Mr. EG used the blender to help the girls make some banana milkshakes the other night. Now we're out of ice cream and the girls want to use the blender and are getting restless. I'm hoping they won't decide to play Will It Blend?.
In other news, the girls are getting over the colds they've had, so we're *not* in trouble there, and I'm glad.
Does watching the Charlie and Lola episode, I Wish I Could Draw Exactly More Like You, with some famous paintings, count as art for the day? lol
On the topic of Charlie and Lola, does anyone think there are not enough suitable shows out there for older kids, like preteen age? Even shows like Hannah Montana, and movies like High School Musical, are not necessarily suitable, and seem like they're aimed at kids more like Wildchild, not at kids almost in their teens like the Scientist. Perhaps the Scientist is already supposed to be watching adult-type fare??? It's a good thing she still enjoys watching stuff supposedly for younger kids. I just won't tell her. :)
This post brought to you by the letters A, D and D.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Blue
So what did you all do with your weekend? I'm feeling a little better, but I'm still not doing much beyond sewing and cross-stitching. I did finally get back to exercising a little today. I'll be glad when school starts tomorrow; it will be nice to get back into the schedule, and have more to do (besides the ubiquitous housework.)
I'm not entirely sure of the reason, but I've been feeling a little blue. Everything seems boring to me right now. Hopefully I will break out of this soon, maybe tomorrow.
I'm not entirely sure of the reason, but I've been feeling a little blue. Everything seems boring to me right now. Hopefully I will break out of this soon, maybe tomorrow.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
I'm Playing Along
with the Elephant's Child.
Big Doofus posted a game on his website. You can read about his results here. Here's how to play; directions courtesy of Big Doofus.
1. The first article title on this page is the name of your band.
2. The last four words of the last quotation on this page is the title of your album.
3. The third picture on this page, no matter what it is, will be your cover artwork.
4. Take the artwork, your titles, and use a photo-editing program to paste them together.
Here's mine:
Pretty honest album title, don't you think?
Big Doofus posted a game on his website. You can read about his results here. Here's how to play; directions courtesy of Big Doofus.
1. The first article title on this page is the name of your band.
2. The last four words of the last quotation on this page is the title of your album.
3. The third picture on this page, no matter what it is, will be your cover artwork.
4. Take the artwork, your titles, and use a photo-editing program to paste them together.
Here's mine:
Pretty honest album title, don't you think?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Super Me
Kate is a princess. I'm... a dude. Oh, well.
Your results:
You are Superman
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz
Your results:
You are Superman
| You are mild-mannered, good, strong and you love to help others. |
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz
Slow Progress
I'm just hanging on here; I have some problems with medication that I have to get worked out. It's making me very tired, so I'm mostly doing cross-stitching and that kind of thing, that I can do propped up in my recliner. And surfing the Internet, of course. :)
I'm working on a Strawberry Shortcake cross-stitched piece for Wildchild, which will then become part of a backpack similar to the ballet bag I made for her. I'm also working on a pretty little piece which is difficult because it's mostly backstitch, and I have to double every line in the piece, as it was designed to be done on linen, which is different from the Aida fabric I'm doing it on. As far as knitting goes, I've done a very little bit of work trying to learn how to cast on. I'm not sure I'll get the hang of all these loops; that was always my problem trying to learn how to crochet. Well, that and being left-handed. At least left-handedness does not appear to be a difficulty in knitting. Oh, and I did sew myself up a nice, soft fleece hat.
The cold is discouraging me from walking outside, but I do try to use my exercise bike inside when that happens. Not seeing much progress on this front, which is discouraging.
I'm working on a Strawberry Shortcake cross-stitched piece for Wildchild, which will then become part of a backpack similar to the ballet bag I made for her. I'm also working on a pretty little piece which is difficult because it's mostly backstitch, and I have to double every line in the piece, as it was designed to be done on linen, which is different from the Aida fabric I'm doing it on. As far as knitting goes, I've done a very little bit of work trying to learn how to cast on. I'm not sure I'll get the hang of all these loops; that was always my problem trying to learn how to crochet. Well, that and being left-handed. At least left-handedness does not appear to be a difficulty in knitting. Oh, and I did sew myself up a nice, soft fleece hat.
The cold is discouraging me from walking outside, but I do try to use my exercise bike inside when that happens. Not seeing much progress on this front, which is discouraging.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Decorating with Cat Hair
With the cold weather, the cats love to snuggle with me in my recliner. At times, I can have three cats perched on and around me when I am sitting. However, it's annoying to be picking cat hair out of my cross-stitch work. And, like Lutheran Lucciola, I am trying to learn how to knit, and it's annoying while winding my ball of yarn to be picking cat hairs out of that as well. I'm using a Klutz book to attempt to learn how to knit. I don't know if I ever want to do anything fancy like Marie or LotzaStitches. I would just like to be able to knit scarves, hats, dishcloths, things like that. Without cat hair as an added decoration! Today I may whip myself out a hat sewn out of fleece, however. Did I mention the weather is cold? At least the sun is out. And cats are not allowed in the sewing room!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Needle Arts
Last night found the Scientist, Wildchild and myself bent over embroidery hoops. Yep, the girls are trying to learn cross-stitch again. It didn't go so well last time, but I got them cute little Disney cross-stitch kits for Christmas, and they are willing to try again. I suggested they get them out yesterday for an art project, as the art curricula I'm using with them is not currently going very well. It's basically a lot of drawing, and the girls are not really interested in drawing, so much. It's far different in our home from when my sisters and I were growing up. We had a steady supply of crayons and paper, and were constantly drawing and coming up with crafts to do. My girls don't have that artistic bent, so I'm going to have to come up with something new for them to do for art classes. Sometimes we do projects that are related to history, like our Israelite house. Or when we were studying Egyptian history, the girls each made a cartouche with their name in hieroglyphics. But our history lesson does not lend itself easily to an art project every time, so I'll have to see what else I can find, that they will enjoy, but that goes beyond "hand turkey" level of projects. What do you all do for art?
Now, what got me thinking about the state of handcrafts in today's society is the closing of the fabric (and crafts) store where my friend Debbie works. Also, the small cross-stitch store near where I used to live has closed. And there seems to be a decrease in the number of quilting stores in the area too. I wonder if this is due to fewer people doing handcrafts, or the increase in Internet purchases of fabric and such. I'd guess that the stores are closing due to the former, although with local options disappearing, I'm glad to have the increased options that Internet shopping provides. I have a bias, doing so much sewing as well as some cross-stitch and embroidery, but I think that a trend away from creative pursuits and making things yourself is not a good one. In a time where manufacturing processes can be increasingly automated, the extra touch of something made by hand means that much more. And I think creativity is something special, something that helps us stand out as people, and that can help us stand out as a country. I suppose I'll simply have to foster my daughters' own creativity, and hope that someone who sees creativity in our family, might be inspired.
Now, what got me thinking about the state of handcrafts in today's society is the closing of the fabric (and crafts) store where my friend Debbie works. Also, the small cross-stitch store near where I used to live has closed. And there seems to be a decrease in the number of quilting stores in the area too. I wonder if this is due to fewer people doing handcrafts, or the increase in Internet purchases of fabric and such. I'd guess that the stores are closing due to the former, although with local options disappearing, I'm glad to have the increased options that Internet shopping provides. I have a bias, doing so much sewing as well as some cross-stitch and embroidery, but I think that a trend away from creative pursuits and making things yourself is not a good one. In a time where manufacturing processes can be increasingly automated, the extra touch of something made by hand means that much more. And I think creativity is something special, something that helps us stand out as people, and that can help us stand out as a country. I suppose I'll simply have to foster my daughters' own creativity, and hope that someone who sees creativity in our family, might be inspired.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Zzzzzz
I have a post swirling in my head, but I'm too tired to type it out in a coherent form. So you'll have to wait until tomorrow to read the Latest Adventures of the Evil Genius. Nothing that exciting, just a lot of soul-searching about my job as teacher and the role of handcrafts in today's society -again.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
House and Home
Since what we're doing is mainly school-related lately, I'm going to share this picture of an ancient Israelite house the girls have been working on as part of our study of ancient history. The floor is sandpaper, to simulate dirt, and it contains an oven, two bowls, an oil lamp, and a grinding set. My husband's former college roommate, who has his PhD in Old Testament studies, and who has been on an archeological dig in Israel, approved of our design. :)
We're using this book right now. Overall, I like it, even though it is written from a secular viewpoint. The author's unwillingness to believe that Baal worshipers of the time committed some horrific acts, even though it was documented not only by the Israelites, but also by the Greeks and Romans, is interesting.
It's sweet that even though we spend so much time together, family dinner is still important enough to Wildchild that she cleared the table off so we could have it. To put this in context, Wildchild usually needs to be told (and told) to do household chores, so for her to put in the effort to clear the table says something. The girls both pitched in with making the meal tonight, too. I like that they have an interest in cooking, and the time to pursue it.
I've been good about walking, and fairly good about eating, although we've made a couple of batches of chocolate chip cookies this past week. But I haven't been a pig with them, and at least homemade are better for you, right? :) I also can't give up the carbs like Kate has been able to. For example, the delicious beef stew I made tonight contained not only tender beef, but also potatoes and corn. And of course a dinner roll or two with the stew really tasted good! Right now, I'm trying moderation in my meals, and exercise. We'll see how it goes.
We're using this book right now. Overall, I like it, even though it is written from a secular viewpoint. The author's unwillingness to believe that Baal worshipers of the time committed some horrific acts, even though it was documented not only by the Israelites, but also by the Greeks and Romans, is interesting.
It's sweet that even though we spend so much time together, family dinner is still important enough to Wildchild that she cleared the table off so we could have it. To put this in context, Wildchild usually needs to be told (and told) to do household chores, so for her to put in the effort to clear the table says something. The girls both pitched in with making the meal tonight, too. I like that they have an interest in cooking, and the time to pursue it.
I've been good about walking, and fairly good about eating, although we've made a couple of batches of chocolate chip cookies this past week. But I haven't been a pig with them, and at least homemade are better for you, right? :) I also can't give up the carbs like Kate has been able to. For example, the delicious beef stew I made tonight contained not only tender beef, but also potatoes and corn. And of course a dinner roll or two with the stew really tasted good! Right now, I'm trying moderation in my meals, and exercise. We'll see how it goes.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Time Flies
It seems just yesterday it was the New Year, full of hopes and plans, and now here we are two weeks in. Do you feel that you are what you accomplish? I've been doing all right with the big things, housework, homeschooling and exercise. I just always want to be Superwoman and fit a huge list of things in everyday, and that part isn't happening. I did some doll sewing this weekend as a break from people sewing, and I felt so much better once I'd done that, just because I did something I wanted to do and had something concrete to show for my time.
Do you ever envy women in the "olden days" that seemed to have endless projects to do with their hands during idle moments - tatting lace, embroidering doilies, monogramming household linen, or even knitting socks? I don't feel much of a need for doilies all over the house, but I'd like to have something to do with my "idle moments" so I can feel like I've accomplished more.
Do you ever envy women in the "olden days" that seemed to have endless projects to do with their hands during idle moments - tatting lace, embroidering doilies, monogramming household linen, or even knitting socks? I don't feel much of a need for doilies all over the house, but I'd like to have something to do with my "idle moments" so I can feel like I've accomplished more.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Ho Hum
We are doing things around here, but they're not very exciting things. We're doing all right at school work, we're getting all the Christmas decorations packed away in the attic, I'm even exercising and going for walks with the daughters.
We still have our stray cat, as we couldn't find a local shelter that had room for her, and the non-local shelters won't take non-local cats. We've let her into our home after an appropriate quarantine period, and the other cats have adjusted to her presence miraculously well. Their attitude seems to be, "Oh, another one." We'd still like to find a home for this cat, and she definitely needs to be spayed, as she went into heat again recently for about ten days. Annoying, but good first-hand experience for the Scientist-wanna-be-veterinarian about what a female cat in heat looks like. Oh, and this cat is also young enough that she's climbing the wire cubes up to where we keep the hamster that the Scientist got for her birthday last month. Definitely Not Good. Hamsters are Friends, Not Food. (A movie quote just for Kate.)
And since Debbie shared her purple poinsettia, I think I will show you our blue poinsettia. :P :)
We still have our stray cat, as we couldn't find a local shelter that had room for her, and the non-local shelters won't take non-local cats. We've let her into our home after an appropriate quarantine period, and the other cats have adjusted to her presence miraculously well. Their attitude seems to be, "Oh, another one." We'd still like to find a home for this cat, and she definitely needs to be spayed, as she went into heat again recently for about ten days. Annoying, but good first-hand experience for the Scientist-wanna-be-veterinarian about what a female cat in heat looks like. Oh, and this cat is also young enough that she's climbing the wire cubes up to where we keep the hamster that the Scientist got for her birthday last month. Definitely Not Good. Hamsters are Friends, Not Food. (A movie quote just for Kate.)
And since Debbie shared her purple poinsettia, I think I will show you our blue poinsettia. :P :)
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Candy That's Good For Me
Kate was so kind as to give me this award, which originated here:
”So here’s to all the blogs that you’ve discovered that you can’t possibly live without. They make you laugh, cry, think and feel connected every time you read a post. They give you a thrill as you see them loading into your browser and you get an equally satisfying thrill when you see that they have commented on your blog”
I'm passing on the looooooooove to:
The Elephant's Child
I'm also going to get Mr. EG to walk me through setting up a shortcut to my webpage set-ups so I can work on my sidebar!
”So here’s to all the blogs that you’ve discovered that you can’t possibly live without. They make you laugh, cry, think and feel connected every time you read a post. They give you a thrill as you see them loading into your browser and you get an equally satisfying thrill when you see that they have commented on your blog”
I'm passing on the looooooooove to:
The Elephant's Child
I'm also going to get Mr. EG to walk me through setting up a shortcut to my webpage set-ups so I can work on my sidebar!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Just Passing Through
Today has turned out to be a hectic day. Doctors appointments for myself and the Scientist took up the morning; this afternoon Wildchild has her two dance lessons. This evening, the Scientist has her first 4-H meeting. Not too good for contemplative blogging.
I'm frustrated because I *need* to lose weight. :( I'm already afraid I won't be able to do it. Not a good attitude to start with, huh? Also, I could use more clothes, but I don't want to put the time into sewing anything, or put money into buying anything, until I lose weight. It's a vicious circle. I may just find some knit things to put together that will fit me at more than one size, and as for the weight loss, it just has to become a priority, like school or housework.
Speaking of housework, I'm also distressed at the moment because I have so much to do. Dirty dishes are stacked up, the girls and I need to put more time into schoolwork, there's always laundry to do, and there's always sewing, too, even if I'm not sewing anything for me. I'll be back later tonight.
I'm frustrated because I *need* to lose weight. :( I'm already afraid I won't be able to do it. Not a good attitude to start with, huh? Also, I could use more clothes, but I don't want to put the time into sewing anything, or put money into buying anything, until I lose weight. It's a vicious circle. I may just find some knit things to put together that will fit me at more than one size, and as for the weight loss, it just has to become a priority, like school or housework.
Speaking of housework, I'm also distressed at the moment because I have so much to do. Dirty dishes are stacked up, the girls and I need to put more time into schoolwork, there's always laundry to do, and there's always sewing, too, even if I'm not sewing anything for me. I'll be back later tonight.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
I'd Like to Thank the Academy
Actually, I'd like to thank Miss Sniz for giving me this blogging award. I'm not the writer I'd like to be, but I promise to work at it! I have to get my husband to help me get access to my web pages again so I can put my award(s) on my sidebar!
I'd like to pass this award on to Liz, who is so much more eloquent writing about matters of faith than I am, even though Baby is making it difficult for her to write at the moment. Plus, it will look so nice on her blog!
It was nice to get a little pick-me-up, because the weekend was not very productive, and therefore I am feeling down. I'm hoping to take advantage of the beginning of a new week to make a fresh start. I can do this!
I'd like to pass this award on to Liz, who is so much more eloquent writing about matters of faith than I am, even though Baby is making it difficult for her to write at the moment. Plus, it will look so nice on her blog!
It was nice to get a little pick-me-up, because the weekend was not very productive, and therefore I am feeling down. I'm hoping to take advantage of the beginning of a new week to make a fresh start. I can do this!
Friday, January 04, 2008
Friday Fatigue
We started school again yesterday, mainly because the girls were getting bored but also because I wanted to get back to a schedule. I got tired of the aimless existence we were living during the holidays. Today, though, I've been feeling rather tired; I notice I usually do on Fridays. Still, I'm doing my best to keep the ship running. I really need to get my stamina up.
We had my husband's college roommate, his wife and their daughter stay overnight with us on New Year's Eve. It's funny, because Matt had spent several New Year's Eves with us and some other friends, before he got married and they adopted their daughter. It was nice to see them, after several years, and meet their daughter.
We spent New Year's Day with my in-laws. It was mostly good food, and football, and being tired from having stayed up until 2 AM playing Settlers of Catan on New Year's Eve.
I have to help the girls with dinner, so I'll stop here. There are a couple of things I've been thinking about, but I don't have them put into words yet, so hopefully I'll be posting again soon!
We had my husband's college roommate, his wife and their daughter stay overnight with us on New Year's Eve. It's funny, because Matt had spent several New Year's Eves with us and some other friends, before he got married and they adopted their daughter. It was nice to see them, after several years, and meet their daughter.
We spent New Year's Day with my in-laws. It was mostly good food, and football, and being tired from having stayed up until 2 AM playing Settlers of Catan on New Year's Eve.
I have to help the girls with dinner, so I'll stop here. There are a couple of things I've been thinking about, but I don't have them put into words yet, so hopefully I'll be posting again soon!
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