Letterbox gathering

Start:	Jun 21, '08 09:00a
Location:	Kirkland,IL

Birds Of A Feather gathering -MacQueen Forest Preserve - Boone County, IL
3640 Scout Road, Kirkland, IL

(bring cookies!)

Blind Melon Concert!

Start:	May 16, '08 7:00p
Location:	Madison,WI

Whoo hoo!!! I'm going to see Blind Melon again!!!

.33 cents can buy fun

We picked up a laser light on sale for only .33 hoping our kitty Yumi would chase it around for some exercise. So far she's only worked out her neck, preferring to stay put and just watch the red light bounce around.

We've also managed to irritate DH, "Would you stop doing that! I'm trying to watch TV."

And terrorize others, "Don't shine that in my eye! You'll blind me!!"

Today we discovered something really cool. You can play with the light in the bathroom with the light off and watch the symmetry in the mirror.

We also experimented with taking photos. Very cool! I really liked this eyeball looking shot.

How to make a Letterbox

They don't have to be fancy pantzy. A Letterbox need only contain a stamp and logbook. Here I've used an airtight, watertight box, (Lock and Lock brand), my sun carved stamp and sheets of paper folded accordion style.

I think my initial investment when we began Letterboxing was under $10. I bought a kit from Nasco that had two Speedball carving tools and a set of Linoleum steel cutters. A bought a few Saftey Kut blocks that were very easy to carve into for beginners.

After DS12 sliced open his finger directly underneath his fingernail- OUCH!- I bought a special board that helps hold the stamp while you carve- AWAY FROM EXPOSED FLESH! You could make one yourself with scrap wood. I've learned how to keep my hand away from the direction the blade is sliding. There's a how to video on You Tube I just cringe at when I watch it because the artist is carving towards her skin not thinking about what could happen if her carving knife slips.

I'm not a great carver. I do draw and carve my stamps free hand, but for me the fun of Letterboxing is in the hunt!  I like finding the hiding spots and writing the clues. I've found some stamps that were real works of art. I can only imagine how long it took the artists to carve out such detail. Maybe I'll get better over time.

I tried to find inexpensive log books in stores and wasn't happy with any I could find. They were either too big, or had lined paper. I finally decided its only paper. Who cares if my log books don't have a binding? Maybe someday I'll try to make more official log books, but Letterboxes occasionally do walk off. I'd hate to invest all that time into sewing together log books to have them disappear.

I like to write imaginative clues, and DH thinks I get a little carried away role playing. I can't help it. I like to play pretend, especially in an enchanted grove of trees! I've seen others write really cryptic clues that takes the fun out of it for kids. Some clues are written so there's no challenge what so ever. I hope I'm landing somewhere in the middle.

Two great websites to check out for more info on Letterboxing are:
www.letterboxing.org
www.atlasquest.com

Our family's trail name is the Frog-A-Nobies after a beloved Jedi frog we once shared our home with before he joined Yodi and Obi-Wan. The boys have their own personal stamps as well, but I don't post their trail names for privacy concerns. (Heck, I've never posted their real names online either!) We're always Letterboxing as a family anyway. Its safer that way.

The worse experience we've ever had Letterboxing was a serious wood tick attack. We were out for only 20 minutes before we ran back to the van and stripped! We had dozens of wood ticks underneath our clothes in such a short time. A week later they closed this particular state park because the ticks were so bad.

Not all Letterboxes are hidden in woods. I just prefer the ones that are. I have a thing for trees you see. I just have to decide if its worth it to duct tape my clothes to my body so the ticks can't crawl underneath!

Busy weekend in progress

Sorry I've been MIA. I've been working on getting my workshops ready for our homeschooling conference next weekend. I'm so excited!

We took a road trip to Oshkosh yesterday to finalize hiding spots for around 20 boxes. The weather turned out to be freezing cold! I should have worn my winter coat and mittens. What happened to spring?! I hope next weekend the sun comes out, but it will probably rain on my Letterboxing fun.

The boys rode back and forth really well even though we crammed into the Cavalier to save gas. The drive isn't too bad, around 1 1/2 hours. Speaking of gas, we witnessed a crime almost committed. There was a jerk of a driver who said he was at a different gas pump. He paid the $20 bill and then tried to drive off. The station clerk ran outside to stop him as soon as they realized his bill was for over $60. It was pretty exciting as the store clerk threw his body in front of the guy's truck!

On the roadtrip we saw huge windmills south of Fond Du Lac. They looked kind of scary actually. I'm for earth friendly energy, but I've been reading more about the controversy. I guess these huge windmills can cast strobe effect shadows and cause neurological problems for the families who have to live nearby. The turbines can get noisy too. They may be building these 4 story windmills just south of our township.

It hasn't been a good weekend for movies for me. Its been all guy movies and I guess I'm just not in the mood. DH and DS12 enjoyed Cloverfield, but I thought this movie stunk big time! I can't stand shaky camera shots and an entire movie of them is beyond nauseating. (Maija- stay clear of Cloverfield!) I thought the monster was weak. Last night we settled in after the road trip to watch Alien Vs Predator II. I just rolled over and tried to fall asleep. Some nights I wish I had given birth to girls rather than boys.

To bring a fantastic close to our weekend, I'm ordering Falbo's. I haven't had good pizza in over a month. I've eaten good for days but now I need to feed my soul! Thin crust cheesy goodness is needed!

DS13

Low fat granola recipe

Yes I wear Birkenstocks and make my own granola. Here's my inexpensive, low fat version.

Easy, very basic, homemade low fat Granola

4 1/2 C old fashioned oats
1/3 C chopped almonds
2 t cinnamon
1/4 C apple juice
1/4 C brown sugar
1 T olive oil

Toss the above together and place on a large cookie sheet or jelly roll pan

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes

Stir granola

Bake for another 15 minutes

Allow the granola to cool and then add your favorite dried fruits. Today I had on hand dried blueberries, orange flavored cranberries and raisins. This tastes great with cold vanilla soy milk or yogurt.

Thursday 13 Purge

Once again, it really didn't take very long to round up at least 13 things to purge from my home.

1. Hungry Hungry Hippos- I have no idea where the marbles are but perhaps some other kid can round up enough marbles to play this game. Its noisy, rowdy and won't be missed!

2. Mr. Coffee- I hope my mother isn't reading this. Every time my parents visit after their Arizona adventure they bring me a coffee maker. I'm not really a big time coffee drinker. Maybe once a week I'll brew a cup- mixed with 1/2 soy milk. I have a tiny 4 cup coffee maker that works just fine. Mr. Coffee was last year's hand me down coffee maker.

3. Ms. Braun Coffee maker- This year's hand me down coffee maker which made its appearance after my parent's return. They must have forgotten they had given me a coffee maker last year.  She and Mr. C are parting ways, to set up shop in separate coffee drinking homes. 

Mom, if you are reading this. I love you, but it doesn't make sense for me to store 3 different coffee makers in my basement. Two other families will now be blessed with coffee makers.

4. & 5. two pair of shorts too short for DS9 who's growing like a weed!

6. Matthew 5:5 bear drawing "Blessed are the gentle for they shall inherit the earth." Personally I prefer the "meek" translation. I think an old neighbor gave us this when DS12 was born. It no longer goes with our decor.

7.& 8. plastic drinking bottles- These are just not functional for someone like me. I worry about being able to get them absolutely clean. I hate plastic too. I can taste it.

9. A set of pillow cases- I have no sheets to match these, plus DH and the boys would prefer to not rest their manly heads on flowers.

10.11.& 12. Towels- We have more than enough of these. My linen closet would shock you.

13. Trick or Treat bowl- This used to have a scary hand that would grab you as you reached for candy. It still works but the hand has decayed away. That's what you get for latex. I didn't throw it out because while the hand was decaying, it actually added to the creep factor. Maybe someone will find it at Goodwill and stick a stuffed glove over it.

The concert was great!

I have such admiration for Joe Jackson's piano playing. It always makes me want to try lessons again. To be able to sit at the piano and bring songs to life is such a gift!

My big complaint is that he didn't play my song. My favorite song is Rush Across The Road from his most recent album, Rain. I was looking forward to it and he never gave it to me. He thanked the crowd for being flexible and understanding because they changed the set list. DH told me in all the previous shows he has played it. For some reason last night in Milwaukee he didn't. I did at least get to hear my second favorite, A Place In The Rain.

We had gotten there early to be sure our tickets were at will call. They were! Yeah! To kill time, we walked along the river running through downtown Milwaukee. I shouldn't have worn heels but it was date night! Its better to look good than to feel good on date night right?!

The Pabst Theater is gorgeous. I would definitely see another show there. After entering the theater and taking our prime 6th row seats, a waitress came to our seats to see if we needed anything to drink. This was unexpected. Its a theater seating 1700 people, like a movie theater, and here was a waitress delivering drinks. I guess I'm not used to grown up concerts!

The downside to the alcohol service is there are always people who don't know when to say when, even at a Joe Jackson concert! After the show, I caught a drunk lady who couldn't maneuver the incline back to the theater doors. Her man had to carry her out.

Why would people do this? Why pay all that money for tickets only to get trashed? Can she even remember the concert? I'm not a drinker. I don't get it.

In an Alternate Universe, DH and I are rich enough to not have to work and we have tickets for Joe's concert in Chicago this Thursday. I could listen to him play all night long. He may not be easy on the eyes, (sorry Joe), but this man sings and plays with such conviction you can't take your eyes off him!

There Will Be Blood

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

After watching this movie, I felt like I needed a shower.

I'm only giving this movie 3 stars instead of 2 because of the music and Daniel's performance. The music is what kept me invested in this movie for 2/3rds of it.

It was interesting to see how oil drilling was done back then. Not a job I would want for myself, my husband or my children no matter how much money it paid.

I made a hat!

Despite having serious internet outages (Curse you Charter!) we had a great weekend. My parents stopped in for a quick visit on their way back from Arizona. Unfortunately, for medical reasons, they had to head back to Minnesota early.

They brought us a Knifty Knitter, and I cranked out a new knit cap. It came together rather quickly and now I'm hooked- no pun intended!

We had beautiful weather, and I'm sorry to report I have my first sunburn of the season. I always forget to use sunscreen until after a painful reminder! Its mostly on my forearms so I have this wonderful trucker sunburn look going.

I'm bummed because I was going to wear my shiny shirt for our date night tonight. We're going to see Joe Jackson- (still crossing my fingers tickets will be at will call.) If I wear this blouse, you'll see my burn lines against my bone white skin. Not very sexy for date night. Hmmm...I wonder what coverup would look like on my arms? Or should I try blush on my upper arms to make them look pink to match? I should just pick another top, I know.

I have a new mission to research Gooseberry bushes and plant one after summer. My mom shared some Gooseberry jam she had, and now I'm craving it. I think Gooseberry Jam is more of a European thing. I know you can buy it in Sweden,
 and the jar my mom had was from Poland. My mom wants to grow her own bushes and make her own jam. I'll have to copy this idea!

Well, its time to start baking corn bread. We have more company coming in today, DMIL. I'm going to have black bean soup ready and corn bread goes perfect with it. Hope you have a great Monday!

Juno

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Independent

I loved the writing and definitely see why she won the Oscar! The ending was beautiful and perfect!

Darkside Dawn is back

I know I should be happy. The weekend is almost here. My parents will be visiting tomorrow. I may be seeing Joe in concert on Monday night. However, Darkside Dawn is here. I'll let her vent and then hopefully she'll go away.

1. The debt monkey monster- The "good" car broke down yesterday. We just put $200 into it in March. Today's bill- $800! I hate cars. The car is one payment away from being paid off. I guess we could look at the repair costs as just another year's worth of car payments. WHERE'S MY REBATE CHECK SO I CAN STIMULATE OUR MECHANIC? Hey...is the government pimping me out? Looking at our piling debt and the inflation nightmare we're all in right now, I can't see this monkey ever climbing off my back.

2. The job search is stalling and last night the pool owner dropped the bombshell news- she may sell the pool I work at! This is yet another sign I need to develop my own business, but I'm at a loss as to what to do. (If I had more time I'd insert the clip from "Say Anything" here. "I don't want to sell anything manufactured, bought or sold...")

Okay wait. Stop! Dawnside Dawn realizes all these worries she's about to list are financial. I'm slapping her across the face and telling her to SNAP OUT OF IT, Cher in Moonstruck style! (Again if I had more time, I'd insert clip here.)

Here's what the real Dawn will do today rather than dwell on financial stress;

1. Pray
2. Clean the nest.
3. Exchange DH's shoes
4. Drop off the bags of stuff at Goodwill
5. Return library stuff
6. Buzz DS9's hair- As much as we love it longer, he doesn't like it. He wants to go short.
7. Its cookie Friday at the corner gas station. 3 for a buck. Hey, Darkside Dawn's okay with it?
8. Count my blessings!

Thursday 13

My first "Purge", Thursday 13! I know its mostly clothes. Actually I have a huge bag of clothes, more than 13 items, but the object of this blog post is to make sure every Thursday, I'm purging at least 13 things from my cluttered home.

1. Light fleece yellow blankie

2. My spare pair of eyeglasses

3. My spare, spare pair of eyeglasses
  (Now I'll have to buy new glasses since I won't have any spare pairs left! The ones on my head right now are so outdated, they need to become the spare, and I need to update my look.)

4. Lands End Swim trunks- made it through 2 boys and they still are in great shape!

5. A pair of navy pants

6. orange t-shirt

7. pair of shorts my children never wore

8. black t-shirt

9. gray polo shirt

10. burgundy shirt

11. Lands End polar fleece pullover- again this went through 2 boys and its like brand new. I hate getting rid of it, but the fact is it doesn't fit anyone living in my house!

12. Baby gate - My baby is 9. I don't think I need a baby gate anymore!

13. Cereal container - This is one of my moron purchases. Cereal already comes in bags & boxes. Why did I think keeping it in a "space saving" container was a good idea?

The Whipping Boy

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Books
Genre:	Childrens Books
Author:	Sid Fleischman

DS12 - The book's too short. I guess I'd give it 3.5. I kind of recommend it.

DS9- I give it 2 stars. There's these bandits and Prince Brat who is very selfish.

Me- It was a challenge for me to read out loud because of Jemmy's accent, but I enjoyed it. I had to make baked potatoes after reading chapter 18!

Here's a website with activities and questions to go along with the book

http://www.mce.k12tn.net/reading8/whipping_boy.htm

I'm having a love affair...

with my HUSBAND!!! He called me at work last night and told me Blind Melon is coming to Madison. I wanted to scream and yaaaa hooo it up, but I had to remain composed. The lobby was full of pool guests.

"That's great news dear. Did you get us tickets?" Inside I'm screaming and jumping like a kid. He's going to try and order tickets online for us today. I'm hoping they are not sold out.

The concert will be just two weeks after our 15th wedding anniversary. It also will mark 21 years we've been a couple. I like to say we got hitched on our 7 year itch! LOL!

I can't imagine my life without my husband, and recently I've learned of the sudden deaths of two homeschooling husbands, only in their 50's.  They weren't friends of ours, but it's still scary to think, what would I do? I can't see myself as a widow and single parent. I'm too much of a wimp! He's my best friend too! Its so unthinkable to me!!

We have insurance and extended family, but I can only imagine the void left would be colossal. If not for my children, I don't know where I'd find the will to go on.

Its just a reminder I need to cherish every day and cherish every pet peeve! I may get frustrated knocking over the stack of CDs I just hit with my foot under the computer desk, but that toppled stack is there because DH is! I'm grateful I have laundry and dishes waiting for me everyday because it means my loved ones are here with me making the mess!

I have to remember to take better care of myself to be able to really enjoy the days I've been given to be with my family. DH has been doing awesome with his fitness goals, but I continue to slip up. For example, although I walked to and from the grocery store yesterday, I stupidly decided to drink the last of the chocolate milk so I could fit the new gallon into the fridge. Now I'm wheezing. Dairy triggers my asthma.

I skipped the fresh baked cookies at work and ate my apple, but when I got home, I dove into the ones at home. At least my home baked ones are the new low fat recipe I've been using. I have to recognize my weakness and learn to overcome them. I think that's a big deal for me.

I need to love myself as much as I love my husband. I need to love myself enough to want to get healthy so I can continue to share my life with those I love! 

Crunchies Recipe

Crunchie Recipe

Slice day old French bread into cubes

Toss the cubes with olive oil, lightly coating the bread cubes

Shake seasonings onto the cubes, stirring to coat the cubes
    We use Garlic powder, Italian seasons & Parmesan cheese, but feel free to flavor as you wish. We coat our cubes pretty well, shaking lots of spice onto them!

Spread the cubes out evenly on a cookie sheet

Bake the cubes in a 375 degree oven for 10 minutes or until lightly toasted

They taste amazing right out of the oven. Storing airtight they will last weeks in the pantry- if you don't eat them first!
 

What Unschooling looked like 4/14 for DS9

Many people wonder what a typical unschooling day looks like. There really isn't a typical day, but to give you an idea of what one day could look like, I recorded everything the boys did yesterday. I have permission from DS9 to post his day on the blog. (DS12 is still thinking about it.)

DS9's Unschooling Day for April 14th, 2008

Woke up around 8:00am

Read game guide books

Ate breakfast- waffles & milk

Played with Magnetics (He knows not to put them in his mouth!)

Laundry chores with mom

Went outside to garden with mom
    Pulled up last year's annuals and examined root structure
    Found a new ground squirrel hole
    We heard a woodpecker but couldn't find him!
    Helped mom move the patio furniture

First Aid! -Mom got a bad splinter

Made "Crunchies"- (These are homemade croutons. We use old bread, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasons and parmesan cheese.)

Created his own Wacky Packages- DS9 designs trading cards like the Wacky Package cards. By doing this, he practiced writing, spelling, rhyming words and alliteration.

Discussed the 3 second rule with mom! (health)

Lunch - crunchies, carrots, ranch dressing, milk

Magnetics

Studied booby traps (Should I be concerned?)LOL!

More reading on his own

Helped Mom clean up the guest room

Got cozy in the newly cleaned guest room and listened to mom read out loud from the Whipping Boy

Checked the mail

Had a long talk with mom about feeling frustrated and disappointed when a package you expect doesn't come in the mail. Discussed what a business day is and how mail moves across the country. Discussed how to help yourself feel better after being disappointed.

Outside play with Posse Rats home from school- rode bikes, tag, skateboarding, 500 catch

Sorted and organized his trading cards

Hunted for his lost wallet

After finding the wallet, decided to count his money

Chilled out with Spongebob

Turned off Spongebob after 15 minutes and decided to play his SP (hand held video game)

Dad's home! Time for supper!

Worked a math riddle that DS12 shared with the family at supper- Would you rather, starting with a penny, double your money every day for 30 days or receive $10,000 every day for 30 days? Which do you think is a better deal?!  Try it out!

7:00pm - DS9 tells me he's been counting the hours he's awake (14). He notices he has about 3 hours left!

Sorted out cards he wants to sell at Grandma's upcoming garage sale- Counting chickens before they hatch, he figures he can make over $200!

TV- watched Cat Scratch for 30 minutes

Played Wii while dad ran on the treadmill

TV- watched a little of Smokey and the Bandit with dad- DS9 discussed how people would have been killed if trucks and police cars really played chicken!

10:00pm Bed

To translate this into education-ese- DS9 practiced math, language arts, science, physical education, social studies and health. We learn by living it!

Startling Lives

http://startlinglives.blogspot.com/
Melissa's unschooling blog

Minute Musings (mi-nute, not min-ute)

http://mi-nutemusings.blogspot.com/
Paige's unschooling blog