I like the planet. I am very glad it is here.
I can conserve. I turn off the water when I am brushing my teeth and my kids frequently follow the 'if it's yellow let it mellow...' philosophy. Unfortunately, they sometimes forget the second part (if it' s brown, flush it down). We routinely dig through the dirty clothes for something to wear and thereby saving BOTH energy and water. We recycle.
However, the most important way I contribute to 'saving the earth' is in the area of battery conservation. You see, lots of things rely on battery power these days. Lots of annoying, lousd kids things. Our policy has always been that if the battery on a toy runs out ... oh well!
After several years of this policy implementation, I have decided to go even further and expand the concept. The toy I bought Sara yesterday has this little lightup keyboard section and when I put the whole thing together, I didn't put any batteries in it at all!
I realize this is decision is quite radical, but I think we will all adjust. I know that it in is the small sacrifices we make, that big things are accomplished.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
I went out this afternoon to run a few errands. Lee was extra busy today so it was me + 6 vs. Old Navy, Target, Costco, Michael's and the library. You do the math.
I was optimistic as we pulled out of the driveway. Everyone had on clean clothes, the girls had their hair brushed and tamed into pigtails (so cute!) and I even had on make-up and some hip giant hoop earrings.
We hit Old Navy and I made the needed returns, got my money back and we were out of there in record time. Next on to Target and some more returns. I was waylaid by the damn dollar spot, but still we left Target in under an hour and with a bill under 100.00. Beat that!
We make it to Costco and it is slammed! Still, I get in and get my stuff. Same for the rest of the stores. I am a mom on a mission; to complete my quest and make it home for nap time.
Throughout the day we receive our normal number of amazed stares and typical comments. "Are they all yours?" etc... Some nice comments too like "You are so lucky!" I even see an old college friend at Costco and instead of avoiding eye contact and hiding behind a tower of paper towels, I engage and chat for minute.
This evening, my mission accomplished successfully, I relaxed on the couch nursing Sara. Luke, Lainey and MaryClare were playing nicely. I had just put together this bouncy jumper thing for Sara I had gotten at Target earlier today. (She is so strong and loves to stand!) I was enjoying watching them play with the box the toy was in.
Ah, they are so imaginative my children, look how sweet they are and playing so nicely together! I am such a great mom that they play and love so creatively!
I was not too surprised then when Luke jumped up on the couch with me and asked when we could have another baby.
Ah yes, siblings are wonderful aren't they? No jealous whiners in my house!
Smiling, I quizzed him some more about his request. Another girl? Or a baby brother next time? Heck, what about some more twins?
Giggling madly he replied. "Oh it doesn't matter, as long as we can get more boxes to play with!"
So apparently, new siblings are only worth the boxes they bring with them.
My mommy ego is now back to it's normal size, thankyouverymuch.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Small Successes
1. Sent out new family pictures to friends and family. I am terrible at this for some reason. I know it is fairly easy to upload pictures and then send them out to people via Kodak, but still, I rarely do it.
2. We have had a great two weeks of homeschooling and lots of efficient planning by moi, thanks to great new organization system called workboxing. We have learned a lot and done some fun and creative things too.
3. Almost finished decorating the big girls' room. We bought a new chest and lamps from IKEA and I finished putting up the border which is made from sweet alphabet fairy cards. There are a couple of more things I need to do, but overall it is coming together and looks like a real cozy bedroom, not just a room with two twin beds!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Interview with a mom
I found this on Sara's blog. I did this with all of the kids individually and they did not hear or know the other's answers. I thought this was so funny and a wonderful capture of us at a point in time. Their answers really surprised me and were kind of wierd at times ( I have never, ever done any ballet!)Jake-10 Ryan-9 Luke-6 and Laine-6
1. What is something your mom always says to you?
J-That is unacceptable!
R-I love you
Lu-400
La-sit down!
2. What makes your mom happy?
J-Love notes
R-being obedient
Lu-when I make her bed and clean her room without asking
La-tickling her
3. What makes your mom sad?
J-Disobeidence
R-when you're disobedient
Lu-I don't know
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
J-When she brings out the tickle machine
R-by tickling me
Lu-saying funny stuff
La-tickling me
5. What was your mom like as a child?
J-I don't really know
R-I don't know
Lu-I don't know
La-she had long hair and she looked like Aunt Anne
6. How old is your mom?
J-35
R-33
Lu-34
La-34
7. How tall is your mom?
J-5'3
R-I don't know
Lu-83 inches
La-50 feet
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
J-have free time with all the kids
R-do things with her kids
Lu-play with Sara
La-do work
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
J- work on the computer
R-I don't know
Lu-only God knows that
La-do work
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
J-for being the best mom ever
R-being the greatest mom in the world
Lu-dancing (!)
La-dancing (again ?!?)
11. What is your mom really good at?
J-talking
R-crocheting
Lu-ballet (?)
La-typing really fast
12. What is your mom not very good at?
J-talking quietly
R-basketball
Lu-hulahooping
La-putting away things
13. What does your mom do for a job?
J-be a mom
R-cleans up around the house
Lu-I don't know
La-she talks to Dad about work
14.What is your mom's favorite food?
J-I don't know
R-lasagna
Lu-pizza
La-pizza
15.What makes you proud of your mom?
J-when she crochets
R-that she is my mom
Lu-when she cleans up our rooms
La-when she kisses me goodnight
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
J-Daisy Duck
R-Olive Oil
Lu-Sandy from Sponge Bob
La-Sleeping Beauty
17. What do you and your mom do together?
J-sit on the couch and talk
R-eat ice cream
Lu-I don't know
La-we sing
18. How are you and your mom the same?
J-We have the same size feet
R-we have the same faces
Lu-we have the same eye color
La-we have brown eyes
19. How are you and your mom different?
J-She's a girl
R-We have different colored eyes
Lu-I'm wearing these and your wearing those
La- My mom has black hair
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
J-cause she says it every night
R-because she makes rules for us
Lu-she always does
La-becasue I am her daughter
21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
J-his humor
R-he's funny
Lu-I don't know, that's a hard question
La-he's happy
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
J-everywhere
R-Mad Italian
Lu-the grocery store
La-the grocery store
1. What is something your mom always says to you?
J-That is unacceptable!
R-I love you
Lu-400
La-sit down!
2. What makes your mom happy?
J-Love notes
R-being obedient
Lu-when I make her bed and clean her room without asking
La-tickling her
3. What makes your mom sad?
J-Disobeidence
R-when you're disobedient
Lu-I don't know
La-when someone dies
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
J-When she brings out the tickle machine
R-by tickling me
Lu-saying funny stuff
La-tickling me
5. What was your mom like as a child?
J-I don't really know
R-I don't know
Lu-I don't know
La-she had long hair and she looked like Aunt Anne
6. How old is your mom?
J-35
R-33
Lu-34
La-34
7. How tall is your mom?
J-5'3
R-I don't know
Lu-83 inches
La-50 feet
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
J-have free time with all the kids
R-do things with her kids
Lu-play with Sara
La-do work
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
J- work on the computer
R-I don't know
Lu-only God knows that
La-do work
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
J-for being the best mom ever
R-being the greatest mom in the world
Lu-dancing (!)
La-dancing (again ?!?)
11. What is your mom really good at?
J-talking
R-crocheting
Lu-ballet (?)
La-typing really fast
12. What is your mom not very good at?
J-talking quietly
R-basketball
Lu-hulahooping
La-putting away things
13. What does your mom do for a job?
J-be a mom
R-cleans up around the house
Lu-I don't know
La-she talks to Dad about work
14.What is your mom's favorite food?
J-I don't know
R-lasagna
Lu-pizza
La-pizza
15.What makes you proud of your mom?
J-when she crochets
R-that she is my mom
Lu-when she cleans up our rooms
La-when she kisses me goodnight
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
J-Daisy Duck
R-Olive Oil
Lu-Sandy from Sponge Bob
La-Sleeping Beauty
17. What do you and your mom do together?
J-sit on the couch and talk
R-eat ice cream
Lu-I don't know
La-we sing
18. How are you and your mom the same?
J-We have the same size feet
R-we have the same faces
Lu-we have the same eye color
La-we have brown eyes
19. How are you and your mom different?
J-She's a girl
R-We have different colored eyes
Lu-I'm wearing these and your wearing those
La- My mom has black hair
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
J-cause she says it every night
R-because she makes rules for us
Lu-she always does
La-becasue I am her daughter
21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
J-his humor
R-he's funny
Lu-I don't know, that's a hard question
La-he's happy
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
J-everywhere
R-Mad Italian
Lu-the grocery store
La-the grocery store
Monday, March 2, 2009
Unfortunately
funny meme: try typing your name and unfortunately into google and see what crazy things you have been up to:
Unfortunately, Tracy is not eligible to benefit from the reforms because of the date she was arrested.
Unfortunately, Tracy has been on the show before, and on that occasion he tried to stab Conan.
Unfortunately, Tracy didn't have her camera with her.
Unfortunately, Tracy makes it worse by crying about it, just like last year.
Unfortunately, Tracy was dogged by a not unusual demon of the gifted: booze.
Unfortunately, Tracy is not eligible to benefit from the reforms because of the date she was arrested.
Unfortunately, Tracy has been on the show before, and on that occasion he tried to stab Conan.
Unfortunately, Tracy didn't have her camera with her.
Unfortunately, Tracy makes it worse by crying about it, just like last year.
Unfortunately, Tracy was dogged by a not unusual demon of the gifted: booze.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Daybook
Outside My Window...Very overcast and gray. A few brown shrunken oak leaves are still clinging on, but for the most part the trees are empty.
I am thankful for... family who travelled to be here last weekend to celebrate Granddad's 86th birthday and Sara's baptism
I am thinking... about my upcoming silent retreat.
From the kitchen...not much! It is in complete dissaray. We are having it renovated so I am clearing it all out.
From the schoolroom...see previous daybook entry :)
I am wearing...khaki corderoys and an old t-shirt. I was looking fairly nice earlier because I went to a program at Mary Clare's preschool, but I had to change my shirt after Sara burped all over me.
I am creating...again see previous entry
I am going...on a silent retreat this weekend and my best friend is coming along! I hope we can maintain the silence, that will be very challenging.
I am reading...the latest First Things magazine
I am hoping...that the 2 dads can keep up with the 8 children they will be taking care of this weekend!
I am hearing...brids tweeting and the baby swing
I am praying for... Marcia an amazing and gentle homeschooling mom and her family, she is not doing so well.
Observing the Liturgical Calendar...hmm, I am still thinking on that Candlemas thing.
One of my favorite things...a hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning.
Around the house...pots and pans and everything from the kitchen but the kitchen sink!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...cleaning and straightening the house for our company.
Here is picture I am sharing...
I am thankful for... family who travelled to be here last weekend to celebrate Granddad's 86th birthday and Sara's baptism
I am thinking... about my upcoming silent retreat.
From the kitchen...not much! It is in complete dissaray. We are having it renovated so I am clearing it all out.
From the schoolroom...see previous daybook entry :)
I am wearing...khaki corderoys and an old t-shirt. I was looking fairly nice earlier because I went to a program at Mary Clare's preschool, but I had to change my shirt after Sara burped all over me.
I am creating...again see previous entry
I am going...on a silent retreat this weekend and my best friend is coming along! I hope we can maintain the silence, that will be very challenging.
I am reading...the latest First Things magazine
I am hoping...that the 2 dads can keep up with the 8 children they will be taking care of this weekend!
I am hearing...brids tweeting and the baby swing
I am praying for... Marcia an amazing and gentle homeschooling mom and her family, she is not doing so well.
Observing the Liturgical Calendar...hmm, I am still thinking on that Candlemas thing.
One of my favorite things...a hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning.
Around the house...pots and pans and everything from the kitchen but the kitchen sink!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...cleaning and straightening the house for our company.
Here is picture I am sharing...
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Daybook
I have found a great format to make myself blog more. Yay for fill in the blank formats!
Outside My Window...
The sun is shining and the sky is clear, not one cloud!
I am thankful for...
a decent nights sleep
I am thinking...
about all that needs to be done around the home and all that I want to do around the home
From the kitchen...
Another meal has been brought to us by yet another wonderful family. We have been so blessed by all of the meals that various friends and family have shared with us. I did not truly appreciate this awesome ministry of mothering until this time of need in our lives. I received some meals when the twins were born and also when Mary Clare came home but this time I am even more thankful, I think because our need has been so great recently.
From the schoolroom...
We are in workbook school for now. It is fine, surely not ideal, but sufficient for the time being.
I am wearing...
khaki pants and a pink sweater
I am creating...
um, this blog? does that count?
I am going...
to nurse Sara in a few minutes
I am reading...
Graced and Gifted by Kimberly Hahn. This is a perfect new year's read for me. I am also reading other various mystery novels.
I am hoping...
our old heating system survives this severe cold front
I am hearing...
Lee's muffled voice as he makes his umpteenth phone call today and also intermittent shrieks and screams coming from the direction of the trampoline in the backyard
I am praying for...
Marcia an amazing and gentle homeschooling mom and her family
Observing the Liturgical Calendar...
We are now in Ordinary Time. I have really slipped on our liturgical celebrations in the home. Maybe we can do something for Candlemas, Feb 2
One of my favorite things...
a warm, content baby resting on my chest
Around the house...
several Christmas decorations still hanging around, laundry in the washer and dryer too many dishes in the sink
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Lee's birthday's on Saturday, we will have some Mexican food and I will pull out the blender for some celebratory margaritas. Jake has altar server refresher training (much needed sadly)
Here is picture I am sharing:
Outside My Window...
The sun is shining and the sky is clear, not one cloud!
I am thankful for...
a decent nights sleep
I am thinking...
about all that needs to be done around the home and all that I want to do around the home
From the kitchen...
Another meal has been brought to us by yet another wonderful family. We have been so blessed by all of the meals that various friends and family have shared with us. I did not truly appreciate this awesome ministry of mothering until this time of need in our lives. I received some meals when the twins were born and also when Mary Clare came home but this time I am even more thankful, I think because our need has been so great recently.
From the schoolroom...
We are in workbook school for now. It is fine, surely not ideal, but sufficient for the time being.
I am wearing...
khaki pants and a pink sweater
I am creating...
um, this blog? does that count?
I am going...
to nurse Sara in a few minutes
I am reading...
Graced and Gifted by Kimberly Hahn. This is a perfect new year's read for me. I am also reading other various mystery novels.
I am hoping...
our old heating system survives this severe cold front
I am hearing...
Lee's muffled voice as he makes his umpteenth phone call today and also intermittent shrieks and screams coming from the direction of the trampoline in the backyard
I am praying for...
Marcia an amazing and gentle homeschooling mom and her family
Observing the Liturgical Calendar...
We are now in Ordinary Time. I have really slipped on our liturgical celebrations in the home. Maybe we can do something for Candlemas, Feb 2
One of my favorite things...
a warm, content baby resting on my chest
Around the house...
several Christmas decorations still hanging around, laundry in the washer and dryer too many dishes in the sink
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Lee's birthday's on Saturday, we will have some Mexican food and I will pull out the blender for some celebratory margaritas. Jake has altar server refresher training (much needed sadly)
Here is picture I am sharing:
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