ICU 8/31/11

“This week we want to…” 

We're having the homeschool posse over tomorrow, and I'm hoping they will enjoy celebrating "not back to school day" with us. I'm making brownies for the occasion. (Did you read that Cherie?:)) 

“The kids are…”

Destroying the house, literally. DS15 needed to film a scene in which his character busts in a door. I warned him to place a shoe or something behind the door to save the wall. He said he did, but the doorstop still cracked in half and now we have a hole in the wall. Its okay. I'm not mad. Its now a learning opportunity on how to fix holes in walls.

“I am learning….” 

About succulents ~ I bought several adorable little varieties, and I hope to not kill them with my black thumbs.

“I am struggling with…”

I think I'm cursed. (Or maybe just clumsy?) I have no idea how, but I tweaked my ankle. Yesterday I almost fell, but I caught myself, hard, on my wrist, against the wall. You would think after all these years my feet would have evolved to become Lego resistant. So now I have a sore, weak ankle and wrist and I feel like I'm 90. 

I'm also struggling with wanting nicer furniture. I feel like we have nothing nice and comfortable, and we don't have the money to buy new right now. 

“This week is the first time….”

I saw a concert broadcast in a movie theater. It was not such a great experience. In fact, I've sent a letter to the theater management letting them know what a let down it was. The sound was off, and the running time was much shorter than promised. I know there is nothing like being at a real concert, but I was still expecting a better experience.

“I am grateful…”

To be working from home this week!! I love being able to work on a project without interruptions, which is not usually how I get to work. I'm so used to multi-tasking, its rewarding how much more productive I can be without the distractions. I also love not having to drive!

“I’m looking forward to…..”

Attending the BLIND MELON concert with my DH this Sunday!!

Unschoolers Waterpark Gathering

Start:	Jan 23, '12
End:	Jan 27, '12
Location:	Sandusky,OH

http://www.unschoolerswaterparkgathering.com/

We're hoping the weather cooperates. We'd love to attend this once again, since we had such a great time last May. Going to make our reservation and hope for no blizzards or ice storms!

Recovering From My Stupidity

Was it my frugality, or my procrastination? The jar of homemade cranberry sauce from Easter had been pushed way back to the nether zone of the fridge. Without getting down on my knees and using my arms to push aside the more popular chilled consumables, I had forgotten it was there.

Deciding it was way past due to clean out the fridge, I found it, red on the bottom, gray green on top. Since it was a Ball canning jar, I decided to clean it out rather than chuck it. Unscrewing the cap and popping off the lid, I found the gray green fuzzy layer actually kind of interesting, but decided it needed a trip down the disposal.

Here's where my brain fails me. I turn on the water to rinse the jar and watch in awe as the gray green mold erupts into a cloud over my kitchen sink. I see infinite particles floating, dancing in the air illuminated by the sun shinning through the window. As I watch this work of art, I realize I'm probably breathing these little guys directly into my lungs.

I felt okay until after supper. The extreme fatigue came first, followed by a headache, no a headPAIN that hit migraine status in record time. I remember telling DH, if you have to take me to the hospital in the middle of the night, tell them it was mold grown on cranberry sauce and then I passed out.

Thankfully, I did wake up feeling much better. Lesson learned- always clean out the ENTIRE fridge every Monday, (garbage day), and the price of a new jar is worth it.

Since DH designs refrigerators now, I think I'll suggest  a computer tablet built in to the door where you could type in what's in there and when you put it in. A calendar could alert you before science experiments begin to grow. It should also print off shopping lists!

Frozen Chocolate Yogurt Ice Cream

Description:
I wanted to make a more healthy chocolate ice cream treat. This came out very tasty. Next time I'm adding chopped nuts or peanut butter.

Ingredients:
2 C milk
3/4 C sugar
1 T vanilla
1 C plain non fat yogurt
3/4 C cocoa powder



Directions:
Whisk the milk and sugar together until the sugar dissolves. Add the vanilla, yogurt and cocoa powder. Mix until well blended.

Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and freeze.

I found this frozen yogurt firmed up faster compared to when I made traditional vanilla ice cream using whole cream instead of yogurt.

ICU 8/24/11

“This week we want to…”

Enjoy a weekend at home. We'll probably plan an ice cream party and make our first batch of homemade ice cream. They have decided our first flavor should be vanilla. I would have went with chocolate, but vanilla can be good too. You can always stir in add ins. :) 

“The kids are…”

DS12 used gift money to buy his first air soft gun. (I should actually make that plural. He bought a two pack.) I know these are popular with his peer group, but I had reservations. We had numerous safety discussions, and came to a consensus he was ready. I still am not 100% convinced these plastic air pellets are "environmentally friendly". Too bad the pellets aren't made up of natural fertilizers! 

“I am learning….”

How to truly live a fearless life.

“I am struggling with…”

This next coming week was going to be my own personal staycation, but after having to take on an unexpected project this week, it means next week I will have to play catch up. I can also foresee more clean up work coming my way because others are over burdened themselves. I guess I have extremely high expectations of others, and I'm dealing with disappointment this week.

“This week is the first time….”

I'm going to try growing a tree from a cutting. My friend is making homemade growth medium using willow trees, and I'm bringing the cuttings from my neighbor's peach tree.

“I am grateful…”

To have options. Changes are on the horizon, but I will look for the opportunities rather than mourn the past.

“The best piece of advice I’ve ever received regarding our life path in unschooling was…”

There have been so many great pieces of advice! How can I choose the best?

DO WHAT FEELS RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY, AND DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO ANYONE ELSE.

My doubts about unschooling would only creep in when I tried to measure up to someone else's expectations, rather than what was best for my family's needs. When I finally let go and focused ONLY on MY children, that's when I could truly see how perfectly unschooling was working.

Moanday's Weekend Recap 8/22/11

Taking it easy this Moanday. Maybe it was the full weekend, maybe it was the strange insomnia last night or maybe it was the mysterious insect that has left several giant red welts on my body, but I'm feeling like a wilted flower today.

Here's the weekend recap.

Friday morning, we helped DS15 shoot some scenes for his movie at a grocery store. I made sure it wasn't one we frequented in case we ruffled feathers, but no one seemed to mind what we were up to. Friday afternoon, I helped him shoot more scenes at our local area park.

Friday night visited a family member for his birthday, enjoyed tasty Angry Bird cake. Late Friday night, I freaked out while watching Insidious. Its been awhile since a movie has made me scream out loud and run around turning on lights.

Saturday morning slept in a bit then went out shopping with my sister. Saturday late afternoon, lupper (lunch/supper) with my boys and DH. I believe we chilled out the rest of the night, I'm having a mental block here. Oh wait, now I remember! I made more healthy Oatmeal Walnut Fudge!!

Sunday morning up and on the road to G-Ma's house. After picking her up, we headed over to Illinois State Park Beach to do some hiking. (I find it hilarious that after growing up in that state, but living in WI since 1991, I can no longer spell Illinois without spell check!) Many of the trails are still closed after the storm about a month ago, but there were some open on the North end. We enjoyed a good hike, but I remember feeling like I was being bit up, although I saw no insects. We found a good sized snake and close by a chunky toad, along with several different species of grasshopper.

Sunday afternoon another Lupper(lunch/supper) this time at Infusinos for pizza and moe joes. Hung around with G-Ma watching Fear Factor and setting up the family reunion Facebook page before setting off for home.

Sunday night, could not sleep. Strange anxiety even though I had nothing to stress out over. (Stupid hormones?!) I'd start to fall asleep and then jolt awake thinking - I'm not getting any sleep and I have so much to do tomorrow! I think I was too tired to relax. Know what I mean? I should have gotten up and had tea or something, but for some reason, I didn't.

I woke up here Monday morning with large red welts on my arms. It must have been something at the park, but I suppose I shouldn't rule out spiders.

I went for a 45 minute walk early in the morning, despite the lack of sleep, only to feel like crashing by 11:00am. Recharged slightly with a veggie sandwich and watched a few International House Hunters while waiting for the laundry machines. I'm going to need a Diet Coke to make it through my shift tonight.

DS12 got his bike ride in and logged in his notebook. Today he went over the 50 mile mark! I'm so impressed by his dedication when it comes to exercising.

DS15 is suffering from allergies but still working on his films. I need to lift myself off this chair and see what he has painted for his latest homemade prop.

I'll continue plowing through Moanday and I know tomorrow I'll feel better.

Random Thoughts For Thursday 8/18/11

How about some completely random stuff?

Cheese Its have no sugar. So why do I find them so addictive?

Took awhile but the wasps have found the hummingbird feeder I moved just a few feet this season. We will have to move it again and hopefully confuse the wasps, but still welcome the smarter birds.

I never knew what those numbers meant on my washer until my son pointed out to me they refer to the time duration of the wash. I've had this washer for 10 years and this never dawned on me.

We're getting a refund from the dentist. I love our new dentist! I'm worried we'll lose her when she has her baby. They sent an email saying she's cutting her hours after maternity leave, but I'm worried she'll decide not to come back at all. Then again, I bet she has dental school loans to pay.

We're having spaghetti tonight for supper. As much as I want to enjoy the homemade sauce I made from the tomatoes from our garden, at the same time, I feel like protecting the jars. "No! You can't have my precious sauce!! It must be saved!!" I'll get over it and enjoy it.

Can I shop vac my laptop keyboard?

DS15 asked me what time zone the north pole uses. Good question! I love when my kids ask me something I have no clue about. We both get to learn in the process. The beauty of homeschooling! Whenever those who don't get it, ask me, "How can you teach them stuff you don't know," I try not to grin. I hope they someday find their own inner autodidact.

Despite my efforts, I am a homeschool snob. A family at the pool a few weeks ago asked me about homeschooling. They seemed really interested and impressed, but yet couldn't commit to it for their family. Last night the dad came up to me and said, "There's a really good website for you to use with your son. It has instructional videos..."

"Is it Khan Academy?"

"YES! It is. You know of it?" I knew at that moment I was a veteran. Ya dude, been there, done that.

Also last night a mother said to me, "I could never homeschool. They don't listen to me." My heart broke. I wanted to tell her my children listen to me because I listen to them. But how do I say this without sounding judgmental? Its hard to share your parenting style with others without sounding superior as well. I wanted to tell her, my kids really do love and respect us 100% because we have always loved and respected them, unconditionally. It wasn't that difficult.

I stopped being random there didn't I?

Breaking news! There's a chore war going on right now! I just heard DS15 tell DS12, "I cleaned the sink so you're left with the toilet." (I didn't ask them to clean the bathroom.)

"DUDE! That's not cool! Not cool! I wanted the sink." You snooze you lose DS12. DS15 beat you to it.

I actually would prefer the toilet. It seems cleaner than the sink.

DS15 is now cleaning the toilet himself. Interesting. Apparently he doesn't mind doing it even though he cleaned the sink.

Enough randomness. I'm really just procrastinating running to the grocery store.

Have a great day!

Just finished making basil, onion, garlic, marinara sauce and my taste buds have reminded me why its worth all the effort to grow tomatoes in my garden.

In The Garden Today

Should I clean up the house or clean up a garden bed? I decided to go with the garden bed because its so nice outside and butterflies can't keep me company inside without being in mortal danger from Yumi.

Look at how my tomato plants surprised me! I couldn't believe how much fruit I found on those withering, disease ridden plants. They are going out with a bang and perhaps I'll make some sauce after all. If I were a cat or dog, I confess, I would roll around in tomato plants. I love how they smell. I will have to research what to do with this bed after this growing season. With so much blight, I know I shouldn't grow tomatoes there again.

After looking over the rest of the beds, I decided to rip up most of the zucchini plants that were not producing. I saved a few plants that still have baby squash still trying to grow, but for the most part, the zucchini bed has now become the fall bed for Swiss Chard and my garden favorite, Sugar Snap Peas!! I hope they do well in their new spot. The old Swiss Chard bed I'm still harvesting from, but the peas have long been gone. Their remaining dried up vines are providing nice shelter for the Swiss Chard.

Next to go will be the old Swiss Chard/Sugar Snap pea bed. I will plant garlic there for next year.

Ripping apart the old garden is bittersweet. I'm emotionally attached to it after sweating over it all summer. In hindsight, I should have planted melons, but for years now our summers have been cool. You would know it the summer I decide not to plant melons, its brutally hot.

Having A Wonderful Weekend

I have the best husband. Just saying. I know how blessed I am to have such a great man, who takes care of me so well. He really knows how to pick out good roses too!

DH and the boys also got me Badger Balms and Badger Lip Balms. I love Badger products! (For the record, I am not being paid to say this on my blog.)

My other current present is the new Cage The Elephant CD! Awesome!!

I have a few books on order and we're shopping the market for an ice cream maker.

This afternoon we'll celebrate my official birthday meal out at Red Lobster for lunch. I know the boys are looking forward to those cheddar biscuits.

We may catch a movie this weekend too. We'll see how it goes.

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend too!

Creepy Dude Creeps Me Out On My Birthday

I decided to wear a new blouse I recently bought myself, along with my favorite denim skirt. Doing so would make me feel good about myself, and I want to look pretty for when my husband comes home from work.

I had a notice the book I requested was in from the library, so I threw on my green flip flops and ran to the library.

Creepy Dude was at the desk, checking out. He turned to check me out. I was browsing the new book shelf, waiting for my turn, when I heard him begin to speak to me. I did not make any eye contact with Creepy Dude, but he began to tell me how I have on a nice green blouse. He told me my skirt should be green to match my blouse. He told me he really liked my green shoes. Creepy Dude, they're flip flops. You're either easily impressed or you have a fetish for green.

The entire time by the way, he's not using his library voice. Do Creepy Dudes have a library voice? The entire first floor heard him.

Inside my head, for a second I was mortified. I do not like unwanted attention other than from my husband. Why didn't I wear my burqa? Seriously, for a moment I was horrified, but then I quickly got over it. I can look good but no one gets these goodies except Soul One!

I looked up and made eye contact with Creepy Dude. I said nothing, but gave him a little smirk. The librarian looked like she wanted to rescue me, but she didn't have to. Creepy Dude left when I wouldn't engage his conversation.

Why is it every time I buy a new shirt, someone says something to ruin it for me? I once wore a dark purple satin blouse on a date with my husband. The hostess at the restaurant made a comment to me about how all I needed was a red hat. No offense to Red Hat girls, but I was a ways away from being officially old enough to join. Nothing like being told you look old to take the wind from your sails while on a date with your husband.

All that really matters is that DH will come home tonight and want to squeeze me. I'll tell him about Creepy Dude so in case he doesn't realize it, apparently I'm eye candy when dressed in green.

 

Maybe some retail therapy is on order? This 50% off coupon is calling to me from my purse. An early birthday gift for me from me? I think, YES!

ICU 8/11/11

“This week we want to…”

I'm looking forward to sharing my birthday weekend with my family. We'll probably have lunch out, but nothing else is planned. I want to relax and just go with the flow.

I haven't had the chance yet to pull up the garden and plant fall veggies. Maybe this coming week we'll get to that. 

“The kids are…”

DS15 is still working on his films. I was kicked out of the house so he could shoot scenes yesterday. :)

DS12 has been working on fixing up his room. He loves that he has the top bunk. I've been finding him up there reading more often. We all need a reading nest.

“I am learning….”

Food preservation techniques and all about chili peppers. I've also been looking for more recipes to use our garden produce.

“I am struggling with…”

Two words - Time Management!!

“This week is the first time….”

I tried a Lara bar - Chocolate Chip Brownie. Wow! How can these be good for you? They taste like candy! They're almost too sweet. I may have to look into how to make my own snack bars.

“I am grateful…”

The weather has cooled off and we've had a bit of rain. Having the windows open and feeling the cool breeze is exactly what I needed. Plus the ant invasion has subsided now that they can find water to drink outside.

“A fun thing I’ve done recently is…”

I've set up a Pinterest account. I'm just getting started but I can tell I'm going to love it. I'm a very visual person. Pinterest is a virtual pin board where you can post images. You can follow others who share your interests, or link up with friends. If you want an invite, let me know or follow me at https://pinterest.com/dawninger/

 

The Sleepyhouse Garden 8/9/11

This is what I picked today from our garden. I need a bigger basket. The tomatoes are sitting in my new pottery bowl specially designed to drain your produce after you wash it.

Can you find the Habernero on the Swiss Chard? DS15 decided he wanted to pop it into his mouth and chew it up. (He of course, filmed the experience.) I tried to warn him how intense it would be. He bit the pepper in half and chewed it up in his mouth and swallowed!! DS12 and & I watched in amazement.

I almost thought I was going to have to dial 911. He drank large quantities of chocolate milk, tried a piece of bread and ice chips before deciding to eat an ice cream bar. I guess some lessons in life, you have to experience yourself.

Unschooling My Filmmaker Son

The cute check out girl saw him with his camera. He told her he was a filmmaker. She mentioned how when she was in high school she directed plays and loved building sets. (How can she be old enough to be out of high school?)

After we left with our groceries, I said to him, "Too bad you didn't have a business card to give her." I offered to later help him print out his own.

I came home from work and he showed me his first official business card. Apparently he didn't need my help.

I'm actually so very impressed he has taken so many steps on his own when it comes to his interest in film making. I've been here to offer suggestions, but he's gone further focusing on details I would have over looked. From designing marketing, to learning software, much of everything he's learned so far has come from his own determination and will.

Whether or not this is how he'll one day make his living doesn't matter. What is so awesome is that he's a full blown autodidact! All I did as his unschooling mother was give him the freedom to follow his own passions and provide a few resources. What I couldn't give him, he found himself. His creativity and resourcefulness has me amazed. Where did this come from?

I had to let go of fears of failure living this lifestyle. I came to realize failure was something that hopefully he would indeed experience! Failure is a necessity when it comes to finding success. Without failure, how can we learn and improve?

Approaching something new without fear holding you back, brings greater results. When you no longer fear failure, but instead use it to your advantage, it removes the risk factor. If this doesn't work out, we'll try something else. We'll keep trying until we get the results we want. We never give up because we're having fun just being engaged in the process.

Giving my children a safe place to fail opens up pathways to their success. How crazy is that?!

DS15 asked me to drive him to McDonald's so he could pick up a job application. I asked him what type of shift he was interested in and he told me the application was a prop for his movie. I love this kid!!!

Weekend Report 8/8/11

Its DMV day to renew my license and capture for the next several years the wonderful image of my pimple. Seriously, I don't care. My new mantra ~ Be Who You Are ~ means I'm accepting myself entirely for who I am at this very moment.

DH tells me, they no longer allow you to smile for your picture. My non smiling face looks like I'm really pissed off. I'm thinking about intensifying my eyes and making it really creepy. Why not have fun with it, right?

This past weekend was very full. Friday was garage sales & fish fry with the family & DMIL. Saturday was more garage sales, lunch out with the fam, supper out with my sis, seeing my nephew at his jazz gig. Sunday we attended our friend's Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

I didn't really find anything cool at the garage sales, but DS12 found 3 gallon sized bags full of bouncy balls for his collection for a $1, DS15 found a Gameboy game.

DS15 filmed our garage sale Cootie game. Have you ever done this? You pick up something from a free box and move it to another garage sale without the owner noticing. DS15 picked up a free blue book at the library book sale and later placed the book on a table of books for sale at another garage sale. You do this covertly of course! Later, the owner will be cleaning up after their sale is over and wonder how this book got there. Its a little bit sneaky and maybe a little mean, but it really doesn't hurt anyone. Most people in our town box everything up that didn't sell and give it to Goodwill.

Speaking of DS15's filming, he's really surprising me, delving into aspects of making a film I hadn't considered. For instance, he's created his own movie poster and painted a sign promoting his film which is now sitting outside our house for those driving by to see. I think its awesome he's thought through to the marketing stage of things!

Well, I better get moving here. Have a great Monday!

ICU 8/4/11

“This week we want to…”

We hope to unload a few things tomorrow at what I'm calling a low stress yard sale. We'll drag stuff out as we find it and price it when someone asks or when we get around to it. When we feel like closing up shop and doing some shopping of our own, we'll do it. G-Ma's coming for the weekend so it's going to fun!

Tomorrow night my nephew comes to Madison with his jazz group so we're hoping to catch a couple of his shows this weekend.

If the weather cooperates, its time to rip up some of the garden and get it ready to plant fall crops.

“The kids are…”

Setting up their separate bedrooms. Cleaning is changing over to decorating. We're hoping to find some cool furniture pieces and bookcases at the garage sales this weekend.

DS15 has started yet another movie. I'm losing count of how many he's currently working on, but that's a sign of genius. Do you know how many projects DaVinci started and never finished? I'm disappointed I don't get to see the "dailies", but this only will make me urge him to finish so I can finally see his work.

DS12 is heading out on longer bike rides. I have to let go a little more, and not worry. I have to remember when I was his age, I rode my bike all over our town, all day long.

“I am learning….”

About bullies. I have to write a blog about it for work. Honestly, we don't have much experience with this since we homeschool. My son was once cyberbullied by his cousin but he dealt with it really well, "unfriending" him. Emotionally, he had no trouble walking away with his self confidence intact. We have friends from the neighborhood, and homeschool friends, but it ended up being a relative who picked on my son.

“I am struggling with…”

Not feeling well physically. I still have this mysterious dry, scratchy sore throat. I need a cool, fresh air, breezy day where I can open up the house and air it out.

“This week is the first time….”

My mind's blank on this one at the moment.

“I am grateful…”

For my Soul One. Its sappy, I know, I but I truly love him so much. I know he'll always have my back.

“Something God has taught me this week is…”

To remember to try and understand where people are coming from. We're all learning and growing all the time, and we all have different lessons from life's experiences.

Maybe I Shouldn't Drink The Water?

I'm either fighting off a bug, or I need to call our village about the water supply. The past few days, I've felt like I might be getting a sore throat and at times, my stomach feels iffy. I'm not full blown sick, but I can tell, my immune system is busy.

This morning DH mentioned at the end of his shower, the water smelled funny. This reminded me of how lately certain loads of laundry have come out smelling funky rather than clean.

In the past, we usually get the mailed notice from the health department weeks too late, "such and such has been found in the city water supply." I've noticed for some time now added chlorine to our tap water. I work at a pool and I'm used to chlorine odor, so the fact I can smell it in our tap water is not a good thing. We try to filter our water, but showers and washing water are not filtered.

Sometimes I don't like that my body is so sensitive but on the other hand, it keeps me away from these toxins by bringing my attention to it.

Anyone Have Any Cheese To Go With My Whine?

I have summer's version of cabin fever. We're all in a funk actually. We need this weather to change.

I picked some Swiss Chard to throw directly into my smoothie,and I swear it tasted cooked. I suppose it actually was given how hot and humid it is outside. I usually like eating food fresh from the garden because it tastes "alive." If you ever had a tomato right from the vine, you know what I'm talking about. The plant's cells are still living when you consume it within minutes, and this effects the taste and nutritional value. I only wish my garden wasn't being so abused by this weather!

I have to leave for work today early, which I suppose given my mood, this isn't so bad. It would be different if we were enjoying these summer days, but we're not. Why not escape away to work?

I just need to get through today and hopefully tomorrow the temperatures will be in the 80's. Throw in a good thunderstorm and I'll be happy.

We're going to try and throw together a last minute yard sale. Our village has their official garage sale weekend starting Friday. We're going to drag stuff out on Friday and see if anyone cruising by wants any of it. I'm also planning on dragging stuff out and marking it FREE FOR THE TAKING. The goal here is to purge as much stuff as possible. I also told the boys any money that comes in is all theirs to split. Hopefully that will get them motivated.

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Description:
Experimenting with trying to make a low fat, low sugar, chocolate baked treat, I created these moist, yummy muffins.

Ingredients:
2 L eggs
1 t vanilla
1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 C apple sauce
1 1/2 C shredded zucchini

1 C flour
1/2 C cocoa powder
1 t baking soda
1/4 t baking powder
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t pumpkin pie spice
3/4 C chocolate chips


Directions:
Mix the eggs, vanilla, apple sauce and brown sugar.
Stir in the zucchini.

In a separate bowl, mix the flour cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. Mix in the chocolate chips.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.

Spray a muffin tin with non-stick spray. Fill muffin cups with 1/2 c of batter.

Bake in a preheated 350 oven for 25 minutes or until set.

When I woke up, I saw condensation on the windows. After a few minutes of feeling cool, I checked the thermostat. We normally set it at 80. It was on 72! Who bumped it!!??