Costume update

Ah, yeah. The vote is in: Andrew hates costumes. Here's the proof. That face says "Get me out of this thing." Poor fellow.

I think we'll just hand out candy (along with a coupon for my jewelry for the moms, heehee) and then go to a neighbor friend's for pizza later. No costumes required.

Happy Halloween!

Unless you don't celebrate it, of course...in that case, just Happy Wednesday. It will remain to be seen as to whether Andrew dresses up...I tried to put his costume on (I borrowed it, no money spent) and he hated it. He doesn't like clothes. I wish he could go as a streaker.
Here's my festive Halloween front door, though! :)

If he ends up dressing up and going out with his Aunty, I'll post those pictures later, of course.
Have fun, whatever you're doing!

Yup, I caught it

This bug is relentless. I was up all night last night and feel pretty yucked out as of today. Andrew seems to to completely recovered but still no appetite. I pray that Drew doesn't catch it--that would be the worst. So we're laying low today. I had a sip of water--so thirsty--so we'll see how that settles. Next I'm heating a corn bag for my back.
Andrew just found me and is saying "Bye bye?" I said, "Where would we go?" and he said, "Car...out." So cute. Where does he think he's going?? He must be getting cabin fever from being home all weekend. Aaaaaw. Lots of books and videos for him today. Mommy's out of commission!!

Sunday Coffee Talk

Yes, it's already 11:30...yes, it's a Sunday and not a Saturday...yes, my cup of coffee is long gone...why??? In two words: stomach bug. Andrew's got one. Yuckers. BUT, he is so verbal now, he's been saying "hurt" and holding his belly just before he...loses it. Amazing, his talking. He started saying his back hurt on Friday but didn't actually barf until Friday night. Then all day yesterday, he was a little dopey and out of sorts, still saying "hurt," but we thought it was just for the attention, maybe...but sure enough, he did the "pukey time" around 11:00 last night, then again a few times since. He asked for water in the middle of the night, too. As of this morning, he's had mama's milk and some diluted juice and is sleeping a lot, but hasn't puked since 7:00am. So...we'll see. Poor fellow. At least he can kind of tell us what's wrong now.
He was whiny and cranky yesterday and, yes, a little annoying...and, yes, I got a little irritated. After all, I was busy!! But I told Drew last night (after Andrew eventually threw up), I often remind myself that when a child is being their most unlovable, that's when they need our love the most. He was probably miserable off and on all day, and how else is he going to tell me except to say "hurt" and want to nurse and be held and have my attention?? That's what adults do when we're sick! It was the toddler equivalent of rolling around on the couch all day, groaning "I don't feel so good. Bring me some juice. Rub my back. Uuuuuugh..."
So I'm glad I did listen to him and hold him a lot and respect his feelings. I would've felt terrible if I'd have been short with him or had ignored him. He was sick!! So that was just a reminder to me--listen to your child. Don't dismiss him or his feelings. Treat him like a close friend, not a nuisance. Y'know??
ANYwho, I was going to participate in a neighborhood craft show yesterday but there was already a jewelry rep there from my company so I backed out. And I'm so glad I did! I ended up having a mini-show at my house and sold almost $200!! Plus I was able to get so much done around the house and actually do a little extra in preparation for the tea party--and NOT just stuff a bunch of stuff in a closet!! Heehee. Plus, I was able to tend to my sick little dude and keep him home with his mommy where he belongs when he isn't well.
So...here's me in my tea party outfit with my jewelry. Most of it was borrowed but with my upcoming shows, I'm hoping to build my inventory to about as much as you see here (there was more than this, but the gal I borrow from does the business full time). The thinking is "people buy what they see," so the more you can have out, the better! Plus it's more to choose from when you get dressed every day! :)

So...the tea party was wonderful, as usual. A couple "regulars" and a few first-timers, which is great. I love that mix! And the food was lovely--a nice variety. I know I enjoyed myself and I know a couple of the gals definitely needed a chance to just sit, relax and chat with "the girls." That's why I host them!! So another tea party, come and gone! The next one will be for Valentine's Day!
Here's a picture of the spread:
Today Drew and I didn't go to church today, of course, and are gonna be pretty low key. I'm gonna throw a roast in the crock pot for dinner, assuming Drew and I don't come down with this thing in the meantime. I'm praying that we don't.
I hope you had a nice weekend, but without a sick kid!!

Tea Party and Jewelry Invite

Assuming you live in the Phoenix area and actually know me, consider this your invitation to come over this weekend! I'll have tons of jewelry out for you to see, try on and purchase. I have my own inventory, plus I'm borrowing from my friend.
You've got almost all day Friday or Saturday to choose from!!
Friday you're welcome to come shop any time until 10:00pm (no kidding). Just call to tell me you're on your way.
Then on Saturday, I'll have a table set up at the park next to our house for our neighborhood craft show from 10-2. I'm ALSO hosting a Fall Potluck Tea Party at my house at 3:00 on Saturday! I'd love to see you, no matter when you come! So far, I know we're having deviled eggs, scones with lemon curd, lil' sandwiches, pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies to die for and I'm making a Pampered Chef "cool veggie pizza." You can bring something sweet--even store-bought cookies!!
Just e-mail or call me for more info.!
Here's a few pictures from past events to entice you!
March 2005, two days after I found out I was pregnant:

Mom and I at my Valentine's Day tea this year:

About how much jewelry I'll have (this was my boutique event this time last year):

And a typical spread:

Just let me know when to expect you! Hope you can drop by...

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

At back-to-school time, there's a Staples commercial of a dad shopping for his kids' back-to-school stuff and the kids are totally grumpy and mad-faced about going back, meanwhile the dad is literally dancing in the aisles with joy! It's hilarious. So when things get a little hectic--birthday time, holidays, etc.--my mom and I sing that song and smile. One person's joy is another's misery!! So thinking about the upcoming holiday season and the fact that almost every weekend from now to the end of the year has a major event already--that song is running through my head. Exciting, yes. Overwhelming, yes. Very mixed emotions. So much to do, so little money, right?? :)
I'm starting my Christmas shopping, too...mostly with my favorite direct sales companies, because that's where I like to begin. I have to place a Tupperware order this week and one of my favorite items is on sale--plus it's red and white! So several people will be getting THAT. I'm thinking about a hostess gift, too, for a friend that hosts a dessert party each year--you know who you are! :) I want my gifts to be special...and practical. I'm workin' on it.
Anyway, things are a bit busy at the moment...but my class at church is over, which is nice. Six weeks is about right. Then I get a week off before attending a class a friend of mine is teaching in the book of James. I'm looking forward to doing a true Bible study and NOT leading it! :) Digging into the Word is going to be fun.
Besides that, I've got a couple events at my house this weekend, another one at my house NEXT weekend, two jewelry shows the next week, then...oh, don't even get me started on the rest of November. Madness, I tell you!!! Birthdays galore, including my 30th, besides a wedding, Thanksgiving and the usual craziness!! Yow-za!!
So...in lieu of all that, I really want to prioritize my daily alone time with God. I may try to set up my sacred space again, to actually have a place to GO, and all my tools close at hand. I want to get back into journaling, too. I don't mind being "busy"--I thrive on it, actually--but I don't want to lose touch with God in the midst of it all. In fact, staying connected to Him will be the only thing that will sustain me. So now, before it gets too overwhelming, I want to reinstitute that daily habit and make sure it "sticks." I'll consider that my gift to myself!

Retreat Report

I'll start at the end. If you're wondering how Andrew did in my absence, I'm pleased to report that he had a great time with his dad and slept better than he does when I'm here.
Also, I arrived home and Andrew headed straight for my mom, drug her to his room to play and pushed me out. Hi and I miss you, too, says I. Sheesh. He acted like I'd been to the mailbox and back. Or really, like I wasn't there at all!! And certainly not like I'd been gone for two full days!! Crazy, huh? He's growing up!! He has given me a few extra hugs and kisses since then and definitely took full advantage of mama's milk last night and today.
Also important to report is that Drew worked like a dog cleaning our house while I was gone! It's the iPod...he gets to listen to his shows and his music and doesn't mind the work. Y'know how you--well, if you're like me--prioritize the public areas of your home first? Our master bedroom, bath and closet and the office are always last on the organizational to-do list. I've worked on them a little here and there, but...they're still the areas that usually remain closed off when we have company. Well, Drew went to town on them!! I discovered our room first and was amazed that he'd not just cleaned up, but actually sorted, organized and even got rid of stuff!! He also hung some mirrors and put out a bunch of framed photos...it's lovely! Later, I saw the office. Again, not just picking up but he went through old boxes from when I'd last tackled it and totally reorganized his desk. Now all I have to do is sort some of my business stuff and prettify MY desk. Later in the evening, after walking past a bag marked "Goodwill" several times, I was telling Drew how now I could start working on the master closet but that he'd have to help me cuz I'd need to put stuff up on the highest shelf and have him sort through his winter clothes, etc. and he said, "Yeah, I bet if I did that, I'd have a whole bag of Goodwill stuff." I gasped and was like, "Noooo!" but YES, he'd done the master closet, too!! Unbelievable. There's now a huge pile of clean towels in there, plenty of room to actually "walk in," blankets and pillows up high and space for more clothes! I'm still kind of in shock. What an amazing gift!! He knows my love language is acts of service, too, so my love tank will be full for a long time!! :) And now I just have to do the fun stuff!! I can hardly wait! Maybe we'll have a holiday open house this year! :)
So that was sure nice to come home to and now I feel much better about the impending holiday season being so close. In Fly Lady terms, I'm a perfectionist, meaning that when I'm not sure I can complete a project perfectly, I never start it. I'm the type where--with the house having those "off-limits areas"--I didn't feel free to, say, bring out my sewing machine or work on my scrap booking. But once I finish my part of what Drew started, I feel like I can finally pick up my old hobbies and really enjoy myself again!! WithOUT feeling like I'm letting a bunch of old projects go unfinished or like I'll just be adding to the mess. So I just feel so much better all the way around! Thanks, hubby I love!!
SO ON TO THE ACTUAL RETREAT!! Heehee. It was awesome! I was touched by our speaker's heart and her message and the whole retreat really had a "back to basics" theme for me: to preach Christ crucified, to be in God's Word every day and to love Him and love others. Totally basic stuff, but that I SO needed to be reminded of. We like to complicate things, don't we?? Theological debates, how to be IN the culture without being OF the culture, Godly parenting, political activism, super-intense Bible studies, the list goes on. And those are good things!! BUT, at the end of the day, it's all about our relationship with God and what we did to further His kingdom. Not just "doing" stuff but being about His work with a heart tuned into Him. Knowing what the Bible says, sharing our faith with others and living in a way that brings God glory. Walking our own journey and not obsessing about what other people are doing or what other people think of us. So simple! But not easy.
My mom taught a class on prayer and journaling that inspired me to prioritize spending time with God every morning--even just for five minutes. Sort of checking in with Him before the day gets crazy. And journaling again, because it's something I really enjoy--kind of like I do here! :) I no longer use the "I'm busy" excuse to explain not getting to things. I DO prioritize certain things! I didn't not return a call because I was busy--I just had fifteen other things that I prioritized first and the call never got done! It's just a matter of what's at the top of the list. So now, daily time with God--in the morning--is at the very top of the list. I know that will set the tone for the rest of the day. And if I have more time to devote to it later in the day, great! But at least I'll have that five minutes.
Beyond that, it was so refreshing to be away from home and away from chores, to enjoy the cool mountain air, to get to know some ladies better and meet new ones, to cut up and have fun, to study the Bible and hear solid teaching, to eat yummy food and indulge in multiple cups of coffee...it was just good. Good, good, good! God is good!!
Here's a little list of highlights to summarize:
1. Mexican Train that got very rowdy and competitive
2. jelly beans on our pillow
3. a walk through the woods to and from meals
4. hilarious rounds of Catch Phrase
5. beautiful women lifting their voices to God in praise...
and so much more!
The pictures are of the view from near our cabin and of my sister-in-law and together.
THANKS to those of you who were praying for us all weekend--God bless you for it!
Here's one last one of my mom and I.

I'm "off" this weekend

I'm off tomorrow morning and headed to a camp in the high country of Arizona for our church's women's retreat for the weekend. Doesn't it look wonderful??

Which also means I'm "off duty" from diaper changes, cooking, cleaning, housework, etc. And "off" my blog, too! Naturally, I'll have lots to report on Sunday and lots of pictures. I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I can hardly wait to get away for a few days for some quality time with the ladies--and to wear long sleeves!! :)
See ya back here Sunday night...

Thursday's sweet moment

So we had four kids in the car after we picked up my friend's son and his buddy from preschool--ages 1, almost 2, 4 and 5--and one of them started making a funny noise with his mouth, which made all four of them giggle uncontrollably. Then they all started making different variations of the same noise and laughing. My friend said, "Oh, my gosh, all four kids are cracking up!" It was the sweetest sound! I turned in my seat and all four of them were just smiling and giggling--it was precious. I said, "I'll have to put that on my blog." So there ya go. I hope you have a sweet moment today, too!!

Seriously...are you checking???

YET AGAIN, bargains galore at Target!! Praise God, Andrew was happy to munch in the stroller, then FELL ASLEEP!! Giving me over an hour to shop--peacefully--in Target with my popcorn and diet drink. Woo-hoo!! I stocked up on clearance party stuff for my birthday (and finally decided on a theme for my party), got three much-needed fall tees on sale, got a little card and gift for my boss for Boss's Day, and...drum roll please...a new bra!! That isn't a nursing bra!! Woo-hoo!! Feels great on, very smooth and flattering, and the perfect shade of beige to go under everything. Oh, it was good!!
Oh, and I got a cute baby gift I have to ship to Yuma. I wanted something flat so I got a cute flowered onesie and the Sassy "Who Loves Baby?" photo book. They have a new version now!! This is the old one:

Now it's longer and has scalloped edges, even cuter!! Just FYI! :)
So I'm checking things off on my to-do list for the upcoming church retreat this weekend. I'm SO looking forward to getting away with the girls!! Cooler temperatures, good food, great teaching, fun activities...I can hardly wait!!
Anyway, really...check the clearance racks and bins at Target. I got my mom some really snazzy "P" notecards for 75 CENTS!! And my birthday invitations were $1.25 for 8--and are super cute!! And go with the theme to boot. But, like, the other initial stationary was $1.98, but the "P" and "Q" was 75 cents, probably cuz it's the least popular. So you really have to look!! Which I can't normally do, but today I could!! Thank you, Lord!! I love bargains!!

Monday's "Didja Know??"

Didja know...my "guilty pleasures?"
Instead of one fact, I'm gonna do a list this time. Some may be more surprising than others. One look at my hips and the food items wouldn't be any surprise. Feel free to refer back when shopping for my birthday gift in November! :)
1. Cheezits. Love 'em. All the flavored ones are good, too.
2. Origins Shedonism and Nightamins. The best.
3. Chocolate, mainly dark. Love Dove, Junior Mints, truffles, fudge, cherry cordial kisses, you name it.
4. Target. Just wandering through the store is a treat, but actually buying stuff is even better. When I really need a "fix," I buy myself some popcorn or candy and a diet Coke to enjoy while I browse.
5. Cigars. Yes, I indulge in the occasional cigar. It's gotta be smooth and sweet. It makes me feel kinda cool. Puts me in touch with my masculine side, too.
6. A Caramel Frappacinno from Starbucks. With whip cream, naturally. Even better, a muffin to go along with it.
7. Chik-Fil-A. Costs more than buying from the dollar menu elsewhere, but it is soooo worth it. Just a chicken sandwich, waffle fries and a lemonade and I'm in Heaven.
8. Writing. Here's a Didja Know...that I'm a published writer?? Was the first ever "copy editor" of my award-winning high school yearbook, too. My advisor invented the title cuz I was so good at it--and enjoyed it! I love to write stories, have since like second grade. I love to stay up late and work on a story--hours pass like minutes, it's awesome. I like writing notes, too. I know people love getting something in the mail other than bills or junk. Stationary is another guilty pleasure.
9. Touring model homes. Of course I'm not in the market, but it's so fun to see the newest decorating trends and imagine living in a picture-perfect house. Gives me lots of great decorating ideas!!
10. Naps. I do this a lot. I still do the "Nap when the baby naps" thing and it makes all the difference in the world.
Ok, looking over this list, they're really just "pleasures" cuz I don't really feel guilty indulging!! It's rare for me to do anything for myself and, hey--I deserve it! You do, too!! I wanna know...what do you to pamper yourself??

Saturday fun

Yes, today was another Red Hat event, this time for a picnic and museum outing in Mesa, AZ. Lovely weather and Mom brought my lunch, so that was a treat! The museum had lots of neat history, cool exhibits and HUGE dinosours!! Drew would love it so we'll have to go on a date night there sometime. Andrew will love in in a year or two. We went window shopping afterward and found this oversized, PINK cement chair--isn't it a riot??
We also went into one of those shops...has this ever happened to you?? Where you like EVERYTHING?? You just want to move in? It takes you an hour to walk throug the store because you have to examine every nook and cranny and you don't want to miss anything?
I keep a "Dream Home" file of pictures and clippings of homes, rooms and items I collect that speak to me. It has served me well because when I find one of the specific items--or just something that personifies a certain look or feel from a room I've admired--I buy it with complete confidence. So...it was like someone took all my clippings and put them into this store!! Lots of florals, somewhat French Country, rustic, feminine, homey...fabulous. Here's a couple pictures of the store.


I also e-mailed the pictures to a gal who's been helping me organize and prettify our house and she definitely "gets" the look, so...hopefully we can edit and add to what I have to create that feeling. Even before it was so popular, I loved the "Live well, laugh often, love much" motto and have seen many, many versions of it on signs and artwork, but they had a "Live, Laugh, Love" piece framed in black that also said, "The best things in life aren't things." It's the best one I've seen. I think my mom is considering giving it to me as a birthday gift. I must've pointed out ten different things I would love to get as a gift but just about anything in there would be wonderful.
One neat thing they did was put a little bistro table and chairs up on a brick "patio." Just a slab of bricks, right on the carpet! Imagine that in your home. It would be like eating on your back porch, only inside! So now I'm thinking about putting up a cafe curtain in my front room and putting bricks down with my little ice cream shop table and chairs on it. Such a cute spot for a cup of tea with a friend! Something unusual and whimsical. Add a cushion to the chairs and a cute tablecloth...hmmmmm. You can see it in this picture, under the arbor, which I also love!
ANYway, I rushed home to take food to a gal who just had a baby and--catastrophe!! The whole crock pot tipped over in the car, so she and her husband ended up helping ME instead of the other way around. I almost cried--but told myself, "What good would that do?? Pull yourself together!" We had a good laugh and evidently, what was salvagable was good, so...maybe I won't offer to provide a meal for a while. It's not really my "thing." If I don't even cook for my own family, should I really be cooking for other people???
So...it was a busy day. But good! Andrew got a new Wiggles video at the consignment store so Drew and I got a little quiet time while he watched it. Aaaah. Hope your weekend was good, too!!

Can I really be married to a 30-year-old??

No, it's not that my husband is immature...it's just that 30 seems so...grown up!! Adult-like! OK, fine, OLD. And in just over a month, it's gonna be ME!! How can we already be 30??? Remember when the "Friends" gang turned 30 on the show? Joey was like, "Why, God, WHY???" And Rachel didn't want to celebrate at all. It was a big deal! We watch old episodes and I go, "Do we look like that???" Cuz THEY look old!! Course, they really were probably 40 at the time, but still!! We're not in our 20s anymore! YIKES!!! And, of course, I don't mean truly "old", what with 60 being the new 40 or whatever...just not young anymore! Not exactly "youth."
ANYway, now I've got 'til November 29th to wrap my brain around ME being 30. UGH!! Just seeing 3-0 in the title is so...weird!! Yeah, I'm freakin' out a little here. Aren't I still 18?? Or even 25?? Now I know why so many people turn 29 year after year! I get that.
OK, seriously. We did celebrate tonight with dinner, cake and presents. I made a pot roast and veggies in the crock pot, plus we had a Cesar salad and bread. Oh, and D's favorite beer. Flat Tire. Wait...maybe Fat Tire?? Then we had cupcakes for dessert and Drew opened presents. He got a nice shirt, a role-playing book he wanted...and an ipod!! He was very excited, even stunned. Andrew enjoyed the festivities, too, and thinks the ipod is HIS new toy. Uh-oh. He started grinning when we sang "Happy Birthday," I think he thought it was for him. Heehee. Fun evening for all. Here's a picture of Drew with his 3-0 cupcakes (I thought 30 candles would've just been mean)
and Andrew destroying one afterward.
30. Wow. I tell ya, I'm gonna blink and we'll all be turning 40. Time flies.

Potty Training??

Oh, brother. Andrew is showing signs of being ready to potty train. Doesn't want to wear soiled diapers, is taking his diaper off when he needs to pee, even saying potty. Sounds like "pie." On Monday, he took his diaper off and peed on the kitchen floor! My fault cuz I took too long to attend to him. But I thought, "Hm. I wonder if he knew he needed to pee." So the next time he started to pull it off, we rushed into the bathroom and sat him on the toilet and sure enough, he tinkled twice in the potty! Even passed gas, which he thought was hilarious.
Then Wednesday, he was starting the crouching/grunting of a B.M. so I asked, "Do you need to go potty?? Poopy-doopy in the potty??" and he made a beeline for the bathroom and started undressing. I sat him up there, let him hold my hands for supprt and--yep! He did it! Was so proud amd excited, he was clapping!
We tried twice yesterday--he'd start to pull his diaper off and we'd sit on the potty but he'd get frustrated and say "all done" then peed on the floor next to the potty. But with a potty seat, he could sit longer. I can see him working his muscles, too, so he "gets it." And he says "pie" and "pee" and "yucky."
Ugh. I'm not ready so I'm tempted to just sort of "ignore him." Or at least not press the issue. But he IS Mr. Independent and Mr. Do-It-Myself and loves to do what big people do. So...we'll see. We're off to Target to look for potty supplies--potty chair or seat to go on the big potty and a step stool.
Any advice from you seasoned potty trainers?? Feel free to e-mail me, too!!

Wednesday: One of My Favorite Things

Yes, I love Origins. I don't buy it for myself, though. But Drew and my mom buy it FOR me!! She and Drew are in cahoots now and she buys me their ridiculously awesome night cream (called "Nightamins") for Christmas and Drew buys it for me for our anniversary in August--so I never run out!
The "Shedonism deeply hydrating butter cream" lives up to its name--it is so thick and luxurious and the scent is light and fresh, yet intoxicating. I love it!! Wearing it is a treat I reserve for times when I'm dressed up or feeling especially festive. Oooooh, it's good.

At the Farm

My mom and I took Andrew to a local farm on Columbus Day. We went last year, too...now it's a tradition! He liked riding around in the wagon and seeing the animls. He got to pet a horse...play in a big pile o' corn...grab a goat...slide...and he even picked out his own little pumpkin to take home!
Here's a comparison from last year and this year (yup, he grew!), him chillin' with the pumpkins and picking out his favorite. FUN!

Monday's "Didja Know??"

Didja know I taught fourth grade?? I was happy working at a tutoring center back in October of 2003 when it was closed and I found myself at loose ends. I ended up taking over for an older woman who was ex-military, very strict and had a notoriously..."challenging" group of kids. It was a nightmare--the worst season of my entire life. The second year was markedly better--but still not something I really enjoyed.
I loved my students and my fellow teachers--but hated almost everything else about it. I'd wanted to be a teacher my entire life, can you believe that?? I got off course a few times (which is why a bachelor's degree took me four schools and seven years!) but always knew I wanted to teach. And I had a terrible, terrible experience.
I grew a lot, though!! And got to know some precious children that I will never forget. I had one student who didn't want to go home on Fridays because he said he'd miss me. Another use to blush and grin when I told him that he reminded me of what my husband must've been like at his age. Receiving countless hugs and massive piles of beautiful artwork...witnessing and influencing amazing accomplishments in reading and writing...helping girls with their friendship issues that I remember all too well...chatting about anything and everything during holiday parties and snack time...probably hundreds of books read aloud to twenty-five eager faces...lots of amazing memories.
But it was hard. Really, really hard. Not my cup of tea. I don't think I'm tough enough. I can't turn that off and on. I want to talk to them, play with them and relate to them, not discipline them! Not constantly remind them to lower their voices or straighten their line. Ugh. Nope, I don't miss it. Miss the kids? Yes. Miss the challenge? Yes.
But I still have dreams. I can't find my classroom...I've forgotten all my students' names...I don't have a math lesson prepared...I'm late for school and my class is waiting for me on the baseball field...it's parent night and we haven't planned a program...you get the idea. When I wake up and realize I'm not teaching anymore, it is such an enormous relief.
Will I ever go back? Maaaaaaaaybe. Maybe. I'm glad it's a part of my life story and I'm grateful for the people I met and the lessons I learned. But I'm also so very glad to be outa there.

Can a plate make you happy???

I am truly passionate about supporting women in business for themselves and, whenever possible, give my business to women I know before I spend a dime at a "big box retailer." Home decor, jewelry, candles, make-up, herbs, craft supplies, the list goes on. And I spend a lot of dimes!
Do you hear the "but" coming? :)
BUT...I am also a bargain shopper and I love a good deal on something I need or love. And because I am familiar with the prices of the items I buy most, I know a good deal when I see it. And it's often on an end-of-aisle clearance shelf at Target. Such was the case tonight. We have somewhat of a mis-mash of plates, cups and bowls. Some Drew had, some we got when we got married...but you know how it goes. A bowl goes missing, a mug gets cracked, your brother-in-law breaks a plate when he drops his gun during a demonstration at Christmas dinner...it's not uncommon. But...a dinnerware purchase hasn't been at the top of my "to-buy list" and I don't typically look for them, either.
However, when cruising through Target this evening while my boys were napping, I wandered into the housewares section and a certain polka-dot plate caught my eye. On an end-of-aisle clearance shelf! The sign said 30% off, but...can it be?? Less than $4 for four really cute polka-dot dinner plates??
Why, these would be perfect for the eighteen different birthday dinners coming up between now and the end of the year! That makes them less than a dollar each!!
And so it was that four new polka-dot plates came home with me tonight. So I promptly baked a batch of "the world's easiest peanut butter cookies" and put them on one of those plates!! And I felt very, very happy. Call me materialistic...but it wouldn't be the first time.
In double-checking that my eyes did not deceive me, I also spotted a set of four beige dinner plates and matching salad plates, perfect to mix-and-match with what we already have, including my orange plates that I'm dying to use for fall. They have that sort of "hand rubbed" finish that I love and a neat braided edge. The clearance price for the set of eight, you ask?? Why, a mere $9 total! Amazing, huh??
So, naturally, I took pictures. And I said to myself, "Put that on your blog. Tell them when you're at Target, cruise along the backs of your favorite aisles. You never know what bargain you'll find." And even if it only says 30% off, there may be items marked down even more than that! I think the plates were all at least 75% off. That's also where we found an entire matched set of bedding for, like, $10 when we did Andrew's new room. It's like they're paying you to take it off their hands. Aren't my new plates purty with my fall stuff?? Fabulous!

Saturday

No coffee talk this morning, although I am on my third cup so far...but I only got about five minutes to myself before Andrew woke up. I'm trying to get some stuff done for his birthday party in November, which is now going to be combined with MY birthday party, and possibly my mom's, too! November is crazy for us. My parents' anniversary, my mom's birthday, my birthday, Andrew's birthday, my sister-in-law's birthday and then last year, my nephew eked in on November 30th, too. Amazing.
ANYway, the coffee pot has been brewing non-stop because it was actually a teeny bit chilly this morning! Andrew and I went into the back yard and had to come back inside for jackets. That's a first this fall...probably since April or so. Good thing his Nana bought him a jacket! Here's him in it this morning.

The high today is only 83 degrees! It's was only 74 degrees at noon! We're supposed to go to my folks' side of town for a fall festival but it seems that nap time will alter our plans. Oh, well. Staying home is nice, too!

Montessori addendum

Yup, I already re-arranged the bookcase in Andrew's room! I took away duplicate toys and only put back two block works, three books, three musical instruments and one puzzle.
I even found a shallow basket and made a scooping activity with some faux strawberries I had! Then I came up with a similar one, only with rocks. Notice the concentration.



Then I starting digging and came up with a flower arranging work and a cutting work that also involved taking off and replacing the play dough lids. I would tell him, "Let's go work!" and he'd jump up and run after me, saying "Work? Work?" Check him out!

It's amazing, how kids WANT to work, feel like they're doing "grown-up stuff," being helpful and contributing. We also unloaded the dishwasher today--another recommendation from last night (but only after I removed my best glasses and the knives). He took out probably 15 mugs, plates and bowls and bought them to me--even one plate in each hand! I could tell he was proud. And it was better than me fighting him when he tried to help!
This is definitely my new "thing." I think I had it in my head that he was too young for a lot of this stuff...but even if he dumps all the rocks onto the floor or throws the vase...that's OK! He's learning! And it's still better than sitting in front of the TV all day (which he would do if I let him!) or bugging ME! He zonked out for a nap right after all our "work"--maybe all that concentrating wore him out!!
Now I'm starting a wish list for his birthday, most of which I know is super-affordable at IKEA:
1. kid-sized table and chairs (at IKEA, there's a wood one for $20)
2. several small trays
3. assorted small bowls, pitchers, cups and scoops
4. small apron
5. more cleaning supplies and a bucket, including a kid-sized handheld vacuum and maybe even a push vacuum
6. a good, sturdy step stool for the bathroom...maybe one for the kitchen, too
7. some small kitchen utensils and bowls for pretend (or real!) cooking and baking
8. a low bookcase for his work
9. a plastic place mat and cups, bowls and plates he can eat off of and wash himself
So we're on our way! Of course I'll let you know what other changes and improvements we make!!

Montessori

Maria Montessori was a genius. Do you know much about Montessori education?? I didn't, until my mom started teaching the culture class at a Montessori preschool. I was in the throes of my elementary education classes at the time and at my Bible college, many of my classmates mistakenly thought the philosophy was too child-centered and unstructured. There is a small element of that, but not when it's done correctly. I did a presentation on it and opened a lot of eyes. Now the Montessori method is a true passion of mine and one I'm just starting to really learn about. Everything I read about Maria's philosophies just strike a chord with me and makes me nod my head in agreement, and gets my heart all excited, thinking about how much I can teach Andrew through her methods and philosophies.
I know a lot of you moms out there do a lot of Montessori-esque stuff with your kids, maybe without even knowing it, because it is sort of "natural"--but I know I still have a lot to learn! And, honestly, I probably should've spent my time and money "back in the day" on Montessori training instead of elementary ed...but it's a lot more complicated than that.
ANYWAY, my mom is now in her sixth year of teaching her Montessori culture class and I've learned a lot from her, from spending time at her school and from attending their parent education nights--like last night's on Practical Life. Andrew visited the school with me yesterday and, for the first time, actually interacted with the materials. We took a tray down for him--which they call "work"--and were amazed at how well he did and how long it held his attention. He even started saying "work!" The stuff is so simple and so truly practical that you could easily miss what it's teaching them.
For example, I learned that the "works" are arranged on the shelves in order of most simple to most complex/concrete, from left to right and top to bottom, to get their brain use to the "left to right," "top to bottom" method for reading and math. And for works with multiple steps or items, the teachers demonstrate them in that order, too. And silently, too, without the distraction of all that talking we're so tempted to do. Brilliant!
So even with something as simple as pouring macaroni from a pitcher into a bowl and back again teaches them hand-eye coordination, dexterity, concentration, using the tripod grasp, etc. AND the concept of everything having order and a system. WOW. And Andrew ate it up. We've long said that he's a working boy and loves to help so Montessori is right up his alley.
The school director emphasized setting up a Montessori environment in the home, too. She pointed out that what you teach them as preschoolers carries over into their teenage years and way beyond. She mentioned keeping their toys organized and sorted, and only putting out a small amount at a time and rotating them. Giving them a defined space for "work," such as a table or rug, so they can take down one bin or one toy, take it to their space, and work. Then put it back. Order and a system!!
Maria said (and I'm paraphrasing) "Don't do anything for a child that he can do for himself." It's hard, though!! Especially with the messes than can ensue! She showed us a plastic bucket with cleaning supplies in it for little hands. A dust pan and broom, a small feather duster, a rag and even a spray bottle with water and a touch of vinegar and a small squeegee for cleaning windows! A kid-sized dust buster would be cool, too. Andrew would love that! She also mentioned keeping their "stuff" where they can get to it themselves, like in the bathroom, keeping their toothbrush, toothpaste and timer in the low cabinet so they pull out their step stool and do the whole routine themselves. Or in the kitchen, keeping a place mat, tray and plate where they can reach it. Then they can set their food and drink on it, carry it to the table, eat, load it back up and take it to the sink.
Kids can also have their own tub for washing their own dishes, have a broom for sweeping the kitchen floor, have a drying rack and clothes pins to dry their clothes, etc. She talked about letting them dress themselves, too, even if they don't match! As moms, I think it's hard to give up that control--but it's so essential to helping them feel useful, capable and trusted. What an amazing difference it can make to constantly send them the message of "I know you can do it!" As you can imagine, my brain is running amok with ideas, especially with Andrew's birthday coming up soon. I'm wondering, "How do I ask people to forgo the usual toys and buy him cleaning supplies instead??" Heehee.
Anyway, I'm going to be spending a lot of time at www.montessoriservices.com
Check it out!
The picture is Andrew in April 2006 on his first visit to Nana's school.
And please share any Montessori-esque ideas that work in your house!! I'll keep you posted with what we're doing to make our home more Montessori-esque, too!

Happy October!!

Can you believe we're already in October?? How 'bout planning some fallish festivities for the coming weeks?? A picnic at the pumpkin patch, a trip to see some changing leaves, baking a loaf of pumpkin bread...can't you just feel that cool breeze on your face??
Here's Andrew at the pumpkin patch this time last year.
How are you planning to celebrate the change in seasons??

Monday's "Didja Know??"

Didja know...that in July of 2004, I hiked to the top of Latir Peak in New Mexico? It's a 12,708 foot tall mountain and I made it to the top!! Granted, we didn't start at the bottom, but still, that's a ways up!! Next to losing 25 lbs. and giving birth, it was the hardest thing I've ever accomplished. The scenery was amazing and the first night camping was the coldest I've ever been. It was an amazing experience. One picture is from on the way up next to a gorgeous waterfall, the rest are from the top. It felt good to make it!!