tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321402312024-03-06T23:28:42.329-08:00Striving for Reverence...while wiping, driving, reading, teaching, learning, talking and listening, and doing every thing else a mommy does!Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.comBlogger257125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-34199668316302911772011-10-06T11:58:00.000-07:002011-10-06T12:15:46.781-07:00Keepin' it real:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrQ8EP8nFDiGHmukFwdjfL3f1Pk-2bhh1Dw795KPmrz4XBSoWd01mM9zJhIYpq8wYYc_6rlmccWP5nCenTVaCVPUrj8fCns-To36MviIXiaVQmBOmrRB0L20ELpetlpNpD3Sb/s1600/023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660456089233097506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrQ8EP8nFDiGHmukFwdjfL3f1Pk-2bhh1Dw795KPmrz4XBSoWd01mM9zJhIYpq8wYYc_6rlmccWP5nCenTVaCVPUrj8fCns-To36MviIXiaVQmBOmrRB0L20ELpetlpNpD3Sb/s320/023.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">homeschooler's</span> morning: A paper/book/writing utensil explosion, children who don't know how to sit on chairs, girls still in their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">jammies</span>, and a mostly drained mug of coffee. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>J can't stand this table. At the end of the day I usually try to make some tidy piles of all of these things so it's not so messy looking but it really looks like it is: a mess that's been piled up instead of put away. J has also suggested we use the kitchen table instead but I just can't do it. Many times while Hannah and I work on something the boys are snacking at the kitchen table and I detest food mingling with books and papers. To be perfectly honest, this table makes me happy. It's next to my cute hutch filled with my favorite pretty things and a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">plenitude</span> of wonderful things have been learned on this table. Now if I could just get my dear husband to see it that way! :)</div>Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-58169141620758418572011-09-26T13:27:00.000-07:002011-09-26T14:17:32.382-07:00Meals, meals, meals.<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yzZgYaYR70VBpH6nvA7R4JM8Amw3H6uOTvzKlo9FlsCT1nRuKG2ejPDMLSGddLiLWB4Bd13Oosh8oX7Zzrv_2ao98MutODNvq8OfTCD4CTHBDjr25q6kl59DSau5VXRXMBjn/s1600/008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656778793519868402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yzZgYaYR70VBpH6nvA7R4JM8Amw3H6uOTvzKlo9FlsCT1nRuKG2ejPDMLSGddLiLWB4Bd13Oosh8oX7Zzrv_2ao98MutODNvq8OfTCD4CTHBDjr25q6kl59DSau5VXRXMBjn/s320/008.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> Our "rugged" backyard :)<br /></span><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0mOV0D94fA6IgHLndU5AyVteZxpaz4oKkuT7EsNarpZqeGFDaDEuKcTbC38jWqovHnAJhizu5A7E5Dz048xJ6iJnyOua79fwq9JRGtf_oG4ewKKl5Zkl_FpRBJWh6stb3fhq/s1600/004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656778790364503122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0mOV0D94fA6IgHLndU5AyVteZxpaz4oKkuT7EsNarpZqeGFDaDEuKcTbC38jWqovHnAJhizu5A7E5Dz048xJ6iJnyOua79fwq9JRGtf_oG4ewKKl5Zkl_FpRBJWh6stb3fhq/s320/004.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">And a happy garden!<br /><br /></span><br /><br /><div align="left">I prepare a lot of them. Therefore I plan. Here's this week's menu plan:</div><br /><br /><div align="left">M - Breakfast for Dinner. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hash browns</span>, eggs (maybe a scramble with leftover turkey chili I have in my freezer) and put some cheese on top, served with tortillas.</div><br /><br /><div align="left">T - Red potatoes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">au</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">gratin</span> with turkey kielbasa and a spinach salad. </div><br /><br /><div align="left">W - church potluck - Lots of JUICE! Easy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">peasy</span>.</div><br /><br /><div align="left">Th - Tomato and basil pizza. (We've got bunches of fresh basil in our garden and I make dough in the bread machine.)</div><br /><br /><div align="left">F - Rice and beans and tortillas.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Here is my potatoes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">au</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">gratin</span> recipe that I made up one day that my family devoured:</div><br /><br /><div align="left">1. Thinly slice red <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">potatoes</span> - halve them and then slice away. Throw them in a casserole dish.</div><br /><br /><div align="left">2. On the stove make the cheese sauce. I do this by eye and have no measurements so this is all approximate. About a few T of butter, melt into a cup of some milk. As the milk warms I throw in maybe a half cup of flour. Whisk! It will get bubbly. That's when I add the cheese. You've gotta be quick! Keep <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">whisking</span>. I probably added a cup of sharp cheddar and a cup of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">parmesan</span> (shredded.) You can use whatever you like and if you want more, I don't see how it could hurt it.</div><br /><br /><div align="left">3. Meanwhile, back to the potatoes, throw in some minced garlic and finely chopped onion, kosher salt, and paprika, and mix it all up. Now pour your cheese sauce over it and mix it up distribute it evenly. Send a kid to your garden for some fresh rosemary sprigs. Throw those into the dish. Cover and bake at 425 for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ohidunno</span>, 40 minutes? Take the cover off bake them for a bit longer to get all brown on top, and make sure they are done. Eat them up!</div><br /><br /><div align="left">This week I will throw in some kielbasa - <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">which</span> makes for a nice, filling meal in one dish. And then I'll go for a few laps around my block. No. I won't. But I should. :p</div></div></div>Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-3699754128778291042011-09-14T15:42:00.000-07:002011-09-24T13:09:52.925-07:00The Birth Story of Helena ChristineI was convinced I would have my fourth baby a little early. I was worried I wouldn't make it to Pascha - my most favorite day of the year. But Holy Week, Pascha, and Bright Week came and went and I was still pregnant. I would be for a couple more weeks! Finally, one night around bed time my water broke. It was Fri. night and I was a week past my due date. I was crying every morning I woke up still pregnant. Needless to say I was relieved that the ball was about to get rolling. There was a funeral for a beautiful, old woman from my parish on Sat. morning that I wanted to go to. She was the lady who graced my family with her gift of hospitality on our first visits to an Orthodox Church, welcoming us, and encouraging us to kiss the cross after the service, when at the time it felt very taboo to us. Vera was very special and very loved by every one at our parish, as she radiated the light of Christ. May her memory be eternal!<br /><br />As the warm waters left my body, I felt the first contractions. I called my midwife, LisaMarie, to give her a heads up. After an hour or so contractions kept picking up and I asked LM to come. As my kids slept, Jason and LM bustled around the house making birthing preparations while I tried to get some sleep but felt too excited. In came the tub and water, chux pads and safety equipment, brewing of herbs for post partum comforts, and piles of towels and receiving blankets. I thought I'd have my baby by 5 am. But as the time went on, my contractions waned and I prepared myself for a 9pm baby, like the others.<br /><br />As the sun came up, my thoughts were on Vera, and I was trying to think of a way to go to her funeral, but labor pains, though spread out, were still pretty hard, and my water was broken so that could have been really awkward! Our baby's heartrate was a bit fast at times and I was beginning to feel worried. I told Jason if it didn't change we were going to the hospital, that I didn't want a home birth just to have a home birth. My midwife felt the same way and we both feel that, in a sense, we laid it down before God. LM sensed that the baby was perhaps waiting for the beautiful Vera's funeral to be over. I believe this was true. The midwives went home for some rest, left us with the doppler and ordered me to rest, rest, rest. The more I rested, the happier the little baby was. My temp. and blood pressure were perfect, and thank God, rest was just what we needed.<br /><br />Our dear friends Thomas and Maria came and picked up our kids and took them to church for the funeral with plans to keep our daughter Hannah with them, and drop off our boys with my mom. Knowing our kids were in good hands, and that our little baby was just fine got my labor back in business. Contractions got hard and closer together again around noon. It was all so familiar - the rythm of laboring. The waves of intense pain and work fading into the peaceful breaks in between. I tried relaxing my whole body to get through them, allowing myself to do the work without the crippling distraction of tensing up. I got in and out of the tub. I watched tv. I let Jason and LM bring me snacks and drinks. My laboring beverage of choice is diluted cranberry juice with ice. I tried to eat cheese and crackers but really didn't have a huge appetite. I just ate enough for some energy.<br /><br />Time ticked by and it was the afternoon when I started to get very tired, and labor seemed very intense. I went upstairs to bed for awhile to try to nap. Jason came with me - he wasn't feeling that great and we both dozed off between contractions. I would get a tough one and he would quickly wake up enough to put pressure on my tailbone to help me with the pain. We did this over and over for about an hour (I think.) The midwife picked up her partner Celia, and I came downstairs to get some relief in the tub. I got hit with a huge contraction and draped my arms over my new friend Celia to ride it out. I got in the tub and enjoyed a break as things slowed down again. Then LM suggested I get out for a while and stand up to let gravity take its effect. I was hesitant because I was feeling so sick of the pain, but also wanted badly enough to be done that I took her advise. I walked the few steps to the bathroom and stood up by the towel bar and got hit with those huge contractions that you just know are really bringing the baby down. I couldn't believe we were coming to this point - the point of transition - it wasn't 9pm yet! It was around 4ish. I got through a few big contractions in the bathroom and headed back to the tub. The house next door was being rented out and I remember people coming by to look at it and I was like, "Close the windows!" Can you imagine house shopping and hearing crazy birthing noises going on next door? OMG! How embarassing! I'm convinced that the people who rented the house are the ones that came by that day and they think we are total weirdos. haha.<br /><br />So anyway...Birthing! I was getting to my absolutely least favorite part of giving birth. Ouchy, ouchy, pain, pain. I was starting to get pushy. I remember standing up in the tub, this time draped over Jason feeling so helpless. As we embraced I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and love. I was in my own home, being loved and supported by the wonderful man who gave me the gift of a baby, of which I was about to bring into the world. Those moments were strikingly romantic. More urges to push kept coming. LM encouraged me to just listen to my body and do what I felt I needed to do. No official check of my cervix and permission - just a gentle support of doing what I felt was best. I made some whimpy attempts at pushing, testing it out and before I knew it, I was in the spot all future mothers who are about to push a baby out find themselves to be: A rock and a hard place. You either push and deal with the pain or you will be pregnant forever. I picked the first option.<br /><br />I HAD TO PUSH! OMG I AM PUSHING! AAAAH! I slashed around the water in the tub like a caught marlin expending the last of it's energy. It was kind of ridiculous. The midwives had calm faces. They did not panic. I pulled it together. I pushed. And I pushed. And, by golly, it was working. I told the baby not to worry. I was gonna get her out just fine. Come on baby. It's time to be born! Today is your birthday! For the first time in my career of pushing, I felt like it wasn't so completely horrible. Maybe it was the water, I don't know. But this time I felt much more in control. I knew I was going to be done very soon. We saw her head. Jason got that ecstatic look he gets when we have a baby. I grunted and growled and slowly eased her out. She had nuchal hand one of the midwives carefully got out of the way. Her face was out, and then in one big final, epic push I got the rest of our baby out, right into my own hands. I slowly and gently lifted her up out of the water for her first breath of life. She looked like Hannah! She was wide-eyed and stunning. She was chubby cheeked and sweet and all that a newborn baby should be. She was born beautifully without one cry. No trauma. Just joy. We adored her. She checked us out.<br /><br />She was born on St.s Constantine and Helen day. A dear friend of mine told me she had prayed our baby would be born that day - and her prayers were answered with a yes! And of course I would name our baby for the great Saint Helen. It was meant to be. I felt the prayers of Vera, the prayers of my patron St. Anna as she watched over me while I was in the birth tub.<br /><br />Everything else went great after that. I got tucked into my bed with our new sweet baby. Hannah came home that night and slept with us while Jason passed out on the boy's bed. In the morning my mom brought the big brother home and they all got to mee their new sister. It's so fun to see the older siblings meet the baby for the first time. They are always so enamored with the new baby. So lovely!<br /><br />I will not lie and say everything was perfect after the birth. It was by far, my hardest post-partum. Hannah, my firstborn's was difficult in another way, being a cesarean, I had a painful physical recovery, and I believe I had wacky hormones because of it and definitely had "baby blues" with some uncontrollable crying and extreme exhaustion. James was pure elation, being a VBAC and in many ways a taking back of my body, and I felt incredible after. Phillip's birth was long and hard and I felt more tired, but still mostly OK. But after our little love, Helena, I felt completely overwhelmed with everything. I think it was a challenge because she had a weird latch issue and lost more weight than I was comfortable with. Using some creativity I figured out a way to trigger more milk ejection reflexes while she nursed, and she finally began plumping up. I think the worry robbed much of my joy, unfortunately. Thank God for my family, and church family and friends that brought us meals! Managing my house, the big kids, and caring for a newborn that needed to gain weight rattled my nerves. My poor family! The fog really didn't lift until Helena was six weeks and we were churched.<br /><br />Little Helena is an angel of a baby. She's been so sweet. From birth, she has had the most engaging eyes and face. She makes eye contact with everyone and freely gives her big baby grin. When she was just a month old, she played a cute little baby game that she made up. She sat in her bouncy seat and we would put a blanket over her body. Then we would se how fast she'd kick it off. She did this over and over, much to the delight of the whole S. Family! We are so pleased to be blessed with her and we thank God every day for our dear family.Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-43079355977577830092011-09-08T11:13:00.001-07:002011-09-08T12:07:56.279-07:00The past few months...<div align="center">Have been good. :)<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center">I had a baby.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650061792696863458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxELBvex_faOcBDa6FBcdRsb07VDzxvYpVtYc7vo-ykmJFHLYaouknGZMyjn-feVaO6Ba0gUJyK11AWtzKg1Yq2bCYxSomjQ_Gfo9UL7dAxJ_0KDRJh5kAHB7KGA9CAfu_m6V/s320/002.JPG" border="0" /><br />She's cute. She's 3 and 1/2 months now.<br /><br />Her name is Helena. Pronounced: Heleena :) So we call her Lena a lot.<br /><br />We really like her. *goochigoolilttlelenabobeenaweloveyoooouuuuu*<br /><br /><br />Life is going by so fast. Today is the <a href="http://www.goarch.org/special/listen_learn_share/vmnativity"><strong>birthday of the Mother of God</strong></a>. This makes me happy. :)<br /><br /><br />Jason mentioned my blog a little while ago (he rarely reads - he's not much of a computer guy) and I told him, I'm letting the blog die, like a bolted annual herb you no longer care about. And much to my surprise, he encouraged me to resurrect it. He appreciates the gentle record of our lives together, the pictures and chronicles of our growing family. So here I am. I struggle with this blog a little. What to put in, what to leave out. I feel assuming, that people would want to read anything I write (or even if they <em>should</em>.) Do I have anything worth sharing? Does this bless anyone? I don't know...I guess it blesses my family. Family life is important and worth recording. And I love the glimpses into my friends lives via blogs.<br /><br /><br />OK, so besides Helena here is a little update on the S. Fam:<br /><br /><br />1. I've read a bunch of housekeeping books and blogs. They have helped me a little, but my house is still mostly messy.<br /><br />2. Hannah goes to school twice a week now - and starting soon we will begin a co-op at our church for homeschoolers. We hope this is step for one day starting an Orthodox Christian school at our parish. (And maybe, God willing, it will be ready before all my kids are grown...and that we can afford it, hahaha.)<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650061794948227186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSy9UjRIjZHdwLBySt8oBMeSDl6IQwcjlDKedxI6LHThWhYN2L5qG4sgl_PH8BLB1HLkv2S_MemrHoRVWezMELnOkeQLowYiRpH9KlIo4Tm3duYtvsP_CYoS8Bt46a_0qhbrX/s320/001.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />3. We began a <a href="http://www.saintandrew.net/biblereadingproject.html"><strong>Read the Bible in a year program.</strong></a> It's much more manageable than I thought it was going to be. I've never read the whole Bible so I'm happy to take up this challenge, not to mention, as a convert coming from Evangelical Protestantism, I've never read the Tobit, Maccabees, etc. Should be pretty neato.<br /><br /><br />4. Helena - She is sweet as pie. The big siblings love her. We're so happy to have her! It's a joy to have a baby in the house.<br /><br />5. I had her at home. It was a really good experience. I'm glad we did it. I'm not one to push home birth on anyone, and this was the only time I had a baby at home, but it made a huge difference to birth where I was comfortable. Perhaps I'll share my birth story soon.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650061800081415570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK13dP7g0eL3nt98owL-D28suXg6vWgDCBTipohG33UX81_9c9PPljsymTHrASKagKbmDO_gorK0zbm7uVX9DR3MTCGN3HHscQY_lV4pq9CAwBYIq1paRAAu6ok9MW1qJ17-N1/s320/IMG_3458.JPG" border="0" />Here I am looking really cool. I had the baby about 2-3 hours after this pic was taken. We were watching Say Yes to the Dress on Netflix. I was feeling suuuper goofy at this point and the hormones were making me giggle. If this makes you laugh, you are welcome. ;)<br /><br />Hope those of you who read this are well!Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-47888980167560647792011-04-12T13:07:00.000-07:002011-04-12T14:28:43.611-07:00Lent's End<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozSnSIgI33SKieo-V2ys4YtbCwAOatRayHEhCSHhpYSDlt5sDnzJeKfT0t2sxAi-19c4OHeSd4wHS5A1gj3KCVGzu0jUALPsfwWmwxn25oiivRyDFTkUYIBSiQOEOL3jXu44O/s1600/002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594795147212079794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozSnSIgI33SKieo-V2ys4YtbCwAOatRayHEhCSHhpYSDlt5sDnzJeKfT0t2sxAi-19c4OHeSd4wHS5A1gj3KCVGzu0jUALPsfwWmwxn25oiivRyDFTkUYIBSiQOEOL3jXu44O/s320/002.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Phillip getting a spring clean up - not much to do with this post, but cute, no?</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span>It's the last week of Great Lent. I had a big, huge list of stuff to get done. I still do. Some I knocked out, some I pretended to not see staring at me on the list or in it's messy reality. Some I halved, true to my style. I began to scrub the grout in my kitchen tile, and after about 30 minutes on my hands and knees clutching an old toothbrush, and dragging along some rags, a bucket of warm, sudsy water and a magic eraser I gave up. I thought I'd go back to it, but nope. Last week was the "Get Ready for Baby Week." Not a single <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">onesie</span> was laundered. A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">craigslist</span> dresser was not to be found. I contemplated sharing my own dresser with the baby. I could simplify and get rid of a bunch of clothes. It's easy to get rid of stuff when you're not wearing it. But perhaps my future <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">un</span>-pregnant self would be upset about that. Today when I scan my house, it is so messy. There are toys everywhere from the boys building boats and towns out of their blocks and random found items. I can't help but feel a little perturbed that after all my cleaning and organizational efforts, I still feel like a loser house-keeper. But, thank God, Lent is not about a clean house and pristine storage containers and closets. I hope my little efforts here and there are a small but meaningful offering to God and my family. I hope my dear ones feel loved when they open up the pantry and can easily find what they need. I hope they enjoyed the time we spent together, not staring mindlessly at a television screen, but truly listening to and loving each other, telling stories, praying, coloring, reading, crafting, and even cleaning up together. I hope I learned to do things more cheerfully, with less complaining. I hope. Part of Lent, is also rolling with the punches and the vexations of life. Oh the things that turn up! They seem so random but after they happen you realize they were all part of the Big Plan. Not my plan, of course. It's the surprise bill, jury duty, some one who needs help of whom you may not particularly want to help. It was James getting sick AGAIN. I could go on. But the Lord is good. Everything we worry so much about is always something He'll help us with. Many times I'll be needing to remember a verse from Scripture to help get me through something. And poof! It magically appears as it was hidden in my heart, either from the Holy Liturgy, or just a verse I've remembered or perhaps even have sung in a somewhat cheesy yet catchy tune back when I clapped my hands in church as a Protestant Evangelical. It was in that last manner yesterday as I nervously drove James to the doctor because of some more breathing troubles. I was dreading another pink bottle of antibiotics and feeling so helpless because I never know when he's going to get sick and when its time to go to the doc or time to be patient and give him some TLC. Overwhelming nervousness hit me. What if they want labs again? How am I going to get through that without crying more than him? You know the cycle of worry. And then the guilt sets in,because you know so many more people have it 1000 times worse than you and their kids are REALLY sick. And for crying out loud, it's not like we live in a third world country where there is no quick drive to the doctor for bubble gum pink bottles of drugs and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">co payments</span>. So despite all that, in my first-world anxiety, I started singing, "I know I can do all things, I can do all things through Christ!" I sang it loud in that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">cheesy</span> old tune from my hand-clapping days and I sang it loud as I drove down the freeway on that warm, breezy day with the windows down. And I knew it would all be OK. And I said a prayer for my friends and loved ones with real problems. We met with the good doctor who really listened to me and together we figured out James has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Asthma</span>. I was so relieved. I mean, it's a bummer to have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Asthma</span> but the breathing treatment worked beautifully and now we have an inhaler that I can give him right away to nip his breathing problems in the bud instead of waiting and worrying. When we got home we played him this little ditty because we all needed a laugh. (OK this is totally not very Lenten, but most of the time my need for humor shines more than my piety.) :) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvEgrmLxcB4"><strong>I've Got <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ASTHMA</span>!!!</strong></a> God bless us all in the upcoming Holy Week as we walk with our Lord to his Holy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Resurrection</span>!Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-77339103201898292432011-03-30T09:59:00.000-07:002011-03-30T13:34:58.627-07:00If I were on Facebook,<div align="left">These would be my status updates:</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">This week, my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lenten</span> cleaning goal is to scrub the grout on my kitchen floor. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Boooooo</span>! </span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I keep seeing neighbors going for walks and enjoying the beautiful weather, which makes me feel inspired, but the thought of pushing my already huge self up hills, while pushing two big boys in a stroller stops me.</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Presanctified</span> Liturgy tonight...I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">neeeed</span> it.</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">I had a dream last night that my baby's foot was protruding so far, just beneath my first ribs, my godmother and I could see it. My godmother thought this was hilarious. I thought it worrisome. And then I woke up.</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Phillip's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">godfamily</span> is coming to visit tomorrow....And they're bringing homemade Eritrean food with them. Have you ever had Eritrean food? Well you should. I urge you to.</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">34 weeks today! Or was it yesterday? Who cares? I'm almost done! Or should I say, she's almost done! ;)</span></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">But I'm not on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">facebook</span> right now. I feel somewhat detached. But more industrious. And more likely to play with my kids. So it's all good, right? Right.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589924390215845490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKakPDju6wQ4FCfYqu16Sx1QXvc-AToIRlu_fPRag71EAdqHIpRzACBbtTC2j9ZXzAg17ngj_DbccmZKvGo4JEmlp-XaSbzRMoE8aqlhrqxQDcIIg-UXlzhalyJqRD_wse7Zt/s320/mom%2527s+camera+174.JPG" border="0" /> <br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">The iconography in our new church temple (mom took this picture with her sweet new camera.) </span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">ETA - Boy that grout sure did show me who's boss. I think it's gonna be a three-parter.</span></p></span>Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-30834855739690882322011-03-24T12:31:00.001-07:002011-03-24T12:52:15.999-07:00Victory!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmz-uUT3Gv1BKpIXJilTrEUUcz_rXPcfjYODpDW6Pqk3qFuWY1Zl9TFIRAxFA5LJ89Erwhz3q1nIXvy2kbDUuRZ57aSCrd6jUQM3Jq6NvwE1F8NJwhSGVLS-K8HPg1wWEN_Eyr/s1600/185.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587731634073770386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmz-uUT3Gv1BKpIXJilTrEUUcz_rXPcfjYODpDW6Pqk3qFuWY1Zl9TFIRAxFA5LJ89Erwhz3q1nIXvy2kbDUuRZ57aSCrd6jUQM3Jq6NvwE1F8NJwhSGVLS-K8HPg1wWEN_Eyr/s320/185.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />You should know this about me:<br /><br />I'm a painfully slow learner<br /><br />I dread trying new things (besides eating new things)<br /><br />I get exasperated and frustrated extremely easy<br /><br />I often give up<br /><br />But a goal was set and I wrote it down, and gave myself some accountability. So we watched the Singer <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dvd</span>, and paused, and went back 48 times, and yelled at the lady for going too fast. Hurdle number 1 was actually finding the beginning of the the thread. I could have totally just given up right there. I called Maria - she helped! We threaded the bobbin. The boys tried to not touch the sewing machine. Hannah gave me encouraging words. We threaded the machine and needle. (BTW Mom, I think that auto needle threader is broken.) But we persevered. I overcame my helplessness and indifference today. We sewed! And it was kinda fun. Thank you very much.<br /><br />*taking a bow*<br /><br />Well then. Now we're spending the rest of the day in our cozy, messy house. A fort is in my living room, the sky is gray, and noses are being constantly wiped. And now I shall have tea time. Red raspberry leaf, if you 'd like to know. :)<br /><br />And today is one of those days I'm not gonna clean until at least half an hour before Daddy comes home. Also, in my Real Simple magazine there is a whole article in there about procrastination. It said to do the worst thing first. Sewing. Done. And it wasn't so bad. :)Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-64132208899536666232011-03-16T10:52:00.000-07:002011-03-16T12:37:08.592-07:00chirp, knit, paint, draw, stir, pray!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584760852097928226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf68oTc5IbkesCDfBm23dru3M1Kq27Dgj40F2yEHH3dnF4KU6tE7FLPHGGB3NVnqaD8qNXl4bCs33V-OgZ2zYyz6SNDY5gdr5_OXavxmpGXCJSYZEteLOPtgGKbQXezwFQlhov/s320/022.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>So far, the second week of Lent has been just gorgeous. The weather has been balmy and warm, the birds are-a-chirping, and we seem to be falling into a lovely new routine. Less <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tv</span>, less distraction, less junk food - more Jesus. Like our priest said, "We say no to ourselves, so we can learn to say yes to Jesus."<br /><div><div></div><div>So in the less, we've received more. I've taken on knitting again and learned how to bind off (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ok</span> -re-learned to bind off) and most excitedly, I learned how to add another color yarn. Hannah and I have been playing with a little cross-stitch project, and I even have a project all ready for us to learn how to sew. We've been busy with all kinds of craftiness.</div><br /><div>As for reading, I'm over half done with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gurus-Young-Man-Elder-Paisios/dp/1887904166/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1299171551&sr=8-1"><strong>The Gurus, the Young Man, and Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Paisios</span></strong></a>. I was pretty ignorant of Hinduism and Eastern religions/philosophies besides some non-religious yoga for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">exercise</span> so it's been an enlightening read. Some of the experiences the young man shares are down right creepy! It' not always the best thing to read before bed. But then I remember to make the sign of the cross and I can sleep in peace. :) The Elder <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Paisios</span> is so captivating, and his love, care and patience for the young man so beautifully reflect the love of Christ Himself. Through his example I can see my own lack of love and grace. God help me, in my deficiencies.</div><br /><div>My plan was to also read A Tale of Two Cities, but a hefty late-fee at the library has prevented me from going back to borrow. Some late movies and a missing Star Wars book really added up. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Woops</span>. Not a fun way to spend 25 bucks. So maybe later this week I'll pay up and be allowed to return as a welcome library patron, and get my next read on. </div><br /><div>My pregnancy is going well. I'm feeling pretty good, though I'm starting to feel like even more of a home-body than I already am. Some friends at the park yesterday mentioned a trip to the Aquarium, to which I said, "I just really don't like the Aquarium. It's boring." But really anything right now, which does not involve a nearby couch, I feel an aversion to. It could have been the pregnancy talking. Or not. Ask me again in like, 8 months.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584760862883819970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIusDWoMMzBusbnmGRFeCNeLjdYebG5LyP2hZMZT4bnWMu3IA56XfNtdkf-7Zuce5xK4azUx2kGvusg3WLZPzIQYBUBukUfBUVMKWspxQstYnZ8gczAgzz1SqPgnz_ESH-1SkI/s320/006.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>The kids are all doing well, thank God. After a couple months of seemingly unrelenting colds and illness, we are gratefully enjoying good health again. Hannah continues to do well with her lessons, and is happy to draw and read and sing all day (when she's not fighting with her brothers). James (when he is not pestering his siblings) has been learning to color in the lines - a novel idea! He continues to be my social butterfly and makes friends wherever he goes. He's especially sociable in his church Sunday school class where he and his little buddies have become quite the disruption. Phillip is growing and talking much more. He copies everything we say, including our scoldings of the other two kids. So immediately after we tell James, "James - that is NOT <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ok</span>!" Phillip says, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Naje</span>, NOT oh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ay</span>!" </div><br /><div>Also, regarding Phillip, I am no longer the potty training champion of the world. We gave it a stab last week. Phillip sat on the potty for a good 15 minutes only to get up, walk to the play room and pee on the floor. FAIL. He just won't do it. After getting all worked up and angry at myself, I thought, why am I doing this? Is it the end of the world if we wait a little longer? Nope. So we're gonna come back to that another time. Hopefully before he goes to college.</div><div></div><div>In other failure news: Last night's soup was gross. I made a recipe from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Vengeance-Delicious-Animal-Free-Recipes/dp/1569243581/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300303547&sr=1-1"><strong>Vegan with a Vengeance</strong> </a>for Corn Chowder. Jason said it was OK with lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Tapatio</span>. I thought it was just plain gross and too sweet. Hannah actually ate hers (because she was so hungry) but the boys barely touched theirs. I'm glad I had toasted some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">bagles</span> and sliced some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">avocado</span>. If I ever attempt it again, I think I'll half the corn, double the potatoes, omit the teaspoon of maple syrup and add roasted garlic. This time, I also made the recipe in my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">crockpot</span> and ran it through the blender to make it more smooth, but I don't think that changed the flavor much.</div><br /><div>So far the hits for vegan meals in our house are:</div><br /><div>Veggie sandwiches</div><div>Big Middle-Eastern Salad with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">cous</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">cous</span> and chickpeas and lemon garlic dressing</div><div>Sunday's shrimp kabobs with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">cous</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">cous</span> (not vegan but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">lenten</span> nonetheless)</div><div>potato tacos</div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">mexican</span> rice and bean burritos with guacamole</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584760871575903730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0MLvrAXB4DN9kNqeudJLOT3OPd-9ixuXWgyZuQXXU9wqnoV48KRqPH00IQKpX7Dy_-NqQfFtkZ7cM_Eb6haaaZtWBa2_JBexR0FJAV-1NheYSH_GLHsF-bxc9QlN9u29kwvr/s320/013.JPG" border="0" /><br />God bless your 40 days!<br /><div></div></div></div>Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-10432396896124910402011-02-09T12:00:00.000-08:002011-02-09T12:21:14.175-08:00Picture DayToday in the back yard.<br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571782994222340226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcurlDrwIB1dCrgCPMzOYJmJR5ZFB8vq_nPf_bhxjS9gmbOme4ROQQzvaeOojhfckLkdc8G6-Ia8OlIfMQEY1Cvql_k37_CzmKMo13A3uc3oz2xddLW9fPXwc8mHWGYhSbrrS9/s320/009.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div> Thanks for the picture, James. In a couple of years you'll be able to capture my face in the shot too. But really, faces can be so overrated.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571784162374285010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXEdHXatKbArJnFzYxDSn_96JZaSnyFqi7vmU_kziPgmWh0fnY7Eu8CIMcCP0nsWV9QCuEP6unyev20Zz584BTiagql9_nulNOIiJGxGLeE4bKAqd38UcCJD30rT6ms1ycsT4/s320/028.JPG" border="0" /><br />Except for faces like these:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJqTKeT34UHS2YQzhF5lRRIXLZIeGrlYfr4NOHSnFihfvDuLClv5u5WfJYB0pMzCvjIz-mLujfhzZcpna1O7PH8LmP2cUXWlxaF8ijFBOTUi9oh6WrLyhRfTKXIWxvfuY8FHa/s1600/015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571782987755215602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJqTKeT34UHS2YQzhF5lRRIXLZIeGrlYfr4NOHSnFihfvDuLClv5u5WfJYB0pMzCvjIz-mLujfhzZcpna1O7PH8LmP2cUXWlxaF8ijFBOTUi9oh6WrLyhRfTKXIWxvfuY8FHa/s320/015.JPG" border="0" /></a> These faces are very much worth getting on a camera. This particular face belongs to my baby boy Phillip who turns two tomorrow.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtV04jYBW9yFoBFo07ba3c8fqHMQimRDkYbCxmTPNl-MsEuFuGA1aamh7gFTUzz92iwwy9xIgNNHrKsGy0dVCSkGKOq_JshwxK56sEd4K2wwFAvE3-F0xe-UayNnBisAfJgGt/s1600/011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571782980460456626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtV04jYBW9yFoBFo07ba3c8fqHMQimRDkYbCxmTPNl-MsEuFuGA1aamh7gFTUzz92iwwy9xIgNNHrKsGy0dVCSkGKOq_JshwxK56sEd4K2wwFAvE3-F0xe-UayNnBisAfJgGt/s320/011.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />His pants are soaked from the knee down. Because being outside naturally means you'll be playing with buckets of water. Always the water.<br /><br /><br />Speaking of water, the almost two year old was very much responsible for this:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571784183821052338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZot3t-FvJH6F032MjHborBBIleaalbkrGPYVplmRTz7XWpI-TN-ojymNxg97KTn9Ud5pcoV27lQGDBZc79jYGVISVSEMuat4__TOsnY0kUBeewC5LX4GQXArQGs1m7IrSoANo/s320/003.JPG" border="0" />He was not responsible, however for there being pee in that toilet. Nope. Why did we EVER teach our kids to let the yellow mellow? Needless to say, it's time to shop for new hair accessories. </div><div> </div><div>OK. Back to the backyard!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAWXp0JEQL-8uld5-zqp2tcIYF0zC1T05fy-1we8dsy1tx9r5Hnb8fksBEBnbo6Rk940gv-JbOZAXjBstohJSvSjwXBWXEioIllfGG6p74QZLzC3sVkBID_TjuPEcWBMUyiIw/s1600/017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571782974680062194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAWXp0JEQL-8uld5-zqp2tcIYF0zC1T05fy-1we8dsy1tx9r5Hnb8fksBEBnbo6Rk940gv-JbOZAXjBstohJSvSjwXBWXEioIllfGG6p74QZLzC3sVkBID_TjuPEcWBMUyiIw/s320/017.JPG" border="0" /></a> SPRING!!! Peach blossoms blossoming. Ah that's much nicer on the eyes.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571782969305956578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeUiqXUv_GXEOzojIjKhxTsoDn2k8IBacqkUs9ahr4hX4h_iX7sBVYPq4c5Gm2rUgOWBV0-GkXVPYdQehkKl41U7bnWttlhMr1nKo4xsoZbSC5U6SHmVPSCyf17XaZSDH_9Gg/s320/027.JPG" border="0" />A nice surprise of daffodils emerging from the rocky soil.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571784169185439906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XvRP-KnuKbfM4M1k1crbP5yNijlcLBtYGfgvkO6X1_CFJcjZu6mXC6JWIMYGcLdBjuAOmkcuoUTmfGU-fc3mzqJ8nQbm0k5cjo2rrP3E68OkH7vVh25a8PY806bInpE0ec1M/s320/004.JPG" border="0" />And here are my three. Not sure why James looks so forlorn. Maybe because I didn't wipe his face first. Phillip doesn't care though. He doesn't care for pants either. And Hannah wipes her own face. And reads to the boys. </div><div> </div><div>Good day. :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-69854884285730187012011-01-10T14:23:00.000-08:002011-01-10T15:33:25.390-08:00Back to School DaybookFOR TODAY<br /><div>Outside my window...A sunny but chilly day, and a backyard that was happy to be played in, if backyards could think, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">anyway</span>.</div><br /><div></div><div>I am thinking...How could I be hungry after a lunch of macaroni and cheese, grapes, half a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">snickerdoodle</span>, and a bowl of ice cream? Oh I know. I'm pregnant! 21 weeks. :)</div><br /><div></div><div>I am thankful for...For my dear Jason who took James to his follow up doctor appointment (pneumonia) so I could go to church yesterday, then read the liturgy to James when they got back, cleaned the house, did a load of laundry, and even did the grocery run for us later that day. Love him. What a guy. :)</div><br /><div></div><div>Also thankful for - health insurance, doctors even when I sometimes talk smack about them, and my R.N. mom, and hot running water, antibiotics, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">probiotics</span> in the form of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">kefir</span> and yogurt, and a cute little boy who's pretty much back to normal today. I asked him, "James, why are you so handsome?" His reply, "Because I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">wuv</span> you." Works for me. :)</div><br /><div></div><div>From the learning rooms...Back to our regular schedule of homeschooling this week. Hannah's charter takes a three week break. I thought about plugging away but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">naaaah</span>. It was a nice break and I noticed much more play between the siblings which is always heart-warming. So today was a big fat math review. We've got one more of those tomorrow and then we start a unit on shapes. Also, today was an intro to verbs. </div><br /><div></div><div>In the Church...Still celebrating <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Theophany</span>. Drinking the sweet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Theophany</span> water daily, and singing the Feast's hymns at prayers and meals. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Troparion</span> of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Theophany</span> of Christ</em></div><br /><div><em>When Thou, O Lord, wast baptised in the Jordan, </em></div><br /><div><em>worship of the Trinity was made manifest; </em></div><br /><div><em>the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, </em></div><br /><div><em>calling Thee his beloved Son. </em></div><br /><div><em>And the Spirit in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">likeness</span> of a dove </em></div><br /><div><em>confirmed the truth of His word. </em></div><br /><div><em>O Christ our God, </em></div><br /><div><em>Who hath appeared and enlightened the world, </em></div><br /><div><em>glory to Thee.<br /></em></div><br /><div>From the kitchen...Well you know about my awesome, healthy lunch, but for dinner I've got a whole chicken with veggies and lots of garlic and real butter seasoned in a roasting pan in the fridge, just waiting for the moment to enter a nice, hot oven. I think I'll whip up some cheddar mashed potatoes just for Jason (because I wuv him) to go along. Tomorrow the leftovers will make some nice chicken and rice soup.</div><br /><div></div><div>I am wearing...old faithful maternity jeans (if you think you'll wear maternity pants more than once in your lifetime I highly recommend the Gap), a white and blue striped v-neck tee, and a red cardigan (sound familiar Maria?) ;)</div><br /><div></div><div>I am creating...dinner. a baby. a happy home.</div><br /><div></div><div>I am going...No where. The shopping is done and I just want everyone to be well.</div><br /><div></div><div>I am reading...<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Suffering-Reconciliation-Spiritual-Writings-Archimandrite/dp/0938635867/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294702266&sr=8-1"><strong>The Meaning of Suffering and Strife and Reconciliation</strong></a> by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Archmandrite</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Seraphim</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Aleksiev</span>. A little passage:</div><br /><div></div><div>"Now, when God sends to us sorrows for our good, the devil seeks to destroy that good as well, so that we will get from it not benefit but harm for our soul. How does he work to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">achieve</span> this? Sly and refined are the intrigues of the evil one. When God sends us suffering to correct us, to turn us to Himself and take us away from the evil one, the devil teaches us to grumble against God." Lord have mercy on me and help me to stop my grumbling. </div><br /><div></div><div>I am hoping...Against hope. There's some hurtful and unnecessary extended familial strife and suffering in my midst. If you know you know. If you don't, be glad. Prayers are appreciated. </div><br /><div></div><div>I am hearing...Pandora radio playing Piano Song by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Meiko</span> and kids playing dress up. </div><br /><div></div><div>Around the house...A few little messes here and there, a dishwasher to empty, a lit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">lampada</span> before the icons.</div><br /><div></div><div>One of my favorite things...the sweet taste of Holy water and how it reminds me of my baptism and of tears and of hope. A little bit of heaven here on earth.</div><div> </div><div>"As many of you as have been baptised into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia."</div><br /><div></div><div>A few plans for the rest of the week: Lessons, a return to routine, keeping up on laundry and dishes. </div><br /><div></div><div>Phillip Henry today...I'm trying to figure out a sleep routine for him. And then a way to kick him out of my bed. :( I love my snuggle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">buggle</span> but last night was the first good night we've had in a week. He didn't have a nap yesterday and I made sure his belly was full before bed, so I think those two things are key. We've got to ditch the nap. Bummer dude. Otherwise he's so much fun and trouble these days. He's been full of affectionate kisses on our cheeks, bear hugs, and he's starting to enjoy books more. He wants to be doing whatever his older siblings are doing and has a weakness for electronic gadgets. He's got a mean temper too. I have to just walk away from him sometimes so he can finish up his tantrum. I refuse to take his abuse! ;)</div><br /><div></div><div>Here is picture for thought I am sharing...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560698688664392562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gDxtS7Nv12y5pv5iegKjHmfqyXtrO9VdLwC2MGrKUgkgyuGpZnSlRdhB1yJ4OVMTc4ymv9DQti56JUg47im1GtTzUai0CSNZOCjVZ5WBKByRjisRovGoajjr25G70rc4nwe8/s320/015.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Brrrr</span>! It's too cold for those of us who dwell in a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Mediterranean</span> climate. </p><p><em><strong><a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">the original simple woman</a></strong></em></p>Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-31562056250761870472010-12-17T14:04:00.000-08:002010-12-17T14:47:08.475-08:00Oh Christmas Tree! And Advent!The S <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Fam</span> is preparing for the Nativity of Our Lord! What would Christmastime be without some Christmas <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">jammies</span>? Last night we bought and trimmed our tree, ate a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">snacky</span> meal of shrimp cocktail and sweet potato and regular fries. Then we forced our kids to pose for pictures. Can you tell James just loves to be loved by his big sister?<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxhXxo7MdzTaI9o_OaRN36iX9poa7UruefrvWOUFvnO0XVlF1VJKtfLxelvkgFdybKd8HSc8ybbMVhlBUPCkhBJ6otxAZz7qdsHHphsHpjImB1-Wu1QGtyDwc0J8ULWS8AxhW/s1600/022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551775994602274418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxhXxo7MdzTaI9o_OaRN36iX9poa7UruefrvWOUFvnO0XVlF1VJKtfLxelvkgFdybKd8HSc8ybbMVhlBUPCkhBJ6otxAZz7qdsHHphsHpjImB1-Wu1QGtyDwc0J8ULWS8AxhW/s320/022.JPG" border="0" /></a> We've got a few of them altogether too. One was the clear winner and has been selected for our Christmas card, so it's not on here. Oh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">geesh</span> do I loathe preparing cards of any kind. I'm pretty sure I've said this before on this blog.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551780939300237794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2YiM6myOkh54QdyMMJuMJ8QpxSSCcm1gDgXD4asTQdt1fWWYMiNDBpMXVZVILv8cRUwFGeSpvFScGSCgxH3FrWFiSjqIjM1iSXLZ6BEpXasbUP4q_4wbZjWdrI2lwa4ODZ3t/s320/014.JPG" border="0" />Look at big boy Philly (and divert your eyes from the haphazardly arranged ribbon)! Doesn't he look like a little boy? Where is my baby going? I'm pretty glad I've got another one coming because it's just not right how quickly they turn into little kids. We find out if this one is a boy or girl next week. </div><div> </div><div>Now back to the tree: This is the S Family's first fresh tree. We sold our little plastic one at a garage sale before we moved. There is just no comparison to a fresh tree. I am sorry friends. The SMELL is delightful. It's kind of a big fat monster of a tree (to me anyway) and if you get your tree late in Advent like us it will be a bargain. You will be slightly bummed that there will be no more Nobles. I love Nobles. They have a whimsical look to them, don't you think? <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Anyway</span>. I love our tree. And that we have no matching ornaments on it whatsoever. And not enough lights either. Martha would hate my tree, I am sure. I made a really lame attempt at a bow on top too. I don't care. My tree says, "I am a family tree. I have homemade, sentimental ornaments on me, and I'm proud to be in a house with children that poke me, keep removing my ornaments, and hide behind me. And the mother of the house is not a crafty one, but she tries." :) I just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">lol'd</span> at myself.</div><div> </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Welp</span>. We're all stocked up on library Christmas books and movies, have gifts ordered, and now we're just settling in for some rainy days, awaiting the birth of our dear Lord and Saviour. I hope that you my dear, two or three readers, enjoy this sweet season and have a most Merry Christmas when it gets here!</div></div>Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-78670602270268249982010-11-17T14:50:00.001-08:002010-11-17T14:53:02.612-08:00And for my mother:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgcvhWg5BB7t4xjSpsMo1nDdwhSIOzzW4gl6NfTdM-KAOY2aXAtohfyASnpwUjMjn-kELTG5Bjg76vN64Y_LoISKeOzRQ8dMW_mQARGRtG3KhmeEoVDTNUiIS7u-elbxdJc0r/s1600/134.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540655139391194258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgcvhWg5BB7t4xjSpsMo1nDdwhSIOzzW4gl6NfTdM-KAOY2aXAtohfyASnpwUjMjn-kELTG5Bjg76vN64Y_LoISKeOzRQ8dMW_mQARGRtG3KhmeEoVDTNUiIS7u-elbxdJc0r/s320/134.JPG" border="0" /></a>" Tanks Gamma for the candy apple you give me to take home. I open it in da car. It was wully good." <div> </div>Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-42755331714957006712010-11-17T13:50:00.000-08:002010-11-17T14:46:38.636-08:00It's Been a Long Time Daybook<div>For the afternoon of Nov. 17</div><br /><div></div><div>Outside my window...A really lovely day. It's in the 70's, breezy, sunny.</div><br /><div></div><div>I am thinking...I should probably announce on my blog that I'm 14 weeks pregnant - since everyone else knows and all. </div><br /><div></div><div>I am thankful for...Oh there is so much to be thankful for. I'm thankful for (so far) a nice and healthy pregnancy. I saw this little baby via ultra sound a couple of weeks ago. That is one experience that doesn't get old. You just sit there and swoon and the little baby moving around inside. And then there are the little blessings that follow - I needed to wean Phillip, which I was dreading but was motivated because OUCH. I give major props to moms who nurse their toddlers throughout their pregnancies. I cannot hang. Anyway I didn't feel to terrible about it since, this was in fact, the longest I've ever gone nursing. He'll be two in February. I'm done feeling dramatic about it. So YES. I am thankful that it was much easier than I expected. </div><br /><div></div><div>Also, I had gotten rid of/given away pretty much all my maternity clothes and was very blessed to receive it back plus a friend's whole stash and then, another friend of mine found another collection for me. Hooray - I will not have run out and buy a bunch of clothes!</div><br /><div></div><div>From the learning rooms...Last night was Hannah's Back to School night for her Charter. Her teachers all gushed about her, and so far, she's a straight A student. We're off to a better academic start than I had in the first grade. :P So school is going really well. We've got a good routine and we do math and language lessons everyday except the weekends and pepper in her other subjects. Besides it taking up lots of housekeeping time, homeschooling with the charter in which she goes to classes once a week has been a joy. The boys are happy to sing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ABCs</span> and practice 123s. I don't do anything very formal with them at all. Just lots of books and outside time.</div><br /><div></div><div>From the kitchen...The Nativity Fast has begun. I've got black bean soup in the crock pot getting ready to be taken to tonight's church potluck.</div><br /><div></div><div>I am wearing...My old favorite maternity jeans, someone <span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00">else's</span> striped top, slip on sneakers. I could technically get by in regular clothes, but they are starting to pinch a bit and are not so comfy anymore.</div><br /><div></div><div>I am creating...This one gets me every time. I should just delete it. I'm not crafty, OK?</div><br /><div></div><div>I am going...To pick up the girl soon. I can't imagine having to take and pick up kids from school EVERY DAY. This once a week thing is perfect. ;)</div><br /><div></div><div>I am reading...Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I'm utterly sucked in to this series. </div><br /><div></div><div>I am hoping...OK, so this will sound bad, but I am really hoping we have a girl this time. I know we get what we get and we get what we need but, boy would I love to buy some pink and give Hannah the sister she's been praying and begging for. But of course boys are delightful - I don't think we'll give it back if it's not a girl. ;)</div><br /><div></div><div>I am hearing...My Pandora - right now? Mates of Sate "You Are Free" You are free <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">eee</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">eee</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">eee</span>! Oh and boys playing in the yard peering into the compost - the object of their fascination, and a washer and dryer doing their thing.</div><br /><div></div><div>Around the house...I don't normally care but it does look like a frumpy rental. Wish I could warm it up a bit. Paint would help. Window treatments would really help. And new flooring. And a demo to the kitchen and bathrooms and just start over on those....Oh <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">geez</span>. I'd better not. I think I'll go back to being thankful we've got much more room than we ever had before. :)</div><br /><div></div><div>One of my favorite things...A little long weekend getaway with my husband and kids. We went to <a href="http://www.bigbear.com/"><strong>Big Bear</strong> </a>and drank in the fresh Fall air, admired the glistening lake, hung out in the jacuzzi, ate pancakes, visited <a href="http://www.moonridgezoo.org/"><strong>an alpine zoo</strong></a>, and zipped down the <a href="http://www.alpineslidebigbear.com/"><strong>alpine slides</strong></a>. A cabin is about a million times more comfy and relaxing than a hotel room when you've got little kids with you. I am very grateful for my dearest husband who made our trip possible. </div><br /><div></div><div>A few plans for the rest of the week: Church, the park, Story of the World with friends, enjoying being back home caught up on laundry.</div><br /><div></div><div>Here is picture for thought I am sharing<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540652378765498306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaounC6TfwQ0FWoij4ZGBt6eIEJLlQkAAX7AVnAoCAuwxAQXFTIJBu63Ep7EIazRQ_6-X-FiILcUaUcBMjTLXy7ZmpJglLMo2Q5CKh1yBKYUVv0ay5msCXq6kUIr7C7t0QQPa3/s320/135.JPG" border="0" /></div><br />Phillip's first very own hot cocoa on our mountain getaway. This was the first day. And then the camera battery died. My bad.Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-86011169149690876532010-09-28T10:14:00.000-07:002010-09-28T10:22:39.993-07:00Breath-takingMy sweet friend Maria has her <a href="http://hambump.blogspot.com/2010/09/birth-story-of-emmelia-anne.html"><em>birth story up</em></a>...an inspiring, real, beautiful, natural, first birth. Worth a visit if you're into these, as I am! The link starts with part one. You'll be able to find part two on her blog. Congratulations, again!Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-55548237141235362792010-09-27T09:56:00.000-07:002010-09-27T11:45:52.906-07:00Late September DaybookOutside my window... The beginning of an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">oppressively</span> hot, dry, blazing, scorcher of a day. The chickens out pecking around the yard, and there are some signs that two little boys may have been playing outside this morning with certain toys that look like miniature versions of their father's tools.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div>I am thinking... I woke up very early this morning and slightly over-prepared and over-worried about our meeting this morning with our charter school Education Specialist. She's always so nice and practical and never makes me feel overwhelmed. </div><br /><div>I am thankful for... My dear dear husband and our wonderful friendship and cute kids.</div><div> </div><div>I am wearing... Oh dear. I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lookin</span>' pretty cozy. In fact when the E.S. showed up, Hannah cupped her hand to her mouth, looked at me wide-eyed and said, "OH NO! Mom, you're not even dressed!" I tried to convince her that I was dressed, just in very casual, stay-at-home-mom attire, but I fear I just may look like I'm kind of sort of still in my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">jammies</span>. I'd better try a little harder next time. </div><br /><div>In the learning room... For Miss Hannah - Subtraction, Proper Nouns, Egyptians, Pollyanna, Poems by Robert Louis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Stevensen</span>. For James - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ABCs</span>.</div><br /><div>I am remembering... A dear friend's dear old dogs that both have recently died. :( I'll always remember the Noble Sergei and Passionate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Stumpel</span>. And I remember those very same friends, and how cute their old house was, and the smell of her kitchen, and how the world is a better place with that lovely family in it, and hopefully when the time is right, they and their two boys will eventually have a new pup or two to shed their love on. But for now....HUGS. </div><br /><div>I am going... to enjoy the air conditioner the next couple of days. And then this Friday we have a wedding to attend. I like going to weddings. :)</div><br /><div>I am currently reading... Harry Potter. Still. I put it down for a while, but now I'm back and should finish in the next couple of days. We're also half-way through Pollyanna.</div><br /><div>I am hoping... Every one stays healthy this coming Fall.</div><br /><div>On my mind... Being debt-free. We're on the road and we're almost there. The van will hopefully get knocked out in the next few months while J works overtime. Such a change from the suffocation we were feeling living in our old little house with the huge payment. </div><br /><div>Noticing that... Phillip's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">eczema</span> has improved but I can't figure out why.</div><br /><div>Pondering these words.... "Secularism is a religion because it has a faith, it has its own eschatology and it's own ethics. And it "works" and it "helps." Quite frankly, if "help" were the criterion, one would have to admit that life-centered secularism <em>helps </em>actually more than religion. To compete with it, religion has to represent itself as "adjustment to life," "counseling," "enrichment," it has to be publicized in subways and buses as a valuable addition to "your friendly bank" and all other "friendly dealers": try it, it <em>helps!</em> And the religious success of secularism is so great that it leads some Christian theologians to "give up" the very category of "transcendence," or in much simpler words, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">the</span> very idea of "God." This is the price we must pay if we want to be "understood" and "accepted" by modern man, proclaim the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Gnostics</span> of the twentieth century. </div><br /><div>"But it is here that we reach the heart of the matter. For Christianity <em>help</em> is not the criterion. Truth is the criterion."</div><div>- Alexander <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Schmemann</span> in <em>For the Life of the World</em></div><br /><div>From the Kitchen... Yummy leftovers from my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">inlaws</span>: BBQ Pork Ribs and a delicious, gourmet potato salad. They outdid themselves. I was full after the appetizers which were stuffed mushrooms (which J won't touch so I made sure I ate his too) prosciutto wrapped mozzarella, wafers with cream cheese, basil, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">sun dried</span> tomatoes, figs and goat cheese drizzled with honey, and cold pitcher of fruity sangria. So good!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521659538449242242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-h3WYUhSi_Q8_gZ_-zz0QK_N1mEeteYLDERDihOt4r3OTgw7LKop7ufM2vSEiAek6I6tBE7buwwRhb0uCtVWzcEARWNm6aAeVxG4OXa09DA0IlI0NYNRZaMkXDQdaWIHdRmH/s320/014.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Around the house... a tidy downstairs, a questionable upstairs (especially our bedroom - yikes!) and NO ANTS this morning. We've been greeted just about every morning for weeks now with ants entering from our slider door in the kitchen on their way to or fro some pathetic morsel forgotten on the floor, or inside the dishwasher, or in the sink, or on the stove. It's been terrible and we've tried everything but really toxic chemicals since we've got the kiddos, but Jason's barber had this chalk she swears up and down by and she gave us some. They will not cross the line, and if they do....They DIE! It says "low poisonous" whatever that means, so I'm generally keeping my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">littles</span> away from it, but hot dog! I'm glad to be rid of those pests.</div><br /><div>A few of my favorite things.... Napping baby Phillip. Cute cute cute.</div>This is him not napping, but still cute x 3. He's elated in this picture because of the juice he's holding.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521659557244826642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Mch8V9z1LsDNcp6L6NSQjmA2l_CoSphnx-EwXMlUmRTapJaE3qElSYBwy5erf9Xr7Y7hz_o9spSCVb_sQW1cGBqWPQ9Iw4mW4hrcBXJqNbdxSqVSyAzZhFuRhjr262e2Bz7v/s320/018.JPG" border="0" />The iconography happening on our new church temple.<br /><br />Not a great picture, but you get the idea...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521659522053893186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsOru5S0aLNRUR4DCfM78GBRfyQKnUcac5PmoTvkLImPWsU6pbpxdVTLp58TBFpIC-cYxQV2qiPqD4QcMyGEyhsBirlk2LPA1iq99IRguTjxZSMPKrfO4CJOjmLEP874grP3a/s320/008.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>A new hair cut. Refreshing.</div><br />Thanks H, for the photo.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521659528517803730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpCDOrUQBaOcb-XXuK2uYdawePEsfhyL4E0KyhAsRBxsv7c2jU0IYanzIKz0PqnHw5RRSKseEUThoBTAmoTzZk1kYSluoWZEHsyf9RE4WyP3fEnMi7BB11oM9vP59h4DwYGQT/s320/021.JPG" border="0" />(More) From my camera...<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521659545506177298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cDusIDE8Hz71puBmlww1nUI1VTX8EtYydx9V8j8F8_-nWJ5IGIRdwGoy2zUE6jnGYZxVnZr0Mloh38JO6ZZtTkJnystVmUPvP-ckr8VGedKtR0ViloMhhvCaBUrH21eLszKS/s320/024.JPG" border="0" />Now there is Phillip sleeping. And Mr. James being his usual self. :)<br /><div></div><br /><div>The Original Simple Woman is <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/p/simple-womans-daybook-pageseptember-4th.html"><strong>HERE</strong></a>.</div></div></div></div></div>Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-32693295181890861282010-08-30T18:53:00.000-07:002010-08-30T21:48:50.502-07:00Pacing Ourselves<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlI5unVkY1QZ6mKDsC8c0JWtohhi2g4Y0cgb5YRu6V7TyRipgCZvdBo4T9nv7Zw8yP62fZr09I5-QpguEnPutjOlAd7jIJTvQfhb-v9OFjn_B9uJdSHPO9ttXn-K5aqf-3VLd/s1600/homeschool+park+day+8.27+009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511430009453047810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlI5unVkY1QZ6mKDsC8c0JWtohhi2g4Y0cgb5YRu6V7TyRipgCZvdBo4T9nv7Zw8yP62fZr09I5-QpguEnPutjOlAd7jIJTvQfhb-v9OFjn_B9uJdSHPO9ttXn-K5aqf-3VLd/s200/homeschool+park+day+8.27+009.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Phillip at the park.</span></div><br /><br />First grade has begun with a bang. It feels like so much to cover and it's such a challenge to juggle the toddlers with meaningful instruction for the first grader. James is getting jealous of all the time I'm spending on Hannah, and Phillip tries to steal markers and colors on the walls and I barely even notice. Thank God for Magic Erasers. It's fun though too. Our lessons are enjoyable and we go at our own pace. Math is fun, and I'm really hoping it stays that way. I always had allergies to math as a kid so I'm delighted Hannah finds her lessons enjoyable yet challenging. We've begun <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pollyanna</span> which I'm reading more than her. She'll read for a little while and then request that I take over so I do. She loves the story and I like that she's trying to read it even though it's a stretch for her. I'm also feeling like a much more productive person in general and less likely to resort to time-wasting.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A few of our favorite homeschooling things so far are:<br /><br />Magic <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tree House</span> Books<br /><br />Park Days!! We have two a week now! This is key because my boys need to run and my girl needs to play with friends!<br /><br />Charter School Classes. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MMMMHHHM</span>.<br /><br />Story of the World <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">activites</span>. The easy ones that you tear out of the work book to be specific.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Copywork</span> paper with a blank spot on the top of the page for illustrations.<br /><br />Draw Write Now<br /><br />Colorful math blocks for making number stories.<br /><br />Spanish!!! S-O-C-K-S!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And a few of my not so fave things:<br /><br /><br />Antics of jealous younger siblings<br /><br /><br />Less house cleaning time which is only exacerbated by the younger sibling messiness.<br /><br /><br />Not being able to find certain recommended books<br /><br /><br />Crafts. I really kind of hate crafts. It's the gathering of all the supplies that gets me. And the increase of mess. I'll get over it.Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-71402616270013906332010-08-13T14:02:00.000-07:002010-08-13T15:16:55.178-07:00There's good news...And then there's good news and even then, there's more good news. For some of you this will be old news. Let me break it down for you:<br /><div></div><div> </div><div>1. Our house sold. (!!!) </div><br /><div></div><div>2. Jason is working again. :D</div><br /><div></div><div>3. We got this beautiful hutch for waaaay cheap on craigslist. I know that's not that big of a deal to most, but it is to me. It's actually real furniture. Like the kind that is NOT from Ikea and does not require assembly. Not there's anything wrong with that kind...</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505016278267928818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgSStH0mARn8hLKcRTqJw3dsQ8Si0Pe4BpsyHeBUo5sHk6S7wreYgTBt4WU_wQZJWlk8z0bc8fWrCAkWIorCEgqeuPI6nsEj8D-xioA_lS2ctP5NnFy1ldAT7Kluaa92yBXeg/s200/002.JPG" border="0" />So I'm pretty darn happy right now. And thankful. So much stress is gone. I'm sure we'll find a way to obtain some more stress at a later date but for now I'm just smiling.<br /><div></div><div>On another note, we start first grade soon. For my homeschool peeps (I always enjoy seeing these) here is our curriculum and loose scedule and sorry for my lack of linking - if you have a question feel free to ask:</div><br /><div></div><div>Power-Glide Spanish - A gift from a homeschooling mom who's kids are almost all grown. So fun!</div><div>Singapore Math</div><div>Story of the World History - Ancient Times</div><div>WTM Early Language Lessons</div><div>Sequential Spelling</div><div>Handwriting Without Tears</div><div>Science - Hannah is taking a physical science class at her charter school as well as another class based on The Magic Tree House books. Of course some good old fashioned nature walks are planned for observation. Note-taking and sketches encouraged. </div><div>Poetry - A Child's Garden of Verses - Robert Louis Stevenson</div><div>For fun: Art/Drawing - Draw Write Now & Usborne Big Book of things to Draw</div><div>For our Faith: daily scripture readings and some copy work and memory verses. We have a great program that a friend from our parish has created called PATH that she works on as well.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Some unit study/themes with Lit. picks we are planning to read:</div><br /><div></div><div>Aug./Sept</div><div>Theme: A Good Attitude - we'd like to start the year out glad! ;)</div><div>Pollyana</div><div>On the Banks of Plum Creek</div><br /><div></div><div>Oct.</div><div>Theme: A.A. Milne</div><div>A couple of Pooh stories</div><div>Now We Are Six</div><br /><div></div><div>Nov. </div><div>Theme: E.B. White</div><div>Stewart Little</div><div>Trumpet of the Swan</div><br /><div></div><div>Dec.</div><div>Theme: Wintertime/Nativity</div><div>A Christmas Carol</div><div>Prepare O Bethleham</div><div>Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe</div><br /><div></div><div>Jan.</div><div>Theme: Animals</div><div>James Herriot Treasury for Children</div><br /><div></div><div>Feb. </div><div>Theme: Kenneth Graham</div><div>Wind in the Willows</div><div>The Reluctant Dragon</div><br /><div></div><div>March</div><div>Theme: Spring/Garden</div><div>The Secret Garden</div><br /><div></div><div>April </div><div>Theme: Art</div><div>Camille & the Sunflowers</div><div>Katie Meets the Impressionists</div><div>Come Look with Me: Enjoying Art with Children</div><br /><div></div><div>May</div><div>Theme:Lewis Carrol</div><div>Alice's Adventures in Wonderland</div><div>Jabberwocky and other poetry</div><br /><div></div><div>So God willing we'll do at least half of all this! :)</div>Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-64910878939017700272010-07-27T19:22:00.000-07:002010-07-27T23:02:52.741-07:00JulyThis month of which is almost over has been full. This July I turned 30. So far I like it. I don't miss my twenties at all. What's the big deal? Anyway. My dearest ones showered me with love and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nordstrom</span> gift cards, some desperately needed new make-up (I just LOVE Bare Minerals) and some sweet friends of mine had a little party for me. We ate, talked, and enjoyed leaving the kids with their dads. It was perfect.<br /><br /><div><div><div>One gift bestowed upon me was a pair of adorable chicks. Now I can look forward to our very own fresh eggs soon. The kids are out of their minds over them. We've got Honey, the Buff <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Orpington</span>, and Maple the Rhode Island Red. After a few days of them hanging out in their cardboard box they learned to fly out. We kept them in the bathroom while we made chicken coop plans. We had to expedite those plans because the birds were leaving little droppings all over the bathroom. I kept thinking: This is not what I had in mind for my downstairs extra bathroom. Ha! So my dearest Jason rigged something up pronto and we've got ourselves a pretty decent coop and run for them. They should be some happy hens. </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498828550035076930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4fgPROO0RFGQJbqonk0SHNUHqWKwFaXSR-rPYmtIWZ_Df5tNnO7kDTe-tKeZALLm9hF9yvUJlcKzicz29r899C-Ve7sXmV4-zvZlo-lA-Xn1wks0tAmSnYq2c1eh8KjGnaXp/s320/022.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>James and Hannah took swim lessons. James went from the petrified screamer kid to much more comfortable in the water. Hannah did well and became a stronger little swimmer this year. On the last day she jumped off the high dive, surprising me. She's usually pretty cautious but she climbed up those stairs, and without the slightest bit of hesitation walked right off the board with a nice splash.</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498828539743129042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzAQmGjjXX8AuWg1IRuWU0OydVpKwX3QRcNpfQJYTFirwbdXC_ZyYykntZkfhAU2UBhoBE0qtF8MhaufsP3a9Df9Bv0pWqsZsFCOdoOIgphZDny1uF33lZ3ZAMltfaa9YA2jS/s320/008.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Jason is still home. Still. Home. But we're OK! Honest! It's been kind of neat having him home all this time. We have never had this much time together. So now we just wait for him to get the call once the job starts. Today he and Hannah went to Disneyland to use those passes we got for Christmas. A couple of weeks ago we went to Catalina Island with my parents and the kids and then my mom and dad took Hannah and James home over night and they went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Legoland</span> the next day. I think they might be nearly recuperated by now, over a week later!</div><br /><div>I'm trying to type this while Phillip Henry sits on my lap, trying to steal sips of my drink. He's about 18 months now. That means we're almost over the crazy 12-18 month hump. He's finally learning to not touch certain things, what NO means, to say thank you - "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">taytoo</span>"and he gives good hugs and kisses. He tries to do everything James does including ride a trike, shovel up dirt, go down slides. He's overall much less cautious than Hannah and James. He's got no fear. He jumps in swimming pools and thinks he can swim, makes a b-line to the waves when we're at the beach, and is found pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">regularly</span> on the tops of tables. He's pretty dangerous. I cannot take my eyes off of him. He also grunts and points to things he wants and places he'd like to go. It's so sweet to see his personality develop and see how he and his siblings interact. There are times when it is utter chaos here and everyone is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">whiney</span> but I nearly live for the moments when the three of them play and giggle together and are kind and considerate to each other. I love that they have each other. It could be my only <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">child-ness</span>, but I am so happy that they have someone to talk to besides Jason and me, and the family dog. I'm sure I have overly romantic ideas about <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">sibling hood</span> and I was always told as a kid by my friends how lucky I was to not have any brothers or sisters, but I'm pretty sure those same kids are thankful they have their siblings now. Anyhow, I'm on a mission to make sure they always love each other. Pardon that bunny trail.</div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498828533928620306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllpCXgF8XO9VaxBXVWS0uflRSc0tDBPMnswP8p9es_pCL-2PGlC42WTUYyZEadLp3vaEnD9i_4KJJktwAtGRM-4dre4v3SLAn-S6Ze6f7V5rjWqyceWx5NgIUJZ2zqny1z0_6/s320/006.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>This month I read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Poisonwood-Bible-Novel-P-S/dp/0061577073/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280295686&sr=8-1"><strong>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Poisonwood</span> Bible</strong></a>. It was very good. Though I don't agree with much of the author's theology, I appreciated the story, and her angle on missionaries in Africa. I found it educational, since I'm completely ignorant about much of the history of Africa. I had the basics of it being a land exploited by Western imperialism but that was about it. Fascinating. I'm on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kingsolver</span> kick. I may read The Prodigal Summer next, but am debating reading Harry Potter instead. I've never read the series and would like read them before my kids do. Should be fun. I also plan to read Mary the Mother of God, Sermons by Saint Gregory <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Palamas</span> for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Dormition</span> fast that is beginning in August. </div><br /><div>We'll start some schooling again next month, and weather the summer. So far it's been the most mild summer I can recall in Southern California. Today was perfect here in the I.E. It looks like our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">short sale</span> on our old house is going to go through. Lord have mercy on us! It will be so nice do completely be done with that whole ordeal. It actually helped us that J is out of work so that way we don't have to pay off our second mortgage. It's all been God's good timing. Hopefully we'll be back on track soon. Pray for us! </div></div></div>Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-65999424782309608762010-06-23T11:43:00.000-07:002010-06-23T12:37:05.399-07:00Time Keeps on Ticking, Ticking, Ticking...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIXFriBeYqDySd2eUKTEEvNIcMV66tYSdT_w7SuimQ08YZVtRa-YnceBWaw6ISRdwclb1G2G3xIfRaJdZW2LjQBg8b2uuOpYTEc7Y9gIHHtICBr6XAABeV6Wh_MgdEg2nLZUU/s1600/07162009+034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486054989000003346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIXFriBeYqDySd2eUKTEEvNIcMV66tYSdT_w7SuimQ08YZVtRa-YnceBWaw6ISRdwclb1G2G3xIfRaJdZW2LjQBg8b2uuOpYTEc7Y9gIHHtICBr6XAABeV6Wh_MgdEg2nLZUU/s320/07162009+034.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEF9Bm1YqdaSZS6fQ4YMVscI4d8enCyvRqk25wo5TAJJy3KYSvWDIf_OrufH0sXna1AGNUVPQBxY7bUShqPusYcl-Yz4gHHFk1HJdIyU2qbA1Uo246bUlf-A-uFHdvQbC22bD/s1600/07162009+037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486054982182756994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEF9Bm1YqdaSZS6fQ4YMVscI4d8enCyvRqk25wo5TAJJy3KYSvWDIf_OrufH0sXna1AGNUVPQBxY7bUShqPusYcl-Yz4gHHFk1HJdIyU2qbA1Uo246bUlf-A-uFHdvQbC22bD/s320/07162009+037.JPG" border="0" /></a> Poor blog. So neglected. Life has been busy and good, and having dial-up has totally cut down my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">internetting</span>, which has turned out to be not such a bad thing. I've been slightly more present in my home, with the kids, keeping my real life not so neglected. My dear husband has been home from work in between jobs which has been really great and kind of annoying at the same time. I think by the time he (God willing) goes back to work next month we'll all be very ready for it. ;-)<br /><div>The kids - especially James - has been loving having him home to follow around and be Daddy's Helper. Jason is not one to sit around on the couch much and has been keeping busy with gardening projects, a little wood working, reading, brewing beer (we've got three <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fermenters</span> and a bottled batch taking over our broom closet) and going for bike rides and walking to church. </div><br /><div>I've been busy taking the kids here and there, to parks and botanic gardens, the library and feel very much at ease with our new house and neighborhood. It feels really good. I'm rethinking discipline, food, and I am enjoying gardening with Jason. I read <a href="http://animalvegetablemiracle.com/"><strong>Animal Vegetable Miracle</strong></a> a few weeks ago and found myself more convicted with our eating habits. Being a "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Localvore</span>"- with some important exceptions - in Southern California would not be that hard at all. I'm also considering to basically become a vegetarian unless I know the meat is not factory farmed and has been raised organically. Once the Apostles Fast is over I'm going to take a stab at making some mozzarella cheese. It seems really easy and fun too. I've visited two local farmers markets so far in our city and I think I will go every week now for produce, fish, and honey. The kids asked why there weren't any apples. :)</div><br /><div>Discipline has been a challenge. All three kids seem to be in an intense stage presently. It's tiring, but I'm feeling encouraged, thank God. It's just work. I have to remind myself that. I can't expect them to be on autopilot so I can keep the house clean. I must break up fights, take the time to enforce time-outs, watch my tone of voice, and keep the candle burning literally and figuratively. </div></div>Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-48717306787241915972010-05-24T15:10:00.000-07:002010-05-24T15:30:08.930-07:00Seven Years<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6Br0KqrO7a_QHSBQeV0xRAV1jPAhwCoZYJrxIOE3Vi54e2Ii8wA5_aVXKtxpC-ugFGoTx3qEFY1Flh-ZPCytla6guS-OYMGkqr1MSfULC9tA9ae_fPbPwmv2kz71eH7yvRAp/s1600/image.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474963408577020482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6Br0KqrO7a_QHSBQeV0xRAV1jPAhwCoZYJrxIOE3Vi54e2Ii8wA5_aVXKtxpC-ugFGoTx3qEFY1Flh-ZPCytla6guS-OYMGkqr1MSfULC9tA9ae_fPbPwmv2kz71eH7yvRAp/s320/image.jpg" border="0" /></a> Today is our anniversary. As I type, my beloved is constructing a raised bed for a veggie garden in the back yard. A celebratory pork tenderloin is presently being smoked to perfection, a potato salad awaits dressing in the fridge, and plans for a homey, cozy evening are eagerly anticipated. After we tuck our kids in their beds (except the night-owl baby) we intend to sip on adult libations, watch Season 5 of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ballykissangel</span> of which I do believe the postal worker just slipped into our mail box. We will enjoy our smoked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">gouda</span> and crackers, try our best to not spill wine on the white carpet, and take great comfort and joy in knowing we still love each other best, and wish only to continue the good thing started seven years ago today. There's no one in the world I'd rather be with, fight with, love, admire, annoy, get old with, have adorable blond babies with, or veg on the couch and watch a show that no one else would want to watch with. God grant us many more years together!<br /><div></div>Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-30506636745298427602010-05-07T09:49:00.000-07:002010-05-07T10:11:59.791-07:00Home Tweet HomeTen Little Delights:<br /><br />1. I love living in hills again. It's just pretty to see hills all around.<br /><br />2. LOTS of singing birdies. It's tweet tweet tweet all the time.<br /><br />3. Three toilets. O happy day!<br /><br />4. We've walked to church twice now. And the future may hold some walking to the local shopping as well. Ice cream stroll, perhaps?<br /><br />5. A play room!<br /><br />6. Lots of university students for neighbors...may be slightly rambunctious but very polite, and nice to see always walking around. It feels like a very safe neighborhood.<br /><br />7. Hannah has her very own girly girl room.<br /><br />8. Baby Phillip has mastered the stairs...I've been freaking out the past few days, but I'm just starting to be able to relax. He slithers down them backwards like a wiggle worm.<br /><br />9. The house seems slightly cuter to me after we've moved in. Lots of funny eyesores here though...what else is new? ;-)<br /><br />10. We are being very good about enforcing our cleanliness rules: No eating anywhere but the kitchen and the back yard and regular mopping.<br /><br />Pictures and more later. I'm settling for dial-up right now so that could take all day. I just don't wanna fork out the dough for fiber optics just yet and our local phone company doesn't offer regular DSL here. Kinda bummed about that. What to do?<br /><br />Have a wonderful day!!Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-71348963291345029632010-04-26T12:58:00.000-07:002010-04-26T13:19:35.205-07:00Moving Notes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HzEIF10ZH5XmieT3kD_C9dRve-BF7OL8v3CIZvMJ8Eio2Uy5iCiXxynzM-FQKoo4UtR2Q8aITQmkCeK_sARAehfGS50Z6Xr7_0F4sX3KHIXe8i8PbK-ESmYwb2Dp4a94Ra5U/s1600/036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464539782438739010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HzEIF10ZH5XmieT3kD_C9dRve-BF7OL8v3CIZvMJ8Eio2Uy5iCiXxynzM-FQKoo4UtR2Q8aITQmkCeK_sARAehfGS50Z6Xr7_0F4sX3KHIXe8i8PbK-ESmYwb2Dp4a94Ra5U/s320/036.JPG" border="0" /></a> I'm taking a little break from packing and washing. My mom's got the big kids while I knock off some of my list for the week. I am officially sick of Craigslist and researching refrigerators, and I've got a little cold. BUT...I'm not gonna live here anymore!! And we had a yard sale on Saturday and got some fridge money, I made myself a green smoothie and feel health returning as I type, and the crock is going for dinner tonight. I think it's a good day!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFmeN-RlGFDZuhKUep1v1-5QlYYJz2Ls4MHXykRsGrFto-dVtbfyM0-8iVdIELrahNHsRnV0wzFj0Qtkou3nXVAqkSdbavfLZASOO9LztunRTO2En3XeVyxB6yYsGS_ayRgwc/s1600/031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464539773848597746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFmeN-RlGFDZuhKUep1v1-5QlYYJz2Ls4MHXykRsGrFto-dVtbfyM0-8iVdIELrahNHsRnV0wzFj0Qtkou3nXVAqkSdbavfLZASOO9LztunRTO2En3XeVyxB6yYsGS_ayRgwc/s320/031.JPG" border="0" /></a> Packing, packing. I've got my pretty apron that Maria made me for my birthday last year. And sandals because it's hot today.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpir3yQNogD6U6Vir7MAtsaykIOVSlEvcxAtWZ97oz8fMHo1gBiHGNmWD68zl7m7LKEjoJm1HkyCXbNv0OEBFcsltXlcRmx31lNgq0Lcur4QtRJEdVvcRQ4WX-VlTVsHmeOWbc/s1600/034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464539763566832386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpir3yQNogD6U6Vir7MAtsaykIOVSlEvcxAtWZ97oz8fMHo1gBiHGNmWD68zl7m7LKEjoJm1HkyCXbNv0OEBFcsltXlcRmx31lNgq0Lcur4QtRJEdVvcRQ4WX-VlTVsHmeOWbc/s320/034.JPG" border="0" /></a>It was hot yesterday too...And the Artist Girl forgot to put these away, which is sad, because these WERE a delightful new box of Crayolas, contained in a jar with a lid I just bought and was feeling pretty proud of. These are not the first crayons to be melted into soup, unfortunately. At least this time they were contained. And not in the car. Or on top of a table.<br /><br />Good day!Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-47371512125922886772010-04-09T12:01:00.000-07:002010-04-09T12:57:31.454-07:00Bright Friday DaybookFOR TODAY
<br />Outside my window...Kids cleaning up the backyard. To quote my husband, "It looks like a daycare, and the babysitter just got up and quit." :P But the day is bright and the birds are singing, and the morning glory is blooming. Feels like summer, though the heat is not as oppressive as it will be in a couple of months.
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<br />I am thinking...I'm overwhelmed and unmotivated.Lots on my plate this month, so I need to get myself on task.
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<br />I am thankful for...A nice, big ole' house to move into come May. It's so not cute, but is oh so what we need. MORE SPACE. MORE TOILETS. Thank God.
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<br />From the learning rooms...Reading lots of books, including some really beautiful California History books passed to us from my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">inlaws</span>. James continues to enjoy puzzles, dinosaurs, and all things train. Dinosaurs + Trains = Jubilation. Philly boy is starting to talk. He says "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Noooo</span>",
<br />"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nurs</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nurs</span>," "wow," "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">dada</span>," and "mama."
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<br />From the kitchen...Ooh not sure yet. Take out? Maybe In-n-Out...Will call the husband to pick up! Although I am feeling so full. We've been eating so much food. I skipped breakfast this morning because I was still stuffed from dinner and dessert from last night.
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<br />I am wearing...Black <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tshirt</span>, green pants, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">turquoise</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">faux</span> wood thongs from Target that my friend Jenny made me buy. ;)
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<br />I am creating...I should really just take the I am Creating line off when I do these. I am creating NOTHING. I'm a crafting loser. Although, I did create a little board book for my goddaughter for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Pascha</span>. My mommy helped me, though. Thanks, Mom!
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<br />I am going...<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Beach side</span> for a day, God willing.
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<br />I am reading...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Middlemarch</span> STILL!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Ack</span>. I'm so almost done. I just need a couple of hours to hunker down and get it done. I really do like it, though not as much as some other classics I have read. Hopefully a day at the beach will provide this for me...Although the newest Real Simple came in the mail yesterday, and is begging for me to pick it up, so we've got some competition! Book-wise, I plan to read something fun and light next...Any suggestions?
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<br />I am hoping...A friend of mine (the same one who MADE me buy my sandals) has a smooth birth and labor soon, and for a healthy bundle of pink, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">girly</span> joy!!
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<br />I am hearing...Phillip waking up slowly, kids, airplanes, birds, cars.
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<br />Around the house...Chocolate and candy that needs to go away, flowers that are getting pretty sad looking, a dishwasher needing to be unloaded, and general messiness just about every where. <a href="http://ourmothersdaughters.blogspot.com/2010/03/reasonably-clean-house-did-you-guess.html"><strong>Except my bedroom isn't too bad</strong></a>. Just trying to be reasonable here!
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<br />One of my favorite things...A date on Monday with my dearest husband. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Yardhouse</span> and a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">thrift store</span> trip with no kids. Delightful.
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<br />A few plans for the rest of the week: Beach, church, that's about it, as the week is nearly over.
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<br />Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...<a href="http://.bp.blogspot.com/_d_LkAx1u7Ck/S796sokF0VI/AAAAAAAAAwU/aUY-f3mVt0k/s1600/058.JPG">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GBMj7ZITk9VNxyXw0NvZFnO8Fnp9LLUIRIvaXDiufts8QjI7fzhDUYqO5R5VlK4ibHtfwWaoE-BX0hHjzNfeapugf8H15mU7mFNBN7AB4c0Tx1D9JEjYaBSWenDRjoJU1xw1/s1600/058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458216180617957714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GBMj7ZITk9VNxyXw0NvZFnO8Fnp9LLUIRIvaXDiufts8QjI7fzhDUYqO5R5VlK4ibHtfwWaoE-BX0hHjzNfeapugf8H15mU7mFNBN7AB4c0Tx1D9JEjYaBSWenDRjoJU1xw1/s320/058.JPG" border="0" /></a> This kid will turn three next month. He's my Mother's Day gift that just keeps on giving! My Spring flower full of fun, and all things BOY. My Jamesy Boy.
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<br />Here's the original <a href="http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/"><strong>Simple Woman</strong></a>.
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<br />Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-90927365412307583172010-04-05T18:16:00.000-07:002010-04-05T19:02:11.604-07:00Christ is Risen!!I'm sitting here with a glass of wine, hearing my kids playing, and loving Bright Week. As always, Pascha was such a beautiful service. The kids did well, and stayed awake for pretty much all of it. They even played and ate during the feast afterwards. It was a good time, and we got home at about 5:30 in the morning. We slept in (haahahahha...well slept in for a family with kids - 8am - not too shabby!) I sorta felt bad for the families whose kids slept the whole service and feast and were going to wake up promptly at 6 am. That would have been rough. The next day, or I mean, later that day, we went back to church for the picnic. We missed Agape Vespers due to sleepy-head kids. The picnic was fun. We enjoyed lots of leftover food, and...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAX-g-gr2d_Lk7nZK870dmW_ijBXQlQDqAh7qjz9nrgRn4afORXotXzDchcO5KIPVUrNSXnDb2zXrV5HFpPAN8EVF20yuTkYcze3bWzkBgo-Z3OQJuS0ZYrRF2iH1hLqnBMKK/s1600/028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456830192817292546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAX-g-gr2d_Lk7nZK870dmW_ijBXQlQDqAh7qjz9nrgRn4afORXotXzDchcO5KIPVUrNSXnDb2zXrV5HFpPAN8EVF20yuTkYcze3bWzkBgo-Z3OQJuS0ZYrRF2iH1hLqnBMKK/s320/028.JPG" border="0" /></a> Egg hunting.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaovahZnQj6kNEnFgjZD8_EHHSOkPlfqL3ARRNj1wh0EVBq3Dv4cZeew2qmOYvGRltyVMjqTADSXYkA7jfZdnWMDoKdke-IywkhdOEGKNH7SXRNHbHwvLG4d_oOlADdcMIKCQ/s1600/034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456830182818286818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaovahZnQj6kNEnFgjZD8_EHHSOkPlfqL3ARRNj1wh0EVBq3Dv4cZeew2qmOYvGRltyVMjqTADSXYkA7jfZdnWMDoKdke-IywkhdOEGKNH7SXRNHbHwvLG4d_oOlADdcMIKCQ/s320/034.JPG" border="0" /></a> Beer, visiting. (We also happened to be serenaded by a guitar player and some choir singers - it was lovely.)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61sScVHQPHcf4WTRSHojgVuV2zZDZUrlQ6diB94DPosz4Y24uQBnhCui7eNOaSfvoiHOwpw1ztx7dl5sOhGLmcmydOAVfbs_m5Dh-SAKkc14itgp5JnW1EGojfP-1LuGwwPJg/s1600/039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456830175112758370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61sScVHQPHcf4WTRSHojgVuV2zZDZUrlQ6diB94DPosz4Y24uQBnhCui7eNOaSfvoiHOwpw1ztx7dl5sOhGLmcmydOAVfbs_m5Dh-SAKkc14itgp5JnW1EGojfP-1LuGwwPJg/s320/039.JPG" border="0" /></a> Picture snapping. I'll try to refrain from ever making that face again. But doesn't Hannah look pretty?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjTkVWG5Q9juMg6DW3U6LhCynLu6O_1pmRAFLIMnzRN2GvV3rRNqP9krV5kUHOV532yRIZDoBNm3GO9TNlfew6_PQx0fFoJxhaVsnNGJJZxPKKQrycyf3qQLb84mXO7VItJ7u/s1600/002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456830159496165778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjTkVWG5Q9juMg6DW3U6LhCynLu6O_1pmRAFLIMnzRN2GvV3rRNqP9krV5kUHOV532yRIZDoBNm3GO9TNlfew6_PQx0fFoJxhaVsnNGJJZxPKKQrycyf3qQLb84mXO7VItJ7u/s320/002.JPG" border="0" /></a> And here was the finished product of my egg dying adventure. They went into the giant church basket that Father gave out after the service. I smugly snickered to myself at the large number of hot pink eggs because I'm a little brat like that. The egg I got was fuschia. Fancy Nancy would have adored them. Hannah and I thought they were pretty cool too. We cracked our eggs together - well her egg cracked so she won. Then we peeled and were about to eat. I like hard boiled eggs but I think they're slightly disgusting without salt. They kind of make me wanna gag. So I was working up the nerve to eat the whole thing - after all it had been blessed - when a sweet, old gentleman came up with a little salt shaker, God bless him! It was so cute. He thoroughly coated my egg for me and instructed me to turn, turn, turn as he sprinkled. It was a very good Pascha, and we're still celebrating and taking in all the hugs and smooches and rich foods that make our bellies more full than they've been in weeks, and those glorios words: "Christ is Risen!"<br /><div> </div></div></div></div>Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32140231.post-85701027673099860002010-04-01T15:51:00.000-07:002010-04-01T16:17:38.726-07:00Red Eggs and Holy WeekWe are VERY excited for Pascha. We've tried to get all preparations done today which included shopping, way more errands than I ever like to drag my kids to, church this morning, cleaning, and a fun project: St. Mary Magdalene's Red Eggs - from the most venerable <a href="http://evlogia.typepad.com/">Evlogia</a> blog. Thanks to Mary for always sharing so much beauty with the world.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8wFXzt86l-Pdpe5ITOuzOjnWh8gWWRDHjzpoQpoDp1Wm3bmMiQUPzyEIl6-CL2b2VwtyGi_oed5PIe8NH33CrCFPfb2dbvZ36yfOMXQvR28SXOuW3sG5Hga0zhyphenhyphenitb545PKN/s1600/080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455308388870647554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8wFXzt86l-Pdpe5ITOuzOjnWh8gWWRDHjzpoQpoDp1Wm3bmMiQUPzyEIl6-CL2b2VwtyGi_oed5PIe8NH33CrCFPfb2dbvZ36yfOMXQvR28SXOuW3sG5Hga0zhyphenhyphenitb545PKN/s320/080.JPG" border="0" /></a> We started with white eggs. Hannah was a good helper.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQYJxE13X-ARisWR5n8qIqn6wZH91qoZrkbHnV4BSxUX1Sa6CiEg1GxP4FkCBuBaupHEFfvsh3yiy7_qThNSEvOp-b83PNKe1CO479t-NoLCEIaqynxFX9zFnCiMNRs17S1Zm/s1600/077.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455308377183563874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQYJxE13X-ARisWR5n8qIqn6wZH91qoZrkbHnV4BSxUX1Sa6CiEg1GxP4FkCBuBaupHEFfvsh3yiy7_qThNSEvOp-b83PNKe1CO479t-NoLCEIaqynxFX9zFnCiMNRs17S1Zm/s320/077.JPG" border="0" /></a> After peeling two dozen onion skins off, we place two dozen eggs in a pot. Then we added the water and vinegar.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwA3UIkUq9EjoBF7mJegwOcXGog0pfiH1Ht5HHIboaEnJBMqAw5u1uuXF80_FHojoJL42Kj2f6RYombQPVVmGUDZf-mqavgFNwS1PpVivPOYlL8D0mEEmdPJIho-JQly79clq/s1600/085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455308366612843874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwA3UIkUq9EjoBF7mJegwOcXGog0pfiH1Ht5HHIboaEnJBMqAw5u1uuXF80_FHojoJL42Kj2f6RYombQPVVmGUDZf-mqavgFNwS1PpVivPOYlL8D0mEEmdPJIho-JQly79clq/s320/085.JPG" border="0" /></a> We followed the instructions to let the eggs and onion skin water cool and then placed them in the fridge over night, and for most of today.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9XPGniTrKrnvMOc44eRrbw5Q6VvdXEcAq_tLrwG_A3D5S1otKy6VpBhChHhyF5B5YM76GrhmDO9rPMdtwAWpd3JTxQ8LwYzH0SZ9tb7J_vy7TSlcKMmg87LhPG8oynMWPsFw/s1600/099.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455308360378723282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9XPGniTrKrnvMOc44eRrbw5Q6VvdXEcAq_tLrwG_A3D5S1otKy6VpBhChHhyF5B5YM76GrhmDO9rPMdtwAWpd3JTxQ8LwYzH0SZ9tb7J_vy7TSlcKMmg87LhPG8oynMWPsFw/s320/099.JPG" border="0" /></a> And we've got ourselves some lovely brick red eggs. I'm pretty happy with the outcome, though I wish I had bought bigger onions because I think they would have come out with a more vibrant red. I purchased my onions from Trader Joes, and they were quite small, and didn't have as much skin as ones I could have gotten from a regular grocery store bag. So, next year I will be sure to get those. But cool project and all natural!! I still need to shine them up with the oil, so that should make them even prettier.</div><div> </div><div>Have a most wonderful Pascha!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Lauren S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16984325917642849620noreply@blogger.com8