Well, first off -- we know nothing. We didn't get to talk to Dr. Everitt today, so I'm hoping for a phone call tomorrow. It wasn't what I was expecting, but it's completely okay. I'll record here when we know the results of the tests.
Now, for my own catharsis, the rest of the day. The tests were completely without incident -- everything went smoothly and they got all the images they needed. The drug they used to sedate Brig is called Nembutal. It's a pretty common sedative for pediatrics and Brigham did ... well, he struggled recovering from it. Not medically -- everything was fine there -- his oxygen sats were great, his blood pressure was fine, he was completely fine medically. It was just emotionally that he struggled. He would be snuggly for a few minutes and then just flail and fling his whole body weight and cry inconsolably. Because he was keeping the food and juice down that he'd gotten in recovery, we were discharged and headed out. We stopped at Hires (best hamburgers in SLC, by the way) for a quick lunch. Brig was pretty good there mostly because we stayed in the car and had Blue's Clues playing on the DVD player. After that, we ran to Gateway (hey, you gotta combine trips when you live 2 hours from the big city!) and got my birthday iPhone (finally!). It was not a fun stop. Brigham just wanted to be down walking around, but he was physically incapable of doing that -- if you've ever had a child sedated, you understand. If you haven't, as the drugs wear off, mentally the child thinks they can so everything, physically they are uncoordinated and weak, and emotionally they are incapable of dealing. It's not a pretty combination in the Apple store. Thankfully, Brig wasn't screaming or anything, he was just really agitated and frustrated. He'd put his face against my cheek and just hold on for several minutes and then want nothing to do with me. Sweet little thing -- and the whole time I was pretty much carrying his dead weight, as he physically wasn't strong yet. Getting the phone was great and unnecessary at the same time...but we got it done and everyone survived.
By the time we headed back to the car, Stanton relieved me of Brigham and we got the unhappy little man back in his carseat. He ended up falling asleep by the time we hit the freeway and slept pretty much the whole drive home. That was a nice break. When we got to Dave & Judy's house to pick up the girls (huge shout out to the in-laws for the incredible 3 full days of service they've provided for our family this week. THANK YOU!), Brigham had gotten just enough rest to realize how hungry he was and how rotten he felt. It was a miserable combination. He screamed and flailed for a good 25 minutes. Stanton and I took turns holding on to him so he wouldn't hurt himself while the family ate dinner (again, thanks Judy -- that was nice to not have to worry about). He finally calmed down a bit when I gave him his binky -- I had it reconfirmed to me that it is definitely important we let him keep the binky for now -- and then decided he was ready to eat. And he ate and ate and made a huge mess. That seemed to make him a little happier. We headed home and I got all three in the bathtub. That was a joke. It was all I could do to keep Brig from drowning himself so I got him out and got him ready for bed -- this was at 6:30 -- and he just pointed to his bed and said, "Uh wan ma beh." I was happy to let him get some real and restful sleep. He's been doing that for 2 hours now and I'm just praying for a good long night of sleep. The nembutal takes 24 hours to fully metabolize, so I'd like him to sleep for most of the final several hours (11:00 am is the 24 hour mark).
The girls are in bed ... well Chloe is. Lily is, uh, getting there. And I'm exhausted. All things considered, this was a good day. The sedations are never fun, but they are so mild compared to what he's been through and will do in the future. Now we're just looking forward to a call from the cardiologist.
And thanks for the love today. It's so nice.
31 July 2008
Quick Update -- More to Follow.
We got to Primary Children's at 9:30 this morning. Brig had a bottle at 3:30 and a glass of juice at 7:30, other than that, he's been fasting since about 5:30 last night. He's been so good in spite of that. About 10:15 we went back to the exam room where the IV team started his line. Stanton had put some emlicream on about 1 1/2 hours before, so Brig was pretty numb. He was very aware, though, and he freaked out. Not anything we haven't experienced before. The nurse was great and got him on the first stick. Compared to our past experiences with IVs and Brigham, this was a total answer to prayers. It's nice that he's a little older and his veins have gotten bigger with him. We went back to the MRI room about 20 minutes ago. Stanton went in the room with him while they administered the sedation drugs, I watched from the doorway (not a great idea to be in a continuous magnetic field while 38 weeks pregnant). They sent me out to the waiting room while they do the MRI, Stanton is still with them. It'll take about 45 minutes to do the actual MRI, then Brig will go to recovery where they'll do the echo while he's still sedated. After that, we'll hang around for a couple of hours while the drugs metabolize and he gets eating and drinking again. I don't think we'll be here as long as we first anticipated, but it'll still be a good part of our day.
Brigham has really been great so far. He has his moments of being upset and mad, but for the most part, he's been just happy and fun. I made him a John Deere snuggly blanket day before yesterday and he's been hanging on to that like mad! He keeps saying, "My Acta. My Acta!" (my tractor, my tractor) It's nice to be able to give him a little comfort in the midst of a confusing, agitating day.
The cardiologist who's overseeing the MRI came to chat with us before the sedation and when he noticed I was pregnant asked if I'd gotten a fetal cardiac echo here at PCH on this baby. I mentioned that at 17 weeks a perinatologist came to Logan and did one and he said I really ought to have the baby looked at down here. Then he asked how far along I was. I told him 38 weeks and he just laughed -- "Well, you may as well wait till the baby's born. I thought you were maybe 24 or 25 weeks." We asked if we could do one today and he thought they'd probably be too busy. We'll talk to Dr. Everitt and see what she thinks. If she wants us to come back down and do one, we will. The odds of this baby having a congenital heart defect double because we have one child with one. But they double from .8% to 2%, so it's still so slim an odd that we almost feel like it's better to wait and see. Like I said, though, we'll talk to Dr. Everitt hopefully today.
When I know more about the MRI and echo, I'll post again. Thanks, Primary Children's, for giving parents wireless access to your high speed network!
AND, to Cheryl and Janelle, thank you for the "blogging baby shower!" It's been fun to read the comments so far. You are so thoughtful -- thank you!
Brigham has really been great so far. He has his moments of being upset and mad, but for the most part, he's been just happy and fun. I made him a John Deere snuggly blanket day before yesterday and he's been hanging on to that like mad! He keeps saying, "My Acta. My Acta!" (my tractor, my tractor) It's nice to be able to give him a little comfort in the midst of a confusing, agitating day.
The cardiologist who's overseeing the MRI came to chat with us before the sedation and when he noticed I was pregnant asked if I'd gotten a fetal cardiac echo here at PCH on this baby. I mentioned that at 17 weeks a perinatologist came to Logan and did one and he said I really ought to have the baby looked at down here. Then he asked how far along I was. I told him 38 weeks and he just laughed -- "Well, you may as well wait till the baby's born. I thought you were maybe 24 or 25 weeks." We asked if we could do one today and he thought they'd probably be too busy. We'll talk to Dr. Everitt and see what she thinks. If she wants us to come back down and do one, we will. The odds of this baby having a congenital heart defect double because we have one child with one. But they double from .8% to 2%, so it's still so slim an odd that we almost feel like it's better to wait and see. Like I said, though, we'll talk to Dr. Everitt hopefully today.
When I know more about the MRI and echo, I'll post again. Thanks, Primary Children's, for giving parents wireless access to your high speed network!
AND, to Cheryl and Janelle, thank you for the "blogging baby shower!" It's been fun to read the comments so far. You are so thoughtful -- thank you!
TaLaisa's Bead Drawer -- Giveaway
So, TaLaisa was my roommate during my Freshman (and only) year at Ricks College. She was the cutest, best dressed, most Polynesian non-Polynesian girl I knew! She scrapbooked, cooked (crazy mad amazing cooked), had the funnest college stuff (think a full set of Fiestaware dishes! It was so fun to invite boys over for dinner with that kind of set-up). And she never once got mad at me for borrowing her clothes without asking (unlike my sister! :))
Well, as Tay and I have reconnected through blogging, I've discovered she has myriad new talents! She's a fun mom, she sews, she crafts, and she makes the best jewelry ever. I've been the lucky recipient of more than a few of her pieces.
TaLaisa is (finally!) launching a jewelry business and to get the word out, she's having a giveaway! And I promise, it's a really good giveaway. You won't want to miss it. I promise. Really! Go to her jewelry website to find out more...and tell her I sent you, would ya?
Well, as Tay and I have reconnected through blogging, I've discovered she has myriad new talents! She's a fun mom, she sews, she crafts, and she makes the best jewelry ever. I've been the lucky recipient of more than a few of her pieces.
TaLaisa is (finally!) launching a jewelry business and to get the word out, she's having a giveaway! And I promise, it's a really good giveaway. You won't want to miss it. I promise. Really! Go to her jewelry website to find out more...and tell her I sent you, would ya?
30 July 2008
Take a Look at the Winner
So, Christianne, the giveaway winner, posted about her Quiet Bag -- I think her picture is so much better than the cruddy one I have on my sidebar! Go and look at little Ethan's bag -- I think it turned out really fun.
29 July 2008
And Then It Hit Me
...I'm having a baby. Really. Soon.
I've had sick kids this week. Lily has had a fever as high as 104.1 and Chloe has thrown up. Brigham has been living at Grandma's so he'll stay healthy for his appointment and sedation at Primary Children's this week.
The girls totally turned the corner today. No fevers as of the middle of the night and no throw up. I felt like they were well enough that we changed all the sheets and cleaned all the doorknobs and surfaces. After getting all of that done, we decided to go run a few errands. It's Stanton's birthday tomorrow and we wanted to do a fun candy card for him. Anyway, while were out doing that, I remembered we needed to go to Sam's for diapers for Brig. We've been digging up the ones hidden around the house, we're so out. Well, there in the diaper aisle of Sam's Club it hit me. I'm having a baby. Soon. And I haven't prepared one little bit. I haven't bought diapers. I haven't gotten clothes or bedding or car seat ready. I haven't considered what it'll be like to have 4 children, none of whom are school age. Reality hit me in the form of a mad dash through Sam's picking up Ziploc bags, dishwasher detergent, diapers, wet wipes, cereal, granola bars ... $350 worth of stuff I knew I just wasn't going to be able to run and pick up when I ran out. And now I'm freaking out at home. Where will he sleep? Will he sleep? Will he cry a lot? How are the kids going to do with a new baby? What will I do if I go into labor spontaneously. I know this is #4, but I just can't believe it's here. And I am a wreck. I feel like a first-timer. I have no idea what to expect. Will he nurse well? We he be content? Will the kids maul him to death? Will I be able to stay sane?
Holy cow. I'm having a baby.
I've had sick kids this week. Lily has had a fever as high as 104.1 and Chloe has thrown up. Brigham has been living at Grandma's so he'll stay healthy for his appointment and sedation at Primary Children's this week.
The girls totally turned the corner today. No fevers as of the middle of the night and no throw up. I felt like they were well enough that we changed all the sheets and cleaned all the doorknobs and surfaces. After getting all of that done, we decided to go run a few errands. It's Stanton's birthday tomorrow and we wanted to do a fun candy card for him. Anyway, while were out doing that, I remembered we needed to go to Sam's for diapers for Brig. We've been digging up the ones hidden around the house, we're so out. Well, there in the diaper aisle of Sam's Club it hit me. I'm having a baby. Soon. And I haven't prepared one little bit. I haven't bought diapers. I haven't gotten clothes or bedding or car seat ready. I haven't considered what it'll be like to have 4 children, none of whom are school age. Reality hit me in the form of a mad dash through Sam's picking up Ziploc bags, dishwasher detergent, diapers, wet wipes, cereal, granola bars ... $350 worth of stuff I knew I just wasn't going to be able to run and pick up when I ran out. And now I'm freaking out at home. Where will he sleep? Will he sleep? Will he cry a lot? How are the kids going to do with a new baby? What will I do if I go into labor spontaneously. I know this is #4, but I just can't believe it's here. And I am a wreck. I feel like a first-timer. I have no idea what to expect. Will he nurse well? We he be content? Will the kids maul him to death? Will I be able to stay sane?
Holy cow. I'm having a baby.
28 July 2008
I'd Like to Thank the Academy....
Look over on my sidebar--- I was featured on Tip Junkie for my Quiet Bags! How fun is that?
Even though the giveaway is over, you can purchase your own for $35. Email me at stanton underscore julie at msn dot com.
Oh, and check out this completely, utterly, totally cool boy version of an art apron. The Grace Violet girl is my crafty goddess inspiration lady. Love her.
Even though the giveaway is over, you can purchase your own for $35. Email me at stanton underscore julie at msn dot com.
Oh, and check out this completely, utterly, totally cool boy version of an art apron. The Grace Violet girl is my crafty goddess inspiration lady. Love her.
23 July 2008
Flaky Friends Giveaway!
Have you ever visited By The Lbs? She's so witty and fun and has the best Wacky Search Term Wednesdays ever. And today there's an even better reason to visit. She's hosting a giveaway for these absolutely adorable Flaky Friends. If you're chosen, you get a $25 gift certificate to spend spend spend!
If you sign up, mention my name, please, 'cause then I get extra entries. Fun, huh?
Good luck, and don't forget to tell 'em who sent ya.
If you sign up, mention my name, please, 'cause then I get extra entries. Fun, huh?
Good luck, and don't forget to tell 'em who sent ya.
Should I Be Concerned?
Update: We're done with the tantrum (lasted about 15 minutes), but this whole experience reminded me of a story Stanton's mom tells from his childhood. Stanton, Jimmy (his little brother), and Judy were in JC Penney getting new shoes for school. Stanton completely lost it in the shoe department and had a full on temper tantrum because Jimmy's feet were bigger than his. Talk about competitive. Glad I'm not like that (wink, wink)...
Chloe is in Brigham's room throwing the biggest temper tantrum I've seen in a long time. Why? Because Lily got dressed faster than her. I don't know why she's so upset....I'm still not dressed.
Chloe is in Brigham's room throwing the biggest temper tantrum I've seen in a long time. Why? Because Lily got dressed faster than her. I don't know why she's so upset....I'm still not dressed.
Wellness Wednesday -- Power Burgers
Once upon a time last year, Stanton and I started following the Abs Diet. It's a good diet, more like a lifestyle. You focus on certain power foods (lean meat, low-fat dairy, vegetables, whole grains...you know, the food guide pyramid) and get one cheat meal per week. We totally loved how we felt while strictly following the lifestyle and even lost a little weight. I even went down a pant size, which was awesome. Overall, though, it was the way we felt that really made us like this diet. Then we went to Hawaii. It was an amazing trip and we loved it. But we ate terribly. Don't get me wrong -- what we ate was delicious. It was also terrible. And when we got home, we never quite got back to the diet. We still follow the basics, whole grains, lean meats, etc. But we never wait for our "cheat day." No, we just sort of graze on the junky stuff all the time and we've gotten out of the habit of daily smoothies and snacks of nuts and fruit. Gee, I think I need to pull the book out again and get us started!
Now, to make a long story short (too late!) -- in spite of being "off" the diet for a few months now, there is one recipe from the book that we eat regularly. It's a much healthier version of a hamburger that tastes even better. My kids love these and so does Stanton. They're full of dark green leafies, whole grains, lean protein, and they really do taste amazing. So, without further ado...
The Abs Diet Power Burger
1 lb. lean (93%) ground beef or lean ground turkey (I usually use the 93% lean turkey, but we've even used turkey breast. It's fine, but the burgers don't hold together very well)
1 egg
1/2 c. oats
1/3 c. diced onion
1/2 c. chopped spinach (I've used fresh and frozen, both are fine, just be sure to drain the frozen)
2 Tbsp. reduced-fat Mexi-blend cheese (or whatever reduced-fat cheese you've got around - you'll want it shredded)
Salt & Pepper
Beat the egg slightly, then mix all the other ingredients in with it. Form into 4 patties and grill as usual. Serve on whole-wheat buns (or even whole-wheat english muffins). Go easy on the condiments, as they pack a lot of calories. A little reduced-fat mayo and some dijon mustard is great. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles and you've got one great burger. These are one of those "healthy" things you can totally serve to guests -- they'll think you got the idea from some grilling magazine.
Yum. Oh, and for a side, how about grilled sweet potato wedges -- just brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Or if you're like us now, post strict diet, russets that swim in olive oil (on a half cookie sheet) on the grill. But don't do that. I'm not going to anymore. :)
Now, to make a long story short (too late!) -- in spite of being "off" the diet for a few months now, there is one recipe from the book that we eat regularly. It's a much healthier version of a hamburger that tastes even better. My kids love these and so does Stanton. They're full of dark green leafies, whole grains, lean protein, and they really do taste amazing. So, without further ado...
The Abs Diet Power Burger
1 lb. lean (93%) ground beef or lean ground turkey (I usually use the 93% lean turkey, but we've even used turkey breast. It's fine, but the burgers don't hold together very well)
1 egg
1/2 c. oats
1/3 c. diced onion
1/2 c. chopped spinach (I've used fresh and frozen, both are fine, just be sure to drain the frozen)
2 Tbsp. reduced-fat Mexi-blend cheese (or whatever reduced-fat cheese you've got around - you'll want it shredded)
Salt & Pepper
Beat the egg slightly, then mix all the other ingredients in with it. Form into 4 patties and grill as usual. Serve on whole-wheat buns (or even whole-wheat english muffins). Go easy on the condiments, as they pack a lot of calories. A little reduced-fat mayo and some dijon mustard is great. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles and you've got one great burger. These are one of those "healthy" things you can totally serve to guests -- they'll think you got the idea from some grilling magazine.
Yum. Oh, and for a side, how about grilled sweet potato wedges -- just brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Or if you're like us now, post strict diet, russets that swim in olive oil (on a half cookie sheet) on the grill. But don't do that. I'm not going to anymore. :)
Family Reunion/Pioneer Day Celebration
This weekend was spent with both sides of the family. What fun. We started out in Idaho on Friday night. We had an amazing dinner, as usual. The evening was a lot of fun, in spite of a Family Home Evening that went just about 25 minutes too long! Maybe in about 5 years some of my kiddos will be ready for that! :) We had a talent show afterward and the kids loved showing off their skills. Lily recited The Three Billy Goats Gruff, complete with character voices, Chloe sang Pioneer Children Sang as They Walked and The Oxcart Song, and Brigham threw a cup and hit his cousin square in the head. Talk about talent, right?! We also got to visit with Kim & Deron (my aunt and uncle) and Kyle (my cousin) who were visiting from Arizona. I've missed them so much. It was nice to visit and catch up. The kids were exhausted by the time we left (and we were, too!). We got home around 11:00 pm and got the kids in their beds. I can't believe I forgot my camera. I think I'm officially suffering from Placenta Brain, as my friend Shaynna calls it.
Saturday morning Stanton went to the office and fixed his neice's chipped tooth. She got pushed during the 5k race in Stanton's hometown. See, another reason not to be a runner! :) I got the kids all ready and we headed to the parade. This is the funnest parade ever because we get to be in it! Stanton's mom does a float every year. We finally convinced her not to do a Barack Obama campaign float (whew!) and ended up with America: We the People. Stanton's sisters made matching red, white, and blue tye-dye shirts for all the sisters and kids so we'd match the float. The kids had a blast throwing candy to the crowd and Stanton was our official "mister." It was actually very nice to get those little bursts of water every now and again.
Again, I didn't remember the camera, but Stanton did manage to take a few pics with his phone. Thank goodness for that.
This is Rachel. She's the one who got pushed over. Her lip doesn't look so good, but you'd never guess which tooth got chipped. And isn't she just cute?
After the parade, we went to Dave & Judy's for lunch and water games and visiting. The kids played on the blow-up water slide DA & Jen (Stanton's uncle and aunt) brought and the blow-up castle Don & Ann brought. It was nice to have all of them entertained and occupied for the most part and for most of the day. At one point I went over to look at Ann's new minivan and left the kids in the backyard with Stantona and company. When I came back, I learned that Lily had taken off her swimming suit in front of everyone and then proceeded to ask Jimmy to "Make sure nobody doesn't see my bottom." I think she took care of that on her own ... Nobody DIDN'T see her bottom!
A few more pictures from the day...
I'm beginning to wonder how much of my life is spent making that face....
Saturday morning Stanton went to the office and fixed his neice's chipped tooth. She got pushed during the 5k race in Stanton's hometown. See, another reason not to be a runner! :) I got the kids all ready and we headed to the parade. This is the funnest parade ever because we get to be in it! Stanton's mom does a float every year. We finally convinced her not to do a Barack Obama campaign float (whew!) and ended up with America: We the People. Stanton's sisters made matching red, white, and blue tye-dye shirts for all the sisters and kids so we'd match the float. The kids had a blast throwing candy to the crowd and Stanton was our official "mister." It was actually very nice to get those little bursts of water every now and again.
Again, I didn't remember the camera, but Stanton did manage to take a few pics with his phone. Thank goodness for that.
This is Rachel. She's the one who got pushed over. Her lip doesn't look so good, but you'd never guess which tooth got chipped. And isn't she just cute?
After the parade, we went to Dave & Judy's for lunch and water games and visiting. The kids played on the blow-up water slide DA & Jen (Stanton's uncle and aunt) brought and the blow-up castle Don & Ann brought. It was nice to have all of them entertained and occupied for the most part and for most of the day. At one point I went over to look at Ann's new minivan and left the kids in the backyard with Stantona and company. When I came back, I learned that Lily had taken off her swimming suit in front of everyone and then proceeded to ask Jimmy to "Make sure nobody doesn't see my bottom." I think she took care of that on her own ... Nobody DIDN'T see her bottom!
A few more pictures from the day...
I'm beginning to wonder how much of my life is spent making that face....
21 July 2008
And the Winner Is........
You, of course! Because now you can begin your journey into the world of Monty Python's Flying Circus. I was pleased to see so many of you knew the reference of the giveaway title! Good job! I'm sure we'll all be good friends. Take the time to watch this. It's one of many many many hilarious Flying Circus Clips on You Tube. Frankly, I wanted to show you the Ministry of Silly Walks, as it is probably my favorite MPFC sketch ever, but, alas, I could find none on You Tube that actually kept going until the end where they always said, "And now for something completely different..." Don't these You Tubers know they're cramping my giveaway style?
I've got a lot of craziness going on in my life right now -- from lots of different sources. I've got a baby coming in less than a month. I've got an almost 2 year old having open heart surgery in the next few months. I've got a 3 year old and a 4 year old being dragged along for the ride. I host a scripture study group here on blogger. I'm obsessed with crafty projects lately. And I've got one crafty idea that just won't leave me alone, in spite of all the other much more important stuff that's right here in front of me. You all know what that is, right? The quiet bags, of course! I suppose that's why I chose the title for the giveaway that I did. These bags are just something completely different from what's really important in my life -- these soon to be 4 little children who depend on me for their every need and their equally important father -- my marvelous husband, Stanton. So, why can't I get them out of my head? Why do I feel utterly compelled to share them with the world and start a little business from them? I mean, do I really have time for this? This has been the subject of my thoughts, dreams (and that's a weird one because I don't typically remember my dreams...), conversations, etc. over the last couple of weeks -- especially since I've seen the response from this giveaway. Thanks for your thoughts and input, by the way...
So, now for the conclusions...I feel inspired to share these bags, whether it's with instructions for you to make them yourself or selling them to you and all your many friends. I am going to attempt to do both. Well, I think I've already done the first in the giveaway post, right? But here's the deal with the second half of that little equation. I'm not going to set up an Ebay or Etsy shop, as I feel like it will become overwhelming really quickly. Really quickly. But I do want to sell these little puppies! When the idea first came, I thought somewhere in the $30-$40 range was reasonable and it looks like you're mostly in agreement with that. I'm glad to hear that. I think that would make it accessible to you and worth my time and effort. If you are interested in purchasing a bag, please email me at stanton underscore julie at msn dot com or leave a comment here on this post. I am going to sell them for $35. You will need to pay shipping on top of that. For the $35, you will get a personalized denim bag (boy, girl, or family), a decorative clipboard, a crayon roll with crayons, an I Spy bag, a snack cup, a sheet of stickers, a magnetic dress up doll kit, and a photo album. I'm offering a "boy" style bag/contents, a "girl" style, and a "gender neutral" (perfect for an entire family) -- just let me know what you want in that regard. I'll take personal checks as payment and they'll have to clear before I send out your bag (I've got to cover my tail somehow, right?!). I'll be sure to let you know shipping costs before you pay me. I am excited to do these for you and your friends --- feel free to spread the word! Keep in mind that this would be a fun birthday, Christmas, etc. gift for a child you know! Or, if we're keeping it real, a mom you know!
Okay, Okay! I know what you're all here for! I'll get on with it already!
I had so much fun visiting all your blogs and getting everyone's names ready for the drawing. I have to admit -- I was astonished at the response I got here. I mean, thatsallottanames, right?
I'd like to take a moment to introduce you to my favorite bowl. I bought this nearly 6 years ago at a dollar store in Ohio, right before hosting my first Thanksgiving dinner. It held rolls that day -- and still does regularly. It's also my garbage bowl when I'm cooking. It's been through the dishwasher more times than I can count. And it's held up like no wood bowl I've ever seen. And now it's my official blog giveaway entry holder! Oh, and right at this very moment, it's serving as a giant coaster -- protecting my leather couch from a bowl of Wheat Chex and strawberries... What a bowl, People, what a bowl.....
What were we talking about? Oh! That's right...So, I swished the names around nice and swishy-like....
Then reached on in and pulled out...
This name! Aren't you dying to see if your name is typed on that little piece of paper? Okay, go ahead and look -- is it you????
This name! Aren't you dying to see if your name is typed on that little piece of paper? Okay, go ahead and look -- is it you????
Oops -- sorry, I forgot to turn off the flash -- it is 11:33 pm, you know. Let's try that again, shall we?
Can you see it, Chrissy?! You win! You win! You win! I have to admit, I'm a little shocked that someone I know got chosen! How fun is that? As fun as having someone I don't know chosen -- that's how fun! See, I'm no player of favorites, People, I love you all!
Well, there you have it. Christianne is our winner. I'll look for your email so I can get started on your bag. I genuinely wish every single one of you had gotten chosen...although that would have meant a lot of sewing for no compensation on my part. I think I'll just be content with one winner. And lots of new orders. Remember to email me or leave a comment here. I'll get started right away on your very own quiet bag -- and get you one step closer to sanity on a Sunday or a Wednesday or any day you pull it out.
If you haven't read through the comments on the giveaway post -- do it! You'll find a lot of very good ideas for keeping your little ones occupied. Thanks everyone for sharing!
And stay tuned for the next giveaway. Visit Photography by Emily for a sneak peek!
Oh, and I'd love for you to keep visiting. There's new stuff going on all the time around here -- from Wellness Wednesday to all the craftiness to thoughts on life's little moments. You're a welcome guest -- please kick off your shoes and stay a while. And order a bag or two while you're here...
18 July 2008
They're Listening -- Part 3
Driving in the van yesterday with all the kids, Stanton and I were having a "vocal disagreement" about something.
First Chloe started yelling, "Don't fight! Don't fight!" Then Lily joined in, "Don't Fight! Don't Fight, you guys!" The watershed moment was Brigham (you remember this kid's ability to talk, right? or lack of...) chiming in, "Dohn fiyee!"
All we could do was laugh out loud. Thanks, kids.
And for the record, I was right. :)
----
And do you think I ought to just wallpaper my home with butcher paper? Brigham thinks the walls and tables and chairs are his own personal crayon canvas lately.
17 July 2008
Thoughts for a Thursday
*We're going to the park today with some neighborhood friends. Looking forward to that. And Judy and I are working on the parade float today, too. It's so fun to do these things with my mother in law. How did I get so lucky? Great parents and great in-laws. Amazing.
*We're going to see lots of family this weekend! First up: a family reunion in Idaho with my siblings and parents (minus Matt & Sara). Second: a family reunion/24th of July celebration here in the Valley with Stanton's family. The kids even get to be in the parade which they TOTALLY LOVE!
*I've been thinking about timing a lot lately. You know this if you read regularly. While contemplating the bright side of our wacky timing of the next few months, I saw these silver linings:
~No children in school when Brig has his surgery. This means they can easily go from one house to another wherever if that's needed.
~All the kids will be too young to remember too much of this traumatic time.
~Brigham definitely won't remember the surgery or recovery.
~The baby will be too young to even know what's going on. I'm hoping this means it will be easier for him to just "roll" with everything.
~My mom is retiring in November, which means she'll be able (and is already so willing!) to help when we need it.
~Things at the business are running smoothly, so Stanton will be able to be more flexible with his schedule.
~Our insurance deductible & out of pocket max will be met with the birth of this baby next month, so we'll be able to have all of Brigham's diagnostic tests covered 100%. Well, scratch that one. Just called the insurance company. "Maternity is separate from medical," they said. Well, okay. But still, I choose to be happy.
~Facing the reality of the next few months has also given me a chance to look at what I can actually handle and make decisions in regards to that. A good thing.
Lots of good things, right?
16 July 2008
Wellness Wednesday -- Creative Ways to Serve Fruit
If your family is anything like mine, they love fruit. They eat it better than any other food group. Except maybe the popsicle food group. Last summer, popsicles were absolutely a food group around here. I wasn't thrilled about that and was very excited to see that Marie over at Make & Takes had come up with a great alternative. We call them Grapesicles around here and they have completely dethroned the popsicle. The kids totally prefer them and ask for these over Otter Pops every time. They consist of 8" lollipop sticks and grapes. You thread the grapes on (stick the end with the "hole" in it on first...you know, where the vine was attatched...). I had to let go of my obsessive "red-green-red-green" need and let the kids make whatever patterns they wanted this morning. Once you've got them all threaded on, just throw them in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag and put them in the freezer overnight. You'll be enjoying juicy, slushy, good for you popsicles without any mess by the very next day!
Don't mind the belly shot there -- it's getting hard to avoid lately.
The fun doesn't end there, though. Here's a fun way to serve bananas: Banana Packages! Another thing the kids just think is the coolest ever. Here's how you do it. I know, I know, pretty complicated. Thanks to my friend, Amy, for showing me these.
This is me peeling the banana package -- that's only for photographic purposes -- your little ones should totally do that part!
I'm wondering if Bananasicles would work? Hmmm...have to try that next week! What? Something I actually came up with on my own? Stop the presses!!!
There you have it -- two creative ways to serve fruit. What do you do to get your family eating good stuff?
14 July 2008
And Now For Something Completely Different...
Well, last post was an emotional wreck post. That's good, but not what I always want this to be about. So, tonight I get to be really excited about a project that's been about a month in the making. It started out small and then the craftiness possessed my body! I sat for hours at the sewing machine, I spent too much time at Hobby Lobby, and my fingers were sore from all the cutting. BUT, then today at church it was all worth while! What on earth am I talking about?
The Sunday Bags are finished!!!!!!! And even better? They worked! Each kid was pleasantly occupied with activities from their own bag -- there was no arguing over who got the crayons, whose snack was being eaten by whom, or whose turn it was with the whatever and ever....
The girls were even so excited they carried their bags to and from church! They loved having a bag that had their own name on it and enjoyed the activities inside. Neither of them made it through the entire bag. And here's the clincher -- Brigham never even ate his snack! Wow. Success defined in my book!
What's that? You want to see pictures of this amazing invention? You want to know the details of my craftiness? You want one of your own? I can make all of that happen! Stick with me to the end of the post!
Personalized -- no worries about whose is whose. I simply appliqued their names (traced from a print out from Word in poornut font at 400 pt.) and embellished them with ribbons and buttons. I got the bags at Hobby Lobby for about $1.50 each! I am absolutely stunned at how successful these little buggers were! Amazing.
Contents of Chloe and Lily's bags: A decorated clipboard, -- perfect hard surface for coloring printed clip art from the internet (the kids all loved these today). A crayon roll (tutorial here), easy way to keep the crayons from disappearing in the benches. An "I Spy" bag (find the pattern here), and a small toy. A set of magnetic dress-up dolls (I downloaded and altered the dolls on this site, then printed them on magnetic paper -- they're stored in a metal tin so they have their own magnetic home). A small snack container and a sippy cup. Finally, a photo album filled with pictures of cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles, church pictures, and, of course, them!
Contents of Brigham's bag: Same as above, without the magnetic dress-up dolls. Also, his included a wooden cut-out of a truck and a miniature John Deere tractor. Ooh, and I almost forgot, everyone's bag had some sheets of stickers!
Now, I do realize the novelty of these bags is going to wear off one of these weeks. But isn't an hour and ten minutes of sanity worth a little effort? Believe me when I say that this was totally worth the time and effort. It wasn't totally expensive to pull off, either. I know I could have found a better deal on the magnet paper. Even considering the cost of that, I'd say these came in at under $15, bags included. I was so surprised I could come up with something so diverse and entertaining for that little.
So, if you'd like step by steps, or better details about a few of the projects, please email me -- stanton underscore julie at msn dot com.
And even better? How about I give one away! This will be my very first giveaway EVER and I'm really excited!
Here's are the details:
* Leave a comment here on this post.
* Tell me what you do to keep your kids entertained and quiet at church, oil change places, doctor's offices, etc. If you don't have kids, tell me something you do to pass the time at these places.
The Sunday Bags are finished!!!!!!! And even better? They worked! Each kid was pleasantly occupied with activities from their own bag -- there was no arguing over who got the crayons, whose snack was being eaten by whom, or whose turn it was with the whatever and ever....
The girls were even so excited they carried their bags to and from church! They loved having a bag that had their own name on it and enjoyed the activities inside. Neither of them made it through the entire bag. And here's the clincher -- Brigham never even ate his snack! Wow. Success defined in my book!
What's that? You want to see pictures of this amazing invention? You want to know the details of my craftiness? You want one of your own? I can make all of that happen! Stick with me to the end of the post!
Personalized -- no worries about whose is whose. I simply appliqued their names (traced from a print out from Word in poornut font at 400 pt.) and embellished them with ribbons and buttons. I got the bags at Hobby Lobby for about $1.50 each! I am absolutely stunned at how successful these little buggers were! Amazing.
Contents of Chloe and Lily's bags: A decorated clipboard, -- perfect hard surface for coloring printed clip art from the internet (the kids all loved these today). A crayon roll (tutorial here), easy way to keep the crayons from disappearing in the benches. An "I Spy" bag (find the pattern here), and a small toy. A set of magnetic dress-up dolls (I downloaded and altered the dolls on this site, then printed them on magnetic paper -- they're stored in a metal tin so they have their own magnetic home). A small snack container and a sippy cup. Finally, a photo album filled with pictures of cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles, church pictures, and, of course, them!
Contents of Brigham's bag: Same as above, without the magnetic dress-up dolls. Also, his included a wooden cut-out of a truck and a miniature John Deere tractor. Ooh, and I almost forgot, everyone's bag had some sheets of stickers!Now, I do realize the novelty of these bags is going to wear off one of these weeks. But isn't an hour and ten minutes of sanity worth a little effort? Believe me when I say that this was totally worth the time and effort. It wasn't totally expensive to pull off, either. I know I could have found a better deal on the magnet paper. Even considering the cost of that, I'd say these came in at under $15, bags included. I was so surprised I could come up with something so diverse and entertaining for that little.
So, if you'd like step by steps, or better details about a few of the projects, please email me -- stanton underscore julie at msn dot com.
And even better? How about I give one away! This will be my very first giveaway EVER and I'm really excited!
Here's are the details:
* Leave a comment here on this post.
* Tell me what you do to keep your kids entertained and quiet at church, oil change places, doctor's offices, etc. If you don't have kids, tell me something you do to pass the time at these places.
* Tell me IF and HOW MUCH you would pay for something like this.
* An extra entry if you can tell me where the title of this post originated.
* An extra entry if you can tell me where the title of this post originated.
*Another extra entry if you post about this on your blog!
The giveaway will be open from now till Sunday, July 20th at 10:00 pm. I'll draw the winner Monday morning and announce it here.
If you win, you will receive:
* One customized quiet bag (your family's last name, a child, grandchild, niece or nephew's name, girl, boy, or gender neutral)
* A personalized clip board with coloring pages from the internet
* A crayon roll with 16 crayons inside
* An "I Spy" Bag
* A magnetic paper doll set (you get to cut out the figures) and metal tin
* A small toy (car, polly pocket, etc.)
* A small snack container and sippy cup (both new!)
* A photo album
* A $5 gift certificate to Snapfish.com or online photo shop of your choice (so you can fill up your photo album, of course)!
That's a lot of stuff, right? So, get commenting! Tell your friends to come enter. If you're a sibling, a relative, a lurker, a whatever, you're eligible -- but you've got to comment! Remember, I want to hear details -- would you purchase a bag like this? How much would you pay for it? What do you do to keep your kids busy at church, doctor's offices, etc?
Good luck and happy commenting! And I think I may have gone a little overboard on exclamation points in this post! I mean post.
The giveaway will be open from now till Sunday, July 20th at 10:00 pm. I'll draw the winner Monday morning and announce it here.
If you win, you will receive:
* One customized quiet bag (your family's last name, a child, grandchild, niece or nephew's name, girl, boy, or gender neutral)
* A personalized clip board with coloring pages from the internet
* A crayon roll with 16 crayons inside
* An "I Spy" Bag
* A magnetic paper doll set (you get to cut out the figures) and metal tin
* A small toy (car, polly pocket, etc.)
* A small snack container and sippy cup (both new!)
* A photo album
* A $5 gift certificate to Snapfish.com or online photo shop of your choice (so you can fill up your photo album, of course)!
That's a lot of stuff, right? So, get commenting! Tell your friends to come enter. If you're a sibling, a relative, a lurker, a whatever, you're eligible -- but you've got to comment! Remember, I want to hear details -- would you purchase a bag like this? How much would you pay for it? What do you do to keep your kids busy at church, doctor's offices, etc?
Good luck and happy commenting! And I think I may have gone a little overboard on exclamation points in this post! I mean post.
12 July 2008
Timing
Well, we visited with our cardiologist yesterday. Brig had an x-ray and EKG, nothing really big or invasive. He was a pill for it all, though! Those memories run pretty deep, I've decided.
After looking at the x-ray and EKG, Dr. Everitt feels like we're probably getting close to the time for his surgery. We're going back on the 31st of July for an extensive echocardiogram and cardiac MRI. Brig will be sedated for all of that, which will make it a little better. If the echo and MRI tell a similar (but much more accurate) story as the x-ray and EKG, he'll go back again for a heart catheter -- they insert a catheter through his femoral artery (in his leg, near the groin) into his heart and shoot a dye into the heart that will allow them to measure the pressures within the ventricles. That'll happen sometime in August.
If the pressures are in the range of what they're looking for (around 70%), then his case will be presented to the surgeons and a surgery date will be set. If the growth of the heart is where we think it's at, he'll probably be ready for surgery within the next 3 months.
The timing is certainly interesting. I'm due with this baby on August 14th and have been 2-3 weeks early with all 3 other pregnancies. That would be about July 31st. I am now really hoping for a baby that just comes when he's due. Of course, even after he's born, we'll have a lot of time spent at Primary Children's with Brigham. I suppose the baby will just have to adjust and roll with everything that's going to happen over the next few months.
This has been Brig's first visit with the cardiologist since December, when he was just over a year old. Now he's closer to 2 and we've had 7 months of living with a normal, healthy, changing, growing, developing boy. I feel like the Brigham we took to the doctor in December (he had been healthy for several months even then) was a totally different child than the Brigham we took yesterday. He's becoming a little boy, not a baby, and it's hard to see my little boy have to face what's ahead. Of course, it's right and necessary, it's just that this little person I know seems like he's never had a problem...it was our baby that had this heart defect and needed surgery. Reality is, though, that this little boy is in need of intervention to preserve his health.
It's good to go to the cardiologist and get that dose of reality again. I was actually looking forward to the appointment until yesterday morning. Seeing him in that setting again was extremely emotional. It was a strange combination of experiencing it for the first time and having all the old memories come flooding back. I was really emotional, which I am not completely comfortable in the doctor/patient setting -- I much prefer to be level-headed and informed. I was so thankful that Stanton was there -- he was much more controlled than I was, which was so nice. As I sat there, I realized that in these months of denial and oblivion and perfectly healthy child, I'd allowed myself to forget much of the technical knowledge I had gained. I had a hard time keeping up with the conversation sometimes, which made it even more emotional and frustrating. I need to get my notes back out and re-study his condition and his impending surgery. I will feel much better when I do.
That being said, however, it's so still so difficult to look at this seemingly perfect little human body and accept that the best thing for him is to give him to a surgeon and allow him to cut open his chest and heart, cut and sew and change its inner workings, and hope for the best. I do know it's what's best, though. I feel like we've been given that reassurance from Heavenly Father and also from the intelligent, skilled doctors we've trusted with his care. I also understand, though, that what's best doesn't always turn out how I hope. I recognize that his little life could end during this surgery and that it may not have the outcome we hope for. I trust that Bigham is known and loved and that we are, too. I suppose the test is to remain faithful and optimistic and hopeful, in the face of whatever the future holds.
Thank you for your prayers. They are felt and needed. As the months unfold, I'll be recording more thoughts and feelings and updates, I'm sure.
After looking at the x-ray and EKG, Dr. Everitt feels like we're probably getting close to the time for his surgery. We're going back on the 31st of July for an extensive echocardiogram and cardiac MRI. Brig will be sedated for all of that, which will make it a little better. If the echo and MRI tell a similar (but much more accurate) story as the x-ray and EKG, he'll go back again for a heart catheter -- they insert a catheter through his femoral artery (in his leg, near the groin) into his heart and shoot a dye into the heart that will allow them to measure the pressures within the ventricles. That'll happen sometime in August.
If the pressures are in the range of what they're looking for (around 70%), then his case will be presented to the surgeons and a surgery date will be set. If the growth of the heart is where we think it's at, he'll probably be ready for surgery within the next 3 months.
The timing is certainly interesting. I'm due with this baby on August 14th and have been 2-3 weeks early with all 3 other pregnancies. That would be about July 31st. I am now really hoping for a baby that just comes when he's due. Of course, even after he's born, we'll have a lot of time spent at Primary Children's with Brigham. I suppose the baby will just have to adjust and roll with everything that's going to happen over the next few months.
This has been Brig's first visit with the cardiologist since December, when he was just over a year old. Now he's closer to 2 and we've had 7 months of living with a normal, healthy, changing, growing, developing boy. I feel like the Brigham we took to the doctor in December (he had been healthy for several months even then) was a totally different child than the Brigham we took yesterday. He's becoming a little boy, not a baby, and it's hard to see my little boy have to face what's ahead. Of course, it's right and necessary, it's just that this little person I know seems like he's never had a problem...it was our baby that had this heart defect and needed surgery. Reality is, though, that this little boy is in need of intervention to preserve his health.
It's good to go to the cardiologist and get that dose of reality again. I was actually looking forward to the appointment until yesterday morning. Seeing him in that setting again was extremely emotional. It was a strange combination of experiencing it for the first time and having all the old memories come flooding back. I was really emotional, which I am not completely comfortable in the doctor/patient setting -- I much prefer to be level-headed and informed. I was so thankful that Stanton was there -- he was much more controlled than I was, which was so nice. As I sat there, I realized that in these months of denial and oblivion and perfectly healthy child, I'd allowed myself to forget much of the technical knowledge I had gained. I had a hard time keeping up with the conversation sometimes, which made it even more emotional and frustrating. I need to get my notes back out and re-study his condition and his impending surgery. I will feel much better when I do.
That being said, however, it's so still so difficult to look at this seemingly perfect little human body and accept that the best thing for him is to give him to a surgeon and allow him to cut open his chest and heart, cut and sew and change its inner workings, and hope for the best. I do know it's what's best, though. I feel like we've been given that reassurance from Heavenly Father and also from the intelligent, skilled doctors we've trusted with his care. I also understand, though, that what's best doesn't always turn out how I hope. I recognize that his little life could end during this surgery and that it may not have the outcome we hope for. I trust that Bigham is known and loved and that we are, too. I suppose the test is to remain faithful and optimistic and hopeful, in the face of whatever the future holds.
Thank you for your prayers. They are felt and needed. As the months unfold, I'll be recording more thoughts and feelings and updates, I'm sure.
11 July 2008
Feeling.....
Nervous, anxious, and a lot of other emotions right now. It's time for Brigham's check up with the cardiologist. We might find out a surgery date today.
09 July 2008
Like, No I'm Not!
While shelling peas to give to the kids during lunch:
Chloe: Each of us gets a few. I get 4 because I'm 4. Lily gets 3 because she's 3. Brigham gets 1 because he's 1. Mom, how old are you, like 70?
Me: What? 70?
Chloe: Yeah, you're like, 70, right?
Me: Nice. No, 29.
Chloe: Oh (giggling), then you get 29.
Chloe: Each of us gets a few. I get 4 because I'm 4. Lily gets 3 because she's 3. Brigham gets 1 because he's 1. Mom, how old are you, like 70?
Me: What? 70?
Chloe: Yeah, you're like, 70, right?
Me: Nice. No, 29.
Chloe: Oh (giggling), then you get 29.
First Harvest
I love anything that makes my little ones beg for veggies -- they were loving these last night. Brigham kept saying, "Uh Mo Mama." Makes my day!And a big shout out to Stanton who has done everything in our garden this year. We're enjoying the fruits of his labor.
Wellness Wednesday
So, every Wednesday (by every Wednesday I mean whenever I feel like it and it might happen to be a Wednesday and it might happen to be once a week), I'm going to do a little recipe makeover or some little healthy living tip. I've got all sorts of fun "Day of the Week" features floating around my brain, so stay tuned for those!
For our inaugural Wellness Wednesday, I will feature what we had for dinner last night. I happen to love The Pioneer Woman. She's witty, her photography is incredible, and her recipes....well, they're nothing short of delicious. Last night we had one of our personal PW favorites: Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich. If you take a look at her recipe, it calls for 2 full sticks of butter. I've done it that way before -- it was delectable. Really, it was. Last night, though, I just couldn't handle the thought of using 1 full cup of butter to feed my family of 5. So, I decided to trim down the recipe a bit and see what the results would be. And the sandwiches were just as good as the original. Seriously! They were fantastic and tender and yummy.
So, if you want the original, delicious, artery clogging, heart attack awaits you momentarily Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich, click here. If you'd like to cheat death for a little longer, here are my heart healthy changes (you'll still have to follow her step by steps -- and you'll enjoy the pictures along the way):
Instead of the butter, I used 1/4 cup olive oil at the very start -- it's quite a lot of oil, but it was sufficient to cook everything -- I never added any more. I heated it up and did the onions like she says, then pulled them out with tongs so most of the oil stayed in the pan. I got it nice and hot and then added my meat. I still used cube steak, as that is a decently lean cut of beef to begin with. I used the same amounts of Worchestershire, Lowry's, and Tobasco (okay, I did about 2-3 shakes for 1.5 lbs. cube steak -I like spicy food, but I like to be able to taste things afterward, too!). At the end, instead of adding another 2 Tbsp. butter, I put in a spoonful of Smart Balance Light, the spread we use in place of butter.
For the buns, I used the whole grain ones from my local Sam's Club. They're not 100% whole wheat, more like 1/2 and 1/2. It's as good as I have found in a store, so I take 'em for what they're worth -- better than white bread. I opened them up and drizzled olive oil on the insides, then put them under the broiler until they were just golden. This made a perfectly soft yet crispy bun for the sandwiches.
I topped the buns with the meat mixture (these sandwiches need nothing in the way of condiments) and we ate like kings. The seasonings are what really make this sandwich special, so losing the butter really didn't make any difference.
I will admit, there was still a fair amount of sodium in these sandwiches, what with the Tobasco, Worchestershire, and Lowry's, but I still think my version is worthy of a weeknight dinner. Simple, easy, lower in calories, higher in fiber, and better for the heart. Oh, and really, really yummy. We'll call them Mindful Mother's Favorite Sandwich.
And 1 1/2 lbs. cube steak was enough for 2 foot long and one 6 inch sandwich. Fed our family of 5 with enough left for Stanton's lunch today.
For our inaugural Wellness Wednesday, I will feature what we had for dinner last night. I happen to love The Pioneer Woman. She's witty, her photography is incredible, and her recipes....well, they're nothing short of delicious. Last night we had one of our personal PW favorites: Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich. If you take a look at her recipe, it calls for 2 full sticks of butter. I've done it that way before -- it was delectable. Really, it was. Last night, though, I just couldn't handle the thought of using 1 full cup of butter to feed my family of 5. So, I decided to trim down the recipe a bit and see what the results would be. And the sandwiches were just as good as the original. Seriously! They were fantastic and tender and yummy.
So, if you want the original, delicious, artery clogging, heart attack awaits you momentarily Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich, click here. If you'd like to cheat death for a little longer, here are my heart healthy changes (you'll still have to follow her step by steps -- and you'll enjoy the pictures along the way):
Instead of the butter, I used 1/4 cup olive oil at the very start -- it's quite a lot of oil, but it was sufficient to cook everything -- I never added any more. I heated it up and did the onions like she says, then pulled them out with tongs so most of the oil stayed in the pan. I got it nice and hot and then added my meat. I still used cube steak, as that is a decently lean cut of beef to begin with. I used the same amounts of Worchestershire, Lowry's, and Tobasco (okay, I did about 2-3 shakes for 1.5 lbs. cube steak -I like spicy food, but I like to be able to taste things afterward, too!). At the end, instead of adding another 2 Tbsp. butter, I put in a spoonful of Smart Balance Light, the spread we use in place of butter.
For the buns, I used the whole grain ones from my local Sam's Club. They're not 100% whole wheat, more like 1/2 and 1/2. It's as good as I have found in a store, so I take 'em for what they're worth -- better than white bread. I opened them up and drizzled olive oil on the insides, then put them under the broiler until they were just golden. This made a perfectly soft yet crispy bun for the sandwiches.
I topped the buns with the meat mixture (these sandwiches need nothing in the way of condiments) and we ate like kings. The seasonings are what really make this sandwich special, so losing the butter really didn't make any difference.
I will admit, there was still a fair amount of sodium in these sandwiches, what with the Tobasco, Worchestershire, and Lowry's, but I still think my version is worthy of a weeknight dinner. Simple, easy, lower in calories, higher in fiber, and better for the heart. Oh, and really, really yummy. We'll call them Mindful Mother's Favorite Sandwich.
And 1 1/2 lbs. cube steak was enough for 2 foot long and one 6 inch sandwich. Fed our family of 5 with enough left for Stanton's lunch today.
07 July 2008
But Not This One
While getting lunch ready today, I set out a tray of veggies left over from the party. The girls started munching on the carrots and then decided they were bunnies. They hopped around the kitchen and then climbed back up to the counter to get more --
Chloe: (grabbing a celery stick) Bunnies love celery, too.
Lily: No, bunnies don't like celery
Me: Oh, yes they do. Bunnies love celery.
Lily: (pointing to herself) Bunnies love celery, but not this one.
Why must they be so clever?
Chloe: (grabbing a celery stick) Bunnies love celery, too.
Lily: No, bunnies don't like celery
Me: Oh, yes they do. Bunnies love celery.
Lily: (pointing to herself) Bunnies love celery, but not this one.
Why must they be so clever?
06 July 2008
Sunday Happenings
Every Sunday seems to get a little better lately. The kids are getting better about behaving in church (that's thanks in large part to the Day family who sit by us every week and really help entertain the kids). I love being able to keep all three of them in the chapel for the entire meeting -- it seemed for so long that we were out in time out with at least one of them every week -- we haven't had that for several weeks now, and I'm really grateful!
Brigham didn't scream his head off before nursery today, which was a huge breakthrough. He always calms down within a couple of minutes of me leaving (according to the nursery leaders), but he went pretty willingly today, which made me so happy! Lily and Chloe, of course, did great going to their classes.
Sunday School was really neat -- I am loving studying the Book of Mormon this year. As I've participated in the discussions on the scripture study blog, my testimony of the Book of Mormon has grown even more. I love the experiences of these men and women who lived here in the Americas and seem to have encountered circumstances that I can relate to, even though they lived over a thousand years before me. I have gained so much more from class as I've taken the time to really study the lesson during the week before Sunday. This week, I loved reading about King Lamoni and his father -- two men who seemed hardened by wickedness and by false teachings passed down from generations before. Their conversion to Jesus Christ and his Gospel of peace and kindness is astounding to me -- they were so moved by His goodness and His truth that they were willing to sacrifice all that they had, most importantly their own personal sins and pride, to know Him and become part of His church. I have reflected on what I am willing to give and sacrifice for Him and to know Him. I love Christ so much and feel like as I learn more of Him and study His Gospel more intently, my desires to give up my sins are increased. I am so thankful for the Book of Mormon and the Bible, which give me that desire.
One of the scriptures this week that really meant a lot considering the celebration of our nation's independence was in Alma 21:21 -- King Lamoni, after he was converted, desired that everyone should have the privilege of worshipping "how, where, or what they may."
"And he did also declare unto them that they were a people who were under him and that they were a free people that they were free from the oppressions of the king his father; for that his father had granted unto him that he might reign over the people who were in the land of Ishmael, and in all the land round about. And he also declared unto them that they might have the liberty of worshiping the Lord their God according to their desires in whatsoever place they were in."
I am so grateful for the inspiration of God that led our forefathers to establish a country where we enjoy that same freedom. Without it, the Restoration of the full Gospel and Christ's church couldn't have taken place. Joseph Smith would not have been allowed to ask the questions he did or act upon the answers he received. We wouldn't be able to worship as we do and our friends wouldn't be able to worship in the way they choose. I am so grateful for the freedom to worship that I enjoy every day.
Brigham didn't scream his head off before nursery today, which was a huge breakthrough. He always calms down within a couple of minutes of me leaving (according to the nursery leaders), but he went pretty willingly today, which made me so happy! Lily and Chloe, of course, did great going to their classes.
Sunday School was really neat -- I am loving studying the Book of Mormon this year. As I've participated in the discussions on the scripture study blog, my testimony of the Book of Mormon has grown even more. I love the experiences of these men and women who lived here in the Americas and seem to have encountered circumstances that I can relate to, even though they lived over a thousand years before me. I have gained so much more from class as I've taken the time to really study the lesson during the week before Sunday. This week, I loved reading about King Lamoni and his father -- two men who seemed hardened by wickedness and by false teachings passed down from generations before. Their conversion to Jesus Christ and his Gospel of peace and kindness is astounding to me -- they were so moved by His goodness and His truth that they were willing to sacrifice all that they had, most importantly their own personal sins and pride, to know Him and become part of His church. I have reflected on what I am willing to give and sacrifice for Him and to know Him. I love Christ so much and feel like as I learn more of Him and study His Gospel more intently, my desires to give up my sins are increased. I am so thankful for the Book of Mormon and the Bible, which give me that desire.
One of the scriptures this week that really meant a lot considering the celebration of our nation's independence was in Alma 21:21 -- King Lamoni, after he was converted, desired that everyone should have the privilege of worshipping "how, where, or what they may."
"And he did also declare unto them that they were a people who were under him and that they were a free people that they were free from the oppressions of the king his father; for that his father had granted unto him that he might reign over the people who were in the land of Ishmael, and in all the land round about. And he also declared unto them that they might have the liberty of worshiping the Lord their God according to their desires in whatsoever place they were in."
I am so grateful for the inspiration of God that led our forefathers to establish a country where we enjoy that same freedom. Without it, the Restoration of the full Gospel and Christ's church couldn't have taken place. Joseph Smith would not have been allowed to ask the questions he did or act upon the answers he received. We wouldn't be able to worship as we do and our friends wouldn't be able to worship in the way they choose. I am so grateful for the freedom to worship that I enjoy every day.
Independence Day Celebrations
After we said goodbye to Matt and Sara and family on Friday, we got to work on our annual 4th of July BBQ. We held it on the 5th this year and wow -- it was fun! But before I get to that....Friday!
I got all the meat cubed and ready for skewering, started on the desserts, and made last minute food assignments. By about 3:00 pm, I was feeling totally ready for a break. Ann, Stanton's sister, volunteered to babysit Brigham while we took the girls to a movie -- what a fun thing! We went to Kung Fu Panda and really enjoyed ourselves. It's nice to only have 2 to look after! The girls have seen only one or two other PG movies and I was nervous to take them to this...they were definitely a little frightened by the fighting and the bad guy, but I was pleasantly surprised at the content of the movie -- very little sarcasm, no bathroom humor, and themes I was happy to encourage my girls to embrace. They just thought it was so cool that they were at the movies with popcorn and soda. It's good to have little outings like these often -- it does such good things for their self-esteem. And wow -- they were so well-behaved!
When we got back from the movie, we had an impromptu BYOTFD (bring your own tin foil dinner) and fireworks show at Dave and Judy's. I just need to mention here that I LOVE tin foil dinners for so many reasons! No pots and pans, no cooking in the house, no need for plates, easy easy clean up, and YUM! For ours, I just did and thin patty of hamburger, thin sliced potatoes & onions, fresh green beans, and a sprinkling of Lowry's seasoning salt. They cooked for about 25-30 minutes and were delicious! I am definitely a purist when it comes to tin foil dinners and this was right up my alley -- simple, filling, and so good.
After the tin foil dinners, we had ice cream cones, then headed up the hill for a fireworks extravaganza. Don, our BIL, always brings awesome fireworks and this year was no exception! The kids enjoyed parachuters, hula dancers, loud bangers, and lots of other fun fireworks. We did sparklers, of course, which I hate because someone always gets burned. This year was no exception and guess who the stupid one/victim was? Yep, it was me. I leaned over to rescue a sparkler Lily had dropped in terror and lost my balance (I've got a pretty big belly these days...). The sparkler burned my thumb and nearly set me and Brigham on fire. Stanton got after me and I started to cry. It was super embarassing (I can't seem to control my emotions sometimes, which is so frustrating!!!) and I had to go inside to get a hold of myself. That little outburst aside, it was a really fun night and although our kids went to bed late for the second night in a row, it was totally worth it for all the fun cousin time they've been getting. We got them to bed right when we got home and even though I had tons to do for the bbq, I went straight to bed, too.
Saturday was the day of our big party and I felt pretty darn good that morning. There's nothing like throwing a party to get my adrenaline going and get me excited and feeling great. I got up early and started to work on all the rest of the food prep. I got the meat skewered (over 100 skewers of beef, chicken, and shrimp), the desserts finished, and a pasta salad made. I assign out all the salads and sides every year and leave the meat and desserts for me to do. I love trying out all the fun patriotic recipes I find every year. This year was no exception -- the desserts were awesome. Although not patriotic, the Oreo Truffles my neighbor Angie introduced me to were a huge hit. They are decadent and naughty and delicious! You just grind up a package of Oreos and mix them with a package of room temperature cream cheese. You roll that mixture into balls, refrigerate them till slightly hardened, then dip in white chocolate. I added chocolate sprinkles on top, since I didn't have time to drizzle them with semi-sweet chocolate. I also made this strawberry cream cake and this jell-o dessert. They were all tasty.
Everyone brought awesome salads and fruit and we ate really well! Stanton manned the grill and kept the skewers coming. The beef was basted with Maull's bbq sauce, the chicken (thighs are so much better than breasts) were sprinkled with DeVerle's seasoning, and the shrimp were marinated in Emily's awesome spicy marinade (recipe at the bottom of the post). By the end of the day, we'd eaten every last one!
That's quite the get-up he's sporting there, too.
Emily thought I needed to blog about my napkin holder, so here it is, Em. Necessity is the mother of invention -- I don't have a napkin holder, so I just put a very large elastic around the stack of napkins to keep them from blowing away. I'd say the elastic is about 5 or 6 inches in diameter, so it wasn't so tight that the napkins ripped on their way out, but tight enough that the stack didn't get scattered or blow away...not really all that creative, but I have to do what I can to make Em proud of me!
We enjoyed great company, good visits, and fun lawn games (Bocce seemed to be the fave this year). The kids played in the pool, sand box, and slip n slide. Everyone was exhausted by the end of the day, but it was totally worth while!
My folks got here after the party and so we got to spend the evening visiting with them before they headed back up to Idaho. After that, my cousin Lindsay and her husband Robert invited us to go to the movies. I found a babysitter, we got the kids to bed, and then headed off to the theater. We decided since we already had the sitter and weren't going to dinner, we may as well catch two shows, so we watched Hancock first (fun show, but really really foul mouthed characters) and then rushed to Get Smart (wow! so much fun and really funny. The language was much better at this one and it was really fun and smart and funny. This is, of course, coming from a huge Steve Carrell fan, but I think that's really a pretty unbiased assessment of the movie -- it was great!). It was fun to do something so spontaneous as go to two movies in one night -- not something Stanton and I do every day! It ended up being a pretty cheap date, too. Four movie tickets are less than dinner and two tickets -- that was a little bonus. Thanks Rob and Linds, for inviting us along!
This was definitely an exhausting weekend, but it was my favorite kind. I love being able to be with friends and family and celebrate something as special as our nation -- I am really grateful for the freedom to think, act, and worship as I choose. This is a blessed land and I feel privileged to be a citizen of this country. And grateful that I got to celebrate that freedom with so many people that I love.
Emily's Shrimp Skewers
1 lb. shrimp
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
3/4 tsp. coarse salt
1 tsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. lemon juice
Mix marinade ingredients together in Ziploc bag. Add shrimp and marinate overnight or at least 2 hours. Discard marinade and thread shrimp onto skewers. Grill until just opaque.
I got all the meat cubed and ready for skewering, started on the desserts, and made last minute food assignments. By about 3:00 pm, I was feeling totally ready for a break. Ann, Stanton's sister, volunteered to babysit Brigham while we took the girls to a movie -- what a fun thing! We went to Kung Fu Panda and really enjoyed ourselves. It's nice to only have 2 to look after! The girls have seen only one or two other PG movies and I was nervous to take them to this...they were definitely a little frightened by the fighting and the bad guy, but I was pleasantly surprised at the content of the movie -- very little sarcasm, no bathroom humor, and themes I was happy to encourage my girls to embrace. They just thought it was so cool that they were at the movies with popcorn and soda. It's good to have little outings like these often -- it does such good things for their self-esteem. And wow -- they were so well-behaved!
When we got back from the movie, we had an impromptu BYOTFD (bring your own tin foil dinner) and fireworks show at Dave and Judy's. I just need to mention here that I LOVE tin foil dinners for so many reasons! No pots and pans, no cooking in the house, no need for plates, easy easy clean up, and YUM! For ours, I just did and thin patty of hamburger, thin sliced potatoes & onions, fresh green beans, and a sprinkling of Lowry's seasoning salt. They cooked for about 25-30 minutes and were delicious! I am definitely a purist when it comes to tin foil dinners and this was right up my alley -- simple, filling, and so good.
After the tin foil dinners, we had ice cream cones, then headed up the hill for a fireworks extravaganza. Don, our BIL, always brings awesome fireworks and this year was no exception! The kids enjoyed parachuters, hula dancers, loud bangers, and lots of other fun fireworks. We did sparklers, of course, which I hate because someone always gets burned. This year was no exception and guess who the stupid one/victim was? Yep, it was me. I leaned over to rescue a sparkler Lily had dropped in terror and lost my balance (I've got a pretty big belly these days...). The sparkler burned my thumb and nearly set me and Brigham on fire. Stanton got after me and I started to cry. It was super embarassing (I can't seem to control my emotions sometimes, which is so frustrating!!!) and I had to go inside to get a hold of myself. That little outburst aside, it was a really fun night and although our kids went to bed late for the second night in a row, it was totally worth it for all the fun cousin time they've been getting. We got them to bed right when we got home and even though I had tons to do for the bbq, I went straight to bed, too.
Saturday was the day of our big party and I felt pretty darn good that morning. There's nothing like throwing a party to get my adrenaline going and get me excited and feeling great. I got up early and started to work on all the rest of the food prep. I got the meat skewered (over 100 skewers of beef, chicken, and shrimp), the desserts finished, and a pasta salad made. I assign out all the salads and sides every year and leave the meat and desserts for me to do. I love trying out all the fun patriotic recipes I find every year. This year was no exception -- the desserts were awesome. Although not patriotic, the Oreo Truffles my neighbor Angie introduced me to were a huge hit. They are decadent and naughty and delicious! You just grind up a package of Oreos and mix them with a package of room temperature cream cheese. You roll that mixture into balls, refrigerate them till slightly hardened, then dip in white chocolate. I added chocolate sprinkles on top, since I didn't have time to drizzle them with semi-sweet chocolate. I also made this strawberry cream cake and this jell-o dessert. They were all tasty.
Everyone brought awesome salads and fruit and we ate really well! Stanton manned the grill and kept the skewers coming. The beef was basted with Maull's bbq sauce, the chicken (thighs are so much better than breasts) were sprinkled with DeVerle's seasoning, and the shrimp were marinated in Emily's awesome spicy marinade (recipe at the bottom of the post). By the end of the day, we'd eaten every last one!
That's quite the get-up he's sporting there, too.
Emily thought I needed to blog about my napkin holder, so here it is, Em. Necessity is the mother of invention -- I don't have a napkin holder, so I just put a very large elastic around the stack of napkins to keep them from blowing away. I'd say the elastic is about 5 or 6 inches in diameter, so it wasn't so tight that the napkins ripped on their way out, but tight enough that the stack didn't get scattered or blow away...not really all that creative, but I have to do what I can to make Em proud of me!
We enjoyed great company, good visits, and fun lawn games (Bocce seemed to be the fave this year). The kids played in the pool, sand box, and slip n slide. Everyone was exhausted by the end of the day, but it was totally worth while!
My folks got here after the party and so we got to spend the evening visiting with them before they headed back up to Idaho. After that, my cousin Lindsay and her husband Robert invited us to go to the movies. I found a babysitter, we got the kids to bed, and then headed off to the theater. We decided since we already had the sitter and weren't going to dinner, we may as well catch two shows, so we watched Hancock first (fun show, but really really foul mouthed characters) and then rushed to Get Smart (wow! so much fun and really funny. The language was much better at this one and it was really fun and smart and funny. This is, of course, coming from a huge Steve Carrell fan, but I think that's really a pretty unbiased assessment of the movie -- it was great!). It was fun to do something so spontaneous as go to two movies in one night -- not something Stanton and I do every day! It ended up being a pretty cheap date, too. Four movie tickets are less than dinner and two tickets -- that was a little bonus. Thanks Rob and Linds, for inviting us along!
This was definitely an exhausting weekend, but it was my favorite kind. I love being able to be with friends and family and celebrate something as special as our nation -- I am really grateful for the freedom to think, act, and worship as I choose. This is a blessed land and I feel privileged to be a citizen of this country. And grateful that I got to celebrate that freedom with so many people that I love.
Emily's Shrimp Skewers
1 lb. shrimp
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
3/4 tsp. coarse salt
1 tsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. lemon juice
Mix marinade ingredients together in Ziploc bag. Add shrimp and marinate overnight or at least 2 hours. Discard marinade and thread shrimp onto skewers. Grill until just opaque.
A Visit from Florida!
We had the best visit Thursday night! My big brother Matt, Sara, my SIL, and their kids Luke, Emma, & Gavin came to visit us -- all the way from sunny Florida -- my mom came too, although only from Idaho! We only get to see them once a year, so this was heaven for us! We barbecued, had visits from other extended family, lit fireworks, watched a really dumb movie (10,000 BC? Ridiculous.), visited, and had a great time. Stanton had just finished the sandbox that evening, so the kids were in seventh heaven the entire time they were here.
We spent a fun evening and morning together and had to say goodbye all too soon. We already miss you guys so much! I'm always amazed at the bond that we have as family -- Matt & I are the oldest and youngest in our family -- 7 years apart. We didn't really spend a lot of our growing up time together, especially as I got into teenage years -- he was already home from his mission and in college by then. But we've always had a love for each other and a connection that comes from our family ties (and my bizarrely strong desire to make him proud of me!) -- and whenever we're together, we require no catching up -- we all just start right where we left off the last time. It's so nice to get to spend a little time together and just wish it was more often.
The cousins all had a ball together and we were sad to see them go.
We spent a fun evening and morning together and had to say goodbye all too soon. We already miss you guys so much! I'm always amazed at the bond that we have as family -- Matt & I are the oldest and youngest in our family -- 7 years apart. We didn't really spend a lot of our growing up time together, especially as I got into teenage years -- he was already home from his mission and in college by then. But we've always had a love for each other and a connection that comes from our family ties (and my bizarrely strong desire to make him proud of me!) -- and whenever we're together, we require no catching up -- we all just start right where we left off the last time. It's so nice to get to spend a little time together and just wish it was more often.
The cousins all had a ball together and we were sad to see them go.
01 July 2008
Lily is our observant child. She's the one who points out a pinhead-size hole in the baseboards. She's the one who notices a gnat crawling on the vaulted ceiling. She's also the screamer in our family. She gets her feelings hurt very easily and often ends up in a pool of tears and convulsions when we "shush" her. She's also very obedient. Not always, but really, almost always.Lily is extremely detail-oriented and I love that about her. Tonight I got a chance to remember that...after I messed up big-time.
It was about 8:00 pm and the kids were supposed to be asleep. They'd been "to bed" for quite a while, but kept getting up for potty breaks or I need to tell you somethings for too long. I was starting to lose my patience a little.
I was downstairs working on a little part of their church bags when I heard Lily's door open. I called out, "Goodnight." Lily said, "But Mom, I made my bed." I got a little edgy and said, "You shouldn't be making your bed, you should be in it...SLEEPING." I heard a little whimper, then a door close, and then the sobbing started. I knew immediately I had made the wrong choice of words. I quickly went to her room and found her crying while pulling the pillows back off of a perfectly made bed. Did I mention Lily is 3? I'm telling you, the bed was made perfectly. And there she was, submissive and heart-broken, undoing it so she could crawl back in. I couldn't help but hug her and praise her incredible job. I asked her if she'd do that again in the morning so I could come see it. She calmed down enough to whimper a yes and let me tuck her back in. And I walked out of the room wishing I'd done that in the first place. She needs praise. And I need to give it much more readily.
It's moments like these that I wonder how I got so lucky. Lily is a little gem and a ray of sunshine in our home.
Sunday Quiet Books
This was a project my sisters-in-law and I worked on a couple of years back. It was super time-consuming -- I estimated I spent well over 40 hours on it between tracing, painting, outlining, ironing, sewing, and so on. It worked well as a group project but sort of burned me out on crafting for a good little while. I'm much better with things that I can start and finish rather quickly. But if you're feeling ambitious, this is a great Quiet Book. It's got a ton of activities and the kids rarely make it through a whole book in Sacrament Meeting.
This is a very small sampling of the pages. There are about 20 in each book. Some could totally be adapted into file folder-type games and some just work better this way. One of the kids' favorite pages, which I forgot to photograph, is the caterpillar touchy-feely page. It has sand paper and fuzzy fabric and all those fun textures that toddlers love to discover.
Sometimes I Just Crave a Little Common Sense...
Before I begin this rant -- for those of you who've asked -- my due date is August 14th and we're having a boy. It's getting closer -- Hooray!
Now, back to what I'm really here for -- the moment of rantiness. (Who knew? You can make up words even when it's not your birthday!)
The kids and I went to the library this afternoon. It's a great little local library -- small, but well stocked and kid-friendly. We usually have a good time there. There is a puppet theatre that the kids have never paid much attention to, but today they all seemed to discover it. They had a ball with all the puppets and stuffed animals. I told them they could each pick a couple to take home and play with. They chose their favorites and we went to the counter. The gal at the counter then informed me that the library rule was only one puppet per family could be checked out.
Here is my first gripe: what on earth is a WHOLE FAMILY supposed to do with ONE puppet?
But really, that's not what bugged me. I can dig that rule. I mean, if every family checked out even 3 or 4, pretty soon there would be none at the library and the whole puppet theatre would sort of be useless. No, I'm okay with that rule. But this is what really got me. I politely asked if they would consider posting a sign in the puppet area that informed parents of the one puppet per family rule. You know, so that we parents can establish the rule right in the puppet area, instead of having to explain to them at the counter, as it's time to go that they now can't take the puppets home. This is what the girl said, "Well, that really wouldn't work because a lot of the kids who want puppets can't read." I sort of stared in disbelief. Does she not realize that all 3 of the children who are with me can't read? And I'm making this suggestion? Does she not also realize that there is a sign posted in that same puppet area informing me that I must attend my children at all times in the library? If that sign works in the puppet area, why can't one that is meant for those parents? I think she read the stunned look on my face and quickly added, "It was also on the contract you signed when you got your library card." Well, okay, but I did get my library card nearly 2 years ago. And I didn't hang the contract on my fridge. And if I all I needed was that contract to remind me that my books are due in 2 weeks, why do you print out a foot-long receipt every time with the due dates in bold? Do you think maybe you could post a reminder or two about the other things on the contract?
I'm getting into whiney territory here. I do realize that. I think I'll end here. And say that sometimes I just crave a little common sense.
Now, back to what I'm really here for -- the moment of rantiness. (Who knew? You can make up words even when it's not your birthday!)
The kids and I went to the library this afternoon. It's a great little local library -- small, but well stocked and kid-friendly. We usually have a good time there. There is a puppet theatre that the kids have never paid much attention to, but today they all seemed to discover it. They had a ball with all the puppets and stuffed animals. I told them they could each pick a couple to take home and play with. They chose their favorites and we went to the counter. The gal at the counter then informed me that the library rule was only one puppet per family could be checked out.
Here is my first gripe: what on earth is a WHOLE FAMILY supposed to do with ONE puppet?
But really, that's not what bugged me. I can dig that rule. I mean, if every family checked out even 3 or 4, pretty soon there would be none at the library and the whole puppet theatre would sort of be useless. No, I'm okay with that rule. But this is what really got me. I politely asked if they would consider posting a sign in the puppet area that informed parents of the one puppet per family rule. You know, so that we parents can establish the rule right in the puppet area, instead of having to explain to them at the counter, as it's time to go that they now can't take the puppets home. This is what the girl said, "Well, that really wouldn't work because a lot of the kids who want puppets can't read." I sort of stared in disbelief. Does she not realize that all 3 of the children who are with me can't read? And I'm making this suggestion? Does she not also realize that there is a sign posted in that same puppet area informing me that I must attend my children at all times in the library? If that sign works in the puppet area, why can't one that is meant for those parents? I think she read the stunned look on my face and quickly added, "It was also on the contract you signed when you got your library card." Well, okay, but I did get my library card nearly 2 years ago. And I didn't hang the contract on my fridge. And if I all I needed was that contract to remind me that my books are due in 2 weeks, why do you print out a foot-long receipt every time with the due dates in bold? Do you think maybe you could post a reminder or two about the other things on the contract?
I'm getting into whiney territory here. I do realize that. I think I'll end here. And say that sometimes I just crave a little common sense.
More of the Brigham
We've discovered Brigham is not a cave man after all. No, he's a redneck. This has become painfully evident as his vocabulary has expanded from "Ma Boo!" to "Uh Wan Ma Cup" and "Uh Wan Ma Baw" said in a very prominent drawl.
Behold, the defining moment:
Redneck through and through. And so am I for grabbing the camera instead of a diaper.
Behold, the defining moment:
Redneck through and through. And so am I for grabbing the camera instead of a diaper.
Been A Craftin'
Just a few projects I've been working on over the last couple of weeks.
This great bag was from a tutorial over on Ric Rac. It's fast becoming one of my favorite crafty sites. The bag took more than an hour, which was her estimated time. It took me the whole day, but that was with 3 kiddos running around needing to be fed and changed and wiped and loved. I'm really happy with how it turned out and will definitely do more of these.
The notebook was from a Grace Violet tutorial. I've done Mod Podge notebooks before, but I liked her idea of covering the spine, too. I hadn't done that before. I didn't end up doing the elastic closure -- mainly because I didn't have any coordinating elastic on hand. I do really like the end result of this notebook. Especially because I happen to carry a notebook everywhere with me for making lists and writing ideas, etc. It's always nice to have an inspirational looking notebook! I did a fun writer's notebook for my friend Cheryl, but forgot to take pictures before I sent it off.
Lastly, I sewed a few of these fun crayon rolls. I've only done the boyish ones so far, but will definitely be able to whip out some girly ones this week. The tutorial at Skip to My Lou is easy to follow and very quick. For the next rolls, I will make just a couple of changes to the tutorial -- namely, make the original rectangles 17" instead of 16.5" and mark out the sewing lines for each little crayon pocket before pinning to the fused piece. (That's more for me than anyone else!)
These will go in the kids' Sunday bags which haven't been finished yet. I will be using the ideas from Grace Violet, once again. And I was lucky enough to find some very cute denim bags at Hobby Lobby for 50% off (making them about $1.50 per bag). That's totally craft-worthy, don't you think?
Also on the list -- this amazing apron from Sew Liberated.
And another fun thing I did, made so much cuter by the models.
This great bag was from a tutorial over on Ric Rac. It's fast becoming one of my favorite crafty sites. The bag took more than an hour, which was her estimated time. It took me the whole day, but that was with 3 kiddos running around needing to be fed and changed and wiped and loved. I'm really happy with how it turned out and will definitely do more of these.
The notebook was from a Grace Violet tutorial. I've done Mod Podge notebooks before, but I liked her idea of covering the spine, too. I hadn't done that before. I didn't end up doing the elastic closure -- mainly because I didn't have any coordinating elastic on hand. I do really like the end result of this notebook. Especially because I happen to carry a notebook everywhere with me for making lists and writing ideas, etc. It's always nice to have an inspirational looking notebook! I did a fun writer's notebook for my friend Cheryl, but forgot to take pictures before I sent it off.
Lastly, I sewed a few of these fun crayon rolls. I've only done the boyish ones so far, but will definitely be able to whip out some girly ones this week. The tutorial at Skip to My Lou is easy to follow and very quick. For the next rolls, I will make just a couple of changes to the tutorial -- namely, make the original rectangles 17" instead of 16.5" and mark out the sewing lines for each little crayon pocket before pinning to the fused piece. (That's more for me than anyone else!)
These will go in the kids' Sunday bags which haven't been finished yet. I will be using the ideas from Grace Violet, once again. And I was lucky enough to find some very cute denim bags at Hobby Lobby for 50% off (making them about $1.50 per bag). That's totally craft-worthy, don't you think?
Also on the list -- this amazing apron from Sew Liberated.
And another fun thing I did, made so much cuter by the models.
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