Sorry girls, last pair (got 'em on Etsy)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Just leave homeschooling out of it
It's good to have friends in high places. Mindy, for example, let me in on a little secret (shhh, don't tell just anyone). An upcoming Momversation will be asking, "Why does homeschooling get such a bad rap?"
Now, don't go getting her into trouble, she simply had some questions. And like all questionable choices I make, I simply had to enlighten her on my creationist views:
"You'd be surprised what a gigantic and powerful culture those creationists are. I'm surrounded by them, and they drive me insane with their conviction (and ignorance), yet, they have political sway and are a force to be reckoned with.
If it weren't for them, I think homeschooling would have a little more respect, and possibly a little more support from the public school systems.
These creationists are definitely feeding their children illogical ideas, and as trusting children, they're gobbling it up. And, they're surrounded by peers who believe the same things, so that only reinforces the insanity.
But, politicians, who are hanging by their nails for votes...they just love having all of these puppets at their disposal. It's quite the sickness."
The rest of it was just boring transcript questions, and silly worries about getting into college. Stay tuned!
Now, don't go getting her into trouble, she simply had some questions. And like all questionable choices I make, I simply had to enlighten her on my creationist views:
"You'd be surprised what a gigantic and powerful culture those creationists are. I'm surrounded by them, and they drive me insane with their conviction (and ignorance), yet, they have political sway and are a force to be reckoned with.
If it weren't for them, I think homeschooling would have a little more respect, and possibly a little more support from the public school systems.
These creationists are definitely feeding their children illogical ideas, and as trusting children, they're gobbling it up. And, they're surrounded by peers who believe the same things, so that only reinforces the insanity.
But, politicians, who are hanging by their nails for votes...they just love having all of these puppets at their disposal. It's quite the sickness."
The rest of it was just boring transcript questions, and silly worries about getting into college. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
It's a trend
Some of the greatest lessons at my homeschooled children's disposal are community driven. One might presume we're not joiners, anti-social elitists, or some other unfair view.
We depend on your offerings, established systems around us, combined with the freedom to choose. If it weren't for dumb schedules to segregate us, silly notions of readiness, you'd find homeschoolers intriguing, not a threat to established views.
Oh, who am I fooling, we're rebels with a cause (darn, I knew it!) Just tryin' to blend in, as if we somehow belonged, aw shucks, screw it. 4-H judges, thanks for showing us the bar, yet again.
We'll never fit in. Be less creative, they said. Don't draw your own graphics, download from the computer instead!
And participants, if you want that blue ribbon, instead of just red (we'll spare you all white)...speak up during judging, look us straight in the eye, those are signs of respect.
Homeschooler raises her hand, "But I'm an artist, I express myself through drawing, are you aware of that fact?"
Sweetie, 4-H Expo Presentations are supposed to be professional, tsk tsk, we expect more from you children than that.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Both a Winner and a Loser, what d'ya know
I've been entering my fair share of contests lately, in hopes of more loot. Afterall, what good are great blog giveaways without eager contestants?
Here, I'm still riding the wave of Anne's giveaway, when Kim from Scrap to My Lu wanders by. "You won! You won the blog design," she announces.
"Yippity dippity doo aye yay!!!" I answer back, wouldn't you?
Not only that, but hundreds of Today's Creative Blog enthusiasts have mosey'd on over, to check out my dire need for an intervention. I hadn't previously noticed my suffering, had you?
Oh well, you know me and my refusal to take the opinions of others seriously. Especially with regards to homeschooling, family values, and now blog design, thank you.
But, if these ladies are willing, I'd probably budge my healthy boundaries over an inch more, or two. Just so long as Sundance doesn't mind me borrowing their wood grain, but I'll pass on the blue. (In addition to incredible prices, they've got freebies, too!)
Here, I'm still riding the wave of Anne's giveaway, when Kim from Scrap to My Lu wanders by. "You won! You won the blog design," she announces.
"Yippity dippity doo aye yay!!!" I answer back, wouldn't you?
Not only that, but hundreds of Today's Creative Blog enthusiasts have mosey'd on over, to check out my dire need for an intervention. I hadn't previously noticed my suffering, had you?
Oh well, you know me and my refusal to take the opinions of others seriously. Especially with regards to homeschooling, family values, and now blog design, thank you.
But, if these ladies are willing, I'd probably budge my healthy boundaries over an inch more, or two. Just so long as Sundance doesn't mind me borrowing their wood grain, but I'll pass on the blue. (In addition to incredible prices, they've got freebies, too!)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
A rip-roarin' good time
I wanted this year to be special, and different. My husband and I compete with the holidays for our birthdays, Capricorns we are.
Armed with Pioneer Woman's Best Chocolate Sheet Cake. Ever. I determined to show sweet Christopher exactly how much he's adored.
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Of course, that meant Colton, our chef-bound 8 year old had to stick his hand in the mix. No, not literally. He simply recalled Carrot Cake as one of Daddy's favorites, or was it the Duncan Hines box tempting him from the pantry.
Anyway, cream cheese frosting has to be made from scratch, so we whipped that baby up.
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Cherry dessert is all Grandma's, my favorite tradition passed down through our family. And not just because it's incredible for breakfast, with whipped cream.
Presents were handmade, per usual, the meaningful kind.
Next year will be better though, I insist that it's true. Because every second I spend as my husband's loved wife, makes me need to say louder,
"Honey, OUR LIVES ARE BEST SPENT LOVING YOU."
Monday, January 5, 2009
Award winning weekend
Well, isn't that charming! I arrived home from a perfectly indulgent weekend, only to find my first blog award in the comments.
(thanks, girl!)
At the very same time, Mindy drops by, and slings me her first official *comment. Color me honored.
Now, Mindy's my favorite blog designer ever. Generous soul that she is, she offered to make my blog over for free, which I declined. Must be my unpretentious genes, I like the simple restrictions of blogspot. Besides, with a bigger and better blog comes bigger and better responsibilities, at least I'd assume.
Take "So Not Domestic", she's giving away A Blog Makeover, which I'd refuse (but entered anyway!)
And then take these five fellow bloggers, who I'm dutifully nominating for their own friendship awards:
Pat's
Maria's
Aphra's
Cynthia's
Jodimichelle's
I now return to my previous New Year celebratin', fruit salad concoctin', Nespresso slurpin' business.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Me no wear no slings
That's Dylan talk for...why do I need a sling, my hips rotate just fine. Perhaps it's my rebel spirit, and my tendency to be cautious of the bandwagons I hitch a ride on. But no matter how many fabulous fabrics your slings come in, or how dire your need to make income on etsy, I laugh as you gals try to wrangle those contraptions on.
Yes, I've heard all the pro-snuggling arguments in existence, and I'm not withholding hugs or bedtime stories, in case that's what you're assuming. No, I simply feel I'm strengthening my core and restoring some semblance of balance when I secure my babies to my hip, old-fashioned.
Some days left, other days right, it doesn't really matter. But as I reach with an arm-and-a-half, 'cause that's what I'm left with, I still manage to run a large household and get all my work done. Well, at least the stuff I'm not subconsciously avoiding.
Leaving me only to wonder, "What does Daphne think?"
Yes, I've heard all the pro-snuggling arguments in existence, and I'm not withholding hugs or bedtime stories, in case that's what you're assuming. No, I simply feel I'm strengthening my core and restoring some semblance of balance when I secure my babies to my hip, old-fashioned.
Some days left, other days right, it doesn't really matter. But as I reach with an arm-and-a-half, 'cause that's what I'm left with, I still manage to run a large household and get all my work done. Well, at least the stuff I'm not subconsciously avoiding.
Leaving me only to wonder, "What does Daphne think?"
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Years Resolve
Perhaps it's because I just turned 35, that my seeking and striving have ended. I'm perfectly content with where I am in my life, and the circumstances that surround me.
I simply want to do more of what I know to be important, only I'll do it better and with less inhibition.
Take cooking for example, and the imaginary resistance that stands in its way.
Buying the ingredients, assembling them intuitively. Most important, showing kids that dedication to nourishment, and happily made memories does come naturally.
A rustic life always has rough edges, in a household my size you can't expect perfection. And perhaps that is what I'll take the most pride in this New Year.
My loving husband by my side, our friendship strong, our inner-knowing. We are going to make 2009 our healthiest year ever.
What's that? Pepperoni and chocolate-drizzled cream puffs aren't considered healthy?
Who in the world told you that? Well, you can listen to whoever you want. Our lives are our own to live, however imperfectly.
And that, I resolve, is what matters. Be blessed.
I simply want to do more of what I know to be important, only I'll do it better and with less inhibition.
Take cooking for example, and the imaginary resistance that stands in its way.
Buying the ingredients, assembling them intuitively. Most important, showing kids that dedication to nourishment, and happily made memories does come naturally.
A rustic life always has rough edges, in a household my size you can't expect perfection. And perhaps that is what I'll take the most pride in this New Year.
My loving husband by my side, our friendship strong, our inner-knowing. We are going to make 2009 our healthiest year ever.
What's that? Pepperoni and chocolate-drizzled cream puffs aren't considered healthy?
Who in the world told you that? Well, you can listen to whoever you want. Our lives are our own to live, however imperfectly.
And that, I resolve, is what matters. Be blessed.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Outlet Love
Before you read any further, I should warn you. My husband has all the taste genes in the family. Sure, I've learned a thing or two about classic design and quality, but I can't help tending towards the kitchy every now and again.
Take these mugs for instance, I long for my children to present me with one bearing "World's Greatest Teacher", while my husband raises his eyebrows at the mere thought of such paraphanalia cluttering up our cabinets.
And though I'd never stoop to such nostalgia as wearing an actual embroidered holiday sweater (unless my friend was the artist), I still long to celebrate my tea drinking with the appropriate seasonal cup.
Now, this one's a little harder to explain.
It's ceramic, or terra cotta rather, and if you knew my friend Jay, and his taste for the eclectic, you'd totally understand why such rustic realism rubs off on me.
Plus these vases, lest you mistake them for sculpture...I can't imagine celebrating next autumn harvest without owning a pair.
Which brings to mind Jason, Jay's partner in Abode design (seriously, check out his apartment). He's all about big presentation in the smallest of spaces.
These mirrors, he would totally respect.
Of course I have my thing for metalwork, Grandma's cookware,
...and imagined trips around the world with good friends.
Take these mugs for instance, I long for my children to present me with one bearing "World's Greatest Teacher", while my husband raises his eyebrows at the mere thought of such paraphanalia cluttering up our cabinets.
And though I'd never stoop to such nostalgia as wearing an actual embroidered holiday sweater (unless my friend was the artist), I still long to celebrate my tea drinking with the appropriate seasonal cup.
Now, this one's a little harder to explain.
It's ceramic, or terra cotta rather, and if you knew my friend Jay, and his taste for the eclectic, you'd totally understand why such rustic realism rubs off on me.
Plus these vases, lest you mistake them for sculpture...I can't imagine celebrating next autumn harvest without owning a pair.
Which brings to mind Jason, Jay's partner in Abode design (seriously, check out his apartment). He's all about big presentation in the smallest of spaces.
These mirrors, he would totally respect.
Of course I have my thing for metalwork, Grandma's cookware,
...and imagined trips around the world with good friends.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Momversations
Jodimichelle first caught my attention when she started throwing Target giftcards around. No, she is not affiliated with Target, it's just her way of overcoming her tendency to hoard, as well as trying to repent for being selfish and greedy. Her assessment, not mine.
I actually find her to be quite bold and courageous, and figured this from the start, as I automatically do of any Momversationalist.
I actually find her to be quite bold and courageous, and figured this from the start, as I automatically do of any Momversationalist.
But Jodimichelle definitely took it to the next level by recording her own segment of a Momversation. And what kind of friend would I be, on the internet or otherwise, if I let her be seen talking only to herself.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Two-year-olds LOVE dollhouses!
My first office
I have a gift for making unbearable basements into office space. Here's the first house I lived in with my new little family, back when I was sure I'd turn out to be a metalworker, you know, as in jewelry design?
Didn't happen.
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