Homeschool: Math

I was lucky to get a complete 2nd grade Houghton-Mifflin math curriculum from Jeff's cousin after she did her student teaching, so that's the text that Sarah is using this year. Since I want to keep it "clean" for Lauren to eventually use, we're either

• answering verbally
• writing the answers into a notebook
• photocopies
  
• making a facsimile with Word or Excel, then printing it for Sarah to write on

There is a long stretch of several chapters that don't deal much with plain addition and subtraction. These include Place Value; Plane Shapes; Data, Graphing and Probability; and Fractions. Last spring, we had started doing addition with regrouping ("carrying") along with the regular addition & subtraction, but this book doesn't get to that until Chapter 10. It bugs me a little to wait that long, but I committed to this book, so I'm not going to skip anything to get there faster.

But there's no way I'm going to ignore addition & subtraction until the book gets back there. We didn't practice much over the summer, and when we started up again in the fall, she had a hard time with 3+6= _____. So besides working in the textbook, we have addition & subtraction practice every day. I try for it to be short--usually no more than 10 minutes, and frequently much less. She's getting better, even if she still looks at her fingers for assistance more than I'd like. I know that eventually, she won't need that.

Practice options include (I'd usually rather she do something on the computer than print more paper):

• a printed worksheet (generator)
• Math Magician
• CyberChallenge
  
• Leon's Math Dojo
• flashcards
• Math Minutes
• Mathblox
• Blackboard Math
• Tic Tac Toe
• problems written on the white board
• Leon Math Movies
  

We also like Brain Teasers, even though they aren't specifically addition & subtraction.

Be careful what you wish for

Yeah, OK, I get it.

I've got my opportunity to make roast chicken for me and the girls this weekend, but I have absolutely no interest in making it. Jeff's going to be down in Florida for his grandpa's funeral. :( This is the first of his grandparents that has died. He was sick for a long time, but it's never an easy thing to have happen. The kids are upset that they don't get to see Grammy & Grandpa today, and that Daddy's leaving (he's flying out early Thursday, and will be back Sunday afternoon), but they'll be OK. I'm glad he can go down there, but sorry for the reason.

Homeschool: Keyboarding

D'oh! I had a nice long post about Math, but it got eaten, so I'm going to do something quicker instead. Typing/Keyboarding is another thing we practice every day. I thought that practice a few times a week would be enough, but it turned out that a little bit every day really makes more of a difference.

For learning to type correctly, Dance Mat Typing can't be beat. It's fun--I've even had adult students use it happily--and it teaches the correct finger placement. FreeTypingGame.net also has lessons, but they aren't nearly as fun.

We also have a few sites to go to play games for practice:

• Spacebar Invaders and The Frogs are Off Their Diet are just two of the games at FreeTypingGames.net. The nice thing about these games is that it's easy to set your level.
• Super Hyper Typer Spider This is probably Sarah's current favorite, and the one she's using today, in fact.
• Type Me
• Cup Stacking
  
• Bubbles
• Nimble Fingers
• Typing Exercises
  

Spelling: Follow Up

Pley: Ha, I never noticed that typo in the link before!

As for the words themselves, I had a terrible time choosing a site this year. It seemed like all the lists were either too easy, too hard, or based on books that class (but not necessarily ours) was reading. I'd like to do literature based spelling words eventually, but at this point, I feel she needs more of the basic instruction first.

As for the words she's having the most trouble with, I think part of the problem is that they really are a little advanced. Not a lot advanced--once we're done with all the lists, I plan to go back and review all the previous words, just to see how well she's retained it, or if it's easier for her.

I also came up with another practice strategy that we're going to try Wednesday. I've had her use Scrabble tiles before, but it's been "Here is the pile of all the tiles. Make your word." This time, it'll be "Here are the letter tiles that make your word. Put them in the right order." We'll see how it goes. (The original suggestion was to write the letters on dried lima beans, and put the beans for each word into a film cannister. I don't have lima beans, nor film cannisters anymore, but this should work fine.)

Homeschool: Spelling

These are the spelling words I'm using for Sarah. I give her the list of words Monday, we practice them through the week, and she takes a test Friday.
To practice, I have her

• type them with WordArt in Word
• write them on slips of paper, then alphabetize them
• spell them out loud
• write sentences using the words
• a crossword puzzle (made here)
• using rubber stamps (a little messy)
• cutting letters out of magazines (complaints about finding the right letters)
• painting them
• sidewalk chalk
• spelling them in cadence, kind of like a cheer
  
• using the "loci" method, where she looks at the word and has to walk to another room to write it down (the back and forth is supposed to help her keep it in her memory)
  

She has a lot of trouble with spelling. This week's words were the worst yet: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. (she did January & February last week, along with the days of the week.) We practiced them thoroughly, and I even gave her an extra day's practices. Yesterday, she took the test and got three out of ten correct.

She has a lot of trouble remembering/realizing that you need vowels in with all those consonants. Novmbr is missing a few letters--the letter M doesn't "say" em, it says mmmmmm. Luckily, most weeks are better than this past one.

Next weeks words are: because, children, friends, favorite, right, wrong, caught, everyone, answer, and beautiful.

Fun Sites to Kill Time

All very addictive!

• Snowdays Snowflakes Maker
• Make-a-Flake
• Interactive Tartan Weaver
• Jackson Pollock
• Flower Maker
• Jigzone

Groceries

I've discovered Aldi fairly recently, and I love shopping there.

• I love that, if I forget a quarter for a shopping cart (hey, it's only happened once), I can go in and they'll loan me one without batting an eye.
• I love that their soda pop can return is on the honor system: you toss your cans in the bin, and tell the cashier how many you had.
• Most of all, I love that I can get a ton of groceries for about $50.

I can't get absolutely everything I need there. Their inventory is limited (no low-sodium beef broth, old fashioned rolled oats, natural peanut butter, or sesame oil), and some of the brands don't appeal to us (we're sticking to Prego spaghetti sauce, Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage, A1 steak sauce, and Kraft cheese singles, to name a few). But the kids don't care a bit if it's off-name cereal, the butter & ground beef are fine, the 12 grain bread is pretty good, and Jeff actually prefers their french bread pizzas to Stouffers.

Their produce section is also limited, but not bad. I prefer to go to a local produce store, which not only has incredibly inexpensive apples, lettuce, green beans, and broccoli, they regularly have more obscure stuff. We've gotten lychees, dinosaur eggs (speckled plums) and Christmas melon there, and you never know what will be there. I try to get one new thing every time we go. They also get wonderful bread from a local bakery. When I go there, I come home with bags of stuff, but never manage to spend more that $12 - $15.

Pasties: a Follow-up

Pasties are, essentially portable meat pies. Pie crust wrapped around a filling of ground beef & pork, diced potatoes, carrots, and rutabaga. This is the base recipe I use, although I leave out the MSG. I'd like to leave out the rutabaga, too, because I don't really care for it. But they're cheap, and I don't need more than half of one for a batch of pasties, and Jeff insists it isn't an authentic pasty without them.

They're somewhat time consuming to make, so I usually only do one batch a year, but that batch lasts quite a while, since it makes 8 or more, and the kids don't eat them. Some people eat them with ketchup, but Jeff insists that brown gravy is the way to go.

They're originally made by the wives of Cornish miners, who would take them to work because they're so portable and would hold them to keep their hands warm. It's a traditional Northern Michigan food, too.

And for Evil: Pasties rhymes with last-ies.

And that's our Nutritional Anthropology/Cooking lesson for the day. Hee, I'd love to video 10-minute cooking lessons and put them on YouTube or something.

Dinners

Dinner last night was supposed to be pork chops with apples, rice, and salad. But when Jeff got home, the pork chops were still one big solid block of frozen meat, so I whispered in his ear, "We haven't been to Coney Island in a long time." I barely had time to put my shoes on before we were out the door.

So, tonight - pork chops. Definitely.

I get so stuck in a rut with cooking. It seems like we're always having spaghetti (with meatballs or Italian sausage meat sauce), stir-fry, pot roast, spiral sliced ham, pork chops (though I have about 6 different things to do with those), tacos, kielbasa with potatoes & green beans, sloppy joes, or hamburgers.

When I try new things, sometimes they're a hit, but often not. We got a butternut squash at the produce market a few weeks ago, and Sarah wanted me to make soup out of it. When I did, everyone ate it, but no one really cared for it. That's kind of typical.

I'd like to make a roast chicken sometime, but it's stupid to do that when Jeff can't eat it. Of course, I'll be making a batch of pasties* sometime soon, so he could have one of those when I make chicken for me and the girls, and we'd just have lots of leftovers. I miss homemade chicken soup.

Yeah, maybe I'll do that sometime this month.

* Regarding the pronunciation of pasties: my mom once told me, "Past-ies are what you eat. Paste-ies are what Brooke Shields wore in The Blue Lagoon." I've never mispronounced it since. That also gives you an idea of about how long it's been that I've been eating pasties.

Homeschooling: Lesson Planning

Since Homeschooling is such a big part of my life right now, I'll probably devote several posts to it over the next month.

Today's is about Lesson Planning. I try to plan out lessons for the week over the weekend. I might make notes about things I want to do even after the next week, but if I get too far ahead, it gets too hard to stay on top of things. I use an Excel spreadsheet to plan things out for each day. I can link to online things, as well as things that are saved to my hard drive. I use one file per month, with a sheet for Sarah, a sheet for Lauren, and one for record keeping of how they do at online games.

We have several topics that we work on every day, because it's easier to spend a little time on them frequently than to devote bigger blocks of time less often. Repetition really does help, and although it may look like we do a lot, it still only takes 3 - 4 hours of our day. In spite of all that, there are many days when we don't do everything I have planned, and it gets pushed to the next day (usually) or dropped altogether (occasionally).

Favorite Writings

Best Novel I've Ever Read: A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

Best Non-fiction Book I've Ever Read: The Power of Myth By Joeseph Cambell & Bill Moyers

Favorite Short Fiction: Gertrude Talks Back, from Good Bones and Simple Murders, by Margaret Atwood

Favorite Poem: Invitation, from Where the Sidewalk Ends, by Shel Silverstein

Favorite Fiction I've Read Recently: Life of Pi, by Yann Martel

Most Disappointing Recent Read: Wicked by Gregory Maguire

Book I'm Most Likely to Check out of the Library Next Week: Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

Book I'm Most Eagerly Awaiting: A Dance With Dragons by George RR Martin

The other pictures

I was getting my photobooks all set to go (MyPublisher's new software is nice, and something of an improvement), when I realized that it's set up so that the first page is a dedication page, with just text. That would be really nice for an introduction, or a recap of the year, except that that's what the pictures are for! I've gotten around it, but now of course I'm thinking about putting some text there after all, even though I have no idea what I'd write, and the books have to be submitted by tomorrow.

Anyway, here are the other two pictures from the photographer. Lauren's, I love. She's got a very familiar expression. Sarah's is nice, but the photographer had to retake some shots, because the first batch had the backdrop set too high, so you could see duct tape at the bottom. I don't think her personality shows through the way Lauren's does.

Christmas Pictures

I realized that I could just post a page a day from the Christmas album for the rest of the month, and that would take care of it. Tempting though that is, I've actually been thinking of things to write about.

Our last session to the photographer was a little frustrating. Although they have the nice backgrounds & the crate for the kids to sit on, and know how to pose them, they don't have time to make sure they get really great expressions. Don't get me wrong--I like the pictures, but I'm used to having to force myself to choose just three, instead of picking the only three that have good expressions.

Not sure yet how I like this sepia background, with the color popping up. This is going to be the first page of the album, with no other background, so I want it to look great.

The "Joke"

OK, so I've been reading about Kerry's botched attempt at a joke at President Bush, which came out as a dig at soldiers.

Taken at face value, the "joke" was insulting. I believe that he didn't intend it that way--he intended it as a slam on Bush. But even then, it doesn't really hold up. I mean, Bush was never a brilliant scholar, but he did go to college. So he does have an education. Also, military standards are higher these days. You don't go into the military because you're too stupid for anything else. So, dumb joke, however you look at it.

It's not like Kerry is the first politician to make a gaffe like this, and he's not the first one to be villified over it. I can't count how many lists of stupid things Bush has said there have been, and let's not forget Dan Quayle. Yeah, the guy made a lot of dumb flubs. And got raked over the coals for it. Why should Kerry be any different?

Maybe a mistake

I'm taking the girls to have Christmas pictures taken today. If I want to get those pictures into the annual album and have the albums ordered by Friday to take advantage of the 50% off coupon, pictures must be taken today. That means they won't be wearing Momma-made dresses. I can live with that. I'm having a hard time figuring out what they will wear, though. They don't have to be Bobsey Twins, as Jeff says, but they shouldn't clash, either, and it can be hard to put stuff together when you're dedicated to not buying anything new at this moment.

In anticipation of said photo shoot, I took them both to SuperCuts yesterday. Sarah got her hair cut there last summer, and it was cute, so I had no qualms about that. Lauren's only had her hair cut once, by the stylist Jeff & I go to (read: pricey), and her hair is naturally more of a challenge, with all the curl, but I just wanted it a little shorter, a little layered, to bring out some more of her curl again.

Now, her hair was pretty long. It was well down her back, and she frequently got compliments from strangers on how gorgeous it was, even when it was a crazy mess. The stylist asked how much length to take off, and I indicated about two or three inches, still leaving quite a bit. Well, she took off a good four inches. From the front, it looks like she has a bob. A cute bob, but still pretty short. The hair in the back is longer, but not by much, and it looks like an inverted triangle. It's odd, and I'm not sure how I like it, but we'll see how it turns out after I wash it this morning. Both girls love their hair, and that's what really counts, right? Right.

Oh, trick-or-treating. It was chilly, but not too bad (Monday evening was 66 degrees at 6:30, which was amazing). We went out with a neighbor from 6 to 7, and turned off our porch light at 8. Jeff said kids were coming to the door pretty much constantly while we were gone, and once we were home, Sarah & Lauren both scrambled to be the ones to give out candy. They had a pretty good haul, and now I'm glad I can take some time to get back into the swing of things. Let's just say that the state of the house makes it very apparent that I did a lot of sewing last week.

CWoS: Results

Here they are! Lauren's picture from the back isn't very good, but it looks cute live. I decided to take a leap and try to make the crown part of the pattern as well. The giggles of glee from last night are not present tonight. The loops were easy, and looked great. The crown is a pain in the ass, and looks pretty crappy. That said, Lauren will still love it.

I need to PhotoShop some shoes into Sarah's picture, I think.

CWoS, D6: Friday

OK, almost there. I can't believe I still have to hem Lauren's sleeves, but that's it! I sewed down all the facings, put in all the hooks & eyes, ironed crisp pleats back into Sarah's skirt (glueing the trim down smoothed things out a little), bought Sarah a turtleneck (size 10/12 was the smallest they had, but it was only $5), and sewed the loops onto the back of Lauren's dress yesterday. Oh, and I have to run out and buy some monk's cording to lace it up.

The loops were the last thing I did, and I think I was a little loopy. I don't generally talk to myself quite that much, at least not out loud. "OK, where's the tape measure; this is four inches from the top; how many inches is the whole thing; where's that pin--dammit, now I'll probably find it with my foot in the morning; yeah, that's good, that works; don't you dare jam on me; three loops on a side or four; I have to make one more loop; stupid serger; doesn't have to be perfect, just has to be good; ohmygod, this is so cute; etc. Much of this was accompanied by wild giggles of glee that this was actually working, wow!

We're going to a potluck at church, followed by a Trunk-or-Treat, where the kids (not just from our church--we're throwing it open to the community, but only church members are giving out candy) walk around the parking lot to get their treats. I don't know how well it will work, since we're supposed to have really crappy weather. I do know that there's no way the girls are wearing their costumes during dinner. I can't stand the thought of getting ketchup or something on them within the first five minutes. Oh, who am I kidding? They'll be too busy playing to eat anything, as usual.

Look for pictures tomorrow!

CWoS, D5: Thursday

Yesterday wasn't all that productive, sewing-wise. I got Sarah's skirt done except for the hook & eye, but too late realized that the back doesn't match up. One side is almost half an inch higher than the other. It bugs me just enough to fiddle with it today. I still have to sew down the facings in the top and put in the hooks & eyes, but I'm going to wait until after we get her turtle neck.

I'm incredibly relieved that the ladies at the sewing store had a great solution to my eyelet issue. They agreed that eyelets are a pain and I would do well to avoid them. So what other options do I have? A zipper, buttons, velcro, blah, blah, blah. Then someone said "loops" and it was like a car screeching to a halt. How would I do that? Serendipitously, they had a dress someone had made in the store with fabric loops in the back that then laced up. Now all I have to do is "make it work." I also still have to figure out the crown issue.

So there is definitely plenty to do today, but I feel confident that it will get done in time for the party tomorrow evening.

CWoS,D4: Wednesday

Lauren's dress is almost done. All I have to do is cut about four inches off the bottoms of the sleeves and hem them, and figure out the eyelets in the back. What, I didn't mention the eyelets in the back? Oh yes. Eyelets. Not a zipper. Not buttons. Eyelets. This baby laces up. Did I mention I have no idea how to do eyelets? I'm going to take her dress to work with me today, and on my big break between classes, I'm going back to the nice store where they helped me yesterday and see if I can grovel for some help.

No more progress on Sarah's outfit, but there isn't a whole lot more to do. I want to finish Lauren's comepletly before I change the bobbin thread. Yes, I only have one bobbin. I don't know what happened to the others.

Unfortunately for the CWoS, I work quite a bit today, so I won't be able to get much done. Tomorrow is free, though. Oh, and I also need to get a white turtle neck for Sarah to wear under the top, and a tiara/crown for Lauren, since making the crown that came with the pattern doesn't look too promising right now.

CWoS, D3 Tuesday

No words for this. My sewing machine is broken. The needle won't move up or down at all. I'm going to have to take it into the shop in the morning. I don't have time for this, don't have money for this.

Update:
I took it into the shop, they cleared the fabric jam, and put new needles in my Serger, and rethreaded it. When I asked how much I owed them, the lady smiled and said, "You owe us customers." I am so taking a class there!

So, yesterday's progress: I didn't work on Lauren's at all, just Sarah's. (Come to think of it, I really need to be more sympathetic to Jeff when he gets frustrated at home improvement projects that don't go as planned and take longer than expected.) The cheerleader pattern directions aren't written very well, but I'm muddling through it. The top is done except that I have to lower the neck considerably, and stitch down the facings. I was working on the skirt last night when I had my jam, but that shouldn't take long to finish. I'm also fudging in that I'm not planning on doing zippers, but maybe just hooks & eyes to close things.

CWoS,D2: Monday

I got the sides and back of Lauren's dress put together, and the facings are in. They still need to be topstitched down, though. The length is perfect right now, so there won't be much of a hem. Oh, how I miss my (mom's) Serger! I broke the needle last summer while making these and haven't gotten it replaced yet. I'm told it isn't that difficult to replace, but the thought of rethreading the machine isn't appealing.




I tried it on her this morning, and from the front I didn't think it was as bad/big as I was worried about. Then I turned her around and grabbed a handful of fabric. Really, I could take two inches in on each side, and it would still be plenty big enough.


So I'll spend some time today taking it in (there's only so much I can do, though), and adding the sleeves. I'll do the hem and the trim later. Then I'll get Sarah's started.

Crazy Week of Sewing, Day 1: Sunday

No, that isn't a misprint. Although Halloween isn't until next Tuesday, Halloween parties start next Saturday.

Accomplished:

• cut out pattern pieces for Lauren's dress (typically, I cut out the size 5 for length, and size 3 width, and I still think it might be too big around)
• ironed the pattern pieces
  
• ironed out the big crease in the center of her fabric
• cut out the fabric
• waded through the mountain of mess in the basement to find interfacing (once again promised self that the basement will get cleaned and organized. um, soon.)
  
• cut out and ironed the interfacing onto the fabric
  

I would have gotten a lot more done, but I got distracted by AMC's "pop up" broadcast of Halloween. Honestly, I will watch just about anything that has extra trivia attached to it. The movie itself? Eh, it's ok. The fact that it was filmed in just 20 days, and made use of new SteadiCam technology? So fascinating that I can't look away from the screen long enough to read how to make puffy sleeves and a split neck, for fear that I might miss even one tidbit.

Thoughts on sewing

• I should work at JoAnn's on the weekends instead of tutoring, just for the discount. I'd never bring any of that paycheck home, but I'd be able to sew everything I want.
• I haven't started on Halloween costumes yet, even though I've had the fabric for Lauren's for weeks now, because I don't really love the fabric. It's not bad, just a plain dark blue satin. I must admit that I'm disappointed not to be working on something that has a heavier weight and more interest, like a brocade.
• I have a lot of sewing ahead of me. The game plan was also to have Christmas pictures taken right after Halloween, to take advantage of the 50% off coupon at www.mypublisher.com. I don't know if that will happen now, and even if it does, if the girls will be wearing Momma-made dresses, or store bought.
• In fact, I don't have time to write anymore. I have to go figure out how to make a pleated cheerleader skirt!

Photobook Frustration

Most people who read here (all three of you, ha) know that I make a photo album every year as Christmas gifts, and they are greatly anticipated and well loved. I made an album for Jeff's cousin as a wedding gift, and it turned out great. A friend of the family wants me to do one for her daughter as well, which I will hopefully have time for after the holidays.

In the past, I've used Snapfish and My Publisher. I felt that the Snapfish interface was more user friendly, but since My Publisher gives better coupons, that's what I used last time, and am planning on using next. But I've been talking up Snapfish to newbie friends and the Digital Imagery class I'm teaching. In fact, I tried to demonstrate it last week, but couldn't, because I didn't have the proper authorization for that type of site.

A neighbor came over last night with her daughter (another babysitter, yay!) and I wanted to show her how it worked. To my horror, I discovered that Shutterfly has totally changed their interface. They took something that worked quite well, and made it much more frustrating and hard to follow.

Luckily, I noticed a post at http://www.parenthacks.com/ a while back about this subject, so I checked it out again, and was interested in the description of www.picaboo.com. As most of these sites, you have to download free software to make an album. This is a drawback, especially for most of my students, who aren't very computer savvy, and don't all have high speed internet connections. But this site is awesome!

One of my major complaints about these programs is that you're stuck with their templates. I like more control to put things exactly where I want. But these templates are great! There are well over 50 of them (I couldn't count past that because Lauren kept talking.), plus various background images (or you can use one of your own pictures) and even photo corners. There still isn't as much control as I have using Picture It, but there are a LOT of options. And the books look really nice, at least on line. I've never ordered one, so I can't vouch for the final product.

I just hope I can get it downloaded onto at least one of the computers for my class on Thursday, so I can at least demonstrate it.

EDIT: I just got Shutterfly to work, and it's interface is very close to what Snapfish used to be, and it also has a gazillion layouts, including some that overlap, much like Picaboo. Since that one is more user friendly, that'll be what I demo my class on Thursday. Assuming I can get it to run, of course.

Politics

I watched the first of the three debates between Jennifer Granholm and Dick DeVos last night (they're running for govenor of Michigan). I didn't know much about DeVos going in, other than he'd "sent jobs to China" (according to ads) and he was in favor of teaching intelligent design in science classrooms in addition to evolution (according to a newspaper article) (that one irks the hell out of me--it's insulting to both science and God).

After watching the debate, I still feel like I don't know a lot about him. I thought his repeated use of the word "disappointing" when confronted with accusations was weak. I think that Granholm's attack on his involvement with Alterra (nursing homes where abuse took place) was nasty--if she had kept it to "he didn't make full disclosure of his tax records," she would have done better. Also, he's rather more conservative than I am, although that seems to be the case for a lot of people.

I thought Granholm gave better answers, and seemed more passionate (also, she actually referred to the constitution! what a concept!). The main thing she has against her is her track record. Michigan is in bad shape. She can't be solely blamed for the high unemployment--the auto industry is getting hit hard, and that's been our big thing for a long time. She also blamed Republicans for a lot of things. You know, if she'd been able to talk more about what she'd accomplished, I think she wouldn't have much to worry about. As it is, I think that Michiganders are so ready for a change that we're willing to take anyone else.

$$$

There are a lot of things I need/want right now. Let's take a walk down Shopping Lane, shall we? (note: when I first posted this, I think I had five items. Funny how I keep thinking of more things!)

• Fixin's for Halloween Costumes. If I can get everything for $50, I'll be happy.
  
• Lauren: Blue Princess Since I did a similar pattern last year (with the white panel down the front), I guess I'll do the solid blue version, but with the puffed sleeves. Don't know if I'll put trim down the front seams or the belt, but I'll need about 4 ½ yards of fabric, 4 or 5 yards of trim, thread, 24 eyelets (no zipper, but I'm not sure how I feel about eyelets), and buckram for the crown. I'm not going to bother with the veil.
  
• Sarah: Simplicity Cheerleader 4040 The pattern is on sale for $2 this weekend, and I'll need about 1½ yards of fabric and 6½ yards of braid. She wants purple, of course, and I'm doing the sleeveless version so she can wear a turtle neck under it and not get too hot when we're inside.


• I'd also like to buy fabric for Christmas dresses, since we're going to have pictures taken right after Halloween, but I don't think I can handle that right now.
  
• Kids' Winter boots: LL Bean has a really good deal on their Northwoods kid's boots right now--$20/pair instead of $35.


• MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit $38 at Amazon, with free shipping. This only a few dollars more than I'd pay through ebay, after you figure in shipping. Jeff is going to be taking a certification test at work sometime, and this is supposed to be a good study guide.


• German curriculum: The BBC "Muzzy" program is supposed to be very good, but to get levels 1 & 2, it's at least $150, even on ebay. There's currently an auction for some Muzzy & Berlitz kid's tapes, but none of the sets are complete. This means that it'll probably go for considerably less money, and since I think I'll be able to fill in the "holes," I might bid on that one. It's currently at $25, but there are still more than 4 days left in the auction, so I'll keep waiting.


• Kim's haircut: after tip, about $35. Part of me wishes I'd cancelled it, because I don't really hate my hair right now. I don't love it, either, but I don't know what to do with it. I don't really have a style, but that doesn't bother me so much right now.


• Ink cartridges for the printer: Probably about $40 or $50 for color and B&W.


• Top up my cell phone: $20.


• There are a number of new computer games I want to get for the kids. The Smart e-store has a lot of titles for $5 each. We're using them as incentives for Sarah's reading, and they're good Christmas presents. Freddi Fish, Dora, CyberChase, Smart Steps 2nd grade, etc.


• There's a scrapbook crop at church Sunday. $10 for the crop, and I don't even know if I have any pictures printed. I could go just to socialize and catch up on my journaling, though.

Some of these are wants. Some are needs. Some just aren't happening right now, because I found out on Tuesday that I'm working many fewer hours than anticipated (and this after Jeff took the rest of his vacation time this year to accomodate my schedule). On that same day, we also got a $1K bill from that little hospital stay back in June. So I'm working more now than before, but not as much as I'd anticipated. I have to learn to stop counting on classes that might not happen.

The Roller Coaster that is Project Runway

I practically screamed when Vincent and Angela came back tonight. I thought they both deserved to go, and was so relieved at the top five tonight. But then to have those two come back was terrible! I was relieved that they made their usual stuff, and were gone once again.

I was sorry to see Kayne go. I think he really did try to adjust his stuff to please the judges, but couldn't quite get there. I think he makes great stuff, and will do very well in the future. He'll be called on to design lots of red carpet gowns, I'm sure, and his pageant business will go through the roof. Like Austin Scarlett in Season 1 (who is now designing wedding gowns), he has a definite niche that suits him very well.

Yay for Laura! I liked her dress, although I can't tell what the judges will or won't like, either. Her style adjustment was much more successful than Kayne's. I'm glad she got the win, although I thought Michael was a close contender. The best part about her dress was that, although the silhouette was new for her, it was still a "Laura dress." The fabric and the details (feathers & beading) kept it true to herself. When she was so upset, I just wanted to give her a hug, although she doesn't seem to be a very "huggy" person.

Jeffrey just did more same old, same old. I guess you could say the same of Uli, but I like her style a lot more than his.

I'm going to miss this show so much when the season is over. Top Chef just isn't the same.

Happy . . . Father's Day?

Since our Father's Day was a little preoccupied this year, we never went to our traditional Father's Day baseball game.

Happily, my parents got all of us tickets to a Tigers game yesterday. And the Tigers even beat the Mariners, 6 - 2!

The kids made out like bandits: they got free t-shirts at the door (they'll make great nightshirts for the next few years), plus hats & t-shirts from Grandmama, plus lots of great stadium junk food!

Such an exciting life I lead

Grammy & Grandpa are coming to get the girls shortly. Sleepover, yay!

So I have the whole day to myself. How am I going to spend my day of freedom?

Right now it's a toss up between

• getting caught up on the laundry and doing a deep clean on Sarah's room/closet (did Lauren's last week, but Sarah's is worse)
• buying some perennials & flowers to put in front of the house, finally, and then spending the afternoon digging.

Wow, I can hardly stand the excitement! But Jeff & I are finally going to see Pirates of the Carribean tomorrow, so that will be a good reward.

Project Runway

Last night:

• Angela: Totally deserved to go. Those butt rosettes (fleurchons, as Tim Gunn would say) were heinous. I was worried about Kayne, because his outfit really was too Elvis, but it wasn't as bad as hers. So relieved to see her go!
• Jeffrey: His outfit was good, as in the recycling challenge, but I don't know that it deserved the win. It kills me that he has immunity for next week!
• Jeffrey vs. Angela: I heard a theory that he had a huge crush on her. Now really, that makes sense. Can't you just see him dipping her pigtails in the inkwell? Hence all the deliberately trying to get her goat, etc.
• Laura: Love you, love the dress, how did you manage those heels? Glad to see you a little out of your design box, although I'm not so sure about that color on you.
• Uli: The judges finally called her on always doing the same thing, rightly so, but on a challenge where she was designing for herself, that seemed a little unfair. I think Uli is a major party girl--she again referred to "getting wasted" while at a party.
• Michael: Um, nice, but no standout. I have to say, though, that for the second time, he's changed direction successfully. He thinks on his feet and is flexible.
• Vincent: What a snoozefest.
• Kayne: stop bringing up that you're "white trash." We can see that in your clothes; we don't need reminding.

Now THAT was a nice vacation

Cottage life is awesome.

The beach is awesome (even when the water is freezing).

S'mores on a beach campfire are awesome.

Sitting out on a blanket to see 100 times as many stars as we're used to is awesome.

Listening to the water hit the shore is hypnotically awesome.

Playing games with the kids like Disney charades or badminton is awesome.

No TV or computer is awesome.

My friends who took us up to their cottage for the weekend are awesome!

When we go swimming

When we go swimming at Jeff's brother's pool, my favorite way to get into the water is to jump from the diving board or the side, and kind of flip myself over. It isn't a somersault by any means, but it does make a considerable splash. Last year, I christened this move the Mommy Tsunami.
This year, the Mommy Tsunami continues, with some adaptations. It's been compacted into TsuMommy, although Lauren keeps yelling "Mommy Salami!" every time I walk toward the deep end of the pool. We also have Grammy Tsunami when she does a cannonball (though the resulting waves aren't all that big), and Tsunamis from the three big kids when they jump in. Oh, and of course when Lauren jumps in the shallow end, it's a Lauren Salami. I think that's the one that cracks me up more than any other.

The pool keeps working its magic on the kids. Last week, Sarah swam down to the very bottom of the pool (12 feet) to retrieve some diving weights that had rolled down there. She was coughing and out of breath when she came back up, but I couldn't believe she'd done it!

My nephews have gone from not being able to swim at all to being able to swim well enough and be brave enough to jump off the diving board and swim to the side. My niece has started swimming around the shallow end, and even Lauren has started putting her head under water a bit more.

It's made a huge difference to us, and I'd love to get Jeff's brother & his wife a thank you present. I wanted to do it last year, too, but couldn't think of anything. Any suggestions for a pool-related thank you? I could always do flowers, but that's kind of uninspired.

P.S. I desperately want a digital camera that I can take in the pool.

Can't Believe It, Part Deux

I can't believe Project Runway last night. Oh, I can believe that Keith got booted off for having pattern books under his bed. He doesn't seem too interested in following rules in general. I'm also not suprised that he seems to have no real remorse or guilt about what he did, or that he considered himself a scapegoat. (insert derisive noise here) He was an ass, not a goat.

No, what I totally can't believe is Angela. That outfit was gorge (TM Michael Kors)! Understated and classy, and I give full credit for that to Michael & Laura. They even managed to make her stupid little doodads look cute and stylish. And the lining of the jacket was cute, too! Sadly, she gets the win instead of either of them getting credit. Angela was smart to listen to them and let them have so much input. I still can't stand her.

While I was raving about her last night, Jeff said, "How old are you again?"

Vacation Bible School

On a Roll

We went swimming yesterday with Jeff's cousin, who is an elementary school teacher. Just talking with her about this year's curriculum helped me a lot. I still don't have anything more planned, but I do feel more focused. I'll be doing a lot of planning this weekend, and then next week we'll start reviewing.

Tonight is the Parent's Night at VBS. It's been a fun week, but I am glad tomorrow is the last day.

Loved/hated Project Runway last night.

• I can't believe Angela and her hideous hooker bubble skirt outfit didn't get auf'd. The story alone--about working with kids--should have been enough. I also find it sad that bubble skirts seem to be making a comeback. Two little girls at VBS wore them Tuesday, including our neighbor that came with us. Hate 'em.
• I can't believe Bradley pulled that outfit off at the last seconds, and that the judges seemed to love it so much. I'm glad he didn't go home on his birthday, but still.
• I can't believe that I'm liking Laura considerably less. Scary sternum or not, she always seemed classy. Then she was dissing those cute little dogs. I'm not a big fan of tiny dogs like that, but her active dislike was unpleasant to watch. Then she dissed the fabric of a couple other designers. Her outfit was nice, and definitely her style, but not terribly original.
• I can't believe Michael's fabulously woven bodice didn't make it into the top three.
• I really can't believe Kayne's dress & coat, which was lined with that same fabric, didn't make the top three. The print fabric reminded me a little of Nick's Barbie Challenge dress last season. So few of the designers use bright (loud) fabrics like that, but he really made it work! (TM Tim Gunn)
• I can totally believe that Vincent needs meds. Or more meds. Or better meds. That laugh he had when he was looking at the dog's picture & talking about its outfit was creeping me out!

Been a while, huh?

I know I haven't updated in a long time, but there hasn't been much going on. I think that after all the craziness of Jeff's surgery and the dance recital, I've been enjoying the relative peace and quiet.

Really, there isn't a lot going on. I made some sundresses (I still hate zippers) for the girls to wear to have their pictures taken at a park. I'm planning on going back and taking some pictures of my own in a week or so, to supplement what the photographer got so I don't buy as much.

VBS started this week. I volunteered again, but instead of being a Crew Leader (takes groups of kids to different stations), I'm a Station Leader, and I run Chadder's Desert Drive-In Theater. It's fun, and I get a break when the kids have snacks and get together at the beginning and end. Yesterday, Sarah invited our neighbor to come with us, and to my slight suprise, her mom said yes! Apparently, their church isn't having a VBS this year, so it works out well.

I haven't been working much, but I've got class all next week. Nice paycheck, but I need to plan our dinners, so that I don't have to think too much once I get home.

I've started thinking about school coming up in a month or so. I had such big plans/high hopes for stuff to do over the summer. I wanted to pick up German, music and geography, all of which got largely ignored during the regular school year. Well, they got ignored over the summer, too, so now they're going to be added in to the schedule.

I'm having some trouble figuring out my objectives and units for most things. So far, I've really only worked on Sarah's stuff. I'm really deadlocked with what to do for Lauren. It's early for her to start kindergarten, but when Sarah's working, she wants stuff to do, too, and she was doing so much preschool stuff last year that I think she can move ahead.

I'd like to be able to start reviewing and getting rolling again during the second week of August, but we'll see how it goes.

Recital

The recital went really well, if really long. We didn't get home until about 10:30. Maybe next year's recital can be on a Saturday afternoon instead of a Friday night?

Both girls' performances were fine, though you could see Lauren looking up at the lights and some of the people backstage. Sarah's hat fell in her face, but she just pushed it up and kept on dancing.

At intermission, my mom took Jeff home--he had been sitting in one position for too long and really needed to go, but was glad he got to see them.

After the big finale, I made my way up to the stage to get the girls (younger kids had to wait up there), but it took a few minutes. When I got there, I saw Lauren, eyes red and very upset. When she saw me, she ran up, and clung to me when I picked her up. I think she thought she'd been abandoned, poor thing. And the first words out of her mouth were: "Did you bring me any flowers?" Heh, I bet she saw some other girl get flowers and tried to horn in, and got rebuffed. I told her that of course we had flowers for her, and that Grammy & Grandpa had them down by the seats. We found Sarah, calmly sitting and waiting for us. Sadly, I didn't have my camera to get pictures right there (cameras are big time verboten during performances), but I got a few once we got home.

Dance

Tonight is the Dance Recital. Finally. This week has been so crazy, with rehearsals and pictures and all. I'm glad we're almost done. Both girls want to continue--Lauren is made for Tap, and Sarah wants to try Hawaiian (Jami, you can come and give us some tips!)

Sarah's song is Perfect Isn't Easy from the movie Oliver & Co. Lauren has Rubber Duckie. Yesterday was Dress Rehearsal, and Sarah's went smoothly (although they started the wrong music for a second). Lauren knows her routine well, and her song was going fine, too--until she noticed a lost bobby pin on the stage and picked it up to return it to the teacher. After that, they had to start over from the beginning. And even then, Lauren was so distracted, she was all over the place. I'm curious to see how she does tonight, but if she's remembered as the comic relief, that's fine, too.

He's home!

Yay!

I picked him up from the hospital last night after dinner. How odd is it that he'd been on a liquid diet for two meals, and for his first meal on solids, his choices were:

1. a hamburger
2. mostaccioli
3. cottage cheese & fruit

He still isn't eating much, nor sleeping enough, but he feels a lot better, now that he's home. He has a boatload of drugs, mostly antibiotics, to take for the next couple weeks, and there's no telling when he'll go back to work.

I so don't care--I'm so happy and relieved to have him home!

Evil, the thing about appendicitis is this: usually, you get a little warning. There is pain that is manageble at first, and gets worse. If you catch it in time, the appendix can be removed laproscopically, through the belly button, before it perforates. Jeff's pain was quite severe right away, and by the time the surgeon got there, his appendix had ruptured. There was a hole in his lower intestine, so to speak and some nasty stuff was coming out of it. This is the point where you get peritonitis, an infection of the peritoneal cavity. It's very severe and it had gotten to that point with him. That's also why they had to make a regular incision, and why his recovery is taking as long as it is.

Priorities

While we were all at the ER Friday, waiting for Jeff to be seen, I kept thinking, "I have to be out of here by no later than 4PM in order to get to dance class on time." If it had been a regular class, I wouldn't have cared, but this was the Finale Rehearsal, and it's been drummed into us that it is mandatory--miss this, and you don't dance in the recital.

We did make it in time, and some of the other moms were teasing me about Dance being more important than Dad (at this point, there was still hope that it was not his appendix, just an extreme case of the stomach flu). This is how the imaginary monologue conversation went:

"Honestly, hon, I'd be rather be here with you the whole time, but we can't miss Dance. No, of course you're more important than Dance class. It's just the one time we can't miss. Well, and pictures next Tuesday for Lauren. And pictures Wednesday for Sarah. And Dress Rehearsal on Thursday. And of course, the recital on Friday. Any time other than those, and you're at the top of the list. Really."

The real kicker of all this is that Jeff had been asking if he had to stay through the entire recital. "We have to sit through the whole thing? We can't cut out at intermission, once our kids are done?" My stepdad is already getting ready to tease him about the extremes to which he'll go in order to avoid sitting through two hours of dancing, heh.

In medical news, Jeff is feeling better, although that's still a relative term. We're hoping he can come home in a few more days.

Since I'm awake anyway . . .

I might as well blog about why I'm awake.

I got home from the hospital about 45 minutes ago--Jeff just had his appendix out. It had perforated, and the surgeon said it was pretty ugly. He'll be in the hospital at least three or four days, maybe longer. His total recovery might be as long as a month.

My awesome in laws picked up the kids for a sleepover, so I could be at the hospital without worrying about a babysitter having to sleep on the couch.

I really do need to go to bed.

Garage Sale Weekend

Clean House, it ain't. Honestly, I would love for Miss Niecy to come and deal with all my "foolishness" and bring a crew to get rid of all my crap.

Short of that, we are having our own yard sale. Yesterday went well enough, to the tune of about $150 and a sunburn for me. I realized that I needed to get all the utterly adorable baby clothes that no one is interested in off the table so that people realize that the table itself is also for sale. But what to do with the clothes? I fear that putting them on a blanket on the ground will only make them less appealing, if that's even possible.

Eh, whatever doesn't sell gets donated, although I'll probably cull the best of the clothes for my niece anyway.

Sarah also has a dance performance this afternoon, and then a birthday party, which means that she & Daddy will have to make a trip to Toys R Us this morning.

Summer

Stolen from Snapper

Cookie Monster is probably my favorite Muppet, after Grover.

You Are Cookie Monster

Misunderstood as a primal monster, you're a true hedonist with a huge sweet tooth. You are usually feeling: Hungry. Cookies are preferred, but you'll eat anything if cookies aren't around. You are famous for: Your slightly crazy eyes and usual way of speaking How you life your life: In the moment. "Me want COOKIE!"

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

sick

I've been sick all week. It started on Monday with some sinus issues, then I got an ugly cough, and then a sore throat. By Friday, I made a doctor's appointment. The last time I went to see our GP was when I was pregnant with Lauren (again, sinus issues, about a month before all the wierd stuff with my eye).

At the doc's office, I had a temp of 101.9, and the doc thought it was strep throat, so she ordered a swab. I have a bad gag reflex, so that wasn't fun, but I got through it. But when the test came back negative, the doc wanted it done again (she really thought it was strep), so I got a different nurse, one who really jammed it into the back of my throat. Damn, it hurt. Luckily for her, I hadn't eaten all day, or I think I would have thrown up on her. That test came back negative too, but the doc still gave me a scrip for antibiotics and an expectorant.

So I stayed in my pajamas and watched TV and slept all weekend. Jeff was so awesome. He picked up groceries, and did everything for the kids, including getting them to church in time to plant flowers Sunday morning.

So how do I feel now, after three days of meds? Well, the fever is gone. But other than that, I feel about the same as I did in the middle last week. Barky cough, lots of phlegm, sore throat that I can feel in my ears when I swallow. I don't think I need an expectorant. I think I need a heavy duty antihistamine. I think all this garbage is thanks to sinus drainage (though my nose isn't runny or stuffy at all). My throat is raw from coughing, not strep. My mom suggested Chlortrimatron tabs, and I'll wait until I finish the prescribed meds, but then I'm going to jump on that.

McCall's 4359

Easiest dresses I've made so far. Lined bodices instead of facings, and no sleeves or gathers. Zippers still give me trouble, but I'd rather deal with that than buttonholes. There's a good chance I'll do this pattern again next year, and if I do, I'll make the sash double sided (the only thing I didn't like).

Originally, I wanted to make one of the more complicated views (chiffon overlay, pretty!), but couldn't find fabric that I thought went well together. Last weekend, I was really glad that I was doing the most basic version, since they went together amazingly quickly!

They got new shoes and cardigans from Grammy & Grandpa J., and baseball gloves in their baskets from my Dad & stepmom.

Quickie

Just a quick "hi" so everyone knows I didn't fall down a well or something.

We've been so busy lately, it's nuts. Sarah had a Brownie/Girl Scout overnight carnival last Friday (I got to go, too!), and then choir practice Sat, and both girls went to a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese on Sunday.

This week is being dominated by sewing Easter dresses. When I originally got the pattern, I really wanted to do one of the more complicated options, but now I'm glad I couldn't find coordinating fabric. Aside from the zippers, they should go together in a flash.

I also have to (FINALLY) take in my paperwork for the German class I started teaching, so I can get paid. We so need the money; I can't believe I've put it off so long. I like teaching German again, but I feel a little out of my depth sometimes.

As for my computer classes, that's just a mess. They still don't have the lab up and running (they moved to a different building), so there's no way of knowing if I'll be able to teach any time soon. I've complained about them so much for so long, but it's really hard to walk away from the money and the schedule that works so well for us.

Lauren is starting her Gym class today. We tried her in Sarah's baseball practice last week, but she just wasn't that interested. Almost all the kids were at least a few years older than she, and she really doesn't have the focus to practice hitting, catching, throwing. Sarah seemed to have a good time, though. Gym is more for smaller kids, with tag, follow the leader, and basic hand/eye coordination. Should be perfect for her, but now we have classes for the kids four days a week. That is right on the brink of being overscheduled, which I always said I wanted to avoid.

Oh, and we started cleaning out the basement. I'm finally ready to get rid of the baby stuff (except for the crib, because that converts to a toddler bed and then we can use the headboard when Lauren grows out of that), so we're in the process of getting it all up to the garage. The big question now is whether to donate it or have a garage sale. If I didn't have such a laundry list of projects that require $$$ staring at me, I'd happily donate it and take the tax credit. As it is, I'm willing to do some work to get a couple hundred bucks. Wish me luck!

A Little Good News, Please

I'm ready for a little turnaround in things. I'm kind of sick of:

• needing to call the plumber, and--$200 later--finding out that "someone" flushed a baby hairbrush
• having Sarah throw up five times since she got home last night (Jeff's parents babysat at their house while I was working)
• having Sarah refuse to eat either chicken broth or Jello, and having neither Pedialyte nor Gatorade in the house, so missy is both crabby and hungry
• learning that my neighbor needs some help getting a resume together (he didn't get fired, but his job is a bad situation, so I said I'd help with getting a resume together)
• my Dad being all stressed out about trying to get their house together to sell
• my mom needing four more chemo treatments (but they're planning to be here by the middle of June, yay!)

So, if anyone wants to leave comments, please tell me something funny or happy. I need it!

Cool!

Word Cloud, from http://www.snapshirts.com/index.php

The Go-To Girl

Yep, I'm the Get It Done Kid. My Dad and Sharon (stepmom) are putting their house on the market in May, so are trying to get rid of a lot of their stuff, including a painting, a lamp, and hunting rifles. So I said I'd see what I could find out about pricing and the best way to sell said things. I can understand not wanting to take it to a middle man (gun shop or antiques dealer), because then you won't get as much back. Since they're going to move into a condo, they're also getting rid of their lawn mower and snow blower. Problem is, I have no freaking idea how to go about finding the worth of any of these things. But I said I'd try.

Yesterday, my brother called. He essentially asked if I could go over to Ann Arbor (about a 45 minute drive) to pay his storage unit bill. He said they won't take a money order, so he UPS-ed me an envelope with $400 in it, and I'm going to take it over there. Once we get home, I'm making a Lazy Daisy cake for my dad's birthday. It's his fave from when he was a kid.

And since the bell just rang while I was writing this, I need to get going. More later!

Notes:

• Shish Tawook is broiled chicken with spices sauce, and a dill pickle wrapped in a fresh hot pita. The pickle sounds weird, but it's what makes it. And I don't even like dill pickles!
• I can't wait for the Project Runway finale tomorrow night, but I'm going to be really sad that it's over again. I'm hoping Top Chef will be good.
• I DVR my favorite X-files episodes. I never seem to watch any of our DVD's, but I'd die without the DVR.

Edited to delete rant and add link.

Thanks, Pez!

Four Jobs I've had in my Life:
1. Hotel Maid
2. Au Pair
3. Curriculum Development Specialist/Reading Instructor
4. Tutor
Four Movies I'd Watch Over and Over:
1. The Blues Brothers
2. The Fifth Element
3. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
4. The Princess Bride
Four Places I've Lived:
1. Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan
2. Hailey, Idaho
3. Zürich, Switzerland
4. Pocatello, Idaho
Four TV Shows I like to Watch
1. Project Runway
2. Veronica Mars
3. X-Files
4. Good Eats
Four Favourite Places I've been on Vacation:
1. Arosa, Switzerland
2. Cancun, Mexico
3. Diamond D Ranch, Idaho
4. Stratford, Ontario
Four Web Sites I Visit Daily
1. www.delphiforums.com
2. www.televisionwithoutpity.com
3. www.woot.com
4. www.jigzone.com
Four of my Favourite Foods:
1. Shish Tawook Sandwish and Fattoush Salad
2. Chocolate
3. Sesame Chicken and Potstickers
4. Chicken Pot Pie
Four places I'd rather be right now:
1. Cuddling in bed with hubby & kids
That's all I got for that--I'm glad I'm here.
Four People I feel sorry for because they're getting tagged: Snapper, Dawn, DMouse, EvilAmy

Motivation

I should really go clothes shopping more often. Before I walked in the store, I fully intended to get McDonald's on the way home. Once I'd spent about 30 seconds in the fitting room, that wasn't even an option.

Oatmeal for breakfast today, yum!

By the way, Lauren can stand on her snowboard, but I didn't want to get it out at the park when we last went for various reasons. Now, the snow is all gone, so I don't know when we'll be able to go again. Heh, we'll probably have blizzards all through March.

What NOT to Say

"Sarah, as soon as you get your schoolwork done, we'll go sledding!"

This guarantees that Sarah's mind will not be on the schoolwork, and she'll do a poor job.

Eh, we had fun anyway, and she can practice stuff this afternoon.

Grizzly Man

I recorded Grizzly Man off the Discovery Channel last time it was on (have I waxed rhapsodic over my love of the DVR recently?), and finally got around to watching it last night.

For the first half hour, I was really on edge every time he got too close to the bears. I felt myself tensing up and nervous about how close he was, and really couldn't believe it when he would go so far as to reach out and touch a bear.

One winter while I was in college, I went snowmobiling with my parents in Yellowstone. At one point, I stopped to take a picture of a bison. It just stood in the snow off the side of the road, while I fiddled with my camera. After I got the picture and drove off again, my stepmother stopped me and practically took my head off (which I deserved). In my eagerness to get a really good, close picture, I was too close, and was blocking its path back to the road. I could easily have been trampled if it had been so inclinded. It's nothing like a bear, but it was still dangerous.

I understand that Treadwell felt a spiritual connection with the bears. When Jeff asked me about it after the first half hour or so, I said, "He thinks he's Dian Fossey." Back in the 70's, there was a TV show called Grizzly Adams. Man, I loved that show. It absolutely captured my city-kid desire to be out of the city. Of course, fueling that fire were our summers spent in Idaho. I loved being in the mountains, where it was so quiet and clean and open. Yep, the classic pastoral fantasy. So I do understand Tim Treadwell's love of that place, and his passion for it.

But he crossed the line. I understand that he talked to schools about the bears, and did a lot to help protect them. But when he mentions studying them, I wondered what exactly he studied. All I saw was his emotional attachment to them. Maybe he did scientific studies, and those clips weren't shown. I'm sure they wouldn't have been very exciting, but I think it would have given more depth to the film.

A curator at a local museum mentioned how Treadwell did more harm than good, in that he "habituated the bears" to humans. There's a reason that the local native culture has a tradition of giving the bears their own space--it's respectful to the bears, as well as safer for the humans. Treadwell didn't seem to anthropomorphize the bears much, but I did get the sense that he looked on them as spiritual kin, in spite of his apparent realization that they could kill him.

I have to admit, I found it a little distracting that Werner Herzog's voice reminded me of Connor MacLeod. "There can be only one!"

In the end, Treadwell was a guy who lived on the edge. Like the people who climb Everest, he knew death was a real possibility. He took the risk, and for a long time, he survived. But he knew there were no guarantees, and in the end he paid that price.

I'm going to need a nap

Lauren has been doing really well at staying dry all night. This is largely because Jeff & I have been religious at making sure she goes to the bathroom right before bed. Last night, we forgot. Right after I got in bed, I realized that, and thought about waking her up to take her to the bathroom, but didn't. I should have known better.

She woke up at three, and Jeff got up to take her to the bathroom. The thing is, when Lauren wakes up wet, she's hysterical and crying. Always. So I gave Jeff the clean sheet and said, "Trade." I got her cleaned up and new pajamas on her, and let her come lay down with us.

But. Jeff was snoring, and she was kicking and rolling (not in her sleep), so I tucked her back in bed between 3:30 & 4, and came out to the computer. I got my Project Runway follow up done (Tim Gunn's blog and podcast, and all the bonus videos), started a load of laundry, and played a few online games. It's now almost 5:30, and I'm not really tired. But I know I need sleep, because I have a really busy day ahead.

Also, Sarah's been complaining of a sore throat, and my throat is a little sore as well. If we get colds, I hope they come and go quickly. Any recomendations for knocking this out?

Eye Roll - Just Have to Share

When the phone rang a few minutes ago, I answered even though no name came up on the caller ID. Usually I don't do that (never at night), but my work number comes up that way, so I answered.

It was some young kid, asking for my first name. "This is," thinking maybe is was one of the kids from Brownies or dance class, though why they would call, I've no idea. Then the kid said, making his voice "deeper," "This is the sex line. Do you want to come?" Now, that's so stupid, that I thought I must have been hearing wrong, so I said, "What?" The dumb kid actually repeated himself, so I asked for his mom. He mumbled something, but didn't hang up. So I said that maybe I should call back so I could talk to his mom, or "would it be better to talk to your dad?" Then he hung up.

Dang it, I wish just once I would have the presence of mind to talk like a phone sex operator, and really scare him off!!!

Potty Training

Before I get to the topic at hand, let me say that I picked Sarah up within 15 minutes of being called. (By the way, Pat, I laughed hardest at your comment!) She had fallen asleep at 5:30--from what I hear, it was the first time she'd stopped moving--and didn't wake up until I got there at 6, so I'm not sure she even realized that I was the worst mom at the Brownie Lock In.

So does anyone have any good ideas for a suck up/apology present for the Brownie Troop leader?

OK, on to the topic at hand. Lauren's potty training has gone so much better lately. Remember the major meltdown I had a few months ago? That was largely due to potty training frustration, though there was other stuff involved as well. But happily, there have been almost no daytime accidents in recent memory. The one notable exception was when she she tried to clean things up herself, but I'm not getting into that.

The stumbling block now is that she wets the bed at night. This has happened pretty much every night this week. Part of the problem is that when she wakes up in the middle of the night, we get her cleaned up, get the sheet off her bed, and let her get into bed with us rather than hassle with remaking the bed. Yeah, it's easier for us, but I don't think it's really helpful. So we now have an official policy that if she wets the bed, she has to sleep back in her own bed, but if she stays dry all night, she can come and cuddle with us in bed in the morning. We'll see how it goes. I just have to remember to set out clean pajamas, underwear, and sheets on her dresser before she goes to bed.

Worst. Mom. EVER.

%#*&!!!!!

Last night, I put the phone next to my bed, just in case Sarah needed to come home in the middle of the night. The phone rang, and when I answered it, it was her troop leader, "You gonna come get her?" Ohhhhhhhh, *%&#$^!!!!! Jeff and I both slept through the alarm. How does that happen? So I threw on clothes, raced to get her, and she was the last kid left. Out of 160 girls, she was the last one to be picked up. Well, there's more fodder for the therapist in 20 years . . .

Wow

It's been a long time since I've posted, so I guess this will be an overall, catch-up issue.

Addictive TV
Last year, I was a complete Lost junkie. This year, I still watch, but Project Runway is my obsession. Every Thursday morning, I check out the website to read Tim Gunn's blog and listen to his podcast. I think Santino is a jerk, Nick, Chloe and Daniel V are the best designers left, and Andrae has some good stuff in spite of the drama and the exaggerated expressions.

Homeschooling
I've got a new system now, where I plan out the whole week in advance, including links to anything I want on line, and print any worksheets. I still don't always get everything done that I plan for, but I do a lot better. I'm still in the beginning stages for next week. I always did love lesson planning. In a few months, I'm going to look for a way to have Sarah tested so that I can see where she is objectively.

My Mom
Her surgery is scheduled for February 9 (so much for her hopes that she could work through the heavy part of tax season!), and I'm going down to see her on the 22. We still haven't planned out who is going to take care of the girls, and we do need to do that, but we have plenty of help, so I'm not worried about it. Sarah, of course, started, "I'm going to miss you, Mom" the day after I bought my ticket.

Kidlets
Sarah loves Brownies. Tonight, she's at a Lock-In. They're going to "stay up all night, swimming and eating pizza and playing in the arcade and watching movies!!!" I get to pick her up at 5:30 tomorrow morning. I have a feeling she won't go to church, heh. She's also having a lot of fun in Tap and singing in the choir at church. We've also been walking around the neighborhood selling cookies. Good Lord, either we live in a ghost town, or people hide in the basement when they see us coming, because it seems like no one is ever home!

Lauren kept asking to pack her bag for the Lock-In tonight, too. She wasn't too upset when I reminded her that she isn't old enough yet, but I did have to repeat that four or five times. She loves Tap and choir, too, and I need to see if story time at the library has started up again yet.

Hobbies
I got to go scrapbooking last week, which was nice, but I realized that my style has "reverted" to what it used to be instead of the more intricate stuff I've done lately. I haven't taken many pictures yet, but I have got about half an hour on the camcorder. I desperately want the cable/software that will let me plug it straight into the computer and burn DVDs, but it's a little pricey. I'm going to clean a friend's house tomorrow, so maybe I'll get enough to feel justified in splurging.

OK, that's all the updates I can think of, and then some!

Christmas

So now that it's New Year's Eve, I guess I'll officially update on Christmas.


Christmas Eve we went to my parents' house. Lauren got lots of dressup clothes, which of course she loved. Sarah got a Light Bright box and a Barbie Karaoke Guitar, which she adores. Luckily, it has volume control. :D

I got to open my present before anyone else - a video camera, horay! As we were driving over to their house, I'd been thinking that I wanted to buy a camera after Christmas, and wondering how much it would cost. Perfect timing! Of course, my 18 year old cousin Danny had to figure out how to use it. I think we have about 10 minutes of film on that.

Christmas morning was at our house; pretty quick and quiet. Jeff's favorite present was the pennant I got him from the All Star Game. The 2004 Houston All Star Game, not this year's here in Detroit. Why would that be his favorite present? Why, because it means he gets to give me shit about being an airhead and not noticing that I got the wrong pennant for the rest of my life. It's the gift that keeps on giving!

By the way, it would appear that one of our Christmas traditions is that not only will the girls get new jammies on Christmas Eve, but that they will fit badly because I didn't check the measurements. Sarah's aren't too bad, but Lauren's in particular are far too long!

After going to church, we came home for a light lunch and quick nap, then off to Grammy & Grandpa's! More dressup clothes for Lauren (that's Grammy looking at her birthstone bracelet next to pink Tinkerbelle, and Aunt Andrea behind the purple feather girl), and Sarah got the Barbie Laptop she's been craving for so long. Lauren also got a scooter just like Sarah's, which she whizzed around on all night. Also, lots of clothes, so hopefully no more fighting with Sarah on Sunday mornings about what she's going to wear.




















The highlight of the night was that Jeff's brother Greg brought his guitar. The girls were all over him. Sarah had brought her pompoms, and Lauren really got into the cheerleading thing, which was hilarious. Greg has a nice voice - he sounds a lot like the Green Day song "Time of Your Life."


















Jeff and I also got a considerable bit of cash from his parents. There are so many things I'd like to do: upgrade my digital camera (something with more megapixels and more zoom), get the gingerbread cookie charm for my bracelet, get some new clothes, etc. But we decided that it's smarter to hold onto it and put it toward plants for the front of the house next spring. The new grass looks great, but we still don't have anything in front of the hosue, and it needs it, badly. We'll still spend some of it on fun stuff, but nothing too big.

I just realized that I got a lot more fun pictures of Lauren than of Sarah, so I'll throw in my most recent favorite of my big girl, getting a piggy back ride from Grandpa.

Candied Baklava

(I'll recap Christmas later)

Yesterday, I went over to my friend Jami's house (waving, 'cause I know she reads here) to learn to make baklava from her mom, who was visiting for a week. Mmmm, baklava. And this is Persian baklava. The baklava you get in bakeries is usually Greek baklava, which means it has walnuts & honey. Persian baklava uses almonds and sugar, and I think it has a more delicate flavor. I just found out that Lebanese baklava uses pistacios, and I might have to try that sometime. Although I knew the basics of how baklava works, it's nice to have someone to walk you through it the first time.

When I got there, we had to run out to the store to pick up more almonds and another pastry brush, since we made two pans simultaneously. Also, Jami needed a little breathing room from her mom, which I can totally understand. When we got back, we got down to business.

Each pan of baklava calls for a pound of melted butter. Start layering the phyllo sheets, with butter between each layer. I quickly forgot how many layers I'd put down, because of course I was constantly talking and not paying attention. Margey (Jami, how does your mom spell her name?) works with a charity that is building schools in Afganistan, and one of the fundraisers they did was an Afgani dinner. That is so the kind of fundraiser I could get behind! Luckily, baklava is forgiving of that kind of distraction.

After putting down 8 layers of phyllo, add ¼ of the filling. The filling is four cups of nuts and four cups of sugar. More phyllo, more filling, etc. Total of four layers of filling, five layers of phyllo. Then cut into squares or diamonds (the hardest part!), and bake for about 30 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown. While it's baking, make the syrup, which is a cup of water, two cups of sugar, a couple cinnamon sticks, and a tablespoon of lemon juice.

As she was copying the recipe (from this fabulous old cookbook called The Persian Kitchen), I noticed that she wrote down that the filling calls for TWO cups of sugar. Not four. Two. When I noticed, she said, "Oh, that's right," crossed out the 2 and wrote a 4. But then she went back to the book and realized that indeed, we should have used just two cups of sugar. Well, it was too late to do anything about it, so we decided to just wing it. Once it was done baking (it looked gorgeous!), we pulled it out and poured the hot syrup over it. Then we waited for it to cool. And waited. And waited.

While we were waiting, we snitched samples. The phyllo was wonderfully crisp, yet chewy due to the syrup. The filling was . . . um. Yeah. The filling was sweet. Really sweet. Hence the name "Candied Baklava." I'm going to cut a couple pieces for the kids and take the rest in to work today, and hopefully it'll all get eaten. I do plan to make baklava again, but I think that Candied Baklava is going to be retired. The story will certainly make it into my recipe book, though! ;D

Pity Party

Uuuuurgh.

I feel like crap.

My sinuses are all raw.

I had to pull the car over on the way to work so I could throw up.

Since my morning student didn't show up, I've been taking naps back here. It helps, but then I walk around and feel queasy again.

I really intended to go to the post office and run other errands, but it's not happening.

Bleagh.

Queen Kim the Productive

Yes, I saw Narnia last night; it was great!

My awesome wonderful parents had the girls for a sleepover last night, so I got to run errands this morning all by myself, which totally rocked!

I went to the mall for a present for Jeff and perfume for my SIL. Barnes & Nable for books for my Dad & my brother. Dollar Store for stocking stuffers. Grocery shopping (somehow, I lost a bag of groceries - d'oh!), too. Now I'm tired, but the house is a wreck, and I still have to make dinner. Once the kids are in bed, I'm up for some sewing.

The best things, though, are these: They're birthstone bracelets for my MIL, Sarah, Lauren, and stepmom. Sarah's birthstone is amethyst, and Lauren's is aquamarine. I realized, though, that since they're birthstone bracelets, I really should wait for their birthdays to give them to the girls. I so want to give them to them right away, though! I just hope they fit - I might try them on them while they sleep.

Hee

We went to the Rockettes last night, and had a lot of fun. One of the other moms from Sarah's tap class reserved a block of tickets, so in addition to getting the seats for half price, Sarah got to sit by one of her friends in dance class. I'm glad we got tickets for this instead of the Nutcracker, although that was a tradition when I was growing up and I really love it. But this was a little easier for little kids to get into (Lauren kept asking "Where's Santa?" every time he was off stage). Sarah said her favorite part was the living Nativity at the end. I was glad to see the show end on a non-commercial note.

As we were leaving, it was snowing, and had been for a while (which we'd expected--we have quite a bit of accumulation this morning). As the huge crowd was crowding toward the parking structure, a group of people behind us began singing, "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow." For me, that was the high point of the evening--people taking something that was an inconvenience and having fun with it. It got a laugh out of pretty much everyone else, as well.

As for that last entry, well . . . the beginning of the week was rough. And I still have too much to do, but I'm not stressing about it as much anymore, though I did add "blender and margarita mix" to my Christmas list). Thanks for the good wishes, everyone!

AUGH!

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The Story Behind the Dresses

. . . or, How Kim Almost Got Herself in Way Over Her Head.

When I screwed up cutting out the bodice front piece of Lauren's dress last week, I scrambled to the nearest JoAnn Fabrics. Not the same one where I bought the fabric, but it was closer and I was hopeful. As soon as I walked it, I saw this gorgeous fabric. It looked like velvet with detailed metallic embroidery. Very flowy, graceful, Christmasy. And they had, in addition to deep red with gold stitching, midnight blue with silver stitching (which looks great on blondes) and hunter green with gold stitching (which looks great on redheads).

As soon as I saw it, I fell in love. I seriously considered putting aside the dress I'd already done, as well as the one I'd cut out (and screwed up) in favor of making two entirely new dresses out of this fabric. Did I mention that I did this on Saturday night? And that the pictures were going to be on Tuesday morning? And still I thought, "Yeah, I'd have to sew pretty much non-stop, but I could make it." Luckily for me, a saleslady saw the pattern envelope in my hand and said that the fabric wouldn't work with a gathered skirt. So I was off the hook. For this year.

I wonder if it would go on really deep sale after Christmas . . . I could find a pattern that would work, and buy enough to make the next size up, and be all set to make the dresses in September if I wanted! No rushing next year!!! That would be so awesome!

Um. Yeah. Anyway, THIS year's photo session went very well. Here's what we got (by the way, I don't know how true the color will be, but they're purple shot with some silver, and silver ribbon at the waist and cuffs):