tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58419790628560404962024-03-18T23:01:00.287-04:00Making the Most of My Square InchHi! I'm Jenn, mother of 2 living in the South. I believe no matter how big or small the square inch you've been given is, you should make the most of it. That's the quest I'm on! Care to join me?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-84988798995913828852014-05-11T22:31:00.001-04:002014-05-11T22:34:54.824-04:00Making the move!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://makingthemostofyoursquareinch.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xbzYFqQRptYbv0HQU0pZ-obigKpOHctFqMLTKi0PQbZy_NHa2G8PlP_PZaruoGUqS2WTALOCo7S4VLu-ed1d_UE-excAJI8syLITsDhiwdDiUqWWP4nxbMyFT_frr_S8moH7Gqew1lM/s1600/Logo+May+11+2014.JPG" height="73" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We actually met our goal of having the new WordPress site up and running by May 12th! (Woo Hoo!!!)<br />
<br />
Please click the logo above to read all of the existing posts on the new blog.<br />
<br />
We will no longer update this blog on Blogger, and will soon automatically redirect traffic to the new site.<br />
<br />
If you're looking for the second installment of <i>What She Taught Me</i>, come visit our new home. <a href="http://makingthemostofyoursquareinch.com/">makingthemostofyoursquareinch.com</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-67556930498843389442014-05-10T16:14:00.001-04:002014-05-10T16:14:24.035-04:00Ahhh, Summer...<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
well, almost!</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0ytwCIYKmI-wFYR7KLodtLW9C4yj8zrEMMuKznQbXlRuVyJByBSnOA-ytVb3UGQCvJp_I9wvFN3gps1qHSS9ZZBsKvk_HLc9VlaVIpdHEBF8XEuoeS80UV_1BT5gSVjK0Zuz4Xq6BYA/s1600/fresh-strawberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0ytwCIYKmI-wFYR7KLodtLW9C4yj8zrEMMuKznQbXlRuVyJByBSnOA-ytVb3UGQCvJp_I9wvFN3gps1qHSS9ZZBsKvk_HLc9VlaVIpdHEBF8XEuoeS80UV_1BT5gSVjK0Zuz4Xq6BYA/s1600/fresh-strawberries.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I know it's not officially summer, but when you can bite in to a fresh juicy strawberry like the ones in this picture, you know summer isn't far behind!<br />
<br />
This is one of my favorite times of year! I hope you are all enjoying it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-68654428111353698472014-05-05T23:31:00.001-04:002014-05-06T21:59:40.279-04:00A Beautiful Day<div class="MsoNormal">
<h3>
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">A new series about exploring our parks and wild places</span></h3>
<span style="color: #666666;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT_gzJh-cx-6_FA-pf_xuERJJVvQ_nh3x5sF-VWE5N5O2YdYKtjy1U9V9Xv1fiHUwSGmffmQJVtS0d5dbejXDkFINrQ2FrvDTVoLDELVmUqcQTeCTRLm9msju28m2I3I5pR-_rcrrQYA/s1600/IMG_2864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT_gzJh-cx-6_FA-pf_xuERJJVvQ_nh3x5sF-VWE5N5O2YdYKtjy1U9V9Xv1fiHUwSGmffmQJVtS0d5dbejXDkFINrQ2FrvDTVoLDELVmUqcQTeCTRLm9msju28m2I3I5pR-_rcrrQYA/s1600/IMG_2864.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We visited friends in Tennessee this weekend. They took
us to a natural bridge with wonderful rock formations. The more we looked,the
more we started to see faces in the rock (and one tree). Do you see them? This was a great
game for my 9 year old.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVBchUHuQcJumKuPuzB6R6JFFw_5do0LISww1cvR_7gDgfDkP4XisaLG0v41b36bMMRZ_YoRjchlocCOvSrN4oN5q8zpgWGNBh-382nW6sk-jNeBGBC7dRCcoR6yS71Q6BxpbUpWb-WA/s1600/IMG_0801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVBchUHuQcJumKuPuzB6R6JFFw_5do0LISww1cvR_7gDgfDkP4XisaLG0v41b36bMMRZ_YoRjchlocCOvSrN4oN5q8zpgWGNBh-382nW6sk-jNeBGBC7dRCcoR6yS71Q6BxpbUpWb-WA/s1600/IMG_0801.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzd_x6nbKYEnW2DOVWuiptYXUrwCr2pZaXhi06IKLcsYlXnOBfi9X43Em0pE54u79Zqw1YJP2ZZEvs7agYz7svDM9GtGLx5T8WfspoyivHEnk-abeSpptzQ7Ipt4zbmqOJHdv4n6yAEJ8/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzd_x6nbKYEnW2DOVWuiptYXUrwCr2pZaXhi06IKLcsYlXnOBfi9X43Em0pE54u79Zqw1YJP2ZZEvs7agYz7svDM9GtGLx5T8WfspoyivHEnk-abeSpptzQ7Ipt4zbmqOJHdv4n6yAEJ8/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0iAs-sMcmrdculKGTOFUQiI544X0Ktk0UagRCs8HUusFa69Rtp-3B-etIUzjwJwe4cInaKJgpUfvN6tYiystAqMMRnVVFTp0LFp0qolYxkDzK6NQLCTYvdL7_e87WWq0nd0jAr9tfks/s1600/IMG_0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0iAs-sMcmrdculKGTOFUQiI544X0Ktk0UagRCs8HUusFa69Rtp-3B-etIUzjwJwe4cInaKJgpUfvN6tYiystAqMMRnVVFTp0LFp0qolYxkDzK6NQLCTYvdL7_e87WWq0nd0jAr9tfks/s1600/IMG_0803.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSHzBxfPu4au3GFqCDzJRH_DFbuaIQkrLuim4Pbc39n8GkX4p-h425fva5Usr5zU1eW3XjFQ93R3o-YuQ66dCWtV6aXK8Si9VeIer72YYD55yp2phr_QYTzuuczjrdIuAVyOENI9F6QQ/s1600/IMG_0804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSHzBxfPu4au3GFqCDzJRH_DFbuaIQkrLuim4Pbc39n8GkX4p-h425fva5Usr5zU1eW3XjFQ93R3o-YuQ66dCWtV6aXK8Si9VeIer72YYD55yp2phr_QYTzuuczjrdIuAVyOENI9F6QQ/s1600/IMG_0804.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnCILPRZLtfiPlWTk3GK2ivvyc_0yVJ3CiBeUGwO2P8uZbMCB5E_3LwLQPtIiTymL9el1NXqscIK1LUJoU6fyuIaoSAsFsCD85cuC45_VO1n_cwrTXDSGq_FGIiaTA-EdiOD4ErW9qBE/s1600/IMG_0809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnCILPRZLtfiPlWTk3GK2ivvyc_0yVJ3CiBeUGwO2P8uZbMCB5E_3LwLQPtIiTymL9el1NXqscIK1LUJoU6fyuIaoSAsFsCD85cuC45_VO1n_cwrTXDSGq_FGIiaTA-EdiOD4ErW9qBE/s1600/IMG_0809.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbf0wI0DpyYA4o5BkezZYVeQiWrZ9JoPkgYPNxYEwyaSJdflrx7ymoUhvCPeG0ZaqpVv4lwTaCOptAVEQ8v-P0um-d1pc3N643KsNEg3-3m2NeX_k_hbdm6clFxw7yrXs-rQuie_ifY0E/s1600/IMG_0817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbf0wI0DpyYA4o5BkezZYVeQiWrZ9JoPkgYPNxYEwyaSJdflrx7ymoUhvCPeG0ZaqpVv4lwTaCOptAVEQ8v-P0um-d1pc3N643KsNEg3-3m2NeX_k_hbdm6clFxw7yrXs-rQuie_ifY0E/s1600/IMG_0817.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93gUSziOErHby-0xx-JvUK3ISRT17VJInHULKBwt7ZTmZm2qLduZHAUDTipKGnohcTr7MUMJ15mCcpJkca8EOAKS3d5BkVLk1sgsyW6Phct9bgWNTxJ_ZlNBvxCIuqBXMqPY7UsdXQtY/s1600/IMG_2913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93gUSziOErHby-0xx-JvUK3ISRT17VJInHULKBwt7ZTmZm2qLduZHAUDTipKGnohcTr7MUMJ15mCcpJkca8EOAKS3d5BkVLk1sgsyW6Phct9bgWNTxJ_ZlNBvxCIuqBXMqPY7UsdXQtY/s1600/IMG_2913.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Do you ever have fun playing
‘seek and find’ games at the park with your kids?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-85893471366997344032014-05-05T20:29:00.000-04:002014-05-05T20:29:53.494-04:00What She Taught Me: My Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpcDJoY3D364eHY_etovHkVMOdPeVv2D_9YgMh_0f7yiG4qwkazcPARBawgLrRBkIfZ7g3oqv7-ZjSVE9g-wkbDlDy7_uZgz12VoUB4DqCAM2WZSNlXCUUCfuT__k7LsnlXXedbGwbRA/s1600/beach-sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpcDJoY3D364eHY_etovHkVMOdPeVv2D_9YgMh_0f7yiG4qwkazcPARBawgLrRBkIfZ7g3oqv7-ZjSVE9g-wkbDlDy7_uZgz12VoUB4DqCAM2WZSNlXCUUCfuT__k7LsnlXXedbGwbRA/s1600/beach-sunset.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“My Mother is my root, my foundation. She planted the seed
that I base my life on, and that is the belief that the ability to achieve
starts in your mind.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 2in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Michael Jordan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">In my life, I have been blessed with unconventional women as
role models. None of the women in my family have resembled June Clever, and
none of them wanted too. Yes, they have all been known to bake cookies and
clean floors, but none of them allowed that to define them. Growing up, I
didn’t realize how unusual they were. It
wasn’t until Junior High or High School that I realized how different they were
from most women and Moms of their day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Especially my Mom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">When I was a child, she never wore dresses, never carried a
purse. She didn’t like shopping. She took me to the woods, not to a mall. She
rode her own motorcycle, would crawl on the roof to fix shingles, or go to the
barn to chop wood. She took me hiking, rode me on the back of her motorcycle, took
me camping, taught me how to steer a canoe, how to catch a turtle, and how to
identify poison ivy. She caught snakes for my brother and I and would build terrariums
for the bugs we gathered. She taught me that just because I was a girl didn’t
mean that I should squeal and run away from the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">She liked to help my Dad fix old cars and has always been a
true partner with him. She taught me that staying in love and having a strong
marriage takes work, patience, and time together. She taught me that housework
needed to be done - but only till it was good enough. There’s so much more to
life than a dustless house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">She showed me how to work long hours at a sewing factory and
still put dinner on the table via a crockpot. When that factory closed, she
chose the harder route of going back to school and studying long into the night
while the rest of us slept. And when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she
didn’t act like life was over, even though she had watched her own mother die
from it just a few years prior. She kept working and fishing and traveling with
Dad. Years later when the strokes caused her to retire early, she jumped into a
new stage of life with gusto. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">She taught me to do what I enjoy and not let other people
dictate what I do based on societal views. Most of all, she taught me that I
could be a good Mom and still keep my own identity and hobbies. My Mom is a big
reason why I come here and write. She taught me some of the biggest lessons on
Making the Most of My Life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Want to join in my “What She Taught
Me” series? Just leave a link to your own blog or a comment below! I’d love to
hear about the influential women in your lives.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-28243526712632737662014-05-02T21:07:00.000-04:002014-05-02T21:09:33.576-04:00What SheTaught Me (A New Series in May About The Women In My Life)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYznURcatbgptRD8Rx9GNRg8rM6w6OXKT_HP4kk_xPYApUTGg0jwoZdK_c-9GyKi-BQv_ueMQa6GyB4TC8BUmnKBq9nt3ymgJSRMowpUeXp1GV3jghqpOy28btEEnhYEzfRGTO8Pjytgg/s1600/beach-inlet-bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYznURcatbgptRD8Rx9GNRg8rM6w6OXKT_HP4kk_xPYApUTGg0jwoZdK_c-9GyKi-BQv_ueMQa6GyB4TC8BUmnKBq9nt3ymgJSRMowpUeXp1GV3jghqpOy28btEEnhYEzfRGTO8Pjytgg/s1600/beach-inlet-bay.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To celebrate Mother's Day, I'm writing a new series entitled <i>What She Taught Me</i>. On each of the four Mondays in May, I'll be posting about a woman in my life who has influenced and inspired me to Make the Most of My Square Inch.<br />
<br />
Care to join me?<br />
<br />
It doesn't have to be a mother or even a relative. It could be a mentor or a friend that you would like to honor this month! Please link your post or leave a comment as to who has influenced you!<br />
<br />
PS. We're doing a bit of traveling this weekend to meet up with good friends, that we don't get to see near enough. Check back on Monday for the first installment of <i>What She Taught Me</i>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-62197848293305559972014-04-30T23:11:00.000-04:002014-04-30T23:11:20.003-04:00The Nesting Place Preview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHLE8a2LPQBJjCq3i5aACYjaigoFQsc-4RNwe5H91DBcaMrwgfKBRLwxK04e993hAA6Z-3yG0uJbUpPU1MhVvRasB-2DEJq37EuRyFyAg65n7nMrkz-snc6GYi4B7LW1wI-qcqTPzDjs/s1600/the-nesting-place-book-the-nester.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHLE8a2LPQBJjCq3i5aACYjaigoFQsc-4RNwe5H91DBcaMrwgfKBRLwxK04e993hAA6Z-3yG0uJbUpPU1MhVvRasB-2DEJq37EuRyFyAg65n7nMrkz-snc6GYi4B7LW1wI-qcqTPzDjs/s1600/the-nesting-place-book-the-nester.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This book arrived in my box yesterday.<br />
<br />
I ripped it open and flipped through, looking at all the pretty pictures. Then my eyes settled on page 175. I was sucked in. I read to page 185. And I cried. I cried for the uncertainty of life and for how hard it can all be.<br />
<br />
I decided to stop apologizing for my 90's faux green linoleum floor, because if I had been born in a different place it could so easily be a dirt floor.<br />
<br />
I haven't read this whole book. Spent barely fifteen minutes with it. Yet it has already changed me.<br />
<br />
Need help Making the Most of your flawed home? Or just a new perspective on it? Read The Nesting Place. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310337909/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0310337909&linkCode=as2&tag=mathmoofmyons-20&linkId=6U3NEGPRPIUMKBGN">The Nesting Place: It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mathmoofmyons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0310337909" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-54211626001652727302014-04-29T22:41:00.000-04:002014-04-29T22:41:05.199-04:00Canning Tomato SauceTomatoes. I love them. Just me. Only me. Everyone else in my family will only eat them in sauce form.<br />
<br />
Every year I tell myself that I'm going to can tomato sauce. We're talking every spring for at least 6 years, and every year I don't can tomato sauce.<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
Number 1, Boiling tomatoes sounds explosive, like putting whole potatoes in the microwave.<br />
<br />
Roasting? But it will be summer. I don't want to heat up the kitchen. Maybe grill roasting? Anyone tried that?<br />
<br />
My husband suggests boiling outside with a turkey fryer. I think those things are more dangerous than anything done in the house!<br />
<br />
Number 2, Canning tomatoes is scary. I've canned a few things in my life. Jelly, applesauce, apple pie filling. OK. That's all. For some reason I have this irrational (or maybe it's rational) fear of botulism.<br />
<br />
Enter - friend who's canned tomatoes and sauce for years. She's brave. I'm not.<br />
<br />
But those roasted beauties thrown in the blender with some jointly roasted garlic were divine. Even my very picky 9 year old said so! (For those of you with picky eaters, you know this must be an aberration of nature - something tasty besides sugary packaged food!) Oh, did I forget to share what happened to those globes of roasted goodness?<br />
<br />
This<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjYaJbJnYN2cq6m-DJYKtOpwl_xsP05t_0qwgaDxSgd33EWWNGXOaZ_dP8RlliNk1EGIaeGyn9jm2Z8vcQZsXIH2any28fJtAc47ehYrOGSVnDbYhXfHRmM7Bhg4KI-tm6tHmyx_814I/s1600/roasted-tomatoes-garlic-in-blender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjYaJbJnYN2cq6m-DJYKtOpwl_xsP05t_0qwgaDxSgd33EWWNGXOaZ_dP8RlliNk1EGIaeGyn9jm2Z8vcQZsXIH2any28fJtAc47ehYrOGSVnDbYhXfHRmM7Bhg4KI-tm6tHmyx_814I/s1600/roasted-tomatoes-garlic-in-blender.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
turned in to this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1Kdc4DAN1lIfz16ABqNSYmR0nplPBKnEZCL2OSwHVI-hKt5-kbVUntYtLvnpf14EUy8nlrFkG7_3STNfvoxt4YzH7owbpZcoNCar9A6W85dVuxatxRYVBU2zt7JBmAruCSkqDyeeGiw/s1600/roasted-tomatoe-garlic-sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1Kdc4DAN1lIfz16ABqNSYmR0nplPBKnEZCL2OSwHVI-hKt5-kbVUntYtLvnpf14EUy8nlrFkG7_3STNfvoxt4YzH7owbpZcoNCar9A6W85dVuxatxRYVBU2zt7JBmAruCSkqDyeeGiw/s1600/roasted-tomatoe-garlic-sauce.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm going to face my fears, till up a piece of soil (ok, get my husband to till up a piece of soil) and plant tomatoes to can. We don't have a tiller, so we're going to try one of those manual tillers where you dig in to and twist up the soil. Wish us luck....<br />
<br />
Can anyone recommend a variety that you've had good success with? Should I plant different varieties of tomatoes to make the sauce with?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-84991593128362091052014-04-28T22:44:00.002-04:002014-04-29T22:10:08.435-04:00Lots of Changes.......We're working on lots of changes to the blog.
Thant's right, I said "<i>we</i>". I've enlisted the help of my husband to not only help me transform this blog but also to add content. We're working behind the scenes and hope to have everything up in a week.
I also mentioned changes to summer plans yesterday and promised more details today. Well, the overall blog work has taken the entire evening, and I haven't finished my summer plans post. One of my goals is to always post information during the time I've promised.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-36736247452243423592014-04-28T19:39:00.000-04:002014-04-28T19:43:30.341-04:00Closing the Cover, A Review of: This Book Was a Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="This Book Was A Tree" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6s6zsGvXh56-mngbg0BeowLP0XINeE20eIClPni1Bpv09JdGXrfFker3vYSAgusYNLjQZhgrS__Z_B1ChH4cpgYnVP-1o71k-mIkgezVhfDSqRyXrx9t3vcvJZm86Rsctry4Xm15iEz8/s1600/this-book-was-a-tree.jpg" height="640" title="This Book Was A Tree" width="508" /></div>
<br />
<br />
Usually I'm led to a book by a blog. Surprisingly, it was the other way around this time. I found this gem at the bookstore and<i> it</i> led me to Marcie Chambers Cuff's blog <a href="http://www.mossymossy.com/" target="_blank">Mossy</a>. I knew I was going to end up buying the book as soon as I picked it up. The weight and texture of the paper had me. I just love to run my fingertips along the cover. The wonderful thing about the book are the drawings, Oh my! Beautiful drawing of nature and interactive pages to write on. My nine year old, who loves art, took off with it to study the drawings in her room.<br />
<br />
Open the pages and you have activities to do with your kids in nature. Most of the activities in it are ones I've seen online or have done myself as a kid. Now that I'm the adult, and trying to educate my daughter about nature, I realize it's a lot harder than it looks. The supply list and step by step instructions found in the book make it easy to start right in on a project. An older kid could simply work through the book on thier own. Maybe as a summer study program!?<br />
<br />
That's the best thing about This Book Was a Tree, older kids can pick it up and use it without much help from an adult.<br />
<br />
I wholeheartedly recommend this for anyone who desires to instill a love of nature in the heart of a child.
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399165851/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399165851&linkCode=as2&tag=mathmoofmyons-20">This Book Was a Tree: Ideas, Adventures, and Inspiration for Rediscovering the Natural World</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mathmoofmyons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399165851" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-12977735468652559032014-04-27T20:57:00.001-04:002014-04-27T20:57:07.356-04:00Weekend Wrap Up<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8MBEr5XSVoXVkZ_27C76skrHf7S6jpSgp5nxN1tGy8oEKM48f2gYwC5Vk3Gifudu1It9xWDq-cNMETNOUJWkloN6MtFekP6t7X6TIH6cn413NoKECnLWQuMsu6lLKnAcNBtIX_r-gu4/s1600/roasted-cherry-tomoatoes-with-garlic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8MBEr5XSVoXVkZ_27C76skrHf7S6jpSgp5nxN1tGy8oEKM48f2gYwC5Vk3Gifudu1It9xWDq-cNMETNOUJWkloN6MtFekP6t7X6TIH6cn413NoKECnLWQuMsu6lLKnAcNBtIX_r-gu4/s1600/roasted-cherry-tomoatoes-with-garlic.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This little picture has completely changed my summer plans! ...more details to come tomorrow.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It took me a little longer than I planned to finish reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399165851/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399165851&linkCode=as2&tag=mathmoofmyons-20">This Book Was a Tree: Ideas, Adventures, and Inspiration for Rediscovering the Natural World</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mathmoofmyons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399165851" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Marcie Chambers Cuff. Review coming soon.<br />
<br />
Had a very busy weekend but was able to visit with family. Getting ready for bad weather moving in.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-90290039828951785472014-04-24T22:32:00.000-04:002014-04-29T22:45:44.438-04:00Bathroom Before and After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNWlZHNeRxXP0SVOEEWjhoevJvmOkGUDLG63BLBedUWQP5PK5P3Gfs1DNBI4BMFKVWBCyHls6pYW5wzmEStsqL1ktKPw-7Z9LgrU3jHmfzYTo7_05VJorReRL9yypqdsQTTybk4t-tl0/s1600/photo+2+(2)+(1)-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNWlZHNeRxXP0SVOEEWjhoevJvmOkGUDLG63BLBedUWQP5PK5P3Gfs1DNBI4BMFKVWBCyHls6pYW5wzmEStsqL1ktKPw-7Z9LgrU3jHmfzYTo7_05VJorReRL9yypqdsQTTybk4t-tl0/s1600/photo+2+(2)+(1)-001.JPG" height="640" width="526" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I love magazines. One thing I don't love about them? Unrealistic pictures.<br />
<br />
Let's take a bathroom....No trash can, no potty seat, no baskets of bathtub toys to be seen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDQADDFZWwaJo0R2hDGkkcHITdNp6TgvLhfdAiph4zZY4RMxU2KSWbpQGUUoGDOPdEpciPaXywKuWHB4JwCDL8PDylO9TlyqFxz8o5hKEe2gbpXD8Dqx4SzFgkupaxp0DzBda5oWWZg0/s1600/IMG_1583-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDQADDFZWwaJo0R2hDGkkcHITdNp6TgvLhfdAiph4zZY4RMxU2KSWbpQGUUoGDOPdEpciPaXywKuWHB4JwCDL8PDylO9TlyqFxz8o5hKEe2gbpXD8Dqx4SzFgkupaxp0DzBda5oWWZg0/s1600/IMG_1583-001.JPG" height="640" width="526" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
All those things exist in our lives. Sometimes they co-exist alongside contractor grade flat paint and 90's green faux marble counter tops. There's a lot I can't change now, like the flooring or the sink, but I can change the paint and the furniture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJ3q4K2NCJo-MJFOmLfTBI8KoRAdQroXNhyaUwwmx1varFplD-906ahOSSyUqq2c1eO4nephIGLGC2tSja7gbU9Z2usqPthYDrHUut9TgRq66A3iv_R2FT6087MHgOY70pcfTT9rAqLk/s1600/IMG_1752-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJ3q4K2NCJo-MJFOmLfTBI8KoRAdQroXNhyaUwwmx1varFplD-906ahOSSyUqq2c1eO4nephIGLGC2tSja7gbU9Z2usqPthYDrHUut9TgRq66A3iv_R2FT6087MHgOY70pcfTT9rAqLk/s1600/IMG_1752-001.JPG" height="327" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
That's all I did here...a new toilet cabinet <i>with doors </i>and a modern paint color. I even kept the same bath accessories, since I haven't found anything else I love yet.<br />
<br />
By the way, I've not been able to find any bath accessory sets that are gender neutral! If you know of any, especially any beach themed - yet kid approved ones, please submit a comment to let me know about them. What I decided to do for now, is to take things we've collected and put them together with some everyday items.<br />
<br />
This isn't a design blog, and I am by no means a designer! Making the Most of Your One Square Inch is all about being happy and content with the best you can achieve at this point in time. Sometimes, all it takes is a gallon of paint and a bath cabinet on clearance at Target.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-31749867944641300552014-04-17T09:30:00.000-04:002014-04-25T00:10:52.118-04:00This and That and Weekend Plans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU79VwTX6sOpNEHXQJnDHEFaitPIwq6WOzxu-zhXpp0wRL_6PqkZveDW6uGJz78IfkZCOpqBS45EyF443kz8ApAM617RemBiUfXGHbntUd9axi3DkYmDCqFeUoOo16rBJ3byi7S0rXASE/s1600/photo+(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU79VwTX6sOpNEHXQJnDHEFaitPIwq6WOzxu-zhXpp0wRL_6PqkZveDW6uGJz78IfkZCOpqBS45EyF443kz8ApAM617RemBiUfXGHbntUd9axi3DkYmDCqFeUoOo16rBJ3byi7S0rXASE/s1600/photo+(20).JPG" height="320" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Good Morning World! Today and this weekend are all shaping up to be a whirlwind of activity. Our daughter has declared that her room is a little girl's room. The only thing she wants for her birthday is a "big girl beach room." We're not talking about a blissfully peaceful, demure beach inspired room. We're talking about an over-the-top-tourist-condo inspired bright and colorful beach room for a soon to be 9 year old. We are "transforming" her room tomorrow while she's at school as a surprise.<br />
<br />
As part of this activity, I'm making a body pillow for her out of a really pretty coral patterned fabric. I'm not the best seamstress in the world so I've enlisted the help of a friend for today's project. She is a seamstress. I know it'll be beautiful with her help.<br />
<br />
My parents are coming to visit this weekend for Easter, and during all of this activity I've got a selfish goal: to read a new book! That's right, I'm taking some "me time" out of this busy weekend. The trusty delivery man just delivered <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399165851/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399165851&linkCode=as2&tag=mathmoofmyons-20">This Book Was a Tree: Ideas, Adventures, and Inspiration for Rediscovering the Natural World</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mathmoofmyons-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0399165851" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
, and you can see from the picture above that I've already creased the beautiful cover. If all goes well, I'll have my first book review posted by Monday. Cross your fingers everyone!<br />
<br />
Even if I don't accomplish that goal, I'll have lots of pictures to share with you. I'll post before and after pictures of the beach bedroom transformation, and I promise I'll show you how well the pillow turns out. (It won't be because of all my sewing talents!!!! But shhhhhh, don't tell anyone!)<br />
<br />
Oh, and one more thing....... We HAVE to put safety knobs on all of our doors this weekend. My adorably cute little monster has learned to open doors. It's scared the crap out of me the past two days. We've got to find those knob covers that slide around the knob when little hands turn them. Follow that very technical description?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-90336394544355030212014-04-14T13:20:00.000-04:002014-04-14T13:20:22.757-04:00Ahh... Finally Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcntriCtONCLTuh9P-6qxbdvfHNwR5D7CpzMBxvgBHDCT_RlJL6IBHp8Usy1f7tQdOxekVDdAlSCC4Ep6VcAn1gqqQxf_iRauYKh_aopBBdaiEtHEW2wEiltylsAwXHoouo14FSvpv_0/s1600/IMG_1559-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcntriCtONCLTuh9P-6qxbdvfHNwR5D7CpzMBxvgBHDCT_RlJL6IBHp8Usy1f7tQdOxekVDdAlSCC4Ep6VcAn1gqqQxf_iRauYKh_aopBBdaiEtHEW2wEiltylsAwXHoouo14FSvpv_0/s1600/IMG_1559-001.JPG" height="640" width="449" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I apologize for my long absence. Winter is such a hard season for me. It seems like everything is a struggle. I can't imagine how hard it is for you folks with snow!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
January and February are a hibernation blur. March is spent waking and trying to get caught up. And so here it is April. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But the sun is shining, the weather is warm, and the grass is cut. Seasons come, seasons go and with it different activities and energy levels. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I always try to overcome it but maybe the real wisdom is going with it?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How was your winter? Do you hibernate for part of it or is that just me?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-21956115441042351522014-01-17T09:12:00.000-05:002014-01-18T08:39:33.090-05:00I Wasn't Dressed For My DayToday, I was reminded of a rule. "Always dress for your day first thing as you wake."<br />
<br />
I had gotten away from this rule during Christmas break. I'm having a bit of trouble getting back into the swing of things.<br />
<br />
What reminded me? My Husband's boss waiting in my drive way. I knew my Husband was giving him a ride but didn't know he was outside my door. And there I was in yoga pants and a sweatshirt, greasy hair, unwashed face. I was embarrassed.<br />
<br />
It did provide a kick in the (yoga) pants to get back into a normal rhythm.<br />
<br />
Now I just need to get everything else around here done too.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-17253003695321988562014-01-16T14:07:00.001-05:002014-04-29T22:46:42.356-04:00Goals 2014<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu_-RZR38pC7UHHhWmHhA9KzDcy0T6qBas1-AzH2o_OiKfEv_Mk5KBhNhJ_ntmhLkrTrtkC0rG_-oSJpxnv1_rgCeJN2OrODEU-CQ3k77Rg_DIPOPXPgyKzUl688BgJE6un68xV3MMSU/s1600/Ballon-Goals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu_-RZR38pC7UHHhWmHhA9KzDcy0T6qBas1-AzH2o_OiKfEv_Mk5KBhNhJ_ntmhLkrTrtkC0rG_-oSJpxnv1_rgCeJN2OrODEU-CQ3k77Rg_DIPOPXPgyKzUl688BgJE6un68xV3MMSU/s1600/Ballon-Goals.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been thinking about goals since before 2013 ended. I believe in goals, I do. I'ts just that they've always been so much work and have created so much worry about failing at them.<br />
<br />
For the last several years I've done one word contemplation's, or concentrated on one area of my life. But this year I feel the need for a more formal commitment. Maybe it's because I just finished reading Jon Acuff''s <i>Start</i>. Maybe I'm feeling a little middle age-ish.<br />
<br />
Either way I wrote down real goals in my real journal for the first time this year. But knowing I need some accountability have decided to share them with you as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
My 2014 Goals<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQmqqxiejyJLirnNSuqlcuXANcdSakxpwvEhpCiIxBPBWl0vi6uBzIbLPDHevOe1ADjBz-qB8tjnhk1UDUceNbAn1OsFLe-8LRKbUhYlAu6PuHdxdvGzWU_NVaN9UpDLhEopwLO5bozY/s1600/multi+balloons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQmqqxiejyJLirnNSuqlcuXANcdSakxpwvEhpCiIxBPBWl0vi6uBzIbLPDHevOe1ADjBz-qB8tjnhk1UDUceNbAn1OsFLe-8LRKbUhYlAu6PuHdxdvGzWU_NVaN9UpDLhEopwLO5bozY/s1600/multi+balloons.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Health</u><br />
Lose 35 pounds. (I know, I know. So cliche.)<br />
<br />
<u>Kids</u><br />
Less TV, more outside play.<br />
<br />
<u>Marriage</u><br />
Learn German together<br />
Have more dates<br />
<br />
<u>Personal</u><br />
Write more. A lot, lot, more.<br />
Craft more- Some specifics are, I want to make soap. As in lye, science equipment soap. I also want to craft some Christmas presents.<br />
Learn to use the computer better.<br />
<br />
<u>Homemaking</u><br />
I want to keep the house clean and organized, pretty and useful. On a regular basis!<br />
<br />
<u>Financial</u><br />
Save, save, save.<br />
<br />
<u>Volunteering</u><br />
Get CPR/First Aide certified.<br />
Become an Honor Troop<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EQtjiNqdo9e1ZIr8nX_bLrQ798_xr5qw4bQa_w5RwHHv7dvC3OEHhODmTwoOZ-lMRhvX2nF35NxGPQfUhRKFtmrVpE0fwSnwwsQ5qXgWJmHHL32WDZGxa8Dynaw5BEJfhIBqWWKmhJQ/s1600/2+ballons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EQtjiNqdo9e1ZIr8nX_bLrQ798_xr5qw4bQa_w5RwHHv7dvC3OEHhODmTwoOZ-lMRhvX2nF35NxGPQfUhRKFtmrVpE0fwSnwwsQ5qXgWJmHHL32WDZGxa8Dynaw5BEJfhIBqWWKmhJQ/s1600/2+ballons.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a></div>
<br />
Since I have so many I've decided to break them up into seasons. My winter season is January and February. (I'll write more about how I break up the seasons in another post but for now just go with me on this.)<br />
<br />
Some things will be a multi-season item and others are just for one. I have ideas on how to break these bigger goals into smaller more tangible ones. I'll share next week's plan in a few days.<br />
<br />
What goals, resolutions, contemplative words, or area of life are you working on?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-47531069943990908732014-01-13T14:53:00.000-05:002014-01-13T21:48:42.003-05:00Greetings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We have stepped back into our loud and busy lives, but still retain the inner glow of this special place.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiplmxyepeY4sDNWWgV4Y42xc1FlUqpJ-G6orNmwJ11EEu1bFttaaSO7GwzH4v2ApWdUNL6NqlvfhrdmsMmHQqT4t4cK0_7_aKj7_v1junj1VQMD4r3RmHKrN2cC02f7JyvwLSYbB4g4/s1600/Red+Rock+Retreat+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiplmxyepeY4sDNWWgV4Y42xc1FlUqpJ-G6orNmwJ11EEu1bFttaaSO7GwzH4v2ApWdUNL6NqlvfhrdmsMmHQqT4t4cK0_7_aKj7_v1junj1VQMD4r3RmHKrN2cC02f7JyvwLSYbB4g4/s400/Red+Rock+Retreat+sign.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The work, the rest, and the simple un-busy-ness both renews us and stretches us.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyV_ChKOQ16o3VB5r9yCaQLxvjm-fa0YrED1TvJX4-KAek7haABOIALWTCDJzSo3mLLvSbo3y87of9lZtwPt_qSd98Zfj2-4ARWtZjpoaPb3DDSnuINbQjXhHWxOmYQKzSEfEHOnB37Y/s1600/Sandys+upper+waterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyV_ChKOQ16o3VB5r9yCaQLxvjm-fa0YrED1TvJX4-KAek7haABOIALWTCDJzSo3mLLvSbo3y87of9lZtwPt_qSd98Zfj2-4ARWtZjpoaPb3DDSnuINbQjXhHWxOmYQKzSEfEHOnB37Y/s1600/Sandys+upper+waterfall.jpg" width="479" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And so, this blog, this dream, has also been renewed and stretched.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosfoefBYRZ9LDQQM5SOie82EuX8QcP75FLk5MNlwmD5LsD6L09X5ZKKpNvim1g5r-WlofWsljHCwC4Lose_qo33HTAIa9rpVZBUcudSf7KmCaGmIPLUKidIi8TOCCikGbQkXELsp4vsY/s1600/stone+monk+on+steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosfoefBYRZ9LDQQM5SOie82EuX8QcP75FLk5MNlwmD5LsD6L09X5ZKKpNvim1g5r-WlofWsljHCwC4Lose_qo33HTAIa9rpVZBUcudSf7KmCaGmIPLUKidIi8TOCCikGbQkXELsp4vsY/s1600/stone+monk+on+steps.jpg" width="494" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you as well have a place of rest, in which you can pick up a new dream or rediscover an old.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-zBfhVKu-l5uMfyj2o2IqgJtz3VFSJKFkyVsx91hFi24vJ2N_qJ1xpH_VgMvQf1tOeiGm7zu9z3PLtkouMHuIt4dJbDIk4LAOCTP6UsVytF6Ukhk2Pb8WMNRipSRUWWhuiUGFvQde-A/s1600/Sandys+Gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-zBfhVKu-l5uMfyj2o2IqgJtz3VFSJKFkyVsx91hFi24vJ2N_qJ1xpH_VgMvQf1tOeiGm7zu9z3PLtkouMHuIt4dJbDIk4LAOCTP6UsVytF6Ukhk2Pb8WMNRipSRUWWhuiUGFvQde-A/s1600/Sandys+Gate.jpg" width="498" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you as well have a place of stretch, in which you're encouraged to flex the muscle needed to grasp those dreams.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hS6wxphXlFiw74syi76dyFaJD1wUTbUE3HdWn0-JEhT7fkJZL5gXfqtqzFwIxAvmoGT_HF1jikHbG5UnyDr-fcjW2tqfmyqTTgvT13YHCf9vUUiSQ6IZx8uFnNqYDFZV2h4Td4DdnnQ/s1600/sandys+waterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hS6wxphXlFiw74syi76dyFaJD1wUTbUE3HdWn0-JEhT7fkJZL5gXfqtqzFwIxAvmoGT_HF1jikHbG5UnyDr-fcjW2tqfmyqTTgvT13YHCf9vUUiSQ6IZx8uFnNqYDFZV2h4Td4DdnnQ/s1600/sandys+waterfall.jpg" width="478" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And if you are richly blessed, as I am, those places are one and the same. May you never let go of the memory of it, nor the gratitude for it.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-37480807781323832772013-12-10T21:12:00.002-05:002013-12-10T21:12:21.975-05:00A Simple Advent<div class="MsoNormal">
Our
family is celebrating Advent for the first time this year. For several years
now I have been struggling with a way to get the real meaning of Christmas
through to my daughter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TqEOrMEDu9bRDJ4U69YqKxox64W1_-ijavNSjWrZbW5U6OVBDlsd3qaahNKGqLYGYEpaSOeVxcZZLMmc-vJzL3cidG-xQk942Bl6O5ImK02DmOZuvSbaJ0LStJeB7e6sDepV484adFE/s1600/photo+(16)-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TqEOrMEDu9bRDJ4U69YqKxox64W1_-ijavNSjWrZbW5U6OVBDlsd3qaahNKGqLYGYEpaSOeVxcZZLMmc-vJzL3cidG-xQk942Bl6O5ImK02DmOZuvSbaJ0LStJeB7e6sDepV484adFE/s1600/photo+(16)-001.JPG" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a child there were several years where my brother and I
received one present each, or none. I am grateful for that. It taught me that
Christmas was not about getting gifts. It was about love, and family, and
choosing to be happy. As the narrator on
the Grinch movie says, “Christmas didn’t come from a store. Christmas meant a
little bit more.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, I couldn’t bring myself to <i>not</i> by presents for my kids when we can afford it. Then, someone at
church mentioned Advent was coming up. That sent me on a search as to what
exactly Advent was. I found lots of Chocolate calendars, elf’s on shelves, Jesse
trees, and small gifts given out every day for 25 days. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I discovered the Advent wreath. No candy, no presents,
no extra work for me. Just light a candle and contemplate on God with your
family. Perfect! We are enjoying it immensely, even my toy driven 8 year old.
(She gets to light the candles at dinner.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you celebrate Advent? How?<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-72767044246872793312013-04-30T13:25:00.002-04:002013-04-30T13:25:26.491-04:00Birthday Celebration & An Owl Cake!I took an unintended week long break. It was Katie's 8th birthday with 2 sets of Grandparents staying with us from out of state. So we had a fun houseful!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7bTbqIHvoeZ0dA3VgIDvELmHv5KHbhaFk2NEgdk5tNtDwI-tx1i5ykJ_w2IAFhueGAcnBSPLY4RYpZzL9YR0Il0OtnReSBO_XW60Z-61yIJLbE3Excteq_tUXVzkCSz2SsusQUNJbBg/s1600/IMG_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7bTbqIHvoeZ0dA3VgIDvELmHv5KHbhaFk2NEgdk5tNtDwI-tx1i5ykJ_w2IAFhueGAcnBSPLY4RYpZzL9YR0Il0OtnReSBO_XW60Z-61yIJLbE3Excteq_tUXVzkCSz2SsusQUNJbBg/s1600/IMG_0253.JPG" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Katie's friend party was at the bowling alley. The kids had a great time! I bought a cake to keep my stress levels down and since I had no clean up to do I got to enjoy the party as well. I even got to bowl some!<br />
<br />
Then we had a family party at home. Splitting up the partys allowed Katie to concentrate on just her friends and then just her family. For her home party she chose Subway style sandwiches. I surprised her with an owl theme and she helped to make the cake! She loved that part, especially making sure the icing was good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-40eZ5vrDCm7i7B2OKdwTgK0qgjE-w2_gSwxV1IzsXfMUoGYEXHOsE7Nw_an4_rCf5zhwGOjrc_79UrwQiimBbsMeWCSmqcYE_hBfZbMLyS7vT5B2me7gaAKe7JmdE3NY5rw1f9-roi8/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-40eZ5vrDCm7i7B2OKdwTgK0qgjE-w2_gSwxV1IzsXfMUoGYEXHOsE7Nw_an4_rCf5zhwGOjrc_79UrwQiimBbsMeWCSmqcYE_hBfZbMLyS7vT5B2me7gaAKe7JmdE3NY5rw1f9-roi8/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG" height="265" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I gotta tell you how proud I am of this cake! Until a few years ago I couldn't ice a cake from a box with a tub of icing. I always peeled the top layer off it. The last time I tried to make a cake for a special occasion was Katie's 2nd Birthday. I ended up sending Curt to buy one an hour before the party was to start.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7u27_s6kH3BxPJnihuWAQrVVtOiLJKmHF-Bx2U7gUjNwLWJ4_ZvmWqGTfuWNw36sbupGavD6CgHYQzbP5xKkle_ynYJUMWUPRSyQZY6EXrkqBEWN5NZVNoshNVYpM0FRSH71h8GiduA/s1600/IMG_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7u27_s6kH3BxPJnihuWAQrVVtOiLJKmHF-Bx2U7gUjNwLWJ4_ZvmWqGTfuWNw36sbupGavD6CgHYQzbP5xKkle_ynYJUMWUPRSyQZY6EXrkqBEWN5NZVNoshNVYpM0FRSH71h8GiduA/s1600/IMG_0256.JPG" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
As per Katie request the cake was red velvet. (No she has never seen Steel Magnolias.) I started with a 9x13 sheet cake. I drew the owl,wings, and feet on construction paper and then used that as a template. Icing was a standard butter-cream. Mostly I just winged it. Which usually never works out for me.<br />
<br />
Happy Birthday my little baker!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-26874310168721028762013-04-16T06:45:00.002-04:002013-04-16T06:45:24.237-04:00PerspectiveI wasn't having a very good day. The USB ports on my new computer have broken. Katie has lost her second DS. I haven't gotten any of my weekly cleaning list done. There's still laundry from Friday to fold. Ben was clingy all day.<br />
<br />
Then I turned on the TV.<br />
<br />
I think I'll go read to my children, and contemplate the important things in life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKM7nZfzoK4jHewGI8PoFvgd6iXdoH4e4y-5xDRNTYmHr0eHJ8l2ndCrRX3e_kcWh47f-x0Z8bV3QjB0MAFPzPZ3zOXXykF-LdpA8oaN9MFcFt0I5EXxBu3uUi02CASSoSUcZ5fs1_Vc/s1600/IMG_1155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKM7nZfzoK4jHewGI8PoFvgd6iXdoH4e4y-5xDRNTYmHr0eHJ8l2ndCrRX3e_kcWh47f-x0Z8bV3QjB0MAFPzPZ3zOXXykF-LdpA8oaN9MFcFt0I5EXxBu3uUi02CASSoSUcZ5fs1_Vc/s1600/IMG_1155.JPG" height="326" width="400" /></a></div>
My prayers go to those in Boston, especially the parents who lost their eight year old boy.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-59220709495584704742013-04-11T07:16:00.000-04:002013-04-11T07:16:13.030-04:00A Need To RestA daily rest. Mandated by law we get breaks and time for lunch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXPNswNZY2ejQV4gYuuwB10xd_g-PJuezgZbXl5AhEx1NgcTY2IJuHZy5AVaISVDBvXhbvp7Fa-RFyf3s0zl490mHHDoSuAZdyJYbu94UPPMZLtc-EDhqFMMiJOl2YobzSSq8EJycLUE/s1600/IMG_1279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXPNswNZY2ejQV4gYuuwB10xd_g-PJuezgZbXl5AhEx1NgcTY2IJuHZy5AVaISVDBvXhbvp7Fa-RFyf3s0zl490mHHDoSuAZdyJYbu94UPPMZLtc-EDhqFMMiJOl2YobzSSq8EJycLUE/s1600/IMG_1279.JPG" height="326" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
At a paid job that is.<br />
<br />
But in a home with kids there is always something more to do. Piles of stuff pop up like mushrooms after a spring rain and need constant picking up. When you cook three meals a day at home from scratch there is always a pot to clean and food to prep.<br />
<br />
In an effort to get it all done I was ignoring my children and wearing myself out. I wasn't stopping, even after dinner. Now, I know a mothers job is never done but my days were a race to see how many things I could check off my to do list. There was always a last minute push to add just a few more check marks to that paper before finally collapsing in bed unable to finish another thing. I was exhausted. I was burned out. I needed to stop.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigljvhUQWVVlUP52mruBbMMlQMg0zrtsSfWU0h_1twUVf-qW0iGi07nH3ib6_LXSbOSFYjpKfJZxpA9lV8nJAOIIr3P0Y-KFyuNKqpkS7C3c_zLNbFjihHqJg6iiXeCDOMr8dNytM5Ugg/s1600/IMG_20120325_153352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigljvhUQWVVlUP52mruBbMMlQMg0zrtsSfWU0h_1twUVf-qW0iGi07nH3ib6_LXSbOSFYjpKfJZxpA9lV8nJAOIIr3P0Y-KFyuNKqpkS7C3c_zLNbFjihHqJg6iiXeCDOMr8dNytM5Ugg/s1600/IMG_20120325_153352.jpg" height="400" width="336" /></a></div>
<br />
Stop.<br />
<br />
That was the answer. I just needed to stop. Not cleaning or cooking, I'm past the days of living in filth or eating fast food for every meal being OK. No, I needed to stop<i> for the day</i>.<br />
<br />
So I'm calling an end point to the endless. A point where I can move on from the cleaning and laundry and into the listening and playing and being present.<br />
<br />
Mine is at 2:45 to be exact. That's when I leave to pick up Katie from school. I know I'll still have to cook dinner and wash dishes after that. But what if I took the time to sit next to her while she works on homework? What if I listened to her practice piano? What if I greet my husband when he comes home instead of waving at him and hurrying on with my task. What if I cuddle on the couch with Ben before nighty night instead of a "Good your tired lets put you to bed".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PwjU-nOFTRfyRCKnQhyoWbeSfjhgCgMu4eAay-YeFKLYR8LKPLraxfRZk8CTCdQseqQ8_UtSPYnTV0P_YQzpIC8D5zz1Fz8bcyKfL6AsB0o1zJjo_LxUEHq9i1L759kfaq0M9Tbeao0/s1600/Hutchison+Photos+248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PwjU-nOFTRfyRCKnQhyoWbeSfjhgCgMu4eAay-YeFKLYR8LKPLraxfRZk8CTCdQseqQ8_UtSPYnTV0P_YQzpIC8D5zz1Fz8bcyKfL6AsB0o1zJjo_LxUEHq9i1L759kfaq0M9Tbeao0/s1600/Hutchison+Photos+248.JPG" height="400" width="337" /></a></div>
<br />
My relationship with my family is so much more important than a shiny sink or a scrubbed floor. I need to stop and remember nurturing a family is not just being the maid. Stopping and turning my attention to them and away from the structure of this home is more important.<br />
<br />
Do you need to STOP and focus on your family? Has your checklist taken a higher priority in your life than it should? When do you say enough is enough and STOP for the day?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-12372924893077085232013-04-09T08:06:00.001-04:002013-10-06T12:23:59.211-04:00Our Southern Peach TeaTea. It's important around here. We consider it a staple pantry item as much as flour and sugar. And we drink it sweet. In fact, in my house it's the only beverage beyond milk and water we have. Lately, we've had several people ask us how we make tea at home. I have to say I was a little shocked! I thought everybody made it at home. One family said they buy the ready-made stuff which is as expensive as soda and always taste like a plastic bottle to me. The other uses Nestea instant iced tea. (Yuck, just Yuck!!)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I am posting my husbands tea recipe. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our Southern Peach Tea</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You'll need:</div>
<div>
a gallon of cold filtered water</div>
<div>
4 family sized tea bags</div>
<div>
2 peach tea bags (We like celestial seasonings Country Peach Passion)</div>
<div>
1 c sugar (or more to your taste)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Starting with cold filtered water is a must. Just like you can't make good coffee with bad water you can't make good tea with funky water either. Heat your water to very hot but not quite boiling. We use an electric tea kettle but a pot on the stove works just as well. Pour the hot water into a pitcher. Add the sugar, and stir till it dissolves. If this step takes more than a couple of seconds your water isn't hot enough. Now add the tea bags and push them down gently into the water with the spoon. Don't stir and always add the tea bags after the water so you don't bust one. Let cool. When the tea is a dark chestnut color, gently lift the tea bags out and toss. Stir and chill. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Making homemade tea is simple. Paying attention to the details makes all the difference. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do you make tea at home? I'm interested in how much sugar you do or don't put in. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-32281117266948465332013-04-02T20:52:00.002-04:002013-04-02T20:52:34.750-04:00What I learned...In College<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqg64S3CW4rDqxucQDS31Tq-aaB9XipWmrFv7jyR35ZDBjKgLCqBPLyvIjvmduaFCdnaGs8BUE-vBz-K2Uco6c05pErXKbdkOr7GB2oyrXw124zX1LeWVqi4v3W7R_ivr-WUKRgeUT4k/s1600/IMAG0189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqg64S3CW4rDqxucQDS31Tq-aaB9XipWmrFv7jyR35ZDBjKgLCqBPLyvIjvmduaFCdnaGs8BUE-vBz-K2Uco6c05pErXKbdkOr7GB2oyrXw124zX1LeWVqi4v3W7R_ivr-WUKRgeUT4k/s1600/IMAG0189.jpg" height="317" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Would you like to know what I learned in college? My Bachelor's degree can be summed up in three sentences.<br />
<br />
Read every day.<br />
Write every day.<br />
And edit, edit, edit.<br />
<br />
I have done two and am off to do the third.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-11397347415404660222013-03-27T22:05:00.000-04:002013-03-27T22:05:20.600-04:00A Simple Easter CelebrationEaster is suppose to be a time for family, God and nature. A Celebration of all three. But like most Americans I have a "bigger is better" mentality. We think our celebrations have to get better every year.We say things like "I'm going to make this the best year ever!" We need the biggest Christmas tree yet, the best Valentine's present, our anniversary party needs to be bigger than the original wedding. And Easter is no different.<br />
<br />
I found myself making our family's Easter plans, and I admit to worrying. Were my Easter eggs fancy enough? Should our egg hunt be more elaborate? Did I have enough stuff for their Easter baskets?<br />
<br />
Then I realized that I was letting myself be a victim of advertising and peer pressure. My Mom had mentioned that she saw beautiful eggs in a magazine using temporary tattoos. A friend had told me about how every year she does an elaborate scavenger hunt with written clues leading to her kids Easter baskets. I looked through my favorite stores ads. They show big toys and bigger stuffed animals in their baskets. And should we even talk about the pastel Easter dresses and matching ties with white suits?<br />
<br />
But then I thought of Easter celebrations when I was a kid. The Bunny hid the eggs. We got a simple basket with some chocolate and a few small toys. We ate a special meal. Did I ever feel slighted for the simple celebration? No. It was peaceful. Full of family and the promise of spring.<br />
<br />
Simple.<br />
<br />
It seems to be a recurring theme around here lately.<br />
<br />
So this year we will dye some eggs with simple food coloring and our imaginations. The bunny will hide them in the house due to unseasonably cold weather. My kids will find Easter baskets by their doors with a chocolate bunny, a secondhand book, and some bubbles. We will go to church in clothes we already own. We will eat ham and a few simple sides. I will make a small cake or pie. The four of us will eat using the same dishes we do everyday. I may buy a small bouquet of flowers to put on the table. We will talk about rebirth.<br />
<br />
And it will be lovely.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-77989873001642692352013-03-27T07:58:00.000-04:002013-03-27T07:58:42.951-04:00Proofing your life from a LayoffSo you see lots of stuff on the internet about what to do in order to get by after a lay off. However, the time to prepare for any disaster isn't after it happens but before. A layoff is no different. We live in an unstable job market. Layoffs and redistribution are common and looks like it will stay that way. It's not fun to prepare for the worst but you will have such a peace of mind knowing you are.<br />
<br />
Here is my list of actions you can take now to make getting through a future income loss easier:<br />
<br />
<br />
1) Always keep up to date on doctor's appointments. This includes dentist, eye doctors, cardiologist, gynecologist, etc. As soon as you are eligible, go in for that checkup. If you are up to date you can usually put off anything until you can get insurance back on line.<br />
<br />
2) Keep an extra month of medications on hand. You can ask your doctor for a 1 month prescription on your usual meds. This is also good to have for emergencies. Remember to rotate your supply.<br />
<br />
3) Keep private life insurance even if you have it through work.You don't have to worry about your family's finances even more in case something happens to you. It's also good in case you ever have a major medical issue and can no longer qualify for life insurance.<br />
<br />
Note: Do not keep private disability or health insurance if it's offered through your work. They are expensive, and unlike life insurance, they don't coordinate benefits. This means they both don't pay out their full face value, and the two insurance companies usually end up fighting over who is responsible for what.<br />
<br />
4) Keep up to date on all professional licenses. That way you're not looking for a job with expired credentials.<br />
<br />
5) Eat right, exercise, and don't smoke. This keeps insurance costs down if you have to buy private insurance and keeps your out of pocket costs down while in between insurance.<br />
<br />
6) Keep a 6 month emergency fund. Yes, it's more fun to spend it and really hard to save that much, but you need it. You'll be under much less stress if you know you have 6 months' living expenses covered while you search for a perfect job.<br />
<br />
7) Keep up with house repairs and car repairs. That includes tires, oil changes, etc.<br />
<br />
8) Keep cash on hand. We operate in a cashless society, but you need to keep some at home. If your accounts get frozen you can buy food and gas. It's also important in emergencies in case the electricity is down for several days and debit card machines are unusable.<br />
<br />
9) Don't have or use credit. That includes car payments and ultimately a house payment.<br />
<br />
10) Stockpile. No, you don't have to hoard, but even an extra bottle of shampoo can give mental relief and room in your budget.<br />
<br />
11) Keep pets up to date on shots and extra flea, tick and worm medicine on hand.<br />
<br />
12) Stay on a budget and keep up with your bills.<br />
<br />
13) Keep learning! Whether it's expanding your college education so you can qualify for better jobs, acquiring more professional abilities, learning things that are totally unrelated to your current area in case the field you are in declines, or even a skill like sewing, computer repair, or teaching piano that you can use as a side income.<br />
<br />
14) Have multiple streams of income. Use rental properties, a small business, mystery shopper, or alterations. Have them up and generating income now. That way there is no layover of income while waiting for them to start generating.<br />
<br />
15) Invest in people! Keep up with your relationships with family and friends They will be the ones who are there for you long after the company has given you the brushoff. Yes, long hours are required for many jobs today. Remember spending all your time and being great at your job will not keep your head off the chopping block in today's work world.<br />
<br />
But the most important thing you can do to help yourself is <i>knowledge</i>. Know that it can happen to you at any time and for any reason. No one is safe from a loss of income.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841979062856040496.post-19848749583767085902013-03-22T21:55:00.000-04:002013-03-25T11:41:18.062-04:00Tips for the Home- Beach Gear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEUsFwTaTPQAShLdQMRTkCGOos0ou7CYQSUZcAvVpo-4eX8ckf2EKlvARnErpG5BX26gPVsAhr_NVl-jEIlpw6lPnpV7AnGhOiFYMHuLp-1GsCFITAa6u6ZvYKeYagG_Zu7ZKuE9qmt4/s1600/photo-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEUsFwTaTPQAShLdQMRTkCGOos0ou7CYQSUZcAvVpo-4eX8ckf2EKlvARnErpG5BX26gPVsAhr_NVl-jEIlpw6lPnpV7AnGhOiFYMHuLp-1GsCFITAa6u6ZvYKeYagG_Zu7ZKuE9qmt4/s1600/photo-001.JPG" height="306" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today's tip comes from my husband's cousin. Who I shall not name cause I didn't ask her if I could use her identity yet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Use nylon mesh laundry bags to keep beach toys in. So simple! So brilliant! It let's the sand sift out, the toys dry out, and corrals them all for transport. My garage would be an even bigger mess without you!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03569641822482180856noreply@blogger.com0