Celestial Seasonings True Blueberry Tea

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

I love this tea. The flavor is delicate, yet refreshing. For a commercial tea you can buy in any grocery store, the quality impresses rather than disappoints.

I know its actually not a tea. Its really Hibiscus and Rosehips with natural blueberry flavor bringing up the rear of the ingredient list. The blueberry really presents itself though, rather than getting lost.

I can never drink only one cup. I always have to brew two!

I'm feeling better....

I will admit, I'm going through a mourning process, but my husband is going through it with me. The latest news is the entire tour is canceled. I really do hope they find a way to carry on and continue to perform. I'm not giving up hope I'll see them again one day. 

The only other thing stressing me right now is, I'm not finding enough volunteers to help us ring bells for the Salvation Army. Last year I had so many families, I had to set up multiple days and multiple locations. This year I've booked only 1 shift, and the one family who wants to help us will probably cancel. I have a feeling I'll be on my own.

I've decided to make a list of things I want to learn more about, and I've asked my family to do the same. Big or small, it doesn't matter. I just want to know. DH questioned me about this and I told him I think its important we model for our kids that learning never stops. I also was a bit distressed when I realized I had no idea what my husband's answers would be. He agreed he had no idea what mine would be either.

So I'm in brainstorming mode, trying to come up with my list. Here's what I have so far;

- I want to learn more about English muffins. Can I make them at home like the delicious ones we buy at the store?

- I want to learn how to install flooring.

- Why does the top of Wisconsin belong to Michigan! (This one's been on my list forever.)

- What are the different breeds of Poodle? Are they really hypoallergenic? Will their fur be soft?

- MP3 players

- Jack Rabbit software

- SLR cameras

- Mandalas

- How to knit socks

- How to make soap

- I want to learn more about Helen Keller

- Is there a specific diet for getting your hormones on track?

I could continue but my time's up. Until tomorrow.....Take care!

I'M SO SAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its a dark, dark day. Before our road trip, I checked the Blind Melon Forum page one last time to be sure the show was still on. I knew Travis was having throat trouble and previous shows had been canceled. Well, apparently Travis has quit the band. That's "Rock and Roll", I suppose.

Blind Melon will carry on, with a temporary replacement singer, just not in time for my Fort Wayne show. In the long run, the band hopes to find a permanent new lead vocalist. Maybe things will work out with Travis once heads cool, but even if they don't, I hope there is another chapter to this band's story. 

From Rogers Stevens,

Friends.... I bring you some difficult news. The revelry call went out to start the tour, and all reported to duty except for one. We, along with our entire team, have been working long hours to prepare for this upcoming US tour, which we have all been excited about. All except one. There has long been consensus with the original 4 members of the group....we agree on purpose and vision, we believe deeply in what we are doing, and we have been forged together in the kiln of tragedy which has made us unbreakable. We all share that. All except one. We believe that it is a great privilege to do what we do. It is an honor to stand onstage before you all and play these songs, and we will endure just about anything to do so. We have unity on this...all except one. Travis does not share this with us. Two weeks ago when we cancelled the first half of the tour, Travis was having problems with his voice and the doctor recommended that he rest. Though it hurt us to cancel the shows, we were understanding towards him and supported him because nobody wanted him to injure himself or damage his obviously amazing voice. God dropped a Stradivarius down Travis's throat, but the reality is that he treats it like a broken pawnshop fiddle. It is very difficult to maintain a rigorous touring schedule while chain smoking. Early this week Travis was due to again visit the doctor, a specialist that we found for him who is the very best available. The doctor wanted to make sure everything was OK before we embarked on the tour. We told Travis that we would cancel the rest of the tour if his voice was still hurting, regardless of what the doctor said. Travis will tell you that we fired him because his voice was fried, but this is not true. All singers go through vocal problems from time to time, and we understand that. We did not fire Travis, he abandoned us. The plan was set, it was solid, and we were confident. Everybody was on board...all except one. Not only did he bail on the doctor, but he did not return anybody's calls, texts, emails, telegrams, or carrier pigeon messages for the last two weeks. We're talking about a LOT of attempts to communicate. This has been a pattern from the beginning of our involvement with him. The reality is that Travis did not want to go on this tour, and his reasons for this changed many times. The touring life is not for everyone. Had he told us that it was just too much for him, then that would have sucked for us but we could have dealt with it. But the dilemma was that HE WOULD NOT COMMUNICATE WITH US. We finally started calling family members to try to locate him. Members of his family were very helpful and the good news is that they had spoken to him and he was alive. We were all relieved but curious as to what was going on. One of Travis's cousins finally got him to agree to call our manager yesterday evening and they spoke for about 20 minutes (we were all waiting to figure out if we should get on airplanes today or stay home). Travis stated that if we couldn't understand that he needed this time to himself, then he didn't want to be in a band with us anymore. He complained about being underpaid and overworked (we all make the same thing and we all work as hard as he does). He said that he didn't want to play the US anymore and that he was under-appreciated. He complained about playing the same songs in the same towns. We could not make him understand that the wheels were in motion for this tour for 6 months, and that to blow it out just because he didn't want to do it was a very bad move (we think his voice is probably fine now, by the way, though we could never say for sure since he neglected his doctor's appointment and did not call us to tell us that it was not well). There was no indication that any of this was coming at the end of the Canadian tour. We had great success up there (thank you Canada) and we were encouraged by what was ahead of us. We were all set to record a live album on this tour, we just booked Japan, and we were in the process of putting together Europe and South America. People have been working very hard on this stuff...lots of great people who we are very much lucky to be working with. Travis is unable or unwilling to care about how his actions affect everybody else, and he's been this way since day one. We have passed up or blown many opportunities because of his actions, and this has made it very difficult for us to function effectively. For the 2 weeks worth of shows that we have cancelled in the last year, there have been countless others that were on the verge of not happening. Many nights we have sat in the dressing room or on the bus wondering if Travis was going to show up and what condition he would be in if he did show up. None of us want to be in one of those bands that is held hostage by a single person's whims and demands. Travis's talent is enormous and deep, but after two gut-wrenching years and countless setbacks and heartbreaks, we can no longer work with him. We want to make this clear that this calamity is not just about the most recent events. For many different reasons, there has been a division that slowly developed from the beginning. Travis came into a very difficult situation, and in a lot of ways he handled it very well. But for whatever reason, we could never get him to come fully into the fold. We tried to achieve unity and balance in the band and we welcomed him with open arms as a full partner. But in a band you are dealing with a bunch of highly creative and impulsive people in suspended adolescence who are also oftentimes maladjusted. It must have been very difficult for Travis to figure out our relationships and to find his place. When things got tough, Travis would fire off an email and threaten to quit the band....this happened at least a dozen times. Eventually, confidence within the band as well as with the people who worked with us became undermined. Everybody around saw what was going on and were probably taking bets on how long we would last. The real back-story to this is very deep. If you squint your eyes and read very closely between the lines, you might pick up a hint of it. There is no way that we could accurately tell you what has transpired over the past two years without breaking some ethical codes and spewing a bunch of angry stuff that will just sound irrelevant to you. We don't want to hurt Travis or say anything more than what is necessary to tell enough of the story. We believe that to publicly air out all of the prior details of what brought us to this place would be counterproductive. We will have our side of the story and Travis will have his, and the two shall not meet. And you as the reader will be left scratching your head and wondering who is crazier. You'll probably also wonder why we can't just kiss and make up and play the goddamned songs. We can only say that we have tried everything that we could to get to that place. We sincerely hope that Travis finds a musical situation that makes him happy. As previously stated, his talent is prodigious, and that is why we thought he should play in the big leagues, but now it is clear that he was drafted by the wrong team. He belongs onstage, and that is where we got along with him best. He is a GREAT performer and we are hopeful that he will end up in the right situation for him. So the next question is "what are we going to do"? First of all, we plan to begin the tour in Allentown, PA on Monday. Chris Shin, who formed Unified Theory with Brad and Christopher, is coming with us and is ready and willing. We are enormously grateful to Chris for accepting this somewhat daunting challenge. After the tour, we will begin the process of finding somebody who understands, as previously stated, that it is an honor to perform for ya'll, and that it is important to pull together and work together in order to create something truly great. We intend to play all the shows that are on the schedule, including the New Year's eve show, and we will make up the shows that were cancelled earlier this month. We're going on a journey and we'll bring you back something great......thank you for everything that you've given us. Blind Melon November 6, 2008

Can't think straight....more babbling...

Sorry. I'm a total Melon Head today! Tomorrow this time I will be road bound, Fort Wayne, Indiana or Bust!

Jake13 wants me to change my avatar photo. The melon head freaks him out a little. I say NO WAY! Not until after the concert anyway.

I know I shouldn't get my hopes up. The odds of me being stage front and coming home with a set list or pick are not in my favor. Piere's has a security rail and the stage is set back 5 feet. I've been 7 times lucky being in front, I know. Its too much to hope for #8. Of course the dreamer in me is thinking maybe, if we get there early enough, we can spot the tour bus and the crazy, mid-life mental, stalker fan in me will knock on the door!

My SD card worked at Walgreens. I think it really is my camera that is sick. I had Walgreens burn my photos to CD but didn't make any prints. After checking out the quality, my camera is doomed. I did salvage a few I've posted here. I need to hit the Lotto so I can buy an SLR camera.

Our beautiful fall weather has left us. Its raining sideways and the cold is starting to bite. I'm realizing I have nothing to wear. I don't remember all my jeans having holes in them when I put them away last spring. My problem is, I never shop for clothes, so when I finally do, I have to buy practically a new wardrobe, and then everything wears out at the same time.

I've been watching Dharma and Greg reruns while I'm on the treadmill. I so want to be Dharma! I need a Dharma wardrobe. I realize the show is a decade old, but I don't care. Of course my body will never look like Jenna Elfman's!!! LOL!!! I think I need to go shopping for some free spirited outfits.

Yesterday we visited home school friends who have just returned from Europe. She told us Europeans can spot Americans because we dress like slobs. We're the only ones wearing tennis shoes and sweats. I've never been to Europe but I don't doubt her account.

I think I'd like to travel and see Europe but my nest mates are home bodies. They like the familar. Believe me, just getting my husband to drive to Indiana is something!

Time's up. I need to start walking. I'll miss you tomorrow. See you on Sunday! Have a great weekend!

 

Halloween 2008

Pumpkins & Posse

Wednesday's babble

DS9 made this neat election map. He put together a map of the U.S. and then made Lego guys, blue and red. As he watched the numbers come in last night, he used the Lego guys to mark which states Obama and McCain won. I'd show you but my DARN camera hates me!!!

DH took my camera to work and to my horror, the exact same problems which plagued me at home, occurred on the bigger, faster, newer computers. Its not my home PC, ITS MY CAMERA!!! WHAAAAAAAAAAAA! (Or could it be the SD card?)

I don't have the fundage to purchase a new camera. Because I haven't been able to upload the photos, my SD card is now holding almost 200 snaps. I'm going to try taking my SD card to Walgreens and hope their machine can read my pictures. If I have 200 photos that I will never be able to retrieve off that media card, I will be greatly upset!

On to brilliantly, exciting, rocking news!!! We got tickets!!!!!! Blind Melon here we come once again! This will be show #8. I'm thinking of sending the band a Thank You card for keeping their ticket prices so low. The only way we've been able to be Melonhead groupies is because tickets have never been more than $15.

I'm really looking forward to the road trip with DH. We don't have the chance to spend much time together so even riding in the car for 10 hours without kids gives us a chance to reconnect. These, on average, once a month Blind Melon concerts have been great "Date Nights." I don't know what we'll do when they stop touring in the Midwest or when the snow makes travel difficult.

I realized that most of my friends are really different from me, and not necessarily in ways that I think are good. In fact some of them have very strong beliefs the polar opposite of my own. Does this really work? Should I be friends will people who are vastly different from me?

It doesn't bother me to share my life with these people, but I wonder if I'm missing out on something by not hanging with someone who shares my way of thinking. Of course I'm coming to realize there is no one like me. My life choices are constantly separating me from the mainstream.

I do have my husband and there will always be my siblings, (can't choose your family), but I doubt I will ever have in my life that best friend who doesn't share DNA, who thinks like me.

I guess I'm meant to be the black sheep. I'm ok with it.

I should stop babbling and get to work. Have a great Wednesday! 

We're always thinking.....(TTT)

10 Random questions my kids asked me, during an Unschooling day.....

1. "Mom, if there was more gravity, things would weigh more wouldn't they?"

2. "So how much protein should I eat?"

3. "What is an actual serving size like?"

4. "Can a person get too much calcium?"

5. "What if no one wanted to vote for Obama or McCain? How would we pick a president?"

6. "HOW DO I GET DOWN FROM THE TOP BUNK!"

7. "Wait a minute. If you 'never return' if you see the snowman at the top of the mountain, how does that guy know about the monster and not to go up there?"

8. "Do identical twins have matching finger prints?"

9. "How big of a turkey do we need to feed around 13 people?"

10.  "What's in a hot dog?"

I'm itching and bitching about robots.

My arms are covered in little red itchy bumps. Its gorgeous outside in Wisconsin today so I decided to do a little yard work. Of course "a little" turned into a lot.

I started by putting away all the patio cushions and stacking the furniture. Then I noticed how the weeds I neglected to pull had become trees. I cut away until my hands began to get sore, then I recruited my boys to help me.

Together we began to trim bushes and haul away branches. I wasn't wearing gloves and had on short sleeves. Now my arms are a mess. We're taking a break before we try hauling more yard waste away. Maybe we'll get lucky, and the wind will blow it all into the empty lot next to us.

Tomorrow I'm not turning on the TV, the radio or going online. I already voted last week, and I just want a day of peace. Of course that means I'm not answering the phone either.

I don't know why but we've gotten more robot calls than ever before. What infuriates me is McCain's robots. They are easily out numbering Obama's robots 10 to 1, (not that I want Obama robots to call me either. HELLO! I've already voted!) McCain's robots apparently do not communicate with each other, because they call within 5 minutes of each other. When I don't answer my phone, my voice mail is full of calls, all within just a few minutes apart.

It makes me want to push for a NO POLITICAL CALL list. If I can block phone solicitors, I should be able to block political solicitation as well. Especially because McCain robots are calling at 9:00pm!! Not that I'm sleeping, it just I know all other kinds of sales calls or even collection calls can't be made after 8:30pm. ( I used to work in Fraud/Security loss prevention.) 

I read an editorial in the newspaper this morning someone thinks its wrong to vote early. Their reason is it goes against tradition and you miss the excitement, similar to "waiting for Christmas to open your presents."  Ahh.... I'd rather vote early and not wait in line. As for opening my presents early, its not like voting early means I find out who won early! I don't need more time to decide. I'm not influenced by ROBOTS!! (Unless they do yard work.)

Ok, breaks done. I should go back outside and rake yard waste, but I think cleaning the bathrooms sound like more fun.

GOOD LORD! WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME! I THINK I NEED CHOCOLATE!

I'm using my extra hour to sleep.

I'm wiped out. Thankfully my sister is moved! Yeah! The house she is renting now is so much better for her family. It was worth the work. The weather cooperated, my body did too, although now I'm exhausted. I pray things work out for her, and she can purchase the home within the next 6 months.

Trick or Treating went very well. We had our biggest turnout yet. DS9 got lots of compliments on his Poptart costume. (I'll show you next week. DH promises to burn my photos to a CD at his work for me since I'm still struggling with moving them to our PC with our USB cord or card reader.)

Even though the Posse Rats were a little hyped up from all the Halloween candy, the sleep over party was stress free. I made hot dogs, (easier and cheaper than pizza), added a few bags of chips and 2 liters of soda. I should start calling these all night video game parties, "all nighters" instead of sleep overs. None of them get much sleep. I was just glad they were all safe in our basement, instead of running around the town Halloween night, possibly getting into trouble.

Maybe this sleep over seemed less stressful because of our new deal. The boys were getting a little tired of being "abandoned", (left with a babysitter), while DH & I rocked away our midlife crisis with Blind Melon concerts. We've made a deal they get to have a sleep over for every concert we go to now. This Friday will be our 8th concert since last March. I don't know if my luck will hold. Every concert I've been stage front and managed to grab a set list or a pick. Every time I see them, I tell myself this could be it. This could be the last time I hear their songs live.

Well, I'm off to bed. I'm really trying to get 8 hours, get my exercise and drink my Emergen-C. The boys have colds, and I mistakenly drank from a contaminated water bottle! Not that I couldn't have breathed in their rhinos will all the sneezing that's been going around. I must stay well for next Friday's road trip!

A meme my son wrote...

1: Whats your favorite video game?: Its going to be Little Big World someday.

2: Whats your favorite cartoon as a five-year-old?: Bugs Bunny

3: Whats your favorite food?: chocolate

4: If you were a tree, which one would it be?: A Honey Crisp Apple Tree- I'd have plenty of other tree friends in the orchard with me, humans and animals would enjoy eating what I produce, and children would love to climb into my arms and hang out! 

5: Paper or plastic?: CLOTH!!!! (or paper if I need to gather paper for recycling)

6: Do you think you'll get lots of candy this year on Halloween?: Oh yes! I have two children to steal it from!

7: If you only got one wish, what would you wish for(and no wishing for more wish's!)?: to be healthy

8: Whats the last thing you ate?: Fun sized 3 Muskateers I stole from DS13's stash.  Didn't you read #6?

9: Whats the last thing you watched?: DS9 playing Tony Hawk Underground

10: Whats the video game you are currently playing the most?: None really. I need to get back to playing My Spanish Coach.

11: Whens the last time you had a Snickers?: This morning.

12: Did you know that their are Domo cartoons on Nicktoons Network?: Yes!! Domo rocks!!

13: When you turned 13, how did you feel?: I don't remember turning 13. My family didn't really do the party thing. I probably spent the day with my best friend Lisa, riding our bikes around town on a summer day, eating at McDonald's. It would have been the summer before I started 8th grade so I probably felt pretty excited to be growing up.

14: What movie are you set on going to?: These days, I can wait for most movies to hit DVD before I see them.

15: Do you say computer game or video game?: Video game.

16: Did you watch mario4ever's apple video?: Wasn't that too cool! It's inspired me to write a children's story. I'll have to share it later.

17: What do you think of your computer?: I like that its in the living room, but the machine itself is ancient.

18: What do you want to be when you grow up?: I'm it! I'm a mom! Of course I'll never truly grow all the way up.

19: Whats your least favorite video game?: Mylon's Secret Castle

20: Will you copy and paste this to take this test?: I did! Great questions you came up with Jake! 

WAIT! This was a test? OH NO!!!! How could you trick me like this?!!

Anyone else want to try?

Mother Nature

Its not yet November. If I were Mother Nature, I would not allow Mr. Snow to hang out in southern Wisconsin yet. I made the mistake of running to the grocery store with just a hoodie on. I did break out the winter coat for the work commute, but I never really warmed up again until DH wrapped his arms around me under our down comforter.

As I drove to work, flurries hit my windshield doing that annoying blinding thing. The flurries are blown directly into your line of vision and your brain thinks you are going to get hit in the face but of course they hit the windshield. Its a pysch out. You want to blink, but you have to watch the road. I arrived at work with a headache.

We're suppose to be dressed in costume this week at work. I threw together a Mother Nature outfit. I thought this would be a good choice since I didn't want to scare the younger kids that come for lessons. I also thought this way, no one would mess with me. LOL! Unfortunately, NO ONE ELSE is dressing up at work!  And only one little boy came dressed in his dinosaur costume. DS9 told me he thinks its silly to wear your costume to swim lessons anyway. You have to change into your suit. I suppose he's right.

I know Yumi is cold too. She rarely wants to snuggle but now every chance she gets, she lays on your lap. She even woke me after midnight so she could crawl under my blanket.

I finally broke down and turned on the heat, but its only set at 64. I can't wait to turn it off tomorrow. We're heading back towards the 50's for highs rather than 40's. For some reason, with our ranch style home, if its in the 50's we can manage to keep the house temperature around 70 just by the sunlight coming in, baking a batch of cookies or bread, and our own natural body heat. When it gets windy and drops to the 40's, that trick doesn't work and I'm forced to turn on the furnace.

Well, its time to lace up my walking shoes. See you tomorrow!

 

Clog time

I'm still around. Just having a hard time getting back on the blog wagon. A big part of it is I'm still struggling to get my photos transferred. I bought a card reader but for some reason, it's not reading my SD card. Next paycheck, I'll look again for a USB cord, but that didn't go so well last time.

I want to get on here though, and journal at the very least what we've been up to. In the long run, this blog's purpose is to record our history.

We brought mini pumpkins and gourds to Great Grandma's grave stone. Yesterday she would have been 80. It still seems so surreal she is no longer with us. I miss her. She was such a loving presence. She always greeted you with warmth and smiles. She gave great smushy Grandma hugs too!

The boys tried a little trick or treating in K-town. It was way too windy to wear the Poptart costume. DS9 would have been blown away into Lake Michigan like a sailboat! There weren't too many kids out so they really made out. At the last house, the kind lady probably gave them each 10 mini chocolate bars!  She basically dumped her bowl because she wanted to get rid of it. Now of course, its my problem!! DS9 isn't fond of Snickers, but unfortunately, I can be tempted!

Saturday I worked at the pool. We had our Olympic Swim Meet for the season and afterwards we hosted a free Halloween Party Family Swim. It all went very well. My creepy stalker guy was there swimming in his street clothes. I don't know. I think he may be Muslim, but I thought it was only the women who had to cover up?

Have I told you about my creepy stalker? I can't remember, and I'm too lazy to read back to see if I have. If I'm repeating myself, feel free to skip this part. Creepy Stalker guy is this dad who has brought his daughter to swim lessons forever. He doesn't have a good marriage. I know this because he's shared the ugly details with me. I think it was an arranged marriage because that is common in his culture. Anyway, he is always hitting on me even though I've dropped numerous hints I'm happily married. A few weeks ago, he asked if he could have his photo taken with me because, I "motivate him." I declined. Last week I was selling snacks, and he began to walk behind the counter.

"Dawn, I need your help. Its something only a woman can help me with."

WTF!! I asked him to leave the employee only area and then he explained he couldn't get his daughter's earrings out. Now why didn't he just say- "Can you help remove my daughter's earrings?" Because he's freaky creepy and someday if I go missing, I've told everyone at the pool to give the police his address and phone number!! I found out its not just me he flirts with. I guess he's been asking the girl who closes on Fridays all about her life.

My sister is moving! Yeah! She currently rents from a slum lord who is letting a historic landmark crumble to the ground. I'm uber excited because now she'll just be a few blocks from my door! I really hope this works out for her. The house she'll rent went into foreclosure, a real estate broker picked it up, and because she hasn't been able to sell it, she's renting it out for 6 months. My sister may have the option to buy it at the end of the lease. I hope it works out for her. She deserves to live in a safe home, without mold issues. Its a bonus too she's getting a better home for less rent!

I've decided to vote early. Our village hall is offering this to help with the expected crowds on election day. Last year I was able to go during work hours so I only had to wait in line with the other SAHMs and senior citizens about 20 minutes. My working sister and husband waited two hours after work to vote. I remember they didn't turn anyone away, but the voting was still going on long after the polls were suppose to close. I hope we have an overwhelming turn out again.

I think DH and I are going to break down and go mid-life crazy again. Blind Melon had to cancel several shows because the lead singer is having vocal cord trouble, but low and behold, they didn't cancel the Fort Wayne, Indiana show. I think its a sign! If we can get tickets, we're doing the crazy drive through the night thing again. I know we're cutting it close. It will be November and just last night we saw flurries. I hope we can squeeze in one more show, before we're snow bound or they quit touring. I'm a Bee Girl at heart, and I need one last slice of Melon!

Time to stop rambling. My chicken meatball soup DMIL made me is ready now. Take care!

Son Of Rambow

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Kids & Family

Add this to your must see list. Its a heart warming story of a creative, artistic little boy who develops a truly wonderful friendship with a lonely bully over the course of their filming their own independent movie, "Son Of Rambow".

I promise you. You will laugh. You will cry. You will not be disappointed!

Pot Rack Idea

I'm so tired of trying to pull the correct pan out from my cabinet and having them all crash. I was considering buying a pot rack until I saw how much they are. I was shocked. Who spends thousands just for a place to hang cookware? (Google Pot Rack and you'll see what I mean.)

I decided I could make something much less expensively. My kitchen isn't that big, so I was thinking of trying something over the kitchen sink window. I found this plan, and I thought I'd stick it here on my blog, so I can refer to it later. I don't have time today to make the rack, but its going on my to do list.

Do you have a pot rack? Do you think they are handy storage solutions or eyesores?

Pot Rack Valance

Materials:

measuring tape

wood

sand paper

stain

double point staples

S-hooks

toggle bolts

hammer

drill

rawhide lacing

Steps:

1. Measure the length of the window opening. Cut the board to length and soften the edges with sandpaper.

2. Stain the wood to match the other wood in the room and let dry.

3. Tap staples over one end of the S hooks and secure them.

4. Use toggle mounts to secure the board to the ceiling above the window

5. Hang pots and/or drill holes into wooden handles and secure with rawhide lacing

Honeybush tea

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Other

Its not officially tea, but rather a bush which grows in Africa. Some say it tastes like honey, and I suppose there is a hint of similarity there. To me, I pick up more a dried fruit vibe, although we're definitely not talking fruit cake here! It is similar to Rooibos tea, another Africa tea, only sweeter.

The tea is naturally sweet, and caffeine free. Some say the tea is good for upper respiratory health, and helps regulate blood sugar. Its low in tannins, and other health claims are its good for easing menopausal symptoms, prevents cancerous tumors, repairs sun damage and aids digestion.

I prefer it hot to iced, as the weather turns chilly. It certainly qualifies in my book as a hug in a cup.

Check out http://www.itmonline.org/arts/honeybush.htm

X

10 Thoughts.....

1.  Is it really Tuesday already?

2. Oh why, oh why is it so difficult to find a USB cord that fits my camera?

3. Radio Shack, you're no good.

4. My sister isn't going to be packed up in time, I just know it.

5. Yumi said I had to wash DS9's comforter. Grrr........

6. Aversion therapy begins for Yumi tomorrow!

7. The Poptart costume is almost complete! What can I affix to the costume to rest it on DS9's shoulders?

8. The bills are paid! Yeah! I deserve a cookie!

9. My mom was right. I bought too many pears and now they're all ripe at once.

10. I must get out of this blog rut and blog something interesting one of these days!

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Rating:	★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Action & Adventure

They must have given this movie a long title because they knew they had made one heck of a long, BORING, movie. Seriously, I was so close to giving up and choosing to spend my time more wisely, I barely made it to when Marion joins the story. Once she was on screen, it did get a little more entertaining to watch, but just barely.

The first half is nothing but Evil Russians capture Jones, he escapes. Evil Russians capture Jones, he escapes. Evil Russians capture Jones, he escapes....... Its not even a smidgen of a bit believable the stunt dude is Harrison Ford.

I had much higher expectations. It was Spielberg who made this movie right?

I would recommend, choosing to spend your time more wisely than I did.

Such a great weekend...

We kicked it off with Pizza Oven pizza. That always brings joy! The secret is out though. Its been getting more and more crowded.

After wards we hit the stores, shopping for birthday presents for our cousins. We didn't find anything at the bookstore, but we scored at Michael's and Target.

Saturday it was road trip time and we headed south to my brother's house (Maija's). We stopped at Legoland in Shaumburg first and we were greatly disappointed. I think Target sells more variety of sets, and the bulk brick bins were lame. I was hoping they would have specialty pieces. Maybe someday we'll try the store at the Mall of America.

We had a great time visiting family and friends at Maija's and the cake was delish! "Happy Birthday" wouldn't fit because we had so many family members' names on it. (Wish I had a USB cord!)

On our way home, a car almost blew up in front of us. We were cruising on the interstate when suddenly we couldn't see. At first we thought it was really thick fog, but then our noses told us its wasn't fog. We could smell it. Something was on fire. Our exit was only a mile or two down the road, but I was nervous we wouldn't make it. As we curved around the off ramp, we saw the poor soul who caused the danger. His car was engulfed in smoke and underneath we saw flames. He had just enough time to jump away from the car! Crazy!!

Sunday morning we headed to another birthday party, this time for a different cousin. (Hi Emma!) She had decided to have a Letterboxing party! It was great fun, hiking in the fall air. We only found 1 of 4 hidden Letterboxes, but as a bonus, we came across a Geo Cache. There were Christmas lights in the Geo Cache, but since I'm really a Letterboxer, I wasn't prepared to trade. For a brief moment I considered trading my hat, but then decided it wasn't worth it. I already have Christmas lights, and I worked hard knitting my Blind Melon themed bee hat!

Sunday my parents checked back into the "Grove Unschool Bed and Breakfast", although I should more accurately say, "Bed and Supper." My sister came over and we enjoyed a spaghetti supper together. My parents head home for Minnesota tomorrow.

I had too much cake, too much ice cream, pizza, tacos, and don't forget the bowl full of pasta! I'm not bothering to log into my Fit Day. Its safe to say the weekend was a total dieting failure, but that's ok. Tomorrow is another day! Such a great weekend has to roll into a great week I hope!  

Not feeling like myself....

I can't focus. I feel disconnected, discombobulated. I'm not liking the skin I'm in, and I feel like I'm fighting the current rather than riding it. Or maybe I'm just trying to clutch to the bank when I should be enjoying the ups and downs of the rapids?

Anyway, I just wish I could hit the pause button on the clicker and take a moment to realign.

Why do only celebrities and rich people get personal assistants?
   They can pay for them.

I know, I know. I'm feeling like a sorry sap. Its just right now there are life details I wish I didn't have to fret over.

13 Things I need a Personal Assistant For

1. Pay the bills on time.

2. Remind me DH is out of town on business, and that's why he hasn't shown up to pick up the kids. He's not lying dead in a ditch.

3. Go grab something for the boys to eat while they wait at my work for their father to return from his business trip.

4. Set up DH's voicemail on his cell phone and buy him minutes!

5. Oil changes

6. FIND ME A USB CABLE!!!!

7. Find someone to tow away the dead car sitting in the garage.

8. Call the vet, the dentist and the doctor and schedule all our appointments

9. Remind me to buy an eye patch, a pirate hat, a pair of fangs and a tuxedo like suit. (This is all for one costume. Thank goodness the other child is happy with being a Poptart made out of cardboard!)

10. Remind me to walk. Walk for exercise, walk for fun, walk to walk AWAY FROM IT ALL!

11. Make sure the meat gets moved to the fridge to thaw.

12. Clear off the counter so I can roll out tortillas. He needs to know I love him.

13. FIND MY SOCKS!!!!!

Maija's Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Maija gave me this recipe years ago and it makes seeds you actually want to eat. In years past, I've tried to roast them, but they didn't taste spectacular. Maija's secret of soaking in salt water really makes the difference!


Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

2 C water
1/4 C salt
2 C pumpkin seeds

-Heat the water and the salt until salt is dissolved.
-Cool and add pumpkin seeds
-Soak overnight
-Drain and pat dry
-Spread on a cookie sheet and bake for 1 hour at 300F

Store in an airtight container and they will last a long time. That is if, you don't eat them all first!

(Hope you didn't mind me posting this Maija!)

Grrrr.....

My USB cable has finally given out. Of course I have all these photos I want to share and post on my blog but now I have to wait until I can get a new cord.

We had a gorgeous weekend here in Wisconsin. Saturday we visited the Arboretum in Madison. We strolled the grounds finding various species of trees in varying shades of reds, yellows, oranges, purples and green. Some trees we were surprised to see had already gone bald.

What's very cool about the Arboretum is, its not just a planned landscaped park with different species of trees. They also have several acres of natural woods, prairies and wetlands. After snapping a few photos, we headed into the forest.

To my surprise the little flying vampires were still awake. I gave 9 donations alone from my right elbow area. Why the elbows girls? Do you think they know you itch more on joints? I suppose the birds and bats have to eat. I thought the mosquitoes would have been done for the year but apparently we haven't had enough of a frost yet.

On the way home from our hike, we stopped at the world's best pumpkin farm, just 2 miles from our door, Boo's Pumpkin Patch. It was started years ago by local high school girls and its really grown.

They have several different types of pumpkins and gourds. Are there "heirloom" pumpkins like tomatoes? When I get another USB cord, I'll show you the pumpkins that look like they are made out of stone. I think I have to go back tomorrow and buy one. We only brought home 2 big guys and 1 adorable mutant. (Again I wish I could show you! I will find a cord tomorrow!!!)

We couldn't believe how many huge, choice pumpkins we found in the self pick area. You'd take two steps and find several more. I have another one to add to the list. He hauled our giants back to the car and placed them into our yard.

I have a list in a notebook of all the reasons why I love my husband. I add big things and small, year after year. Every time he does something that touches my heart, or does something I'm grateful for, I note it. I was going to give it to him as a gift one year, but I haven't stopped writing in it. I suppose I won't stop until I can't write anymore.

Its time to go get ready to watch the Crystal Cave special tonight on National Geographic. This places looks so amazing! It reminds me of Superman's homebase. DS9 thinks its all fake. He's only seen the kinds of crystals you hold in your hand.

Hasta Manana Amigos!

Because I don't feel like cleaning house now....

30 Questions (stolen from Navarrofreak)

1. Person with the same name as you? I've met a few, but never anyone famous.

2. Where was your first kiss?  The first kiss that counted- DH's Audi. We had to do it twice because the first kiss was kind of awkward. We laughed and decided to try again.

3. Have you ever seriously vandalized someone else’s property?  Define serious. I did do my share of TPing in high school.

4. Have you ever hit someone of the opposite sex?  Does my brother count? I did more damage spraying him with Windex and throwing keys at him.

5. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people?  Yes ..but I was in a chorus.

6. What’s the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?  eyes- green ones really get my attention

7. What really turns you on? DH

8. What do you order at Starbucks?  I usually skip Starbucks due to a lack of funds. After my last pap smear though, I thought I deserved it and got a mocha with soy.

9. What is your biggest mistake?  The 3 years my oldest son spent in daycare. I should have become a SAHM the day he was born. I bought into the myth. I will tell you now, THE GRASS IS GREENER OVER HERE! STAY HOME WITH YOUR CHILDREN! They grow and you will never get those years back.

10. Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose?  yes... As a parent I'm making sure my children understand depression is a real illness that can be treated either with or without medication. The fact is depression/mental illness is rarely discussed, but so many people suffer from it. We need to kick the stereotype and be there for each other.

11. Say something totally random about yourself. I like hoodies and I wish I could wear a hooded cape without people staring.

12. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity?  Glen Close- eww!! I can't see it.

13. Do you still watch kiddy movies or TV shows? Didn't you know Cartoon Network is showing Goosebumps this month?!

14. Did you have braces?  yes

15. Are you comfortable with your height?  Yes, but my arms are too short.

16. What is the most romantic thing someone of the opposite sex has done for you?  I can't just pick one as being the most romantic but DH always brings me flowers on our sons' birthdays.
 
17. When do you know it’s love?  When you tell God you don't think you could live without this person in your life. Or maybe when you feel comfortable farting in their presence? LOL!

18. Do you speak any other languages?   According to "My Coach Spanish" (DS game), I now speak Spanish as well as a preschooler!

19. Have you ever been to a tanning salon?  No way Jose! I have enough years of sun damage thanks to my sun worshiping mother who didn't realize how important sunscreen was.

20. What magazines do you read?  Home Education Magazine, Natural Health, Health, Woman's Day, Family Circle, Good Housekeeping, Better Homes and Gardens, Nintendo Power, Vegetarian Times.... NO WONDER I HAVE NO TIME TO READ BOOKS!

21. Have you ever ridden in a limo?  I think maybe at my sister's wedding. I think the maid of honor slipped me underaged champagne and this could be why the memory is fuzzy. 

22. Has anyone you were really close to passed away?  Yes

23. Do you watch MTV?  no

24. What’s something that really annoys you?  Speeders, reckless driving

25. What’s something you really like? Being front and center you know where! MELON ROCKS BABY! (Or walks in the woods with DH)

26. Do you like Michael Jackson? Nope

27. Can you dance?  Can't we all?

28. What’s the latest you have ever stayed up?  In college I'd stay up until 4:00am, sleep through morning classes and greet the world around 1:00pm.
 
29. Have you ever been rushed by an ambulance into the emergency room?  No. I made DH drive me with a toddler and a newborn infant in tow, at 2:00a.m. instead. Did I mention how much I love him!! Maybe this was the most romantic thing he's ever done?

30. Do you actually read these when other people fill them out?  Yes I do. Copy it and I promise to read yours! 

Thursday 13

13 Things I'm grateful for......

1. The Piggly Wiggly had a great sale today! $1.49 a pound for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and hamburger! I could afford to stock up the freezer.

2. My boss asked me to be her Ghost Writer! I'm going to have fun! Boo!

3. The weekend weather should be perfect for gazing at Autumn's glorious colorful trees!

4. The price of gas is coming down.

5. I haven't had to wear my wrist brace for almost 2 weeks now. I'm so happy to have the use of my left hand back!

6. Yumi didn't get sick even though she's constantly eating grasshoppers and crickets. I'm thinking of renaming her Renfield. You don't want to see what we've been sifting out of her litter box!

7. Walgreen ink refills are $10 and same day service! (Why do I always run out of ink when I have to print something urgent?)

8.  My parents have decided to make the drive down for a visit! We haven't seen them since the beginning of August.

9. Tonight's survivor night. My family will tape it and wait for me to get home to watch it. Its great to have something to look forward to making work go by quicker.

10. The library- I've been reading so many books I wouldn't have had the money to purchase.

11. The email notification your library materials are almost due! My fines would be so much higher with this service.

12. Hat Week- Hat Week at work means easy customer service. I've noticed no one feels like complaining to you while you are wearing a Frog Hat.

13. He surprised me yesterday!

Today's homeschool lunch ..

Couldn't you just eat pizza every day? Pizza is such a perfect food. (Don't tell my Fitday!)

For fun, I've sometimes read to the boys what the local school district is planning for lunch. They've decided if they had to attend school, they would most likely bring a sack lunch. We're grateful that for the most part, we get to cook hot lunch at home anytime we like.

Today's pizza lunch is really leftovers. On Monday I had kneaded up two batches of pizza dough saving one in the fridgy. I had left over sauce from bread sticks, left over chicken breast and leftover cheese. I added lots of seasonings and ta..da.... Pizza!!

10 for Tuesdays

1. Lately I have blog block.

2. I agree with DS9. Where's the yellow today?

3. I can't diet with M&M's in the house.

4. I'm forcing myself to swim today despite knowing my co-workers will see me in my suit. Its not bravery. Its diet guilt.

5. Why are most Thank You card sets decorated with flowers and butterflies?

6. Got cardboard? I need some!

7. I'm so blessed because he brings me flowers just for giving birth to his children.

8. I miss him.

9. I can't believe I'd rather stay home and clean my house than work tonight.

10.  Where have all my socks gone?

Our Party Weekend

Its official. I'm the mother of a teenager. How did that happen so quickly?

DS9 decorated DS13's cake. He mostly used Halloween colored M&M's but then I had to ask, "Why is there one lone red M right there?"

"Its the zit. Jake's a teenager now." I love DS9's sense of humor but when DS13 saw it, he demanded it be removed. Wish zits in real life could be removed that easy.

We partied with local family on Friday night filling up on zit cake and pizza.

Saturday morning we tagged our Christmas tree at Winterberry farm. The farm invites us out every year to find our tree now and then return after Thanksgiving to cut it down. I love Winterberry farm. The trees grow on a gentle slope and its just so relaxing to walk through the Christmas trees before the weather gets too cold. Every year we find a really good one right off the bat but don't tag it because its the first one we find. We always end up going back to it after we've walked for awhile longer, comparing other trees. When I win the lottery, I'm buying land and starting a Christmas tree business. I'll also have an apple orchard and pumpkin patch!

Saturday night was the sleep over. 7 boys in the "teen" cave, eating pizza, brownies and playing video games all night long. My children were zombies the next day.

Also Saturday night, my sister was shopping at our local Piggly Wiggly when she saw the nanny show being filmed! I don't know if its Nanny 911 or the Super Nanny show, but she had to dodge cameras as the Nanny shopped the Pig with a family from our small town, apparently with unruly children. I'll have to keep my eye out for this broadcast. Who would have thought the Nanny would come to our neck of the woods? Just as long as she doesn't knock on my door!

Actually I'm not worried. I'm blessed with two great kids, I mean....young men!

Twilight

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Books
Genre:	Teens
Author:	Stephenie Meyer

I know many will disagree with me, but after reading this book, I just don't understand what all the hype is about.

Its probably because I was first introduced to the Vampire-Human love story through the works of Joss Whedon. Having explored all of it before, I found myself reading Twilight expecting something new. I kept reading thinking its bound to get better, more exciting.

Honestly, if this book hadn't been a gift, I wouldn't have finished it. When I mentioned I was having trouble getting into it, the person who gave me the book recommended I read it from a teen girl perspective. That helped, but generally, I don't believe in dumbing down.

I did enjoy the author's writing style and vampire mythology, but the story line seemed so predictable. Again, maybe this is because of my Buffy/Angel corruption?

So go ahead and tell me how wrong I am about this book. It will take a lot of your convincing to get me to read the next one in the series.

FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal

http://www.fitday.com/
A really cool, user friendly online tool to use to track your nutrition goals! And its FREE!!

Have you stopped buying from China yet?

Hair Bands!!!! (PLEASE READ)

 

 

I thought you might find the following article from interesting: 

http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/hairband.asp

 

Be cautious of hair bands at open markets around the city too - they are probably from China since they are purchased in bulk very, very cheap !!!!   Take a good look before buying hair bands in future - specially like the following kind... .. These Hair bands were made from used condoms and threads. That was so disgusting, I would not want to use them!! .. .. r .. [IMAGE] ... BEIJING (AFP) - Used condoms are being recycled into hair bands in southern China threatening to spread sexually-transmittable diseases they were originally meant to prevent, state media reported Tuesday In the latest example of potentially harmful Chinese-made products, rubber hair bands have been found in local markets and beauty salons in Dongguan and Guangzhou cities in southern Guangdong province, China Daily newspaper said. 'These cheap and colorful rubber bands and hair ties sell well ..... threatening the health of local people,' it said. Despite being recycled, the hair bands could still contain bacteria and viruses, it said. 'People could be infected with AIDS, (genital) warts or other diseases if they hold the rubber bands or strings in their mouths while waving their hair into plaits or buns,' the paper quoted a local dermatologist who gave only his surname, Dong, as saying. A bag of ten of the recycled bands sells for just 25 sen (three cents), much cheaper than others on the market, accounting for their popularity, the paper said. A government official was quoted as saying recycling condoms was illegal.   China 's manufacturing industry has been repeatedly tarnished this year by a string of scandals involving shoddy or dangerous goods made for both domestic and foreign markets. In response, it launched a public relations blitz this summer aimed at playing up efforts to strengthen monitoring systems. _.___ Check your, or your kid's hair bands and make sure they do not put them in their mouth while trying to tie their hair.

 

Blind Melon Tour- CLOG!

It feels good to be home, but out there, in my alternate universe, I'm driving to Winnipeg, Canada for tomorrow's slice of Blind Melon. Oh, but the gas money has run out, and there's children to unschool here at home.

Friday we shared Melon... family style. We all drove to Lafayette, IN, where we discovered there is a Chick-Fil- A! The only other Chick-Fil-A we Yankees have been able to enjoy has been in the mall in Racine, Wi. Lafayette's Chick-Fil-A is sublime! They have all you can eat nuggets the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. Its a good thing we don't live there! Apparently, I'm fat enough according to Lafayette standards.

We stopped at a Wendy's to use the restroom. (We ate at Chick-Fil-A but doors to the Blind Melon show didn't open until 6:00pm.) While waiting for my family, I sat down with my bottle of water. Through my sunglasses, I noticed I was being stared at by an older woman sitting nearby. She put down her chili and approached me.

Placing her chili warmed hand on my arm, she asked, "Are you recovering from gastric bypass surgery?"

The horror on my face made her back pedal.

"Its just you are only drinking a bottle of water. That's a sign you've had gastric bypass surgery."

She quickly retreated, and I sat there not knowing whether to laugh or cry. I know I'm obese but is this a question a total stranger should ask another person? And why would I be sitting in a Wendy's torturing myself if I was recovering from gastric bypass??!

DH helped me see the humor in this, and I chose to laugh it off and enjoy our pending evening's activities. Lucky's bar is not family friendly but Nel Hoon, the mom of late lead singer Shannon Hoon, had requested this special vigil show be all ages so families could attend. We got right in and took pole positions at the rail. The boys were excited, and DH and I were buzzing as well, (not literally- we don't drink or take recreational substances. The music alone brings me to a happy place.)

The show did start late, as expected, and for the most part, it was incredible. DSalmost13 kept his best- I'm almost 13, too cool to smile face on, but DS9 was rocking out with us. That is until the drunk moron showed up.

He pushed my cub aside to try and steal his spot. My Mother lion came out and roaring in his face, I scared the moron away, but it still freaked out DS9 a little. He made it to the end of the show though.

Driving home through the star filled night, DS9 saw a UFO! Personally I thought it was a triangle shaped light on top of a cell phone tower, but DH & DS assure me, it was a UFO.

Saturday we left the boys in the care of my sister, and we headed to Mankato, Mn. Maybe I haven't said it enough, but I LOVE WISCONSIN! The fall colors were so romantic, and the bluffs in the LaCrosse area breathtaking.

Southern Minnesota I wasn't too impressed with. It looked too much like home, lots of soybeans and corn and windmills. The gas price in Owatana though was awesome! $3.29!! It's been $3.69-$3.99 by us.

We arrived in Mankato, picked up our tickets and even though I saw the tour bus, I refrained from crossing that line from devoted fan to OBSESSED, STALKING, FANATIC. Although I admit that line is a bit blurry to me.

Once again, our talent for being punctual paid off. We were stage front, this time no rail! Brad, CT and Travis were right in front of me. The downside was it was homecoming weekend in the college town of Mankato. The drunken frat boys with their drunk gal pal were directly behind us screaming stupid stuff like, "Is this a cover band?" "Where's Shannon?" "Old people suck!"

Technically, I'm the same age as 3 out of the 5 band members. Being older and wiser, I know it doesn't pay to get drunk at the bar, but to instead, stake out your concert space well before hand. Even after they started playing with my hair, (thankfully no scissors were involved), I didn't budge. Being fat and 40 does have its benefits.

We received much Melon love, lots of eye contact, hand shakes and high fives from band members! (Check out the photo of Travis' sweaty towel in my Blind Melon album! LOL)  I did see people taping. I'll be checking You Tube the next several days to see if we show up.

All aglow, DH & I enjoyed a 1:00am supper/breakfast of pancakes at Perkins after the show. We crashed at a hotel but not for long. DH was up at 5:30am saying he was ready to drive home. I was also missing the boys, so armed with pillow and blankies, we started for home in the dark early morning hours.

So here I am now, 4 states in 2 days, 2 incredible Blind Melon shows with ringing ear drums to prove it!! I'm kicking back tonight.

I think there's a show in Fort Wayne, Indiana in November. My Blind Melon withdrawal should be ripe again by then!

Only 3 more days!!!

Its hard to focus on anything else but our upcoming road trip. Maybe you don't realize how crazy DH and I are, but we are driving 5 hours to Lafayette, Indiana Friday to see a certain band. For the boys, it will be their first rock concert. I've assured them we won't try to be in the front, and we won't embarrass them too much. (They've seen us in many YouTube videos and they're nervous.) We'll be picking up ear plugs too.

Blind Melon is performing a special show to honor their late lead singer, Shannon Hoon. Shannon's mom holds a vigil every year on his birthday, and this is the first year the band will be performing. There is a chance certain songs may be performed which the band hasn't done in concert since Shannon's death almost 13 years ago. This will be a once in a lifetime type show. I've heard through the grapevine several families are bringing their children.

As if dragging our pre-teeners to a rock concert isn't crazy enough, after the show, we plan on driving back home, another 5 hours. I suppose we'll get to bed around 3 or 4 in the morning. Why don't we get a hotel room you ask? Because on Saturday night DH and I will be in Mankato, Minnesota!

The plan is to have my sister babysit. The boys weren't interested in two nights back to back, plus the Mankato show may not be all ages. We'll leave for Mankato around 10:00am, drive the 6 hours and then rock the night away. This time there is a Microtel in our future.

3 states within 24 hours! I'm sure we'll arrive back home Sunday, ready to drop, but it will all be worth it! You have to live each day like its your last, soaking up every delicious drop of juice you can!

Cupcakes!

DS9 decided he wanted cupcakes today. Since the kitchen depresses me these days, I told him he could make them on his own. I only helped with the oven. As you can see, he had a blast.

Pumpkin bars

During all the traveling we've been doing this past week, I've begun to see road side stands offering pumpkins for sale. It put me in the mood for pumpkin bars, a delicious recipe a friend shared with me last year. (If she's reading this, BTW, Happy Birthday!) We ate them all before I could take a photo!

Pumpkin Bars

2 C flour
2 t baking powder
2 t cinnamon
1 t baking soda
1 t salt

4 beaten eggs
1 can of pumpkin (about 15 ounces I think)
1 1/2 C sugar
1 C oil (Yikes! I know, but these are a treat. Maybe next time I'll try applesauce.)

Stir together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.

Whip the eggs, add the pumpkin, sugar and oil.

Mix the dry with the wet, beating until combined.

Spread the batter into a 15 x 10 x 1 pan, sprayed with non-stick spray.

Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes , Cool before frosting


Cream Cheese Frosting for above pumpkin bars

6 ounces of cream cheese
1 C of butter
2 t vanilla
4 C powdered sugar

Beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla until light and fluffy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Spread frosting over cooled pumpkin bars.

These bars should be stored in the refrigerator. They also freeze very well. 
  

Firsts...

1. Who was your FIRST prom date?  Skipped prom to see the Amnesty International Concert in Chicago, with future DH

2.  Do you still talk to your FIRST love?  Every day! And sometimes we do more than just talk!

3.  What was your FIRST alcoholic drink?  Probably a sip of my mother's wine

4.  Who was your FIRST kiss?  There's photographic evidence it was Michael, the boy next door. I think I was 3 or 4. He moved away before Kindergarten started.

5.  Who was the FIRST person to tell you they loved you? Russ from the Axel skating rink. I laughed and he "broke up" with me. How can you be in love in 7th grade?!!

6.  Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning? DH as he wrapped his arm around me.

7.  Who was your FIRST grade teacher?  OMG! I will never forget Ms. Kaveko!!! SHE SCARED ME TO DEATH because she threaten to beat us all the time. I'm not joking. (Hmm... could this be why home schooling appeals to me?) Years later I found out my mother's hairdresser, Gloria, hooked up with Ms. Kaveko's husband. Gloria left the hairdressing business to start the coffee company, Gloria Jean's.

8.  Whose heart did you break for the FIRST time?  I've never broken anyone's heart.

9.  Who was your FIRST best friend and are you still friends with them?  Lisa. We had a falling out in high school, but years later she emailed me and every once in awhile, she'll write me.

10.  What was your FIRST sport played? Does Big Wheel racing count? (I lettered in Badmiton in HS.)

11.  Where was your FIRST sleep over?  Lisa's. The first of many, including the night we foolishly watched The Exorcist.

12.  Who was the FIRST person you talked to today?  DH

13.  Whose wedding were you in for the FIRST time?  My sister Carrie's. I was a "Junior Bride" not old enough to be a bridesmaid, but too old to be a flower girl.

14.  What was the FIRST thing you did this morning? Snuggle with DH

15.  What was the FIRST concert you ever went to?  U2 circa 1986- I was Bono crazy even copying his mullet. I'll have to see if I can scan the photo someday for a good laugh.

16.  FIRST tattoo or piercing?  Mom took me to pierce my ears at age 11. I had the flu at the time but the earrings were on sale.

17.  FIRST foreign country you went to for vacation? I have a thing about planes. They crash. And now that I've seen Titanic, boats are out too. I guess I could always drive to Canada or Mexico?

18.  What was your FIRST run in with the law? 1986- "This ain't no lovers lane!"  DH & I were parking in the school parking lot. We weren't arrested but asked to leave.

19.  When was your FIRST detention?  In high school, the English teacher gave everyone in the class a detention, I can't remember why. All I know is another teacher bailed me out.

20.  What was the FIRST state you lived in? Land of Lincoln! Although he wasn't born there.

21.  Who was the FIRST person to break your heart? DH

22.  Who were your FIRST roommates?  Pyscho roommate from hell, Lindsay - She literally tried to kill me. I'm not lying.  My next roommate was bulimic. I gave up having roommates after that.

23.  Where did you go on your FIRST roller coaster ride?  Six Flags Great America, 5th grade, "The Whizzer". Isn't that a hilarous name for a roller coaster!!

24.  Who will be the FIRST to repost this? Go for it! 

Boob squish and funeral shopping

How's that for a title?

I'm in the mammogram club now. After turning 40 last month, my insurance would now pay for my first screening. Its wasn't bad at all. In fact, I'd rather have a mammogram than go to the dentist. My only complaint is with the engineer, (must have been a man), who designed the mammogram machine. Its not very ergonomic at all. Not that flattening your girls to pancakes is ergonomic, its just the corner of the cha cha plate is not rounded to fit your armpit. I felt more discomfort from the corner digging in to my armpit than I did from the smash. As for being topless, I felt more embarrassed about the no deodorant rule. They give you a poncho to wear, along with a robe, but you can't wear any deodorant or powders. They effect the scan.

DH reminded me we have nothing to wear to Grandma's funeral later this week. The boys live in t-shirts, & jeans. DH's work is casual dress. He hasn't worn a suit since our wedding and even then he wore shorts. (I'll have to scan our wedding photos, but that's another blog story.) DH suggested we all go out shopping for something to wear.

DH hates shopping only a little more than I do. I wasn't looking forward to this, but I knew it had to be done. Well, I think Grandma told God to shine down on us, because at the first store we stopped at, we scored. The place was deserted so we had the fitting rooms to ourselves. Almost everything was on clearance. We picked up 7 pairs of pants, 5 shirts, dress socks, and two pair of swim trunks, (not for the funeral), for $150. Now we don't have to worry about any family photos where everyone else is dressed up and we're wearing skater t-shirts.

Tonight, she's been called home...

We will miss her so dearly! Please pray for my MIL, my DH and our family as we mourn our loss.

Grandma, we look forward to the day we can feel your loving arms around us once again. Give Grandpa a big squeeze for us!

The Way Toys Work, The Science Behind The Magic 8 Ball, Etch A Sketch, Boomerang and More

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Books
Genre:	Science
Author:	Ed Sobey & Woody Sobey

This book caught my eye at the library today. We had it read practically before we arrived back home.

The authors explain not only the history of your favorite playthings, but they also dissect them, figuring out how they work. Some toys have recommendations on how to build your own versions or other experiments to try using your toys.

I don't know if I'll ever try to dissemble an Etch A Sketch, but I'm glad they did! It was interesting to see the inner working of one without getting messy.

They dissemble a Nintendo Entertainment System, which was very interesting, but again, I don't think we'll dissemble ours. I'm sure my boys would hate me if I couldn't get it back together and working again!

I do regret selling our Furby at last year's garage sale. Had I read this book previously, I would have taken him apart. I had no idea how much technology was inside of him!

Got your cheese?

Because I'm bringing on the whine! Feel free to skip this post today, but I just have to get it out so I can move on.

I'm a baby. I'm in pain, and I hate it. Its depressing and spiraling me even deeper. My carpal tunnel wrist is ridiculous. I'm doing what I can, trying to be careful but often I will forget its injured, and I will do something stupid like trying to remove the gallon of milk from the fridgy or I don't know.... hit a volleyball?

Yes, depressed as I was, I thought we should meet with our homeschool homies and play a little sand volleyball. I told myself I could use my right hand and do it one handed style. Wrong! Instinct took over and lefty wanted in on the act. OWIE! OWIE! OWIE!

This morning I was doing a simple, modified, morning Sun Salutation yoga move, and sudden I felt a pop and the muscles in my left shoulder spazzed out. The pain made my stomach curl, and I wanted to assume the fetal position. I quickly jumped into the shower, and the hot water helped a little bit. Its not spazzing right now, but I can't turn my head or take a deep breath without pain. Its crazy how the pain wraps around from the back of my shoulder to the front of my chest.

In another universe where I have money and no other obligations, I'm at the chiropractor right now being taken care of! Instead, I'm off to the grocery store with my coupon for Chips A Hoy!

Watch out for those unschoolers....

They will always end up surprising you.

When my eyelids decided to open, I could hear the sounds of activity already brewing in my nest. At first I thought I had over slept.

Did I miss my morning kiss from DH? No, he's getting ready in the bathroom.

What's that popping noise?

I stumble out into the living room and DS9 announces, "Did you know the tooth fairy doesn't come on Mondays? I have to wait until tonight, because today is 'toothsday'."

"Did you lose a tooth?" How did I miss that?

"Yup. I ate apples until it came out. It hurt a little bit, but not bad. It came out when you were at work."

More popping noise coming from the kitchen- I head that direction and DS12 announces he's made a gun.

"WHAT?!"

All of this before 7:30am? What time did they wake up?

DS12's gun was a toilet tissue roll and a balloon. He had cut the balloon and stretched it over the end of the tube. He'd load it with a penny, pull back on it and fire away. Pennies flew across the room, knocking down plastic cups.

"I wonder if this could break glass?" - DS12

Thank goodness I'm now awake!!

Good times.

My first home made tomato sauce

My neighbor blessed us with lots of fresh garden tomatoes, too many to eat in salads and sandwiches. I decided to try making fresh tomato sauce and I think it came out great! DH loved it too. Next time I don't know if I'll use the carrot because my boys thought it was a little on the orange side, but it actually came together quite easily.

My Home Made Tomato Sauce

First I made a Soffrito. I heated a tablespoon or two of olive oil and then added 1/2 diced onion, 1 diced carrot and 1 diced stalk of celery. I cooked the Soffrito for 15 minutes covered. I then added a few cloves of diced garlic, followed by about 2 pounds of fresh, peeled and seeded tomatoes. I seasoned with Italian seasons, Parmesan cheese, a little salt and pepper to taste. I cooked the sauce down for about 30 minutes, uncovered.

I decided to process, (blender), the sauce to make it smoother. I thought my boys would be more apt to give it a try if they couldn't identify pieces. After I processed it, it took on an orange color rather than red. I decided to add one small can of tomato paste and whalla! Perfecto! We like our sauce a little thick so it sticks well to the pasta.