room warranted additional sniffing. This further investigation revealed a puddle in an old army helmet. When questioned, each boy pointed to the other, but the circumstances (see aforementioned reference to pull-up, footed pajamas and toddler dexterity) suggest that it was NOT Nolan. Which leaves me wondering, why did the guilty child bring the topic of pee to our attention in the first place?Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14847971.post-68695561874039640752011-03-27T21:20:00.000-07:002011-04-16T15:16:11.286-07:00Cozy Cat QuiltI finally finished the quilt for Madelyn's bed. It has been sitting on my sewing table for a LONG time. Because I have a strong sense of order, I didn't think I should let myself work on anything else until it was finished. This meant that I didn't work on any fun projects for the duration. (Yes, I know that's a bit crazy; I'm working on it.) <br />
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The real news is that finishing that quilt gave me the mental freedom to start a new quilt. The cats that are the centers of each log cabin block caught my eye some months ago when I realized that leftover strips from a block of the month quilt matched perfectly. A little ingenuity helped me stretched a fat quarter of cute kitties into what will be approximately a 58 x 58 in quilt. I will have to buy batting and backing, but that's why coupons to Joann's are so handy! I think a backing of purple minky would make this the coziest blanket ever for snuggling with my kiddos on our couch.<br />
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I thought that I would have the quilt top finished today, but Sirena and I have had a hard time spacing the colors and patterns of the cats so that it felt both scrappy and balanced, if that makes any sense. Scrappy quilts provide a true challenge for my persnickety self and my equally persnickety daughter.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ew55U_l2vsA/TZADRDuwp4I/AAAAAAAAA5E/YDRETaNAkqE/s1600/quilt+layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ew55U_l2vsA/TZADRDuwp4I/AAAAAAAAA5E/YDRETaNAkqE/s400/quilt+layout.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> preview of the layout</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PL8yZfb8cB8/TZADStI_cFI/AAAAAAAAA5I/KP4PLdxHnJ4/s1600/block+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PL8yZfb8cB8/TZADStI_cFI/AAAAAAAAA5I/KP4PLdxHnJ4/s320/block+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-79WacLEOucQ/TZADTdg_m5I/AAAAAAAAA5M/l4JVVOpVaqo/s1600/block+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
<img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-79WacLEOucQ/TZADTdg_m5I/AAAAAAAAA5M/l4JVVOpVaqo/s320/block+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I also have borders that are partially pieced, refugees from another project.</div><div style="text-align: center;">All in all, this quilt is coming together quickly, using a bunch of fabric from my stash, and I'm very pleased.</div>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05405653916854475933noreply@blogger.com0